Background Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), a B-cell maturation antigen–directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, has shown deep and durable responses in clinical trials for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). This study aimed to provide a descriptive evaluation of outcomes among patients who received cilta-cel in clinical practice, including among subgroups based on patient characteristics that could impact outcomes. Methods This retrospective study used Loopback Analytics electronic medical records (02/2021–06/2025) to identify adults with RRMM who received cilta-cel after ≥4 prior lines of therapy (LOT). The index date was defined as the cilta-cel infusion date. As a surrogate outcome for progression-free survival, treatment-free interval (TFI) was defined as the time from infusion to the earliest of initiation of next treatment or death. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from infusion to death. To more accurately identify patients with a next LOT, the date of next treatment was defined as the earliest fill or administration for an eligible agent ≥60 days post-infusion, provided that the patient had ≥2 fills or administrations of the same agent. Kaplan-Meier analyses assessed TFI and OS in all patients and by subgroups defined by age (≥75 years), frailty index score (mild-to-severe frailty) in the three months pre-infusion, and CRAB symptoms (hypercalcemia, renal impairment, anemia, or bone lesions; ≥1 symptom) in the one month pre-infusion. Results Among 203 patients, 8.4% were aged ≥75 years, 14.8% were mildly-to-severely frail, and 38.4% had ≥1 CRAB symptom. Median (interquartile range) follow-up was 17.6 (12.0–24.2) months. For TFI, the estimated Kaplan-Meier rates (95% confidence interval) at 12 and 18 months post-infusion were 85.5% (79.6%–89.8%) and 76.5% (69.0%–82.4%), respectively, while the OS rates were 95.1% (90.8%–97.4%) and 93.0% (87.8%–96.0%). Across subgroups, TFI remained generally consistent with the overall population and OS remained high. Conclusions This study demonstrated favorable outcomes among patients with RRMM who received cilta-cel after ≥4 prior LOT in clinical practice, including among patients with older age, higher frailty index score, and recent presence of CRAB symptoms.

Objective Osteoporosis is an important public health concern for postmenopausal women and needs effective treatments to alleviate the risk of fractures and associated complications. This study aimed to evaluate treatment compliance, persistence, satisfaction, and safety of the monthly single-pill treatment regimen of ibandronic acid 150 mg and cholecalciferol 22,400 IU in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at risk for vitamin D insufficiency and fractures (The TÉSIS study). Methods This non-interventional, multicenter, single-arm, prospective study included postmenopausal female patients from community pharmacies in Portugal. Two patient visits were conducted: the initial visit and the final follow-up visit after six months. Treatment compliance, persistence, and safety were evaluated using patient diaries, investigator notes, internal pharmacy sales information, and structured study questionnaires. Treatment satisfaction was assessed through the Osteoporosis Treatment Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (OPSAT-Q). Results Of 230 enrolled patients, 211 completed both visits. At the final visit, the average treatment compliance (n = 180) was 98.7%, and 85.8% of patients remained persistent (n = 211). OPSAT-Q satisfaction scores (n = 202) were 81.69 (composite satisfaction score (CSS)-1) and 82.74 (CSS-2), indicating high satisfaction, favoring the treatment. Arthralgia and dyspepsia were the most frequently reported adverse reactions (6.2%). No significant differences were observed in treatment compliance, persistence, and satisfaction between first-time (n = 65) and previous users (n = 146) of the monthly single-pill treatment regimen of ibandronic acid 150 mg and cholecalciferol 22,400 IU. Conclusion The monthly single-pill treatment regimen of ibandronic acid 150 mg and cholecalciferol 22,400 IU demonstrated high treatment compliance, persistence and patient satisfaction with a favorable safety profile and was well tolerated after six months of treatment.

