Pioneering Stem Cell Surgery Announced Nov 19, 2008
The patient has not developed antibodies to her graft, despite not taking any immunosuppressive drugs, the statement from Bristol University said. The New York Times. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Steroid Therapies Following Transplant Can Be Eliminated, Study Suggests Nov 6, 2008
5, 2008) A new study by researchers at UC shows that using modern immunosuppressive drugs eliminates the need for steroid therapy as early as seven days following a transplant surgery while still maintaining kidney function ... He adds that although the five-year kidney transplant survival and function were identical between those who received predisone and those who received other immunosuppressive drugs in this study, it doesn t mean that it will be the same in 10 or 20 years ... Steve Woodle,... (Science Daily)
Liver transplant recipients have higher cancer risk Nov 4, 2008
"Currently, two immunosuppressive agents have shown protective effects against the development of cancer," Buell points out. Mycophenolic acid and TOR inhibitors may provide an oncologic advantage for liver transplant recipients. (EurekAlert!)
African-American Canadians Who Receive Kidney Transplants Fare Better Than Those In US Nov 3, 2008
"Hypotheses behind this difference could be that the better renal transplant outcomes for African-Americans in Canada are due to better access to post-transplant medical care and access to immunosuppressive medications that are more comprehensive than in the United States," she said. (Unlike African-Americans in the United States, African-American Canadians have free access to pre-dialysis care, kidney transplantation and follow-up care at all kidney transplant centers. (Science Daily)
'Old Blood' Linked To Infection Nov 2, 2008
In our study, the average age of blood was 26 days, and 70 percent of all the blood transfused was older than 21 days, suggesting that a large pool of available blood is old blood with higher levels of cytokines and more potential for an immunosuppressive effect. The analysis showed that 11 percent of patients died, while 57 patients (13. (Science Daily)
Well-known Drug (AAT) Could Overcome Obstacles To Islet Transplantation, Study Suggests Oct 31, 2008
However, with the use of present-day immunosuppressive drugs, these transplants do not last long because of underlying inflammation that destroys the insulin producing cells, and within five years of grafting, most patients return to insulin injections. In his study published in PNAS, Dr. Lewis reports that treating diabetic mice with serum protease inhibitor alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) - a naturally occurring human anti-inflammatory agent - for a short 14-day monotherapy course following an islet... (Science Daily)
The Good News and Bad News About MS Oct 31, 2008
Indeed, some immunosuppressive medicines already play an important role in the treatment of MS, but so far, the results have not been as good as we'd like. New research: gives us reason to be optimistic about this approach. (Slate)
How Women With Lupus Can Increase Chance For Healthy Pregnancies Oct 30, 2008
13, 2007) Researchers have shown that an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplant cases is effective in reducing flare-ups in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. SLE results in inflammation of. (Science Daily)
Immunotherapy on Trial for New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Oct 30, 2008
Immunosuppressive agents, one of the mainstays of approved treatments for transplantation, have been explored as therapy for patients. . (New England Journal of Medicine)
County Schedules Flu Shot Clinics Oct 25, 2008
Adults with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, asthma, heart disease, kidney diseases, severe anemia, cancer and weakened immune systems due to immunosuppressive medications or HIV. Adults and children who have any condition (e. (KGET 17)
How To Avoid Getting Flu And Colds Oct 20, 2008
People taking immunosuppressive drugs. People who have had their. (W-USA News, DC)
Scripps research team sheds light on immune system suppression Oct 18, 2008
The study described the suppression of this immune response in mice infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, pointing to potential new avenues for the development of drug treatments for immunosuppressive diseases in humans ... Oldstone says that knowing such basic details about how a virus can suppress the mouse immune system could well aid the development of new treatments for the many immunosuppressive conditions such as HIV and measles that plague humans. (EurekAlert!)
