Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Weitao Zheng, Hanluo Li, Kanghong Hu, Liming Li, Mingjian Bei
Summary: Chondromalacia patellae, also known as runner's knee, is a joint disease that typically occurs in young patients and is characterized by anterior knee pain. Various factors contribute to its development, and clinical indications include quadriceps wasting, patellofemoral crepitus, and effusion. Cell-based therapies, particularly using mesenchymal stem cells, have shown promise in treating CMP.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amira Yasmine Benmelouka, Malak Munir, Ahmed Sayed, Mohamed Salah Attia, Mohamad M. Ali, Ahmed Negida, Badrah S. Alghamdi, Mohammad Amjad Kamal, George E. Barreto, Ghulam Md Ashraf, Mostafa Meshref, Eshak I. Bahbah
Summary: Stem cell therapy shows promise in the treatment of gliomas by minimizing the side effects of radio/chemotherapy on the brain and maximizing drug delivery to the tumor site. It also offers a variety of treatment approaches, such as genetic engineering for immunomodulation and using stem cells as delivery vehicles for oncolytic viral vectors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Abdelrahman M. Elhusseiny, Mohammad Soleimani, Taher K. Eleiwa, Reem H. ElSheikh, Charles R. Frank, Morteza Naderan, Ghasem Yazdanpanah, Mark Rosenblatt, Ali R. Djalilian
Summary: The regeneration of corneal epithelium relies on limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) residing in the limbus, which are regulated by the limbal niche. Disruption to LESCs or their niche can lead to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), impacting corneal and visual function.
STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liyang Ji, Hong Tian, Keith A. Webster, Wei Li
Summary: Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in working adults in developed countries, now recognized as a neurovascular disorder. Disturbance of the neurovascular unit can lead to vision-threatening clinical manifestations. While VEGF inhibitors are widely used to treat DR, their limited efficacy suggests the involvement of other signaling molecules in the pathogenesis of the disease.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Surgery
Ahmad Sukari Halim, Nandinii Ramasenderan
Summary: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a common skin malignancy associated with high mutational load and difficulties in treatment. The article reviews the relevance of locoregional involvement in patient survival and recurrence risk, discusses the challenges and importance of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and presents the latest developments in CSCC treatment.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Qi Cai, Sarah Warren, Violena Pietrobon, Markus Maeurer, Lei S. Qi, Timothy K. Lu, Marc J. Lajoie, David Barrett, David F. Stroncek, Francesco M. Marincola
Summary: Successful implementation of adoptive cell therapy (ACT) of cancer requires addressing biological and practical challenges comprehensively. However, this approach has been neglected, leading to a gap between the potential and effectiveness of ACT. In this article, we summarize the most promising technical strategies, especially focusing on CAR-engineered cells, in creating an ideal ACT product. As many requirements for effective ACT are common to most cancers, the outlined strategies might have a broader impact.
Article
Business
Joseph Amankwah-Amoah, Yaw A. Debrah, Wantao Yu, Zhibin Lin, Albert Danso, Samuel Adomako
Summary: This issue presents insights from a variety of accepted papers, examining different technology strategies in emerging economies and the potential for learning from other economies to improve access to new technologies and bridge the technology gap. It also proposes key questions and a new research agenda for the broader field of technology policy and business strategy.
TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Isabella Hetherington, Hana Totary-Jain
Summary: Atherosclerosis is the primary pathology underlying many cardiovascular diseases and is a major global cause of death. Current therapies focus on controlling risk factors rather than targeting the cells that cause plaque formation. This review summarizes the milestones, strengths, and limitations of current anti-atherosclerotic therapies while also exploring potential game-changing technologies such as nanomedicine, mRNA therapeutics, and gene editing for precision medicine in CVD clinical practice.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Andressa Daronco Cereta, Vinicius Rosa Oliveira, Ivan Peres Costa, Joao Pedro Ribeiro Afonso, Adriano Luis Fonseca, Alan Robson Trigueiro de Souza, Guilherme Augusto Moreira Silva, Diego A. C. P. G. Mello, Luis Vicente Franco de Oliveira, Renata Kelly da Palma
Summary: Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation disease that is primarily treated with corticosteroids, which may have negative effects on extracellular matrix elements. Cell-based therapies, including the use of mesenchymal stem cells, derivatives, and immune cells, are emerging as effective treatments to improve the quality of life for asthma patients.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Huseyin Demirbilek, Dogus Vuralli, Basma Haris, Khalid Hussain
Summary: Hypoglycaemia in diabetic patients is a common problem due to the imbalance between food intake and insulin injections. Improved insulin analogues and novel formulations of glucagon have helped in reducing and preventing hypoglycaemia. However, access to these technologies remains a challenge for many patients.
