AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY

Sarah Psutka discusses the expanded access program for cretostimogene in BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer, highlighting its 74% complete response rate and strong durability. The EAP aims to gather real-world data from diverse patient populations, addressing access issues and collecting prospective data on safety, efficacy, and patient-reported outcomes.

FDA approved Scemblix for newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia, based on ASC4FIRST trial showing 68% major molecular response rate at 48 weeks vs. 49% with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Common side effects include rash, musculoskeletal pain, and upper respiratory tract infection.

Ms June, 62, with severe, recurrent MDD, inquires about rTMS efficacy. Studies show 40% pooled response in trials, 31% in clinical settings. A recent analysis identified rapid responders by week 2. Winninge et al found early improvements in initiative, emotional involvement, and overall MADRS-S score predict rTMS response, with longer depressive episodes and previous ECT linked to lower odds of response. Clinical factors and early symptom improvements are key predictors for rTMS efficacy in depression.

Dr. Asunción Hervás presents the HYPORT-ES trial results, showing low acute and late GI/GU toxicity and 93% biochemical control at 3 years with moderate hypofractionation (62.5 Gy in 25 fractions) in prostate cancer postoperative radiotherapy. The study suggests this approach may have lower toxicity than conventional fractionation, potentially becoming a standard of care, though longer-term data is needed.

Cell lines, reagents, and in vitro studies were conducted to assess cytotoxicity and proliferation of cells treated with Minnelide. Protein modeling and ligand preparation were performed using specific software and force fields. Mouse tumor implantation and flow cytometry were used to analyze immune profiling and immune cell markers. RT-PCR and Western Blot analysis were employed to measure gene expression and protein levels, respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism.

Nicholas James and Minal Padden-Modi discuss the STAMPEDE2 trial Arm P, which tests upfront accelerated lutetium-PSMA-617 in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. The trial randomizes patients to standard of care with or without lutetium-PSMA-617, aiming to recruit 1,756 patients internationally with dual primary endpoints of radiographic progression-free survival and overall survival. An imaging sub-study evaluates treatment effects using whole-body MRI and PSMA PET CT, focusing on dosimetry and potential biomarkers.

Scientists at Augusta University's Medical College seek a new diabetic retinopathy treatment, focusing on Interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling, funded by a $1.5 million grant from the National Eye Institute. They aim to selectively inhibit IL-6 trans-signaling to balance protective and damaging proteins in the retina, potentially restoring retinal health.

Sepsis survivors face high risk of re-hospitalization within 30 days, with 23.6% of 7,107 U.S. adults readmitted due to recurrent infection, highlighting the need for improved post-discharge care.