Outlook For Crohn's Disease Improves Thanks To New Therapies Oct 11, 2008
Azathioprine is an orally-administered, small molecule immunosuppressive which has a broad immunosuppressive effect. "Historically, patients with Crohn's disease have been treated sequentially with steroids, then azathioprine, then monoclonal antibodies such as infliximab. The study definitively demonstrates that infliximab-based strategies are more effective than azathioprine," says William Sandborn, M.D., the lead author and a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic. (Science Daily)
What is the influence of tumor removal on the serum level of carbohydrate's antibody? Oct 8, 2008
The growing tumor escapes the immune control under the immunosuppressive conditions. The surgical removal of the tumor may reverse the immunosuppression. (EurekAlert!)
Aethlon sets clinical trial for HIV patients Oct 3, 2008
The San Diego company's device, the Hemopurifier, filters infectious viruses and immunosuppressive proteins from the blood. The device previously demonstrated viral reduction in hepatitis-C patients. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Low Dose Naltrexone: Hope for PPMS Sep 18, 2008
What is interesting about LDN is that it is not considered immunosuppressive like most drugs used in the treatment of autoimmunity. Thus it is not expected increase the risk of infections and cancer, as immunosuppressants do. (Suite101.com)
Embryonic Stem Cells Might Help Reduce Transplantation Rejection Sep 18, 2008
17, 2008) Researchers have shown that immune-defense cells influenced by embryonic stem cell-derived cells can help prevent the rejection of hearts transplanted into mice, all without the use of immunosuppressive drugs ... People who need bone marrow or solid organ transplantation must take immunosuppressive drugs that can cause side effects nearly as severe as the disease they have. (Science Daily)
Killing Bacteria Isn't Enough To Restore Immune Function After Infection Sep 13, 2008
Dr. Mingfang Lu, instructor of internal medicine and lead author of the current study, said the team also found that prolonged tolerance was immunosuppressive, reducing the animal's ability to stave off another bacterial infection. Dr. Lu said that how long an animal remains in this tolerant state varies from animal to animal. (Science Daily)
Healing the Doctor-Patient Divide Sep 12, 2008
I have felt my heart drop when a patient whose new liver I struggled to sew into place decides without telling me to stop taking immunosuppressive medications. I have felt a pang in my chest when, still paying back student loans 15 years after my last graduation ceremony, I can hear a patient questioning not my therapeutic recommendation but my financial motivation. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Health Buzz: Immunosuppressive Drug Warning and Other Health News Sep 7, 2008
FDA Calls for Tougher Safety Warnings on Immunosuppressive Medications. The Food and Drug Administration has asked the manufacturers of Humira, Cimzia, Enbrel, and Remicade which belong to a class of medications known as tumor necrosis factor alpha blockers (TNF-alpha blockers) to for risk of fungal infection. (U.S. News & World Report)
FDA Demands Tougher Warnings on Immunosuppressive Drugs Sep 6, 2008
THURSDAY, Sept. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Federal health authorities have asked the manufacturers of four widely used immunosuppressive drugs to bolster safety warnings on the risk of developing opportunistic fungal infections. The drugs, Humira, Cimzia, Enbrel and Remicade, belong to a class of medications known as tumor necrosis factor alpha blockers (TNF-alpha blockers), which suppress the immune system and are approved to treat several conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile... (MEDLINEplus)
Atomic structure of the mammalian 'fatty acid factory' determined Sep 6, 2008
Mammalian fatty acid synthase belongs to a large family of multi-enzymes, some of which are responsible for the synthesis of complex natural products with antibiotic, anti-cancer, anti-fungal and immunosuppressive properties that are of outstanding medical relevance. The structure of mammalian fatty acid synthase reveals how different catalytic domains are excised or inserted in various members of this family to yield multi-enzymes capable of synthesizing a large variety of chemical products. (EurekAlert!)
