Category: 8. Health

Washington, D.C., 3 July 2025 (PAHO) – A total of 7,132 confirmed cases of measles and 13 deaths have been reported in the Region of the Americas as of mid-June 2025, according to the latest epidemiological update from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This represents a 29-fold increase compared to the 244 cases reported during the same period in 2024.

Nine countries have reported cases in 2025, with Canada (3,170 cases, 1 death), Mexico (2,597 cases, 9 deaths) and the United States (1,227 cases, 3 deaths), accounting for the majority. Other countries reporting cases include Bolivia (60), Argentina (34), Belize (34), Brazil (5), Peru (4) and Costa Rica (1). The outbreaks originated from importations from countries both within and outside the Region. The most affected age groups are children under 5 and adolescents aged 10 to 19 years.

The rise in cases underscores the urgent need to address gaps in routine immunization. PAHO is calling on countries to reach and sustain 95% coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine, especially in communities with low coverage or active outbreaks.

PAHO is providing technical cooperation to most countries to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, train healthcare workers, and engage with communities to ensure timely detection and an effective response. To contain the outbreaks and prevent the spread of this vaccine-preventable disease, the Organization recommends the urgent implementation of intensified vaccination campaigns in affected areas and in those areas at risk of spread. PAHO does not recommend implementing restrictions on international travel.

The upward trend mirrors the global situation, where surveillance data from the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded 188,355 suspected cases and 88,853 confirmed in 168 countries as of 6 June 2025. The Eastern Mediterranean Region accounts for the highest share (35%), followed by the African Region (21%) and the European Region (16%).

There are distinct gut microbiota and metabolic signatures associated with premature endometrial aging and adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a study presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).¹

Key microbial and metabolic differences identified

In PCOS patients, Parabacteroides merdae (P. merdae), a benefitial gut bacterium, was reduced, while branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) were more prevalent. This may lead to worse endometrial function and adverse reproductive outcomes in this population.

“In clinical practice, we noticed that even younger women with PCOS who achieved pregnancy still faced unexpectedly high rates of miscarriage and other complications”, said Aixia Liu, MD, lead study author.

Systemic risks of PCOS

PCOS presents in up to 20% of reproductive-aged women worldwide and is a major driver of infertility. Fertility treatment reduces these risks, but the odds of complications such as gestational diabetes, miscarriage, and preterm birth are still higher in these patients. According to investigators, the factors behind this risk have remained unknown.

Symptoms of PCOS include hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology.² Increased rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events, endometrial cancer, and other adverse health outcomes have been reported in PCOS patients, highlighting the need for tailored treatment.

Comparing PCOS and non-PCOS cohorts

Across 44 cities in China, 220 women aged under 35 years were recruited for the trial.¹ Of these, 110 had PCOS and another 110 were matched controls. Investigators profiled differences between these cohorts through both gut microbiome sequencing and metabolomics.

Ageing and decidualization were evaluated through laboratory studies on endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Overall, PCOS patients presented with significantly reduced microbial diversity. Investigators noted this population had less P. merdae, which has been linked to metabolic health.

BCAAs were also reported in serum metabolomics of patients with PCOS vs those without PCOS, with this trend especially pronounced for isoleucine. PCOS patients also presented with reduced levels of short-chain fatty acids.

Increased pregnancy risk and endometrial dysfunction

The odds of an adverse pregnancy outcome were increased 1.95-fold in the PCOS group vs the non-PCOS group. These included miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, macrosomia, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, and perinatal death.

Endometrial tissue also had increased isoleucine levels in PCOS patients. Additionally, investigators exposed ESCs to isoleucine in the lab and found increased markers of cellular senescence, alongside a weakened ability for decidualization.

Implications for early uterine aging and personalized interventions

According to Liu, this indicated ageing-like changes in the uterus far sooner than expected. Therefore, even women aged under 35 years may experience adverse impacts on endometrial health.

This data indicated possible efficacy of P. merdae and BCAAs as biomarkers for identifying patients with high-risk PCOS and providing personalized care. Liu recommended future research to assess the impact of dietary interventions, probiotics, and BAAA-restricted diets on these effects and pregnancy outcomes.

