Healthcare providers may develop headaches following the use of the N95 face-mask. Shorter duration of face-mask wear may reduce the frequency and severity of these headaches.

S-1 is an oral fluoropyrimidine anti-neoplastic agent that is converted by CYP2A6 to 5-fluorouracil (5FU). We prospectively studied the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of S-1 in two groups of East Asian and Caucasian patients with solid malignancy refractory to standard chemotherapy, or for which 5FU was indicated, to elucidate differences in relation to CYP2A6 genotype and phenotype. S-1 was given orally at 30 mg/m 2 b.i.d. for 14 days every 21 days. Dose normalized AUC 0-48 h for tegafur (P = 0.05) and gimeracil (P = 0.036) were higher in East Asians; conversely, AUC 0-48 h of fluoro-b-alanine was higher in Caucasians (P = 0.044). Exposure to 5FU was similar in both groups (P = 0.967). Mean cotinine:nicotine ratio was 54% higher in the Caucasian group (P = 0.03), and correlated with oral clearance of tegafur (r = 0.59; P = 0.002). Grade 3 ⁄ 4 gastrointestinal toxicities were more common in Caucasians than Asians (21% vs 0%). Treatment with S-1 yields no significant difference in 5FU exposure between Caucasians and East Asians. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 478-483)

Conatumumab, but not ganitumab, plus FOLFIRI was associated with a trend toward improved PFS. Both combinations had acceptable toxicity.

UGT2B17*2 genotype reduces vorinostat glucuronidation and may increase vorinostat efficacy and toxicity. These observations are important in the development of vorinostat, and may have clinical implications on other cancer and noncancer drugs that are UGT2B17 substrates such as exemestane and ibuprofen.