New ultrasound technology may revolutionize respiratory disease diagnoses

The thorax, the part of the body between the neck and abdomen, provides medical professionals with a valuable window into a patient’s respiratory health. By evaluating sound vibrations produced by the airflow induced within the lungs and bronchial tree during normal breathing as well as those produced by the larynx during vocalizations, doctors can identify potential disease-related abnormalities within the respiratory system.

But, among other shortcomings, common respiratory assessments can be subjective and are only as good as the quality of the exam. While the advent of multipoint electronic stethoscopes has helped in terms of identifying abnormalities during normal breathing, there remains a dearth of technological devices that can help characterize surface vibrations produced by vocalizations.

In AIP Advances, by AIP Publishing, a team of French researchers demonstrated the efficacy of ultrasound technology to detect low-amplitude movements produced by vocalizations at the surface of the chest. They also demonstrated the possibility of using the “airborne ultrasound surface motion camera” (AUSMC) to map these vibrations during short durations so as to illustrate their evolution.

“AUSMC is a new imaging technology that allows the observation of the human thorax surface vibrations due to respiratory and cardiac activities at high frame rates of typically 1,000 images per second,” said author Mathieu Couade. “The technology shares the physical principle of conventional ultrasound Doppler imaging, but it does not require a probe to be applied on the skin.”

The researchers tested the AUSMC on 77 healthy volunteers to image the surface vibrations caused by natural vocalizations with the aim of reproducing the “vocal fremitus” – vocalization-induced vibrations on the surface of the body-as typically analyzed during physical examination of the thorax. Surface vibrations induced were detectable on all subjects, they reported.

“The spatial distribution of vibrational energy was found to be asymmetric to the benefit of the right size of the chest, and frequency dependent in the anteroposterior axis,” said Couade. “As expected, the frequency distribution of vocalization does not overlap between men and women, with the latter being higher.”

Ongoing clinical trials will use the AUSMC to focus on the identification of lung pathologies. But the researchers are hopeful that the technology, coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms, could usher in a new era of thorax examination in which vibration patterns can be isolated. This would offer a much better window on respiratory health and enable better diagnoses of respiratory diseases.

Reference:

Frédéric Wintzenrieth, Mathieu Couade, Feizheun Lehanneur, Pierantonio Laveneziana, Marie-Cécile Niérat, Nicolas Verger, Mathias Fink, Thomas Similowski, Airborne ultrasound for the contactless mapping of surface thoracic vibrations during human vocalizations: A pilot study, AIP Advances, https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0187945

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Suicides among US college student athletes have doubled over past 20 years, reveals research

The number of suicides among US college student athletes has doubled over the past 20 years, finds an analysis of data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Suicide is now the second most common cause of death after accidents in this group of young people, with rates highest among cross-country competitors, the findings show.

US suicide rates rose by around 36% across all age groups between 2001 and 2021, note the researchers. But the evidence around athletes’ vulnerability to suicide, particularly young athletes, is contradictory, they add.

To better inform policy and suicide prevention efforts, they analysed suicide rates from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2022 among NCAA athletes to see if there were any discernible differences or trends in incidence by age, sex, race, division, sport, time of year and day of the week.

Athletes were defined as those competing in at least one varsity sport at NCAA Division I, II or III institutions.

The cause of each athlete’s death, as well as details of age, race, and sporting discipline, were ascertained through online media reports and obituaries and reviews of post mortem examinations and other official documents.

Deaths were broadly categorised as accident, murder, suicide, unintentional drug/alcohol overdose or medical cause.

During the course of the 20-years,1102 athletes died, 128 (11.5%+) of whom took their own lives: males 98 (77%); females 30. Their average age was 20, but ranged from 17 to 24. Over half (59%; 91) were White.

The yearly incidence rate of suicide for males increased throughout the study period while that for females increased from 2010–11 onwards. This was in sharp contrast to the incidence rate of other deaths, which fell between 2002 and 2022.

