LATEST NEWS

Triple-Combination Therapy Significantly Improves Colorectal Cancer Outcomes
Overall Survival 4.3 Months’ vs. 1.5 Months for Traditional Regimens
First-Ever State Regulation on Sepsis Tied to Lower Death Rates
NY Hospitals Required to Implement Protocols in Suspected Cases
Unlocking Cancer’s Chemo-Resistance
Presence of BOK Protein Key for Positive Treatment Response
First Contrast Agent for Cardiac MRI in Cases of Known/Suspected Heart Disease
Gadavist® Injection Use Enables Fast Assessment
Digital Inhaler Approved for Asthma Treatment
Patient Access to Inhaler Use Data Could Improve Asthma Management
Xembify Approved to Treat Chronic Immune System Disorders
Primary Immunodeficiencies Affect 250,000 People in U.S.
FDA Approves New Treatment for Refractory Multiple Myeloma
More Than 25% of Patients Responded to Xpovio/Dexamethasone Combo
Common Cold Virus Completely Eliminates Bladder Cancer in Patient
Attacks Cancerous Cells, Leaves Healthy Tissues Alone
Bacterium Limits Cardiovascular Risks of 1 in 2 People
Moderates Pre-diabetes Progression, Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Long-Term, Increased Risk of Cancer Death After Common Hyperthyroidism Treatment
​NCI Study: Radioactive Iodine Associated With Solid Tumors
Attack of the Alkylating Agents
Old Chemo Drug at High Doses Goads Immune System to Fight Lymphoma

P&T July/August 2019
Table of Contents

Features

Health Care & Law
Beyond Medical Cannabis: Considerations for Updates to Hospital Policies and Procedures
As marijuana legalization and use expands across the U.S., health care systems are struggling to keep abreast of the changes and trends in regulations. Considering marijuana’s federal illegality and other restrictions on its use, the limited evidence for its clinical efficacy, and the myriad psychological adverse events, caution is recommended when establishing policies and procedures regarding coverage of marijuana and CBD products.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Replacement in Patients With COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be attributed to genetic conditions and predispositions, among other factors. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a significant risk factor for COPD development and progression, and aggressive screening for all patients with COPD or adult-onset asthma is encouraged.
Amiodarone-Induced Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Amiodarone, used to treat various cardiac arrhythmias, may be toxic to different organ systems. It can cause acute or chronic syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone, which can occur with any formulation of the drug. This warrants the close monitoring of electrolytes throughout the course of amiodarone therapy.
Evidence-Based Policy in Practice: Management of Carcinoid Syndrome Diarrhea
Carcinoid syndrome causes substantial morbidity and reduces quality of life and survival. In a recent clinical trial, 97% of patients reported bowel movement-related issues, abdominal pain, flushing, and low energy. Combining somatostatin analogs with elotristat ethyl provides a new option for managing refractory CS symptoms. Health care providers should consider strategies that take advantage of approved dosing for patients with CS-related diarrhea.
Meeting Highlights
Digestive Disease Week 2019
We review selected sessions on the questionable benefits of fecal microbiota transplant; intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; weight-loss drugs in combination with intragastric balloon endoscopy; and beta blockers in pancreatic cancer.

Departments

Prescription: Washington
NIH Establishes Early Version of Personalized Medicine Platform
Will “All of Us” provide clues on the origins of various illnesses? Congress hopes that analyzing the medical and biological data of millions of people will boost precision medicine and help predict outcomes.
Medication Errors
Accidental IV Infusion of Heparinized Irrigation in the Operating Room
Accidental IV administration of heparinized irrigation solution occurs frequently. Two cases from ISMP Canada offer some safe practice recommendations.
Drug and Device News July/August 2019
Approvals, new indications and formulations, and safety issues
Pharmaceutical Approval Update July/August 2019
Mavenclad (cladribine) tablets for relapsing MS forms; Duaklir Pressair (aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate) inhalant for COPD; Evenity (romosozumab-aqqg) injection for osteoporosis
Drug Forecast
Shingrix: A New Herpes Zoster Vaccine
Shingrix, a new vaccine for herpes zoster
Research Briefs July/August 2019

Industry announcements

More industry announcements