Lancet
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Long term azithromycin in children with cystic fibrosis: a randomised, placebo-controlled crossover trial.
The macrolide antibiotic azithromycin has anti-inflammatory properties potentially beneficial in cystic fibrosis. Since findings of open pilot studies seemed to show clinical benefit, we undertook a formal trial. ⋯ A 4-6-month trial of azithromycin is justified in children with cystic fibrosis who do not respond to conventional treatment. The mechanism of action remains unknown.
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The BRCA1 gene was cloned in 1994 as one of the genes that conferred genetic predisposition to early-onset breast and ovarian cancer. Since then, a genetic test for identification of high-risk individuals has been developed. ⋯ Furthermore, we look at the potential usefulness of BRCA1 as a prognostic tool and as a predictive marker of response to different classes of drugs. Finally, throughout this review, we draw links between the functional consequences of BRCA1 inactivation, in terms of key cellular signalling pathways, and how they might explain specific clinical observations in individuals who carry mutations in the gene.