Samarium-153-SM-lexidronam improves QOL in patients with prostate cancer
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International Research & Opinion
Samarium-153-SM-lexidronam improves QOL in patients with prostate cancer A study investigating short-term pain reduction and impact on QOL for patients with metastatic prostate cancer following treatment with analgesics (NSAIDs and opioids) and bone-specific radiopharmaceuticals (samarium-153-SM-lexidronam [153Sm] and strontium-89 [89Sr]) has found that improvement in QOL achieved using 153Sm is comparable to that achieved with the use of opioids. The study included 120 patients with metastatic prostate cancer who had recently failed hormonal therapy; 40 were primarily managed with opioid analgesics, 40 by NSAIDs, 25 by 89Sr and 25 by 153Sm. QOL was assessed with the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire which recorded sensory pain rating
indices (S-PRIs) and affective pain rating indices (A-PRIs) at baseline, week 4 and week 8. Over the 8-week observation period, patients showed a difference in the S-PRI. There was a significant increase in the S-PRI in those patients treated by NSAIDs (+21%) and 89Sr (+46%), whereas those receiving opioids (-27%) and 153Sm (-27%) demonstrated a significant decrease in this subscore. For QOL over time, there was a gradual decrease in patients treated with NSAIDs and 89Sr as measured by the total pain rating index. The researchers note that "153Sm seems to be an appropriate candidate for treating patients who experience mild to moderate bone pain from [prostate cancer] based on its ability to positively impact QOL". Papatheofanis FJ, Smith C, Najib M. Improvement in sensory pain rating after palliative systemic radionuclide therapy in patients with advanced prostate cancer. American Journal of Therapeutics 16: 127-132, No. 2, Mar-Apr 2009 801142497
Regulatory & Healthcare News Generics vs brand name drug pricing: pros and cons debated The AARP has released a new report claiming that switching from brand name to generic drugs can save money for Americans in these tough economic times.1 However, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has countered the claims, arguing that prescription drug spending has actually fallen and that companies rely on the cost of brand medicines to fund future research and development (R&D).2
The PhRMA argument is that "powerful purchasers negotiate prescription medicine prices in a competitive market", which encourages use of generic drugs and promotes ongoing innovation and development; generics were used for 72% of all filled prescriptions for 2008, according to IMS health. Brand name drugs support the cost of R&D required to achieve therapeutic advances, and these novel therapies transition to cheaper generics eventually. 1. AARP. Looking to Save on Drugs? Go Generic. Media Release : 16 Apr 2009. Available from: URL: http://www.aarp.org. 2. PhRMA. PhRMA Statement on AARP Report. Media Release : 16 Apr 2009. Available from: URL: http://www.phrma.org. 801108471
Generics generate savings, says AARP The AARP’s Rx Watchdog Report finds that company prices of brand name prescription drugs i
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