Biomedical subjects

Pooja Khera

Publications and source records attributed to Pooja Khera.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Update on the mechanisms and efficacy of biological therapies for psoriasis.

Biologically based agents (biologics) are novel therapeutic options in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Unlike traditional systemic anti-psoriatic drugs, which are chemically synthesized, these agents are unique in that they are derived from living organisms and hence called "biologics." In addition, they are the first group of "custom-designed" molecules that precisely target steps in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The specificity of these biologics can theoretically avoid the side effects of the prebiologically developed systemic agents including the effects of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and bone marrow suppression. However, there is also a tendency for a more precisely targeted agent to have a less overall efficacy. Due to the varying efficacies and high costs of the new biologic agents that are currently approved for psoriasis in the United States, the precise way they fit into the range of treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis should be defined pending future clinical experiences.

Adalimumab↗

PubMed2005

Diffuse gingival enlargement.

Diffuse gingival enlargement is defined as an excessive growth of periodontal tissue. It can be considered a relatively common finding, as thousands of patients have been described in the literature. Patients may seek medical attention because of pain, tenderness, interference with speech and/or mastication, halitosis, or unsightly appearance, or gingival enlargement may be an unexpected finding on routine physical examination. Diffuse gingival enlargement has numerous causes, including poor dental hygiene, medications, serious systemic illnesses, genetic conditions, other specific physiologic states, or it may be idiopathic. Given the large number of possible underlying conditions, the work-up of a patient presenting with diffuse gingival enlargement may seem daunting. We present a systemic review of diffuse gingival enlargement, including an algorithm that can be used to direct the work-up of patients presenting with this condition.

Algorithms↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A review of the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects of topical and oral retinoids for both cutaneous and internal neoplasms.

Retinoids, a group of compounds encompassing Vitamin A and its analogs, have been shown to inhibit tumor growth in laboratory studies. Based on these findings, a number of clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the chemoprotective and chemotherapeutic effects of retinoids. This paper reviews the current database regarding the use of oral and topical retinoids in the prevention and treatment of cutaneous and internal malignancies. Clinical studies have shown that retinoids have beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of certain neoplasms. In view of the heightened concern of malignancy associated with the use of biologic agents in the treatment of psoriasis, retinoids may be an attractive option for combination therapy with the biologic agents. Future clinical investigations are needed to precisely define how this combination will fit into the treatment algorithm for moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Administration, Oral↗