Núria Negrão

Medical and Science Writer

Cataract Surgery and nAMD: A Deeper Dive Into Outcomes and Treatment Effects - Wet AMD: Current Perspectives

A recently published study shows that cataract surgery offers a beacon of hope for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment, improving both distance and near vision without exacerbating the underlying condition.1

Age-related cataracts, the leading cause of blindness globally, often co-exist with AMD, the predominant cause of severe visual impairment in developed countries. Cataract surgeries are routinely condu

MTAP Deletion: A Promising Biomarker for Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma - Metastatic Urothelial Cancer Peer-to-Peer

A retrospective analysis of patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma found that deletion of the enzyme S-Methyl-5’-thioadeno-sine phosphatase (MTAP) is a potential biomarker of response to pemetrexed and patients with MTAP-deletion (MTAP-del) have a shorter time to progression to metastatic disease and inferior response to chemotherapy.1

Bladder cancer is a deadly disease with a low 5-year survival in the setting of distant metastasis. Despite the availability of several treatments, there

Early-Onset Inclusion Body Myositis: Youth May Not Be Protective - Dermatomyositis and Other Inflammatory Myopathies

A recent study reveals that early-onset inclusion body myositis (IBM) presents as a severe inflammatory muscle condition in younger individuals, challenging traditional age-centric diagnostic criteria and revealing significant mitochondrial DNA mutations that suggest accelerated muscle aging.1

IBM, an inflammatory myopathy, often afflicts those in their middle age or later years, presenting symptoms like muscle weakening in the quadriceps and finger flexors, as well as dysphagia. Diagnosing IBM

Strengthening the HIV Care Continuum by Improving Pediatric to Adult Healthcare Transitions - HIV Management Peer-to-Peer

A recently published study found that more work is needed to ensure higher rates of successful healthcare transitions (HCTs) from pediatric to adult HIV care and suggests practical ways to address shortcomings.1

The HCT from pediatric to adult HIV care can result in disruptions in care engagement and viral suppression. Ideally, HCT preparation involves a multidisciplinary approach that starts years before the actual transfer and is tailored to the specific needs of youth living with HIV (YLH).2

Beyond 6 Weeks: A New Look at Prolonged Postpartum Challenges - Postpartum Depression and Mental Health

Defying traditional expectations of recovery, a new study reveals that many women face persistent physical and mental health challenges throughout their first year of motherhood, underlining the urgent need for an integrated approach to perinatal care beyond the conventional 6-week mark.1

The transition to motherhood, encompassing pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, is often presumed to involve a complete physical recovery within 6 weeks after delivery. However, emerging evidence suggests that bo

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Postpartum Depression: An Underexplored Intersection - Postpartum Depression and Mental Health

Women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an elevated risk of postpartum psychiatric disorders (PPD), particularly if they have no pre-existing psychiatric history, marking an urgent need for preventive measures and further research into this underexplored connection.1

PPD, which affect 11% to 15% of women post-childbirth, represent significant complications with potential long-term implications for the mother, child, and broader family unit.2,3 Among these disorders, postpartum depression is

A Hospital Readmission That’s Linked to Ischemic Placental Disease - Postpartum Depression Peer-to-Peer

Women with ischemic placental disease (IPD) during pregnancy are more than twice as likely to be readmitted for postpartum depression (PPD) within a year of delivery, with risks intensifying for those with multiple forms of IPD, according to a new study from a team of 5 New Jersey-based investigators.1

PPD, with an estimated global prevalence of 6% to over 20%, presents significant health risks, including a heightened vulnerability to suicide during the peripartum period.2,3 These data, however

A Clearer Picture: The Interplay of Dyslipidemia and Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Eye on Wet AMD

By uncovering a significant link between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and systemic dyslipidemia, a new systematic review and meta-analysis paves the way for the development of more-targeted, innovative therapeutic strategies.1

AMD, a leading cause of visual impairment in older adults, has long been studied for its intricate connections to various systemic factors.2 One such proposed link is with systemic dyslipidemia; however, the reported association between AMD and dyslipidemia has

Axial Damage in PsA and SpA: Insights from a Radiographic Cohort Study - Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases

A recent study unveiled a low incidence of radiographic axial damage in patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA), but demonstrated differences between these groups.1

PsA and SpA share similar genetic backgrounds, pathological mechanism, and clinical features. The conditions can result in axial skeletal damage, which significantly impacts patients' quality of life.2,3 There is ongoing debate about whether these conditions belong to the same entity or are diff

Rethinking Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines for Older Adults - Cervical Cancer in Focus

A recently published study shows a significant burden of advanced cervical cancer in older patients (aged ≥65 years), questioning the guidelines for discontinuing screening in this population.1

Cervical cancer screening, using the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) tests, has effectively reduced the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer since implementation.2,3 This screening can detect pre-malignant lesions and early stage (stage I) disease.4,5 However, many patients

In Allergic Asthma, Type 2 Inflammation May Reduce COVID-19 Severity - Severe Asthma Peer-to-Peer

According to a new study, patients with allergic asthma have some protection against COVID-19, as type 2 inflammation can reduce the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the airway epithelium.1

During the current pandemic, higher airway viral loads and deficient antiviral interferon responses have been linked to more severe disease,2,3 but the mechanisms of innate protection against SARS-CoV-2 remain unclear.1 Interestingly, patients with respiratory al

Infections in Patients with Decompensated Heart Failure are Common—and Dire - Heart Failure Peer-to Peer

A recently published study found that a quarter of patients hospitalized with primary heart failure (HF) are diagnosed with an infectious disease, and such a diagnosis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.1

