CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER

Overtreatment of prostate cancer is increasing in the U.S. among men with limited life expectancy, despite guidelines recommending against it. Radiation therapy and prostate surgery are being employed more often, causing side effects without adding years to their lives. Researchers propose a 'trifecta' method to discuss prognosis with patients, encouraging informed decisions.

A case report in 'Oncotarget' highlights a 68-year-old male with metastatic adenosquamous pancreatic cancer (ASCP) and a KRAS G12C mutation responding significantly to pembrolizumab, suggesting ASCP's unique tumor microenvironment may be more receptive to immunotherapy, potentially transforming treatment for aggressive pancreatic cancer subtypes.

Rifaximin monotherapy reduced OHE breakthrough episodes (23.2% vs. 49% with lactulose, P<0.0001) and mortality (1.6% vs. 4.8%, P<0.001) in cirrhosis patients in remission, according to a post-hoc analysis of two trials. Rifaximin also extended time to breakthrough OHE and all-cause mortality (HR 0.40 and 0.048, respectively). Despite higher cost, rifaximin's benefits could make it a preferred option over lactulose, especially for non-adherent patients.

Imlifidase, an investigational drug, showed superior efficacy over plasmapheresis (PLEX) in reducing donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) in kidney transplant recipients with antibody-mediated rejection, with a 97% median DSA reduction by day 5 compared to 42% for PLEX.

Yoshihiro Ishihara explores benefits of chloro and methoxy substituents in drug discovery, discussing their effects on intermolecular interactions and their pros and cons.

At the OTA Annual Meeting, Siemens Healthineers brings together healthcare leaders to discuss technology addressing staffing shortages and improving image reproducibility in orthopedic and trauma procedures. On October 25, Dr. Geoffrey Marecek discusses trauma surgery challenges, followed by Dr. Andrew Ringnes and Daniel Coll sharing their experience with the CIARTIC Move, the world’s first self-driving mobile C-arm.

Yuan Yuan discusses the rise of CDK4/6 inhibitors and ADCs in breast cancer treatment, highlighting uncertainties in eligibility, resistance, and sequencing. She mentions clinical trials like monarchE and NATALEE, and the importance of personalized radiation therapy and emerging ADCs. Yuan also addresses the need for research to understand drug resistance and the future of ADCs in breast cancer treatment.

Dr. Chad Tang discusses the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), focusing on oligometastatic and oligoprogressive disease. Recent studies show SBRT can delay systemic therapy in oligometastatic RCC and extend efficacy in oligoprogressive cases, with benefits including lower costs, reduced toxicity, and fewer hospital visits. Further research, particularly randomized phase III trials, is needed to solidify SBRT's role in RCC management.

Zydus is India's top oncology player, focusing on breast cancer and solid tumors. The company aims to replicate its oncology model across specialties like cardio, diabetic, respiratory, and nephrology, emphasizing patient-centric care from diagnosis to remission. Zydus is also expanding its portfolio in the U.S., with a focus on affordable generics and complex drugs.

Treatment for node-positive breast cancer may shift from lymph node dissection to less invasive methods like radiation therapy and ctDNA testing, as ongoing studies like A011202 and SERENA-6 explore their efficacy. Yuan Yuan emphasizes the need for more research on ctDNA's role in treatment decisions and monitoring, especially for patients with positive ctDNA results and no visible disease.