Lobaplatin

Objective: To establish the recommended dose (MTD) and assess the safety and tolerability of lobaplatin (LBP) combined with paclitaxel for subsequent clinical development in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian epithelial carcinoma (PSROC), with antitumor activity evaluated as an exploratory endpoint. Methods: Twelve patients were enrolled in three LBP dose cohorts (25, 30, 35 mg/m²), with paclitaxel administered at a fixed dose of 175 mg/m². MTD was established by a 3 + 3 escalation design based on the occurrence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) within Cycle 1. Safety evaluation was performed with CTCAE v5.0 criteria while pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis employed HPLC-MS/MS. Exploratory antitumor activity was assessed using objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: The MTD was established at 30 mg/m², following the occurrence of two DLTs (Grade 4 neutropenia lasting > 7 days) at the 35 mg/m² dose level. The regimen demonstrated a 50% ORR (1 CR, 5 PR) and a 100% disease control rate. Median PFS was 7.0 months (95% CI:5.3-NA) with a median OS of 21.7 months (95% CI:7.3-NA). Grade 3-4 hematologic toxicities were neutropenia (100%), thrombocytopenia (41.7%), and anemia (33.3%) that were manageable with supportive care. Non-hematologic toxicities were primarily Grade 1-2 (nausea/vomiting 25%, neuropathy 16.7%). PK analysis demonstrated dose-proportional exposure (AUC slope 1.02) and rapid renal clearance, with 68.5% of the administered dose excreted in urine within 24 h. Conclusion: The LBP-TAX regimen demonstrated manageable toxicity and established an MTD of 30 mg/m² in PSROC. Observed antitumor activity in this small phase I cohort are exploratory and warrant confirmation in larger, appropriately powered studies. A Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of Lobaplatin Combined with Paclitaxel in Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Epithelial Carcinoma: Preliminary Safety and Tolerability Supporting Clinical Trial Dosing.

This study examines pregnant women’s awareness and utilization of antenatal and obstetric services in the Lejweleputswa District, South Africa. A qualitative case study design was employed, using interviews conducted between October and November 2024 with 32 healthcare providers, including nurses, midwives, and facility managers. The study explored factors shaping service uptake, such as socio-economic barriers, cultural beliefs, late antenatal booking, and health system challenges. Findings show that limited awareness of available services, persistent cultural misconceptions, long travel distances, and shortages of skilled staff reduce early and consistent antenatal care (ANC) attendance. The study recommends strengthening community health education, improving healthcare infrastructure, and enhancing provider–patient communication to address these barriers. Practical implication: The results can support district-level policies aimed at increasing early ANC use and reducing preventable maternal and neonatal complications in rural settings.