DIABETES METABOLIC SYNDROME AND OBESITY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Nicolas Sahakian, Frederic Castinetti, Thierry Brue, Thomas Cuny
Summary: This article reviews the current medical therapies used in the field of pituitary tumors, discusses the advantages and limitations of each treatment method, and specifies their positioning in the treatment algorithm for each phenotype. Furthermore, it provides insight into the future of medical therapies for pituitary tumors based on recent studies.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Domaszewska-Szostek, Agnieszka Polak, Monika Slupecka-Ziemilska, Marta Krzyzanowska, Monika Puzianowska-Kuznicka
Summary: Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentary disease caused by the destruction of melanocytes, leading to the lack of skin coloration. The treatment of vitiligo aims at repigmentation. This review summarizes the clinical evidence for vitiligo cell-based therapies, considering the procedures, equipment, and effectiveness in repigmentation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Farzaneh Kordbacheh, Camile S. Farah
Summary: Next-generation sequencing has identified new gene mutations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, leading to a growing number of potential drug targets. Clinical trials are exploring various pharmacotherapeutics, particularly for aggressive locally advanced head and neck cancer. While first-line surgical treatments have improved survival rates in developed countries, recurrent and metastatic disease remains a challenge. Precision medicine, based on genomic profiling, is showing promise in tailoring targeted therapies for individual patients.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Laura Kivela, Alberto Caminero, Daniel A. Leffler, Maria Ines Pinto-Sanchez, Jason A. Tye-Din, Katri Lindfors
Summary: A gluten-free diet is currently the only effective treatment for coeliac disease, but some patients face challenges such as high cost, strict restrictions, and perceived reduced quality of life. As a result, there is a need for alternative treatment forms to better control the disease.
NATURE REVIEWS GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xuan-Thanh-An Nguyen, Lude Moekotte, Astrid S. Plomp, Arthur A. Bergen, Maria M. van Genderen, Camiel J. F. Boon
Summary: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by the degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors, leading to gradual loss of visual function. Although untreatable for most patients currently, genetic therapies offer new hope for the treatment of inherited retinal dystrophies. It is essential to continue supporting RP patients and utilize all available options for managing their condition. This review aims to familiarize readers with clinical management options currently available for RP patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Felix Gille, Renata Axler, Alessandro Blasimme
Summary: The lack of transparency in biobank governance information on public webpages goes against best practice guidelines. Transparency is crucial for the development of biobanks and building public trust. Adequate transparency standards will enhance accountability and enable stakeholders to make informed decisions.
BIOPRESERVATION AND BIOBANKING
(2021)
Review
Ethics
Agata Ferretti, Marcello Ienca, Mark Sheehan, Alessandro Blasimme, Edward S. Dove, Bobbie Farsides, Phoebe Friesen, Jeff Kahn, Walter Karlen, Peter Kleist, S. Matthew Liao, Camille Nebeker, Gabrielle Samuel, Mahsa Shabani, Minerva Rivas Velarde, Effy Vayena
Summary: The Ethics Review Committee (ERC) is the key oversight mechanism designated to ensure the ethics of research involving humans. Whether or not this governance mechanism is still fit for purpose in the data-driven research context remains a debated issue among research ethics experts. The authors propose reforms aimed at improving the oversight capacity of ERCs in the era of big data science to overcome data-intensive research challenges and benefit research at large.
BMC MEDICAL ETHICS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Ethics
Effy Vayena, Alessandro Blasimme
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Roberto Bernabei, Francesco Landi, Riccardo Calvani, Matteo Cesari, Susanna Del Signore, Stefan D. Anker, Raphael Bejuit, Philippe Bordes, Antonio Cherubini, Alfonso J. Cruz-Jentoft, Mauro Di Bari, Tim Friede, Carmen Gorostiaga Ayestaran, Harmonie Goyeau, Palmi Jonsson, Makoto Kashiwa, Fabrizia Lattanzio, Marcello Maggio, Luca Mariotti, Ram R. Miller, Leocadio Rodriguez-Manas, Regina Roller-Wirnsberger, Ingrid Ryznarova, Joachim Scholpp, Annemie M. W. J. Schols, Cornel C. Sieber, Alan J. Sinclair, Anna Skalska, Timo Strandberg, Achille Tchalla, Eva Topinkova, Matteo Tosato, Bruno Vellas, Stephan von Haehling, Marco Pahor, Ronenn Roubenoff, Emanuele Marzetti
Summary: A multicomponent intervention reduces the risk of mobility disability in older adults with physical frailty and sarcopenia (SPPB scores of 3-7), and improves physical performance, muscle strength, and appendicular lean mass.
