Botox mitigates debilitating dry mouth in prostate cancer patients receiving radiopharmaceutical therapy: Study

A dual-protective approach using botulinum toxin (Botox) alongside an anti-nausea patch significantly reduces salivary gland toxicity in patients with metastatic prostate cancer undergoing PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy.

The strategy led to a 30 percent decrease in PSMA uptake by the salivary glands without affecting the treatment’s cancer-fighting efficacy. This reduction may enhance treatment adherence and improve overall patient outcomes. The findings were presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025 Annual Meeting.

Salivary gland toxicity from radiopharmaceutical therapy—particularly from alpha-emitting therapies like 225Ac-PSMA—is a critical dose-limiting side effect, often leading to debilitating dry mouth. Prior attempts to alleviate dry mouth using cold packs, single anticholinergics, or external cooling have shown minimal protective benefit.

“In order for patients to maintain a good quality of life and continue with their treatments, it’s essential to address these serious dry mouth issues,” said Tianzhi Zhao, research assistant at the Theranostics Centre of Excellence in the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore. “Our study explored the use of Botox paired with a nausea patch on reducing radiation uptake to the salivary glands.”

Fourteen patients were enrolled in the study and received Botox injections in the parotid and submandibular glands on opposite sides of the body three to four weeks prior to their combined 225Ac- and 177Lu-PSMA radiopharmaceutical therapy. Three days before treatment, nausea patches were applied behind the ears where they remained until two hours after the treatment. Molecular imaging was performed pre- and post-treatment to measure salivary gland uptake.

A significant reduction in PSMA radioligand uptake in the salivary glands was observed. Botox-treated parotid glands showed a mean 30 percent reduction in PSMA uptake compared to the opposite parotid gland. A mean 17 percent reduction in PSMA uptake was observed in injected submandibular glands compared to the opposite submandibular glands. The injections were well tolerated, with patients reporting mild injection pain but no serious or systemic side effects. No patient discontinued PSMA therapy due to dry mouth.

“This study demonstrates that Botox, administered at recommended doses in combination with a nausea patch, offers a promising therapeutic strategy for reducing radiation-induced salivary gland toxicity without compromising PSMA tumor uptake,” stated Jingjing Zhang, MD, PhD, assistant professor at the Theranostics Centre of Excellence in the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore. “The significance of this work lies in its direct patient benefit and its potential to expand the therapeutic utility of PSMA radiopharmaceutical therapy, particularly with alpha-emitting radionuclides like 225Ac.”

Both Botox and nausea patches are FDA-approved medications, already available in clinical practice for other indications. As this approach leverages approved medications with established safety profiles, this strategy could be immediately applied in experienced centers offering PSMA radioligand therapy.

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E-cigarette and cannabis social media posts pose risks for teens, study finds

Teens who see social media posts showing cannabis or e-cigarettes, including from friends and influencers, are more likely to later start using those substances or to report using them in the past month, according to surveys done by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Viewing such posts was linked to cannabis use, as well as dual use of cannabis and e-cigarettes (vapes). Dual use refers to youth who have used both cannabis and e-cigarettes at some point. The results were just published in JAMA Network Open.

The findings come amid a decline in youth e-cigarette use, reported in 2024 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, teen vaping, cannabis use and the dual use of e-cigarettes and cannabis remain a problem.

“While the rate of e-cigarette use is declining, our study shows that exposure to e-cigarette content on social media still contributes to the risk of using e-cigarettes with other substances, like cannabis,” said Julia Vassey, MPH, a health behavior researcher in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine.

The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, also helps clarify how certain types of social media posts relate to teen substance use. Researchers surveyed more than 7,600 teens across two studies: a longitudinal study to understand whether viewing cannabis or e-cigarette posts on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube relates to a teen’s later choice to start using either substance or both, and a second survey looking at whether an association exists between the source of the content— friends, influencers, celebrities or brands—and substance use.

“Answering these questions can help federal regulators and social media platforms create guidelines geared toward preventing youth substance use,” Vassey said.

Links across substances

Data for the study came from California high school students, with an average age of 17, who completed questionnaires on classroom computers between 2021 and 2023. Researchers conducted two surveys, one focused on teens who used cannabis, e-cigarettes or both for the first time, the other focused on use during the past month.

In the first survey, which included 4,232 students, 22.9% reported frequently seeing e-cigarette posts on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube, meaning they saw at least one post per week. A smaller portion—12%—frequently saw cannabis posts.

