SPOTLIGHT -
Erin Hunter is an assistant editor at Pharmacy Times®. She is a proud alumna of the University of Massachusetts. She graduated with degrees in Journalism, Art History, and Environmental Conservation.
MIS Biomarker May Effectively Anticipate Outcome of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Colorectal Cancer
Patients who received first-line ICI showed a significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to chemotherapy treatment.
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COVID-19 Public Health Measures May Have Lowered Cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory syntactical virus burdens quality of life and can lead to long-term health outcomes.
New Biomarker May Indicate Success of CAR T-cell Response in Lymphoma Patients
At leukapheresis, a low frequency of differentiated CD3+CD27-CD28--T cells can indicate favorable response to CAR T-cell therapy.
Phase 3 Trial Showed Zolbetuximab Significantly Improved Survival In Patients with Metastatic Gastric, Gastroesophageal Cancers
Zolbetuximab treatment reduced risk of death by 25% compared to placebo.
Data Analysis Finds Threshold for Lifting/Reinstating Masking to Combat Respiratory Illness
Research showed that 600 hospital beds filled with patients with severe illness would be enough to reimplement (mask mandates to stop the spread of infection.
COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Transfusion Shows Decreased Mortality for Immunocompromised Patients With COVID-19
The therapeutic option is demonstrating favorable results for patients, despite the evolving nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Common Antidepressants May Impact the Ability To Learn From Our Environment
Patients on an SSRI were reportedly less likely to use positive or negative feedback to guide learning.
One Neural Network May Link Various Major Psychiatric Illnesses
The findings suggest that reduced gray matter is not the cause of psychiatric illness, although it is found in regions of the brain associated with it.
COVID-19 Vaccine Can Prevent ICU Visit for Pregnant Women
Viral vector vaccines and a booster can protect maternal women against the Omicron variant of COVID-19, but the mRNA vaccine with a booster dose appears to offer the best protection.
Insulin Out-of-Pocket Cap of $35 Could Still Cause Economic Burden on Women, Racial, Ethnic Minorities
High cost-sharing is a large barrier to insulin access, as are aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Group Therapy Can Provide Long-lasting Relief of Anxiety in Patients With Heart Conditions
A recent study shows that heart patients who learn to cope with stress in group therapy are nearly 2 times less anxious and depressed.
HIV Antiviral Therapies May Have Different Metabolic Signature
NRTIs TAF and TDF are increasingly being used as preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV around the world.
Intermittent Fasting May Not Be As Effective for Weight Management As Limiting Calorie Intake
The popularity of intermittent fasting, or time-restricted eating patterns, may not help control weight as well as other dieting methods.
Study: Disclosing Increased Risk of Alzheimer Disease Not Associated With Clinically Meaningful Psychological Risk
Researchers noted no significant changes in anxiety or depression between patients who were positive or negative for amyloid deposition.
Dentists Not Associated with Changing Duration of Opioid Prescriptions, Despite Statewide Limits
Dental opioid prescriptions are associated with risk of addiction and overdose, but most states are enacting policies that limit the duration of prescriptions for acute pain.
FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Tucatinib Combination for Patients with HER2-Positive Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
This is the first indication for tucatinib that extends beyond the treatment of advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
Study: Racial, Ethnic Minority Groups More Likely to Have Delayed Cancer Treatment After COVID-19 Infection
Older patients received cancer treatment less frequently during the pandemic, as did patients covered by Medicaid.
Expert: ‘I View Stress as a Medical Issue’ That Pharmacists, Psychiatrists Can Play a Role in Addressing
Pharmacists can use behavioral and natural tools to assist patients suffering from chronic, daily stressors and other ailments.
Study: Empagliflozin Can Slow Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease to Kidney Failure
Data from a randomized clinical trial supports previous clinical findings on SGLT2 inhibitors and their ability to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.
ADHD Traits Linked to Anxiety, Depression More Than Autistic Traits
There is a lack of funding for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and coinciding psychological research compared to the funds generated for autism research.
High Folate Intake Linked to Low Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome
The relationship between metabolic syndrome and some B vitamins, such as vitamin B12, was only observed among participants who took B12 supplements.
Clinical Trial Confirms Highest Reported Sensitivity Results for At-Home, Noninvasive Colorectal Cancer Screening Test
The stool-test is the first-of-its-kind to detect CRC in adults aged 45 to 49 years, with a premarket approval submission planned to be sent to the FDA early in 2023.
Bovine Collagen May Preserve, Restore Soft Tissue for Moderately, Heavily Exudating Wounds
Soft tissue reconstruction solutions can leverage a patient’s natural healing response.
Sublingual Ketamine Demonstrated to Be Safe, Effective for Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression
Research highlights that 6 doses of sublingual ketamine may be more effective than 3 doses, however both can ameliorate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
AI Could Improve Blood Sugar Management in Type 1 Diabetes
An app using AI to evaluate blood sugar data, concerning trends, and recommend management tools will be a part of a clinical trial in 2024 for further assessment.
European Generic Medication Shortages Raise Concerns About US Drug Supply
Energy crisis in Europe puts strain on production and could have ramifications that extend beyond the continent's borders.
FDA Approved IND for CAR T Cell That Target Metastases-Causing Breast Cancer Tumor
The head of the CAR T cell antibody can recognize and target the growth factor in its tumor microenvironment.
FDA Approves Risperidone for Schizophrenia, Bipolar I Disorder
The atypical antipsychotic is an extended-release injectable suspension that is administered bi-weekly.
Expert Suggests That Pharmacists Should Be Learning Primary Palliative Care Skills
“It's an honor to walk the last steps with someone, it is.”-Mary Lynn McPherson, PharmD, MA, MDE, FAAHPM
Case Study Demonstrates Systematic Approach to Increase C. Difficile Cure Rates With Fecal Microbial Transplant
Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive, spore-forming, bacterium that is mainly caused by recent hospitalizations, advanced age, or antibiotic treatments.