University Of California, San Francisco

A ketogenic diet enhanced the effectiveness of targeted cancer therapy in suppressing tumor growth in mice, suggesting personalized drug-diet combinations as potential cancer therapies.

Increased water intake linked to weight loss, fewer kidney stones, and potential benefits for migraines, UTIs, diabetes, and hypotension in a systematic review of 18 RCTs. Optimal daily water consumption varies by individual factors.

U.S. and Europe differ in labeling cognitively unimpaired people with AD biomarkers: U.S. uses 'preclinical AD' and Europe 'asymptomatic at-risk'. Both agree on not testing asymptomatic people. The debate centers on whether biomarker positivity should define AD, with concerns over distress and resource use. Future preventative treatments may render the distinction moot.

The first patient has been dosed in the phase 1b RIDGE-1 trial evaluating Tenaya Therapeutics’ TN-401, an AAV-based gene therapy for PKP2-associated ARVC. The patient received a dose of 3x10^13 vg/kg at UCSF, with two more patients to be treated sequentially before potential dose escalation. The study aims to enroll 15 patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and elevated arrhythmia risk. Initial data is expected next year, with TN-401 showing promise in normalizing heart rhythms and extending survival in preclinical models.

The Southwest Forum on Difficult to Treat Depression, chaired by Jordan F. Karp, MD, convened experts to discuss novel mechanisms, evidence-informed algorithms, and access to comprehensive depression care. Topics included advanced treatments like brain stimulation and neurosteroids, challenges in late-life depression, digital mental health treatments, and the role of biomarkers in precision psychiatry. The forum emphasized the need for equitable access and personalized medicine to improve outcomes in treatment-resistant depression.

UC San Francisco researchers found in-person visits more effective for mHealth app recruitment, with clinicians achieving 95.5% success. App usage proved effective for data collection regardless of recruitment method. Dr. Miclau will present findings on November 22 at ASRA Pain Medicine's 23rd Annual Meeting.

Researchers from the University of Chicago and UCSF identified a key mechanism driving genetic instability in aggressive cancers: collisions between DNA replication and transcription processes, causing large tandem duplications (TDs). These TDs are common in upper gastrointestinal, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers, linked to poor outcomes and specific gene mutations. The study suggests that TDs can serve as biomarkers for prognosis and treatment, with potential sensitivity to WEE1, CHK1, and ATR inhibitors.

St. Baldrick's Foundation announces $1.2 million in infrastructure grants for pediatric cancer clinical trials, aiming to increase participation and offer new hope to children with cancer. Kathleen Ruddy, CEO, emphasizes support for communities impacted by hurricanes. Additionally, a research grant from 'Jack's Pack – We Still Have His Back' funds Dr. Roarke Kamber's Burkitt's Lymphoma research at UCSF. Grants awarded to various institutions across the U.S.

Siren Biotechnology unveiled SRN-101, an AAV immuno-gene therapy for high-grade gliomas, receiving FDA's Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations. SRN-101 aims to leverage the immune response for targeted cancer treatment, potentially transforming glioma therapy. The company, backed by VC and grants, is developing additional solid tumor indications.

Siren Biotechnology unveiled SRN-101, an AAV immuno-gene therapy for high-grade gliomas, receiving FDA's Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations. Dr. Nicholas Butowski highlights its potential to transform glioma therapy by leveraging the immune response. SRN-101 is the first asset from Siren's universal AAV immuno-gene therapy platform, with additional solid tumor indications in development.