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Small Ear-Wax Sample, Big Diagnostic Clues

Small Ear-Wax Sample, Big Diagnostic Clues

Medscape06-06-2025
A recent BBC report suggests that cerumen, commonly known as earwax, may harbor biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and metabolic disorders.
Cerumen Profile
The primary function of cerumen is to keep the external auditory canal clean and lubricated, preventing invasion by bacteria, fungi, and insects. Beyond this, cerumen may reflect systemic metabolism by concentrating a broader array of compounds than blood, urine, sweat, and tears. Its relative stability allows the accumulated cerumen to provide long-term snapshots of metabolic changes.
Disease Associations
Researchers have defined genetically determined wet and dry cerumen phenotypes. In the US, Caucasian, African American, and German women with wet cerumen faced roughly four times the risk of dying from breast cancer compared with Japanese and Taiwanese women with dry cerumen. The study found that Japanese women with breast cancer were more likely to carry the wet-cerumen allele than were healthy controls. However, large-scale studies in Germany, Australia, and Italy failed to confirm these associations.
A recent analysis reported that patients with Ménière's disease had lower levels of three fatty acids in the cerumen compared with healthy controls — the first biomarker identified for that disorder.
In a 2019 study led by Nelson Roberto Antoniosi Filho, PhD (Federal University of Goiás Goiânia in Brazil), researchers analyzed cerumen samples from 52 patients with lymphoma, carcinoma, or leukemia and 50 healthy volunteers, using a method that identifies volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The researchers identified 27 VOCs that served as diagnostic fingerprints for cancer, predicting the cancer status with 100% accuracy. The assay could not distinguish among cancer types, indicating that these VOCs represent a general response to malignant cells.
Another investigation by the same group showed that cerumen analysis can detect metabolic disturbances in premalignant stages when cells exhibit dysplastic changes that may lead to cancer but remain nonmalignant, potentially enabling much earlier intervention. The team is also investigating whether metabolic alterations caused by neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, can be detected in the cerumen.
Diagnostic Tool
Antoniosi Filho and colleagues proposed that cancer, as a mitochondrial metabolic disorder, releases VOCs that accumulate in cerumen, allowing differentiation between healthy and cancerous individuals via an assay they call the cerumenogram. The aim was to develop a cerumenogram as a diagnostic tool to accurately predict certain cancers from a small cerumen sample.
Clinical Adoption
Hospital Amaral Carvalho in Jaú, São Paulo — a national reference center for oncology and bone marrow transplantation — has recently implemented cerumenograms for cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
Future Directions
An April 2025 paper in Scientific Reports by Antoniosi Filho concluded that the cerumenogram could:
1. Identify oncologic risk by detecting premalignant cells before cancer onset, introducing a novel screening modality
2. Show that mitochondrial impairment in premalignant cells — such as hypermetabolic inflammation and dysplasia — produces the same VOC biomarkers as malignant cells, distinct from those in benign lesions, opening new paths for risk management and early intervention
3. Correlate cerumenogram findings with established imaging techniques such as 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose PET/CT (18F-FDG PET/CT) and gallium-68 PSMA PET/CT, demonstrating alignment with clinical results while offering a noninvasive, lower-cost alternative
4. Monitor treatment response and cancer remission, supporting assessment of therapeutic efficacy and cellular return to normal
5. Confirm metabolic indicators of malignancy to guide clinical decisions alongside imaging and biopsy
6. Drive the development of targeted therapies aimed at metabolites overproduced in malignant conditions.
In conclusion, the cerumenogram may serve as a valuable assay for evaluating precancerous indicators, cancer progression, and remission, with the potential to reduce mortality, alleviate patient suffering, and lower disease-related costs.
Congratulations to Nelson Roberto Antoniosi Filho, PhD, and his team.
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New York Liberty's Isabelle Harrison is raising awareness about her brother's struggle with lupus
New York Liberty's Isabelle Harrison is raising awareness about her brother's struggle with lupus

Associated Press

time43 minutes ago

  • Associated Press

New York Liberty's Isabelle Harrison is raising awareness about her brother's struggle with lupus

