Kshama Roberts’ Post

How does underrepresentation affect the validity and applicability of cancer treatment research? Are we adequately addressing diversity needs in clinical trials? These are crucial questions raised by a study published in the @Journal of Oncology Practice. The article by Narjust Florez M.D. et al. highlights a significant issue in the representation of minorities and women in oncology clinical trials over the past 14 years. https://lnkd.in/g6bzQ2mt Despite efforts to increase diversity, the study found a decline in the recruitment of African Americans, Hispanics, and women in these critical studies. This underrepresentation can lead to gaps in understanding how different populations respond to treatments, ultimately impacting the efficacy and safety of new cancer therapies for all patients. The authors recommend several measures to address these disparities. First, they emphasize the need for comprehensive reporting of participant demographics in all clinical trials. Second, they advocate for targeted recruitment strategies to ensure that trials include sufficient numbers of minorities and women. For instance, educational programs can be developed to increase awareness and participation among underrepresented groups. Additionally, improving access by conducting trials in diverse geographic locations and employing multilingual research staff can help overcome some of the barriers faced by minority populations. These steps are essential to ensure that the benefits of new cancer treatments are equitably distributed and that clinical research reflects the diversity of the patient population. #ClinicalTrials #OncologyResearch #HealthEquity #DiversityInResearch #CancerTreatment #MinorityHealth #WomenInScience #HealthDisparities #MedicalResearch #PatientCare #HealthInclusion #ClinicalResearch #MedicalEquity #HealthcareDiversity #ResearchEthics

💉 Did you know that over 15% of the antipsychotic market is now driven by long-acting injectables (LAIs)? https://lnkd.in/eJZBwStZ Bryan Garnier is pleased to release “Long-Acting Injectables: A Lasting Dose of Innovation”, a comprehensive report that explores: 🔹 How LAIs are impacting fields like opioid use disorder, schizophrenia, oncology, HIV, and obesity  🔹 Innovations in long-acting peptide formulations, oral biologics and fast-acting injectables 🔹 Enhanced bioavailability technologies attracting investor interest 🔹 Leading innovators shaping the future of long-acting therapies Read the full white paper for an in-depth look at these groundbreaking developments in patient care. 🔗 Download the white paper here: https://lnkd.in/eJZBwStZ #LongActingInjectables #PatientCare #PharmaInnovation #BryanGarnier Oscar Haffen Lamm, Bruno B., Maria Vara

As I was reading through the weekly FDA bulletin that I receive by email, I was struck by the fact that there are multiple opportunities coming up where FDA is seeking input from patients or advocates to help inform drug development. Sometimes this aspect of the Agency is overlooked but getting patient perspectives and community interactions are an important part of the Agency's overall mission. Incorporating the patient perspective is vital to any drug development program but can be especially so in rare diseases or for pediatric development. The first event is hosted by CBER on September 20th to get patient and care partner perspectives on safety considerations for approved gene therapy treatments for rare diseases. The meeting has two sessions focused on safety considerations in making decisions about gene therapies and understanding patient and caregiver thoughts on long-term studies after receiving a gene therapy. The FDA Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE) is hosting two interesting events. The first is that FDA's Oncology Center of Excellence Project Community will hold a panel discussion on September 20th to increase cancer awareness within the Hispanic population as part of National Hispanic Family Cancer Awareness Week on September 20-26, 2024. The second is the OCE Pediatric Oncology Program will hold a Pediatric Advocacy Forum on October 15th. This Forum strives to foster improved understanding of the priorities and perspectives of the pediatric cancer advocacy community and increased awareness of the OCE Pediatric Oncology program efforts. I'll put links to the meetings in comments below. #DrugDevelopment #GeneTherapy #PediatricOncology

Informative A small animation on the Prevention of diseases by the association of Stem Cell Therapy. Stem Cells are specialized type of cells, which possess the capability & ability of Replacement, Differentiation & Regeneration. Stem Cell is associated with Bone Marrow (Spongy tissues which are inside the Bones). Red bone marrow contains Stem Cells. Classification of Stem Cells : Totipotent Stem Cell (Derived from Zygote) Embryonic Stem Cell (Pluripotent) Adult Stem Cell (Multipotent) Followings are the Structural functions of Stem Cells : Stem Cells can divide to grow & replace themselves. Embryonic Stem Cells can regenerate into Blood cells, like RBC, WBC & Platelets. Adult Stem Cells can replace & differentiate into Nerve Cells, Cardiac cells, Skin cells, also Kidney cells & Muscle cells. Stem Cells can produce different types of White blood cells like Monocytes, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Basophils & Eosinophils, which take part in fighting against infections in immune system. Stem Cells produce Platelets, which take part in repairing damaged blood vessels & help with Blood Clotting process. Stem Cell Therapy help in treating Cancer like Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma & Lymphoma. Leukemia : A Cancer that arises & affects blood cells & Red bone marrow, where blood & Red blood cells are produced. Numerous abnormal WBC are produced in case of Leukemia. Lymphoma : A Cancer that arises & affects Lymphatic system. Numerous abnormal B-lymphocytes are produced in case of Lymphoma.

This is just ground breaking if utilised properly

Great read on the new approaches launched by a number of biotechnology companies to target the reactivation of retroviruses, transposons, and other repetitive sequences, which have been associated with inflammation, cancer, and both autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. New approaches have utilized antiretrovirals to block reverse transcriptases that may facilitate the expression of these elements. Other studies have shown that the viral envelopes of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are expressed in some cancers and could be targeted for anti-cancer therapies by designing therapeutic vaccines targeting these retroviral proteins. Aging and inflammation have been associated with the reactivation of HERVs, mediated by epigenetic changes (demethylation), opening the road for novel approaches to therapeutic intervention. #HERV #retrovirus #LINE1 #retrotransposons HIV #antiretrovirals #health #globalhealth #publichealth #biotechnology #pharmaceuticals https://lnkd.in/g4Dgyvbr

MINI REVIEW article Front. Immunol., 15 May 2024 Sec. T Cell Biology Volume 15 - 2024 | https://lnkd.in/d6Fag-VA "..we have explored the current literature assessing how technical variation during PBMC processing can influence cellular viability and T cell immunogenicity, noting inconsistent findings between many of these studies. Amid the mounting concerns over scientific replicability, there is growing acknowledgement that improved methodological rigour and transparent reporting is required to facilitate independent reproducibility. This review highlights that in human T cell studies, this entails adopting stringent standardised operating procedures (SOPs) for PBMC processing. We specifically propose the use of HANC’s Cross-Network PBMC Processing SOP, when collecting and cryopreserving PBMCs, and the HANC member network International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) PBMC Thawing SOP when thawing PBMCs. These stringent and detailed protocols include comprehensive reporting procedures to document unavoidable technical variations, such as delayed processing times. Additionally, we make further standardisation and reporting recommendations to minimise and document variability during this critical experimental period. This review provides a detailed overview of the challenges inherent to a procedure often considered routine, highlighting the importance of carefully considering each aspect of SOPs for PBMC collection, cryopreservation, thawing, and culture to ensure accurate interpretation and comparison between studies."

BioTek reMEDYs joins in celebrating World Hemophilia Day and recognizing the challenges patients with hemophilia and other rare bleeding disorders face. A few decades ago, patients facing this diagnosis faced a life expectancy of less than 30 years. In the 1960s and 1970s advancements in medicine helped this population with the infusion of fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate. The pinnacle of early success came with the isolation and mass production of Factors VIII and IX which allowed patients to be given the exact protein their bodies were deficient in. Unfortunately, in the early 1980s these products were tainted by HIV and HCV until heat-treatment and other viral inactivation was widely incorporated into the manufacturing process. In the early 1990s recombinant factors were developed allowing the production of these proteins without having to collect them from human blood. The 2010s led to rapid advancements including extended half-life factor products, the first monoclonal antibody treatment for hemophilia, the first subcutaneous treatment, and the beginning of successful potential long-term treatment of hemophilia with gene therapy in clinical trials. Today, there are more treatment options available for patients in the United States than ever, and patients with hemophilia and rare bleeding disorders are now facing normal lifespans as they reap the benefits of all these advancements. Unfortunately, in much of the world the cost of these treatments prevents patients from accessing them, and many patients in developing countries face the same obstacles patients in the U.S. faced seventy-five years ago. Thankfully, many non-profits are helping to change that, and individuals can make a difference through sponsoring a child abroad at www.saveonelife.net. At BioTek reMEDys pause today to celebrate the advancements in rare bleeding disorders and we look to a future when many more patients globally have the same access to these life changing and life sustaining treatments.

**Exploring Breakthroughs in Medical Research: Cell Therapy for Melanoma and Beyond** As someone deeply invested in advancing healthcare in Nigeria, I continually seek out new breakthroughs to enhance patient care in our facility. Recently, several remarkable developments have caught my attention, poised to revolutionize our healthcare landscape; 1. Cell Therapy Breakthrough: The FDA's approval of Amtagvi marks a groundbreaking advancement in cellular therapy for aggressive melanoma. By replicating T cells from a patient's tumor, this treatment offers hope for individuals with limited options. With its promising response rate and potential for complete remission, Amtagvi represents a significant leap forward in T cell immunotherapy. 2. Inverse Vaccines for Autoimmune Disorders: Scientists have pioneered "inverse vaccines" targeting self-antigens to address autoimmune disorders. These vaccines train immune cells to suppress T cells responsible for misguided immune responses, showing potential for improved tolerance and disease management. While still in early stages, this research holds promise for future treatments. 3. Sequencing the Y-Chromosome: In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists have successfully sequenced the entire Y chromosome, offering invaluable insights into human genetics. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for fertility, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and personalized medicine. Understanding the Y chromosome's role paves the way for tailored therapies and enhanced medical interventions. On this note, i'll be attending the Medlab West Africa taking place from 22-24 April 2024 at Landmark Exhibition Centre, Lagos, Nigeria. Join me at the largest laboratory gathering of the West African region with over 3,500+ attendees, 150+ exhibitors from over 30+ countries all coming together to connect, learn and do business. Don't miss out! Register now for free: https://bit.ly/3OLa13e #MedlabWestAfrica #WestAfrica #Laboratory

Mass spec imaging meets proteomics: researchers reveal lipid and protein changes linked to neurotoxic effects of HIV drug Efavirenz in the brain. #MassSpec #Proteomics #Neurotoxicity https://ow.ly/yVRB50TBawb