Researchers have found that Letermovir, sold under the brand name Prevymis, is just as effective as the standard prophylaxis, Valganciclovir, in preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in high-risk kidney transplant patients. CMV disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients, especially in those who receive an organ from a CMV-seropositive donor.
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A randomized trial conducted to test the efficacy of perioperative pembrolizumab in operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has shown positive results. The trial showed a 42% reduction in risk for disease recurrence or death, thereby supporting the use of PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor in stage II-III NSCLC. Although the trial did not show a significant
A phase III trial conducted by SWOG S1826 has revealed that the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab (Opdivo) is more effective than brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) in reducing disease progression or death in newly diagnosed adults and adolescents with advanced-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Research Findings The trial involved over 976 patients with newly diagnosed stage III-IV
In mid-stage trials, two newer targeted therapies have shown meaningful activity against HER2-positive biliary tract cancers in pretreated patients with advanced disease. According to Shubham Pant, MD, of the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, cohort 1 of the global HERIZON-BTC-01 study, which included 80 treatment-refractory patients, showed that 41.3% responded to zanidatamab, an investigational
A small case-control study has revealed that an index of gliosis was associated with persistent neurocognitive symptoms after mild or moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Researchers found that PET measures of translocator protein total distribution volume (TSPO VT), a marker of gliosis, were elevated in people with ongoing cognitive and depressive symptoms after COVID-19. In comparison to
Paul Nestadt, MD, of the Johns Hopkins Anxiety Disorders Clinic in Baltimore believes that clinicians should inquire about gun access in the home since it is medically relevant to saving the life of a patient. Bringing up the topic of gun access with patients can be a difficult conversation, but it is necessary to ensure
Nurses are integral to the healthcare system, but the COVID-19 pandemic has left hospitals struggling to provide adequate care due to a shortage of qualified nurses. Experts estimate that there are currently 150,000 fewer nurses in the workforce than are needed. Burnout from increased patient loads is one of the primary reasons for the shortage.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted full approval for nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid), an antiviral medication, for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adult outpatients who are at risk of severe disease. The approval follows an endorsement from the FDA’s Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee and is a critical component of President
According to Carol Mangione, MD, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has released new draft guidance recommending biennial mammography screening for women at average risk for breast cancer starting at age 40. This news has been received positively as it will likely lead to early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Orphan Drugs for Small
U.S. News & World Report has released its latest “Best Medical Schools” rankings for the academic year 2023-2024. The rankings have undergone several changes in methodology, including an increase in the weightage given to outcome measures and a decrease in the emphasis on reputation and selectivity. The rankings have also been affected by some high-profile