MAYO CLINIC

Medical knowledge doubles every 73 days, making it challenging for clinicians to stay updated. Elsevier's ClinicalKey AI aims to streamline knowledge retrieval by summarizing evidence-based content in a conversational manner, using retrieval augmented generation (RAG) to prevent AI hallucinations. The tool focuses on transparency, trust, and health equity, addressing biases in data, summarization, and user queries to improve patient care and safety.

Ally Schott's early endometriosis diagnosis at 12 led to limited treatment options and self-taught research. Despite its prevalence affecting 10% of women globally, endometriosis remains underfunded and poorly understood, with only two new drugs approved in the U.S. for pain management in the past decade. Women's health research generally suffers from insufficient funding and information deficits, hindering drug development. Recent federal efforts, including a $100 million investment by the Biden administration, aim to address these gaps, but future priorities under a new administration remain uncertain.

Mayo Clinic explores using healthcare-specific large language models via Atropos Health's ChatRWD to enhance patient care, leveraging real-world data for accurate consultations. Atropos' platform, with over 300 million patient records, offers Real World Data and Fitness Scores to guide data selection. Studies show healthcare-specific LLMs like OpenEvidence and ChatRWD are more reliable than general-purpose models, aiding in faster, more informed clinical decisions. Mayo Clinic and Atropos collaborate to pilot data-driven methods improving care delivery, aiming to extend clinical trial access and reduce health disparities.

Health care providers must navigate cannabis-related issues, including interactions, policies, and clinical considerations, as more patients use cannabis for symptom management. Despite state-level legalization, marijuana remains federally illegal, complicating care. Clinical considerations include understanding over 200 cannabis compounds, their effects on the endocannabinoid system, and potential therapeutic uses for anxiety, insomnia, and pain. Adverse effects and drug interactions are significant, and institutional policies vary widely. Effective care requires understanding current literature, regulations, and logistics.

Zachary Klaassen and Mark Tyson discuss the PIVOT-006 trial evaluating cretostimogene versus surveillance for intermediate-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. The trial, designed for both low-grade and high-grade disease, includes an induction phase followed by maintenance therapy, with a surveillance arm allowing crossover upon recurrence. Dr. Tyson emphasizes the importance of exploring treatment options for this patient group, especially given recurring tumors and potential BCG shortages. The discussion highlights strong enrollment progress and the role of partnerships with SUO-CTC and BCAN in supporting patient-centered research.

The Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute at ChristianaCare leads in cancer research, with nearly 30% of patients participating in 110 clinical trials in 2023, earning a Platinum Award for Exceptional Achievement from the NCI/NCORP. The center is commended by ECOG-ACRIN for outstanding clinical performance, placing it among respected national centers like MD Anderson and Mayo Clinic. The center's success in clinical trials is a national model for cancer care, consistently outpacing benchmarks in reducing cancer deaths.

Dr. Mark D. Tyson presents BOND-003 study results on cretostimogene for BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer at SUO 25th Annual Meeting. Key findings: 74.5% complete response rate, 46% at 12 months, and excellent durability with median duration not yet reached. Cretostimogene showed high tolerability with no grade 3 treatment-related AEs.

Aignostics raises $34 million in Series B funding to support new product offerings, US expansion, and pathology foundation model development with Mayo Clinic.

Industry experts discuss diversity in clinical research, focusing on challenges, technology use, and the importance of early diversity planning, community engagement, and ethical AI. Panelists include Sophia McLeod, Erin Stern, and Caitlin Brown.

St. Elizabeth Cancer Care, led by Dr. Douglas Flora, has evolved significantly, attracting top oncologists and specialists from renowned institutions. The program's success is attributed to its collaborative culture, advanced clinical trials, personalized medicine, and a comprehensive whole-person care model. The recent CMS 5-star rating underscores its commitment to excellence, enhancing recruitment and patient care.