Introduction Despite efforts to curtail prescribing, prescribing opioids remains common. With the impacts of the United States opioid epidemic continuing to multiply, effective and acceptable alternatives to opioids (and reduce opioid use) are needed. The Illinois’ Opioid Alternative Patient Program (OAPP) is a novel program developed and implemented specifically to increase access to cannabis as an alternative to opioids. The current study aimed to: (1) characterize early adopters’ attitudes toward cannabis as an alternative therapy and the OAPP; and (2) identify implementation barriers and facilitators to inform the refinement of future programming and program adaptations. Methods OAPP certifying physicians were invited to participate in an anonymous, cross-sectional online, survey, including 28 closed‑ended items assessing demographics, practice characteristics, attitudes toward cannabis, and perceptions of the OAPP, as well as one open‑ended question soliciting additional feedback. Guided by Diffusion of Innovations Theory, data analysis included descriptive statistics and deductive thematic analysis. Results Participants were 199 physicians, 81 of whom provided write-in responses (40.7%). Attitudes about cannabis and the OAPP were mixed. Four cross-cutting qualitative themes were identified. Participants desired more education/training to guide their clinical practice and expressed concerns about dispensary staff acting as proxy clinicians. Discussion Alternatives to opioids, such as cannabis, are desired by patients and physicians alike. However, to increase the acceptability and uptake of this sort of programing, more research and provider training is needed to broach conversations around cannabis and opioid use in a way that mitigates stigma and maximizes patients’ opportunities to have their needs met.

Objective We conducted a matched cohort analysis evaluating visual acuity (VA) changes between interstitial cystitis (IC) patients with and without exposure to pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS). Methods This retrospective, non-interventional cohort study (NCT05179460) using data from the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS (Intelligent Research in Sight) Registry and Komodo Health database from 1 January 2015 to 1 March 2021 assessed VA changes in two matched cohorts of IC patients: “PPS-Exposed Cohort,” and “Non-PPS-exposed Cohort.” Best documented VA was evaluated using VA conversion methods (e.g. from Snellen chart VA to logMAR units and letters). Results A total of 6,418 matched IC patients (PPS-Exposed Cohort, n = 3209; Non-PPS-exposed Cohort, n = 3209) were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics were generally similar between the two matched cohorts. Through 36 months of follow-up, the observed mean (Standard Deviation; SD) changes from baseline in VA decreased by 0.02 (0.62), 0.71 (6.87), 0.83 (7.47), 0.94 (6.96), 1.35 (7.64), and 1.63 (8.93) letters every 6-months from 12 to 36-months in the PPS-Exposed Cohort. In contrast, for the Non-PPS-exposed Cohort, the observed mean changes (SD) in VA decreased by 0.03 (0.79), 1.22 (7.28), 1.18 (7.21), 1.43 (7.74), 1.29 (8.44), and 1.87 (9.65) letters over the same timeframe. VA changes were further evaluated by several subgroups, including age, sex, and race. The results showed a greater reduction of VA over time in older patients, with a pattern that was similar in both the PPS-Exposed and Non-PPS-exposed cohorts. Conclusions Over the 36 months of follow-up period, this matched cohort analysis found no supporting evidence that PPS exposure in IC patients impacted the progression of VA compared to those patients not exposed to PPS.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in up to 40% of hospitalizations for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and is associated with higher morbidity, longer hospital stays, and increased mortality. Despite its prevalence, current management remains largely supportive, with limited impact on kidney recovery or survival. This article proposes a novel, catheter-based extracorporeal system designed to preserve renal function in ADHF by directly addressing the underlying hemodynamic disturbances. The concept integrates venous decompression with direct renal arterial perfusion of oxygenated blood, thereby relieving renal congestion and improving oxygen delivery during systemic hypoperfusion. Drawing on principles of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the system would extract venous blood, oxygenate it externally, and reintroduce it into the renal circulation via percutaneous access. The physiologic rationale, technical feasibility, and potential clinical applications are discussed, along with pathways for preclinical validation and translation. Targeted renal perfusion with oxygenated blood represents a novel and potentially transformative approach to preventing AKI in ADHF. By addressing venous congestion, impaired perfusion, and renal hypoxia simultaneously, this strategy may redefine organ-specific protection in heart failure.

