KCR

In today's #KCRScienceRead, we explore a groundbreaking experimental #cancer treatment developed by Professor Georgina Long AO, recently published in Nature Medicine, showing promising early results for glioblastoma, one of the deadliest brain cancers. ?? This marks the first-ever documented use of neoadjuvant triple immunotherapy for glioblastoma—leveraging melanoma research to boost the immune system before surgery. The results? When the tumor was removed, it showed increased diversity, abundance, and activation of immune cells—a potential sign of a strong immune response. ?? “My hypothesis was that we could administer combination immunotherapy as first-line treatment before surgery to boost the immune system and activate T-cells to target the brain tumour — an approach I had previously developed successfully in both stage 3 melanoma and melanoma that had spread to the brain,” said Professor Long. Now, an Australian-led international clinical trial is in the works, led by Dr. Jim Whittle, to determine if this approach could offer real hope to glioblastoma patients. ?? Click to read more! https://lnkd.in/ggz_WzYN #CancerResearch #Immunotherapy #Glioblastoma #MedicalBreakthrough #Oncology

“Overall, #GenAI would have significant impacts on drug discovery and downstream clinical developments, transforming future clinical development models following clinical data sharing initiatives with predictive analytics approaches augmented by multimodal reasoning anchoring on real-world data empowered by GenAI deep learning algorithms.” ??KCR Chief Medical Officer, Anna Baran, and Principal Consultant, Dave Li, MD, PhD, published an article in Applied Clinical Trials that details the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (#GenAI) in revolutionizing clinical trials and #drug #development. Check it out!???

?? A Paradigm Shift in Bladder Cancer Treatment? #KCRScienceRead Radiation + Immunotherapy Shows Promise for Bladder Preservation Radical cystectomy remains the standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC)—but it comes with profound quality-of-life challenges. Now, findings from the IMMUNOPRESERVE clinical trial, published in Clinical Cancer Research (AACR), suggest a promising bladder-preserving alternative: radiation combined with the immune checkpoint inhibitors durvalumab and tremelimumab. Led by Dr. Xavier Garcia-del-Muro (University of Barcelona), the phase II study reported remarkable outcomes: ? 93% complete response rate ? 84% two-year overall survival ? 83% metastasis-free survival ? 94% of patients preserved their bladders after 27 months According to Garcia-del-Muro, “this multimodal bladder-preserving approach is feasible, showing high efficacy in terms of response and long-term bladder preservation.” He emphasizes the need for larger trials to validate these findings but highlights the potential of immunotherapy plus radiation to improve quality of life without compromising survival. Click to read more?? https://lnkd.in/gbDNk5NM #BladderCancer #Oncology #Immunotherapy #RadiationTherapy #CancerResearch #MedicalInnovation

"Selecting appropriate sites is one of the most crucial factors for determining successful completion of a #clinicaltrial. It is important to ensure that potential sites have the capability to meet the #protocol requirements and the capacity to deliver the study objectives in a safe and efficient manner." Check out this #WhitePaper from KCR Consultant, ?aneta Szkar?at, where she shares some practical strategies toward optimizing the site feasibility assessment.?

?? In today’s #KCRScienceRead, we’re diving into the next milestone in #MultipleMyeloma treatment. For the first time, the EU has approved an oral small-molecule treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The newly authorized iberdomide (Imnovid) represents a shift from traditional therapies, offering a more accessible, targeted option for patients who have exhausted standard treatments. Could this innovation redefine multiple myeloma care? Experts believe it holds promise, but long-term efficacy and real-world data will be key. ?? Read more here ?? https://lnkd.in/dXmn5HPd #KCRCRO #PrecisionOncology

"In the world of clinical trials, where vast amounts of data are generated for decisions, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as?an operational tool for data management is neither?a surprise nor unexpected." Anna Baran, Dave Li, MD, PhD and Sara Domaga?a provide a comparative perspective on how #AI and machine learning are transforming #clinical trials in the EU and US by automating data management and streamlining development processes, particularly in the #CRO industry. While the benefits are promising, it’s essential to address potential risks, manage high expectations, and navigate the disruptive impact AI may have on the field. A balanced approach to innovation and regulation is key to ensuring safe and effective integration. Read the full #whitepaper ??

??In today’s #KCRScienceRead, we’re exploring the novel #schizophrenia drug. For the first time in 70 years, a novel schizophrenia drug—xanomeline-trospium chloride (Cobenfy)—has been approved in the U.S. Unlike existing antipsychotics that target dopamine receptors, this new treatment works on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, potentially reducing psychosis and addressing negative symptoms like social withdrawal and cognitive impairment. “This is really the first kind of novel, effective treatment we’ve had for decades,” says Dr. Robert McCutcheon of Oxford University. But experts are divided—will it truly be a breakthrough, or just another overhyped promise? More research is needed. ?? ?? Click to read more: https://lnkd.in/dxRSVBnv

Today is #WorldCancerDay — a day to raise awareness, spark conversations, and take action against cancer. The theme for 2025-2027, "United by Unique," is a reminder that every cancer journey is personal. Every story matters. And when we put people at the heart of care, real change happens. Whether you’ve been directly impacted, support a loved one, or work in cancer care—your voice, your actions, and your support make a difference. #UnitedByUnique #WorldCancerDay

"Using an individual’s genomic data to identify specific genetic mutations and/or other biomarkers associated with specific diseases, is leading to earlier and more accurate diagnosis, whereby treatment choice, regime, and dosage are optimized." In her latest blog in MassBio, Anna Guildford, Senior Consultant at #KCRCRO, dives into the transformative power of #precision #medicine. From breakthroughs in pharmacogenomics to the revolutionary use of biomarkers in oncology, she explores how this tailored approach is reshaping patient care. However, challenges persist—ethical concerns, regulatory hurdles, and gaps in genomic literacy. Are we ready to unlock the full potential of precision medicine? Read the full #whitepaper ??

?? Today’s #KCRScienceRead focuses on new research confirming that sleep disruption is an early symptom of #ALS, appearing even before motor symptoms develop. A study published in Science Translational Medicine identifies two potential therapies—suvorexant (Belsomra) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)—that could restore normal sleep patterns in ALS mouse models. “Sleep alterations are an early phenomenon in ALS that precedes respiratory impairment and even motor symptoms,” the authors wrote. This discovery not only deepens our understanding of ALS but also raises important questions about the connection between sleep and neurodegeneration. Could treating sleep issues slow disease progression? More research is needed, but these findings open the door to new therapeutic possibilities. ?? Read more about the study and its implications: https://lnkd.in/dH3RYwZC