This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact...
Aging, Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Sleep Disorders / 02.07.2023
Regular Napping Might Protect Against Some Aging Brain Shrinkage
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60565" align="alignleft" width="128"]
Valentina Paz[/caption]
Valentina Paz, M.Sc Ph.D. Student
Research and teaching assistant
Universidad de la República, UruguayHon. Research AssistantMRC Unit for Lifelong Health & Ageing Department of Population Science & Experimental MedicineInstitute of Cardiovascular ScienceUniversity College London
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Prior research indicates that napping can enhance performance on specific cognitive tasks. However, some authors argue that the advantages derived from napping may vary between individuals who frequently have a nap and those who never naps. Furthermore, it remains to be seen whether habitual daytime napping has a positive or negative impact on cognition and the association between napping and brain volume is not well characterized.
Therefore, our study aimed to examine whether the association between genetic liability to daytime napping, cognitive function, and brain volumes might be causal using a technic called Mendelian randomization and the UK Biobank.
Valentina Paz[/caption]
Valentina Paz, M.Sc Ph.D. Student
Research and teaching assistant
Universidad de la República, UruguayHon. Research AssistantMRC Unit for Lifelong Health & Ageing Department of Population Science & Experimental MedicineInstitute of Cardiovascular ScienceUniversity College London
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Prior research indicates that napping can enhance performance on specific cognitive tasks. However, some authors argue that the advantages derived from napping may vary between individuals who frequently have a nap and those who never naps. Furthermore, it remains to be seen whether habitual daytime napping has a positive or negative impact on cognition and the association between napping and brain volume is not well characterized.
Therefore, our study aimed to examine whether the association between genetic liability to daytime napping, cognitive function, and brain volumes might be causal using a technic called Mendelian randomization and the UK Biobank.
Author Interviews, Depression, JAMA, Mental Health Research, NYU/NYMC, USPSTF / 27.06.2023
USPSTF Issues Screening Guidelines for Anxiety and Depression in Adults
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_56129" align="alignleft" width="133"]
Dr. Ogedegbe[/caption]
Gbenga Ogedegbe, MD, MPH
Dr. Adolph & Margaret Berger Professor of Population Health
Director, Division of Health & Behavior
Director Center for Healthful Behavior Change
Department of Population Health
NYU Langone Health
NYU School of Medicine
Member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions affecting the lives of many adults in the U.S. The Task Force cares deeply about the health of people nationwide, so we reviewed the latest evidence on how best to support the mental health of adults in primary care.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: The evidence shows us that all adults should be screened for depression and those under 65 should also be screened for anxiety. These recommendations apply to everyone without signs or symptoms of depression or anxiety. We also strongly encourage anyone who has signs of depression or anxiety to talk with their clinician so that they can get the care they need.
Dr. Ogedegbe[/caption]
Gbenga Ogedegbe, MD, MPH
Dr. Adolph & Margaret Berger Professor of Population Health
Director, Division of Health & Behavior
Director Center for Healthful Behavior Change
Department of Population Health
NYU Langone Health
NYU School of Medicine
Member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions affecting the lives of many adults in the U.S. The Task Force cares deeply about the health of people nationwide, so we reviewed the latest evidence on how best to support the mental health of adults in primary care.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: The evidence shows us that all adults should be screened for depression and those under 65 should also be screened for anxiety. These recommendations apply to everyone without signs or symptoms of depression or anxiety. We also strongly encourage anyone who has signs of depression or anxiety to talk with their clinician so that they can get the care they need.
Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Diabetes, Endocrinology / 26.06.2023
ENDO23: Study Correlates Dietary Sugar End Products with Skin Autofluorescence Findings
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60548" align="alignleft" width="160"] Dr. Zahedi[/caption]
Dr. Bita Zahedi MD MA
Endocrinologist
Massachusetts General Hospital
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a measure of dietary advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) to investigate the role of dietary AGEs in diabetic disease processes. AGEs are a group of highly reactive compounds involved in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications, such as microvascular disease, cardiomyopathy, and possibly bone health. AGEs form through a nonenzymatic reaction between reducing sugars and free amino groups of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, also known as a Maillard or browning reaction.
Endogenous AGE formation and accumulation is a normal part of metabolism and aging, however the process of glycation can be enhanced by hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and increased oxidative stress. Additionally, AGEs can be absorbed from exogenous sources via consumption of various food items. Prior studies demonstrate that skin AGEs are predictive of Dietary AGEs (dAGEs) which are naturally present in certain uncooked foods, mainly animal-derived products, furthermore the method of food preparation can result in significant AGE formation. Considering the ubiquitous intake of dAGEs, it is possible that the consumption of exogenous AGEs contribute to AGE-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and its subsequent detrimental sequalae.
Dr. Zahedi[/caption]
Dr. Bita Zahedi MD MA
Endocrinologist
Massachusetts General Hospital
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a measure of dietary advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) to investigate the role of dietary AGEs in diabetic disease processes. AGEs are a group of highly reactive compounds involved in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications, such as microvascular disease, cardiomyopathy, and possibly bone health. AGEs form through a nonenzymatic reaction between reducing sugars and free amino groups of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, also known as a Maillard or browning reaction.
Endogenous AGE formation and accumulation is a normal part of metabolism and aging, however the process of glycation can be enhanced by hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and increased oxidative stress. Additionally, AGEs can be absorbed from exogenous sources via consumption of various food items. Prior studies demonstrate that skin AGEs are predictive of Dietary AGEs (dAGEs) which are naturally present in certain uncooked foods, mainly animal-derived products, furthermore the method of food preparation can result in significant AGE formation. Considering the ubiquitous intake of dAGEs, it is possible that the consumption of exogenous AGEs contribute to AGE-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and its subsequent detrimental sequalae.
Author Interviews, General Medicine, Health Care Systems, Heart Disease, JAMA / 26.06.2023
Cognitive Biases Can Influence Doctors’ Decisions
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60551" align="alignleft" width="200"] Dr. Ly[/caption]
Dan P. Ly, MD, PhD, MPP
Physician and an Assistant Professor
Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Cognitive biases, or ways of thinking that may deviate from rationality, are thought to influence physician decision-making, but there has been little large-scale evidence of their existence clinically. There is some large-scale evidence of the availability heuristic, under which the likelihood of an event is affected by how easily it comes to mind, but there’s little large scale evidence of other cognitive biases affecting physicians.
Dr. Ly[/caption]
Dan P. Ly, MD, PhD, MPP
Physician and an Assistant Professor
Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Cognitive biases, or ways of thinking that may deviate from rationality, are thought to influence physician decision-making, but there has been little large-scale evidence of their existence clinically. There is some large-scale evidence of the availability heuristic, under which the likelihood of an event is affected by how easily it comes to mind, but there’s little large scale evidence of other cognitive biases affecting physicians.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 26.06.2023
Study Finds Children of Moms Who Used Cannabis During Pregnancy More Likely to Use Cannabis Themselves
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60541" align="alignleft" width="128"]
Dr. Miller[/caption]
Alex P. Miller, PhD
TranSTAR T32 Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Psychiatry
Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Adolescent cannabis use is increasing in the United States. Prior research suggests that people who start using cannabis earlier are more likely to engage in problematic use and also experience greater mental health challenges and socioeconomic disadvantages overall. For example, children who begin using cannabis early are more likely to have behavioral problems and disorders and are more less likely to complete school.
In our study, we used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which is following nearly 12,000 kids across the nation to track behavior and brain development as well as health from middle childhood to young adulthood. We looked at what factors are associated with the initiation of cannabis use by age 12-14.
Dr. Miller[/caption]
Alex P. Miller, PhD
TranSTAR T32 Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Psychiatry
Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Adolescent cannabis use is increasing in the United States. Prior research suggests that people who start using cannabis earlier are more likely to engage in problematic use and also experience greater mental health challenges and socioeconomic disadvantages overall. For example, children who begin using cannabis early are more likely to have behavioral problems and disorders and are more less likely to complete school.
In our study, we used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which is following nearly 12,000 kids across the nation to track behavior and brain development as well as health from middle childhood to young adulthood. We looked at what factors are associated with the initiation of cannabis use by age 12-14.
Surgical Research / 23.06.2023
The Changing Face of Cosmetic Surgery
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle,
Individuality is the buzzword on the current aesthetic medicine scene at a time in which the arrival of the remote working phenomenon has sparked an interest in more facial surgery and procedures delivering a more natural effect. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has reported that there has been a boom in facial feature surgery such as facelifts, blepharoplasties, and rhinoplasties. What’s more, although breast augmentations, liposuctions, and buttock augmentations continue to be in high demand, the results sought are no longer driven by celebrity trends. Instead, they are firmly focused on results that are in harmony with a patient’s physique. Finally, many clients are completely giving the knife a miss and opting for non- or minimally-invasive treatments that deliver great results. Below are the top trends taking over the sector. You may consider advice from a female plastic surgeon in Houston.
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Diabetes, Ophthalmology / 16.06.2023
Brigham Study Finds Diabetic Damage in the Eye May Precede Onset of Diabetes
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60529" align="alignleft" width="200"]
Dr. Hafezi-Moghadam[/caption]
Ali Hafezi-Moghadam, Ph.D., M.D
Director, Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory (MBNI)
Associate Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: “It is very easy to answer many fundamental biological questions” said Richard Feynman in his 1959 address, where he also offered his simple and ingenious solution: “you just look at the thing!”[1].
As a biologist, I am familiar with the challenges surrounding looking at things in the context of life. There is no single device or technology that lets me simply see the answers to my questions. How does diabetes harm the tissues in the body? When exactly does the pathology start and which molecules and cells are involved? Trying to answer these questions, I have spent the past two decades innovating new ways of quantifying expression of molecules in the living organism [2].
At the same time to study diabetes, we needed a realistic rodent model that mirrors the human disease. In collaboration with KC Hayes[3], we first introduced the Nile grass rat (NGR, Arvicanthis niloticus), a gerbil that recapitulates the main features of the human type 2 diabetes [4]. For visualization of early changes, the eye offers a unique site. Much of my lab’s work focused on the first effects of diabetes in the retina, the site of the neurons that perceive light in the back of the eye [5], [6], [7]. In recent studies, we focused on how diabetes affects the lens in the eye of our animals [8], [9].
Diabetes is a major risk factor for cataract formation, a condition during which the lens loses its original transparency to visible light. How diabetic cataracts are formed is not well understood. A popular and prevailing theory, termed “sugar cataracts”, has been around for over half a century. According to the sugar hypothesis of cataracts, the excess levels of the sugar molecule, glucose, in the lens are transformed through the polyol pathway into the sugar-alcohol sorbitol. The resulting osmotic dysbalance leads to swelling of the fiber cells and opacity of the lens. Even though the sugar hypothesis has never been proven, it was generally accepted and remained unchallenged for a very long time. That is where our latest experimental results became relevant.
Dr. Hafezi-Moghadam[/caption]
Ali Hafezi-Moghadam, Ph.D., M.D
Director, Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory (MBNI)
Associate Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: “It is very easy to answer many fundamental biological questions” said Richard Feynman in his 1959 address, where he also offered his simple and ingenious solution: “you just look at the thing!”[1].
As a biologist, I am familiar with the challenges surrounding looking at things in the context of life. There is no single device or technology that lets me simply see the answers to my questions. How does diabetes harm the tissues in the body? When exactly does the pathology start and which molecules and cells are involved? Trying to answer these questions, I have spent the past two decades innovating new ways of quantifying expression of molecules in the living organism [2].
At the same time to study diabetes, we needed a realistic rodent model that mirrors the human disease. In collaboration with KC Hayes[3], we first introduced the Nile grass rat (NGR, Arvicanthis niloticus), a gerbil that recapitulates the main features of the human type 2 diabetes [4]. For visualization of early changes, the eye offers a unique site. Much of my lab’s work focused on the first effects of diabetes in the retina, the site of the neurons that perceive light in the back of the eye [5], [6], [7]. In recent studies, we focused on how diabetes affects the lens in the eye of our animals [8], [9].
