Medicines Corner

Pharmacogenomic testing for DPYD polymorphisms prior to fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy

February 2021 | By Martin Bradley

In November 2020, NHS England issued an urgent policy statement confirming the routine commissioning of pharmacogenomic testing prior to the initiation of fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy.1 This […]

Rituximab and eculizumab for delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions: low-quality evidence, but a life‑threatening scenario

December 2020 | By Martin Bradley

In a recent commissioning policy, NHS England has commissioned eculizumab and rituximab for the management of delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTR) and hyperhaemolysis (HH), and rituximab […]

Histology-independent cancer drugs—navigating the uncertainties of innovative treatments

September 2020 | By Martin Bradley

Significant advances in cancer therapy have been made in recent decades. The elucidation of specific aspects of tumour biochemistry and genetics has led to an […]

Gene therapy medicinal products

May 2020 | By Martin Bradley

Gene therapy medicinal products (GTMPs) are advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs): medicines for human use that are based on genes, tissues, or cells. They offer […]

Generic HIV treatments permit cost savings, but their implementation can be complex

February 2020 | By Martin Bradley

National spending on specialised services for the treatment of HIV is significant; in 2016/17, it was close to £540 million, of which antiretroviral treatment (ART) […]

A gloved hand holding a petri dish containing an aspergillus fungal colony

The new Commissioning for Quality and Innovation indicator on antifungal stewardship

November 2019 | By Martin Bradley

Antimicrobial stewardship is a healthcare system-wide approach to promoting and monitoring the judicious use of antimicrobials, such as antifungals, to preserve their future effectiveness.1 Such […]

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