NEW YORK (AP) — Isabelle Harrison always looked forward to going to Indiana to play no matter what WNBA team she was on. It gave her a chance to catch up with her brother Daniel, who's been battling lupus since he was 13. Last weekend, when Harrison accompanied her New York Liberty teammate and girlfriend Natasha Cloud to the WNBA All-Star Game, Daniel was in the hospital dealing with complications from the autoimmune disorder. Harrison spent most of the weekend — except when Cloud was competing in and winning the skills competition — with her brother, who has spent four years waiting for a kidney transplant. He needs to be healthy to receive a new kidney. The average wait time for a kidney transplant is 3 to 5 years, though it can vary in different parts of the country. 'I will say the past month now, he's been in and out of the hospital,' Harrison said. 'The first game this year he couldn't come to because he was in the hospital, the second we had to use a walker since he couldn't get around well.' Daniel couldn't make it to the arena for All-Star weekend. 'It's just been kind of hard for him mentally because he's never dealt with this type of it before,' Harrison said. 'The doctors haven't really seen anything like this.' Daniel is a rare case since 90% of people living with lupus are women. Harrison lost her sister, Danielle, to the disease in 2017. Three of Harrison's 12 siblings have been diagnosed with lupus. 'It's very prevalent in the African American community,' Harrison said. Lupus is a chronic disease that can cause pain and inflammation in any part of the body, though it typically affects skin, joints, the heart and kidneys. Approximately 1.5 million Americans have some form of lupus and there are an estimated 16,000 new cases per year, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. The disease causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue and impacts each person differently. Harrison carries some of her sister's ashes in a necklace she wears to keep Danielle close to her heart. She's doing everything she can to make sure she doesn't lose another sibling to the disease. She has a tattoo that reads 'faith over fear.' Harrison came to New York this year after struggling with the Chicago Sky last season. She missed all of 2023 due to meniscus surgery. She's been playing well lately, averaging 8.0 points over the past month as a key reserve for the Liberty. While competing in Athletes Unlimited over the winter the last four years, Harrison has played for the Lupus Foundation of America, raising almost $180,000 for the organization. Harrison said the Liberty have been supportive. The team doctors check in with her, as does general manager Jonathan Kolb. Although Harrison does not have lupus, she battled another autoimmune condition in 2018. 'It means a lot. They really care,' she said. 'I've never ever felt that before on teams I've been with.' ___ AP WNBA:

Press Release: Sanofi's Sarclisa approved in the EU for the treatment of transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Press Release: Sanofi's Sarclisa approved in the EU for the treatment of transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

