MAYO CLINIC

A phase II study using ¹⁷⁷Lu-Dotatate radiopharmaceutical therapy showed 78% of refractory meningioma patients were progression-free after six months, surpassing prior benchmarks. The trial, led by Dr. Kenneth W. Merrell and Dr. Geoffrey B. Johnson, suggests radiopharmaceuticals could be a promising treatment for this aggressive brain tumor.

Blood tests for Alzheimer's show promise but lack FDA approval, with some experts skeptical of their clinical use. Though cheaper and less invasive than PET scans or lumbar punctures, these tests are not yet standardized and cannot diagnose the disease alone. The best biomarker, pTau-217, is emerging, with Precivity's C2N test considered one of the best available. Despite their potential, blood tests are not yet ready to replace more invasive diagnostic methods, and their effectiveness in diverse populations remains unclear.

Radiopharmaceutical therapy ¹⁷⁷Lu-Dotatate shows promise for refractory meningioma, with 78% of patients progression-free after six months in a phase II study, surpassing prior benchmarks. The therapy, presented at the ASTRO Annual Meeting, offers a safe and effective option for patients with limited alternative treatments.

Vaccination with recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) reduces herpes zoster (HZ) risk in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a lower incidence observed in vaccinated IBD patients compared to unvaccinated controls. The vaccine is cost-effective and recommended for IBD patients aged 19 and older.

Naveris presents NavDx® test data at 2024 ASTRO, highlighting its role in managing HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancers, with studies showing its effectiveness in predicting treatment outcomes and guiding therapy adjustments.

FDA approves COBENFY, a new oral medication for schizophrenia in adults, marking the first new class of medications for the disorder in decades. COBENFY, developed by Bristol Myers Squibb, offers a novel pharmacological approach and is expected to be available in the U.S. by late October.

Byron Yount, Mercy's chief data and AI officer, is recognized by Gartner Research Board and Constellation Research's AI150 for his innovative leadership in AI, contributing to improved patient care and collaboration with Mayo Clinic. Yount's inclusion highlights Mercy's commitment to digital innovation and responsible AI use in healthcare.

The Mayo Clinic Diet: Weight-Loss Medications Edition addresses safety and efficacy of current anti-obesity drugs like semaglutide and phentermine-topiramate, contrasting them with recalled drugs from the 1990s. It warns against unregulated online alternatives, explains common side effects of GLP-1 agonists, and clarifies FDA approval criteria for weight-loss medications. The book also discusses future trends in obesity care, emphasizing precision medicine to minimize side effects and optimize outcomes.

Scott Soefje discusses pharmacogenomics vs. precision medicine in oncology, emphasizing pharmacogenomics focuses on drug metabolism genetics, while precision medicine targets tumor drivers. Mayo Clinic integrates specialists in both fields, with pharmacists trained to recognize both, supported by specialists for complex cases. Soefje foresees automation and AI reducing dispensing roles, freeing pharmacists for patient-focused comprehensive medication management, crucial amid healthcare personnel shortages and growing cancer complexity.