Male suicides increased from 31 in the first 10 years to 67 in the second 10 years; similarly, female suicides increased from 9 to 21.

Overall, the proportion of suicide deaths doubled from the first 10 years (just over 7.5%) to the second 10 years (just over 15%), so that by the second decade, suicide became the second most common cause of death after accidents among NCAA athletes.

The highest number of suicides was among male cross-country athletes, and among division I and II athletes compared with division III athletes. But there were no significant differences in rates when analysed by sex, race, or sporting discipline.

Overall, the researchers calculated that there were 9 deaths every 2 years in male athletes; 3 deaths every 2 years in female athletes; and 2 deaths every 5 years in cross-country athletes.

The most suicide deaths occurred at the age of 20 (33; 26%). This is when a college student athlete would be in the middle of their career if they started as a freshman at age 17 or 18, note the researchers.

There also seemed to be temporal and seasonal differences in incidence. Most suicides occurred on Mondays (25; 20%) and Tuesdays (26; 20%).

And while the average number of suicides during the summer months of June–August was 6.7/month, during the rest of the year the average number was 12/month over the entire 20-year period.

The researchers acknowledge various limitations to their findings, including that the study relied on third party reports in the absence of any mandatory reporting system for athlete deaths, so the true incidence may have been underestimated.

Nor was there any information on potentially triggering underlying mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, among the athletes who died by suicide.

But the researchers point out: “Athletes are generally thought of as one of the healthiest populations in our society, yet the pressures of school, internal and external performance expectations, time demands, injury, athletic identity and physical fatigue can lead to depression, mental health problems and suicide.”

They add: “Athletes may also experience harassment and abuse within their sport, including psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, hazing and cyberbullying from the public and members of their team including peer athletes, coaches and members of the entourage.”

The NCAA has renewed efforts to address mental health issues among college student athletes in recent years, point out the researchers. Nevertheless: “Despite recent increased focus on mental health in athletes, death by suicide is increasing,” they highlight.

Additional mental health resources to help raise awareness, screening for early risk identification, training coaches and support staff on how to identify athletes at risk, and providing access to mental health providers trained in sport psychology could all help prevent suicide in this group, they suggest.

Reference:

Whelan BM, Kliethermes SA, Schloredt KA, et alSuicide in National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes: a 20-year analysisBritish Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 04 April 2024. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107509.

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Diabetes Patients may face increased risk of complications After Cataract Surgery, suggests study

A recent study revealed concerning findings regarding the relationship between diabetes type and post-cataract surgery complications. The study was published in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology and assessed the impact of diabetes type on Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates after cataract surgery.

The retrospective cohort study from the the Bristol Eye Hospital in the UK included a total of 53,471 consecutive cataract surgeries performed from 2003 to 2017. The research categorized patients into a nondiabetic group, a type 1 diabetes (T1D) group and type 2 diabetes (T2D) group and then compared the rates of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomies among them.

While 79.8% of the surgeries were in nondiabetic patients, 1.5% were in T1D patients and 18.7% were in T2D patients. The diabetic patients with both T1D and T2D expressed significantly higher rates of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomies when compared to nondiabetic patients. Upon further analysis after adjusting for age and sex, the observed association persisted. The patients with T1D were found to have a 69.2% increased risk, while the individuals with T2D had a 15.7% increased risk of requiring Nd:YAG capsulotomies post-cataract surgery.

These findings highlight the importance of close monitoring of diabetic patients, specially in the individuals with T1D, for the development of posterior capsular opacification following cataract surgery. This complication can significantly impact the vision and quality of life if not addressed promptly.

The study emphasized the significance of ophthalmology screening for the individuals with diabetes. Overall, the outcomes of this study highlight the increased risk diabetic patients face in developing complications post-cataract surgery, she said. It’s imperative for healthcare providers to be vigilant in their monitoring and management of these patients to ensure optimal visual outcomes.

