Cameron Santoro

Debra Boyer, MD, MHPE, ATSF, chair of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference Committee, highlighted exciting keynote sessions on artificial intelligence in medicine, the history of intensive care units, and immigrant health care ahead of the ATS 2024 International Conference.

A study found scalp repair serum microneedle combined therapy with medication to improve hair growth outcomes for patients with moderate to severe androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and reduce the number of microneedling sessions necessary.

A genetic study suggests people with allergies and eczema are more likely to develop alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Researchers believe this link may be due to similar immune system responses.

A large study finds that obesity and metabolic syndrome raise breast cancer mortality risk, but through different mechanisms. Metabolic syndrome is linked to a specific type of breast cancer, whereas obesity increases risk across all breast cancer subtypes.

A new study has linked racial and ethnic disparities with factors like age, income, and insurance to breast cancer treatment decline. Patients who received all treatments had better survival, highlighting the need for interventions to improve access and reduce disparities.

A Mendelian randomization study using genetic analysis found that alopecia areata (AA) increases the risk of anxiety and depression, but not the other way around, providing unique evidence for a causal link while adding to existing evidence.

Disparities in health care systems around the world limit access to effective treatments for advanced breast cancer, especially for people in low- and middle-income countries and marginalized communities. Stronger health systems and social education efforts are necessary to improve outcomes for all patients.

Trial results from DESTINY-Breast06 indicate the effectiveness of fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki in delaying disease progression for patients with hormone receptor (HR)–positive and HER2-low metastatic breast cancer who had prior endocrine therapy.

The USPSTF lowered the recommended starting age for mammograms from 50 to 40 years, citing moderate benefits for early detection in this age group. Disparities persist, especially for Black women, highlighting the need for improved access to health care and social support.

The FDA granted full approval for tisotumab vedotin-tftv to treat recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer that progressed after chemotherapy, offering patients improved overall survival and a manageable safety profile.

The recent FDA approval of Hercessi expands access to a treatment previously burdened by high costs. Hercessi joins the 5 other biosimilars already on the market.

A survey study showed major barriers to Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) therapy for patients with alopecia areata, especially for non-White patients who face higher rates of being uninsured and struggle more to afford the treatment.

Melatonin showed no benefit for cancer-related fatigue or other symptoms in women with early-stage breast cancer receiving radiotherapy treatment.

Session speakers at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) 2024 annual conference share their favorite parts of the event and the key takeaways they will leave the conference with.

Leslie Fish, PharmD, senior vice president of pharmacy at IDP Analytics, LLC, reflects on the future of biosimilars and the impact they will have on managed care pharmacy settings to improve patient access to medications.

Adam Colborn, JD, director of government relations for the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, discussed how providers can comfortably switch patients to biosimilars while minimizing anxieties, as well as the impacts prior authorization requirements can have on patient access.

Yuqian Liu, PharmD, Magellan Rx Management, explores the current space of cell and gene therapies based on real-world data and potential emerging therapies in the future, while expanding upon long-term efficacy concerns.

Jenny Craven, PharmD, BCPS, of the University of California Davis Health reviews the finances associated with Emerging Therapy Committee and examines the benefits of the adoption process of new therapies.

Kimberly Westrich, MA, of the National Pharmaceutical Council, addresses the benefits of incorporating patient-centricity throughout the health care system to foster more accurate and better quality of care.

Sarah Bajorek, PharmD, MBA, BCACP, University of California, Davis Health, discusses notable gene therapies emerging into the market and strategies to proactively engage with a wide range of stakeholders during the integration of a new gene therapy.

A survey study found a strong association between severe alopecia areata (AA) and significant impairments in quality of life and mental wellbeing, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment addressing both physical and emotional aspects of the disease.

Potential links between alopecia areata (AA) and hypothyroidism were observed among the study but the connection between androgenetic alopecia (AG) and hypothyroidism needs further investigation.

Macro-Mediterranean diets for patients with high-risk breast cancer recurrence found no overall reduction, but women who adhered more closely to the diet showed potential benefit.

Young breast cancer survivors without a specific genetic mutation have a lower risk of developing second primary breast cancer within 10 years of diagnosis.

Legal expert in health care, partner, and cochair of the health care coverage and reimbursement practice at Foley Hoag LLP, Ross Margulies discusses his excitement and expectations as a featured speaker at the upcoming 2024 AMCP Annual Conference.

Studies show that laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) improves hair growth in patients with alopecia. However, researchers are still looking at the best ways to compare LADD's effectiveness against other methods like microneedling.

While mammograms are crucial for early detection of breast cancer and can save lives, social determinants of health and health-related social needs create barriers to access, especially for those with financial hardship, lack of transportation, or social isolation.

Antibodies targeting the CXCL12 protein show potential to promote hair growth in conditions like androgenic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA), offering hope for new treatment options.

A recent study found a minor link between prolactin levels and the risk of developing estrogen receptor (ER)-positive or ER-negative breast cancers. However, there was no association found between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and breast cancer risk.

Corticosteroids are the most common treatment for pediatric patients with alopecia areata (AA), but promising newer options like JAK inhibitors are emerging. This review highlights the importance of personalized treatment plans and maximizing response through combination therapies.