University Of Pittsburgh

Citius Pharmaceuticals and Citius Oncology announce preliminary results from a Phase I trial combining pembrolizumab and LYMPHIR in recurrent solid tumors, showing a 27% Objective Response Rate and 33% Clinical Benefit Rate with a median Progression Free Survival of 57 weeks. The chemotherapy-free regimen is well-tolerated with no serious immune-related adverse events.

University of Pittsburgh and UPMC are enhancing clinical research with new Clinical Trials Office (CTO) and Clinical Research Operations (CRO), aiming to streamline workflows, optimize efficiency, and attract top research talent. The OnCore Clinical Trials Management System supports these efforts, with training sessions and a town hall event scheduled for December 2024.

Ms Anderson, a 36-year-old with a history of major depressive disorder and recurrent pregnancy losses, experienced a stillbirth at 34 weeks, leading to increased anxiety and sadness. Perinatal loss is common, affecting 15% of pregnancies, with disparities among racial and ethnic groups. Psychiatric sequelae include grief, postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Treatment strategies involve nonpharmacologic approaches like support groups and psychotherapy, with pharmacologic options considered for severe cases.

Christopher Hughes, Ph.D., joined NCMRR in 2024 as a scientific program analyst, focusing on neurotechnologies for rehabilitation. Previously, he was an NIH BRAIN Initiative postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pittsburgh, researching brain stimulation for sensory restoration. Hughes holds a B.S. in neuroscience and a Ph.D. in bioengineering, with notable publications on brain-computer interfaces and neural stimulation.

New guidelines for AI use in brain cancer diagnosis and treatment ensure reliable clinical trial results and patient protection, addressing variability in radiologist interpretations and promoting objective AI analysis of tumor images.

A phase II clinical trial combining vidutolimod (TLR9 agonist) and nivolumab (PD-1 inhibitor) in high-risk stage III melanoma patients pre-surgery showed a 55% response rate, with 88% two-year recurrence-free survival and 94% metastasis-free survival in high responders. Published in Cancer Cell, the study led by Diwakar Davar suggests vidu's ability to enrich tumor-infiltrating plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and myeloid cells, enhancing T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity.

Pitt scientists validated a clinical lab test measuring over 100 genetic sequences linked to Alzheimer’s, potentially replacing spinal taps for diagnosis. The test, using the NULISAseq CNS Disease Panel 120, analyzes blood for biomarkers like pTau, GFAP, and NEFL, offering a comprehensive view of Alzheimer’s pathology and early diagnostics.

Cure Parkinson’s funds pre-clinical study of CP-6, a drug by Creegh Pharmaceuticals, to assess its neuroprotective effects on dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s. CP-6, a synthetic fatty acid, may reduce inflammation and activate cell repair systems, with potential for future clinical trials.

Menopausal women with frequent hot flashes and night sweats have a 50% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a study in JAMA Network Open. Researchers suggest more study is needed to understand the connection between these symptoms and health risks.