HF affects over 800,000 patients annually.2 Infectious diseases can trigger HF decompensation, which can be challenging to diagnose due to the absence of typical signs and symptoms and confounding factors related to the HF syndrome. Delays in initiating appropriate antimicrob

PNH Treatment: A New Era - Advances in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

Newer drugs for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) are revolutionizing the field, improving quality of life and reducing fatigue.1

PNH, a rare condition, is characterized by chronic destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis), resulting in anemia and fatigue, which can significantly affect patients’ quality of life. The chronic nature of the disease, with different treatment requirements, also contributes negatively to quality of life. Increased risk of complications, including breakthrou

Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: We Need to Discuss Menopausal Symptoms - Early Breast Cancer

In a recent study, patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer reported feeling unprepared for menopausal symptoms experienced as part of therapy, highlighting an unmet need for better communication with providers.1

Many patients with breast cancer experience symptoms of menopause, regardless of their age or menopausal status, due to estrogen deficiency.2 These symptoms can cause distress and disruption in daily life, particularly during chemotherapy.1,3 Clinic visits before chemotherapy tr
Targeted Oncology •

MDM2 Inhibition Marches on Across Cancer Settings

Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) inhibitors are moving to late-stage clinical trials, representing an exciting opportunity to target p53 in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

“Tumor p53 (TP53), the gene that encodes p53, [a protein deemed] ‘the guardian of the genome,’ has been consider[ed] undruggable for a long time,” said Ecaterina E. Dumbrava, MD, an assistant professor in the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M

How NMOSD and MS are Impacted by COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination - Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 vaccination were associated with a mild increase in risk of relapse among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). That was the conclusion—with some caveats—of a team of researchers from the Czech Republic, who recently tapped a nationwide database to conduct a retrospective, observational cohort study.1

“We aimed to evaluate the short-term risks of clinical relapse in the 90-day period after the first dose [of] CO

In PNH, What Drives Progression to Secondary Myeloid Neoplasms? - Advances in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

Results from a large retrospective study suggest that the malignant evolution of aplastic anemia (AA) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PHN) to secondary myeloid neoplasms (sMN) may be the consequence of a relentless autoimmune attack that produces a maladaptive response to immunosuppression.1

In the past few decades, there has been a dramatic improvement in the survival outcomes of patients with AA treated with immunosuppressive therapy (IST) who do not qualify or lack a suitable donor

PNH Clone Characteristics: A Variety Show - Advances in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

A study recently published in Cytometry Part B Clinical Cytometry demonstrated that the same abnormality is not always present across all routinely tested cell lines among patients who have the rare blood disorder paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) with multiple PNH clones.1

“There is no simple explanation for this but [it] is likely due to a combination of complex molecular, genetic and biochemical dysfunction in different blood cell types,” Stephen J. Richards, PhD, FRCPath, Division o

Black Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Have Higher Rates of Uncontrolled Hypertension - Recent Advances in Multiple Sclerosis

Uncontrolled hypertension is a significant problem for patients for multiple sclerosis (MS) and there are prominent racial disparities in its prevalence, with Black Americans being more affected than White Americans.1

MS is a chronic, degenerative disease that affects the nervous system. It has been traditionally thought to affect primarily White Americans of European descent, but recent research suggests that the risk of MS among Black Americans is increasing. Black Americans with MS also tend

People with Multiple Sclerosis are Ready to Ditch COVID-19—But Keep Telemedicine - Recent Advances in Multiple Sclerosis

After using it during the COVID-19 pandemic, people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) expressed a preference for using telemedicine for their MS care indicating its feasibility for this patient population.1

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disease that affects young adults and is associated with high utilization of healthcare services.2 Access to appropriate care can be difficult for PwMS due to long travel times and the variety of neurological deficits they may experience. Te

In Patients with Breast Cancer, How Did COVID-19 Affect Access to Care? - Early Breast Cancer

Following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a reduction in the number of office visits for patients receiving primary treatment for early-stage hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, even after vaccines were available.1

Patients with early-stage HR+ breast cancer often experience physical and psychological side effects while undergoing primary treatment. Close monitoring and frequent follow-up are important for maintaining treatment adherence, preventing cancer recurrence, a

Children with ALL Still Have a High Mortality Rate, Despite Survival Improvements - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Despite therapeutic advances, the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has evolved to a similar extent as that of the general population in Sweden over the last 3 decades.1

ALL is a common childhood cancer that has seen a significantly improved survival rate over the past 50 years in high-income countries, such as Sweden. This was due to various factors, including risk stratification, treatment intensity adaptations, and the treatment

Low/Intermediate FLIPI and Not Transformed Follicular Lymphoma Has a Favorable Outcome - Update: B-Cell and Follicular Lymphoma

While the outcome for patients with follicular lymphoma (LF) who relapse within 24 months after first-line treatment (POD24) is generally poor, patients with low/intermediate Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) and not transformed at first relapse may do better than other cases.1

FL is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects adults, usually around the age of 60. It is the second most common type of lymphoma and in most patients it is characterized by the overexpressio

Acute Pyelonephritis: Shedding Light on the Risk Factors - Urologic Health

A new large patient database analysis identified the most important risk factors for the development of acute pyelonephritis (APN), which can be used to aid decisions regarding empiric antibiotic initiation for patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).1

While urinary tract infections (UTI) are common,2 the initial diagnosis can be challenging due to symptom overlap with overactive bladder (OAB). Additionally, culture results to confirm an infection can take 2-3 days.3 This i
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