The use of apixaban, a direct oral anticoagulant, in children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma did not result in a significant reduction in venous thromboembolism (VTE), according to the phase III randomized PREVAPIX-ALL study (O’Brien et al., 2021). The study found that 12% of patients receiving apixaban experienced VTE, compared to 18%
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Overdoses in the United States caused by opioids have reached alarming levels, driven by the rise of high-potency synthetic opioids like fentanyl and metonitazene. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has proven to be a life-saving intervention, with unparalleled success in patient outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). This comprehensive approach combines FDA-approved medications, such as
When young medical students envision their future careers, they are faced with a multitude of considerations. Questions about personal passions, desired work hours, and financial stability often dominate these deliberations. However, I firmly believe that the most critical factor to weigh is the patient population with which a physician will work throughout their professional journey.
The recent meeting of the Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee concluded with a vote of 12-1 against the approval of gefapixant for the treatment of chronic cough. This decision is based on the current evidence, which suggests that the small reductions in cough frequency observed during phase III trials do not provide a clinically meaningful benefit
Recent warnings about potentially high lead levels in recalled applesauce packets have put pediatricians on alert. While it is not yet clear if children exposed to these packets have experienced acute lead poisoning, experts advise taking the warnings seriously. According to Dr. Morri Markowitz, director of the Lead Poisoning Prevention and Treatment Program at the
The Senate Finance Healthcare Subcommittee recently held a hearing to discuss the permanent implementation of telehealth rules for the Medicare program. While there was unanimous agreement among the senators that the current flexible rules should be made permanent, the panelists themselves had differing opinions on certain aspects of telehealth. This article explores the key points
Bayer’s follicular lymphoma drug, copanlisib (Aliqopa), is set to be withdrawn from the U.S. market due to a failed confirmatory study and discussions with the FDA. The phase III study, known as CHRONOS-4, was a requirement for the accelerated approval of the PI3K inhibitor. Unfortunately, the addition of copanlisib to standard immunochemotherapy did not lead
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The search for effective and safe treatments for this troublesome condition has led to the investigation of lebrikizumab, an interleukin (IL)-13 inhibitor. Recent phase III trials, namely ADvocate1 and ADvocate2, have shown promising results for this investigational drug. However, despite
The American Medical Association (AMA) recently conducted a survey on healthcare organizations’ efforts to eliminate race-based clinical algorithms and decision-making tools that inaccurately use race as a substitute for genetic or biological ancestry. The survey revealed that half of these organizations have already eliminated or are actively working towards eliminating such practices. This development is
The ARIES-HM3 trial has provided new insights into the antithrombotic regimen for patients with HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The trial compared the outcome of dropping aspirin from the treatment regimen after LVAD implantation, and the results suggest that this approach may be safer than the conventional combination therapy. This article critically examines