Objectives Zanubrutinib demonstrated superiority to ibrutinib in the ALPINE (NCT03734016) phase 3 trial for relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (R/R CLL/SLL). This post hoc analysis examined patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in the Chinese subgroup. Methods Adults with R/R CLL/SLL and ≥1 prior therapy were randomized 1:1 to zanubrutinib or ibrutinib. PROs, a secondary endpoint, were measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30. Differences between treatment arms from baseline to Cycles 7 and 13 for key PRO endpoints were assessed using a mixed model for repeated measures. Changes from baseline on the EQ visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) were examined descriptively. Results As of February 28, 2024, 90 Chinese patients were randomized to zanubrutinib (n = 47) or ibrutinib (n = 43). Global health status/quality of life improved in both arms. Fatigue was reduced in both arms, with greater improvement in the zanubrutinib versus ibrutinib arm at Cycles 7 and 13. Nausea/vomiting scores generally remained unchanged, and all other symptoms showed similar improvement in both arms. Greater improvement in health status, measured by VAS score, was observed for the zanubrutinib arm at Cycle 13 (Cycle 7, 4.8 vs 4.1; Cycle 13, 5.7 vs 1.7). Conclusions In ALPINE, Chinese patients with R/R CLL/SLL treated with zanubrutinib showed better and faster PRO outcomes versus those treated with ibrutinib, particularly in fatigue. These results corroborate PRO findings in the intent-to-treat population and support the benefit of zanubrutinib as a valuable treatment option for Chinese patients with R/R CLL/SLL. Trial registration NCT03734016. Registered 01 November, 2018 https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03734016

Objective Young-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a new health challenge with rising prevalence and significant morbidity. Persistent low-grade systemic inflammation and poor glycemic control lead to early occurrence of complications. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise-based programs on the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and glycemic parameters, specifically fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), in individuals with young-onset T2DM. Methods This randomized controlled trial involved a total of 84 individuals with T2DM between the ages of 18 and 40 years, randomly and equally assigned to either intervention or control groups. The participants in both groups received standard diabetic care. While the participants in the intervention group received an additional 12-week exercise-based program, consisting of a combination of aerobic and resistance training with moderate-to-vigorous intensity. NLR, HbA1c, and FBG were assessed at baseline and at 24 weeks. The glycemic parameters were also assessed at 12 weeks. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze the outcome measures with participants as random effects. Results We found a significant statistical difference between the intervention and control groups in NLR after 24 weeks (F = 107.3, p <0.001), also in HbA1c (F = 8.23, p <0.001) and FBG (F = 3.44, p <0.034) after 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. Conclusion A 12-week exercise-based program consisting balanced regimen of aerobic and resistance training has a beneficial effect on NLR by reducing systemic inflammation and improving glycemic control in individuals with young-onset T2DM when compared to standard diabetic care alone. Trial registration Clinical Trial Registry of India number: CTRI/2023/08/056051.

Background Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) is a systemic vasculitis classified among the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitides. Eosinophils play a key role in its pathogenesis, with interleukin-5 (IL-5) being the most potent stimulator of their proliferation and activation. In recent years, treatment strategies have evolved with the introduction of biological agents targeting IL-5 or its receptor. This review summarizes the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of anti-IL-5 therapies, focusing on mepolizumab and benralizumab. Methods A bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, including studies of adults diagnosed with EGPA treated with anti-IL-5 therapies. The search was limited to articles published in the last 10 years in English or Spanish. Results Available data consistently show that these agents reduce corticosteroid requirements, lower eosinophil counts, and improve disease control. Regarding mepolizumab, real-world studies indicated that both 100 mg and 300 mg doses are equally effective, while the influence of ANCA status on treatment response remains controversial. Otorhinolaryngologic relapses have also been reported. Benralizumab 30 mg every 4 weeks showed remission rates comparable to mepolizumab, although further research is needed to determine the optimal dosing regimen. Conclusions Overall, anti-L-5 therapies represent an effective and safe option for EGPA. Future research should focus on larger, multicenter trials to clarify the pathophysiology of the disease and facilitate the identification of predictive biomarkers, leading for personalized therapeutic strategies.