University of Bologna

About: University of Bologna is a education organization based out in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Galaxy. The organization has 38387 authors who have published 115176 publications receiving 3460869 citations. The organization is also known as: Università di Bologna & UNIBO.

Nivolumab for classical Hodgkin's lymphoma after failure of both autologous stem-cell transplantation and brentuximab vedotin: a multicentre, multicohort, single-arm phase 2 trial

Abstract: Summary Background Malignant cells of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma are characterised by genetic alterations at the 9p24.1 locus, leading to overexpression of PD-1 ligands and evasion of immune surveillance. In a phase 1b study, nivolumab, a PD-1-blocking antibody, produced a high response in patients with relapsed and refractory classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, with an acceptable safety profile. We aimed to assess the clinical benefit and safety of nivolumab monotherapy in patients with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma after failure of both autologous stem-cell transplantation and brentuximab vedotin. Methods In this ongoing, single-arm phase 2 study, adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with recurrent classical Hodgkin's lymphoma who had failed to respond to autologous stem-cell transplantation and had either relapsed after or failed to respond to brentuximab vedotin, and with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0 or 1, were enrolled from 34 hospitals and academic centres across Europe and North America. Patients were given nivolumab intravenously over 60 min at 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks until progression, death, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal from study. The primary endpoint was objective response following a prespecified minimum follow-up period of 6 months, assessed by an independent radiological review committee (IRRC). All patients who received at least one dose of nivolumab were included in the primary and safety analyses. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02181738. Findings Among 80 treated patients recruited between Aug 26, 2014, and Feb 20, 2015, the median number of previous therapies was four (IQR 4–7). At a median follow-up of 8·9 months (IQR 7·8–9·9), 53 (66·3%, 95% CI 54·8–76·4) of 80 patients achieved an IRRC-assessed objective response. The most common drug-related adverse events (those that occurred in ≥15% of patients) included fatigue (20 [25%] patients), infusion-related reaction (16 [20%]), and rash (13 [16%]). The most common drug-related grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (four [5%] patients) and increased lipase concentrations (four [5%]). The most common serious adverse event (any grade) was pyrexia (three [4%] patients). Three patients died during the study; none of these deaths were judged to be treatment related. Interpretation Nivolumab resulted in frequent responses with an acceptable safety profile in patients with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma who progressed after autologous stem-cell transplantation and brentuximab vedotin. Therefore, nivolumab might be a new treatment option for a patient population with a high unmet need. Ongoing follow-up will help to assess the durability of response. Funding Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Effect of an Enteric-Coated Fish-Oil Preparation on Relapses in Crohn's Disease

Abstract: Background Patients with Crohn's disease may have periods of remission, interrupted by relapses. Because fish oil has antiinflammatory actions, it could reduce the frequency of relapses, but it is often poorly tolerated because of its unpleasant taste and gastrointestinal side effects. Methods We performed a one-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate the effects of a new fish-oil preparation in the maintenance of remission in 78 patients with Crohn's disease who had a high risk of relapse. The patients received either nine fish-oil capsules containing a total of 2.7 g of n-3 fatty acids or nine placebo capsules daily. A special coating protected the capsules against gastric acidity for at least 30 minutes. Results Among the 39 patients in the fish-oil group, 11 (28 percent) had relapses, 4 dropped out because of diarrhea, and 1 withdrew for other reasons. In contrast, among the 39 patients in the placebo group, 27 (69 percent) had relapses, 1 dropped out because of diarrhea, and 1 wit...

Multiple versus Single Banking Relationships: Theory and Evidence

Abstract: A theory of the optimal number of banking relationships is developed and tested using matched bank-firm data. According to the theory, relationship banks may be unable to continue funding profitable projects owing to internal problems and a firm may thus have to refinance from nonrelationship banks. The latter, however, face an adverse selection problem, as they do not know the quality of the project, and may refuse to lend. In these circumstances, multiple banking can reduce the probability of an early liquidation of the project. The empirical evidence supports the predictions of the model.