MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL

SmartCardia received FDA clearance for its 7-lead live ECG monitoring patch and cloud platform, enabling continuous outpatient cardiac telemetry for up to 14 days. The platform offers real-time ECG analysis and notifications for arrhythmias, with CE Class IIa approval in Europe and global expansion plans.

The VANCE trial, the largest T cell therapy clinical trial for solid tumors, demonstrates Singapore's capability in large-scale global cell therapy. Published in 'Annals on Oncology' (2024), it shows no overall survival improvement but highlights potential for subgroup refinement and biomarker identification.

Healthier midlife behaviors reduce risk of dementia, stroke, and depression even in those with genetic predisposition, according to a study by Massachusetts General Hospital using U.K. Biobank data. The Brain Care Score (BCS), which assesses lifestyle factors, showed that each 5-point improvement in BCS lowered risk. The study, led by Christopher D. Anderson, emphasizes the power of healthy lifestyle choices to protect brain health, regardless of genetic risk.

New research finds that people with implanted defibrillators face nearly triple the odds for atrial fibrillation on extremely hot days, with optimal temperature for reducing A-fib risk being between 41 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. The study, led by Dr. Barrak Alahmad, tracked data from over 2,000 patients with ICD or CRT-D devices, revealing that A-fib risks were lowest in the morning and increased through working hours, especially on workdays. Experts recommend avoiding extreme temperatures and using air conditioners to prevent severe stress from high heat.

Largest T cell therapy trial for solid tumours, led by Singapore, showed no overall survival benefit but better outcomes in US, Singapore, and Taiwan sites. Identifying biomarkers could enhance therapy success.

The VANCE trial, a multinational phase III study led by Singapore, concludes that T cell therapy for solid tumours is safe but requires refinement to improve outcomes. The trial, published in Annals on Oncology, involved 330 patients across 23 sites, showing no overall survival benefit but potential in specific subgroups. Future efforts aim to identify biomarkers for personalized T cell therapy.

UNMC College of Medicine received over $7 million in new funding in September, with grants awarded to various faculty members for studies ranging from cardiovascular disease diagnosis to HIV/SIV reservoirs and COVID-19 eye studies, among others.

Harvard Medical School's AI algorithm, developed by Mass General Brigham, uses EHR data to accurately identify long COVID or PASC, outperforming traditional diagnosis codes with a 79.9% accuracy rate.

Social media influencers and telemedicine drive increased access to testosterone for women, with prescriptions rising 50% from 2013-2023. Middle-aged women seek testosterone for libido, energy, and muscle health, though FDA approval is lacking. Benefits are modest, with one additional satisfying sexual event per month reported. Safety concerns include side effects like acne and hair growth.

Delcath Systems reported Q3 2024 revenue of $11.2 million, with HEPZATO contributing $10 million, triggering a $25 million financing. The company ended the quarter with $14 million in cash and no debt, anticipating further growth with increased treatment centers and new clinical trials for liver-dominant metastatic colorectal and breast cancers.