NORTHWELL HEALTH

AI in 2024 enhances early cancer detection, particularly in pancreatic and breast cancers, by analyzing subtle changes in MRI/CT scans and improving imaging sensitivity/specificity to reduce false positives.

Zenocutuzumab approved for NRG1+ NSCLC and PDAC; sacituzumab tirumotecan granted breakthrough status for EGFR+ NSCLC; durvalumab approved for limited-stage SCLC; sonodynamic therapy shows improved OS and PFS in recurrent glioblastoma; systemic therapy choice impacts brain metastases outcomes.

Healio Dermatology compiles top hidradenitis suppurativa articles of 2024, highlighting new FDA-approved treatments and conference content.

Recent advancements in sequencing targeted therapies are reshaping HR-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer management, emphasizing the critical role of NGS in personalizing treatment decisions. Key factors include considering CDK 4/6 inhibitors, biomarker assessment, and sequencing new therapies like inavolisib and capivasertib. Trials such as SOLAR-1, INAVO120, and CAPItello-291 highlight improved progression-free survival and tolerable adverse effects. NGS is crucial for identifying PIK3CA/AKT mutations to determine optimal frontline and second-line treatments.

Psychotherapy access rose from 7% to 9% of U.S. adults from 2018 to 2021, with 12% of young adults receiving it in 2021. Teletherapy, used by nearly 40% of those receiving psychotherapy, has expanded access but disproportionately benefits socioeconomically advantaged adults. Researchers highlight the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access.

Pregnancy challenges for women with epilepsy include medication risks like valproate's link to autism and lower IQ, and the need for dose adjustments due to faster metabolism. A study followed 298 children of women with epilepsy to age 6, finding no difference in verbal abilities compared to healthy women's children, though medication levels in the third trimester had nuanced effects. Folate supplementation was beneficial, while acetaminophen showed risks. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of various epilepsy drugs and genetic factors influencing outcomes.

Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is developing a 'neural tourniquet' to prevent postpartum hemorrhage by stimulating the vagus nerve to activate platelets, potentially saving lives. The device is halfway through clinical trials and could revolutionize bleeding treatment in various surgeries and childbirth.

Alpheus Medical announced positive Phase 1/2 trial results for sonodynamic therapy (SDT) in treating recurrent high-grade gliomas, showing extended median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) with a strong safety profile. The therapy combines low-intensity diffuse ultrasound (LIDU™) with oral 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and is non-invasive, delivered in an outpatient setting.

HER2-targeted therapy is standard for stage II/III HER2-positive breast cancer, with options like trastuzumab and pertuzumab delivered IV or subcutaneously. Clinical trials explore de-escalation or escalation of therapy based on patient and disease characteristics, with pivotal studies like NeoSphere, TRYPHAENA, FeDeriCa, PHranceSCa, and KATHERINE informing treatment paradigms. T-DM1 is standard for residual disease post-neoadjuvant therapy.

Tivic Health completes enrolment in a study to optimize its non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device, aiming to address clinical indications not well-served by current options. Conducted at Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institute, the study seeks optimal device parameters for influencing the autonomic nervous system. Tivic expects results to guide further testing and commercial development, with the trial anticipated to conclude in early 2025.