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Background Variable prophylaxis regimens have been adapted to guard against cytomegalovirus (CMV) after renal transplantation. High-dose valganciclovir (VGCV) is the gold standard, but it is of very high cost. Herein, we compared another low-cost regimen [low-dose valacyclovir (VCV)] with low-dose VGCV to assess the efficacy and safety of VCV. Patients and methods This is a single-center randomized controlled trial that was held in Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Egypt. The patients were divided into two groups according to CMV prophylaxis regimen used. Group I included 40 kidney transplant recipients who received low-dose VCV (2 g b.i.d.), and group II included 40 kidney transplant recipients who received low-dose VGCV (450 q.d.). Results Our patients’ age ranged from 18 to 58 years, and the majority were males. The median years of transplantation were 1.9 years. Efficacy of both regimens was similar. Interruption of VCV was more frequent, with significant difference, and it was associated with increased incidence of CMV infection but without any statistical significance. The cost of low-dose VGCV was very high in comparison with low-dose VCV. Conclusion Low-dose VCV showed the same efficacy and safety of low-dose VGCV as CMV prophylaxis protocol after kidney transplantation.

Background Intratumoral chemotherapy (ITC) has been used by many groups; the combination of heat and cytotoxic drugs increases the ability to destroy the malignant cells. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous injection of hyperthermic chemotherapy in conjunction with systemic chemotherapy as a palliative management of peripheral inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to conventional systemic chemotherapy. Results There was a statistically significant improvement in quality of life score in group A and B, but deterioration in group C after 6 months. As regards radiology, after 6 months in group A, one patient (10%) showed complete response, 6 patients (60%) showed partial response, one patient (10%) stable response, and two patients (20%) showed progression; in group B, 6 patients (60%) showed partial response, two patients (20%) showed stable response, and two patients (20%) showed progression; and in group C, 7 patients (70%) showed progression, two patients (20%) showed partial response, and one patient (10%) showed stable response. There were few controllable complications. Median survival in group A was 16 months, in group B was 15 months, and in group C was 8 months. Conclusion Intratumoral hyperthermic chemotherapy is a promising, effective, harmless palliative therapy for inoperable peripheral NSCLC.

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