London Health Sciences Centre

Novel Fecal Microbiota Pill Enters Clinical Trial for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

3 months ago

• Canadian researchers launch Phase 1 trial of LND101, an oral fecal transplant therapy, targeting pancreatic cancer's dismal 10% five-year survival rate. • The innovative "poop pill" aims to modify tumor microbiome composition, potentially enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness in advanced pancreatic cancer patients. • Following success in melanoma, lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma, the two-year trial will evaluate gut bacteria changes and immune responses in 20 patients.

Targeted Alpha Therapy: The Next Frontier in Cancer Treatment

6 months ago

• Targeted alpha therapy uses radioactive alpha particles to shred the DNA of cancer cells, proving more potent and less damaging than current treatments. • Clinical trials are underway for various cancers, including pancreatic, prostate, breast, and neuroendocrine, with potential regulatory approval in a few years. • Pharmaceutical companies are heavily investing in targeted alpha therapy, signaling strong belief in its potential with recent deals totaling billions of dollars. • Challenges remain in the widespread availability of targeted alpha therapy, including limited production sites for rare isotopes and high treatment costs.

VITdALIZE-KIDS Trial Assesses Vitamin D Supplementation Impact on Pediatric ICU Patients' Quality of Life

8 months ago

• The VITdALIZE-KIDS trial is a phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study evaluating high-dose vitamin D supplementation in critically ill children with vitamin D deficiency. • The primary outcome is health-related quality of life (HRQL) measured by the PedsQL™ scale at 28 days post-intervention, with secondary outcomes including hospital length of stay and adverse events. • The trial aims to enroll 766 patients across 11 Canadian PICUs, randomizing them to either a high-dose cholecalciferol bolus or a placebo, with a metabolomics sub-study planned for a subset. • Interim analyses are scheduled to assess efficacy and safety, with a DSMB providing oversight and the potential for early termination based on futility or safety concerns.