Expert opinion on biological therapy
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Apr 2008
ReviewGemtuzumab ozogamicin: an anti-CD33 immunoconjugate for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia.
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin consists of a semisynthetic derivative of calicheamicin, a potent cytotoxic antibiotic, linked to a humanized anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody. ⋯ Gemtuzumab ozogamicin has shown moderate activity as a single agent in patients with CD33-positive refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia, with more promising results in acute promyelocytic leukaemia. The side effect profile may be an improvement on conventional chemotherapy, except for a higher frequency of veno-occlusive disease or sinusoidal obstructive syndrome, especially after a subsequent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Because of the different mechanisms of action and non-overlapping toxicities, the integration of this immunoconjugate with standard chemotherapy is a rational approach, and Phase III trials are ongoing both in the induction and in the post-remission settings.
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Feb 2008
ReviewOncolytic measles virus strains in the treatment of gliomas.
Recurrent gliomas have a dismal outcome despite use of multimodality treatment including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. ⋯ Oncolytic measles virus strains hold promise as novel antitumor agents in the treatment of gliomas.
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Dec 2007
ReviewMicroRNAs in synapse development: tiny molecules to remember.
MicroRNAs are a recently discovered class of small non-coding RNAs that play a key role in post-transcriptional gene regulation during development and disease. MicroRNAs are abundant in the nervous system and have already been shown to have an important function during neuronal patterning and cell specification. It is now becoming increasingly evident that they are also essential for synaptic development and that they might contribute to the etiology of neuronal diseases characterized by synaptic dysfunction. This review focuses on the recent examples that describe a function of microRNAs in synapse formation and plasticity, and discusses how the microRNA pathway might be exploited to treat neurologic diseases.
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Nov 2007
ReviewReview of hepatitis B surface antigen-1018 ISS adjuvant-containing vaccine safety and efficacy.
Existing hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines produce seroprotective titers in > 90% of healthy adult recipients following 3 doses administered over 6 months. The durability of this response is variable. Vaccine efficacy is greatly diminished in immune compromised patients. ⋯ Dynavax's hepatitis B virus vaccine HEPLISAV is comprised of 1018 ISS mixed with recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen. Clinical trials, to date, have shown that HEPLISAV produces rapid, high titer, sustained seroprotection in healthy adults and vaccine hyporesponsive populations. Although additional supporting data are required, this represents a promising strategy to facilitate worldwide HBV prevention efforts.
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Nov 2007
ReviewDrotrecogin alpha (activated): the treatment for severe sepsis?
Severe sepsis is common and increasing in incidence. Mortality rates remain high. Discovery of the link between the coagulation system and the inflammatory response to sepsis led to the development of drotrecogin alpha (activated). ⋯ Drotrecogin alpha (activated) is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Recent studies have shed light on its mode of action, which is primarily attributed today to cytoprotective effects especially on the endothelium with improved microcirculation. Ongoing studies will help define which patients are most likely to benefit, perhaps with the help of biochemical markers.