Acyclovir

Herpes simplex 1 and 2, which cause cold sores, remain incurable and can reactivate due to stress. Antiviral medications can manage outbreaks but not eliminate the virus. Researchers are exploring vaccines and gene therapy for prevention and treatment, with some promising early-stage trials.

HSV polymerase mutations confer resistance to antivirals acyclovir and foscarnet, affecting enzyme movement rather than drug binding. Cryo-EM reveals these mutations make polymerase fingers more dynamic, aiding viral evasion. Future drugs targeting static polymerase conformations may combat resistance.

The FDA's November 2024 approval of obecabtagene autoleucel (obe-cel) for relapsed/refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) adds to existing CAR T-cell therapies, offering a potentially safer profile. Experts discuss the differences in costimulatory domains and persistence of CAR T-cells, highlighting obe-cel's faster off-rate and reduced toxicity. Long-term survival data from ZUMA-3 and FELIX studies show promising outcomes, with obe-cel demonstrating high CR/CRi rates and manageable safety profiles. Challenges in access, AE management, and supportive care are also addressed, emphasizing the need for specialized centers and close monitoring.

A study assessed brivudine's efficacy and safety for herpes zoster (HZ), finding it more effective with shorter recovery times and better prevention of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) compared to acyclovir and valaciclovir, without increased adverse reactions. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Machine learning models predict Bell's palsy recovery outcomes, with logistic regression showing highest AUC for 3-month (0.751) and 9-month (0.720) recovery. Age and Prednisolone administration are key predictors, emphasizing age's critical role in recovery. This study highlights machine learning's potential in enhancing prognostic predictions for Bell's palsy treatment outcomes.

CancerNetwork's Satellite Sessions panel discussed advancements in NSCLC treatment, focusing on the TROPION-LUNG01 study evaluating Dato-DXd in nonsquamous NSCLC. The panel debated Dato-DXd's efficacy, safety, and potential FDA approval, emphasizing the need for managing treatment-related toxicities, particularly stomatitis and ocular events. The discussion also highlighted the unmet needs for patients without actionable genomic alterations and the importance of multidisciplinary care in managing ILD.