Risk factors determining adherence to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukaemia.

OBJECTIVE: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have successfully changed the natural course of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Although they are highly effective drugs, their clinical benefit is conditioned by adherence. This study aims to analyse the adherence of CML patients treated with TKIs and to identify the main factors influencing their adherence to TKIs treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An 8-month prospective, observational, multicentre study which included patients diagnosed with CML on treatment with TKIs attending the outpatient departments (OPD) of the Pharmacy Services of the participating hospitals. Adherence was assessed using two methods: the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) and the register of treatment dispensations from the OPDs. To analyse the predictors of adherence, a questionnaire was developed to report demographic and socio-economic information on the patients. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients enrolled in this study. Adherence rate was 56.9% (n = 74) among individuals, not conditioned by the type of drug used: imatinib (54.8%), nilotinib (63.6%) or dasatinib (54.3%) (p = 0.67). The patient educational level (p = 0.047) and employment status (p = 0.028) were predictors of non-adherence to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence is one of the most relevant parameters affecting the effectiveness of highly effective chronic treatments. Approximately half of our patients showed inadequate adherence to treatment with TKIs, with employment status and the individual's level of education emerging as the determining factors.

Imatinib plasma levels in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia under routine clinical practice conditions.

INTRODUCTION: The addition of imatinib to the therapeutic arsenal for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) has changed the natural course of the disease, in such a way that it is now considered a chronic pathology. However, to achieve therapeutic success, it is necessary to reach adequate plasma concentrations to ensure efficacy and safety.In this study, we aimed to evaluate the plasma concentration of imatinib, analysing its influence on effectiveness and safety in patients with CML. METHODS: We performed a descriptive, multicentre study in which imatinib plasma levels from patients diagnosed with CML between 2019-2020 were analysed. An optimal therapeutic range of 750-1500 ng/mL was established for the stratification of patients, according to their minimum plasma concentrations measured at steady state (Cssmin). RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were included, of whom only 39.3% (n = 11) showed Cssmin within the therapeutic range. 100% of patients with Cssmin >750 ng/mL achieved an optimal molecular response, while only 50% of patients with Cssmin <750 ng/mL achieved an optimal molecular response (p = 0.0004). The toxicity rate was 36.4% for patients with Cssmin >1500 ng/mL and 5.9% for those with Cssmin <1500 ng/mL (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: This study aimed to describe the correlation between the toxicity and effectiveness of imatinib according to its Cssmin in routine clinical practice conditions. Based on our findings, it would be certainly justified to monitor patient plasma concentrations of imatinib on a daily routine basis in our hospitals.

Imatinib plasma levels in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumour under routine clinical practice conditions.

OBJECTIVES: Imatinib is the first therapeutic option for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Previous studies have shown an improvement in patient survival rates following the use of imatinib. Nevertheless, adequate plasma concentrations of imatinib are necessary to achieve such improvement in survival and limit the toxicity of the drug. This study aims to analyse the influence of imatinib plasma concentrations on efficacy and safety in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive, multicentre study analysed plasma levels of imatinib in patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal stromal tumour in the period 2019-2020. An optimal therapeutic range of 750-1500 ng/mL was established for the patient stratification based on their minimum plasma concentrations measured at the steady state. RESULTS: This study included 11 patients with metastatic disease in total, among whom only 54.5% (n = 6) had a minimum plasma concentrations measured at the steady state value within the therapeutic range. A median progression-free survival of 7.0 months was recorded for those patients with minimum plasma concentrations measured at the steady state < 750 ng/mL, while that median progression-free survival value remained unachieved for the group with minimum plasma concentrations measured at the steady state > 750 ng/mL (p = 0.005). The toxicity rate was 25% and 14.3% for patients with minimum plasma concentrations measured at the steady state > 1500 ng/mL and minimum plasma concentrations measured at the steady state ≤1500 ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: The present study aims to describe the correlation between the toxicity and effectiveness of imatinib as a function of minimum plasma concentrations measured at the steady state under routine clinical practice conditions. The results described here show the usefulness of imatinib plasma concentrations monitoring as part of the standard daily routine in our hospitals.

