Hello, readers! Here we share with you some really important and positive news from the world of medicine and research, which we have covered earlier but you may have missed out on.

1. Timely use of Pembrolizumab can prevent recurrence of kidney cancer, says research

The recurrence of kidney cancer is common after surgically removing tumours and so far there has been no way to prevent this. New research studied the effects of using Pembrolizumab (Pembro) during the early stages of late-stage kidney cancer and found that it reduced the risk of cancer returning by a third.

The researchers conducted trials with just about 1000 patients, who had undergone surgery for kidney cancer. Fifty per cent of them were put on Pembro and the remaining on a placebo. One-third of those on Pembro were found to be less likely to suffer from the disease again when compared to those on placebo. This trial was conducted internationally across 20 countries and observations were made for over two years. A follow-up study continues with patients to study the impact for over five years.

The findings from the Phase III trial are already presented at the European Association of Urology Congress (EAU21). One of the investigators on the study is even hopeful that the trial can make a case strong enough to get approval for the drug for use in kidney cancer patients.

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2. microRNAs in the urine can be a biomarker for diagnosing brain tumours

Diagnosis of brain tumours normally happens much after neurological deficits get noticed and only through a CT or MRI scan of the brain. Also, by then the tumours get too large to be fully removed and the entire process – from diagnosis to treatment proves to be very expensive.

A team of researchers at Nagoya University focused on the objective of early diagnosis through inexpensive means and studied microRNAs to determine if they could be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis. microRNAs are basically tiny molecules of nucleic acid secreted from cells and found intact in biological fluids like blood and urine. The researchers studied microRNAs present in the urine by creating a device that can extract a substantial variety and quantity of microRNAs from only 1ml of urine. They compared microRNAs collected from non-cancer individuals and those with brain tumours and found that microRNAs derived from patients with brain tumours were in a stable condition.

They discovered that their method could identify and distinguish patients from non-cancer individuals with a sensitivity of 100 per cent and a specificity of 97 per cent and this was irrespective of the malignancy and size of tumours. With such precise results, they concluded that urinary microRNAs can indeed be promising biomarkers for brain tumours.

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3. A low-cost paper test to detect neo-natal jaundice will soon be available to you for treating newborn patients

Approximately 60 per cent of newborns are affected by Jaundice and severe jaundice can also cause brain damage if not treated on time. Once a newborn is diagnosed with jaundice, it calls for continuous supervision, sometimes a nurse as well, if the baby has been taken home, or hospital admission, all of which can be expensive.

A team of Monash researchers, including clinical and chemical engineering experts, have created a unique paper test for checking a baby’s bilirubin levels. The test helps screen the bilirubin levels and compare the colour intensity for either side of the threshold concentration. The best part is that it is able to provide results within just 10 minutes and can help the doctor determine the course of treatment for the patient.

The test is in the process of getting commercialised. This means that the diagnosis can be done in a timely and inexpensive manner and medical professionals can provide the most suitable treatment to the newborn.

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4. A drug for treating Mucormycosis and other fungus types developed by Indian researchers is ready for commercial production

The various types of fungal infections that surfaced among COVID patients this year were an added problem to the pandemic. Medical professionals resorted to the Kala Azar treatment (visceral leishmaniasis) to deal with it but issues pertaining to its availability and affordability prevailed.

Amidst these events, experts of chemical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad proved through a study that oral nano-fibrous AMB is effective for Kala Azar. Furthermore, they developed a drug that can be used as a substitute for Kala Azar and can be affordable. Following the development of the drug, the team also decided to forego Intellectual Property rights on their formula so as to ensure its quick production and commercial availability.

The drug is developed as a slow-release 60mg tablet, which doesn’t produce nephrotoxicity in the body. This formula by IIT-Hyderabad is ready for technology transfer and as per an estimate will be priced at about Rs. 200, making it a pocket-friendly solution to Mucormycosis and other fungus types.

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Details of researches and studies referred to in the article can be found in the original articles. We hope you like this section and turn to it for a quick read every week.