Alexandre Amin

Comparison of Raman spectroscopy vs. high performance liquid chromatography for quality control of complex therapeutic objects: Model of elastomeric portable pumps filled with a fluorouracil solution

This study compares the performance of a reference method of HPLC to Raman spectroscopy (RS) for the analytical quality control (AQC) of complex therapeutic objects. We assessed a model consisting of a widely used anticancer drug, i.e., 5-fluorouracil, which was compounded in a complex medical device, i.e., an elastomeric portable infusion pump. In view of the main objective, the two methods provided excellent results for the analytical validation key criteria, i.e., trueness, precision and accuracy, ranging from 7.5 to 50mg/mL and in either isotonic sodium or 5% dextrose. The Spearman and Kendall correlation tests (p-value<1×10(-15)) and the statistical studies performed on the graphs confirm a strong correlation in the results between RS and the standard HPLC under the experimental conditions. The selection of a spectral interval between 700 and 1400cm(-1) for both the characterization and quantification by RS was the result of a gradual process optimization, combining matrix and packaging responses. In this new application, we demonstrate at least eight benefits of RS: (a) operator safety, (b) elimination of disposables, (c) elimination of analysis waste, which contributes to the protection of the environment, (d) a fast analytical response of less than 2min, (e) the ability to identify the solubilizing phase, (f) reduction of the risk of errors because no intrusion or dilution are needed, (g) negligible maintenance costs and (h) a reduction in the budget dedicated to technician training. Overall, we indicate the potential of non-intrusive AQC performed by RS, especially when the analysis is not possible using the usual techniques, and the techniques high potential as a contributor to the safety of medication.

Routine application of Raman spectroscopy in the quality control of hospital compounded ganciclovir.

This study compares the performance of a reference method of HPLC to Raman spectroscopy (RS) for the analytical quality control (AQC) of therapeutic objects. We assessed a model consisting of a widely used antiviral drug, i.e., ganciclovir, which was compounded in a medical device and then transferred in a vacuum glass vial prior to analyses. As the aim of the alternative RS method is to replace the destructive, time-consuming HPLC method, requiring sample preparation, it needs to be demonstrated that RS performs at least as good as the HPLC method. Therefore, the two methods were validated by calculating the accuracy profile and provided excellent results for the analytical validation key criteria, i.e., trueness, precision and accuracy, ranging from 0.8 to 10mg/mL. The Spearman and Kendall correlation tests (p-value<1.10-15) and the statistical studies performed on the graphs confirm a strong correlation in the results between RS and the standard HPLC under the experimental conditions. These results confirmed the potential of this option for future applications, owing to its analytical and practical quality and its contributions to the safety of the medication circuit. This method also greatly contributes to the protection of caregivers and their working environment.

The contribution of Raman spectroscopy to the analytical quality control of cytotoxic drugs in a hospital environment: Eliminating the exposure risks for staff members and their work environment

The purpose of the study was to perform a comparative analysis of the technical performance, respective costs and environmental effect of two invasive analytical methods (HPLC and UV/visible-FTIR) as compared to a new non-invasive analytical technique (Raman spectroscopy). Three pharmacotherapeutic models were used to compare the analytical performances of the three analytical techniques. Statistical inter-method correlation analysis was performed using non-parametric correlation rank tests. The studys economic component combined calculations relative to the depreciation of the equipment and the estimated cost of an AQC unit of work. In any case, analytical validation parameters of the three techniques were satisfactory, and strong correlations between the two spectroscopic techniques vs. HPLC were found. In addition, Raman spectroscopy was found to be superior as compared to the other techniques for numerous key criteria including a complete safety for operators and their occupational environment, a non-invasive procedure, no need for consumables, and a low operating cost. Finally, Raman spectroscopy appears superior for technical, economic and environmental objectives, as compared with the other invasive analytical methods.

Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay for therapeutic drug monitoring of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, midostaurin, in plasma from patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis

We developed and validated quantitative bioanalytical liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay for the protein kinase inhibitor, midostaurin. Plasma samples were pre-treated using a protein precipitation with methanol containing midostaurin-d5 as an internal standard. After centrifugation, 5μL of the supernatant was injected into the chromatographic system. The system consisted of a 3.5μm particle bonded octadecyl silica column, with gradient elution using a mixture of 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in acetonitrile and 10mM ammonium formate in water with 0.1% formic acid. The analyte was quantified using the selected reaction-monitoring mode of a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with a heated electrospray interface. The assay was validated in a 75-2500ng/mL calibration range. For quality control, within-day and between-day precisions were 1.2-2.8%, and 1.2-6.9%, respectively. The β-expectation tolerance limit (accuracy) met the limits of acceptance ±15% (±20% for the LLQ). The drug was sufficiently stable under all relevant analytical conditions. The assay has successfully been used to assess drug levels for therapeutic drug monitoring in patients presenting advanced systemic mastocytosis and treated with the promising midostaurin.

