Latest news with #HPV-positive
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stifel Reaffirms Buy Rating on BCAX After Promising ASCO Data for HPV-Negative Patients
On May 24, analysts at Stifel reaffirmed their Buy rating and price target of $48 for Bicara Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:BCAX). This follows the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) releasing abstracts after the market's close, which sparked debates regarding competing approaches to treating 1L SCCHN. The company's abstract provided a number of encouraging results for HPV-negative patients. These included an improved complete response (CR) rate, currently at 21%, a 12-month duration of response and overall survival (OS) of 60/61%, alongside a median overall survival (mOS) of more than 20 months. However, analysts pointed out that Merus, a market rival, also provided impressive full ASCO data that included both HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients. That said, Stifel analysts cautioned that it may be unreliable to draw competitive conclusions from non-randomized patient groups. In light of this, Stifel advises investors to purchase BCAX stock on any price weakness and to wait for more thorough information from Bicara at the next ASCO meetings. While we acknowledge the potential of BCAX to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BCAX and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. Read More: and . Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Precision Medicine and Low-Dose Radiation Are Transforming Head and Neck Cancer Care
New Delhi: Globally, over 900,000 new cases of head and neck cancer are diagnosed annually. The treatment landscape for head and neck cancers (HNCs) has undergone a dramatic shift over the past two decades, with precision medicine , immunotherapy, and functional preservation leading the way. Dr Jatin P. Shah, Head and Neck Surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), shares how these advances are transforming care, improving outcomes, and reducing toxicity—especially relevant for India, where HNCs remain a significant public health challenge. 'The most important development in recent years is the ability to identify the genetic mutations and fusions that drive these cancers,' says Dr Shah. Through molecular profiling, clinicians can now tailor therapies to a tumor's genetic fingerprint—a hallmark of precision oncology. MSK's proprietary IMPACT assay exemplifies this approach, analyzing hundreds of cancer-related genes to identify targetable mutations. 'This is particularly promising for patients with rare or treatment-resistant head and neck cancers,' he explains, 'as it offers new hope when conventional therapies fail.' However, while targeted therapies are powerful, only a limited number of mutations are currently druggable. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, has seen broader applications. 'It's now routinely used in recurrent, metastatic, and even some advanced-stage patients before surgery,' Dr. Shah notes. HPV-Positive Cancers: High Cure Rates, Lower Side Effects One of the most notable breakthroughs has been the recognition of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers, which respond remarkably well to treatment. Globally, HPV-related head and neck cancers are on the rise, particularly in younger, non-smoking individuals. HPV accounts for up to 70 per cent of oropharyngeal cancers in some populations, and these cancers tend to have better outcomes. According to Dr Shah, the challenge now is to maintain high cure rates while minimizing long-term side effects. MSK is leading a promising clinical trial using low-dose radiation (30 Gy) for HPV-positive patients. 'Early results show excellent tumor control with far fewer side effects compared to traditional high-dose radiation,' he reports. This marks a potential paradigm shift in how these cancers are treated. Radiation Therapy: No Longer 'One Size Fits All' Radiation therapy has historically been viewed as a blunt tool—powerful but often associated with severe side effects. That perception is changing. 'One of the biggest misconceptions is that all patients require the same high radiation dose,' Dr. Shah says. 'Today, radiation is personalized, just like surgery.' Advances in imaging, diagnostics, and tumor biology now allow clinicians to customize doses and target areas, reducing damage to healthy tissues. Dr Shah highlights emerging treatments for aggressive head and neck cancers, including sinonasal carcinomas and salivary gland tumors. 'We're testing chemo-immunotherapy combinations to either avoid or limit surgery, preserving function and appearance.' For rare salivary gland tumors like salivary duct carcinoma, researchers are targeting molecular markers such as the androgen receptor and HER2, similar to therapies used in prostate and breast cancer. 'These targeted treatments represent a leap forward in personalizing care for even the rarest tumor types,' he adds. India's Head and Neck Cancer Burden: Prevention is Key India bears one of the highest burdens of head and neck cancers globally, largely due to the widespread use of tobacco products, including gutka and pan masala. India accounts for nearly 30 per cent of global cases of oral cancer, with tobacco use being the leading cause. 'Head and neck cancer is largely preventable,' Dr. Shah emphasizes. 'Avoiding tobacco—both smoked and chewed—is one of the most effective strategies.' He urges healthcare providers in India to promote early detection, especially for symptoms like persistent mouth ulcers, voice changes, or difficulty swallowing. With modern medicine advancing rapidly, the focus in head and neck oncology is increasingly on individualized care—delivering the most effective treatments while preserving quality of life.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Africa: Urgent steps needed to address low uptake amid rising hesitancy