Facial Transplantation Shows Promise for Severe Disfigurement Aug 26, 2008
The patient's immunosuppressive regimen included antilymphocyte serum, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone ... Both episodes, however, resolved without any further evidence of rejection and the patient's immunosuppressive regimen was able to be reduced. (RMGH Health News)
Anti-tumor Effects Are Enhanced By Inhibiting Two Pathways Rather Than One Aug 26, 2008
Nearly a decade ago, while it was being tested as an immunosuppressive agent to. (June 26, 2008) New data, generated by David Ornitz and colleagues, at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, have indicated a crucial role for signaling pathways that involve the protein sonic. (Science Daily)
Bone marrow stem cells may help control inflammatory bowel disease Aug 21, 2008
"Before we can think about testing this approach in patients, we need to know more about long-term effects of MSC infusion including immunosuppressive effects and gain more understanding of how MSCs modulate immune cell activity in more realistic models of inflammatory bowel disease.". . (EurekAlert!)
Tumor Suppressor Inhibits Cell Growth Aug 9, 2008
mTOR is the target for the inhibitory activity of the immunosuppressive drug rapamycin, recently found to have anti-cancer activity. The discovery by Michael Karin, Ph. (Science Daily)
Hope for end to rejection drugs Aug 7, 2008
One patient went eight months without immunosuppressive drugs and others were switched to low doses. The study, by Germany's University of Schleswig-Holstein, appears in Transplant International. (BBC News)
New Facial Filler Claims To Last Longer Than Others Aug 6, 2008
It may not be good for people with recurrent allergic reactions, or those on immunosuppressive therapy for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or cancer. Once the price is set, Evolence is expected the cost about the same as other filler products - $500 to $900 per syringe. (KCRA 3, CA)
Targeted drug therapy found effective in patients with common form of immune-mediated kidney disease Aug 6, 2008
A variety of immunosuppressive drugs have been tested to inhibit the production of the antibodies that attack the kidneys during the progression of membranous nephropathy, but their effects have been inconsistent. These therapies also can cause significant toxicity and can suppress a patient's immune system, exposing the patient to an increased risk of infections and illnesses. (EurekAlert!)
World's First Transplant Of Both Arms Aug 5, 2008
At least initially, this requires a strong immunosuppressive therapy with all the possible side effects (e. g. infections Furthermore, the skin lacks a simple lab-chemical parameter (such as creatinine during a kidney transplant) to enable the recognition of an immunological reaction in the host. (Science Daily)
Giving An Additional Early Vaccination May Reduce Measles Outbreaks Jul 28, 2008
These findings offer policymakers potential alternative vaccination strategies, but research is required to determine the possible immunosuppressive effect from live virus measles vaccines on other vaccine responses when given in early infancy, say Dr H;l;ne Broutin and Dr Mark A Miller from the National Institutes of Health, in an accompanying editorial. "The current goal to achieve high vaccine coverage should not be separated from the need for more timely vaccination, especially in developing... (Science Daily)
Analysis Of Quickly Stopped Rx Orders Provides New Tool For Reducing Medical Errors Jul 24, 2008
Dr. Koppel notes the classes of drugs most likely to be quickly discontinued made sense because they were often among the most difficult-to-prescribe: low therapeutic index drugs, insulin, antiretrovirals, antineoplastics, and immunosuppressive drugs. Prof. (Science Daily)
American Society of Transplantation Board of Directors Raises Organ Transplant Awareness on Capitol Hill Jul 22, 2008
The discussion focused on the extension of immunosuppressive drug coverage and the need to increase funding of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) ... "AST Board members reiterated their support for transplantation related legislation and encouraged lawmakers to pursue a legislative agenda, such as extending the coverage of immunosuppressive medication, which will improve transplant success rates," said AST President, Barbara Murphy, M.D. On behalf of the Board, Dr. Murphy praised Congress... (PR Newswire)
New Protocol Streamlines Therapy That Makes More Kidney Transplants Possible Jul 22, 2008
24, 2008) Four of five patients participating in a trial of an experimental protocol designed to induce immune tolerance to HLA-mismatched kidney transplants have been able to discontinue immunosuppressive. (Apr. (Science Daily)
Scientists prepare to turn fiction into fact with first full-face transplant Jul 22, 2008
The recipient would then require a lifetime's supply of immunosuppressive drugs to maintain the new face. Some burns victims have had more than 50 skin-graft operations to rebuild faces that they believe to be still hopelessly disfigured. (Yahoo News -- Organ Donation & Transplants)
Predicting acute GVHD by gene expression could improve liver stem cell transplant outcomes Jul 21, 2008
Despite immunosuppressive drugs, acute GVHD can develop within 100 days post-transplant ... Future research, said Reddy and colleagues, may want to address gene expression profiling of acute GVHD immediately after noting clinical symptoms, yet before immunosuppressive drugs are administered. (EurekAlert!)