The findings of this study contribute to a growing body of evidence that support the need for specialized care and attention to diabetic patients who underwent cataract surgery. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise throughout the globe, these initiatives were focused at improving the screening and management of diabetic eye complications are more pivotal than ever. Further research and implementation of targeted interventions are crucial to minimize the burden of post-cataract surgery complications in the diabetic individuals by ultimately enhancing their overall eye health and well-being.

Source:

Cunha, M., Elhaddad, O., Yahalomi, T., Avadhanam, V., Tole, D., Darcy, K., Levinger, E., Tuuminen, R., & Achiron, A. (2024). Type 1 and type 2 diabetes predisposed to higher Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates following cataract surgery: analysis of 53,471 consecutive cases. In Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjo.2024.02.014

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KGMU to Host 5th International, 15th National Conference of Indian College of Anaesthesiologist In September, invites Registrations

Uttar Pradesh- King George’s Medical University (KGMU) is set to host its 5th International and 15th National ‘ICACON: Annual National Conference of Indian College of Anaesthesiologists’ from September 12th to 15th, 2024. In this regard, KGMU has issued an advertisement giving details of the conference registration process, fees etc.

The conference has been organised by the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care of KGMU. The theme of this year’s conference is Outcomes Enhancement in Anesthesia. “We are delighted to invite you to join for the prestigious 5th international and 15th national conference of the Indian College of anesthesiologist (ICACON) this year, set against the backdrop of the vibrant and old charming city of Lucknow with the theme of ‘Outcome Enhancement in Anesthesia’”, the advertisement stated.

Also Read: Time of Doctors Extremely Valuable: Kerala HC Directs to Summon Witness Doctors only Through Video Conference

REGISTRATION FEE

Interested candidates can register themselves by scanning the QR code mentioned in the advertisement by paying the registration fee given below:

CATEGORY

TILL 31ST MAY

TILL 31ST AUGUST

SEPTEMBER & ON-SPOT REGISTRATION

ICA Membership + Conf. Registration

INR 10500

–

–

ICA Membership + PG Student Conf. Registration

INR 7500

–

–

ICA Membership

INR 7500

INR 8500

INR

NON-ICA Membership

INR 8500

INR 9500

INR

PG Student

INR 4500

INR 5000

INR

Workshop (13 September 2024) (25 seats in each workshop on a first-come-first-serve basis)

INR 2500/USD 50

INR 2500/USD 50

INR 2500/USD 50

Accompanying Person

INR 3500/USD 100

INR 3500/USD 100

INR 3500/USD 100

CME & Workshop For Paramedics & Nursing Fraternity (12 September 2024)

INR 800

INR 1000

INR 1200

International Delegate

USD 150

USD 175

USD 200

It is to be noted that early attendee of ICACON 2024 can get their ICA members membership at a concessional fee of Rs 3000.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1 For PG students, a letter from the HOD/Teacher will be required.

2 Registration cannot be transferred to any other person.

3 Accompanying Persons will not get any certificates.

4 It is mandatory to register for the conference to attend the workshop.

To view the advertisement, click the link below

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/kgmu-235863.pdf

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Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Gets CDSCO Panel Nod to Study FDC of Relugolix, Estradiol, Norethindrone Acetate

New Delhi: Rejecting for clinical trial waiver, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) opined the pharmaceutical major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries to conduct of Phase III clinical trial of the fixed-dose combination (FDC) of Relugolix, Estradiol and Norethindrone Acetate Tablets (40 mg + 1 mg + 0.5 mg) Tablets.

This came after the drug major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries presented the proposal before the committee for CT waiver and the published safety and efficacy data.
The committee did not agree to the clinical trial waiver and the firm was asked to present Phase III CT protocol in continuation with an earlier SEC recommendation dated 19th December 2023.
In continuation with the above, the committee recommended for conducting the Phase III clinical trial as per the protocol presented by the firm.

Relugolix is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH receptor antagonist) medication that is used in the treatment of prostate cancer in men and uterine fibroids in women.