HPV is fuelling high cervical cancer rates in sub-Saharan Africa despite the availability of effective vaccines. Yet uptake remains low, driven largely by vaccine hesitancy. In South Africa alone, most participants (71%) were hesitant to receive at least one of the vacines in the country, according to the Vaccine Confidence Report by MSD ( and Prof. Hannelie Meyer, Head of the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre. [1] The report was launched at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and during the SSA HPV Media Roundtable held during World and Africa Immunisation Week (24–30 April 2025). Cervical cancer, caused by persistent infection of HPV, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 94% of global cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa heavily affected. [2] Studies indicate that, globally, about 12% of women with normal cervical cytology are found to have an HPV infection. This prevalence doubles to around 24% in sub-Saharan Africa. Young women under 25 are particularly vulnerable, with an HPV prevalence rate of 43.9% in Africa compared to the global rate of 19.2%. [3] A 2023 report indicated that cervical cancer ranks as the 13th most frequent cancer among women in Egypt and the 9th most frequent among women aged 15 to 44 years. [4] In Kigali, Rwanda, before the national HPV vaccination programme, 54% of women aged 19 years and younger were found to have received an HPV-positive result. [5] The high mortality rate in Ghana further demonstrates the burden, with approximately 3,000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, resulting in around 2,000 deaths each year. [6] Vaccine hesitancy, defined as a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite their availability, remains a challenge in the fight against preventable diseases such as cervical cancer. Misinformation, cultural beliefs, and accessibility issues further compound the low uptake of HPV vaccines. As global health organisations and local health authorities strive to eliminate preventable diseases, understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy has never been more urgent. [1] Understanding vaccine hesitancy The Vaccine Confidence Report highlights several drivers of HPV vaccine hesitancy, including safety concerns, mistrust in healthcare systems, and misinformation on social media. According to Prof. Meyer, despite clear scientific evidence, many still believe vaccines are harmful. [1] 'This reluctance is troubling,' she said, 'given the direct link between HPV and cervical cancer. Addressing these fears with credible information is vital to reducing the burden in sub-Saharan Africa.' An external study titled 'Vaccine Hesitancy and Trust in sub-Saharan Africa' published in Scientific Reports in May 2023 examined vaccination behaviours and attitudes across six sub-Saharan African countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The study found that only about 10% of respondents reported receiving at least one HPV vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy rates varied across countries, with South Africa exhibiting the highest rate at 17.15% and Kenya the lowest at 8.3%. [7] Impact of misinformation, funding gaps and immunisation disruption Misinformation remains a major driver of vaccine hesitancy in Africa, especially through online platforms. It has shaped public attitudes and eroded trust in immunisation programmes. At the same time, shifting global priorities and economic pressures have led to reduced funding for vaccination efforts, limiting access in low-income communities. [8] 'Routine immunisation has saved millions of lives,' said Dr Alima Essoh, Regional Director of the Preventive Medicine Agency for Africa (AMP Africa). 'When misinformation and resource constraints disrupt these efforts, we risk undoing decades of progress.' Expanding HPV vaccination is critical to reducing cervical cancer, but it requires tackling misinformation head-on and improving access across the continent. Broader implications for public health While HPV vaccination remains a key focus, vaccine hesitancy extends to other preventable diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2030, which includes ensuring that 90% of girls are fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15. [9] According to Prof Meyer, vaccine hesitancy threatens to derail this goal and broader efforts to achieve high immunisation rates for other preventable illnesses such as measles, polio, and influenza. Rethinking the fight against HPV-related cervical cancer: Community action and vaccine confidence Efforts to eliminate HPV and reduce HPV-related cervical cancer in Africa necessitate innovative, community-driven solutions. Dr Sabrina Kitaka, Senior Lecturer at Makerere University, states that engaging and accessible tools, such as comic books and school-based vaccination, have significantly enhanced vaccine uptake among young people. She adds that reminder systems, such as SMS and automated phone calls, help ensure adolescents complete the HPV vaccine schedule. If implemented on a large scale, these strategies could strengthen vaccine coverage across the region. She further states that, tackling vaccine hesitancy will require a coordinated approach involving governments, healthcare workers, civil society, and the private sector. This means improving health communication, building trust through local partnerships, and tailoring outreach to meet communities where they are. 'There is no time to waste,' says Prof. Meyer. 'We must work together to share accurate information, address concerns, and make vaccines truly accessible. Only then can we protect future generations from preventable diseases.' Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers in this document are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of MSD. References MSD South Africa., Meyer, JC. 2025. Vaccination Hesitancy Study. Accessed 07 April 2025 'Human papillomavirus and cancer', World Health Organization, 5 March 2024: High Burden of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Among Young Women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa' PLOS One, 19 January 2016: Accessed 07 April 2025. 'Egypt HPV and Related Cancers, Fact sheet 2023, Accessed 2 April 2025. 'Human papillomavirus infection in Rwanda at the moment of implementation of a national HPV vaccination programme', National Library of Medicine, National Centre for Biotechnology Information, 24 May 2016: Accessed 07 April 2025. 'Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases Report', HPV Information Centre, 10 March 2023: Accessed 07 April 2025. 'Vaccine hesitancy and trust in sub-Saharan Africa', Scientific Reports ( 13 May 2024: Accessed 10 April 2025. UNICEF, Global immunization coverage stalled in 2021, leaving millions of children unprotected – WHO and UNICEF, 2022: WHO. HPV&Cancer. Available at: Human papillomavirus and cancer ( Accessed: 07 April 2025 REPORT ANY SUSPECTED ADVERSE EVENTS OR PRODUCT QUALITY COMPLAINTS TO DPOC SOUTH AFRICA: Tel: +27 (0)11 655 3000.