Design and Development of a User-Friendly Motorized Apparatus for the Filling of Portable Infusion Pumps by Hospital and Homecare Health Workers

Abstract Purpose: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) remain the most common occupational disease in the Western countries. Beside the effects on workers themselves, MSDs may lead to high costs to enterprises and the society as a whole. Among the painful or tiring positions encountered in healthcare settings, caregivers often cite the filling of portable infusion pumps (PIP). This context was conducive to achievement of the goal of the following project: the development of a motorized apparatus designed to minimize the risk of MSDs caused by repeated gestures of filling PIPs. Methods: The development of the tool followed eleven steps including: (a) a market analysis, (b) a SWOT analysis, (c) definition of the specifications of the apparatus, and (d) a concurrent engineering methodology. Results: In approximately 18 months, a dynamic project group supported by a concurrent engineering methodology has designed and developed a compact and lightweight motorized apparatus able to suppress the risk of MSDs caused by manual filling of PIPs. After a mandatory step of familiarization, all involved operators have unanimously endorsed the new tool. Conclusion: We believe that this new motorized apparatus may now simply and substantially alleviate occupational MSDs caused by the manually filling of PIPs. Another major benefit of this research program is the clear improvement of the intrinsically quality of therapeutic objects (TO) through the creation of a more accurate and reproducible method of PIP filling.

Plasma and intraprostatic concentrations of ertapenem following preoperative single dose administration: a single-centre prospective experience and clinical implications-the ERTAPRO study.

The incidence of urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing pathogens is increasing. These infections are associated with a long hospital stay in patients undergoing urological procedures. We aimed to demonstrate that significant intraprostatic diffusion of ertapenem is achieved after a single preoperative administration. A referred sample of 19 patients requiring surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia was prospectively included. Patients received a 1 g intravenous (i.v.) dose of ertapenem 1 h (n = 10, group A) or 12 h (n = 9, group B) before blood and prostatic samples were collected. Plasma and intraprostatic concentrations of ertapenem were measured using LC-MS/MS. Intraprostatic concentrations were considered satisfactory when higher than the MIC90 value of urinary-targeted pathogens perioperatively and for 40% of the dosing interval. The Wilcoxon test and a pharmacokinetic predictive model were used. Median plasma concentrations of ertapenem were 144.3 mg/L (95% CI 126.5-157.9) in group A and 30.7 mg/L (95% CI 22.9-36.4) in group B (P < 0.001); median intraprostatic concentrations were 16.6 mg/L (95% CI 13.3-31.4 mg/L) and 4.2 mg/L (95% CI 3.1-4.9 mg/L), respectively (P < 0.001), which were above the MIC90 values of bacteria, including ESBL-producers, during surgery and for 40% of the dosing interval. The plasma-to-prostate concentration ratio was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.97). Single-dose i.v. ertapenem reached satisfactory intraprostatic concentrations, suggesting that it could be a relevant prophylactic strategy for carriers of ESBL-producing bacteria undergoing prostatic procedures, which needs to be confirmed by further prospective trials.

720PSECOND LINE THERAPY WITH SUNITINIB AS SINGLE AGENT IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED INTRAHEPATIC CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA (UPDATE ON SUN-CK PHASE II TRIAL)

ABSTRACT Aim: Beyond platinum-based first line chemotherapy for advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CK), second line 5FU-based treatments yield median progression-free survival (PFS) of Methods: This multicenter phase 2 study enrolled pts with locally advanced intrahepatic CK failing prior first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, ECOG PS 0-1, and adequate liver function with bilirubin 6.3 months (primary objective) other endpoints being PFS, response (RECIST 1.1 & Choi criteria), safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers (VEGFA, VEGFC, sKIT, HGF, SDF1, and osteopontin). Results: Among 51 pts yet enrolled in this ongoing trial, 34 are currently evaluable for safety and efficacy. Median age was 62 years (range 36–80), 19 females/15 males were included, and ECOG PS was 0/1 in 23/11 pts. With a median follow-up of 15.4 months and a median duration of treatment of 3.8 months, the median OS was 9.6 months [95%CI: 5.8-13.1], exceeding the primary objective. Five pts (15%) had partial responses and 24 stable diseases (71%) by RECIST (disease control rate 85%) with 10 pts having disease control > 6 months (range 6-14 months). Among 12 evaluable patients for Choi criteria, 11 (92%) had objective responses. Median PFS was 5.2 months. Frequently reported adverse events were grade (Gr) 1-2 asthenia (80% of pts), mucositis (80%), diarrhea (60%), and hand-foot syndrome (43%). Gr 3/4 asymptomatic hematological toxicity occurred in 24% of patients (neutropenia 8 pts, thrombocytopenia 7 pt), Gr 3 hypertension was observed in 7 pts, and Gr 3 asthenia in 4 pts. PK & PD data will be updated at the meeting. Conclusions: Sunitinib (continuous daily dose of 37.5 mg) is well tolerated and shows promising activity with 9.6 months OS in second line therapy in pts with intrahepatic advanced CK. Disclosure: J. Seitz: Honoraria Support from: Merck Serono, Novartis, Amgen, Sanofi-Aventis, Pfizer, Amgen SAS, Bayer-Schering-Pharma, Lilly; L. Fartoux: Honoraria Support from: Bayer and Bristol Myer Squibb; D. Malka: Grant Support from: Amgen, Roche, Merck Serono, Sanofi-Aventis Honoraria Support from: Merck Serono, Ipsen, Celgene, Novartis, Amgen, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Imclone, Teva, Keocyt, Boehringer-Ingelheim; M. Bouattour: Honoraria Support from: Bayer; E. Raymond: Honoraria Support from: Bayer, Pfizer, Novartis; S. Faivre: Honoraria Support from: Bayer, Pfizer, Novartis; All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.