Estradiol is used for hormone replacement therapy and post-menopausal osteoporosis. Estradiol is an estrogen (female sex hormone). In women who are undergoing or have attained menopause, it prevents symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. It also prevents the bones from becoming porous and fragile (osteoporosis).

Norethisterone is a synthetic second-generation progestin used for contraception, prevention of endometrial hyperplasia in hormone replacement therapy, and in the treatment of other hormone-mediated illnesses such as endometriosis.

At the recent SEC meeting for the Reproductive held on 20th March 2024, the expert panel reviewed the proposal presented by the drug major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries regarding the FDC Relugolix, Estradiol, and Norethindrone Acetate Tablets.
After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended the conducting of a Phase III clinical trial as per the protocol presented by the firm.

Also Read: Eli Lilly Gets CDSCO Panel Nod To Market Mirikizumab for ulcerative colitis in adults

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Health Bulletin 08/ April/ 2024

Here are the top health news for the day:

NCDRC ruling: Surgeons awarded Rs 9.77 crore; MBBS doctors can now perform hair transplants

Holding that there was no medical negligence during the hair transplant procedure, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) recently exonerated a Hyderabad-based Hair Transplant Clinic and its two surgeons, who were sued by the patient for a compensation of Rs 9,77,15,000.

Although the patient challenged the qualifications of the doctors to conduct the hair transplant procedure, the top consumer court held that a person having an MBBS degree can perform the procedure of hair transplant, in which vital organs of the body are not affected.

For more information, click on the link below:
NCDRC Grants Rs 9.77 Crore Relief To Surgeons, Says MBBS Doctors Can Perform Hair Transplant Procedures

Delhi HC urges centre to include Ayurveda, Yoga in Ayushman Bharat

The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to treat representation as plea seeking the inclusion of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy within Ayushman Bharat, the national public health insurance scheme.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora disposed of the public interest litigation (PIL) after asking the Union Ministry of Ayush to decide the representation expeditiously, news agency PTI reported.

For more information, click on the link below:
Delhi HC Directs Centre To Decide Plea To Include Ayurveda, Yoga In Ayushman Bharat

OCI candidates now eligible for MBBS, BDS admissions: Karnataka HC

Granting interim relief to a student, the Karnataka High Court bench recently held that students holding Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards are to be treated on par with Indian citizens while participating in Online counselling for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses for 2024-2025.

“…we are of the opinion that this submission can be recorded that the OCI cardholders are to be permitted to participate in Online counseling for admission to undergraduate courses in Medical, Dental and Engineering for the Academic Year 2024-2025 for both Government and Private seats, on par with Indian citizens,” the HC bench of Justices Anu Sivaraman and Anant Ramanath Hegde ordered on April 02, 2024.

For more information, click on the link below:
OCI Candidates To Be Treated On Par With Indian Citizens For MBBS, BDS Admissions: Karnataka HC

Uttar Pradesh Government issues guidelines for managing heat-related illnesses

As the state braces for the scorching summer months ahead, the Uttar Pradesh Health Department has taken proactive measures to address the potential risks associated with heat-related illnesses. With temperatures expected to soar, the department has released comprehensive guidelines aimed at mitigating the impact of extreme heat waves on public health.

The guidelines, directed to all District Magistrates and Chief Medical Officers, delineate a strategic framework for coordinated efforts in combating heat-related diseases. Emphasizing inter-departmental collaboration, the directives underscore the importance of proactive measures and community engagement in ensuring public well-being during periods of heightened heat stress.

For more information, click on the link below :
UP Govt Issues Guidelines For Managing Heat-Related Illnesses

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Parexel named “Best Contract Research Organization” at 17th Annual ViE Awards

Durham: Parexel, a clinical research
organizations (CROs) providing the full range of Phase I to IV clinical development services, has announced it has been named “Best Contract Research Organization” at the 17th Annual Vaccine
Industry Excellence (ViE) Awards. 

