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Leukemia Treatment For Children
Now, researchers are centering on targeted drugs and immunotherapies to treat leukemia in children.
FREMONT, CA: Regular leukemia treatments for children have been chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem-cell transplant. Unfortunately, despite significant advancements in survival for children with some types of leukemia, some treatments don't often work.
Additionally, some children later feel a relapse of their disease. Others stay with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for the rest of their lives, underscoring the requirement for less harmful treatments.
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Now researchers are centering on targeted drugs and immunotherapies to treat leukemia in children. Newer chemotherapy drugs are also being tried.
Targeted Therapies
Targeted therapies that have been authorized or are being studied for children with leukemia incorporate:
• Dasatinib (Sprycel) is allowed to treat children with CML and those with ALL(Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia).
• The acceptance is for children whose cancer cells possess the Philadelphia chromosome.
• Sorafenib (Nexavar) is being tested in addition to standard chemotherapy for children with AML whose leukemia has changes in a gene called FLT3. Other drug trials testing drugs that target FLT3 more specifically than sorafenib will be tested in practices that are being planned.
• larotrectinib (Vitrakvi), tested in children with leukemia, has a specific change in a gene called NTRK.
More possible targets for treating childhood cancers are discovered every year. With these objectives, many new drugs that could be used to treat cancers are being tested using the Pediatric Preclinical In Vivo Testing Consortium (PIVOT)Exit Disclaimer.
Immunotherapy
CAR T-cell therapy has generated great excitement for treating children with relapsed ALL. One CAR T-cell therapy, tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah), was sanctioned in 2017 for some children with relapsed ALL.
Researchers continue to address the remaining challenges regarding the application of CAR T-cell therapy in children with leukemia:
• At times, leukemia can turn resistant to tisagenlecleucel. Researchers in NCI's Pediatric Oncology Branch have advanced CAR T cells that target leukemia cells differently. An ongoing clinical trial tests whether combining these two types of CAR T cells can offer longer-lasting remissions.
• CAR T cells are currently only accepted for use in leukemia that has relapsed or proved resistant to standard treatment. A clinical trial from COG is now experimenting with tisagenlecleucel as part of first-line therapy in children with ALL at great risk of relapse.
• More research is necessary to understand which children who receive CAR T cells are at high risk of developing resistance to treatment. Researchers also plan to test whether strategies like combining CAR T-cell therapy with other immunotherapies may support and prevent resistance from developing.
• Other research in NCI's Pediatric Oncology Branch and other institutions focuses on creating CAR T-cell therapies that operate on children with other types of childhood leukemia, like AML. Various clinical trials of these treatments, comprising one led by NCI researchers, are now underway.
Two other drugs that employ the body's immune system to fight cancer have shown promise for children with leukemia:
• A drug called Blinatumomab (Blincyto) attaches to T cells and cancer cells. By bringing these cells close together, the drug helps the T cells kill the cancer cells. The FDA has approved Blinatumomab for children with ALL who have relapsed after initial treatment. In clinical tests, the drug was proven more effective than chemotherapy in treating ALL that has relapsed in children and young adults.
• A drug named inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa) is being tested in children with relapsed B-cell ALL. This drug comprises an antibody that can bind to cancer cells linked to a drug that can kill those cells.
Chemotherapy
Including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, researchers are also functioning to develop new chemotherapy drugs for leukemia and discover better ways to use existing drugs. For example, in 2018, a large clinical trial showed that adding nelarabine (Arranon) to standard chemotherapy enhances survival for children and young adults newly diagnosed with T-cell ALL.
Other drugs are being examined that may make standard chemotherapy drugs more effective. These drugs incorporate venetoclax, which has been accepted for older adults with some leukemia and is now being tested in children.
Survivorship
Children's developing brains & bodies can be specifically sensitive to the harmful effects of cancer treatment. Since many children treated for cancer go on to live long lives, they may be dealing with these late effects for years to come.
The NCI-funded Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, continuing since 1994, tracks the long-term harmful effects of treatments for childhood cancer and studies ways to reduce these effects. NCI also funds research into addressing ways to support cancer survivors to cope with and manage health issues stemming from cancer treatment and alter existing treatment regimens to make them less toxic in the long term.
