The New England journal of medicine
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Multicenter Study
Prediction of survival in follicular lymphoma based on molecular features of tumor-infiltrating immune cells.
Patients with follicular lymphoma may survive for periods of less than 1 year to more than 20 years after diagnosis. We used gene-expression profiles of tumor-biopsy specimens obtained at diagnosis to develop a molecular predictor of the length of survival. ⋯ The length of survival among patients with follicular lymphoma correlates with the molecular features of nonmalignant immune cells present in the tumor at diagnosis.
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Over the past five years, selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs) have accounted for a growing proportion of prescriptions for nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). To control these expenses, many state Medicaid programs have implemented prior-authorization requirements before coxibs can be prescribed. We evaluated the effect of such programs on the use of coxibs by Medicaid beneficiaries. ⋯ The use of coxibs and spending on NSAIDs varies widely by state and declined substantially after the implementation of prior-authorization programs. Determining whether these reductions are clinically appropriate will have important implications for the development of rational drug-reimbursement policies.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Anti-interleukin-12 antibody for active Crohn's disease.
Crohn's disease is associated with excess cytokine activity mediated by type 1 helper T (Th1) cells. Interleukin-12 is a key cytokine that initiates Th1-mediated inflammatory responses. ⋯ Treatment with a monoclonal antibody against interleukin-12 may induce clinical responses and remissions in patients with active Crohn's disease. This treatment is associated with decreases in Th1-mediated inflammatory cytokines at the site of disease.