University Of Pittsburgh

NIH researchers developed TrialGPT, an AI algorithm to match potential volunteers to clinical trials on ClinicalTrials.gov. TrialGPT processes patient summaries to identify and explain eligibility for relevant trials, reducing clinician screening time by 40% while maintaining accuracy. The tool aims to improve clinical trial enrollment and accelerate medical research.

At the SDPA Fall Dermatology Conference, Dr. Matthew Zirwas discussed emerging allergens like sulfites and persulfates, the underdiagnosed dietary nickel, and the lack of outcome studies in contact dermatitis. He highlighted oral roflumilast as a breakthrough treatment for various dermatoses, including psoriasis and eczema.

U.S. overdose deaths declined for the second year in a row, dropping from 113,000 to 97,000 in the 12 months ending June 30, 2024, according to CDC provisional data. Experts attribute the decrease to increased availability of naloxone and addiction treatments, and a possible post-pandemic effect.

Research from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center shows that blocking the protein MCT11, which transports lactic acid into T cells, can rejuvenate exhausted T cells, improving tumor control in mouse models of cancer. This approach, combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, could enhance the efficacy of existing immunotherapies.

Pembrolizumab added to standard care for advanced limb soft tissue sarcoma significantly improved disease-free survival in the SU2C-SARC032 trial, led by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, Duke University, and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, published in The Lancet.

Preliminary results from a Phase I trial combining pembrolizumab and denileukin diftitox-cxdl in recurrent solid tumors show positive safety and efficacy, with 27% ORR and 33% clinical benefit rate. The regimen aims to optimize doses and explore its impact on the tumor immune microenvironment.

Phase I trial combining pembrolizumab and LYMPHIR in recurrent solid tumors shows 27% ORR and 33% CBR with median PFS of 57 weeks; regimen well-tolerated with no serious immune-related adverse events.

Citius Pharmaceuticals and Citius Oncology report promising Phase I trial results combining pembrolizumab and LYMPHIR in recurrent solid tumors, showing 27% ORR and 33% clinical benefit rate. The regimen aims to optimize the tumor immune microenvironment without triggering autoimmune responses.

Mass spectrometry and machine learning predict cancer survival and platinum therapy resistance in gynecologic malignancies, with potential for broader oncology applications. A study of 47 patients found metabolic signatures could identify high-risk patients, with an AUC of 0.933 and sensitivity of 92.0%. Challenges include validation and practical application, though blood-based metabolomics offers a minimally invasive, cost-effective screening option.