Winners were named across 13 categories, including Best Contract
Research Organization, which recognizes the role of CROs in supporting the development of safe and
effective vaccines. 

“We are honored to be recognized with this year’s ViE Award for Best Contract Research Organization,”
said Amy McKee, MD, Chief Medical Officer & Head of Oncology Center of Excellence. “This
accomplishment reflects the depth of experience and commitment of our cross-functional infectious
disease and vaccine experts and global delivery team to develop leading preventive and therapeutic
vaccines that advance global health. We look forward to our continued collaboration with our
biopharmaceutical customers in this important area to improve patient outcomes.”


Parexel was named from among eight CRO finalists.

A distinguished industry advisory board selected the
company based on its ability to: provide a range of services in niche and core therapeutic areas;
demonstrate methods of performance improvement and introduction of new services; ensure attention to
and quality of relationships with clients; reach milestones and final outcomes; and build and maintain
existing and long-term partnerships.

Over the last five years Parexel has conducted more than 225 clinical projects in the infectious disease
and vaccine therapeutic area involving more than 9,150 global sites. Parexel’s Infectious Disease and
Franchise core team is led by Anne Kasmar, MD, MSc, Senior Vice President and Global Therapeutic
Head of Infectious Disease and Vaccines.
The annual ViE Awards, organized by Terrapin, showcase excellence in the global vaccine industry. Parexel was recognized at the ViE Awards
ceremony during the World Vaccine Congress on April 2 in Washington, D.C.

Read also: Peyton Howell to become next CEO of Parexel

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Medical School Quota Hike: South Korean Govt ready to hold open discussions

Seoul: South Korean Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong stated on Monday that the government is willing to engage in open discussions regarding the proposed increase in medical school admissions if doctors present a unified and more rational approach.

This comes as about 12,000 trainee doctors nationwide have left their workplaces since February 20 to protest the plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 seats next year, causing growing strains on public health services, reports IANS.

While the decision to add 2,000 seats to medical schools was made following scientific research and consultations with the medical community, Cho hinted at the potential for adjusting the magnitude of the quota hike, according to Yonhap.

Also Read:South Korea Doctors Strike: Health Ministry notifies 2 doctors of license suspension

“We intend to engage in sincere discussions with the medical community to persuade them and resolve the dispute,” Cho told a government response meeting.

According to an IANS news agency, “If (doctors) come up with a more reasonable and unified proposal based on scientific grounds and logic, the government can discuss it in an open manner,” he said.

The reform plan has emerged as a hot-button issue for this week’s parliamentary elections, with the ruling People Power Party aiming to regain a majority in the National Assembly.  

Medical Dialogues team recently reported that Medical professors in South Korea are preparing to challenge the government’s decision to increase medical school admissions, citing concerns over their constitutional rights. The move comes amid ongoing disruptions to the country’s medical services, triggered by a plan to add 2,000 new medical students next year to alleviate a shortage of doctors. 

The Medical Professors Association of Korea is scheduled to file the petition with the Constitutional Court before the April 10 general elections against the government’s plan to raise the number of medical students by 2,000 starting next year from the current 3,058 seats to address a shortage of doctors, Yonhap news agency reported.

Also Read:Medical School Admissions: Professors in South Korea to file constitutional petition

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USFDA nod to Bristol Myers Squibb-2seventy bio Abecma for triple-class exposed relapsed or refractory Multiple Myeloma after 2 prior lines of therapy

Princeton: Bristol Myers Squibb and 2seventy bio, Inc. have announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel; ide-cel) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after two or more prior lines of therapy including an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), a proteasome inhibitor (PI), and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, based on results from the KarMMa-3 trial.

This approval expands Abecma’s indication, making it available in earlier lines to patients who have relapsed or become refractory after exposure to these three main classes of treatment (triple-class exposed), after two prior lines of therapy. Abecma is administered as a one-time infusion, with a new recommended dose range of 300 to 510 x 106 CAR-positive T cells. 