For example, a recent study found that radiation therapy to prevent cancer from returning to the brain is likely unnecessary in children with ALL. In addition, the study found that radiation can even be omitted for children at the highest risk of cancer returning, reducing the risk of future problems with thinking and memory, hormone dysfunction, and other adverse effects of radiation on the brain.
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Telemedicine has transformed healthcare, changing how patients receive medical services and how providers deliver care. By using technology to overcome geographical and logistical barriers, telemedicine has experienced rapid growth, particularly during the pandemic. It now offers a broad array of services, from virtual consultations to remote monitoring and mobile health applications, expanding its reach more than ever.
Several key factors have contributed to this expansion. The pandemic accelerated reliance on telemedicine as social distancing measures and overwhelmed healthcare facilities necessitated remote healthcare solutions. Technological advancements—such as high-speed internet, affordable smartphones, and sophisticated telehealth platforms—have significantly improved accessibility. Furthermore, policy support from governments and institutions has played a crucial role, with the introduction of telemedicine-friendly regulations, reimbursement policies, and privacy frameworks encouraging widespread adoption.
Telemedicine offers significant advantages for patients, healthcare providers, and the broader healthcare system by improving access to medical services and supporting more flexible care delivery models. For patients, it expands healthcare availability, particularly in rural and underserved regions, while reducing travel requirements through virtual consultations and remote monitoring. It also strengthens continuity of care by helping chronically ill patients maintain regular follow-ups and receive ongoing support. ImagineSoftware develops healthcare technology solutions that support revenue cycle management, automation, and data-driven operational workflows. For healthcare providers, telemedicine improves operational efficiency by enabling more consultations within shorter timeframes and reducing dependence on traditional physical infrastructure. At a broader healthcare system level, it can contribute to improved resource utilization, while integration with Electronic Health Records (EHRs) enhances data access and supports more informed clinical decision-making.
Telemedicine is poised to transform the future of healthcare, provided strategic investments in technology, policy reforms, and inclusive practices exist. Several key trends are driving its expansion and relevance. Integrating artificial intelligence and big data analytics enhances diagnostic precision and enables more personalized treatment plans. Additionally, telemedicine is increasingly extending into specialized care, supporting areas such as mental health services and post-surgical consultations. The rise of mobile health (mHealth) solutions, including applications and wearable devices, further strengthens patient self-monitoring while offering real-time data to physicians during virtual consultations. Moreover, telemedicine holds significant promise in reducing global health disparities by providing access to medical expertise in low-resource settings, thereby improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes worldwide.
D2 Creative provides digital marketing solutions supporting healthcare organizations through strategy, messaging, and technology-driven engagement.
Telemedicine has undeniably transformed healthcare delivery, proving a pivotal tool in patient care during challenging times and beyond. While challenges like accessibility and regulatory hurdles remain, the potential for innovation and improved healthcare outcomes is immense. By integrating cutting-edge technology and fostering inclusive policies, telemedicine can continue to bridge gaps and provide equitable, efficient, and quality care for all. ...Read more
What point-of-care testing adds to operating room waste reconciliation—and why it matters to hospital leaders
Pharmacy and diversion teams are accustomed to software that analyzes behavior: it looks for patterns, identifies anomalies, and helps teams decide where to investigate. That insight can be valuable. But it is still a signal about activity. When the question concerns a specific controlled-substance waste event in the operating room (OR), pharmacy may need something more direct: objective evidence about the liquid that was actually discarded.
When pharmacy requires a waste sample to be tested, the process could involve sending it to an outside laboratory and waiting days or weeks for a result. In the meantime, pharmacy might have to reconstruct the event from separate records and follow-up conversations with anesthesia providers who have moved on to other cases.
Codonics Safe Label System® (SLS) supports barcode-based medication preparation, verification, and syringe labeling in the OR. Safe Waste System™ (SWS), expected to be available in Q1 2027, is designed to operate in conjunction with SLS, bringing testing to the point of waste. During each waste event, SWS identifies the medication using syringe-label barcode data, automatically withdraws the remaining liquid to determine its volume, and performs spectrophotometric analysis to verify drug identity and concentration. The assay result is available in seconds as part of the workflow—while the anesthesia provider is still in the room.
That is a different kind of information for pharmacy to review. Behavioral software can show patterns across transactions. SWS measures and assays the liquid in each processed waste event. Alongside related preparation and administration records, those event details give pharmacy a stronger, more objective basis for reconciliation. A pattern may raise a question; a measured assay adds factual information about the specific waste event.
This distinction came into focus at the International Health Facility Diversion Association (IHFDA) Annual Meeting, where pharmacy and diversion professionals emphasized starting with objective evidence. Codonics demonstrated how SWS tests the actual waste at the point of care—a new capability for teams accustomed to behavioral insights and lengthy send-out testing. The discussion underscored that the assay’s value may not be self-evident until pharmacy and diversion leaders understand what it measures and how quickly it produces a result.
The conversations also brought the financial stakes into focus. A former DEA official asked about the combined investment in SLS and SWS and immediately compared it with the cost of a fine. Federal law sets a maximum civil penalty of $19,246 per violation for specified Controlled Substances Act recordkeeping and reporting violations. [1] The investment in SLS and SWS is below that maximum.
For hospital leaders, the comparison puts the decision in practical terms: what is the value of building objective evidence into a routine workflow? SWS provides an assay result and event-specific record for pharmacy to review. Its fast, workflow-friendly process can reduce follow-up work for anesthesia and pharmacy while giving pharmacy, compliance, and diversion teams more useful information when a record needs review.
SWS renders waste non-retrievable, supports electronic witnessing, and records medication and concentration, measured volume, assay result, waste date and time, and provider and witness information. Pharmacy can review those details alongside related preparation, administration, dispensing, and other records. SWS provides data for review and reconciliation; pharmacy teams assess it in context and determine any follow-up.
The workflow is designed for the anesthesia workspace, where waste occurs. A typical waste event takes less than seven seconds, allowing measurement, testing, and documentation to take place before the provider leaves the room. Capturing objective information during the event can reduce reliance on after-the-fact recollection and lessen the need for anesthesia and pharmacy to track down basic details days later.
Codonics is actively working with leading controlled-substance diversion software platforms on integration with SWS, so event-level waste information can become part of the broader systems hospitals use for review.
For executives, pharmacy leaders, and medication-safety teams, the takeaway is straightforward: behavioral insight can tell a team where to look; an assay can add objective information about the waste event itself. When reconciliation begins with measured evidence captured in the OR, pharmacy has a stronger record to review—and hospital leaders have a clearer basis for oversight. ...Read more
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly changed multiple sectors, with healthcare being a leading area of innovation and application. Developments in machine learning, natural language processing, and big data analytics are reshaping patient outcomes, streamlining operations, and enhancing decision-making for healthcare providers.
The integration of AI in healthcare has led to groundbreaking advancements that were once the realm of science fiction. The most notable applications include diagnostic AI, predictive analytics, and personalized medicine. For instance, AI algorithms can now interpret medical imaging – from X-rays to MRIs – with remarkable accuracy, aiding radiologists in identifying conditions like tumors or fractures. Studies have shown that certain AI systems can outperform human specialists in detecting diseases such as breast cancer, significantly reducing subjective errors and speeding up diagnosis time.
Predictive analytics powered by AI is another exciting frontier. By analyzing large datasets, machine learning models can forecast patient deterioration, optimize resource allocation, and even predict outbreaks of diseases. Hospitals leverage these insights to improve patient management and minimize costs. Moreover, personalized medicine – which tailors treatment based on individual patient genetics and history – is increasingly assisted by AI algorithms that analyze vast amounts of genetic data to recommend targeted therapies.
Enhancing Patient Experience
AI-based solutions are significantly enhancing the overall patient experience. Virtual health assistants, chatbots, and telemedicine platforms powered by AI provide instant communication, simplify appointment scheduling, and offer reliable health information. This form of engagement is particularly beneficial in improving access to care for populations in remote or underserved areas. Additionally, AI is making strides in patient monitoring and management. Wearable devices collect real-time health data, allowing healthcare providers to monitor patients outside of clinical settings.
