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The Independent
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Scientists celebrate bowel cancer breakthrough in bid to tackle surge in young people
Scientists have discovered that bowel cancer cells can transform into skin or muscle cells, allowing them to spread more aggressively. This breakthrough offers hope for treating the increasing rates of the disease, especially among young people. A study conducted by the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre and the University of Edinburgh revealed that a critical step in aggressive bowel cancer involves cells losing their original identity, a process known as cellular plasticity. Researchers found that the disease spreads when colonic cells begin to resemble squamous cells, which form skin, or muscle cells. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK. It claims the lives of 16,800 people in Britain, including 1,700 in Scotland, every year and is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people internationally. A recent study by the American Cancer Society published in The Lancet Oncology showed early-onset bowel cancer rates in adults aged 25-49 are rising in 27 of 50 countries studied, and increasing faster in young women in Scotland and England than in young men. Scotland is disproportionately affected with around 4,000 people diagnosed each year overall, according to Cancer Research UK. The latest study found bowel cancer cells can adapt to resemble skin cells, which can tolerate much harsher day-to-day conditions due to their role and position protecting the outside of the body, and also muscle cells, both of which are more 'robust'. Cellular plasticity was found to be an important element in bowel cancer metastasis – when it spreads and becomes harder to treat. Researchers hope identifying this and preventing it could help make current treatments more effective and stop the disease from spreading. The study also examined a particular gene called Atrx which was already associated with aggressive forms of bowel cancer. Using mice and human tissue samples, researchers found the loss of this gene resulted in increased metastatic tumours which spread from the bowel to the liver, lymph nodes and the diaphragm. Key to the ability of these cells to spread is that they shed their identity of colonic cells and resembled squamous cells which form skin, or cells that resemble muscle. The paper, 'Loss Of Colonic Fidelity Enables Multilineage Plasticity And Metastasis', is published in Nature. The research received funding from the Medical Research Council and the European Research Council. Dr Kevin Myant, of the Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh and the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, said: 'With more and more younger people being diagnosed with bowel cancer, it's vital we understand how this disease grows and develops. 'Our research has discovered one way that aggressive bowel cancer is able to spread is by 'shapeshifting' to resemble skin or muscle cells rather than bowel cancer cells. 'This finding will hopefully allow us to develop new treatments to stop these cells changing and prevent the cancer spreading, when it becomes much harder to treat.' Lead researcher Dr Patrizia Cammareri said: 'Skin cells can tolerate much harsher day-to-day conditions than other types of cells – due to their role and position protecting the outside of the body – so this may be a strategy to help the bowel cancer cells become more robust and enable them to spread around the body. 'Metastasis is a leading cause of cancer death and a key focus for cancer research, so this finding could be pivotal in halting the progression of aggressive cancer and providing better outcomes for patients.' Cancer Research UK director of research, Dr Catherine Elliott, said: 'Diagnosing and treating cancer early and preventing spread to other parts of the body offers the best chance of a positive outcome for patients so research like this, which could lead to new ways to stop that spread, offers great hope. 'Bowel cancer is of increasing concern globally, which is why we invested £5.5m to the CRC-STARS initiative (Colorectal Cancer – Stratification of Therapies through Adaptive Responses) jointly led by our Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, which will bring together more than 40 bowel cancer experts, including researchers who worked on this project, to find new and kinder ways to tackle this disease.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jazz Pharmaceuticals Reports Clinically Meaningful Long-Term Median Overall Survival Data for Ziihera® (zanidatamab-hrii) in First-Line HER2-Positive Metastatic Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma at ASCO 2025