“Abecma has demonstrated a progression-free survival benefit three times that of standard regimens in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, and we are now bringing the promise of cell therapy to patients earlier in their treatment journey,” said Bryan Campbell, senior vice president, Head of Commercial, Cell Therapy, Bristol Myers Squibb. “This approval underpins our commitment to addressing the unmet needs of more patients living with multiple myeloma by improving upon the current treatment paradigm, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of innovation and advancing cell therapy research to deliver potentially transformative therapies.”

“We are extremely pleased that Abecma will be available to many more patients in the U.S.,” said Chip Baird, chief executive officer, 2seventy bio. “This approval represents another important milestone for patients, for Abecma, and for 2seventy bio as we remain committed to increasing treatment options and working to improve outcomes for patients living with multiple myeloma.”

Despite advances in treatment, multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease characterized by periods of remission and relapse. In early lines of treatment, regimens consisting of combinations of IMiDs, PIs, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies are often used to help manage the disease. Unfortunately, as many patients go on to relapse and/or become refractory to these classes of therapy, more patients are becoming triple-class exposed earlier in their treatment journey. There are limited options for these patients, and triple-class exposed relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma is associated with poor outcomes and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of three to five months. In this patient population with high unmet need, Abecma has demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in PFS (95% CI: 13.3 months vs. 4.4 months [HR: 0.49; p<0.0001]). In addition, Abecma exhibited a well-established safety profile with mostly low-grade cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. No cases of Parkinsonism were reported in the study.

“The results of the KarMMa-3 study are remarkable, especially given the historic outcomes with standard regimens for these patients with relapsed or refractory disease,” said Al-Ola A. Abdallah, M.D., University of Kansas, Clinical Associate Professor, Clinical Director, Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics and chair of U.S. Myeloma Innovations Research Collaborative. “With this approval, these patients now have an opportunity to be treated at an earlier line of therapy with a potentially transformative therapy that offers significantly improved progression-free survival for this difficult-to-treat disease that has had no established treatment approach.”

“To support this approval and future expansions, Bristol Myers Squibb has made continuous investments to increase manufacturing capacity and has shown a consistently high manufacturing success rate of 94% for Abecma in the commercial setting,” the Company stated.

Abecma was recently approved in Japan, Switzerland and the European Union for adult patients with triple-class exposed relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma after two prior lines of therapy, making it the only CAR T cell therapy available globally for earlier lines of therapy for patients with triple-class exposed relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. Abecma is also currently approved in Great Britain and Israel for adult patients with triple-class exposed relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma after three or more prior lines of therapy.

The KarMMa-3 trial is a pivotal, Phase 3, open-label, global, randomized, controlled trial evaluating Abecma compared to standard regimens in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who have received two to four prior lines of treatment, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 antibody, and were refractory to the last treatment regimen, with 94% of patients with disease refractory to prior treatment with daratumumab. KarMMa-3 is the only Phase 3 trial to evaluate a CAR T cell therapy in a patient population consisting entirely of triple-class exposed relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma patients. The trial’s patient-centric design allowed for crossover from standard regimens to Abecma upon confirmed disease progression. At the time of the final progression-free survival (PFS) analysis, more than half (56%) of patients in the standard regimens arm crossed over to receive Abecma as a subsequent therapy.

In the study, 254 patients were randomized to receive Abecma and 132 were randomized to receive standard regimens that consisted of combinations that included daratumumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone (DPd), daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (DVd), ixazomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (IRd), carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd) or elotuzumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone (EPd) chosen based on their most recent treatment regimen and investigator discretion. In the Abecma arm, pretreatment consisted of leukapheresis and optional bridging therapy. The choice to use bridging therapy was at the discretion of the investigator.

