Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disease driven by Th1 cytokines characterized by non-scarring hair loss.1,2 Mouse models have demonstrated that IFN-γ-producing NKG2D+ CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are essential for disease pathogenesis, along with JAK-STAT dependent cytokines IFN-γ and IL-15, which induce autoreactive T cell activation.1,3 This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to explore patient perception regarding the importance of efficacy, toxicity, and logistics in the choice of regimen of taxane-based chemotherapy (CHT) for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Methods: This dual-center study analyzed data of 100 women diagnosed with MBC, who were asked for their preferences regarding chemotherapy by means of conjoint analysis. Included attributes were progression free survival (PFS), application form, time and frequency, need of premedication, risk of alopecia, fatigue, febrile neutropenia, and neuropathy. Furthermore, participants completed a questionnaire about their personal and medical history. Regression analyses were performed to identify factors that influence patient preference in terms of specific treatment choice. Results: Of 8 attributes, severe neutropenia was top priority for the majority of patients, followed by alopecia, neuropathy and PFS. When combining these patient preferences and the results of the questionnaire, patients' age as, well as, relationship status had significant impact on the importance of PFS. Moreover, longer travel time to the treatment center was significantly associated with preferences regarding PFS. Ranking by combination of respective part-worth values demonstrated nab-paclitaxel to be favored over paclitaxel and docetaxel. Conclusion: Side effects of CHT and PFS prove to be critical factors for patients affecting choice of treatment in MBC with severe neutropenia being top priority, followed by alopecia, neuropathy, and PFS. Age, commute time, and relationship status were identified as significant determinants of patient preference. Total utility calculation by combination of part-worth values ranked nab-paclitaxel as the most preferable taxane.

The efficacy of NexGard® and NexGard Spectra® against sarcoptic mange in dogs was evaluated in a clinical field study. Skin scrapings from dogs presenting signs suggestive of sarcoptic mange were examined to confirm infestation. A total of 106 dogs were screened at eight sites in Portugal and Germany. In all, 80 dogs that had demonstrated ≥5 live Sarcoptes mites in five skin scrapings were enrolled, scored for specific clinical signs (pruritus; papules and crusts; alopecia), and allocated at random to receive either NexGard® or NexGard Spectra® twice, one month apart per label instructions. To determine efficacy, live Sarcoptes mites in five skin scrapings per dog were counted, and clinical signs were scored one month and two months after first treatment and compared to pre-treatment (baseline) values. Based on compliance, 65 dogs were determined to be evaluable cases at the end of the study. The efficacy, in terms of reduction of geometric mean live Sarcoptes mite counts, was 98.9% and 99.7% for NexGard®-treated (n = 38) and 99.6% and 100% for NexGard Spectra®-treated dogs (n = 27) at one month and two months after treatment initiation (p < 0.001, both treatments). Both treatments resulted in a significant improvement in pruritus, papules and crusts, and alopecia one month and two months after treatment initiation (p = 0.0001, both treatments). In conclusion, this field study confirms that both NexGard® and NexGard Spectra® administered twice one month apart provide an effective and safe treatment against sarcoptic mange in dogs.

Background Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring auto-immune hair disorder. Recent researches explained the role of growth factors (GFs) in hair follicle cycling. The main reservoir of GFs are alpha-granules of platelets and novel procedures have been implemented aimed at collecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP has been safely implemented in many medical application and has also been successfully used as alternative cell-based therapies for the treatment of hair growth disorder, among which also AA. Objectives By mean of a randomized double-blinded, placebo and active-controlled, parallel group study we have studied the efficacy of a cosmetic product (named TR-M-PRP plus) comprising biomimetic peptides specific for hair growth mimicking PRP composition for the treatment of AA. Subjects were treated for three months end evaluated, at the end of the study and after one month of follow-up, as regards hair growth using SALT score. Results PRP-like topic produced a statistically significant (p < 0.001) clinical improvement in SALT score after 3 month of therapy, compared to baseline. Hair growth resulted further improved after 1 month of follow-up. Conclusions This clinical investigation suggest that the biotechnological designed PRP-like cosmetic could represent a valid and safer alternative to autologous PRP for the treatment of AA.