One year later, researchers followed up with the students. Teens who had frequently seen cannabis posts—but had never tried cannabis or e-cigarettes—were more likely to have started using e-cigarettes, cannabis or both. Teens who had frequently seen e-cigarette posts on TikTok were more likely to have started using cannabis or started dual use of both cannabis and e-cigarettes. No such pattern was found for Instagram or YouTube. The data collected allowed researchers to look at platform-specific results for e-cigarettes posts, but not for cannabis posts.

“This is consistent with previous research showing that, of the three platforms, TikTok is probably the strongest risk factor for substance use,” Vassey said. That may be because TikTok’s algorithm pushes popular content broadly, including posts that feature e-cigarettes, even to users who don’t follow the accounts.

In the second survey, researchers asked 3,380 students whether they saw cannabis or e-cigarette posts from brands, friends, celebrities, or influencers with 10,000 to 100,000 followers. Teens who saw e-cigarette or cannabis posts from influencers were more likely than their peers to have used cannabis in the past month. Those who saw e-cigarette posts from friends were more likely to have been dual users of cannabis and e-cigarettes in the past month. Those who saw cannabis posts from friends were more likely to have used cannabis in the past month or to have been dual users of cannabis and e-cigarettes.

The link between e-cigarette posts and cannabis use is what researchers call a “cross-substance association” and may be explained by the similar appearance of nicotine and cannabis vaping devices, Vassey said.

The risks of influencer content

Influencer posts deserve special attention because they often slip through loopholes in federal rules and platform guidelines. For example, the FDA can only regulate content when brand partnerships are disclosed, but influencers—consciously or not—may skip disclosures in some posts.

Studies show that these seemingly unsponsored posts are seen as more authentic, Vassey said, making them particularly influential.

Most social media platforms already ban paid promotion of cannabis and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Some researchers say those bans should be extended to cover additional influencer content. Others want platforms to partner with regulators to find a comprehensive solution.

“So far, it’s a grey area, and nobody has provided a clear answer on how we should act and when,” Vassey said.

In future studies, Vassey plans to further explore cannabis influencer marketing, including whether changes to social media guidelines impact what teens see and how they respond.

About this research

In addition to Vassey, the study’s other authors are Junhan Cho, Trisha Iyer and Jennifer B. Unger from the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California; Erin A. Vogel from the TSET Health Promotion Research Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City; and Julia Chen-Sankey from the Institute for Nicotine and Tobacco Studies and the School of Public Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.

This work was supported by National Institutes of Health [R01CA260459]and the National Institute on Drug Abuse [K01DA055073].

References: Julia Vassey, PhD1; Junhan Cho, PhD1; Erin A. Vogel, PhD2; et al

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Pregestational and Gestational Diabetes Raise Postpartum Kidney Disease Risk: Study

Researchers have found that women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) face a dramatically higher risk of postpartum kidney disease, and those with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) also experience elevated, though more modest, risks. This study was published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice journal by Amy Backal and colleagues.

Rates of PGDM and GDM have increased worldwide. Although their effects on fetal and maternal outcome during pregnancy are established, their effect on maternal renal health post-delivery is less understood. The risk of hospital readmission for kidney complications, acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), in the same calendar year as delivery was explored in this study.

Methods

The Nationwide Readmissions Database from the years 2010 to 2020 provided data for this research. The population was women aged 15 to 54 years who delivered over this time and did not have a previous history of kidney disease. The participants were classified into three groups: individuals with PGDM, which was a previous diagnosis of diabetes prior to pregnancy; individuals with GDM, which was a new diagnosis during pregnancy; and a comparison group of women with no kind of diabetes.

The response outcomes measured were readmissions to the hospital due to AKI or CKD within the same year of giving birth. Cox regression models incorporating confounding factors such as maternal age, race, co-existing medical conditions, and complications that arose during giving birth were used to analyze the data.

Key Findings

Pregestational Diabetes (PGDM):

  • Risk of AKI was 9-fold higher: adjusted HR = 9.07 (95% CI: 8.44–9.75)

  • Risk of CKD was ~21-fold higher: adjusted HR = 20.73 (95% CI: 18.00–23.87)

Gestational Diabetes (GDM):

  • AKI risk was elevated 25%: adjusted HR = 1.25 (95% CI: 1.16–1.35)

  • CKD risk was elevated 34%: adjusted HR = 1.34 (95% CI: 1.14–1.58)

These findings highlight a substantially elevated risk of postpartum kidney disease in women with pregestational and gestational diabetes. Interventions and monitoring policies addressed to kidney function in the postpartum period are mandatory to minimize morbidity and long-term complications in this expanding high-risk group.