Reuters
26-03-2025
- Health
- Reuters
Health Rounds: HPV infection linked to higher heart risk
March 26 (Reuters) - (To receive the full newsletter in your inbox for free sign up here) Human papillomavirus, along with causing several types of cancer, appears to significantly increase the risk of heart disease, according to research being presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session, opens new tab in Chicago this week. Keep up with the latest medical breakthroughs and healthcare trends with the Reuters Health Rounds newsletter. Sign up here. Pooling data from seven studies that tracked nearly 250,000 volunteers for up to 17 years, researchers found that HPV-positive patients had a 40% higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and twice the risk of developing coronary artery disease in particular, compared with HPV-negative patients. Even after accounting for sociodemographic factors, medical history, lifestyle behaviors, family history of heart disease and use of blood pressure-lowering drugs, HPV-positive patients still had a 33% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The researchers say doctors could consider closer heart monitoring for people who test positive for HPV, in keeping with recommendations for patients with other known heart disease risk factors. 'We always talk about cardiovascular risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure and so on, but we know that about 20% of cardiovascular disease cannot be explained by these conventional risk factors," study leader Dr. Stephen Akinfenwa of UConn School of Medicine in Farmington, Connecticut, said in a statement. "This makes it important to identify non-conventional risk factors like HPV that could potentially be targeted.' The reason for the association is not clear, but it's likely related to chronic inflammation, he said. 'We would ultimately like to see if reducing HPV via vaccination could reduce cardiovascular risk.' PROSTATE SURGERY TECHNIQUE IMPROVES ERECTILE OUTCOMES A modified prostate cancer surgery technique leaves significantly more men with preserved erectile function compared to standard surgeries, UK researchers reported on Monday at the European Association of Urology Congress in Madrid. The nerves that run through the prostate's outer layers are thought to be responsible for producing erections. Whether these nerves can be left intact without leaving some cancer cells behind has been hard for surgeons to discern, and they tend to err on the side of safety and remove the nerves if unsure. In a randomized trial, researchers assessed the benefit of adding an extra step, called neurovascular structure-adjacent frozen-section examination, or NeuroSAFE, in which pathologists examine samples of nerve-adjacent prostate tissue while the patient is on the operating table. If the analysis doesn't find cancer cells, the nerves are left intact. Researchers studied 344 patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy who had no prior issues with erectile dysfunction. One year later, 39% of those in the NeuroSAFE group had no or mild erectile dysfunction, compared to 23% of those who had standard surgery, according to a report of the study published in The Lancet Oncology, opens new tab. Rates of severe erectile dysfunction were 38% in the NeuroSAFE group versus 56% after standard surgery. The technique did not increase the overall proportion of patients who were fully continent at 12 months, but NeuroSAFE patients who recovered their urinary control did so faster than patients who underwent standard surgery. NeuroSAFE's real-time evaluation 'opens up the option of nerve-sparing surgery for many more men, without compromising on the chances of controlling the cancer,' study leader Dr. Ricardo Almeida-Magana of University College London said in a statement. Dr. Derya Tilki of the Martini Klinik Prostate Cancer Center in Hamburg, Germany, where the NeuroSAFE technique was developed decades ago, noted that the trial was not designed to determine longer-term cancer outcomes. "But based on the data we have from using the technique for over 20 years, NeuroSAFE does not appear to affect these.' CHILDHOOD TB CASES KEEP RISING IN EUROPE Childhood tuberculosis cases were up by 26% in European Union and European Economic Area countries in 2023, according to newly released data, opens new tab. That marks the third successive year with an uptick of TB diagnoses among children younger than 15 years old in that region, which accounts for the vast majority of the continent, the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe reported on Monday. Overall, the region saw almost 30,000 new tuberculosis cases in 2023, with children and adolescents under age 15 accounting for 4.3%. Given that young children have an increased risk of developing tuberculosis disease during the first year after infection with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, childhood TB serves as a marker for ongoing transmission within a community, the researchers said. For one in five children with tuberculosis in the region, it is unknown whether they completed their TB treatment. Incomplete treatment may result in the emergence of drug-resistant TB and further transmission of the disease. Only about half of patients with multiple-drug resistant TB completed their treatment, according to the report. While the global targets set by the WHO aim for treatment success rates of at least 90%, that rate in 2023 was 67.9% in the EU/EEA countries and 77.2% in the rest of the WHO European Region.
