Evofosfamide, also formerly known as TH-302, is an investigational hypoxia-activated prodrug and is used to target cancerous cells under hypoxic conditions, which is a feature possessed by multiple solid tumors including pancreatic tumors. Gemcitabine, a cytotoxic agent, has for many years been the standard first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer in patients. In recent years, combination chemotherapeutic therapies have provided a new avenue for molecular targeting by increasing the probability of eliminating the cancer and minimizing the likelihood of resistance. We have evaluated multiple studies in an effort to shed light on an emerging prodrug, evofosfamide, which operates by selectively targeting the tumor hypoxic compartment. A web-based literature search was performed through PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords 'evofosfamide', 'TH-302,' and 'pancreatic tumor.' Of the available results, 53 relevant studies were reviewed and summarized. Chemotherapeutic agents such as evofosfamide, which targets tumor hypoxia, are new agents against cancer cells. Current experience with these agents is limited as additional and longer prospective studies are needed to further evaluate the clinical efficacy and postmarketing safety profile.
Patient: Male, 68Final Diagnosis: Pyoderma gangrenosumSymptoms: Worsening lower extremity woundMedication: —Clinical Procedure: —Specialty: Infectious DiseasesObjective:Rare diseaseBackground:Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, ulcerative cutaneous condition that was first described by Brocq in 1916. This diagnosis is quite challenging as the histopathological findings are nonspecific. Pyoderma gangrenosum is usually associated with inflammatory bowel disease, leukemia, and hepatitis C. We describe a rare clinical case of a patient with hepatitis C (HCV), mixed cryoglubinemia, and pyoderma gangrenosum, which was successfully treated with prednisone in combination with the new antiviral medication ledipasvir/sofosbuvir.Case Report:A 68-year-old male with a history of untreated HCV presented to the clinic with a left lower extremity ulcer that had progressively worsened over 4 days after the patient sustained a minor trauma to the left lower extremity. Examination revealed a 2×3 cm purulent ulcer with an erythematous rim on medial aspect of his left lower leg. HCV viral load and genotype analysis revealed genotype 1A with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showing viral counts of 9,506,048 and cryoglobulinemia. With a worsening and enlarging erythematous ulcer and failure of IV antibiotic therapy, the patient underwent skin biopsy, which showed acanthotic epidermis with superficial and deep perivascular lymphoplasmacytic dermatitis admixed with mild neutrophilic infiltrate. The patient was subsequently started on ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and prednisone with a high suspicion of pyoderma gangrenosum. At one-month follow-up at the hepatology clinic, the patient demonstrated a near resolution of the lower extremity ulcer with undetectable viral load.Conclusions:Pyoderma gangrenosum is an inflammatory process of unknown etiology, and establishing the correct diagnosis can be a difficult task. For this reason it is prudent for clinicians to consider Pyoderma gangrenosum in their differential diagnosis, especially in the setting of a nonhealing surgical wound or skin infection.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented and unique challenges to gastroenterologists eager to maintain clinical practice, patients’ health, and their own physical/mental well-being. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and critical determinants of psychological distress in gastroenterologists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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