At an estimated median duration of follow-up of 15.9 months at the primary PFS analysis, Abecma more than tripled the primary endpoint of PFS compared with standard regimens, with a median PFS of 13.3 months (95% CI: 11.8-16.1) vs. 4.4 months (95% CI: 3.4-5.9), respectively (HR:0.49; 95% CI: 0.38-0.64; p<0.0001), representing a 51% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death with Abecma. Abecma also showed a significant improvement in overall response rates (p<0.0001) with the majority (71%) of patients treated with Abecma achieving a response, and 39% achieving a complete or stringent complete response. In comparison, less than half of patients (42%) who received standard regimens achieved a response, with 5% experiencing a complete response or stringent complete response. Responses were durable with Abecma, with a median duration of response of 14.8 months (95% CI: 12.0-18.6). In those patients who derived a complete response or better, median duration of response was 20 months (95% CI: 15.8-24.3).

Abecma has exhibited a well-established and consistent safety profile with mostly low-grade cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. Among patients who received Abecma in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies (n=349), any grade CRS occurred in 89% of patients, including Grade >3 CRS in 7% of patients, and three cases (0.9%) of Grade 5 CRS reported. The median time to onset of CRS was 1 day (range: 1-27 days), and the median duration of CRS was 5 days (range: 1-63 days). Any grade neurotoxicity occurred in 40% of patients treated with Abecma in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies, including Grade 3 neurotoxicity in 4% of patients, and two cases (0.6%) of Grade 4 neurotoxicity reported. At the safety update for KarMMa-3, one case of Grade 5 neurotoxicity was reported. The median time to onset of neurotoxicity was 2 days (range: 1-148 days), and the median duration of neurotoxicity was 8 days (range: 1-720 days).

Abecma is a CAR T cell therapy that recognizes and binds to BCMA on the surface of multiple myeloma cells leading to CAR T cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and subsequent cytolytic killing of BCMA-expressing cells. Abecma is being jointly developed and commercialized in the U.S. as part of a Co-Development, Co-Promotion, and Profit Share Agreement between Bristol Myers Squibb and 2seventy bio.

The companies’ broad clinical development program for Abecma includes ongoing and planned clinical studies (KarMMa-2, KarMMa-3, KarMMa-9) for patients with multiple myeloma.

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NBE To Hold Its 22nd Convocation On May 10th, Details

New Delhi- The National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is going to hold its 22nd convocation and awards ceremony on 10th May 2024. This convocation is being conducted for the candidates who have qualified the DNB, DRNB and FNB exit examinations in 2021, 2022 and 2023 sessions.

The convocation will be held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi and will be presided over by Draupadi Murmu, Honorable President of India.

On this, NBE has also issued a notice giving information about the program. The notice states that the registration for the 22nd Convocation has been already started on the official website of NBEMS and all eligible candidates are required to register themselves for the Convocation by 22nd April 2024 by paying the enrollment fee of Rs 2500/-.

Also Read: NBE Invites Applications for DNB, DrNB Final Theory Exams May 2024, all details here

At this convocation, degrees and gold medals will be awarded to the following 2021, 2022 and 2023 session candidates who have qualified the DNB, DRNB and FNB exit examinations:

DNB/DrNB EXIT EXAM

FNB EXIT EXAM

December 2021

2022

June 2022

December 2022

April 2023

Meanwhile, the candidates who have been declared as Gold Medal winners have been specially invited to attend this Convocation for the Award Ceremony to receive their Gold Medal winners as well as their Degree Certificates in person. To get the detailed information to attend the award ceremony, specialty-wise, and session-wise list of Gold Medalists has been published on the official website of NBEMS.

Whereas, degree certificates of other eligible candidates will be sent to their correspondence address through speed post within 3 months of the convocation ceremony. However, those candidates are instructed to update their correspondence address online while registering for the Convocation.

Also Read: NBE declares Timelines, scheduled batches for forthcoming Final Theory Exams for DNB, DrNB, Diploma Courses, details

Lastly, for any queries, candidates can contact NBEMS through the contact number or write an email, which is mentioned in the notice.

To view the notice, click the link below

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/nbemsjpg-235856.pdf

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