Current medical research and opinion
-
Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Comparison of palbociclib in combination with letrozole or fulvestrant with endocrine therapies for advanced/metastatic breast cancer: network meta-analysis.
Palbociclib is the first cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor approved in the United States for HR+/HER2- advanced/metastatic breast cancer, in combination with letrozole as initial endocrine-based therapy in postmenopausal women or with fulvestrant in women with disease progression following endocrine therapy. We compared progression-free survival (PFS) and discontinuations due to adverse events for palbociclib combinations against other endocrine therapies using a mixed-treatment comparison meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. ⋯ The results suggest that the two palbociclib combinations yielded significantly greater PFS than endocrine therapy in treatment-naïve and previously treated patients with advanced/metastatic breast cancer. Palbociclib plus fulvestrant was associated with significantly less toxicity than everolimus plus exemestane.
-
Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Efficacy and safety of tapentadol prolonged release for moderate-to-severe chronic osteoarthritis knee pain: a pooled analysis of two double-blind, randomized, placebo- and oxycodone controlled release-controlled studies.
To compare efficacy and safety of tapentadol prolonged-release (PR) and oxycodone-controlled release (CR) in moderate-to-severe chronic osteoarthritis knee pain. ⋯ The analyses suggest that tapentadol PR provided superior pain relief and a more improved overall health status than oxycodone CR in a large patient population with moderate-to-severe chronic osteoarthritis pain. Compared to oxycodone CR, tapentadol PR showed a more favorable tolerability profile with better gastrointestinal tolerability.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Tapentadol prolonged-release for moderate-to-severe chronic osteoarthritis knee pain: a double-blind, randomized, placebo- and oxycodone controlled release-controlled study.
To assess efficacy and safety of tapentadol prolonged release (PR) for moderate-to-severe chronic osteoarthritis knee pain. ⋯ The study did not demonstrate assay sensitivity. The finding that both primary end-points for tapentadol PR were not met can, thus, not be interpreted. Tapentadol PR was better tolerated than oxycodone CR, largely due to fewer gastrointestinal side-effects.
-
Multicenter Study
Treatment of painful radiculopathies with capsaicin 8% cutaneous patch.
The treatment of neuropathic pain due to low-back (lumbosacral) radiculopathies, a common source of neuropathic pain, is challenging and often requires a multimodal therapeutic approach. The capsaicin 8% patch is the first topical analgesic licensed for peripheral neuropathic pain. To evaluate this treatment, a subset of patients with painful radiculopathy (lumbar and cervical, including ventral and dorsal rami) enrolled into the multicenter, non-interventional QUEPP study (Qutenza 2 - safety and effectiveness in peripheral neuropathic pain) was analyzed. ⋯ Effective neuropathic pain relief was observed after patch application within the innervation territories of both dorsal and ventral branches of the spinal nerve. Further controlled randomized trials are indicated.
-
This study evaluated the characteristics, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and costs, from the payer perspective, of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) patients covered by commercial and Medicare insurance. Mortality was assessed as a secondary outcome. ⋯ HRS imposes a significant economic burden.