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Press Release: Sanofi's Sarclisa approved in the EU for the treatment of transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Sanofi's Sarclisa approved in the EU for the treatment of transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma Approval based on GMMG-HD7 phase 3 study demonstrating that Sarclisa with VRd induction treatment significantly improved MRD negativity benefit and prolonged PFS compared to VRd alone With the first global approval in TE NDMM, Sarclisa is now approved in the EU across all lines of therapy, regardless of transplant eligibility Paris, July 25, 2025. Following the positive opinion by the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use on June 19, 2025, the European Commission has approved Sarclisa in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRd) for the induction treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant. 'We have been on a mission to accelerate Sarclisa's clinical development program with the hope to bring this important medicine to as many people as possible living with multiple myeloma,' said , Global Head of Oncology at Sanofi. 'Today's decision represents a prime example of those efforts, and most importantly, paves the way for Sarclisa to potentially become accessible to even more patients in the EU, regardless of transplant eligibility or line of therapy.' The approval is based on results from part one of the two-part, double-randomized, German-speaking Myeloma Multicenter Group (GMMG)-HD7 phase 3 study (clinical study identifier: NCT03617731), which was designed to independently assess the effects of Sarclisa during the induction and maintenance phases. Sarclisa-VRd demonstrated a deep and rapid response in transplant-eligible (TE) NDMM patients compared to VRd alone, reflected by a statistically significant minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity benefit at the end of the 18-week induction period, which was the primary endpoint of part one. These MRD results were supported by the final progression-free survival (PFS) analysis of part one (induction and transplant), which demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS in patients treated with Sarclisa-VRd during induction, regardless of the maintenance therapy received. Additionally, the majority (53.1%) of patients receiving Sarclisa-VRd experienced continued MRD negativity (compared to 38% in the control arm), defined as MRD negativity persisting from post-induction to post-transplant, which was consistent with the prolonged PFS benefit. The results are part of the growing body of clinical evidence supporting the use of Sarclisa in the front-line setting and reinforce the potential of Sarclisa-VRd when used prior to transplant. Data from part two, the maintenance portion of the study, are forthcoming. With four approved indications globally, including two in the front-line setting, the approval further affirms Sarclisa as an established MM treatment option, reflecting Sanofi's ambition to address critical unmet needs in MM care and make a meaningful difference in treatment outcomes at every stage of the disease. About the GMMG-HD7 studyGMMG-HD7 is a pivotal, randomized, open-label, multicenter, two-part phase 3 study evaluating Sarclisa in combination with VRd, also referred to as RVd (lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone), versus VRd induction followed by post-transplant re-randomization to Sarclisa plus lenalidomide versus lenalidomide maintenance alone in TE NDMM patients. The GMMG-initiated study is being conducted in close collaboration with Sanofi based on jointly defined research. Sanofi provided financial support to GMMG for this study. In December 2021, Sanofi and GMMG shared results from part one, which met the primary endpoint of MRD negativity after induction therapy and before transplant in NDMM patients. The study enrolled 662 patients with TE NDMM across 67 sites in Germany. In the first part of the study, all participants were equally randomized to receive three 42-day induction cycles of VRd in both arms of the study, while Sarclisa was added to only one study arm. After induction treatment, all patients received intensification therapy with autologous stem cell transplant. In the second part of the study, patients were re-randomized post-transplant to receive Sarclisa plus lenalidomide or lenalidomide alone as maintenance therapy. During part one of the study, Sarclisa was administered through an intravenous infusion at a dose of 10 mg/kg once weekly for the first four weeks of cycle one, then every other week for the rest of the induction period. The GMMG-HD7 protocol defined two primary endpoints: MRD negativity following induction therapy in the first part of the study, and PFS after the second randomization post-transplant in the second part, where Sarclisa was added to lenalidomide maintenance. The latter endpoint is expected to be available in due course. The key secondary endpoint for the first part of the study was PFS from first randomization. Additional secondary endpoints included rates of complete response after induction, and intensification, overall survival, and safety. MRD negativity was assessed by next-generation flow cytometry (sensitivity of 1x10-5) after induction. In the latest results, PFS for both arms, regardless of maintenance therapy, were measured from the first randomization. About SarclisaSarclisa (isatuximab) is approved in more than 50 countries, including in the US, EU, Japan, and China, across multiple lines of treatment for MM. Based on the ICARIA-MM phase 3 study, Sarclisa is approved in the US and Japan in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (Pd) for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) who have received ≥two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor. Additionally, Sarclisa is approved in the EU in combination with Pd for the treatment of patients with R/R MM who have received ≥two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have relapsed on the last therapy, and in China for patients who have received at least one prior line of therapy, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor. Based on the IKEMA phase 3 study, Sarclisa is also approved in more than 50 countries in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone, including in the US for the treatment of patients with R/R MM who have received one to three prior lines of therapy and in the EU for patients with MM who have received at least one prior therapy. In the US, EU, and China, Sarclisa is approved in combination with VRd as a front-line treatment option in transplant-ineligible NDMM patients, based on the IMROZ phase 3 study. Sarclisa is also approved in the EU in combination with VRd as an induction treatment for transplant-eligible NDMM patients, based on the GMMG-HD7 phase 3 study. In Japan, Sarclisa is approved in combination with VRd as a front-line treatment option regardless of transplant eligibility. At Sanofi, we are building on a long-standing commitment to oncology as we continue to chase the miracles of science to improve the lives of those living with cancer. We are committed to transforming cancer care by developing innovative, first and best-in-class immunological and targeted therapies for rare and difficult-to-treat cancers with high unmet need. For more information on Sarclisa clinical studies, please visit About the German-speaking Myeloma Multicenter Group GMMG is the largest study group focusing on MM in Germany, with headquarters based in Heidelberg. Within the last 20+ years, the GMMG study group has performed numerous studies including five randomized, multicenter phase 3 studies with 4,000 patients enrolled from about 90 participating and cotreating centers throughout Germany. The overall goal of GMMG is to generate improved therapies for myeloma patients through the development and testing of novel and personalized, genome- and signaling driven treatment strategies. The GMMG has set itself the goal of achieving further approvals for effective antibody-based drug combinations for the first-line treatment of myeloma patients, in which antibody-based treatment regimens have been integrated into seven GMMG study concepts (CONCEPT, DANTE, DADA, HD6, HD7, HD8, HD9 and HD10). About Sanofi Sanofi is an R&D driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people's lives and delivering compelling growth. We apply our deep understanding of the immune system to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world, with an innovative pipeline that could benefit millions more. Our team is guided by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives; this inspires us to drive progress and deliver positive impact for our people and the communities we serve, by addressing the most urgent healthcare, environmental, and societal challenges of our time. