Reviving exhausted T cells to tackle immunotherapy-resistant cancers

When the cells of our immune system are under constant stress due to cancer or other chronic diseases, the T cells of the immune system shut down in a process called T cell exhaustion. Without active T cells, which kill tumor cells, it’s impossible for our bodies to fight back against cancer. One of the biggest goals of immunotherapy is to reverse T cell exhaustion to boost the immune system’s ability to destroy cancerous cells.

New guidance: Antibiotics should be halted upon closure of incisions

Antibiotics administered before and during surgery should be discontinued immediately after a patient’s incision is closed, according to updated recommendations for preventing surgical site infections. Experts found no evidence that continuing antibiotics after a patient’s incision has been closed, even if it has drains, prevents surgical site infections. Continuing antibiotics does increase the patient’s risk of C. difficile infection, which causes severe diarrhea, and antimicrobial resistance.

President Hichilema visits UNZA, assures student populace to restore the institution’s lost glory.

 PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema sent University of Zambia (UNZA) students into bursts of laughter when he said sugar daddies should stay away from female students popularly known as momas. The Head State on yesterday addressed UNZA students at the graduation square where he touched on many important issues laced with occasional jokes. “All those sugar daddies, […]

Researchers uncover new details on rare immune disease

In an 11-year study, researchers at the National Institutes of Health have further characterized idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia (ICL), a rare immune deficiency that leaves people vulnerable to infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases and cancers. Researchers observed that people with the most severe cases of ICL had the highest risk of acquiring or developing several of the diseases associated with this immune deficiency.

Offering genetic testing at the point of care may increase uptake

Genetic testing for hereditary cancers, such as breast, colon, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer, helps at-risk individuals understand their familial risk for these diseases and make informed decisions about next steps in care. But fewer than 20 percent of at-risk patients utilize this testing, and even fewer engage in genetic counseling after referral, often due to clinical workflow challenges or barriers to care.