Reference:

Backal, A., Vasudevan, S., Lee, R., Rosenfeld, E. B., & Ananth, C. V. (2025). Pregestational and gestational diabetes mellitus and risk of postpartum kidney disease: A retrospective cohort study. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 226(112330), 112330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2025.112330

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Pharma Firms To Face Periodic Inspection As HC Flags Effluent Risks

Sikkim: The High Court of Sikkim has disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the unauthorised release of effluents and extraction of groundwater by pharmaceutical companies, while directing the State Government to conduct periodic inspections of the companies and finalise the Sikkim Springs and Groundwater (Regulation and Management) Bill, 2025.

The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder and Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai was hearing WP (PIL) No. 12 of 2017, filed to address the discharge of industrial waste into natural water bodies by pharma units, originally focusing on Singtam and later extended to cover the entire state.

“This Public Interest Litigation is pending before this Court since the year 2017… pharma companies situated in other parts of the State of Sikkim… were also extracting ground water – which is precious in Sikkim – even though surface water is available in abundance in this small Himalayan State,” the bench observed.

The court acknowledged the inspection report submitted by the Sikkim State Pollution Control Board, which stated that no effluent discharge was observed during the inspection of the 44 pharmaceutical units, out of which four were found shut down.

“…the learned Amicus and the officials of Sikkim State Pollution Control Board did not observe any effluents being discharged into the main rivers/streams/kholas within the State of Sikkim.”

The bench also noted that the final draft of the Sikkim Springs and Groundwater (Regulation and Management) Bill, 2025 has been submitted. It directed the learned Amicus Curiae to conduct a final review of the draft and suggested, without mandating, that the State may consider including a Central Ground Water Authority representative in the proposed regulatory body.

“We make it clear that the final say in this matter rests squarely with the State Government.”

Further, the court instructed the State Government to continue monitoring pharma units even after the closure of the PIL:

“The competent authority of the State Government shall carry out periodic inspection of all companies including the existing pharma companies within the State of Sikkim in order to find out whether they are still actually discharging effluents or not.”

Additionally, the Court ordered Rs 10,000 to be paid by each existing pharma company in the state to the Amicus Curiae, acknowledging their assistance in the matter.

The PIL was formally disposed of with liberty to apply in future, if necessary:

“With the above observations, the instant Public Interest Litigation… stands disposed of with liberty to the parties to apply in case of any difficulty which may arise in future…”

To view the original judgement, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/sikkim-hc-pharma-companies-605932watermark-1722927-292747.pdf

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ESIC Delhi Recruitment! SUPER SPECIALIST Posts, Check Eligibility, Walk-In-Interview Dates Here….

New Delhi: The Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), has announced vacancies for the Senior Resident post at ESI PGIMSR & Model Hospital, Basaidarapur, Delhi in different departments in this medical institute. 

ESI is a statutory body constituted under an Act of Parliament (ESI Act, 1948) and works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.

ESIC Hospital Delhi Vacancy Details:

Total no of Vacancies: 22

The Vacancies are in the Departments of Surgical Oncology, Cardiology, Surgical Gastroenterology, Reproductive Medicine & Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Nephrology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Urology, Neurology, Neonatology, Gastroenterology, and Medical Oncology.

The date of walk In Interview is 4th JULY 2025.

Venue and Reporting Time: 5th Floor, Dean Office, ESI-PGIMSR, Basaidarapur, New Delhi-110015 From 9 AM to 11 AM Only.

For more details about Qualifications, Age, Pay Allowance, and much more, click on the given link:
https://medicaljob.in/jobs.php?post_type=&job_tags=esic+delhi&location=&job_sector=all

The Following testimonials should be attached with application form:

1. Two recent passport size photographs.

2. Self-attested copies of certificates and testimonials in support of proof of age (Date of Birth), Educational Qualifications, Experience and Research Papers, Publications etc.

3. The candidates who is in Service should submit “No Objection Certificate” from the employer at the time of interview.

4. Caste Certificate for SC/ST & OBC candidates. OBC Certificate as per Central Govt. Performa not more than one year old at the time of Interview.