Phase 2 trial results continue to show clinically meaningful efficacy and durable responses, including 36.5-month median overall survival after four years of follow-up, with a manageable safety profile Findings presented today at ASCO 2025 and concurrently published in The Lancet Oncology For U.S. media and investors only DUBLIN, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) today announced long-term data, including the first report of median overall survival (OS) from the Phase 2 trial evaluating Ziihera® (zanidatamab-hrii), a dual HER2-targeted bispecific antibody, in combination with chemotherapy for the investigational use in first-line HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/FISH+) locally advanced nonresectable gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (mGEA). The data were featured as a rapid oral presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, and the results were concurrently published in The Lancet Oncology. Among 41 patients with centrally confirmed HER2-positive tumors, treatment with Ziihera in combination with physician's choice of chemotherapy resulted in a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 15.2 months [95% CI: 9.5, 33.4], and a median overall survival (OS) of 36.5 months [95% CI: 23.6, not estimable (NE)]. Median PFS remained stable with the additional four-year follow-up, consistent with previously reported results. Among all 46 patients in the study with HER2-expressing mGEA, median PFS was 12.5 months [95% CI: 8.2, 21.8], and median OS also reached 36.5 months [95% CI: 23.6, NE], with the longest observed survival at 57.9 months (censored at data cutoff). Long-term follow-up also demonstrated low discontinuation rates, with no new safety signals observed. "Gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma remains a highly aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis, even with currently available treatment options," said Dr. Elena Elimova, lead trial investigator and a medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada. "The long-term survival outcomes presented today at ASCO demonstrate the sustained antitumor activity achieved with zanidatamab plus chemotherapy over four years of follow-up. These results are especially encouraging given the high unmet need for better first-line treatment options for this patient population." "These long-term survival data from our Phase 2 trial build on previously reported results and further strengthen our belief in Ziihera as a transformative treatment option for patients with HER2-positive disease," said Rob Iannone, M.D., M.S.C.E., executive vice president, global head of research and development, and chief medical officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "An estimated median overall survival of 36.5 months in this patient cohort is very encouraging given recent observations with standard of care regimens in similar populations, where median survival has typically ranged from 15 to 20 months. The sustained 15.2-month progression-free survival in the centrally confirmed HER2-positive subgroup after four years is a meaningful indicator of durable clinical benefit. We look forward to the top line results of the pivotal Phase 3 HERIZON-GEA-01 trial later this year and remain committed to advancing Ziihera across multiple tumor types." Phase 2 mGEA Trial Results The data include four-year follow-up and the first report of median OS from an ongoing, open-label Phase 2 trial (NCT03929666) evaluating Ziihera in combination with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with HER2-expressing mGEA, which includes gastric, esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinomas. Patients had not received prior HER2-targeted agents nor systemic treatment for mGEA. A total of 46 patients with HER2-expressing mGEA (41 patients with centrally confirmed HER2-positive mGEA) were enrolled from 14 sites across the United States, Canada and South Korea. Patients received Ziihera with physician's choice of chemotherapy, including fluoropyrimidine maintenance regimens. Chemotherapy-based regimens remain the current standard first-line treatment for mGEA. The longer-term data (median duration of follow-up of 48 months [range, 29-59]) demonstrate the promising antitumor activity of Ziihera combined with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for HER2-positive mGEA. In a post-hoc subgroup analysis of the 41 treated patients with centrally confirmed HER2-positive tumors, median PFS was 15.2 months [95% CI: 9.5, 33.4], and median OS was 36.5 months [95% CI: 23.6, NE]. These survival outcomes were consistent with prior analyses, with PFS durability maintained at the four-year follow-up. The confirmed objective response rate (cORR), the study's primary endpoint, was 83.8% [95% CI: 68.0, 93.8], and median duration of response (DOR) was 20.4 months [95% CI: 8.3, 44.1]. These results further support the observed clinical benefit in this centrally confirmed population. Among all 46 patients in the study, median PFS was 12.5 months [95% CI: 8.2, 21.8], and the estimated 24-month PFS rate was 31% [95% CI: 17%, 46%]. Median OS was also 36.5 months [95% CI: 23.6, NE], with an estimated 24-month OS rate of 65% [95% CI: 49%, 77%]. The cORR was 76.2% [95% CI: 60.5, 87.9], and median DOR was 18.7 months [95% CI: 10.4, 44.1]. With