“The study provides compelling evidence that metabolic and microbial imbalances in PCOS are not only systemic but may directly impair endometrial receptivity, even in younger women,” said Anis Feki, MD, PhD, Chair-Elect of ESHRE.

References

1. Gut bacteria and amino acid imbalance linked to higher miscarriage risk in women with PCOS. European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. June 29, 2025. Accessed July 2, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1088637.
2. Azziz R, Carmina E, Chen Z, et al. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2016. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2016.57

Adolescents who experience both loneliness and low resilience are much more susceptible to developing anxiety and depression as adults.

It has long been known that loneliness is a risk factor in the development of anxiety and depression. However, the association itself has been less well studied. This is especially true during the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Our research team investigated how loneliness in adolescence, both in isolation and in interaction with low resilience, affects anxiety and depression in young adulthood.”

Nayan Deepak Parlikar, PhD candidate, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU’s) Department of Public Health and Nursing

Adolescents who experience both loneliness and low resilience are at significantly greater risk of developing anxiety and depression compared with other groups.

Individuals with low resilience are less able to cope with stress, adversity and other emotional challenges compared with others.

These new findings have now been published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology.

Worst combination

This is the second article that Parlikar has written on the risk of developing anxiety and depression as an adult. It concentrates on the long-term consequences for young people, and on the link between loneliness and low resilience.

“Adolescents who experience both loneliness and low resilience are at significantly greater risk of developing anxiety and depression compared with other groups,” said Parllikar.

The study compared groups of adolescents who reported high resilience and low levels of loneliness with groups of adolescents who reported high resilience and high levels of loneliness, and adolescents with low resilience and low loneliness.

“We found that the combination of loneliness and low resilience considerably increases the risk of developing symptoms of anxiety and depression together compared with exposure to only one of the factors,” continued Parlikar.

The results have a number of consequences.

Preventive measures become important

“Health professionals working with young people should concentrate on identifying individuals with both loneliness and low resilience at an early stage. Once they have been identified, it is important to intervene quickly,” said Parlikar.

The work may include screening in schools and health services to identify young people who are at risk.

“It may also help to introduce programmes that promote social skills and build resilience. This can help to reduce the risk of developing anxiety and depression,” she added.

Professionals treating the young people can adapt cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches to address both loneliness and low resilience in adolescents.

“Therapists should be aware that, when combined, these factors have a particularly high risk. Health professionals can receive special training in identifying people with low resilience.”

More groups needed

Group therapy can help cement networks and thus reduce loneliness. Involving the family can both strengthen resilience and reduce loneliness.

With a school service that is under pressure, screening at the individual level is an expensive approach. So perhaps the best solution is to target all pupils, while still working to identify and help individuals who are particularly vulnerable or at risk.

Collaboration across sectors is important for children and young people’s mental health.

“It is important that schools, clubs and communities work together to prevent loneliness and exclusion, and to create a safe and inclusive environment. A sense of belonging has a huge impact on children and adolescents’ health and quality of life,” explained supervisor Unni Karin Moksnes.

She is a professor at the Department of Public Health and Nursing at NTNU.

“School plays a particularly important role, because it is an arena where all children and young people meet. Here, we can build communities that promote well-being, learning and good mental health.”

Initiatives to promote good mental health among children and young people offer many benefits in both the short and long term. They can help improve many people’s wellbeing and better enable them to overcome challenges. Eventually, this could lead to cuts in school dropout rates, increase participation in working life, and result in fewer cases of mental illness. In other words, it is a good investment – for individuals and society alike.

Study design

The researchers conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study to investigate factors affecting women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. This type of study design was chosen to capture information of the variables of interest and to determine relationships among them without manipulating any variables.

Study setting and population

The study was carried out among women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer referred to selected hospitals and outpatient oncology clinics located at the Arian Clinic, in Amol city, Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. These healthcare centers were selected based on their patient volume and accessibility to ensure a representative sample of the regional population. Data collection was conducted over a six-month period, from July to December 2024.

Inclusion criteria

Participants were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: (i) female patients aged 18 years and older, (ii) histologically confirmed non-metastatic breast cancer (Stages I–III), (iii) patients who were either currently receiving or scheduled to receive chemotherapy treatment, (iv) provided informed consent for participation in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Patients were excluded from the study if they met any of the following conditions: i: presence of significant psychiatric disorders (such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia), ii) diagnosis of non-cancer-related chronic conditions that could independently affect the study outcomes (e.g., severe anemia, chronic pain syndromes), iii) concurrent use of medications known to impact sleep or psychological well-being, such as sedatives, antipsychotics, or stimulants, iv) employment involving night-shift work, as such work schedules can independently disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, thus confounding the study findings.

Sampling technique and sample size

This study included 468 women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, recruited through convenience sampling due to feasibility constraints in a single-center setting and to maximize participation during treatment visits. The required sample size was calculated using G*Power software version 3.1.9.7, based on a two-tailed test, an alpha of 0.05, a power of 0.90, and a correlation coefficient of 0.16 from a previous study [16]. The minimum sample size was determined to be 406. To account for potential dropouts or incomplete data, a 15% increase was applied, resulting in a final target of 467 participants.

Research instruments

The data collected included demographic information (age, marital status, occupation, place of residence, education level, economic status, family history of illness, and duration of cancer), quality of life according to the EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer), insomnia according to the Insomnia Severity Index Questionnaire (ISI), and patients’ attitudes and beliefs according to the Cancer Attitude and Belief Questionnaire.

EORTC QLQ-C30

The quality of life (QoL) of women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer was evaluated via the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3), which consists of 30 items across three subscales: global health status/QoL; functional scales (covering physical, role, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects); and symptom scales (covering fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting, insomnia, etc.) [17]. The global health/QoL assessment used a 7-point Likert scale, whereas the symptom and functional items used a 4-point scale. According to the EORTC standards [18], scores were also converted from 0 to 100 and interpreted so that higher functional/global scores denoted better outcomes and higher symptom ratings denoted greater burdens. Excellent reliability was demonstrated by the validated Persian adaptation [19, 20]. In this study, the reliability of this questionnaire was assessed via the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and was reported as 0.88 for overall quality of life.

Insomnia severity index questionnaire (ISI)

The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was used to assess the level of insomnia. The ISI questionnaire contains seven items, which include difficulty in starting sleep and problems with staying asleep (waking up at night and waking up early in the morning), satisfaction with the current sleep pattern, and interference with daily functioning. The questionnaire helps to evaluate the severity of the damage attributed to the sleep problem and the degree of confusion or worry caused by the sleep problem and is estimated on a 5-point Likert scale (0 = never and 4 = very much). The total score (0–28) of this questionnaire was categorized as follows: 0–7 = clinically significant insomnia, 14–8 = below the clinical threshold, 21–15 = moderate clinical insomnia, and 28–22 = severe clinical insomnia [21]. The validated Persian-translated version of the ISI is highly valid and reliable [22, 23]. The present study’s internal consistency with this research tool was similarly good (α = 0.80).

Cancer attitude and belief questionnaire

The researchers assessed attitudes and beliefs toward cancer via the questionnaire developed by Cho et al., which consists of 12 items in three domains: (a) impossibility of recovery; (b) stereotypes; and (c) discrimination, each with four questions related to the impossibility of recovery, stereotypes, and discrimination. The data were collected via a Likert scale (1 = completely disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = agree, and 4 = completely agree). After the scores of the questions were summed, a total score between 12 and 48 was obtained. The higher the participants’ scores for each dimension are than the mean values are, the more negative the attitude toward cancer and the greater the degree of stigma [24]. In a study by Shervin Badihian, the internal consistency of the questionnaire items in the study sample was satisfactory, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the impossibility of recovery, stereotypes, and discrimination of 0.67, 0.38, and 0.66, respectively [25]. In the present study, the internal consistency of this research tool was similarly good: 0.70, 0.85, and 0.72.

Data collection procedure

After receiving a permission letter from the research committee and head of institution, the researcher collected samples from women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer as the research population. The researchers used a convenient sampling method to choose participants after informed consent was obtained from the research participants. Each participant was thoroughly informed about the study’s objectives and procedures, with clear assurances regarding the protection of their anonymity and the confidentiality of their data. Additionally, they were explicitly made aware that their participation was entirely voluntary and that they could withdraw from the study at any time without any negative consequences. Following this, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to a total of 468 participants. To facilitate data collection, three trained researchers were assigned to the task. These researchers underwent comprehensive training covering the study’s objectives, methodology, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and ethical considerations. Moreover, the training sessions included instructions on how to collect data from illiterate participants data collection and these researchers assisted illiterate participants in completing questionnaires.

Statistical analysis

The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 24 statistical software. Data normality was evaluated via kurtosis, skewness and Q-Q plots. Nonparametric tests (Gamma/Cramer’s) were used for skewed data. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage and mean) were used for demographic variables. Gamma and Cramer’s correlation coefficients were employed to determine the relationships between variables (insomnia, QoL, and attitudes/beliefs toward cancer). The rank logistic test was used to investigate the predictors of the variables. P values less than 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant.

Researchers in Japan have successfully generated lung cells similar to alveolar epithelial type 2 (AT2) cells from mouse embryonic fibroblasts without using stem cell technology. The AT2-like cells were generated in just 7 to 10 days-a significant reduction compared to the approximately one month typically required by conventional stem cell-based differentiation methods.

This approach may pave the way for treating serious respiratory diseases, such as interstitial pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which currently lack effective treatments. The study was published in npj Regenerative Medicine.

AT2 cells are essential for maintaining lung homeostasis. They produce surfactant and serve as progenitor cells for alveolar repair. In patients with severe lung diseases, such as interstitial pneumonia, these cells are often reduced in number or functionally impaired, which highlights the therapeutic potential of regenerating AT2 cells.

The advent of the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology in 2006 has enabled the generation of AT2 cells in approximately one month, but this method is costly and carries risks of tumor formation and immune rejection. To overcome these disadvantages, we focused on direct reprogramming instead. The direct reprogramming approach produces AT2-like cells in just 7 to 10 days, with lower tumor risk and potential for autologous use.”

Professor Makoto Ishii of Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine

Professor Ishii and colleagues, including Professor Koichi Fukunaga, Assistant Professor Takanori Asakura, and Joint Researcher Atsuho Morita from Keio University School of Medicine, conducted a study to generate AT2-like cells from fibroblasts in mice through direct reprogramming, which had never been accomplished before.

First, the researchers selected 14 candidate genes associated with lung development. Then, they investigated the expression levels of the AT2 cell marker, surfactant protein-C (Sftpc), to determine the gene combination with the highest reprogramming efficiency. They found that a combination of four genes-Nkx2-1, Foxa1, Foxa2, and Gata6-was the most effective for reprogramming AT2 cells.

The four genes were introduced into a three-dimensional culture made from mouse embryonic fibroblasts that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in response to Sftpc. As a result, approximately 4% of the cells became Sftpc/GFP-positive in 7 to 10 days, showing their success in inducing AT2-like cells, called induced pulmonary epithelial-like cells (iPULs).

The researchers analyzed iPULs after isolating GFP-positive cells by flow cytometry. These purified iPULs exhibited lamellar body-like structures, which are organelles characteristic of normal AT2 cells. In addition, transcriptomic analysis revealed that their gene expression profiles were highly similar to those of native AT2 cells.

Next, they transplanted purified iPULs into mouse lungs with interstitial pneumonia. Forty-two days later, the transplanted cells had successfully engrafted in the alveolar region. Notably, some of the cells had differentiated into alveolar epithelial type 1 (AT1)-like cells, which are essential for lung tissue regeneration.

Ishii concluded: “In this study, we succeeded in direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into AT2-like cells in mice. We now aim to explore the application of this technology to human cells, with the ultimate goal of developing a safe regenerative therapy using a patient’s own fibroblasts.”

This study was funded by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers JP24K02113, JP24K23468, JP22KJ2672, JP21J21344, JP21H02926, JP19K17682, JP18K19566, JP18H02821, JP15K19945, and AMED Grant Numbers JP21bm0404053, JP23wm0325031, and JP24ym0126807.

Specialty

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A plant-based lifestyle program that previously showed benefits for joint pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis may also help ease stress, according to a secondary analysis of the Plants for Joints (PFJ) randomized controlled trial.¹ However, researchers did not see the same stress-related effects in participants with metabolic syndrome–associated osteoarthritis (MSOA).

The 16-week PFJ program combined a whole-food, plant-based diet with physical activity, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques. In earlier results, the intervention reduced disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis and improved pain and physical function in MSOA.² Published in Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology, this follow-up analysis looked at whether the program also affected stress markers, including heart rate variability (HRV), cortisol levels, and perceived stress.

Evidence Linking Stress Management to Outcomes

Prior studies have shown that stress management and mindfulness-based interventions can improve psychological well-being and reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like pain, anxiety, and depressive mood, even if they do not always lower disease activity scores such as DAS28. Yoga-based interventions, however, have demonstrated reductions in DAS28, the number of inflamed joints, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate compared with usual care.³

Yoga has also been shown to positively influence HRV, cortisol levels, and other markers of autonomic function. Additional evidence suggests practices like deep breathing or electrical vagus nerve stimulation can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce cytokine production, and help modulate immune activity in rheumatoid arthritis.

Modest But Measurable Stress Reductions in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Among 77 participants with rheumatoid arthritis, those who followed the PFJ program showed greater signs of reduced stress compared with those receiving usual care.¹ One key finding was a significant increase in normalized high-frequency HRV (HFnorm) among those following the program, which signals stronger parasympathetic nervous system activity (between-group difference, 6.6; 95% CI, 0.5-12.6). These patients also saw a trend toward improved root square mean of successive differences, another HRV measure related to stress recovery (between-group difference, 4.3; 95% CI, –1.5 to 10.1).

Compared with usual care, the lifestyle intervention was also tied to nonsignificant reductions in heart rate (between-group difference, 3.1; 95% CI, –3.9 to 10.1), salivary cortisol (1.3; 95% CI, –0.6 to 3.1), and perceived stress (–2.0; 95% CI, –4.4 to 0.3). Measured via the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), subjective stress declined by 2 points more in the PFJ group than in the control.

Importantly, participants who reported spending more time on stress-reducing activities like breathing exercises or meditation experienced greater improvements in HFnorm. However, engagement with these activities was short-lived, peaking at 8 weeks and returning to baseline levels by week 16. While this was not reflected in the activity data, the authors said participants may have become more aware of stressors and used techniques that were not quantifiable for the study but still had an effect on their stress levels. According to them, this short-term increase in stress-reducing activity could have longer-term impacts worth investigating. On the other hand, they said the intervention as a whole could have contributed to stress reduction.

No Observed Effect for Osteoarthritis

In contrast with the rheumatoid arthritis group, participants with MSOA did not experience any meaningful changes in stress-related measures. This group, which had a higher baseline body mass index and older mean age than the rheumatoid arthritis cohort, showed no differences in heart rate, HRV, cortisol, or perceived stress compared with controls after the intervention.

Physical activity had a different relationship with stress between groups. Higher activity levels were tied to slightly higher stress levels in rheumatoid arthritis, with a mean of 139 minutes of activity per week (β, 0.022; P = .025), but lower levels in the MSOA group, which averaged 119 minutes a week (β, −0.025; P = .038).

“While the effects of individual lifestyle components cannot be isolated, the associations suggest that greater engagement in stress-reduction activities and physical activity were most linked to improvements in stress outcomes,” the authors said. “However, these associations should be interpreted with caution, as adherence data was self-reported, the effects were small and potentially clinically insignificant, the sample size was limited, and baseline physical activity levels were already high.”

References

1. Wagenaar CA, Christiaans J, Hermans V, et al. Effect of a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention on stress-related parameters in people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: secondary analysis of the “Plants for Joints” randomized controlled trial. Compr Psychoneuroendocrinol. 2025;23:100298. doi:10.1016/j.cpnec.2025.100298
2. Walrabenstein W, Wagenaar CA, van de Put M, et al. A multidisciplinary lifestyle program for metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis: the “Plants for Joints” randomized controlled trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2023;31(11):1491-1500. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2023.05.014
3. Slagter L, Demyttenaere K, Verschueren P, De Cock D. The effect of meditation, mindfulness, and yoga in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. J Pers Med. 2022;12(11):1905. doi:10.3390/jpm12111905

The Oncology Decoded podcast, co-hosted by Manojkumar Bupathi, MD, MS, executive cochair of the Genitourinary Cancer Research Executive Committee at Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) and medical oncologist with Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers specializing in solid tumors and genitourinary cancers, and Benjamin Garmezy, MD, associate director of genitourinary research and executive cochair of the Genitourinary Cancer Research Executive Committee at SCRI and medical oncologist at SCRI Oncology Partners specializing in genitourinary cancers, in a recent live session with US Oncology Network and the Pathways Task Force, delved into significant updates that were set to happen at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), focusing on the genitourinary cancer landscape.

Bupathi and Garmezy were joined by John M. Burke, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, and Dhaval R. Shah, MBBS, a medical oncologist from Christiana Care.

A primary focus of the discussion was the phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 trial (NCT03142334), a pivotal trial for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study investigated pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as adjuvant therapy for patients with clear cell RCC who had undergone surgical resection and presented with intermediate-high or high-risk features.

Garmezy highlighted the “clear separation of the curves” in disease-free survival (DFS), with an HR of 0.68, and a compelling 5% difference in long-term overall survival, signifying a benefit for “about 1 in 20 patients”. Despite about 20% of patients discontinuing treatment due to toxicity, the overall safety profile of pembrolizumab was considered well-tolerated, with no statistically significant difference in quality of life compared with placebo.

Burke provided the panel with his perspective on evaluating such trials. He emphasized the importance of scrutinizing study design flaws, even in “randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 clinical trials,” which are often seen as the “epitome of great science”. Key questions for consideration include the appropriateness of the control arm (placebo in KEYNOTE-564 was deemed appropriate), the validity of surrogate end points like DFS, and the presence of “informative censoring”—a form of bias that can skew results. Burke noted that informative censoring can occur if patients drop out of a trial due to disappointment with their randomized arm or due to drug toxicity, which can make the treatment arm’s progression-free survival look better than it truly is.

The discussion also touched upon the consistency of KEYNOTE-564’s findings with other trials. Garmezy noted that while pembrolizumab showed positive results, other adjuvant studies involving atezolizumab (Tecentriq), nivolumab (Opdivo), and nivolumab plus ipilimumab (Yervoy) had no significant difference, potentially due to differences in drug type or duration of therapy (6 vs 12 months). Shah affirmed that despite these nuances, the overall survival benefit seen in KEYNOTE-564 justifies the use of adjuvant pembrolizumab for eligible patients, emphasizing adherence to the exact trial criteria.

Beyond kidney cancer, the podcast previewed discussions on the phase 3 NIAGARA trial (NCT03732677) for perioperative bladder cancer and the phase 3 TALAPRO-2 trial (NCT03395197) for first-line metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Bupathi highlighted the ongoing debate within the Pathways Committees regarding the integration of new data vs established practices, particularly concerning the timeline for new drugs to be incorporated into pathways. Burke clarified that while Pathways guides value-driven decisions, physicians retain the autonomy to prescribe off-pathway regimens, though financial implications might arise. The episode concluded with a look ahead to more data releases, underscoring the dynamic nature of oncology practice and the continuous evaluation of therapies for optimal patient care.

Reference

Choueiri TK, Tomczak P, Park SH, et al; KEYNOTE-564 Investigators. Overall survival with adjuvant pembrolizumab in renal-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med. 2024;390(15):1359-1371. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2312695

“Progress made in reducing heart attack deaths provides a roadmap to address rising mortality rates from arrythmias, heart failure and hypertensive heart disease”

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Heart health leader OMRON Healthcare today issued an urgent health message across the U.S. to raise public awareness of rapidly increasing risks and rising mortality rates associated with arrythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), heart failure, and heart disease from long-term high blood pressure, as identified in new research.

Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association¹, new research focused on age-adjusted mortality rates for a variety of heart disease subtypes among adults 25 years and older in an analysis of Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data from 1970 to 2022. 

The analysis found heart disease accounted for nearly one-third of all deaths over the 52-year period². During that period, heart attack deaths decreased while deaths from arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertensive heart disease increased significantly.

“In this study, researchers noted that public awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment interventions played key roles in reducing the heart attack death rate”, said OMRON Healthcare North America Managing Director Alice Koehler. “That affirms the body of research showing 90 percent of heart disease is preventable³. We must remain diligent in preventing heart attacks and commit to early detection and proper treatment of AFib and heart failure.”

OMRON is providing the following guidance to reduce rising heart disease risks:

• Monitor your blood pressure regularly at home. Blood pressure fluctuates over time. Regular blood pressure monitoring at home, daily or weekly, can help with early identification of high blood pressure.
• Utilize new medical technology for early AFib detection. Early detection of AFib is now widely available for the first time for use at home. OMRON recently introduced blood pressure monitors with AI-powered AFib detection, a medical device first.
• Tap into a virtual heart health coaching app. Mobile apps, such as OMRON connect, can sync to blood pressure monitors and help flag changes in data, provide reminders, support behavior change, and can be used to send readings to your physician.
• Talk to your doctor. Ask questions about arrythmias, heart failure, and hypertensive heart disease, especially if these conditions run in your family. Inquire about technology that can be used at home to provide a complete picture of your heart health.

According to senior author of the research paper Latha Palaniappan, M.D., M.S., FAHA, associate dean for research and a professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine⁴: “While heart attack deaths are down by 90 percent since 1970, heart disease hasn’t gone away. Now that people are surviving heart attacks, we are seeing a rise in other forms of heart disease like heart failure. The focus now must be on helping people age with strong, healthy hearts by preventing events, and prevention can start as early as childhood.”

As presented in the research paper:

In 1970, more than half of all people who died from heart disease (54 percent) died because of a heart attack. The age-adjusted death rate decreased 89 percent by 2022, when less than one-third of all heart disease deaths were caused by a heart attack.

Conversely, during this time, the age-adjusted death rate from all other types of heart disease (including heart failure, hypertensive heart disease and arrhythmia) increased by 81 percent, accounting for 47 percent of all heart disease deaths in 2022.

“Over this same 52-year period, OMRON Healthcare began offering blood pressure monitors for home use, sold more than 350 million units, and became the number one doctor and pharmacist recommended blood pressure monitor,” said Koehler. “Regular blood pressure monitoring and acting on that data can make a world of difference.”

“Our mission is Going for Zero heart attacks and strokes, and our mission calls us to address the most urgent heart health risks,” added Koehler. “The measurable progress made in reducing heart attack deaths provides a roadmap to address rising mortality rates from arrythmias, heart failure and hypertensive heart disease.”

For more information on blood pressure monitoring and AFib detection, visit OmronHealthcare.com.

About OMRON Healthcare, Inc.
OMRON Healthcare, Inc., is the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of personal heart health products and an innovator in technologies supporting respiratory and pain management care. With over 50 years of medical device category leadership, OMRON is passionate about empowering people to take charge of their health at home through precise technology. Its market-leading products include a full range of home blood pressure monitors, nebulizers and TENS devices. The company’s mission is Going for Zero, the elimination of heart attacks and strokes. With more than 350 million devices sold globally, OMRON provides the world’s most recommended blood pressure monitors by healthcare professionals. OMRON Healthcare strives to improve lives and contribute to a better society by developing innovations that help people prevent, treat, and manage their medical conditions. The company provides products and services in over 130 countries. For more information, visit OmronHealthcare.com.

SOURCE OMRON Healthcare