Computerized registry could be easily adopted in the U.S., according to Italian developers.
Developing a web-based registry among community oncologists may be useful for collecting significant information about febrile events in patients with hematologic malignancies. Italian researchers have suggested that both morbidity and mortality could be lowered in this patient population through a computerized registry that collected data in a prospective manner.
“We have developed what may be the first web-based registry to collect febrile events in hematologic malignancy patients so you can register a real-life picture of what is occurring in these patients,” said study investigator Morena Caira, MD, a research scientist at the Catholic University in Rome.
Dr. Caira said developing such a system has allowed oncologists in Italy to create a complete system for the epidemiological study of infectious complications in this cancer patient population. It is a simple system that could be adopted in the U.S. on a community- wide, state-wide, or country-wide basis, she said.
“We need to know better what is causing febrile events so that we can reduce the use of antimicrobials that are unnecessary,” said lead investigator Livio Pagano, MD, an associate professor of hematology in the department of epidemiology at Catholic University.
Dr. Pagano and Dr. Caira presented their findings on the Hema e-Chart at the 2010 Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy meeting. The Hema e-Chart is a computerized registry that prospectively collects data to analyze febrile events in hematologic malignancies, assesses the number and causes of febrile events, and offers possible outcomes due to different causes.
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Supportive care kit guides dasatinib(Drug information on dasatinib) Rx
Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical have launched My Sprycel Support, a resource to assist adult patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who are taking dasatinib (Sprycel). The program is designed to help patients learn more about dasatinib and how to be involved in treatment decisions with a healthcare provider.
The kit contains information on dasatinib study data; dosing and potential side effects; and a journal to help track activities throughout the treatment process. The kit also contains a co-pay assistance brochure. If patients qualify for assistance, they could receive up to $100 per month toward their co-pay for a period of 12 months, with a maximum benefit of $1,200, according to Bristol- Myers Squibb.
Enrolling in the program also grants patients 24-hour access to registered nurses who are trained as dasatinib counselors. Visit www.sprycel.com to learn more about the kit and affiliated program.
