This document updates and expands the initial Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Fever and Neutropenia Guideline that was published in 1997 and first updated in 2002. It is intended as a guide for the use of antimicrobial agents in managing patients with cancer who experience chemotherapy-induced fever and neutropenia. Recent advances in antimicrobial drug development and technology, clinical trial results, and extensive clinical experience have informed the approaches and recommendations herein. Because the previous iteration of this guideline in 2002, we have a developed a clearer definition of which populations of patients with cancer may benefit most from antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral prophylaxis. Furthermore, categorizing neutropenic patients as being at high risk or low risk for infection according to presenting signs and symptoms, underlying cancer, type of therapy, and medical comorbidities has become essential to the treatment algorithm. Risk stratification is a recommended starting point for managing patients with fever and neutropenia. In addition, earlier detection of invasive fungal infections has led to debate regarding optimal use of empirical or preemptive antifungal therapy, although algorithms are still evolving. What has not changed is the indication for immediate empirical antibiotic therapy. It remains true that all patients who present with fever and neutropenia should be treated swiftly and broadly with antibiotics to treat both gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. Finally, we note that all Panel members are from institutions in the United States or Canada; thus, these guidelines were developed in the context of North American practices. Some recommendations may not be as applicable outside of North America, in areas where differences in available antibiotics, in the predominant pathogens, and/or in health care-associated economic conditions exist. Regardless of venue, clinical vigilance and immediate treatment are the universal keys to managing neutropenic patients with fever and/or infection.

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Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Antimicrobial Agents in Neutropenic Patients with Cancer: 2010 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America

Nucleic acid aptamers, often termed 'chemical antibodies', are functionally comparable to traditional antibodies, but offer several advantages, including their relatively small physical size, flexible structure, quick chemical production, versatile chemical modification, high stability and lack of immunogenicity. In addition, many aptamers are internalized upon binding to cellular receptors, making them useful targeted delivery agents for small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs and conventional drugs. However, several crucial factors have delayed the clinical translation of therapeutic aptamers, such as their inherent physicochemical characteristics and lack of safety data. This Review discusses these challenges, highlighting recent clinical developments and technological advances that have revived the impetus for this promising class of therapeutics.

Aptamers as targeted therapeutics: current potential and challenges

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Executive Summary: Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Antimicrobial Agents in Neutropenic Patients with Cancer: 2010 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America

Seven-year outcomes in ranibizumab-treated patients in ANCHOR, MARINA, and HORIZON: a multicenter cohort study (SEVEN-UP).

Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection for Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration: Ninety-Six–Week Results of the VIEW Studies

Intravitreal aflibercept (VEGF trap-eye) in wet age-related macular degeneration.

Background. More data on the efficacy and safety of ciprofloxacin in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients are needed. Methods. One hundred eight pediatric cystic fibrosis patients (ages 5 to 17 years) with acute bronchopulmonary exacerbations entered a randomized multicenter trial designed to compare the safety and efficacy of antipseudomonas therapy with oral ciprofloxacin (15 mg/kg twice daily; maximum dosage 750 mg twice daily) or intravenous ceftazidime plus tobramycin (CAZ/TM) for 14 days. Results. Clinical improvement was observed in 93% of patients treated with oral ciprofloxacin and in 96% of those receiving parenteral therapy. Transient suppression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was achieved in 63% of patients at the end of the course of iv CAZ/TM therapy and in 24% receiving ciprofloxacin. Ultrasound examination and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging scans showed no evidence of cartilage toxicity in any of the ciprofloxacin-treated patients. Musculoskeletal adverse events were reported with similar frequency in the two groups of patients (7% in the group receiving ciprofloxacin therapy and 11% in the IV CAZ/TM group). The only sustained musculoskeletal symptom was a case of synovitis in a patient receiving parenteral CAZ/TM. Conclusion. Ciprofloxacin thus appears to be safe and effective for use in young patients with bronchopulmonary exacerbation of cystic fibrosis.

Oral ciprofloxacin vs. intravenous ceftazidime plus tobramycin in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients: Comparison of antipseudomonas efficacy and assessment of safety with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging

Bernd Sommerauer

Papers

Intravitreal aflibercept (VEGF trap-eye) in wet age-related macular degeneration.

Oral ciprofloxacin vs. intravenous ceftazidime plus tobramycin in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients: Comparison of antipseudomonas efficacy and assessment of safety with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging