Study points to promising chemoimmunotherapy strategy for aggressive stage III non-small cell lung cancer
A recent study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute revealed that combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy pre-surgery is effective for aggressive stage III non-small cell lung cancer deemed hard to operate on. Published in JAMA Oncology, the multicenter observational study involved 112 patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy across the U.S. and Italy. Results showed 75% of patients could undergo surgery, with 1 in 3 achieving complete tumor clearance. Enhanced progression-free survival was seen, especially in those with complete tumor clearance and high PD-L1 levels. However, patients with specific mutations did not benefit. Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy offers potential for select stage III patients, warranting further investigation.
Evidence lacking for new neurosteroid drugs in treating postnatal depression
Postnatal depression is commonly treated with antidepressants, yet their efficacy is limited. This Cochrane review by King’s College London evaluated six U.S. trials involving neurosteroid GABAA modulators for postnatal depression. Intravenous Brexanolone and Ganaxolone showed no significant improvement over placebo, while orally administered Zuranolone decreased symptoms but led to drowsiness. Despite potential benefits, insufficient evidence exists to recommend these drugs over standard antidepressants. Trial comparisons and safety data for breastfeeding women are lacking. Further research is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of these agents, particularly in comparison to established treatments.
Urine-based tumor DNA test may help personalize bladder cancer treatment
In a recent study published in European Urology, researchers found that urine-based tumor DNA (utDNA) testing can predict bladder cancer recurrence risk following atezolizumab treatment. By analyzing utDNA using the UroAmp test, they identified patients more likely to respond to immunotherapy. This approach, led by Professor Robert Svatek, offers personalized treatment and timely intervention, avoiding unnecessary delays and major surgery. The study focused on non–muscle invasive bladder cancer, a common condition in the US with limited treatment options. Early utDNA assessment can guide tailored care, reducing the reliance on invasive procedures. This advance provides hope for high-risk bladder cancer patients seeking effective and personalized treatment options.
Majority of Medicaid managed care plans cover opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone, but access barriers remain
The study by Boston University examines Medicaid managed care plans’ coverage of naloxone across the U.S., showing that most plans in 40 states and Washington, DC include at least one form of the drug. Despite this coverage, access barriers such as restrictions and quantity limits persist, hindering individuals from obtaining this life-saving medication. The researchers emphasize the importance of insurance coverage in reducing the cost barrier for accessing naloxone, especially for the low-income Medicaid population disproportionately affected by opioid overdoses. The findings underscore the need for further research to evaluate the impact of Medicaid coverage on recipients’ health and advocate for reducing restrictions to facilitate naloxone access.
How a faulty transport protein in the brain can trigger severe epilepsy
A faulty transport protein, SLC13A5, crucial for citrate metabolism in neurons, has been linked to severe epilepsy. Findings from CeMM’s research advance understanding of this protein in epilepsy, revealing its role in citrate transport. Mutations in SLC13A5 lead to developmental epilepsy. Experimental analysis of nearly 10,000 mutations identified key functional changes, shedding light on disease mechanisms. This research aids in identifying disease-causing variants and understanding genetic diversity’s impact on health. The study underscores the importance of investigating genetic variants in rare diseases, offering insights for epilepsy treatment. Further research is warranted for clinical application.
The brain’s decision-making process involves creating associations between stimuli, even seemingly unrelated ones. Research from the Hospital del Mar Research Institute reveals insights into this mechanism, particularly the role of the amygdala. By studying mice, the team found that the amygdala activated when linking olfactory and taste stimuli, forming indirect associations crucial for decision-making. Understanding these brain circuits could aid in treating mental disorders like PTSD and psychosis. Inhibiting amygdala activity hindered indirect associations in mice. The study sheds light on human decision-making processes, potentially guiding therapeutic strategies for related mental health conditions. (Word count: 100)
ADA: Insulin efsitora noninferior to glargine for reducing HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes
A 52-week trial revealed that once-weekly insulin efsitora is noninferior to daily insulin glargine in reducing HbA1c in insulin-naive adults with type 2 diabetes. No superiority was found, with similar glycemic control efficacy between the two treatments. Efsitora demonstrated lower rates of clinically significant hypoglycemia compared to glargine, with a lower total weekly insulin dose. Authors disclosed affiliations with pharmaceutical companies funding the study. The findings support efsitora’s effectiveness in glycemic control without increasing therapeutic burden. Further studies may elucidate long-term outcomes and patient adherence in clinical practice.
Source: medicalxpress.com