Cidofovir intravesical, uso en cistitis hemorrágica por poliomavirus BK tras un trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos: off-label / Cidofovir intravesical, use in BK poliomavirus associated haemorrhagic cystitis after a transplantation of hematopoyetic progenitors: Off-label

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Pharmacokinetics of Trastuzumab After Subcutaneous and Intravenous Administration in Obese Patients.

Background: Subcutaneous trastuzumab (T-SC) administration does not allow the historical target concentration of 20 µg/mL for efficacy to be reached, from the start of treatment in patients with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2. Objectives: To analyze the influence of the strategy of dosification (fixed vs adjusted patient's body weight dose) on the initial minimum plasma concentration (Cmin) of trastuzumab in obese patients. Methods: This was an observational, prospective study, which included patients with HER2-positive nonmetastatic breast cancer treated with trastuzumab. The determination of the Cmin of trastuzumab was performed on day +21 of the first cycle using the ELISA technique. Patients were stratified according to the strategy of dosification and BMI. Results: A total of 50 patients were included; 16 patients received the drug intravenously and 34 in a fixed dosage subcutaneous (T-SC) regimen. The proportion of patients who achieved an adequate plasma concentration since the beginning of treatment was significantly higher when the drug was administered intravenously (93.8% vs 67.6%, P = 0.042). These differences are especially greater in T-SC patients with BMI >30 kg/m2, with only 20% of patients exceeding the pharmacokinetic target. Conclusion and Relevance: Our study suggests that trastuzumab SC fixed dose of 600 mg is not equivalent to IV administration, especially in obese patients. An adequate trastuzumab exposure in this population needs patient weight-adjusted IV dosage in the first administration. The clinical relevance of these findings remains to be elucidated, and further research, including larger controlled trials, is warranted.

Long-term stability of trastuzumab in plasma and whole blood samples stored under different conditions / Estabilidad a largo plazo del trastuzumab en plasma y suero almacenados bajo diferentes condiciones

Objective: The present work analyzed the stability of trastuzumab concentrations in blood and plasma samples stored at 4°C and -20°C. Method: Blood samples of patients treated with trastuzumab (Herceptin(R)) were analyzed. Stability of trastuzumab was analyzed under different conditions: whole blood stored at 4°C during 72 hours, blood plasma stored at 4°C during 120 hours and blood plasma stored at -20°C during 365 days. Results: In whole blood trastuzumab concentration at 72 hours was 99.01 ± 0.02%, and in plasma samples at 120 hours it was 98.6 ± 2.0%. The concentration of trastuzumab was 95.22 ± 3.20% after 12 months' storage at -20ºC. Conclusions: The concentration of trastuzumab remains stable for at least 72 hours in whole blood stored at 4°C, five days in plasma stored at 4°C and one year in plasma stored at -20°C

Objetivo: Analizar la estabilidad del trastuzumab en sangre y plasma a 4°C y -20°C. Método: Se determinó la concentración plasmática de trastuzumab en las muestras de sangre y plasma de pacientes con cáncer de mama HER2 positivo tratados con trastuzumab (Herceptin(R)). Se analizó la estabilidad del trastuzumab en sangre a 4°C durante 72 horas. En el caso de las muestras de plasma, se estudió la estabilidad a 4°C durante 72 y 120 horas, así como durante 365 días congeladas a -20°C. Resultados: En sangre, la concentración de trastuzumab a las 72 horas fue de 99,01 ± 0,02%, y en las muestras de plasma a las 120 horas fue de 98,6 ± 2,0%. La concentración de trastuzumab fue de 95,22 ± 3,20% después de 12 meses de almacenamiento a -20°C. Conclusiones: El trastuzumab permanece estable durante al menos 72 horas en sangre total almacenada a 4°C, cinco días en plasma almacenado a 4°C y un año en plasma almacenado a -20°C

Long-term stability of trastuzumab in plasma and whole blood samples stored under different conditions.

