Patient Prefer Adher
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Patient Prefer Adher · Jan 2014
ReviewClinical advances in the management of chronic myelogenous leukemia: focus on bosutinib and patient considerations.
The treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia has changed significantly over the past 15 years, and as of now, there are five BCR-ABL1 (breakpoint cluster region-Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1) tyrosine kinase inhibitors that have gained approval for treatment of this disease. All five are very effective drugs, and the decision surrounding which to use in specific patients is based on numerous factors. ⋯ The primary side effects of bosutinib are gastrointestinal upsets. In the appropriate clinical setting, bosutinib can be considered a valuable addition to the armamentarium of treatments available for chronic myeloid leukemia.
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Patient Prefer Adher · Jan 2014
ReviewTwo decades of subcutaneous glatiramer acetate injection: current role of the standard dose, and new high-dose low-frequency glatiramer acetate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treatment.
Glatiramer acetate, a synthetic amino acid polymer analog of myelin basic protein, is one of the first approved drugs for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Several clinical trials have shown consistent and sustained efficacy of glatiramer acetate 20 mg subcutaneously daily in reducing relapses and new demyelinating lesions on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, as well as comparable efficacy to high-dose interferon beta. Some preclinical and clinical data suggest a neuroprotective role for glatiramer acetate in multiple sclerosis. ⋯ All these data support its current use as a first-line treatment option for patients with clinical isolated syndrome or relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. More recent data have shown that high-dose glatiramer acetate (ie, 40 mg) given three times weekly is effective, safe, and well tolerated in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, prompting the approval of this dosage in the US in early 2014. This high-dose, lower-frequency glatiramer acetate might represent a new, more convenient regimen of administration, and this might enhance patients' adherence to the treatment, crucial for optimal disease control.
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Patient Prefer Adher · Jan 2014
ReviewEffectiveness of music therapy: a summary of systematic reviews based on randomized controlled trials of music interventions.
The objective of this review was to summarize evidence for the effectiveness of music therapy (MT) and to assess the quality of systematic reviews (SRs) based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). ⋯ THIS COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF SRS DEMONSTRATED THAT MT TREATMENT IMPROVED THE FOLLOWING: global and social functioning in schizophrenia and/or serious mental disorders, gait and related activities in Parkinson's disease, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. MT may have the potential for improving other diseases, but there is not enough evidence at present. Most importantly, no specific adverse effect or harmful phenomenon occurred in any of the studies, and MT was well tolerated by almost all patients.
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Patient Prefer Adher · Jan 2014
ReviewSubcutaneous bortezomib for multiple myeloma treatment: patients' benefits.
The use of novel agents such as thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib has considerably improved the outcome of multiple myeloma patients. Besides greater biological activity, these drugs unfortunately have also been associated with greater toxicity. To evaluate the positive effect on the quality of life of patients, driven by both the tolerability and antimyeloma activity of bortezomib, we analyzed data that have been published concerning different strategies used to improve its tolerability as once weekly and/or subcutaneous administration.
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Patient Prefer Adher · Jan 2014
ReviewApproaches to improve adherence to pharmacotherapy in patients with schizophrenia.
In patients with schizophrenia, nonadherence to prescribed medications increases the risk of patient relapse and hospitalization, key contributors to the costs associated with treatment. The objectives of this review were to evaluate the impact of nonadherence to pharmacotherapy in patients with schizophrenia as it relates to health care professionals, particularly social workers, and to identify effective team approaches to supporting patients based on studies assessing implementation of assertive community treatment teams. ⋯ Optimization of medication and involvement of caregivers are important to promoting adherence. A multidisciplinary team approach may be invaluable in identifying barriers to adherence and helping schizophrenia patients overcome them.