Georgetown University

The ESMO Congress 2024 presentations by Spicer and Reuss discuss pivotal trials on perioperative and neoadjuvant use of ICIs like nivolumab and ipilimumab in resectable NSCLC, aiming to improve EFS, PCR, and long-term outcomes. CheckMate 77T trial showed significant EFS improvement with perioperative nivolumab, with higher ctDNA clearance and molecular suppression rates. NEOSTAR and CA209-159 trials revealed durable long-term survival benefits from neoadjuvant nivolumab, either alone or combined with ipilimumab, especially for patients achieving pathological response. These findings support integrating immunotherapy into early-stage lung cancer treatment and suggest biomarker-driven personalized approaches.

Brian King, head of FDA’s Center for Tobacco Control, faces House hearing over agency’s failings, including prioritizing politics over science, arbitrary actions, and systemic issues. The CTP’s refusal to authorize safer nicotine products, despite evidence of their effectiveness, has led to public demand for urgent FDA reform. The hearing aims to pressure the CTP to authorize life-saving products and initiate structural reform for public health protection.

Experts urge immediate action to prepare for a potential H5N1 bird flu pandemic, including vaccine development, stockpiling, and deployment to high-risk groups. The CDC reports 14 U.S. human cases since 2022, with recent spread among mammals raising pandemic concerns. The U.S. has 4.8 million stockpiled H5N8 vaccine doses, but better-matched H5N1 vaccines are needed. Long-term strategies include building population immunity and comprehensive human-animal health protection.

Summit Therapeutics announces HARMONi-2 Phase III trial results for ivonescimab in advanced NSCLC, showing significant PFS improvement over pembrolizumab. Ivonescimab demonstrated a median PFS of 11.14 months vs. 5.82 months for pembrolizumab, with comparable safety profiles. HARMONi-7 trial initiation planned for early 2025.

Summit Therapeutics announces Phase III HARMONi-2 trial results showing ivonescimab's superior PFS (11.14 months vs. 5.82 months for pembrolizumab) in advanced NSCLC, with comparable safety profiles. The company plans to initiate HARMONi-7 in early 2025, a multi-regional Phase III trial for first-line PD-L1 high metastatic NSCLC.

Dr. Anthony Fauci is recovering at home after hospitalization for West Nile virus, likely from a mosquito bite in his backyard. There are no vaccines or medications for West Nile infection, and as of Aug. 20, 2024, the CDC recorded 216 cases in 33 states.

Farmworkers in California face high risks from extreme heat and air pollution, leading to increased fatalities. Despite state regulations, the true number of heat-related deaths is likely underreported. Research highlights the lethal combination of heat and PM2.5 pollution, stressing the need for stronger protections and enforcement to safeguard workers.

California farmworkers face high risks from extreme heat and air pollution, with many deaths linked to these conditions. Despite state heat exposure standards, the combination of heat and PM2.5 pollution significantly increases the risk of fatal heart attacks and other conditions. Current reporting underestimates heat-related illnesses and deaths, highlighting the need for better protections and enforcement.

The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security selected 30 professionals for its 2024 Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity Initiative fellowship, from a record 350 applicants. This 11th-year program connects rising biosecurity leaders across sectors, supported by a 300+ alumni network.