University of Iowa

Research by Dr. Peg Nopoulos found beta-blocker use associated with delayed motor diagnosis in premanifest HD and slowed progression in early motor HD symptoms. Beta-blockers, commonly used for heart conditions, may positively influence HD symptoms, though specific effects vary by medication type. Enroll-HD study highlights potential benefits but notes correlation, not causation, and calls for further clinical trials.

The 66th ASH Annual Meeting featured MagnetisMM-20, a phase 1b trial evaluating elranatamab (BCMA/CD3 bispecific antibody) in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Results showed 100% unconfirmed ORR, with no dose-limiting toxicities and common AEs including fatigue and infections. The priming dose strategy worked as anticipated, and the regimen showed promise for deep and long-lasting remissions, even in high-stage patients.

Dr. Eugene Pietzak discusses the challenges of evaluating comparative effectiveness of FDA-approved treatments for BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer, emphasizing the need for stage-specific clinical trials, better biomarkers, and objective measures for minimal residual disease to guide treatment selection and improve patient care.

Canada's most common insecticides, neonics, pose greater human health risks than previously thought, yet the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has not fully assessed these dangers. Neonics are ubiquitous in waterways and drinking water, with studies showing they can harm human reproductive systems and fetal brain development. Despite warnings from researchers and regulators, the PMRA has allowed these pesticides to remain in use, with re-evaluations scheduled for 2024-2026. The PMRA's handling of neonics has been criticized for prioritizing industry interests over public health.

High-dose vitamin C, administered intravenously, doubled survival rates in late-stage pancreatic cancer patients from 8 to 16 months in a phase 2 trial. The study, published in Redox Biology, found vitamin C generated hydrogen peroxide to kill cancer cells and improved chemotherapy tolerance. Researchers are exploring its potential for treating other cancers.

Sunil Patel and Max Kates present a phase II trial of sequential gemcitabine and docetaxel therapy in BCG-naive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients, achieving 100% complete response at three months and 92% at twelve months. The therapy involves weekly induction followed by monthly maintenance, addressing BCG shortages and offering an alternative to cystectomy. Challenges include coordination with pharmacy and nursing teams, chair time, and treatment protocols, but the combination's effectiveness is attributed to different mechanisms of action and potential immunotherapeutic effects.

Long COVID brain fog may be linked to impaired lung function, according to a small-scale study. MRI scans of long COVID patients revealed poor lung function associated with brain fog and brain structure changes. Increased blood flow to the brain in these patients suggests the heart compensates for reduced oxygen transfer by the lungs.

Sunil Gupta, MD, joins Nanoscope Therapeutics Inc.'s Board of Directors. Gupta, a retinal surgeon and entrepreneur, brings expertise in drug development and medical devices. Nanoscope CEO Sulagna Bhattacharya praises Gupta's accomplishments in treating inherited retinal diseases and dry age-related macular degeneration. Gupta expresses excitement about Nanoscope's gene therapies for retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt, highlighting the company's progress towards commercialization.

James Byrne at the University of Iowa uses foam science to develop gas-entrapping materials for cancer treatment, aiming to increase oxygen in tumors for better response to radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Funded by the Falk Medical Research Trust, Byrne's team hopes to start a clinical trial in 2025, leveraging principles from molecular gastronomy to address tumor hypoxia.