VITO’s Post

We're thrilled to share that NCARD's Professor Gary Lee and his colleagues have published a groundbreaking article in the prestigious The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal. 📝 The article, titled "Leveraging the pleural space for anticancer therapies in pleural mesothelioma," suggests a new approach to treating early-stage pleural #mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). 🩺 The researchers propose expanding "intrapleural trials," which involve delivering cancer treatments directly into the space between the lung and the chest wall (pleural cavity) through a tube. This method allows for high doses of medication to target the cancer cells while minimising side effects to the rest of the body. 💉 Key points: ✅ Many patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma when the disease is still confined to the pleura, known as stage I. ✅ Intrapleural treatments showed promising results in early trials from the 1990s. ✅ The authors recommend expanding these intrapleural trials, focusing on patients with disease limited to the pleura after thorough screening. ✅ The article discusses challenges and potential solutions, including optimising trial designs, using existing chest drainage tubes for treatment, and exploring new drug delivery methods. Professor Lee and his team make a compelling case for reconsidering the role of intrapleural therapies in early-stage pleural mesothelioma, highlighting the potential for better patient outcomes and the need for further research. 🧪 We're incredibly proud of Professor Lee's dedication to advancing mesothelioma research and improving the lives of those affected by this devastating disease. His work exemplifies NCARD's commitment to innovation and excellence in tackling asbestos-related diseases. 🙌 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gEey--dm Join us in congratulating Professor Lee and his colleagues on this remarkable achievement! 👏 #MesotheliomaAwareness #CancerTreatmentInnovation #LancetRespiratoryMedicine #NCARDResearch #AsbestosRelatedDiseases

#DCM is a highly prevalent condition and a leading cause of #HF and heart transplantation worldwide. Although we have learned a lot about its #genetic architechture, up to 70% of individuals with a #clinical diagnosis of DCM/LVNC do not have a causal genetic variant identified. In this study, led by the Health in Code Group, they explore the association between TBX20tv and DCM/LVNC, showing a significant enrichment of such variants in individuals with these phenotypes when compared to internal (other #cardiomyopathies) and external (gnomAD) comparison groups. According to this study, TBX20tv are associated with a DCM/LVNC phenotype, with low incidence of major CV events and with #CHD present in up to one-third of cases. #cardiology #research #cvgenetics

[Join the discussion] 🛰 We are thrilled to announce a Call for Papers on the theme of “#SuddenCardiacDeath (SCD)” in Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine. About RCM: https://lnkd.in/gZhDbnDY Instructions for Authors: https://lnkd.in/gkMaq9up For details: [email protected] Sub-topics but not limited to: (1) Genetic predispositions and hereditary syndromes associated with SCD (2) Novel diagnostic techniques and biomarkers for early detection (3) Advancements in risk assessment and prevention strategies (4) Mechanisms underlying arrhythmias leading to SCD (5) Pharmacological and device-based interventions for SCD prevention and treatment (6) Epidemiological studies examining SCD incidence and outcomes (7) Psychosocial impact and support for SCD patients and their families

Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU) has made significant strides in understanding and potentially treating polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Their research involved cultivating "mini kidneys" or kidney organoids from skin cells of PKD patients and transplanting them into live mice. This approach, unlike previous studies in lab dishes, closely mimics critical disease features like cyst formation and kidney damage, offering a more realistic model for studying PKD. Assistant Professor Xia Yun, leading the study at NTU's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, highlighted the model's success in replicating key PKD characteristics observed in humans. The researchers found that enhancing autophagy, a cellular process, could potentially reduce cyst severity. This led to the identification of minoxidil, a known drug for hypertension and hair loss, as a promising candidate for PKD treatment. Although more research is needed to validate minoxidil's efficacy and safety for PKD patients, the potential of repurposing an existing drug for treatment is promising. Associate Professor Ng Kar Hui, an independent expert, recognized the significance of this research in addressing chronic kidney diseases like PKD. NTU's ongoing work not only sheds light on PKD but also opens avenues for exploring treatments for other kidney diseases. The establishment of live organism models marks a crucial step towards expanding treatment options and improving outcomes for patients with kidney diseases. This groundbreaking research at NTU offers hope for better understanding and managing PKD, showcasing the potential of innovative approaches in healthcare. Stay tuned for updates as NTU continues to advance research in kidney disease treatment.

