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Romo-Perez A, Domínguez-Gómez G, Chávez-Blanco AD, González-Fierro A, Correa-Basurto J, Dueñas-González A. PaSTe. Blockade of the Lipid Phenotype of Prostate Cancer as Metabolic Therapy: A Theoretical Proposal. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:3265-3285. [PMID: 37287286 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230607104441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in 112 countries and is the leading cause of death in eighteen. In addition to continuing research on prevention and early diagnosis, improving treatments and making them more affordable is imperative. In this sense, the therapeutic repurposing of low-cost and widely available drugs could reduce global mortality from this disease. The malignant metabolic phenotype is becoming increasingly important due to its therapeutic implications. Cancer generally is characterized by hyperactivation of glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and fatty acid synthesis. However, prostate cancer is particularly lipidic; it exhibits increased activity in the pathways for synthesizing fatty acids, cholesterol, and fatty acid oxidation (FAO). OBJECTIVE Based on a literature review, we propose the PaSTe regimen (Pantoprazole, Simvastatin, Trimetazidine) as a metabolic therapy for prostate cancer. Pantoprazole and simvastatin inhibit the enzymes fatty acid synthase (FASN) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl- coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), therefore, blocking the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol, respectively. In contrast, trimetazidine inhibits the enzyme 3-β-Ketoacyl- CoA thiolase (3-KAT), an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of fatty acids (FAO). It is known that the pharmacological or genetic depletion of any of these enzymes has antitumor effects in prostatic cancer. RESULTS Based on this information, we hypothesize that the PaSTe regimen will have increased antitumor effects and may impede the metabolic reprogramming shift. Existing knowledge shows that enzyme inhibition occurs at molar concentrations achieved in plasma at standard doses of these drugs. CONCLUSION We conclude that this regimen deserves to be preclinically evaluated because of its clinical potential for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Romo-Perez
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Alma D Chávez-Blanco
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aurora González-Fierro
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Correa-Basurto
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Dueñas-González
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Horný M, Yabroff KR, Filson CP, Zheng Z, Ekwueme DU, Richards TB, Howard DH. The cost burden of metastatic prostate cancer in the US populations covered by employer-sponsored health insurance. Cancer 2023; 129:3252-3262. [PMID: 37329254 PMCID: PMC10527879 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advancements in the clinical management of metastatic prostate cancer include several costly therapies and diagnostic tests. The objective of this study was to provide updated information on the cost to payers attributable to metastatic prostate cancer among men aged 18 to 64 years with employer-sponsored health plans and men aged 18 years or older covered by employer-sponsored Medicare supplement insurance. METHODS By using Merative MarketScan commercial and Medicare supplemental data for 2009-2019, the authors calculated differences in spending between men with metastatic prostate cancer and their matched, prostate cancer-free controls, adjusting for age, enrollment length, comorbidities, and inflation to 2019 US dollars. RESULTS The authors compared 9011 patients who had metastatic prostate cancer and were covered by commercial insurance plans with a group of 44,934 matched controls and also compared 17,899 patients who had metastatic prostate cancer and were covered by employer-sponsored Medicare supplement plans with a group of 87,884 matched controls. The mean age of patients with metastatic prostate cancer was 58.5 years in the commercial samples and 77.8 years in the Medicare supplement samples. Annual spending attributable to metastatic prostate cancer was $55,949 per person-year (95% confidence interval [CI], $54,074-$57,825 per person-year) in the commercial population and $43,682 per person-year (95% CI, $42,022-$45,342 per person-year) in the population covered by Medicare supplement plans, both in 2019 US dollars. CONCLUSIONS The cost burden attributable to metastatic prostate cancer exceeds $55,000 per person-year among men with employer-sponsored health insurance and $43,000 among those covered by employer-sponsored Medicare supplement plans. These estimates can improve the precision of value assessments of clinical and policy approaches to the prevention, screening, and treatment of prostate cancer in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Horný
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - K. Robin Yabroff
- Health Services Research, and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christopher P. Filson
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Urology Service Line, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Health Services Research, and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Donatus U. Ekwueme
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - David H. Howard
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Shukar S, Shahid MH, Zhang J, Din SM, Khan FU, Fang Y, Yang C. Pharmacists' approach to oncology medicine shortages: results of a cross-sectional survey in Pakistan. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070634. [PMID: 37723107 PMCID: PMC10510916 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study estimated the shortages of oncology medicines in Pakistan, their causes, impacts, mitigation strategies, and possible interventions. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Oncology pharmacists working at 43 oncology settings (out of 80) from five regions of Pakistan (four provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan) and one federal territory (Islamabad)) were approached. PARTICIPANTS Oncology pharmacists with more than 1 year of experience were selected using stratified random sampling, and data were collected using a questionnaire from September 2021 to January 2022. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES To estimate the prevalence of oncology medicine shortages in Pakistan and establish recommendations to overcome them. RESULTS Of 167 responded pharmacists, 87% experienced shortages in their practice. Most respondents (50%) experienced both oncology and support agent shortages. It was a current problem in hospitals (58%) and increased with time, but the situation varied across regions (p=0.007). Mainly shortages occur half-yearly (p=0.001) and last for <3 months. Injectable (56.8%) and branded drugs (44.9%) were short. The most frequently mentioned drugs affected by shortages were etoposide, paclitaxel, dacarbazine, bleomycin and carboplatin. Usually, distributors (51.5%) notify the pharmacists about the shortages, and federal agencies (36%) are responsible for these shortages. Distributors (53.4%) were the main source of supply, and shortages were encountered by them as well. The impacts included delayed care (25%) and suboptimal outcomes (23%) on patients, extra time (32%) for staff, prioritisation issues (31%) for pharmacists, delayed clinical trials (60.5%) and increased drugs prices (52.1%). Some hospitals have reporting systems (39.5%) and recording (29.3%) drug shortages. The shortages were managed using available alternative options (21%) and redistributing (21%) the currently available stock. CONCLUSION Pakistan's healthcare system is affected by oncology medicine shortages. The government should establish a cancer registry and drug shortage platform, revise drug prescribing/pricing policies and practice penalties for breaching regulations. Oncology medicines must be widely available to avoid the grey market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundus Shukar
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | | | - Jinwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shayan Muhammad Din
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, National Hospital and Medical Center, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faiz Ullah Khan
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Caijun Yang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Giovanella L, Garo ML, Cuzzocrea M, Paone G, Herrmann K. Prognostic role of early prostate specific antigen changes after [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA radioligand therapy of metastasized prostate cancer: A meta-analysis. Eur J Clin Invest 2023; 53:e14014. [PMID: 37194605 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 10%-20% of prostate cancers progress to metastatic and castration-resistant forms (mCRPC). Radioligand (RLT) therapy with [177 Lu]Lu-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is an emerging treatment for metastasized mCRPC and its efficacy is assessed not only but also by prostate specific antigen (PSA) measurement after 12 weeks or more after treatment. Our aim was to evaluate the role of early PSA measurement after RLT in predicting overall survival (OS) of mCRPC patients. METHODS A systematic search on PubMed, Web Of Science and Scopus was performed from January to December 2022. PRISMA guidelines for prognostic studies was adopted. Risk of bias was assessed using quality of prognostic studies (QUIPS). RESULTS Twelve studies at low-intermediate risk of bias, were included in the meta-analysis (1646 patients, mean age 70 years). About 50% of patients showed a PSA decline after 1-2 of [177 Lu]Lu-PSMA, and more than 30% reported a PSA decline ≥50%. The median OS range for patients with any PSA decline was 13-20 months, while for patients with stable or increased PSA, the median OS fell to 6-12 months. The OS rate for a PSA decline after the one-two [177 Lu]Lu-PSMA cycles was 0.39 (95% CI: 0.31-0.50), while OS for a PSA decline ≥50% was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.57-0.83). CONCLUSIONS A PSA decline is observed in almost 50% of mCRPC patients after 1-2 [177 Lu]Lu-PSMA cycles, with a significantly longer OS compared to stable or increased PSA levels, respectively. Accordingly, any PSA decline after 1-2 cycles of therapy should be regarded as a favourable prognostic factor for OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Luisa Garo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Cuzzocrea
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Gaetano Paone
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Ken Herrmann
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
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Shukar S, Zahoor F, Omer S, Awan SE, Yang C, Fang Y. Experience of Pharmacists with Anti-Cancer Medicine Shortages in Pakistan: Results of a Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16373. [PMID: 36498446 PMCID: PMC9740989 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the current situation of anti-cancer drug shortages in Pakistan, namely its determinants, impacts, adopted mitigation strategies, and proposed solutions. Qualitative semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 pharmacists in oncology hospitals in Pakistan from August to October 2021. Data were collected in person and online, recorded, and subjected to inductive thematic analysis after being transcribed verbatim. Most participants experienced anti-cancer drug shortages that increased during the pandemic. Etoposide, paclitaxel, vincristine, dacarbazine, and methotrexate were frequently short. Important causes included the compromised role of regulatory authorities, lack of local production, and inventory mismanagement. The impacts were delayed/suboptimal treatment and out-of-pocket costs for patients, patients' prioritization, increased workload, negative work environment, and patients' trust issues for pharmacists. The participants proposed that a cautious regulator's role is needed to revise policies for all stakeholders and support all stakeholders financially at their level to increase access to these medicines. Based on the outcomes, it is clear that anti-cancer medicine shortages are a current issue in Pakistan. Governmental authorities need to play a role in revising policies for all levels of the drug supply chain and promoting local production of these drugs. Stakeholders should also collaborate and manage inventory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundus Shukar
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Fatima Zahoor
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
| | - Sumaira Omer
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Sundas Ejaz Awan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Caijun Yang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
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