OBJECTIVE: The present work analyzed the stability of trastuzumab  concentrations in blood and plasma samples stored at 4 °C and -20 °C. METHOD: Blood samples of patients treated with trastuzumab (Herceptin ®)  were analyzed. Stability of trastuzumab was analyzed under different conditions: whole blood stored at 4 °C during 72 hours, blood  plasma stored at 4 °C during 120 hours and blood plasma stored at -20 °C during 365 days. RESULTS: In whole blood trastuzumab concentration at 72 hours was 99.01 ± 0.02%, and in plasma samples at 120 hours it was 98.6 ± 2.0%. The  concentration of trastuzumab was 95.22 ± 3.20% after 12 months' storage  at -20 ºC. CONCLUSIONS: The concentration of trastuzumab remains stable for at least  72 hours in whole blood stored at 4 °C, five days in plasma stored at 4 °C  and one year in plasma stored at -20 °C.

Objetivo: Analizar la estabilidad del trastuzumab en sangre y plasma a 4 °C  y ­20 °C.Método: Se determinó la concentración plasmática de trastuzumab en las  muestras de sangre y plasma de pacientes con cáncer de mama HER2 positivo tratados con trastuzumab (Herceptin®). Se analizó la  estabilidad del trastuzumab en sangre a 4 °C durante 72 horas. En el caso de  las muestras de plasma, se estudió la estabilidad a 4 °C durante 72 y  120 horas, así como durante 365 días congeladas a ­20 °C.Resultados: En sangre, la concentración de trastuzumab a las 72 horas fue  de 99,01 ± 0,02%, y en las muestras de plasma a las 120 horas fue de 98,6  ± 2,0%. La concentración de trastuzumab fue de 95,22 ± 3,20% después de 12 meses de almacenamiento a ­20 °C.Conclusiones: El trastuzumab permanece estable durante al menos 72  horas en sangre total almacenada a 4 °C, cinco días en plasma almacenado a 4 °C y un año en plasma almacenado a ­20 °C.

Actividad de Erwinia-asparraginasa tras reacción anafiláctica a Peg-asparraginasa / Activity of Erwinia-asparaginase after anaphylactic reaction to Peg-asparaginase

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Effect of UGT, SLCO, ABCB and ABCC polymorphisms on irinotecan toxicity. / Efecto de los polimorfismos en UGT, SLCO, ABCB y ABCC en la toxicidad del tratamiento con irinotecán.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the relationship between the presence of polymorphisms in genes involved in the pharmacodynamics of irinotecan (UGT1A, SLCO1B1, ABCB1 and ABCC2) and the safety of irinotecan in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective observational, single-centre study of 30 months duration, which included patients diagnosed with mCRC treated with FOLFIRI was carried out. Toxicity was evaluated in each treatment cycle according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v.4.0 NCI. Genomic DNA was obtained with a peripheral blood sample from an extraction method based on alkaline lysis. Genetic characterisation was performed using the LigthCycler®480 platform and allele-specific HybProbe® fluorescent probes. Analysed polymorphisms were: UGT1A1*28, UGT1A1*60, UGT1A7*1,*2,*3,*4, UGT1A7*12, UGT1A9*22, SLCO1B1 (rs11045879), ABCC2 (rs717620) and ABCB1 (rs1045642). RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included (73.5% were male, mean age 59.9 years [27-81]) in the study. Polymorphisms rs8175347, rs17868323, rs3832043, rs11692021 and rs7577677 were associated with a higher incidence of adverse effects. Furthermore, it was observed that those patients with wild-type in UGT family genes analysed have lower rates of toxicity associated with irinotecan treatment than those with certain mutated allele (P=.010). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the presence of certain polymorphisms in the UGT1A family of genes is related to the development of toxicity during treatment with irinotecan.