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have identified a crucial protein marker that helps pinpoint cells capable of repairing damaged blood vessels. This breakthrough, published in the prestigious journal Circulation, opens the door to developing innovative therapies for endothelial dysfunction, a major contributor to coronary artery disease and related cardiovascular conditions. #medicalresearch #researchanddevelopment #research #innovation #cardivascular #heartdisease #lifesciences #indiana

🔍 The IMPACT project aims at revolutionizing the way we approach Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM), a challenging inherited cardiovascular condition. By leveraging innovative technologies and personalized medicine, IMPACT’s goal is to enhance patient care and reduce reliance on invasive procedures, marking a significant leap towards improved quality of life for patients. 💡 At the heart of IMPACT’s mission is a dedication to understanding and combating ACM by employing state-of-the-art 3D in vitro models and harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to pinpoint therapeutic targets. IMPACT is set to catalyze first-in-class therapies for ACM, with implications beyond cardiology, potentially revolutionizing patient management in various cardiovascular diseases. 🔬 Also IMPACT is not only about groundbreaking research but also about nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals 🌟 As we look to the future, the IMPACT project stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the fight against cardiovascular diseases. Its dedication to scientific excellence, economic innovation, and societal well-being exemplifies the transformative power of targeted research and personalized care in improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Be a part of our journey and follow us! Stay tuned and visit https://lnkd.in/dZv23Xku for more! #IMPACT #Cardiogenomics #Innovation #Research #ACM #Healthcare

Did you know that advancing understanding of cardiac disease in FA is a #FARAGrantProgram priority? Several areas of cardiac research are a high priority: Characterizing the molecular mechanisms, genetic factors, or biochemical pathways that determine heart health in FA, with a special emphasis on understanding the metabolism of the FA heart. Determine if cardiac function has a significant role in the development of fatigue in FA. Comparisons of FA hearts to other genetic and non-genetic cardiomyopathies, with the goal of identifying disrupted pathways that could potentially respond to treatments that are effective in more common forms of cardiac disease. Determine and validate quantitative tools reporting on functional clinical endpoints for heart in FA, such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing. This may also include development of new tools or approaches to accommodate the exercise limitations of FA patients. Identification of biomarkers that are predictive of cardiac outcome or can be used in risk stratification of disease. Identification of biomarkers that can be used as a pharmacodynamic response to treatment and/or to monitor outcomes. Developing therapies to reduce morbidity and mortality of the cardiac disease. This may include assessing currently approved therapeutic interventions as applied to FA. LOIs are due Feb. 15. www.curefa.org

🔍 Exciting new study shows the potential of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging as a non-invasive tool for monitoring kidney injury in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The research revealed that OCT metrics, including retinal and choroidal thinning, were linked to kidney function decline and histological kidney injury. This suggests that OCT imaging could serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting outcomes in CKD patients. #kidneydisease #OCTImaging #medicalresearch 📊👁️ More about this study can be found here: https://lnkd.in/ebQ58CAA

📑 #NoteworthyPublication! 🩺🖥️ Today we invite you to take a look at the observational study on malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and its impact on patients with non-expandable lung (NEL). With MPE affecting up to 15% of cancer patients and NEL complicating up to 30% of these cases, understanding the differences in symptom burden is crucial. We hope these insights will enhance patient care and inform future research. 🔗 For more details, read the full paper: https://lnkd.in/dGuU9vPq #MedicalResearch #LungHealth #Thoracentesis #Diagnostics

Exciting Breakthrough in Early Detection of Motor Neurone Disease 🚀 Researchers have unveiled a ground-breaking test that could revolutionise the early detection of motor neurone disease (MND), also known as ALS. Developed by the University of Aberdeen, this innovative test, known as TDP-43 aptamer, represents a significant advancement in the fight against this incurable condition. Motor neurone disease, affecting approximately 5,000 people in the UK, leads to progressive muscle weakness, significantly impacting life expectancy. The TDP-43 aptamer test identifies damaged cell proteins in brain tissue samples, serving as early biomarkers of MND. This promising development could facilitate the diagnosis of MND before the onset of symptoms, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of treatments. 🧬 Dr Holly Spence of the University of Aberdeen highlighted the critical importance of early diagnosis. "Identifying MND as early as possible could dramatically increase the efficacy of therapeutic drugs," she explained. The disease, characterised by the accumulation of specific proteins that disrupt cell communication, manifests gradually with symptoms such as slurred speech, weakness in limbs, and muscle cramps. 💊 The research, celebrated by the Motor Neurone Disease Association for its "exciting potential," aims to reduce diagnostic delays, allowing for earlier interventions and more effective treatments. Dr Jenna Gregory, also from the University of Aberdeen, emphasised the test's precision and sensitivity in detecting disease proteins at much lower levels than previously possible. "This could be a game-changer for MND research, diagnostics, and treatment," said Dr Gregory, underscoring the test's ability to target and visualise toxic protein accumulations accurately. 🔬 As the scientific community continues to explore ground-breaking solutions, this development marks a significant milestone in our understanding and management of motor neurone disease, offering hope for earlier detection and more effective interventions. #MotorNeuroneDisease #MND #ALS #Breakthrough #ScienceNews #MedicalResearch #Innovation #Hope #challenginmnd 🌍🔎👩🔬