Azitromicina nella BPCO: modello basato su algoritmo identifica pazienti responder al trattamento [Pneumologia]

Uno studio recentemente pubblicato su Thorax ha identificato, tramite un modello di effetto terapeutico individuale (ITE), quali pazienti rispondono o meno all’azitromicina in aggiunta alla terapia inalatoria tripla per la BPCO, indipendentemente dallo status di fumatore. Questo modello, stando agli autori dello studio, potrebbe aiutare i clinici a personalizzare il trattamento utilizzando pochi dati iniziali.

Read More

Plasmaderivati e immunoglobuline: da Takeda una pubblicazione sul valore delle terapie, presentata al Senato su iniziativa del Sen. Guido Liris [Oncologia-Ematologia]

“Storia e valore delle immunoglobuline. L’utilizzo terapeutico nelle immunodeficienze primitive, immunodeficienze secondarie e nella polineuropatia demielinizzante infiammatoria cronica”, è una pubblicazione che è un chiaro esempio di sensibilizzazione e diffusione della cultura del valore dei plasmaderivati: comprendere il valore del dono passa anche attraverso la comprensione della difficoltà di vivere con una patologia rara e cronica come un’immunodeficienza o una malattia ancora più rara, come la polineuropatia demielinizzante infiammatoria cronica (CIDP).

Read More

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii: one species with multiple potential implications in cancer research

The gut microbiota is pivotal for maintaining health through beneficial symbiotic interaction with the host supporting the homeostasis of the gastrointestinal tract but also of the majority of extraintestinal organs. Alterations in the gut microbiome have been linked to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, which remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The colonisation or overgrowth of certain bacterial species at the expense of others has been implicated in tumorigenesis. For instance, Helicobacter pylori infection is known to cause chronic inflammation and significantly increases the risk of developing gastric cancer, while Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium nucleatum overgrowth have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Consequently, several microbiota-based strategies have been developed to regulate cancer progression, enhance immune responses towards tumorous cells and improve the effectiveness of current anticancer therapies.1 Among the most abundant bacteria in the healthy human gut microbiota, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, an anaerobic member…

Read More

Commentary on: the management of patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia

Recently, Gut published a review of guidelines for the management of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) with the goal of promoting harmonisation of the guidelines regarding indications for endoscopic screening for gastric cancer and GIM detection/staging, metrics for high-quality endoscopy and non-endoscopic interventions for gastric cancer prevention in patients with GIM.1 GIM is not a disease per se but rather is a reparative response to gastric mucosal injury that may be present, at least temporarily, as part of healing such as of an ulcer.2 Clinically, widespread GIM is best considered a manifestation of healing of another disease, typically Helicobacter pylori infection or autoimmune gastritis. When present in autoimmune gastritis, GIM has no malignant potential and is potentially completely reversible.3 In contrast, when associated with chronic H. pylori infection, GIM is typically permanent and, at most, minimally reversible.4 The underlying H. pylori-induced inflammation…

Read More