5. Income and Asset Certificate from issuing Authority as per DOPT letter No. 36039/1/2019-Estt (Res) dated 31.01.2019, must be submitted for the reservation for EWS category.

6. Registration Certificate issued by DMC.

1. The number of vacancies is provisional and may increase or decrease pending on actual requirement.

2. Age relaxation is applicable to reserved candidates as per rules in force.

3. Mere submission of application does not confer any right to the candidate to be interviewed.

4. The candidates are required to bring all the documents in original on the date of interview along with self-attested copies. The applications found to be incomplete will be summarily rejected.

5. Wrong declarations/submission of false information or any other action contrary to law shall lead to cancellation of the candidature at any stage.

6. The Interview will be conducted at DEAN OFFICE, 5TH Floor, MS Office Building, ESI-PGIMSR, Basaidarapur, Delhi-15. However, ESIC reserves the right to change the centre, if needed.

7. No TA/DA will be paid for appearing for interview.

8. The ESIC reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process at any stage at its discretion and such decision will be binding on all concerned. 9. Other terms and condition will be applicable as issued by competent authority/Hqrs office from time to time.

Also Read:VMMC VACANCIES 2025: SR Posts Through Walk-In-Interview In Various Dpt…Here’s Details

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AstraZeneca expands Global Hub in Bangalore with Rs 166 crore investment

Bangalore: AstraZeneca, a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company, has announced the expansion of its state-of-the-art Global Hub in Bangalore.

The new facility will house nearly 1300 employees, including 400 new jobs, supporting the company’s capabilities in AI-powered innovation across Research and Development, Global Business Services, IT, and Digital Health operations.

This announcement represents AstraZeneca’s second major investment in India within a year, following the expansion of its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Chennai. The combined workforce now at AstraZeneca India Private Limited (AZIPL) will reach close to 4,000 employees.

“Our Global Hub in Bangalore is a strategic investment that will play a vital role in advancing AstraZeneca’s bold ambition to deliver 20 new medicines by 2030 — by strengthening automated, scalable, data-driven, and patient-centric solutions. This step reflects our commitment to tapping into the world-class talent and ecosystem available in Karnataka to power the next generation of scientific innovation. We are equally committed to decarbonize our operations and value chain, and the hub supports our net zero ambition”, said Jackie Crockford, Vice President, Global Business Services, AstraZeneca.

“This hub enhances our R&D capabilities by connecting us with India’s exceptional scientific and technological expertise. The expansion will accelerate the development of innovative medicines and help us deliver across R&D, ultimately benefitting patients around the world”, said Magnus Nord, Vice President, Global Patient Safety BioPharma, AstraZeneca.

The new facility will serve as a dynamic hub to advance AstraZeneca’s critical priorities:

  • Advanced clinical research supporting AstraZeneca’s global therapeutic areas
  • Development of AI-powered healthcare solutions and digital health technologies
  • Centralized data analytics to enhance clinical trial efficiency and patient outcomes
  • Specialized support for global regulatory compliance and pharmacovigilance

The Karnataka government has welcomed the expansion as a validation of the state’s position as a global innovation hub. “AstraZeneca’s investment reaffirms India’s leadership in science, technology, and healthcare, and is a testament to Karnataka’s robust life sciences ecosystem. This expansion aligns perfectly with our vision to create high-value employment opportunities while fostering innovation in critical sectors, making Bangalore a global hub for biotechnology and R&D,” said Honorable Minister Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka.

The hub is designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification and is currently powered by 75% green energy. It implements full waste-water recycling, IoT-enabled systems for optimized energy management and much more.

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Scientists create functional 3D-printed human islets for type 1 diabetes treatment

A team of international scientists has made a major leap forward in diabetes research by successfully 3D printing functional human islets using a novel bioink. Presented today at the ESOT Congress 2025, the new technology could pave the way for more effective and less invasive treatment options for people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

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People with severe diabetes cured in small stem cell trial

The cure for diabetes is a life free from daily insulin injections. Based on that criterion, ten out of 12 people (83%) in a new clinical trial were cured of their diabetes one year after receiving an advanced stem cell therapy.

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Survey shows few adults recognize testicular cancer as affecting young men

Only one in 10 U.S. adults correctly identified testicular cancer as most commonly affecting men under age 40, according to a survey released June16 by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC-James).

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Traveling with food allergies? These eight tips can help you stay safer in the skies

With the school holidays approaching, many families will be traveling, including on planes interstate and overseas. But travel can pose unique challenges for people with serious food allergies.

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