Keeping tabs Jul 16, 2008
Some now include special suites for immunosuppressive children and their families, and for those who need to stay for an extended period. Many Houses also provide accredited education programs, recreational activities and non-clinical support services. (Keyser Mineral Daily News Tribune, WV)
Researchers Find Link Between Organ Transplants, Cancer Jul 16, 2008
An immune system dampened by immunosuppressive drugs could make it easier for both scenarios to take place. On the other hand, a virus introduced from the donor organ may have precipitated the cancer, the researchers said. (Health-Finder)
Researchers discover link between organ transplantation and increased cancer risk Jul 16, 2008
In the July 15, 2008, issue of Cancer Research, researchers at Harvard Medical School found in animal and laboratory experiments that the anti-rejection, immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine ramps up expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which signals the growth of new blood vessels that can feed tumors ... Physicians have long observed that immunosuppressive agents, such as the class of calcineurin inhibitors that includes cyclosporine, appear to promote cancer development,... (EurekAlert!)
Nation's Fourth Hand Transplant Performed at Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center by Kleinert Kutz and University of Louisville Surgeons Jul 13, 2008
Kadiyala Ravindra, M.D., assistant professor of surgery at University of Louisville and Joseph Buell, M.D., director, Jewish Hospital Transplant Center, manage the immunosuppressive therapy for all the hand transplant patients ... Breidenbach said, "This has been the smoothest hand transplant we have performed. We cannot control the amount of damage when an accident happens, but in Mr. Armstrong's case we had very good muscles to work with. They were not as badly scarred as the previous three... (PR Newswire)
Disclosure Of Organ Transplant Risks: A Question Of When, Not If Jun 27, 2008
29, 2007) Researchers report that immunosuppressive risks associated with facial transplantation may be lower than thought, possibly making the procedure a safer option for people who have suffered severe. (Nov. (Science Daily)
US FDA sees possible J&J psoriasis drug risks Jun 27, 2008
Centocor spokesman Michael Parks said "although the occurrence of malignancies were comparable to placebo in clinical trials for ustekinumab, the risk of malignancies with immunosuppressive therapy is theoretically possible.". Prescribing information for the TNF-blocking drugs warn about a possible risk of cancer. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Weather extremes can turn mild ills deadly Jun 25, 2008
Its an immunosuppressive virus. If you are being challenged, it now allows those other diseases to completely take over. (MSNBC -- Health)
Kidney Transplant Patients May Benefit From Going Off Of Certain Immunosuppressive Drugs Jun 25, 2008
ScienceDaily (June 24, 2008) Withdrawing certain immunosuppressive drugs following kidney transplantation prolongs survival and saves money compared with keeping patients on these medications for life, according to a new study ... Immunosuppressive drugs such as calcineurin inhibitors are critical after kidney transplantation to prevent organ rejection, particularly during the first year ... Sirolimus, in combination with steroids, is currently the only immunosuppressive treatment regimen that... (Science Daily)
Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Boosts Melanoma Incidence Jun 21, 2008
"Our findings, taken together with other studies investigating the risk of skin cancer in patients with RA, may support a role for regular skin cancer screening for all patients with RA, particularly those receiving immunosuppressive therapy.". The study was published in the June issue of the journal Arthritis Care & Research. (Health-Finder)
Psoriasis drug may raise cancer risk Jun 15, 2008
Michael Parks, Centocor spokesman, was quoted by Reuters as saying that "the risk of malignancies with immunosuppressive therapy is theoretically possible.". If the drug is approved, it will compete with Amgen Inc and Wyeth's Enbrel and Abbott Laboratories Inc's Humira, which block an inflammation-causing protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). (Food Consumer)
Methotrexate for Arthritis Raises Melanoma Risk Jun 14, 2008
Nevertheless, Buchbinder and her colleagues conclude that the findings "may support a role for regular skin cancer screening for all patients with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those receiving immunosuppressive therapy.". SOURCE: Arthritis atism, June 15, 2008. (MEDLINEplus)
Monitoring our immune system Jun 10, 2008
18F]FAC microPET also detected early changes in lymphoid mass in systemic autoimmunity and allowed evaluation of immunosuppressive therapy. These data support the use of [18F]FAC PET for immune monitoring and suggest a wide range of clinical applications in immune disorders and in certain types of cancer. (ZDNet)
Promising advances in islet cell transplants for diabetes Jun 10, 2008
Patients who have had a kidney transplant and are taking immunosuppressive drugs may also be eligible. For more information about the Clinical Islet Transplant Consortium studies, call UIC at (312) 996-6087 or visit. (EurekAlert!)
Reduced Exposure to Calcineurin Inhibitors in Renal Transplantation Jun 5, 2008
The authors' putative conclusion is that a quadruple immunosuppressive regimen of daclizumab, "low-dose" tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids should be considered the standard in renal transplantation. We have concerns, however, about the equipotency of the four immunosuppressive strategies used. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Final Results of the CellCept(R) Spare the Nephron (STN) Study Show Maintenance Therapy is Associated with Improved Renal Function Jun 2, 2008
Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of renal, cardiac or hepatic transplant patients should use CellCept ... -- Patients receiving immunosuppressive regimens involving combinations of drugs, including CellCept, as part of an immunosuppressive regimen are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin. (PR Newswire)
Penn State Hershey Transplant Program Uses Assay to Monitor Cell-Mediated Immunity Jun 2, 2008
However, for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for new malignancy post-transplant, there was a significant decrease in CMI despite a concurrent decrease in the levels of immunosuppressive medications ... "The test provides us with the ability to assess patients' immune status more accurately than the traditional monitoring of patients' levels of immunosuppressive drugs." she continued. (PR Newswire)
Anti-Rejection Drugs After Transplant, Increase Diabetes Risk: Study May 31, 2008
A relatively new drug possessing potent immunosuppressive and antiproliferative properties, Sirolimus is a macrolide first discovered as a product of the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus in a soil sample from an island called Rapa Nui. ( filed under: ) Write to author. (TheMedGuru)
Drug may prolong organ life in noncompliant kidney transplant patients May 31, 2008
A team of five UC San Diego investigators reported a careful assessment of immune function at "trough" levels (lowest daily levels) of the three most commonly used immunosuppressive drugs, using an assay (ImmuKnow/ Cylex) designed specifically to measure the degree of immunosuppression at any given time. Lower "mitogenic response" meant better immunosuppression and more protection from rejection. (EurekAlert!)