additional follow-up, the safety and tolerability profile of Ziihera plus chemotherapy showed low discontinuation rates, with no new safety signals identified. Diarrhea (39%) and hypokalemia (22%) were the most common Grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs); the incidence of Grade 3 diarrhea was reduced from 52% to 24% for patients enrolled after the implementation of mandated antidiarrheal prophylaxis. There were no treatment-related deaths. Five patients discontinued Ziihera due to TRAEs. Ongoing Phase 3 TrialThe Phase 3 randomized clinical trial, HERIZON-GEA-01 (NCT05152147), evaluating Ziihera in combination with standard of care chemotherapy with and without the addition of a PD-1 agent as a first-line treatment for HER2-expressing mGEA is currently underway. This is an events-based trial, and top-line results are expected to read out in the second half of 2025. About Gastroesophageal AdenocarcinomaGastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide, and approximately 20% of patients have HER2-positive disease.i,ii,iii HER2-positive GEA has high morbidity and mortality, and patients are urgently in need of new treatment options. The overall prognosis for patients with GEA remains poor, with a global five-year survival rate of less than 30 percent for gastric cancer and about 19 percent for About Ziihera® (zanidatamab-hrii) Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii) is a bispecific HER2-directed antibody that binds to two extracellular sites on HER2. Binding of zanidatamab-hrii with HER2 results in internalization leading to a reduction in HER2 expression of the receptor on the tumor cell surface. Zanidatamab-hrii induces complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). These mechanisms result in tumor growth inhibition and cell death in vitro and in vivo.v In the United States, Ziihera is indicated for the treatment of adults with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) biliary tract cancer (BTC), as detected by an FDA-approved test.v The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval for this indication based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s). v Zanidatamab is being developed in multiple clinical trials as a targeted treatment option for patients with solid tumors that express HER2. Zanidatamab is being developed by Jazz and BeiGene, Ltd. (BeiGene) under license agreements from Zymeworks, which first developed the molecule. The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for zanidatamab development in patients with previously treated HER2 gene-amplified BTC, and two Fast Track designations for zanidatamab: one as a single agent for refractory BTC and one in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy for 1L gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). Additionally, zanidatamab has received Orphan Drug designations from FDA for the treatment of BTC and GEA, as well as Orphan Drug designation from the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of BTC and gastric cancer. Important Safety Information for ZIIHERA WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITYExposure to ZIIHERA during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patientsof the risk and need for effective contraception. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Embryo-Fetal Toxicity ZIIHERA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In literature reports, use of a HER2-directed antibody during pregnancy resulted in cases of oligohydramnios and oligohydramnios sequence manifesting as pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and neonatal death. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ZIIHERA. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential that exposure to ZIIHERA during pregnancy or within 4 months prior to conception can result in fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZIIHERA and for 4 months following the last dose of ZIIHERA. Left Ventricular Dysfunction ZIIHERA can cause decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). LVEF declined by >10% and decreased to <50% in 4.3% of 233 patients. Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) leading to permanent discontinuation of ZIIHERA was reported in 0.9% of patients. The median time to first occurrence of LVD was 5.6 months (range: 1.6 to 18.7). LVD resolved in 70% of patients. Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ZIIHERA and at regular intervals during treatment. Withhold dose or permanently discontinue ZIIHERA based on severity of adverse reactions. The safety of ZIIHERA has not been established in patients with a baseline ejection fraction that is below 50%. Infusion-Related Reactions ZIIHERA can cause infusion-related reactions (IRRs). An IRR was reported in 31% of 233 patients treated with ZIIHERA as a single agent in clinical studies, including Grade 3 (0.4%), and Grade 2 (25%). IRRs leading to permanent discontinuation of ZIIHERA were reported in 0.4% of patients. IRRs occurred on the first day of dosing in 28% of patients; 97% of IRRs resolved within one day. Prior to each dose of ZIIHERA, administer premedications to prevent potential IRRs. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of IRR during ZIIHERA administration and as clinically indicated after completion of infusion. Have medications and emergency equipment to treat IRRs available for immediate use. If an IRR occurs, slow, or stop the infusion, and administer appropriate medical management. Monitor patients until complete resolution of signs and symptoms before resuming. Permanently discontinue ZIIHERA in patients with recurrent severe or life-threatening IRRs. Diarrhea ZIIHERA can cause severe diarrhea. Diarrhea was reported in 48% of 233 patients treated in clinical studies, including Grade 3 (6%) and Grade 2 (17%). If diarrhea occurs, administer antidiarrheal treatment as clinically indicated. Perform diagnostic tests as clinically indicated to exclude other causes of diarrhea. Withhold or permanently discontinue ZIIHERA based on severity. ADVERSE REACTIONS Serious adverse reactions occurred in 53% of 80 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive BTC who received ZIIHERA. Serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients included biliary obstruction (15%), biliary tract infection (8%), sepsis (8%), pneumonia (5%), diarrhea (3.8%), gastric obstruction (3.8%), and fatigue (2.5%). A fatal adverse reaction of hepatic failure occurred in one patient who received ZIIHERA. The most common adverse reactions in 80 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive BTC who received ZIIHERA (≥20%) were diarrhea (50%), infusion-related reaction (35%), abdominal pain (29%), and fatigue (24%). USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy of ZIIHERA have not been established in pediatric patients. Geriatric Use Of the 80 patients who received ZIIHERA for unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive BTC, there were 39 (49%) patients 65 years of age and older. Thirty-seven (46%) were aged 65-74 years old and 2 (3%) were aged 75 years or older. No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these patients and younger adult patients. The full U.S. Prescribing Information for ZIIHERA, including BOXED Warning, is available at: About Jazz Pharmaceuticals Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) is a global biopharma company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing potentially life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases — often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines, including leading therapies for sleep disorders and epilepsy, and a growing portfolio of cancer treatments. Our patient-focused and science-driven approach powers pioneering research and development advancements across our robust pipeline of innovative therapeutics in oncology and neuroscience. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with research and development laboratories, manufacturing facilities and employees in multiple countries committed to serving patients worldwide. Please visit for more information. Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc Caution Concerning Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements related to zanidatamab's potential as a transformative treatment option for patients with HER2-positive disease, expected timing of top-line results of the pivotal Phase 3 HERIZON-GEA-01 and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are based on Jazz Pharmaceuticals' current plans, objectives, estimates, expectations and intentions and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with the successful completion of regulatory activities and uncertain regulatory approval, risks related to failure or delays in successfully initiating or completing clinical trials and assessing patients and other risks and uncertainties affecting Jazz Pharmaceuticals and its development programs, including those described from time to time under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports (Commission File No. 001-33500), including Jazz Pharmaceuticals' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as supplement by Jazz Pharmaceuticals' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and future filings and reports by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Other risks and uncertainties of which Jazz Pharmaceuticals is not currently aware may also affect Jazz Pharmaceuticals' forward-looking statements and may cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date hereof or as of the dates indicated in the forward-looking statements, even if they are subsequently made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals on its website or otherwise. Jazz Pharmaceuticals undertakes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information, future events, changes in its expectations or other circumstances that exist after the date as of which the forward-looking statements were made. Contacts: Media Contact:Kristin BhavnaniHead of Global Corporate CommunicationsJazz Pharmaceuticals plcCorporateAffairsMediaInfo@ +353 1 637 2141U.S. +1 215 867 4948 Investors: Jeff Macdonald Executive Director, Investor RelationsJazz Pharmaceuticals plcinvestorinfo@ Ireland +353 1 634 3211 U.S. +1 650 496 2717 i Abrahao-Machado I.F., et al. HER2 testing in gastric cancer: An update WorldJGastroenterol. 