Cetuximab and the Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer

The Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer (HNSCC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer (more than 90%), and all over the world more than a half million people have been developing this cancer in the last years. This type of cancer is usually marked by a poor prognosis with a really significant morbidity and mortality. Cetuximab received early favor as an exciting and promising new therapy with relatively mild side effect, and due to this, received authorization in 2004 from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and in 2006 from the Food and Drug Association (FDA) for the treatment of patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck in combination with radiation therapy for locally advanced disease. In this work we will review the application and the efficacy of the Cetuximab in the treatment of the HNSCC.

Solithromycin (CEM-101): A New Fluoroketolide Antibiotic and Its Role in the Treatment of Gonorrhea

Solithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that has undergone review for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Solithromycin is also being investigated and has shown promise for the treatment of gonorrhea. With increasing antibiotic resistance, the development of novel antibiotics to combat infections is essential. The unique ribosome-binding stability of solithromycin and mild side effect profile make this a promising new antibiotic. This article will provide an overview on the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and safety of this drug for the treatment of gonorrhea. Relevant data were identified through a comprehensive literature search using multiple databases using the keywords solithromycin, CEM-101, and gonorrhea.

Rotigotine in the Long-Term Treatment of Severe RLS with Augmentation: A Series of 28 Cases

This structured clinical observation includes 28 patients with severe RLS, severe augmentation, and previously frustrating changes of dopaminergic treatment. All were switched from their current dopaminergic regimen to an individually adjusted rotigotine monotherapy; dosages were kept stable for 12 months. Follow-up exams were performed after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Severity of RLS symptoms (IRLS), augmentation (ASRS), depressive symptoms (BDI), and daytime sleepiness (ESS) were assessed at all visits. Median rotigotine dose was 4 mg. 27 of the 28 patients showed a major to complete reduction of RLS symptoms. IRLS and BDI scores (bothP<.001), but not ESS scores, were significantly reduced. IRLS and BDI amelioration remained stable over the 12-month follow-up period. Augmentation occurred in only one patient. 71.4% suffered at least one mostly mild side effect; most common were increased appetite with compulsive eating (42.9%), application site reaction (28.6%), and nausea (14.3%). In the clinical setting, rotigotine seems to be valuable for the long-term treatment of patients with severe RLS and augmentation.

The Role of Calcium Channel Blocking Agents in the Prevention of Migraine

Vascular headache pathophysiology and manifestations are reviewed along with the role that calcium channel blocking agents play in prevention of these vascular headaches. Of the calcium channel blockers presently marketed in the U.S., verapamil has been the most widely studied. Verapamil has been shown to produce a significant improvement in frequency and duration of migraine as compared with placebo. Calcium channel blocking agents that have been studied and used outside of the U.S. are flunarizine and nimodipine, both of which provide significant improvement in measures of migraine severity, duration, frequency, and other pain and severity indices. There have been no controlled trials comparing these agents with each other as with beta-blocking agents and other prophylactic agents presently marketed in the U.S. Calcium channel blocking agents may become the drugs of first choice in migraine prophylaxis due to their effectiveness and mild side effect profile.