Cancer drug may join the AIDS arsenal
Article Abstract:
The anticancer drug, hydroxyurea may be effective against HIV infection. Hydroxyurea depletes body cells of an enzyme that is involved in DNA synthesis. HIV cannot replicate without this enzyme. This strategy to combat HIV infection differs from most earlier approaches that targeted the virus. The effect of hydroxyurea is enhanced when it is combined with didanosine (ddI). Preliminary research indicates that this dual therapy produces a greater decrease in HIV than ddI alone. Combined therapy involves low doses of both drugs, which may reduce the potential for ddI-associated toxic side effects. The potential therapeutic benefits of hydroxyurea may encourage AIDS researchers to investigate other anti-cancer drugs. Hydroxyurea research strengthens international cooperation to develop effective HIV drugs. Clinical trials of hydroxyurea are underway or planned in France, Italy, and the United States.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Debating dual AIDS guidelines
Article Abstract:
Two different guidelines on treating HIV patients are generating some controversy. One set is from the US Department of Health and Human Services and the other from the International AIDS Society-USA. Both guidelines state that treatment with only one drug is no longer acceptable and that a 3-drug regimen including protease inhibitors be used. However, they differ in when to start treatment. One recommends beginning treatment when blood HIV RNA levels exceed 5,000 to 10,000 copies. The other recommends beginning treatment when CD4 cell counts drop below 500 or when HIV RNA levels exceed 10,000 to 20,000 copies.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Can researchers use new drugs to push HIV envelope to extinction?
Article Abstract:
There was much excitement about new AIDS drugs at the XI International Conference on AIDS. Researchers revealed that data on a patient's viral load and CD4 cell count can predict how fast they will develop AIDS. Others reported the success of triple-drug regimens that can quickly suppress the virus when given early in the infection. These regimens include protease inhibitors, which are usually combined with reverse transcriptase inhibitors. However, the virus can lurk in immune cells and reactivate itself when the treatment is stopped.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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