No abstract

Background: The neuroprotective effect of xenon has been demonstrated for glutamatergic neurons. In the present study it is investigated if dopaminergic neurons, i.e. nerve-growth-factor differentiated PC-12 cells, are protected as well against hypoxia-induced cell damage in the presence of xenon.

3526 Background: Docetaxel micellar (DM) is a nano-sized particle formulation of docetaxel in which a retinoic acid derivative is used as solubilizer with a high drug to excipient ratio possibly resulting in reduced systemic toxicity or hypersensitivity reactions due to the excipient. DM is given without standard use of premedication, avoiding steroid-associated immunosuppression. Here we present the pharmacokinetics (PK) after a single dose of DM or polysorbate-solubilized docetaxel (D) as well as safety and early activity including overall response rate (ORR) in female patients with metastatic breast cancer. Methods: The PK study was a two-cycle, cross-over study where 30 patients were included and randomized to either DM followed by D or D followed by DM, both given as a 1-hour intravenous infusion at a dose of 100mg/m2. The phase II study was a prospective, multicenter, open-label, third-party blinded, randomized, parallel group, active-controlled study including 200 patients to compare the early activity and safety of DM and D, both given as 100 mg/m2 1-hour intravenous infusion every 21 days (1 cycle) for a total of 6 cycles. Results: Bioequivalence of total docetaxel in plasma, AUC0-last and Cmax, was demonstrated for DM compared to D. The incidence of adverse events was higher in the D arm than in the DM arm for the majority of SOCs and PTs in the phase II study. Overall, Grade 3 or 4 AEs were reported for 82.7% of patients from DM arm and 99.0% of patients from D arm. Twelve (12.2%) patients in the DM arm and 24 (24.0%) patients in the D arm needed at least one dose reduction due to AEs. The primary efficacy endpoint in the phase II study was based on the assessment according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Soldid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and non-inferiority was not reached based on the pre-defined non-inferiority margin. A post-hoc analysis investigating the ORR based on tumour assessment at the end of chemotherapy, and non-inferiority of DM as compared to D was shown (ITT population). Conclusions: DM is bioequivalent to D regarding total drug in plasma and provides a docetaxel formulation that spares patients steroid premedication. An improved safety profile for DM compared to D was shown while additional efficacy data is needed for future development of DM. Eudra CT: 2012-005161-12 and 2013-004889-33. Clinical trial information: 2012-005161-12 and 2013-004889-33 .

Nitrous oxide is unique in that it is none-invasive and has a rapid onset of action, making it a valuable option in a variety of emergent situation and in painful paediatric procedures. The present randomised controlled study was set up in order to explore the effects of 3 different concentrations of nitrous oxide, 40, 55 and 70 vol. % as compared to placebo, provided by self administered from a demand valve by healthy volunteers for a short 4-minute period evaluating effect on attention, mode and wakefulness. Onset time and peak reduction in attention, change in saccadic eye movements, showed a dose dependent pattern. After brief use, saccadic eye movements returned to baseline within minutes after cessation of administration. Loss of consciousness was observed only during administration of the 70 vol. %, minor side effects such as dizziness and nausea was observed during inhalation of all three active treatments. The risks for over sedation/unconsciousness has to be weighed against the clinical benefit of faster and more pronounced effects if a 70 % fixed nitrous oxide concentration is to be used by self administration from a demand valve.