Depression Ups Risk of Poor Kidney Transplant Outcome May 28, 2008
"Concerns about transplant rejection, fear of infection, readjustment to everyday life, and use of immunosuppressive medications, with frequent and often severe adverse effects" can lead to emotional problems in the early years after kidney transplantation, the research team notes in the current issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases. However, the consequences of developing depression in this patient population are unclear. (MEDLINEplus)
Isotechnika reports final results of the PROMISE trial May 27, 2008
All patients received oral dosing with the drug (voclosporin or tacrolimus) over a six month period along with other standard immunosuppressive therapies used following transplantation. About Isotechnika ----------------- Edmonton-based Isotechnika Inc. is an international biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel immunosuppressive therapeutics that are designed to offer advantages over other currently available treatments. (Canada Newswire)
Arthritis Drugs May Impair Response to Flu Vaccine May 23, 2008
Gelinck and colleagues compared the immune response after influenza vaccination in 112 patients treated with immunosuppressive therapy, including anti-TNF agents; 48 matched patients not treated with anti-TNF agents, and 18 healthy controls ... Both immunosuppressive therapy groups had lower levels of protective antibodies than did healthy controls. (MEDLINEplus)
Radiation for Prostate Cancer Raises Risk of Other Cancers May 21, 2008
Cyclophosphamide is an immunosuppressive drug used to treat several types of cancers and is known to cause bladder damage that can lead to bladder cancer. In patients followed for up to 50 years, the researchers found that the chances of developing bladder cancer increased over time. (MEDLINEplus)
Sell your kidney for $50,000, says specialist May 5, 2008
He said the allocation system, which uses cross-matching and tissue typing developed 40 years ago before powerful immunosuppressive drugs were available, disadvantaged the most needy because the longer a person spent. Buying a chance to survive. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
At the cutting edge May 3, 2008
"He takes immunosuppressive drugs every day to prevent rejection, and in the past 15 years these have caused what he calls "nasties" - skin disorders and sudden, hard eruptions on his hands or head which have to be surgically removed, sometimes requiring skin grafts. He makes light of them - just as he makes light of his entire medical history. Only once, when I ask about the seven other renal patients in his ward in St Mary's, does he allow a glimpse of something else. Every one of them, he... (Guardian Unlimited)
Studies test new approaches to islet transplantation May 2, 2008
In 2000, a research team led by Dr. James Shapiro at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, reported sustained insulin independence in seven patients transplanted with islets from two to four donor pancreases and treated with an immunosuppressive regimen that omitted glucocorticoids, thought to be toxic to islets ... In addition, researchers are accepting type 1 diabetes patients who have had a kidney transplant and are already taking immunosuppressive drugs. (EurekAlert!)
New Nanotube Sensor Can Continuously Monitor Minute Amounts Of Insulin Apr 18, 2008
Unfortunately these transplants require large doses of immunosuppressive drugs, and scientists don't yet know how these drugs affect the health of the islet cells. One of the next steps is to use the microphysiometer to measure insulin, lactate and oxygen levels simultaneously. (Science Daily)
Slightly Abnormal Blood Test May Point To A 'Silent' Form Of Hepatitis B Apr 16, 2008
However, in the event that a patient requires immunosuppressive therapy for cancer or has an immune disorder such as AIDS, the virus could conceivably replicate and further compromise the patient s health. Kreek and Bart also report that 13 of the 20 patients who had silent hepatitis B also had chronic hepatitis C, an entirely different liver disease that affects more than 80 percent of injection-drug users. (Science Daily)
Kiadis Pharma Receives Orphan Drug Designation for Rhitol(TM) From the FDA Apr 15, 2008
About Rhitol(TM) Rhitol(TM) is under development as a treatment for patients with chronic GvHD resistant or intolerant to immunosuppressive agents ... Chronic GvHD usually develops some time after the transplantation and is generally treated by immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids ... The disease can however become life threatening when standard treatment cannot control its progression and the patient does not respond to additional immunosuppressive treatment or develops severe side effects... (Canada Newswire)
Heart And Lung Transplant Patients May No Longer Need Biopsies And Could Receive Personalized Care From Biomarkers Apr 15, 2008
Until recently, heart muscle biopsy was the only method available to rule out heart transplant rejection and guide treatment with anti-rejection, or immunosuppressive, therapy. Aside from the invasive and painful nature of the procedure, a biopsy is only able to detect rejection after damage has already occurred to the heart tissue. (Science Daily)
