Several national and international trials have been implemented to define the optimal combination regimens.
The combination regimens in these trials represent the most successful from numerous phase II reports during the last several years.
The recommended dosage is 0.750 mg (one tablet) every 8 hours, as part of a combination regimen.
Understanding the mechanisms by which tumors become resistant to a particular agent is key to identifying new drugs or combination regimens.
Interim analysis of 125 patients suggested the most effective treatment would be a combination regimen.
Adverse effects were less frequent with the combination regimen than with the other active (non-placebo) treatments.
Development and evaluation of a combination antiviral regimen against these potential pandemic influenza strains are also now under way.
The existing combination regimens are extremely demanding, in part because patients must swallow dozens of pills a day.
But then the new potent combination regimens came on the scene and everything changed.
Altogether, artemisinin combinations offer great hope for Africa, the authors say, although the ideal combination regimen remains uncertain and cost is a problem.