Medical University of South Carolina

A $2.1 million grant from NCATS funds a multi-site study by UB CTSI, Roswell Park, and CTSA hubs to evaluate remote vs. in-person clinical trial methods. The study, titled “Improving Efficiency, Quality, and Equity,” aims to rigorously assess the impact of remote methods on trial efficiency, quality, and equity, particularly for underrepresented populations. The study involves four CTSA hubs and will include three clinical trials across four locations, focusing on smoking cessation, depression treatment, and opioid addiction. Findings will be disseminated through a web-based toolkit, webinars, and a national conference.

Authors from various institutions collaborated on study conception, data collection, analysis, and manuscript drafting, focusing on tuberculosis research.

The 2024 Head & Neck Alumni Day at Cleveland Clinic will feature lectures and panel discussions on contemporary management strategies and new treatment innovations for head and neck cancer, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach. The event includes discussions on recent clinical trials, modern surgical techniques, and updates in radiation and chemotherapy strategies. Registration deadline is Nov. 21, 2024.

Trudy Mackay, Clemson University's first National Academy of Medicine member, pioneers genetic research with fruit flies, impacting human health and precision medicine.

E-cigarettes, often used to quit smoking, can lead to addiction; 60% of vapers want to quit. FDA hasn't approved them as cessation tools, but some medications for smoking may help. A new drug, cytisinicline, shows promise in trials and may be approved by 2027. Nicotine pouches like Zyn are used to wean off vaping, but caution is advised.

Biodesix to present data on Nodify Lung® Nodule Risk Assessment use in 35,000 patients at CHEST 2024, and launch CLARIFY study to expand data package.

BridgeBio Pharma to present 42-month outcomes data from ATTRibute-CM study at AHA Scientific Sessions in Chicago, Nov 16-18, 2024, including a featured science oral presentation on acoramidis' effects in ATTR-CM.

Chad J. Swanson, Ph.D., appointed Chief Development Officer at Prothena, leading clinical development and medical functions. Hideki Garren, MD, Ph.D., to lead a global product development division at a large pharmaceutical company.

Sinaptica Therapeutics is testing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for Alzheimer’s, reporting it halted disease progression in a Phase 2 trial. rTMS, already used for depression and OCD, targets the precuneus to boost neuroplasticity. A 24-week trial showed no cognitive decline in treated patients vs. a 1.3-point decline in the sham group, with mild side effects. Critics note methodological issues and caution against premature labeling as a breakthrough. A Phase 3 trial is planned.

Speakers at the 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer highlighted the need for health systems to address multilevel factors impeding lung cancer screening access. Harry de Koning discussed optimal recruitment strategies, finding that paper mailings were most effective for low socioeconomic status individuals. Nichole Tanner presented on the Veterans Health Administration's centralized screening approach, emphasizing the importance of a hub and spoke model. Nicole Rankin focused on Australia's preparation for national screening in 2025, advocating for tailored strategies to address health disparities. Raymond Osarogiagbon addressed geographic, socioeconomic, and racial disparities, suggesting a framework starting at the patient level and extending to social policy, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.