Clinical

A thriving gut microbiome is associated with better clinical outcomes after CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma and myeloma.

Shannon L. Maude, MD, PhD, highlighted promising long-term disease-free survival and MRD negativity with tisagenleucel in high-risk pediatric ALL.

New evidence links oxidative stress to vitiligo autoimmunity, highlighting antioxidant plus phototherapy or JAK combinations for better repigmentation.

As GLP-1 approvals expand into new indications, claims data reveal most treated patients already qualify under multiple indications.

Ziftomenib plus intensive chemotherapy produced high response and MRD negativity rates with manageable safety in newly diagnosed AML.

Long-term LUNA3 data showed rilzabrutinib delivered durable platelet responses, reduced bleeding and fatigue, and maintained safety in ITP.

In this episode, 'Operationalizing RRFL Care: Sequencing Therapies, Managing REMS, and the Role of R² in Practice,' the pharmacist Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, CPEL explores the following questions: 1. From a pharmacy operations standpoint, how do you characterize the current treatment landscape for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (RRFL), and how has the growing number of available agents affected formulary management and operational planning at your institution? 2. Lenalidomide plus rituximab has been a commonly used combination in RRFL. How have you positioned this regimen in your own practice, and what have been its strengths and limitations in your experience?

Welcome back to another AJMC Insights series. In this episode titled, 'Setting the Stage: Treatment Selection and Eligibility in Follicular Lymphoma,' Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, CPEL led the conversation about the following questions: 1. What are the first-line treatment options in follicular lymphoma? 2. When are you considering a patient eligible for later lines of therapy?

CHMP issued a positive opinion for nerandomilast in IPF and PPF, bringing the therapy closer to European Union approval.

The expert dermatologist examined how patient-specific factors drive JAK inhibitor selection, with baricitinib favored for patients who prioritize an established long-term safety record, ritlecitinib preferred for adolescents aged 12 to 17 and patients with baseline dyslipidemia, and deuruxolitinib reserved for those seeking faster and more robust hair regrowth or who have not responded adequately to another JAK inhibitor.

Dr. Mostaghimi discussed the clinical trial data for deuruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor dosed at 8 mg twice daily, which demonstrated a faster onset of action compared with baricitinib and ritlecitinib — achieving mid-30% Scalp Area and Hair Loss Tool (SALT) score less than 20 response rates at 24 weeks, approximately 3 months earlier than baricitinib at 36 weeks.

The panelist examined the pivotal trial design for baricitinib, which enrolled patients with severe AA — defined as a Scalp Area and Hair Loss Tool (SALT) score greater than 50 — and demonstrated that approximately 30% of patients achieved a SALT score below 20 at 36 weeks on the 4 mg dose, with the 2 mg dose performing substantially lower.

Arash Mostaghimi highlighted the scientific journey that led to Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors becoming a treatment avenue for alopecia areata, beginning with a case report by Brett King in which a patient with psoriatic arthritis receiving tofacitinib experienced complete scalp hair regrowth despite also having AA.

The expert clinician examined the multidisciplinary approach to alopecia areata care, with the board-certified dermatologist serving as the central coordinator, supported by pediatricians and family practice providers for early recognition and timely referral, dermatopathologists for cases requiring biopsy, and specialists in endocrinology, rheumatology, and psychiatry or psychology for management of associated comorbidities and psychosocial needs.

MS was not linked to worse cardiovascular surgery outcomes, though routine home discharge was lower in this population.

The panelist discussed the SALT scoring system, which divides the scalp into four regions — the frontal parietal scalp, bilateral preauricular and postauricular scalp, and posterior scalp — and evaluates the percentage of hair loss in each area to produce a composite score ranging from 0 to 100, with a score below 20 serving as the primary efficacy benchmark in JAK inhibitor clinical trials.

The panelist examined the wide-ranging burden of alopecia areata on patients and their families, including the challenges of accessing specialist care, navigating prior authorization processes, and the financial strain faced by uninsured or underinsured patients who cannot access the three FDA-approved Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors now available for this condition.

Dr. Amy McMichael highlighted the clinical presentation of alopecia areata, describing the characteristic patchy, round hair loss that can progress to more extensive forms including ophiasis, alopecia totalis, and alopecia universalis, with associated symptoms such as burning, stinging, conjunctivitis, and worsening allergic reactions from loss of eyelash and nasal hairs.

In patients with NSCLC, 3+1 lymph node sampling was not linked to higher postoperative complications, supporting guideline adherence.

At ADA 2026, experts explored how GLP-1 receptor agonists are reshaping treatment for obesity, osteoarthritis, nutrition, and muscle preservation.

New ADA 2026 data show diabetic ketoacidosis hospitalizations rising 24%, driven by poor ketone monitoring and symptom recognition gaps across all ages.

The panelists highlighted how stigma, misdiagnosis, and the concentration of mental health care in primary care settings collectively contribute to significant delays in patients receiving appropriate psychiatric treatment for MDD, bipolar depression, and schizophrenia.

Learn why CKD often goes undiagnosed in type 2 diabetes and how UACR screening plus obesity therapies can cut cardiovascular risk.

Uncover hidden CKD in type 2 diabetes: boost UACR screening, close diagnosis-to-treatment gaps, and navigate modern obesity therapies.

The dual glucagon/GLP-1 receptor agonist is also being studied in the SYNCHRONIZE-2, SYNCHRONIZE-CVOT, LIVERAGE, and LIVERAGE-Cirrhosis trials.