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julia Amann, Effy Vayena, Kelly E. Ormond, Dietmar Frey, Vince I. Madai, Alessandro Blasimme
Summary: Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform clinical decision-making. However, due to its rare application in clinical practice, its utility and impact remain poorly understood. Using AI-powered decision support systems in stroke medicine as an example, this study examines the expectations and attitudes of stroke survivors, family members, and healthcare professionals towards medical AI. The findings highlight the positive attitudes towards medical AI but also raise concerns regarding interpersonal aspects, impact on roles and responsibilities, and patient rights to information and decision-making.
Article
Ethics
Mattia Andreoletti, Alessandro Blasimme
Summary: In order to expedite the approval process of new drugs, regulatory agencies have established shortened review pathways, among which Accelerated Approval (AA) has recently come under scrutiny due to the authorization of the first Alzheimer's disease drug. This paper aims to fill this research gap by proposing six conditions for the ethical acceptability of AA and suggesting practical steps to implement them in regulatory and oversight processes.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Renan Goncalves Leonel da Silva, Alessandro Blasimme
Summary: Bioengineering has experienced significant growth in scientific publications, patents, and clinical trials in the past decade. To bridge the gap between discovery and clinical applications, it is important to engage in a broader societal dialog to gain public trust and address ethical, societal, and regulatory challenges.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medical Informatics
Effy Vayena, Alessandro Blasimme, Jeremy Sugarman
Summary: Fueled by adaptations to clinical trial implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic, decentralised clinical trials are on the rise. These trials utilize digital tools to facilitate research without physical contact between research teams and participants, and are expanding due to their potential to ensure safety, reduce burden, and lower costs. However, ethical challenges in these trials have not received much attention.
LANCET DIGITAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Business
Constantin Landers, Kelly E. Ormond, Alessandro Blasimme, Caroline Brall, Effy Vayena
Summary: Data access and sharing are crucial for advancing medicine. Public private partnerships are being established to facilitate this, but conflicts of interest and ethical concerns arise. This paper discusses the development of ethical guidelines for health data sharing in Swiss public private partnerships, identifying core ethical issues and providing strategies for overcoming them. By agreeing on ethical principles and practices at the beginning, a mutually beneficial relationship can be established. This summary aims to contribute to the global data sharing dialogue.
JOURNAL OF BUSINESS ETHICS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Constantin Landers, Effy Vayena, Julia Amann, Alessandro Blasimme
Summary: Spurred by recent advances in machine learning and electronic hardware, digital health holds great potential to transform medicine. However, ethical and regulatory issues have raised concerns and highlighted the need for responsible digital health practices. This study used stakeholder engagement methods to identify core impediments hindering responsible digital health in Switzerland. Through participatory research, it was found that ineffective stakeholder collaboration, lack of ethical awareness among innovators, and inadequate regulation were the main obstacles. The findings emphasize the importance of responsible innovation in driving the progress of digital health.
FRONTIERS IN DIGITAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Alessandro Blasimme, Jeremy Sugarman
Summary: Human pluripotent stem cells have the potential to create in vitro models that mimic post-implantation human embryos. However, ethical concerns arise from such integrated embryo models, and it is necessary to address them in order to establish appropriate policies and regulations that support scientific innovation and medical progress.
Article
Pediatrics
Kelly E. Ormond, Alessandro Blasimme, Effy Vayena
PEDIATRIC CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Renan Goncalves Leonel da Silva, Alessandro Blasimme
Summary: Organ chip research in Europe has been rapidly growing in recent years, supported by academic science consortia, public-private initiatives, dedicated funding, and science policy instruments. The collaborative infrastructures in Europe promote convergence of scientific, technical, and clinical capabilities in organ chip research.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
M. Andreoletti, C. Lazzaroni, N. Petersen, S. Segawa, A. Leibing, S. Schicktanz, A. Blasimme
Summary: Dementia has been reconceptualized as preventable in at least one in three cases by intervening on specific factors. The BEAD study aims to analyze the ethical and clinical assumptions of this new understanding and examine its impact on dementia prevention in Canada, Germany and Switzerland. Through stakeholder interviews and ethnographic research, the study explores the social, ethical, and political implications of the medical understanding and handling of cognitive disorders.
JOURNAL OF FRAILTY & AGING
(2023)
Article
Ethics
Brian Hutler, Alessandro Blasimme, Rachel Gur-Arie, Joseph Ali, Anne Barnhill, Amelia Hood, Jeffrey Kahn, Nancy L. Perkins, Alan Regenberg, Effy Vayena
Summary: This paper presents the findings of a survey conducted in multiple countries on the governance approaches for using digital contact tracing (DCT) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study identifies two flawed models of DCT governance, one focusing on privacy protections at the expense of public health benefits, and the other sacrificing transparency and accountability, leading to concerns about excessive surveillance. The paper concludes that a new governance approach is needed to ensure the ethical and effective use of DCT to promote public health.
JOURNAL OF LAW MEDICINE & ETHICS
(2022)