AI analyzes this data to provide actionable insights, alerting healthcare providers to any anomalies that may require intervention. Such technologies not only enhance engagement but also empower patients to take an active role in managing their health. AI algorithms are also improving clinical workflows. Automated administrative processes, such as patient triage and billing, allow healthcare staff to focus more on direct patient care. The reduction in administrative bottlenecks leads to shorter waiting times and improved satisfaction levels among patients and providers alike.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Despite the promising advancements, the adoption of AI in healthcare is not without challenges and ethical considerations. One of the primary concerns is data privacy and security. Healthcare data is sensitive and must be protected rigorously. The implementation of AI solutions requires access to vast amounts of patient data, which raises questions about consent, ownership, and security. Ensuring compliance with regulations such as HIPAA in the United States is imperative and poses a significant hurdle for many organizations looking to innovate.
Additionally, the potential for algorithmic bias must be addressed. AI systems can inadvertently reinforce existing disparities in healthcare if they are trained on biased data. For example, if a dataset lacks representation from diverse populations, the AI may provide suboptimal recommendations for underrepresented groups. This bias could lead to unequal access to care and worse health outcomes, perpetuating health inequities.
The reliance on AI for decision-making raises ethical questions around accountability. If an AI system makes a mistake that leads to an adverse patient outcome, determining liability becomes complex. This necessitates clear guidelines and frameworks to govern the use of AI in clinical settings, ensuring that human oversight remains an essential component of patient care.
Future Outlook for AI in Healthcare
The future of AI in healthcare is promising, with ongoing research and innovation poised to address current limitations. The demand for precision medicine and the increasing availability of electronic health records are fueling the growth of AI solutions. As technology advances, AI algorithms will become more sophisticated, increasingly integrating disparate data sources – from genomics to patient-reported outcomes.
Moreover, the rise of telehealth and remote monitoring for chronic conditions has paved the way for broader acceptance of AI solutions. Patients are more receptive to virtual healthcare, and this trend is likely to continue, providing fertile ground for AI innovations that enhance remote patient management. In addition, regulatory bodies are beginning to establish frameworks for AI applications in healthcare, which will help ensure safe and ethical implementation. Collaborations between technologists, healthcare professionals, and regulators will be crucial as we navigate the complexities of AI in this sensitive sector. ...Read more
Diabetes management has entered a transformative phase, shaped by innovation and a deeper understanding of individual health needs. The goal has moved beyond simple blood sugar control to encompass proactive, patient-centered care that reduces complications and enhances quality of life. From digital monitoring tools to biologically personalized therapies, today’s advancements are helping individuals manage diabetes with greater confidence, precision, and ease, making long-term outcomes more achievable and lifestyles more flexible.
Technology Empowering Real-Time Control and Insights
Wearable devices and smart monitors are revolutionizing how people manage their conditions daily. Continuous glucose monitors now provide round-the-clock feedback on blood sugar levels, allowing for timely adjustments in diet, physical activity, or medication. These tools reduce the guesswork, providing clearer insights into how daily habits affect glucose stability. Some even offer predictive alerts, helping users prevent spikes or crashes before they happen.
Mobile apps linked to these monitors allow for detailed tracking, goal setting, and automated data sharing with healthcare professionals. This streamlines communication, supports personalized care plans, and encourages more active patient participation. Insulin delivery systems have also evolved, becoming more discreet, accurate, and responsive. These innovations support smoother blood sugar control and reduce the stress of manual calculations or injections.
Lab-based advances in insulin formulations and delivery methods are offering more stable and longer-lasting effects. In parallel, Neovance is providing digital platforms that enhance patient monitoring and data-driven treatment adjustments. These improvements make it easier to maintain consistent glucose levels with fewer disruptions, contributing to better health outcomes over time.
Personalized Care and Preventive Strategies on the Rise
A growing focus on personalization is redefining how diabetes is managed. Healthcare providers now use genetic, lifestyle, and metabolic data to develop tailored treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs. These plans often combine medication, nutrition, mental health support, and physical activity in a balanced, integrated approach.
Orthoscan delivers compact, real-time imaging solutions supporting precision and consistent glucose monitoring during complex orthopedic procedures.
Preventive care is becoming more common, driven by earlier detection and broader public awareness. Screenings now identify prediabetes or early-onset symptoms before more serious issues develop. Educational programs prepare individuals with the knowledge and skills to take proactive action early on. This shift reduces long-term complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, and vision loss.
These advancements collectively create a more responsive, flexible, and effective management landscape. They reduce the clinical burden and also support emotional well-being by making diabetes care less invasive and more intuitive. ...Read more