2016;22(19):4619-4625. ii Van Custem E., et al. HER2 screening data from ToGA: targeting HER2 in gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer. Gastric Cancer. 2015;18(3):476-484. iii Stroes, C.I., et al. A systematic review of HER2 blockade for the curative treatment of gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma: Successes achieved and opportunities ahead. CancerTreatRev. 2021;99:102249. iv Battaglin F, et al. Molecular biomarkers in gastro-esophageal cancer: recent developments, current trends and future directions. Cancer Cell International. 2018;18(99). v ZIIHERA (zanidatamab-hrii) Prescribing Information. Palo Alto, CA: Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Alarming rise in bowel cancer among the young: Surprising reasons fueling the surge
Gone are the days when cancer struck the old, and spared the young. Bowel cancer cases have doubled in people under 55 over the past 20 years as per American Cancer Society , a disturbing trend that point towards the deadly cancer's growing threat. Studies suggest up to 90% of colorectal cancers are due to environmental and lifestyle factors, which makes them highly preventable. Bowel cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers globally, responsible for over 1.9 million new cases and nearly 904,000 deaths in 2022. Not just bowel cancer, other types of cancers including breast, bowel, lungs, ovaries, and pancreas are also on rise among youth. Recent research published in The Lancet Oncology has brought renewed attention to the alarming surge in colorectal cancer among younger adults, particularly in high-income Western countries, where trends for older adults have stabilised or even decreased. Experts suggest that lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and rising obesity rates could be contributing to this disturbing pattern. With young women in certain countries experiencing faster increases than men. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scarlett Johansson, 40, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo Bacterial toxin A new study published in Nature has identified colibactin, a DNA-damaging toxin produced by certain strains of E. coli, as a potential culprit behind the surge in early-onset bowel cancer . Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, analyzed tumor samples from nearly 1,000 colorectal cancer patients across four continents and found that younger patients (under 40) were 3 to 5 times more likely to carry mutations linked to exposure to colibactin than those aged 70 and above. This suggests that gut microbiota imbalances could be playing a bigger role than previously thought. Ultraprocessed foods Munching on ultraprocessed foods like packaged snacks, sweetened beverages, and ready-made meals could be fueling the pandemic of colorectal cancer. Researchers at USF Health and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute have found that Western diets having ultra-processed foods and unhealthy oils could trigger chronic inflammation that drives tumour growth. Researchers, funded by a $3.1 million NIH grant, have made significant strides in understanding colorectal cancer. Their first study, published in Gut, explores how processed foods may hinder the body's natural healing processes. Stress and mental health Another contributing factor to the rise in colorectal and other cancers among younger adults could be the growing impact of stress and mental health disorders. Chronic stress and anxiety can trigger inflammation in the body, weaken the immune system, and alter the gut microbiota, all of which may contribute to cancer development. Recent studies have shown a link between mental health struggles and an increased risk of cancer, with stress potentially accelerating tumor growth by suppressing the body's ability to fight off abnormal cells. According to the National Institutes of Health, chronic stress can suppress cancer-related immune responses by altering various immune cells, thereby potentially promoting cancer development. What is bowel cancer? Bowel cancer also known as colorectal cancer affects the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum. It begins in the lining of the large bowel (colon) or back passage (rectum). One should not ignore changes in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. Stomach cramps, gas or pain could also be a contributing factor. Another important sign not to miss is the feeling that the bowel doesn't empty all the way during a bowel movement. Weakness or tiredness, and losing weight without trying are other signs of cancer. What's causing heart attacks in youngsters?
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Lancet study shows drug resistance three times higher in cancer patients: What are risk factors?
Infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria are the second leading cause of death in cancer patients, according to a new study published in The Lancet Oncology. Researchers analysed over 1.5 million pathogens (including over 50,000 from patients with cancer) and found that counts of different antimicrobial-resistant bacteria were between 1.2 and three times greater in outpatients with cancer. The study is significant because it is the first large multi-centre study to quantify AMR bacteria in outpatients with cancer in the US. The bacteria was isolated from adults aged 18 and older, with and without cancer, at 198 outpatient facilities. The authors have highlighted that the higher counts of AMR bacteria in outpatients with cancer may be due to the use of antibiotics they received during chemotherapy. Study co-author and Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA) Vikas Gupta, says AMR is a growing global health crisis. 'Given the rising rates of AMR globally, more specifically in India, and the increasing drug resistance in vulnerable cancer populations, there should be careful consideration about antibiotic stewardship. This means optimising the use of antibiotics, maximising their efficacy while minimising their harm. Additionally, surveillance efforts to quantify AMR among the cancer-affected population must be undertaken because cancer incidence is projected to increase,' he says. What the study says Data was collected between April 1, 2018, and Dec 31, 2022. Across all evaluated pathogens, outpatients with cancer had significantly higher AMR rates per 1,000 pathogen isolates for P aeruginosa and Enterococcus spp compared to non-cancer outpatients. Why cancer patients are at a higher risk The results are not unexpected for Dr Abdul Ghafur, consultant in infectious diseases, Apollo Hospital, Chennai and coordinator of the Chennai Declaration on AMR (not attached with the study). 'Cancer patients are at a higher risk because they visit hospitals and healthcare facilities much more frequently than non-cancer patients — before the diagnosis, during the diagnostic process, and later for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, outpatient visits and multiple admissions. With each hospital visit, each admission, and each infection episode, the exposure to antibiotics increases. Naturally, more infections require a higher antibiotic exposure, which means a higher risk of developing drug-resistant bacterial infections,' he says. Not only a cancer patient's problem, AMR needs global strategy In cancer patients, the AMR crisis is not a 'silent pandemic' but a very visible, overt pandemic. Since patients are immune-compromised, infections have more severe consequences. 'At our cancer centre, approximately 20% of E. coli and 40–50% of Klebsiella isolates are carbapenem-resistant. Mortality is notably higher in cancer patients infected with drug-resistant bacteria compared to those infected with drug-susceptible strains. This trend holds true in both cancer and non-cancer patients,' says Dr Ghafur, arguing for a well-designed antibiotic policy at the hospital level to reduce mortality. He also argues for a detailed data collection from patients to formulate an antibiotic use policy. 'In cancer patients, antibiotic therapy must begin without delay — there is no time to wait. 'With the right data, one can make an informed choice to improve patient outcomes,' he adds.
Miami Herald
30-04-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Aggressive tumor found on 150-million-year-old leg bone of young Jurassic giant
New evidence adds to a 2020 finding that dinosaurs had bone tumors and other conditions seen in modern-day vertebrates. In 2014, researchers discovered a 150-million-year-old ulna of a mamenchisaurid in northeastern Thailand with unusual characteristics. They've now honed in on some possible explanations, according to an April 24 study published in the Journal of Anatomy. The forelimb, with a 'bulge' of abnormal bone growth near the shaft, belonged to a 'subadult' that had completed its most rapid growth phase but was still growing, according to researchers. Diagnostic imaging determined that in life, the young mamenchisaurid suffered from an osteogenic tumor, or a tumor that originates in bone-forming cells. This is the first report of an osteogenic tumor in an early Eusauropod, the taxonomic group to which mamenchisauridae belong, according to the study. Researchers said based on the tumor's size, location and connection to muscles that controlled the movement of the dinosaur's toes and elbow, it is 'highly likely' the young dinosaur experienced 'severe discomfort' and reduced function of its forelimb. Researchers could not make a definitive diagnosis, including whether the tumor was malignant or benign, because it shared characteristics with many other tumors, including osteoblastoma and osteosarcoma, according to the study. The tumor had aggressive features, including evidence of reactive bone growth, and non-aggressive characteristics, such as well-defined borders, according to researchers. The ulna was discovered in Kalasin province in northeastern Thailand. The research team includes Siripat Kaikaew, Suravech Suteethorn and Anusuya Chinsamy. First malignant dinosaur bone tumor discovered in 2020 Scientists only recently confirmed that dinosaurs had malignant bone cancer after finding osteosarcoma — a cancer associated with rapid bone development — in the leg bone of a Centrosaurus apertus, according to a 2020 study published in the journal The Lancet Oncology. Researchers said dinosaurs likely had many of the same cancers seen in vertebrates today, particularly those impacting the bones, given many dinosaur species' enormous size and accelerated growth rates, NPR reported. More about mamenchisauridae Mamenchisauridae, which roamed the Earth during the late Jurassic period alongside the stegosaurus and the brachiosaurus, were sauropods — the largest dinosaurs to ever exist. According to researchers, mamenchisauridae 'have the distinction of being the sauropods with the longest necks.' A mamenchisauridae species discovered in China in 2023 has a neck nearly 50 feet long.
