A randomized double-blind feasibility study comparing cetirizine and diphenhydramine in the prevention of paclitaxel-associated infusion-related reactions: the PREMED-F1 study.

Purpose: Cetirizine is a less sedative alternative to diphenhydramine for the prevention of infusion-related reactions (IRR) to paclitaxel. However, its use remains controversial. In this study, we assessed feasibility for a future definitive non-inferiority trial comparing cetirizine to diphenhydramine as premedication to prevent paclitaxel-related IRR.

Human cathepsins K, L, and S: Related proteases, but unique fibrinolytic activity.

Background: Fibrin formation and dissolution are attributed to cascades of protease activation concluding with thrombin activation, and plasmin proteolysis for fibrin breakdown. Cysteine cathepsins are powerful proteases secreted by endothelial cells and others during cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Their fibrinolytic activity and putative role in hemostasis has not been well described.