Haematologica
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MP4 (Hemospan), a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, has been designed to deliver oxygen to hypoxic tissues without causing vasoconstriction. A phase I clinical trial of MP4 was undertaken to evaluate whether MP4 elicits the clinical side effects associated with previous hemoglobin-based solutions. ⋯ MP4 appears to have a favorable safety profile. Subjects in both study groups survived and did no less well than those in the control group.
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The deregulated activity of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase originating from the t(9;22) chromosomal translocation has been shown to be necessary and sufficient for the transformed phenotype of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells. This peculiarity has paved the way for the development of novel therapies specifically targeting the BCR-ABL gene product. The first BCR-ABL inhibitor to come into use in clinical practice, imatinib mesylate, is now the first-choice treatment for all newly diagnosed CML patients, but the initial striking efficacy of this drug has been overshadowed by the development of clinical resistance. ⋯ They include dose escalation of imatinib, the combination of imatinib with chemotherapeutic drugs, alternative BCR-ABL inhibitors, and inhibitors of kinases acting downstream of BCR-ABL such as Src kinases. Various novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have been synthesized and have now reached the pre-clinical or clinical phase. This review highlights the development of new TKI as specific molecularly targeted therapy and as the principal mechanisms for overcoming imatinib resistance.
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Subclavian vein thrombosis is a well-recognized complication following central venous catheter insertion. We studied whether the determination of D-dimer levels, fragment 1+2 levels and factor V Leiden can identify patients at high risk of developing subclavian vein thrombosis. ⋯ We conclude that the measurement of D-dimer and fragment 1+2 levels after central venous catheter insertion, as well as factor V Leiden determination, can be used to identify patients at high risk of developing symptomatic subclavian vein thrombosis.