Diabetes is a major risk factor for cataract formation, a condition during which the lens loses its original transparency to visible light. How diabetic cataracts are formed is not well understood. A popular and prevailing theory, termed “sugar cataracts”, has been around for over half a century. According to the sugar hypothesis of cataracts, the excess levels of the sugar molecule, glucose, in the lens are transformed through the polyol pathway into the sugar-alcohol sorbitol. The resulting osmotic dysbalance leads to swelling of the fiber cells and opacity of the lens. Even though the sugar hypothesis has never been proven, it was generally accepted and remained unchallenged for a very long time. That is where our latest experimental results became relevant.
Author Interviews, Endocrinology, Gender Differences, Weight Research / 16.06.2023
ENDO2023: Mass General Study Identifies Sex Differences in Neurohormone Linked to Body Composition
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60512" align="alignleft" width="132"]
Dr. GALBIATI[/caption]
Francesca Galbiati, MD
Clinical/Research fellow in Endocrinology
Massachusetts General Hospital
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is a neurohormone well known for its role in water balance regulation. It promotes renal water absorption in the kidney, to maintain normal sodium levels in the blood via a tightly controlled osmotic regulation. Besides AVP classical role, data have shown that AVP effects extend beyond water balance regulation. Animal studies have shown that AVP has metabolic effects, including reducing food intake, inducing lipolysis, and promoting muscle regeneration in male mice.
Furthermore, AVP is regulated differently in males and females, and affects cognition differently across sexes, a phenomenon called sexual dimorphism. However, it is unknown whether its dimorphism translates to metabolism. Also, findings on AVP metabolic role are inconsistent, possibly due to the opposing effects of AVP at different receptor subtypes, which regulation is still largely unknown. We performed this study to better investigate AVP metabolic role, and explore sex differences. We hypothesized that AVP would be positively associated with BMI, adiposity, and lean mass (acting as a signal of energy availability). We also predicted that relationships between AVP and body composition measures would differ by sex. We used the AVP area under the curve around a standardized meal to better capture repeated measures in response to food intake (that directly impacts energy availability). This also allowed to avoid the possible risk of fluctuating AVP levels due to possible pulsatile secretion.
Dr. GALBIATI[/caption]
Francesca Galbiati, MD
Clinical/Research fellow in Endocrinology
Massachusetts General Hospital
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is a neurohormone well known for its role in water balance regulation. It promotes renal water absorption in the kidney, to maintain normal sodium levels in the blood via a tightly controlled osmotic regulation. Besides AVP classical role, data have shown that AVP effects extend beyond water balance regulation. Animal studies have shown that AVP has metabolic effects, including reducing food intake, inducing lipolysis, and promoting muscle regeneration in male mice.
Furthermore, AVP is regulated differently in males and females, and affects cognition differently across sexes, a phenomenon called sexual dimorphism. However, it is unknown whether its dimorphism translates to metabolism. Also, findings on AVP metabolic role are inconsistent, possibly due to the opposing effects of AVP at different receptor subtypes, which regulation is still largely unknown. We performed this study to better investigate AVP metabolic role, and explore sex differences. We hypothesized that AVP would be positively associated with BMI, adiposity, and lean mass (acting as a signal of energy availability). We also predicted that relationships between AVP and body composition measures would differ by sex. We used the AVP area under the curve around a standardized meal to better capture repeated measures in response to food intake (that directly impacts energy availability). This also allowed to avoid the possible risk of fluctuating AVP levels due to possible pulsatile secretion.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Hematology, Leukemia / 15.06.2023
PREACH-M Trial: Humanigen Study Evaluates Lenzilumab and Azacitidine for CMML
Medical Research Interview:
[caption id="attachment_60524" align="alignleft" width="195"]
Dr. Thomas[/caption]
Dr. Daniel Thomas MD PhD FRACP FRCPA
Program Leader, Blood Cancer
Precision Medicine Theme at the South Australia Health Medical Research Institute
Clinical Hematologist, Royal Adelaide Hospital
Associate Professor, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe the condition of CMML?
Response: Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a rare, but increasingly frequent, clonal stem cell disorder that results in hyperproliferation of inflammatory monocytes, a form of white blood cells. It features both myelodysplasia and myeloproliferation. CMML is most often found in older adults and leads to anemia, decreased quality of life, and an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a cytokine that stimulates production, growth, differentiation, activation, and function of myeloid cells (monocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils). In the presence of RAS-pathway mutations, a greater sensitivity to GM-CSF contributes to the hyperproliferation of myelocytes in myelodysplastic leukemias such as CMML, juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In CMML, greater sensitivity to GM-CSF stimulates excessive monocytic precursor proliferation.
The PREACH-M Trial, which stands for PREcision Approach to CHronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia, assesses the efficacy of lenzilumab in addition to azacitidine in treatment-naïve CMML participants with RAS-pathway mutations (KRAS, NRAS, CBL) and separately high dose ascorbate in participants with TET2 mutations who do not have RAS-pathway mutations. The study is currently underway and actively enrolling. It is being conducted and funded by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).
Dr. Thomas[/caption]
Dr. Daniel Thomas MD PhD FRACP FRCPA
Program Leader, Blood Cancer
Precision Medicine Theme at the South Australia Health Medical Research Institute
Clinical Hematologist, Royal Adelaide Hospital
Associate Professor, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe the condition of CMML?
Response: Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a rare, but increasingly frequent, clonal stem cell disorder that results in hyperproliferation of inflammatory monocytes, a form of white blood cells. It features both myelodysplasia and myeloproliferation. CMML is most often found in older adults and leads to anemia, decreased quality of life, and an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a cytokine that stimulates production, growth, differentiation, activation, and function of myeloid cells (monocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils). In the presence of RAS-pathway mutations, a greater sensitivity to GM-CSF contributes to the hyperproliferation of myelocytes in myelodysplastic leukemias such as CMML, juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In CMML, greater sensitivity to GM-CSF stimulates excessive monocytic precursor proliferation.
The PREACH-M Trial, which stands for PREcision Approach to CHronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia, assesses the efficacy of lenzilumab in addition to azacitidine in treatment-naïve CMML participants with RAS-pathway mutations (KRAS, NRAS, CBL) and separately high dose ascorbate in participants with TET2 mutations who do not have RAS-pathway mutations. The study is currently underway and actively enrolling. It is being conducted and funded by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Genetic Research / 14.06.2023
ALS: Gene That Acts Like Ancient Virus May Play Role in Neurodegeneration
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60501" align="alignleft" width="150"] Dr. Whiteley[/caption]
Alexandra M Whiteley PhD
Department of Biochemistry
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: My laboratory was interested in understanding how UBQLN2 maintains cellular health. Ubiquilins facilitate protein degradation, but the precise proteins that they help to break down were not well understood. UBQLN2 is of particular interest because mutations in the UBQLN2 gene lead to a familial form of ALS.
This project, which was published in eLife this year, stems from work that was published when I was a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School, where we found a link between UBQLN2 and the virus-like protein PEG10. Now at the University of Colorado, Boulder, my laboratory has focused on trying to understand this connection between the two proteins, and how PEG10 could contribute to ALS.
Dr. Whiteley[/caption]
Alexandra M Whiteley PhD
Department of Biochemistry
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: My laboratory was interested in understanding how UBQLN2 maintains cellular health. Ubiquilins facilitate protein degradation, but the precise proteins that they help to break down were not well understood. UBQLN2 is of particular interest because mutations in the UBQLN2 gene lead to a familial form of ALS.
This project, which was published in eLife this year, stems from work that was published when I was a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School, where we found a link between UBQLN2 and the virus-like protein PEG10. Now at the University of Colorado, Boulder, my laboratory has focused on trying to understand this connection between the two proteins, and how PEG10 could contribute to ALS.
ASCO, Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer, Red Meat / 13.06.2023
Cleveland Clinic Study Suggests Diet Plays Important Role in Colon Cancer Development
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60498" align="alignleft" width="160"]
Dr. Kamath[/caption]
Dr. Suneel Kamath MD
Gastrointestinal Oncologist
Cleveland Clinic
Senior Author on this research
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Colorectal cancer rates in young people under age 50 are skyrocketing and have been for the last 3-4 decades. We really don’t understand why because most cases (probably around 70%) are not genetic or hereditary, just random, unfortunate events. We suspect that it is some exposure(s) like excess consumption of red meat, processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, excess antibiotic use altering the microbiome, rising incidence of obesity or some other factors. We really don’t know why yet.
Our study used a technology called metabolomics, the study of breakdown products and production building blocks for our bodies, to look for differences in colorectal cancer in young people versus people that are older that developed colorectal cancer. Because metabolomics measures how each individual interacts with the exposures in our environment like diet, air quality, etc., it is a way to bridge the gap between our nature (determined by genetics) and nurture (determined by our exposures).
Dr. Kamath[/caption]
Dr. Suneel Kamath MD
Gastrointestinal Oncologist
Cleveland Clinic
Senior Author on this research
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Colorectal cancer rates in young people under age 50 are skyrocketing and have been for the last 3-4 decades. We really don’t understand why because most cases (probably around 70%) are not genetic or hereditary, just random, unfortunate events. We suspect that it is some exposure(s) like excess consumption of red meat, processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, excess antibiotic use altering the microbiome, rising incidence of obesity or some other factors. We really don’t know why yet.
Our study used a technology called metabolomics, the study of breakdown products and production building blocks for our bodies, to look for differences in colorectal cancer in young people versus people that are older that developed colorectal cancer. Because metabolomics measures how each individual interacts with the exposures in our environment like diet, air quality, etc., it is a way to bridge the gap between our nature (determined by genetics) and nurture (determined by our exposures).
Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Nature, Prostate Cancer, UCSF / 12.06.2023
PSA Screening For Prostate Cancer Can Be Improved: Genetics May Help
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60494" align="alignleft" width="150"] Dr. Graff[/caption]
Rebecca E. Graff, ScD
Assistant Professor
University of California, San Francisco
Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Mission Hall: Global Health & Clinical Sciences Building
San Francisco, CA 94158
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: PSA screening for prostate cancer has long been controversial. While it does seem to reduce mortality attributable to prostate cancer, it also results in the diagnosis of many cancers that never otherwise would have presented symptomatically. In addition, PSA levels are affected by factors other than prostate tumors (e.g., age, prostatic inflammation, and genetics), such that men with high PSA values are often referred for biopsy but do not end up having cancer. We hypothesized that accounting for the genetic component of PSA could yield adjusted values that better distinguish who should get a prostate biopsy.
Dr. Graff[/caption]
Rebecca E. Graff, ScD
Assistant Professor
University of California, San Francisco
Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Mission Hall: Global Health & Clinical Sciences Building
San Francisco, CA 94158
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: PSA screening for prostate cancer has long been controversial. While it does seem to reduce mortality attributable to prostate cancer, it also results in the diagnosis of many cancers that never otherwise would have presented symptomatically. In addition, PSA levels are affected by factors other than prostate tumors (e.g., age, prostatic inflammation, and genetics), such that men with high PSA values are often referred for biopsy but do not end up having cancer. We hypothesized that accounting for the genetic component of PSA could yield adjusted values that better distinguish who should get a prostate biopsy.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact...
Author Interviews, Columbia, Rheumatology / 06.06.2023
EULAR23: Dr. Nowell Discusses Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients’ Perceptions About Multiple Required Blood Tests
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60486" align="alignleft" width="150"]
Dr. Nowell[/caption]
W. Benjamin Nowell PhD
Director of Patient-Centered Research at Global Healthy Living Foundation
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, New York
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Given that lab tests are an important part of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis and monitoring, people living with the condition want and need to understand their lab results –also known as blood work – for patient-centered shared decision making about treatment. The presentation titled, “Patient Perceptions of Rheumatoid Arthritis Blood Work and Utility of a Test Predicting Response to New Medication: A Cross-sectional Survey in the ArthritisPower,” presented at the 76th EULAR European Congress of Rheumatology (June 2, 2023 in Milan, Italy) includes results from a recent ArthritisPower survey (n=405) that asked patients to share their perceptions about RA bloodwork, reasons their doctor orders these tests, and how results are used.
Dr. Nowell[/caption]
W. Benjamin Nowell PhD
Director of Patient-Centered Research at Global Healthy Living Foundation
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, New York
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Given that lab tests are an important part of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis and monitoring, people living with the condition want and need to understand their lab results –also known as blood work – for patient-centered shared decision making about treatment. The presentation titled, “Patient Perceptions of Rheumatoid Arthritis Blood Work and Utility of a Test Predicting Response to New Medication: A Cross-sectional Survey in the ArthritisPower,” presented at the 76th EULAR European Congress of Rheumatology (June 2, 2023 in Milan, Italy) includes results from a recent ArthritisPower survey (n=405) that asked patients to share their perceptions about RA bloodwork, reasons their doctor orders these tests, and how results are used.
Author Interviews / 06.06.2023
From Results to Recovery: This Is What To Expect From Breast Augmentation
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact...
ASCO, Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Genetic Research, JAMA, Race/Ethnic Diversity, Stanford / 06.06.2023
Potentially Lifesaving Genetic Testing After Cancer Diagnosis Underutilized
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60473" align="alignleft" width="200"] Dr. Kurian[/caption]
Allison W. Kurian, M.D., M.Sc.
Professor of Medicine and of Epidemiology and Population Health
Associate Chief, Division of Oncology
Co-Leader, Population Sciences Program, Stanford Cancer Institute
Director, Women’s Clinical Cancer Genetics Program
Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford, CA 94305-5405
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What types of cancers were in the study?
Response: Genetic testing for cancer risk is increasingly important after a cancer diagnosis, to inform use of targeted therapies, secondary cancer prevention approaches and cascade genetic testing of family members. However, very little is known about how genetic testing is used after a cancer diagnosis at the population level. We leveraged a very large population-based data resource, the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) cancer registries of the states of California and Georgia, and linked data from these registries to clinical genetic testing results provided by the four major laboratories that provide such testing. We used this linked registry-genetic testing dataset to study adults (age >=20 years) diagnosed with all types of cancer in the states of Georgia and California from 2013-2019.
Dr. Kurian[/caption]
Allison W. Kurian, M.D., M.Sc.
Professor of Medicine and of Epidemiology and Population Health
Associate Chief, Division of Oncology
Co-Leader, Population Sciences Program, Stanford Cancer Institute
Director, Women’s Clinical Cancer Genetics Program
Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford, CA 94305-5405
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What types of cancers were in the study?
Response: Genetic testing for cancer risk is increasingly important after a cancer diagnosis, to inform use of targeted therapies, secondary cancer prevention approaches and cascade genetic testing of family members. However, very little is known about how genetic testing is used after a cancer diagnosis at the population level. We leveraged a very large population-based data resource, the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) cancer registries of the states of California and Georgia, and linked data from these registries to clinical genetic testing results provided by the four major laboratories that provide such testing. We used this linked registry-genetic testing dataset to study adults (age >=20 years) diagnosed with all types of cancer in the states of Georgia and California from 2013-2019.
ASCO, Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Lung Cancer, University of Pennsylvania / 05.06.2023
Penn Study Addresses Duration of Immunotherapy After Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60476" align="alignleft" width="149"]
Dr. Lova Sun[/caption]
Lova L. Sun, MD, MSCE
Medical Oncology
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: An common clinical question for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with long-term response to immunotherapy-based treatment is how long to continue treatment. The major clinical trials stopped immunotherapy at a maximum of 2 years, but in clinical practice many patients and clinicians continue treatment beyond this time point.
We conducted a retrospective study of lung cancer patients across the US with long-term response to immunotherapy, to compare survival between those who stopped treatment at 2 years vs those who continued beyond 2 years. We found that there was no statistically significant difference in survival between the two groups.
Dr. Lova Sun[/caption]
Lova L. Sun, MD, MSCE
Medical Oncology
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: An common clinical question for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with long-term response to immunotherapy-based treatment is how long to continue treatment. The major clinical trials stopped immunotherapy at a maximum of 2 years, but in clinical practice many patients and clinicians continue treatment beyond this time point.
We conducted a retrospective study of lung cancer patients across the US with long-term response to immunotherapy, to compare survival between those who stopped treatment at 2 years vs those who continued beyond 2 years. We found that there was no statistically significant difference in survival between the two groups.
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Biomarkers, University of Pittsburgh / 31.05.2023
Pittsburgh Researchers Find Biomarker To Identify Alzheimer’s Risk in Unimpaired Individuals
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60470" align="alignleft" width="150"] Dr. Bellaver[/caption]
Bruna Bellaver PhD
Postdoctoral associate Department of Psychiatry
University of Pittsburgh
Tharick Pascoal, MD, Ph.D.
Neurologist and assistant professor of Neurology and Psychiatry
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition is considered one of the markers of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in the brain. The sequential order of this cascade includes the development of tau pathology and consequent cognitive decline.
However, many people with Aβ deposition in the brain do not progress in the disease, suggesting that other biological processes are playing a role in these pathological events. In vitro evidence suggests that reactive astrocytes unleash Aβ effects in pathological tau phosphorylation.
We found that, in cognitively healthy individuals, Aβ is associated with tau pathology only in individuals with increased astrocyte reactivity.
Dr. Bellaver[/caption]
Bruna Bellaver PhD
Postdoctoral associate Department of Psychiatry
University of Pittsburgh
Tharick Pascoal, MD, Ph.D.
Neurologist and assistant professor of Neurology and Psychiatry
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition is considered one of the markers of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in the brain. The sequential order of this cascade includes the development of tau pathology and consequent cognitive decline.
However, many people with Aβ deposition in the brain do not progress in the disease, suggesting that other biological processes are playing a role in these pathological events. In vitro evidence suggests that reactive astrocytes unleash Aβ effects in pathological tau phosphorylation.
We found that, in cognitively healthy individuals, Aβ is associated with tau pathology only in individuals with increased astrocyte reactivity.
Author Interviews, Lifestyle & Health, Mental Health Research, Sleep Disorders / 30.05.2023
Early Birds More Likely to Be Conscientious, Religious and Satisfied with Life
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60433" align="alignleft" width="150"]
Joanna Gorgol[/caption]
Joanna Gorgol
PhD Student
University of Warsaw
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: People differ in the time when they prefer to wake up and fall asleep: some people prefer going to bed and waking up early, while others prefer later hours. Most of the population is somewhere between them. Research indicates that being a morning person is related to reporting higher satisfaction with life and conscientiousness. Studies also show the associations between being religious and having higher life satisfaction and conscientiousness. It seems that religiosity might mediate the relationship between morningness and higher life satisfaction. To better understand these associations we conducted two questionnaire-based studies of Polish adults, one with 500 participants and the other with 728 participants. All participants completed questionnaires measuring their chronotype, satisfaction with life, personality traits, and religiosity
Joanna Gorgol[/caption]
Joanna Gorgol
PhD Student
University of Warsaw
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: People differ in the time when they prefer to wake up and fall asleep: some people prefer going to bed and waking up early, while others prefer later hours. Most of the population is somewhere between them. Research indicates that being a morning person is related to reporting higher satisfaction with life and conscientiousness. Studies also show the associations between being religious and having higher life satisfaction and conscientiousness. It seems that religiosity might mediate the relationship between morningness and higher life satisfaction. To better understand these associations we conducted two questionnaire-based studies of Polish adults, one with 500 participants and the other with 728 participants. All participants completed questionnaires measuring their chronotype, satisfaction with life, personality traits, and religiosity
Anemia, Author Interviews, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, NEJM / 30.05.2023
Diabetes Medication Dapagliflozin Evaluated for Effect on Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Prof. Hiddo Lambers Heerspink, PhD PHARMD
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology
University Medical Center Groningen
Groningen
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Lifestyle & Health, Nutrition, Vegetarians / 30.05.2023
Brigham Study Suggests Multivitamins May Help Protect Cognitive Function in Adults
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60452" align="alignleft" width="150"]
Dr. Manson[/caption]
JoAnn E. Manson, MD, DrPH, MACP
Chief, Division of Preventive Medicine
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Professor of Medicine and the
Michael and Lee Bell Professor of Women's Health
Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Any particular types of vitamins, ie with/without iron etc?
Response: Preserving memory and cognitive health is a high priority for most mid-life and older adults. However, few strategies have been rigorously tested in randomized clinical trials and shown to have cognitive benefits. Nutritional approaches hold promise because the brain requires several nutrients for optimal health, and deficiencies in one or more of these nutrients may lead to accelerated memory loss and cognitive decline. The COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), a large-scale nation-wide randomized trial of multivitamins and cocoa flavanols had recently reported that multivitamins slowed global cognitive decline and memory loss (in COSMOS-Mind). The current study was a 2nd parallel trial, a collaboration between Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Columbia University, looking at a web-based assessment of the role of a standard multivitamin and of cocoa flavanols in slowing age-related memory loss. The report in AJCN is on the multivitamin-cognition findings. The multivitamin tested was Centrum silver for adults (without iron).
Dr. Manson[/caption]
JoAnn E. Manson, MD, DrPH, MACP
Chief, Division of Preventive Medicine
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Professor of Medicine and the
Michael and Lee Bell Professor of Women's Health
Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Any particular types of vitamins, ie with/without iron etc?
Response: Preserving memory and cognitive health is a high priority for most mid-life and older adults. However, few strategies have been rigorously tested in randomized clinical trials and shown to have cognitive benefits. Nutritional approaches hold promise because the brain requires several nutrients for optimal health, and deficiencies in one or more of these nutrients may lead to accelerated memory loss and cognitive decline. The COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), a large-scale nation-wide randomized trial of multivitamins and cocoa flavanols had recently reported that multivitamins slowed global cognitive decline and memory loss (in COSMOS-Mind). The current study was a 2nd parallel trial, a collaboration between Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Columbia University, looking at a web-based assessment of the role of a standard multivitamin and of cocoa flavanols in slowing age-related memory loss. The report in AJCN is on the multivitamin-cognition findings. The multivitamin tested was Centrum silver for adults (without iron).
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60456" align="alignleft" width="150"]
Dr. Lovestead[/caption]
Tara M Lovestead, PhD, (She/her/hers)
Group Leader | Fluid Characterization Group
Applied Chemicals and Materials Division
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: In 2012, when cannabis was decriminalized for adult recreational and medical use in Colorado, I started thinking about how a cannabis breathalyzer could work. I knew that an alcohol breathalyzer model would be pursued for a field sobriety test, but also knew that THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, was a completely different animal, chemically speaking, than ethanol, the intoxicant in alcohol. I began by measuring the vapor pressure of THC and determined that it is a million times less volatile than ethanol. This is why the main strategy for measuring THC in breath is based on collecting breath aerosols with filters (ethanol is measured as a vapor in breath and does not need to be “collected”). My colleague, Dr. Kavita Jeerage and I began working together to design a study using a simple device that samples breath aerosols that hadn’t been used before. We designed this as a small study to piggyback on a larger study with our collaborator Prof. Cinnamon Bidwell at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Bidwell’s experience studying the effects of legal market cannabis product use on psychology and behavior was leveraged to launch the pilot study.
Dr. Lovestead[/caption]
Tara M Lovestead, PhD, (She/her/hers)
Group Leader | Fluid Characterization Group
Applied Chemicals and Materials Division
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: In 2012, when cannabis was decriminalized for adult recreational and medical use in Colorado, I started thinking about how a cannabis breathalyzer could work. I knew that an alcohol breathalyzer model would be pursued for a field sobriety test, but also knew that THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, was a completely different animal, chemically speaking, than ethanol, the intoxicant in alcohol. I began by measuring the vapor pressure of THC and determined that it is a million times less volatile than ethanol. This is why the main strategy for measuring THC in breath is based on collecting breath aerosols with filters (ethanol is measured as a vapor in breath and does not need to be “collected”). My colleague, Dr. Kavita Jeerage and I began working together to design a study using a simple device that samples breath aerosols that hadn’t been used before. We designed this as a small study to piggyback on a larger study with our collaborator Prof. Cinnamon Bidwell at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Bidwell’s experience studying the effects of legal market cannabis product use on psychology and behavior was leveraged to launch the pilot study.