Cost-effectiveness study of closed system transfer devices for the preparation of antineoplastic agents / Estudio coste-eficiencia de sistemas cerrados para la preparación de agentes antineoplásicos

Most cytostatic drugs cannot be administered directly to patients in their marketed presentation, but require previous reconstitution conducted in the Pharmacy Unit areas for cytostatic preparation. There are systems that allow drug reconstitution and transfer once it has been diluted, in order to protect staff from any potential contamination during handling. These are commonly known as Closed Systems, and generally have a piece for vial attachment and a syringe adapter with a built-in filter, that replace the traditional needles. Closed systems feature different characteristics and costs which is necessary to analyze in order to determine the most efficient one (AU)

La mayoría de fármacos citostáticos no pueden ser administrados directamente desde la presentación comercial al paciente, sino que requieren de una reconstitución previa realizada en las áreas de elaboración de citostáticos en los Servicios de Farmacia. Existen sistemas que permiten reconstituir y extravasar el fármaco una vez diluido, para evitar la posible contaminación derivada de su manejo al personal. Estos sistemas se conocen comúnmente como sistemas cerrados, y de manera genérica constan de una pieza de fijación al vial y un adaptador para la jeringa con filtro integrado, que sustituyen a las tradicionales agujas. Los sistemas cerrados presentan diversas características y costes que son necesarios analizar para conocer cuál es el sistema más eficiente (AU)

Cost-effectiveness study of closed system transfer devices for the preparation of antineoplastic agents.

Most cytostatic drugs cannot be administered directly to patients in their marketed presentation, but require previous reconstitution conducted in the Pharmacy Unit areas for cytostatic preparation. There are systems that allow drug reconstitution and transfer once it has been diluted, in order to protect staff from any potential contamination during handling. These are commonly known as Closed Systems, and generally have a piece for vial attachment and a syringe adapter with a built-in filter, that replace the traditional needles. Closed systems feature different characteristics and costs which is necessary to analyze in order to determine the most efficient one.

La mayoría de fármacos citostáticos no pueden ser administrados directamente desde la presentación comercial al paciente, sino que requieren de una reconstitución previa realizada en las áreas de elaboración de citostáticos en los Servicios de Farmacia. Existen sistemas que permiten reconstituir y extravasar el fármaco una vez diluido, para evitar la posible contaminación derivada de su manejo al personal. Estos sistemas se conocen comúnmente como sistemas cerrados, y de manera genérica constan de una pieza de fijación al vial y un adaptador para la jeringa con filtro integrado, que sustituyen a las tradicionales agujas. Los sistemas cerrados presentan diversas características y costes que son necesarios analizar para conocer cuál es el sistema más eficiente.

Reducing the degree of colonisation of venous access catheters by continuous passive disinfection.

INTRODUCTION: The advent of Luer-type needleless venous access catheters has been accompanied by a growing number of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Our main objective was to compare rates of colonisation and phlebitis between our standard of care and the new passive disinfection system, using a Luer SwabCap bearing a sponge impregnated with 70% isopropyl alcohol. METHODS: We performed a prospective experimental study involving patients attending our day hospital oncology unit, with central venous (CV) or peripheral venous (PV) access lines with needleless connectors for antineoplastic treatment delivery. We assessed the colonisation rate by culture of the inside of the hubs (qualitative culture) and also assessed the possible appearance of phlebitis and the extra cost of introducing the new system in our oncology day hospital; nurse satisfaction was evaluated by a questionnaire. The effectiveness of the isopropyl alcohol disinfection cap was evaluated by analysing rates of catheter colonisation and phlebitis between two groups: group 1 comprised of patients receiving the standard disinfection method and group 2 comprised of patients receiving SwabCaps on any venous access connectors. Samples were taken from the catheter lumen through a sterile swab seeded in Luria Bertani-rich broth and cultivated for at least 48 h at 37°C. We also assessed the extra cost of introducing the new system in our oncology day hospital, and nurse satisfaction was evaluated by a questionnaire. RESULTS: 29 patients were included (13 in group 1 and 16 in group 2). In group 1, 56% of the samples were taken from CV access connectors versus 40% in group 2. Bacterial growth was detected in 43.7% of group 1 samples versus 0% in group 2 (p=0.006). No differences in the degree of contamination were found between CV and PV access connectors. No cases of phlebitis were observed. Nurse satisfaction with the new system was 9.2 out of a maximum score of 10. The incremental cost of incorporating the new system in our oncology unit was estimated at €1.87 836. CONCLUSION: Passive disinfection systems help reduce colonisation of venous access catheters without requiring large economic investment or special training of health personnel.