Mcmaster University

Women with concussion history have 25% higher risk of severe mental health issues postpartum, per Canadian study. Published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, the research highlights concussion as an overlooked risk factor, especially for women with no prior mental health history.

New data from CLEAR SYNERGY (OASIS 9) trial shows no reduction in cardiovascular outcomes with colchicine, and a side effect of diarrhea. Interventional cardiologists, including Sanjit S. Jolly and Ajay Kirtane, are reconsidering its use in AMI patients.

NHKI researchers shared expertise at international healthcare conferences, including a platform trial meeting in Dublin and the ESICM Congress in Barcelona, highlighting their commitment to global health research equity.

Experts recommend steps to remove barriers in cardiovascular clinical trials, aiming for representative research results. Despite efforts, trials underrepresent children, older adults, females, and ethnic minorities. The paper, published in Nature Medicine, suggests changes across trial management, including recruitment, eligibility criteria, informed consent, and trial design. Inclusion must start at the top with diverse trial leadership, and education is needed to improve research readiness and trust in science.

Kim et al found no difference in adverse cosmesis with PBI in 30 Gy vs 27.5 Gy over 1 week in early breast cancer patients, both meeting acceptability criteria on photographic and nurse assessments at 2 years. However, 30 Gy did not meet acceptability on patient self-assessment at 3 years. Grade ≥ 2 late toxicity was observed in 11.3% of the 30 Gy group and 5.8% of the 27.5 Gy group at 5 years. The study concluded that both doses resulted in acceptable cosmetic outcomes, leading to the selection of a lower dose for the phase III trial.

Dr. Emily Walker and her team use advanced analytics to predict future cancer care needs in Alberta, ensuring timely access and high-quality care for both new and long-term cancer patients.

McMaster University scientists identified a critical vulnerability in metastatic brain cancer, targeting the enzyme IMPDH to prevent spread. Over 500 molecules were evaluated, with dozens showing potent activity, paving the way for potential new treatments.

AtomVie Global Radiopharma partners with Radiopharm Ventures to develop and manufacture 177Lu-BetaBart, a 177Lutetium-conjugated radioantibody targeting B7-H3 for cancer treatment. The therapy, engineered at MDACC, is set for Phase I trials in mid-2025, with production starting at McMaster University before moving to a new facility in Hamilton, Ontario.

MVA-BN vaccine showed similar immune response in adolescents and adults with no safety issues in a U.S. phase 2 trial. The vaccine, marketed as Jynneos in the U.S. and Imvanex in Europe, is now approved for adolescents. The WHO has prequalified the vaccine for use in high-risk groups, including infants and pregnant women. Bavarian Nordic plans to trial the vaccine in children aged 2 to 12, and CEPI is funding studies on post-exposure vaccination efficacy.

The Oxford AMR Network, led by Professor Craig MacLean, unites multidisciplinary research to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global threat affecting human and animal health, food security, and economic stability. Funded by the Ineos Oxford Institute, the network leverages Oxford's expertise in drug discovery, diagnostics, health interventions, social dimensions, and epidemiology to develop solutions for AMR, which has caused over one million deaths annually since 1990 and is projected to cause 39 million more by 2050.