Immunotherapy
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Subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy has long been used in allergic rhinitis and/or asthma and has been recognized to be efficacious. However, owing to the inconvenience of injection and the risk of serious side effects, alternative concepts inspiring the search for effective noninjective routes, namely sublingual administration of allergens, have emerged. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) appears to be associated with a lower incidence of systemic reactions. ⋯ In addition, recent studies have proved similarities of the immunological changes with the treatment of both routes. Further comparative clinical and immunological studies of SLIT versus SCIT are needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and to complete the knowledge of immunological mechanisms of both routes. Moreover, better understanding of the interaction of allergen and oral mucosal dendritic cells during SLIT may allow improved targeting of SLIT vaccines.
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Among the treatments available for respiratory allergy, which include allergen avoidance and pharmacotherapy, specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only treatment able to not only act on the symptoms of allergy but also act on the causes. SIT is the practice of administering gradually increasing doses of the specific causative allergen to reduce the clinical reactivity of allergic subjects and was introduced one century ago. SIT remained an empirical treatment for more than 40 years, but the first controlled trial in 1954 paved the way for the scientific era. ⋯ Current available data give solid evidence to the clinical efficacy of both SCIT and SLIT in allergic rhinitis and asthma. Providing the recommended doses and administration schedules are adhered to, the safety and tolerability are very good; however, adverse systemic reactions remain a drawback for SCIT. After one century of use, accumulating evidence surrounds SIT and the central role in the management of respiratory allergy.
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Brentuximab vedotin is a novel antibody-drug conjugate consisting of the anti-CD30 antibody cAC10 chemically conjugated to monomethylauristatin E, a potent antimicrotubule agent. Preliminary response rates of 75% in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma and 87% in relapsed/refractory systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma were recently reported in large Phase II trials. ⋯ The impressive response rates and limited toxicity of brentuximab vedotin are very promising for relapsed/refractory patients with few treatment options. In addition, the possibilities for incorporation into front-line therapies for both Hodgkin's lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma are intriguing.
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Despite advances in supportive care of critically ill patients, sepsis remains an important cause of death worldwide. More than 750,000 individuals develop severe sepsis in North America annually, with a mortality rate varying between 35 and 50%. ⋯ Issued guidelines by the International Sepsis Forum have incorporated only the use of corticosteroids, tight glycemic control and the use of recombinant activated protein C as recommendations for the management of the septic patient along with the initial resuscitation and infection-site control measures. These strategies along, with novel attempts of immunomodulation, are thoroughly reviewed in this article.
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Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative diseases (EBV-LPD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or solid-organ transplantation remain a serious and potentially life-threatening complication. In the last decade, outcomes for EBV-LPD have significantly improved. Key to this success was the development of early detection methods, such as serial measurements of EBV-DNA load in the peripheral blood of transplant recipients. ⋯ As monotherapy, immunotherapy is effective in inducing remissions of EBV-LPD with low-risk features. For high-risk disease, combining immunotherapy with conventional therapies has led to superior outcomes. Current challenges consist of risk stratifying patients so that patients receive the most efficacious therapy without suffering from unwanted side effects.