A systematic review of the literature
This systematic review provides a summary of the evidence on the effectiveness of different therapeutic interventions for the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in long-term residential care settings (rather than ‘family home’ or acute care settings). For carers in residential facilities, the effective management of specific behavioural and psychological symptoms attributed to dementia is important. While pharmacological interventions have been used extensively to treat BPSD, increasing concerns over their efficacy and significant side-effects have resulted in calls for non-pharmacological approaches to be prioritised as first-line interventions. This report brings together findings from systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, and other epidemiological studies. The methods that have been trialled in residential care settings to manage BPSD are diverse.
A comparison of gene expression profiling tests for breast cancer ( PDF 1MB )
Systemtatic review update
The objectives of this report were to (a) summarise the original systematic review published by Marchionni, L., Wilson, R. F., Marinopoulos, S., Wolff, A. C., Parmigiani, G., Bass, E. B., et al. (2008). Impact of Gene Expression Profiling Tests on Breast Cancer Outcomes. Baltimore, MD. Prepared by: The Johns Hopkins University Evidence-based Practice Center, (b) update the review search to add evidence from the period 2007-2009, (c) report on the content and quality of any additional recent studies (d) describe and review the progress of two seminal trials relating to the potential clinical utility of two gene profiling tests.
Hypomethylating agents in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes ( PDF 1MB )
Horizon scanning report
Myelodysplastic syndrome(s) (MDS) comprise a heterogeneous group of rare life-threatening diseases characterised by ineffective haematopoiesis leading to peripheral blood cytopenias and progressive bone marrow failure. MDS patients are a challenging treatment group, and in New Zealand, there are very limited treatment options for these patients. Recent efforts to improve quality of life and prolong survival have produced new therapeutic options which have undergone intensive testing in clinical trials. Of particular significance has been the clinical development of hypomethylating agents. This horizon scan examines the literature relating to the use of these agents in MDS and reports on the evidence relating their clinical benefit and safety.