Mourabit Halima, Author at MediaMedic

Sequential Treatment Escalation Improves Survival in Patients with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia

By Mourabit Halima 2024.08.12

In the dynamic field of hematology and oncology, finding effective treatments for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is crucial. A recent study led by Professor Shuhua Yi from the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, has made significant strides in this area. This research analyzed first- and second-line therapies in 377 patients with WM, demonstrating that sequential treatment escalation markedly improves survival rates. By transitioning from cytotoxic drugs to rituximab, bortezomib, or Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors, patients saw significant benefits. These findings, presented at a major medical conference, underscore the collaborative effort and innovation driving progress in hematology and improving patient outcomes.

Sequential Infusion of Two Different Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells: Induction of a Deep and Durable Remission

By Mourabit Halima 2024.08.12

In the dynamic field of hematology and oncology, the development of innovative treatments for challenging conditions such as relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL) remains a critical priority. In this commentary, the recent phase 2 clinical trial investigating the efficacy of sequential CD19 and CD22 CAR T-cell therapies represents a significant advancement in the therapeutic landscape. Professor Kailin Xu from the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, along with esteemed colleagues, offers new hope for patients facing this aggressive malignancy. He highlighted the findings of this pioneering research, published in the Lancet Oncology, which reported not only the potential of sequential CD19 and CD22 CAR T-cell therapy as a viable treatment option, but also the collaborative effort and expertise that exemplify the spirit of innovation in the field.

JOH丨Impact of Pre-Transplant Immunotherapy on Post-Transplant Outcomes in Liver Cancer

By Mourabit Halima 2024.08.11

The Journal of Hepatology (JOH) recently published an online systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The study investigates the impact of using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before liver transplantation on various key clinical outcomes post-transplantation. The findings reveal that while ICIs treatment may increase the risk of post-transplant rejection, the overall risk remains manageable, with patient age and ICI clearance time being closely related to rejection risk. This study provides valuable clinical data to support the use of ICIs before liver transplantation, offering new insights and directions for research and clinical practice in this area.

JOH丨Impact of HBV DNA Integration on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis of Chronic Hepatitis B

By Mourabit Halima 2024.08.11

HBV infection is a global public health issue, with its chronic progression leading to severe liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis B (CHB), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In recent years, the phenomenon of HBV DNA integrating into the host genome has garnered widespread attention as it unveils new mechanisms of HBV pathogenesis and significantly impacts the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HBV-related diseases. Recently, Dr. Fabien Zoulim from Lyon Hepatology Institute, France, published a comprehensive review article in the Journal of Hepatology (JOH), detailing the mechanisms of HBV DNA integration, its impact on liver disease progression, and its implications for the functional cure of CHB. This review aims to provide new perspectives and methods for the prevention and treatment of CHB

Pre-TIPS Assessment of Liver-Related Vascular Morphology Can Predict Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy

By Mourabit Halima 2024.08.11

Portal hypertension can lead to complications such as variceal bleeding and ascites. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creates an artificial channel between the hepatic vein and portal vein to reduce portal pressure. TIPS is the only minimally invasive method that can reduce or even normalize portal pressure and is effective in controlling variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. However, American, Chinese, and European guidelines recommend endoscopic treatment, non-selective beta-blockers, and paracentesis as the first-line treatments for variceal bleeding and ascites related to portal hypertension, with TIPS recommended as an alternative treatment. One of the main reasons is that TIPS can induce overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE), with an incidence rate of 10% to 50%, negatively affecting patients' quality of life and increasing mortality. Even with multiple treatments, the recurrence rate of HE remains high. These factors make predicting the risk of overt HE crucial for determining patient eligibility for TIPS. Recently, a study by Dr. Ligong Lu from Zhuhai People's Hospital, published in Hepatology International, explored the feasibility of using liver vascular assessments to predict HE, providing evidence to support the selection of suitable patients for TIPS treatment.

AIDS 2024丨Unique Changes in the Gut Virome of HIV-Exposed Uninfected Infants

By Mourabit Halima 2024.08.11

At the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024) in Munich, Germany, a study on the impact of HIV on the gut virome of children garnered significant attention. This research was conducted by scientists from the University of Washington in Seattle, Seattle Children's Hospital, and the University of Cape Town in South Africa. The study revealed unique changes in the gut virome of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants born to HIV-infected mothers.

AIDS 2024丨Severe Depression in People with HIV Linked to Increased Neuroinflammation

By Mourabit Halima 2024.08.11

Severe depression in people with HIV is a complex public health issue requiring urgent attention. The 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024) was held from July 22 to 26 in Munich, Germany, attracting 15,000 professionals and attendees from around the world to discuss the latest advancements and future challenges in AIDS prevention and treatment. At the conference, a study revealed a significant association between neuroinflammation and severe depressive symptoms in people with HIV. This study utilized diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance spectroscopy (DW-MRS) to measure the diffusion of metabolites in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of people with HIV, finding that increased diffusion of creatine and choline is significantly correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that neuroinflammation may be an important pathophysiological mechanism of severe depression in people with HIV.

APACC2024 | Dr. Chunyan Li: Service Provision and Adherence Support for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

By Mourabit Halima 2024.08.11

Numerous studies have explored the use of long-acting antiretroviral therapy (Long-acting ART) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), achieving positive preventive outcomes. However, the promotion of long-acting PrEP still faces many challenges. Additionally, how can adherence to existing oral PrEP regimens be further improved? At the recently held 9th Asia Pacific AIDS & Co-infections Conference (APACC 2024), Dr. Chunyan Li from the The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study participated in several panel discussions and shared her team's research findings, offering more insights and reflections on these issues.

Dr. Fu Fu Zheng: New Advances in Prostate Cancer Research at the 2024 ASCO Meeting (Research Directions and Precision Therapy)

By Mourabit Halima 2024.08.11

Prostate cancer is a common malignant tumor of the reproductive system, particularly affecting elderly men. Screening high-risk populations and tailoring treatment plans based on patient characteristics are crucial for improving cure rates and enhancing quality of life. Recently, the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting unveiled numerous advancements in the precision treatment of prostate cancer. "Oncology Frontier" invited Dr. Fu Fu Zheng from The First Affiliated Hospital , Sun Yat-sen University to provide an in-depth analysis of these advancements and discuss the latest breakthroughs in prostate cancer. This article summarizes the current challenges and directions in prostate cancer treatment, sharing insights into genomics, liquid biopsy, and new targeted therapy explorations presented at the ASCO conference.

In-Depth Analysis丨Dr. Wei Li & Dr. Shaohua Zhang: First-Line Treatment Options for Patients with Recurrent Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

By Mourabit Halima 2024.08.10

For patients with recurrent metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), would you choose "chemotherapy + immunotherapy" or "ADC" for treatment? At the 2024 Breast Cancer Summer Forum·Northern Salon "In-Depth Analysis" session, Dr. Wei Li from Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital and Dr. Shaohua Zhang from the Chinese PLA General Hospital presented their respective viewpoints. Dr. Wei Li expressed a preference for "chemotherapy + immunotherapy," while Dr. Shaohua Zhang opted for "ADC." Following the session, Oncology Frontier invited the two experts to elaborate on their perspectives.