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Biomarkers, JAMA, MRI / 22.05.2023
Alzheimer’s Disease: Study Finds tau-PET Imaging Increases Diagnostic Accuracy
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60448" align="alignleft" width="128"] Dr. Smith[/caption]
Ruben Smith MD, PhD
Associate professor at Clinical Memory Research
Division of Neurology
Lund University
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Since a few years it has become possible to visualize tau pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) using positron emission tomography (PET). The tau-PET radiotracer Flortaucipir (Tauvid) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as an AD diagnostic tool. Since PET imaging is costly and exposes the patient to radioactivity we wanted to study the added clinical value of tau-PET in the diagnostic work-up of patients with cognitive symptoms, before widespread implementation in clinical practice.
Dr. Smith[/caption]
Ruben Smith MD, PhD
Associate professor at Clinical Memory Research
Division of Neurology
Lund University
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Since a few years it has become possible to visualize tau pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) using positron emission tomography (PET). The tau-PET radiotracer Flortaucipir (Tauvid) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as an AD diagnostic tool. Since PET imaging is costly and exposes the patient to radioactivity we wanted to study the added clinical value of tau-PET in the diagnostic work-up of patients with cognitive symptoms, before widespread implementation in clinical practice.
Author Interviews, Heart Disease, JACC, Surgical Research / 22.05.2023
Novel Coating on Investigational WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro device May Reduce Risk of Embolism
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60443" align="alignleft" width="125"]
Dr. Finn[/caption]
Aloke V. Finn MD
Medical Director/Chief Scientific Officer
CVPath Institute Inc.
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response:Transcatheter left atrial appendageal closure (LAAC) has become an established therapeutic approach for prevention of stroke in subjects with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who are ineligible for long-term oral anticoagulation. Device-related thrombus (DRT), developing after LAAO procedures occurs in a small proportion but patients receiving these devices but is associated with critical embolic events such as ischemic stroke. Thrombogenicity and delayed endothelialization of fabric play a role in the development of DRT. Fluorinated polymers are known to have thromboresistant properties which may favorably modify blood biomaterial interactions of a LAAO device.
In this study we compared the thrombogenicity and endothelial coverage (EC) after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) between a novel fluoropolymer-coated Watchman (FP-WM (Watchman FLX PRO) and the conventional uncoated Watchman FLX (WM).
Dr. Finn[/caption]
Aloke V. Finn MD
Medical Director/Chief Scientific Officer
CVPath Institute Inc.
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response:Transcatheter left atrial appendageal closure (LAAC) has become an established therapeutic approach for prevention of stroke in subjects with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who are ineligible for long-term oral anticoagulation. Device-related thrombus (DRT), developing after LAAO procedures occurs in a small proportion but patients receiving these devices but is associated with critical embolic events such as ischemic stroke. Thrombogenicity and delayed endothelialization of fabric play a role in the development of DRT. Fluorinated polymers are known to have thromboresistant properties which may favorably modify blood biomaterial interactions of a LAAO device.
In this study we compared the thrombogenicity and endothelial coverage (EC) after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) between a novel fluoropolymer-coated Watchman (FP-WM (Watchman FLX PRO) and the conventional uncoated Watchman FLX (WM).
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Cost of Health Care, JAMA, UCLA / 20.05.2023
New Alzheimer Drug Lecanemab and its Ancillary Services Could Cost Medicare up to 5 billion Annually
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60418" align="alignleft" width="100"]
Julia Cave Arbanas[/caption]
Julia Cave Arbanas
Project Manager and
John N. Mafi, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Medicine
General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What is lecanemab used for and how well does it work?
Response: Lecanemab is a treatment for mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia that was approved in January 2023 as part of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) accelerated approval program. The results from a recent phase 3 clinical trial show a modest clinical benefit: the rate of cognitive decline by 27% in an 18-month study involving participants experiencing the early stage of Alzheimer’s, with an 0.45-point absolute difference in cognitive testing scores. However, due to the risk of brain swelling and bleeding (also known as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities), treatment with lecanemab involves frequent MRIs and neurology or geriatrics appointments to monitor for these abnormalities, which can be life threatening. So far, three patient deaths have potentially been tied to lecanemab.
It is likely that the FDA will grant is lecanemab traditional approval later this year, prompting Medicare to reconsider its current coverage restrictions and potentially enabling widespread use.
Julia Cave Arbanas[/caption]
Julia Cave Arbanas
Project Manager and
John N. Mafi, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Medicine
General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What is lecanemab used for and how well does it work?
Response: Lecanemab is a treatment for mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia that was approved in January 2023 as part of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) accelerated approval program. The results from a recent phase 3 clinical trial show a modest clinical benefit: the rate of cognitive decline by 27% in an 18-month study involving participants experiencing the early stage of Alzheimer’s, with an 0.45-point absolute difference in cognitive testing scores. However, due to the risk of brain swelling and bleeding (also known as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities), treatment with lecanemab involves frequent MRIs and neurology or geriatrics appointments to monitor for these abnormalities, which can be life threatening. So far, three patient deaths have potentially been tied to lecanemab.
It is likely that the FDA will grant is lecanemab traditional approval later this year, prompting Medicare to reconsider its current coverage restrictions and potentially enabling widespread use.
Author Interviews, Dermatology, Eli Lilly, Immunotherapy / 18.05.2023
Lilly: Novel Monoclonal Antibody Shows Promise in Hard to Treat Facial and Hand Atopic Dermatitis
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60437" align="alignleft" width="200"] Dr. Mallbris[/caption]
Lotus Mallbris, MD PhD
Dermatologist andSenior Vice President
Global Immunology Development and Medical Affairs
Lilly
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe what is meant by atopic dermatitis and types treated in this study?
Response: First, this study specifically evaluated lebrikizumab, a novel, investigational, monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to interleukin 13 (IL-13) with high-affinity and high potency. Inflammation due to over-activation of the IL-13 pathway plays a central role in the pathogenesis of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, commonly called eczema.
This secondary analysis focused on patients treated with lebrikizumab from the 16-week induction periods of the ADvocate 1 and ADvocate 2 studies and the ADhere study. In the trials, we assessed the presence or absence of face or hand dermatitis in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. If present at baseline, at 16 weeks, clinicians assessed the change from baseline on a scale of cleared, improved, no change, or worsened. Only patients with face and hand dermatitis were evaluated as part of the analysis.
