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Targeted therapy improves long-term outcomes for patients with rare mutations driving lung cancer

A phase 1/2 clinical study found that pralsetinib improved durable responses with manageable safety profiles in patients with advanced or metastatic RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer. The overall response rate was 78% and median duration of response was longer in patients with the CCDC6-RET fusion gene.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 1, 2026

Wendy Thompson named recipient of the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology/Therapeutics/Toxicology Research

Wendy Thompson, a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester, has been awarded the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology/Therapeutics/Toxicology Research. Her research focus on antimicrobial stewardship and primary dental care has made significant contributions to the field.

Study illuminates benefits of red blood cell exchange in severe babesiosis

A multicenter study found that red blood cell exchange transfusion significantly improves clinical outcomes for patients hospitalized with severe babesiosis, a potentially life-threatening tick-borne infection. The procedure was associated with substantially lower risk of in-hospital death or readmission.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2026

How fetal reversion supports intestinal regeneration and preserves stem cells

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo discovered a unique mechanism in which conventional stem cells can temporarily switch into a specialized regenerative state called revival stem cells, driving tissue repair. This process, known as fetal reversion, enables efficient regeneration without exhausting the stem cell pool.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2026

Triple combination therapy before surgery helps boost immunity against aggressive soft tissue sarcomas

Researchers found that combining targeted radiation therapy with BO-112 and anti-PD-1 therapy before surgery activated the immune system to fight cancer. This approach reshaped the tumor microenvironment to support T-cell activity, resulting in fewer cancer cells and a more effective anti-tumor response.

Elinzanetant reduces severity and frequency of hot flushes and night sweats, regardless of type of hormone treatment breast cancer patients receive

A new analysis shows elinzanetant effectively relieves moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with endocrine therapy, regardless of the type of hormone treatment. The drug reduces VMS frequency and severity by blocking a protein that triggers these symptoms.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2026

Hidden acid imbalance in kidney disease raises red flags

A Japanese registry study reveals widespread underdiagnosis and undertreatment of metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney disease patients. Nearly half of patients with bicarbonate measured had metabolic acidosis, and diagnosis and treatment rates were low, highlighting a need for routine bicarbonate testing in CKD care.

SourceNiigata University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2026

Bursting cancer-seeking microbubbles to deliver deadly drugs

Researchers at Duke University have developed a technique using microbubbles and ultrasound to deliver large cancer drugs into cells, causing them to self-destruct. The technology, called SonoPIN, shows promise in precisely delivering therapeutics to cancer cells with minimal off-target effects.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2026

NRG Oncology/Alliance trial finds immunotherapy did not improve survival when added to chemoradiotherapy for small cell lung cancer

The NRG-LU005 trial found that immunotherapy atezolizumab did not improve survival for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer when added to chemoradiation. Twice-daily radiation therapy, however, was associated with improved survival in this population.

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 12, 2026

Deep-sea natural compound targets cancer cells through a dual mechanism

Researchers discovered yaku'amide B induces CD9 degradation, a cancer stem cell-related protein, in addition to inhibiting ATP synthase, leading to cellular energy depletion and cancer cell suppression. This natural compound has potential as a new therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Genethon confirms two-year efficacy in patients treated with its drug candidate GNT0004 at therapeutic dose in the first phase of its clinical trial

Genethon's GNT0004 gene therapy shows long-term efficacy in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, maintaining clinical efficacy and safety at two years. The trial included 72 boys aged 6-10 with retained walking ability, treated with GNT0004 at a therapeutic dose.

Female reproductive cancers and the sex gap in survival

A population-level cohort study of 20 low-mortality countries found that females aged 35-60 have higher cancer mortality rates than males, despite similar treatment and diagnostic pathways. The study highlights the need for targeted action to improve the prevention, early detection, and treatment of female reproductive cancers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 10, 2026

Atamyo Therapeutics presents promising results in the first patients treated with its ATA-200 gene therapy in the clinical trial targeting LGMD-R5 limb-girdle muscular dystrophy

The company's ATA-200 gene therapy has shown safety, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy results in the first patients treated, offering hope for children with LGMD-R5. The therapy delivers a normal copy of the γ-sarcoglycan gene and has been awarded Orphan Drug Designation in the US and Europe.

Using the vagus nerve to treat disease: Review maps today’s science, points to tomorrow’s therapies

A comprehensive review synthesizes the science behind vagus nerve modulation therapies, which use controlled signals to influence brain circuits and inflammation. The authors identify key mechanisms and propose next-generation treatments tailored to individual patients and conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalComprehensive Physiology·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 5, 2026

GLP-1 diabetes drugs linked to reduced risk of addiction and substance-related death

A large US study published in The BMJ found that GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity may also help lower the risk of addiction to various substances. The study associated GLP-1 receptor agonists with reduced risks of adverse outcomes such as overdoses and drug-related emergency department visits and deaths...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2026

Sugar comforts newborn babies during painful procedures

A new Cochrane review found that sucrose can effectively reduce pain in newborn babies during painful procedures like venepuncture. The study examined 29 clinical trials involving over 2,700 babies and showed that a small amount of sucrose given before the procedure significantly reduces pain when combined with non-nutritive sucking.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 3, 2026

Low-dose lithium for mild cognitive impairment

Researchers investigated low-dose lithium as a potential treatment for mild cognitive impairment in a pilot clinical trial. The study found that none of the primary outcomes met the significance threshold, but effect size estimates suggest potential benefits for future trials.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMar 2, 2026

Acoziborole Winthrop, developed by DNDi and Sanofi, receives European Medicines Agency positive opinion as three-tablet, single-dose treatment for most common form of sleeping sickness

The European Medicines Agency has granted a positive opinion to Acoziborole Winthrop as a single-dose oral treatment for both early- and advanced-stage gambiense sleeping sickness in adults and adolescents. The medicine, co-developed by DNDi and Sanofi, could provide a significant advance over current therapies.