Dr. Mallbris[/caption]
Lotus Mallbris, MD PhD
Dermatologist andSenior Vice President
Global Immunology Development and Medical Affairs
Lilly
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe what is meant by atopic dermatitis and types treated in this study?
Response: First, this study specifically evaluated lebrikizumab, a novel, investigational, monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to interleukin 13 (IL-13) with high-affinity and high potency. Inflammation due to over-activation of the IL-13 pathway plays a central role in the pathogenesis of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, commonly called eczema.
This secondary analysis focused on patients treated with lebrikizumab from the 16-week induction periods of the ADvocate 1 and ADvocate 2 studies and the ADhere study. In the trials, we assessed the presence or absence of face or hand dermatitis in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. If present at baseline, at 16 weeks, clinicians assessed the change from baseline on a scale of cleared, improved, no change, or worsened. Only patients with face and hand dermatitis were evaluated as part of the analysis.
Author Interviews, Gastrointestinal Disease, Immunotherapy / 17.05.2023
Ulcerative Colitis: Lilly Reports Clinically Meaningful Response with Mirikizumab in Phase Two Study
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60430" align="alignleft" width="200"]
Prof. Dubinsky[/caption]
Marla Dubinsky, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine
Co-director of the Susan and Leonard Feinstein IBD Clinical Center
Chief of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? How does MIRIKIZUMAB differ from other medications for UC?
Response: This is a phase 2 study to assess the PK (pharamcokinetics), safety and efficacy of mirikizumab in pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC).
Mirikizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to the p19 subunit of interleukin-23, a key inflammatory mediator in inflammatory bowel disease.
Prof. Dubinsky[/caption]
Marla Dubinsky, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine
Co-director of the Susan and Leonard Feinstein IBD Clinical Center
Chief of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? How does MIRIKIZUMAB differ from other medications for UC?
Response: This is a phase 2 study to assess the PK (pharamcokinetics), safety and efficacy of mirikizumab in pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC).
Mirikizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to the p19 subunit of interleukin-23, a key inflammatory mediator in inflammatory bowel disease.
Author Interviews, Dermatology, JAMA / 15.05.2023
JAMA Dermatology Study Evaluates Nonsteroidal Roflumilast Foam for Seborrheic Dermatitis
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60425" align="alignleft" width="151"]
Dr. Zirwas[/caption]
Matthew Zirwas, MD
Founder, Bexley Dermatology Research Clinic
Bexley, OH 43209
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? How does Roflumilast differ from other treatments for seb derm?
Response: Seborrheic dermatitis affects up to 5% of the population globally and can have major impacts on quality of life. Treatment regimens are often complicated given the association of seborrheic dermatitis to hair bearing areas of the body, requiring multiple treatments for different parts of the body. Our phase 2 study aimed to understand the efficacy and safety of once-daily roflumilast foam 0.3% in adults with seborrheic dermatitis on their scalp, face and trunk. Roflumilast foam is a selective and highly potent phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibition that is being studied for a range of inflammatory skin conditions.
Dr. Zirwas[/caption]
Matthew Zirwas, MD
Founder, Bexley Dermatology Research Clinic
Bexley, OH 43209
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? How does Roflumilast differ from other treatments for seb derm?
Response: Seborrheic dermatitis affects up to 5% of the population globally and can have major impacts on quality of life. Treatment regimens are often complicated given the association of seborrheic dermatitis to hair bearing areas of the body, requiring multiple treatments for different parts of the body. Our phase 2 study aimed to understand the efficacy and safety of once-daily roflumilast foam 0.3% in adults with seborrheic dermatitis on their scalp, face and trunk. Roflumilast foam is a selective and highly potent phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibition that is being studied for a range of inflammatory skin conditions.
Allergies, Author Interviews, Pediatrics / 10.05.2023
NEJM: Viaskin Patch Shows Promising Results for Toddlers with Peanut Allergy
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_60414" align="alignleft" width="162"]
Dr. Greenhawt[/caption]
Matthew Greenhawt, MD, MBA, MSc
Professor of Pediatrics
Section of Allergy and Immunology
Director, Food Challenge and Research Unit
Children’s Hospital Colorado
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, CO 80045
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Is the incidence of peanut allergy in toddlers stabilizing with the earlier introduction of peanuts?
Response: There exists an urgent unmet medical need for infants and toddlers living with peanut allergy. Peanut allergy affects approximately 2% of U.S. children and has been a growing public health problem over the past 20 years. In fact, the number of kids affected by peanut allergy has tripled in that time span. Peanut allergy is not likely to be naturally outgrown, and reactions can be severe.
However, there is hope. There is growing evidence that the allergic immune system is more modifiable early in life. The EPITOPE study evaluated Viaskin Peanut in children ages 1 – 3 years of age. Viaskin Peanut is an investigational epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) product, which uses the skin as a route to desensitize a patient to be less reactive to peanut. This is a daily therapy, worn between the shoulders on the back, which allows for non-oral peanut desensitization, which many parents find highly appealing.
Dr. Greenhawt[/caption]
Matthew Greenhawt, MD, MBA, MSc
Professor of Pediatrics
Section of Allergy and Immunology
Director, Food Challenge and Research Unit
Children’s Hospital Colorado
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, CO 80045
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Is the incidence of peanut allergy in toddlers stabilizing with the earlier introduction of peanuts?
Response: There exists an urgent unmet medical need for infants and toddlers living with peanut allergy. Peanut allergy affects approximately 2% of U.S. children and has been a growing public health problem over the past 20 years. In fact, the number of kids affected by peanut allergy has tripled in that time span. Peanut allergy is not likely to be naturally outgrown, and reactions can be severe.
However, there is hope. There is growing evidence that the allergic immune system is more modifiable early in life. The EPITOPE study evaluated Viaskin Peanut in children ages 1 – 3 years of age. Viaskin Peanut is an investigational epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) product, which uses the skin as a route to desensitize a patient to be less reactive to peanut. This is a daily therapy, worn between the shoulders on the back, which allows for non-oral peanut desensitization, which many parents find highly appealing.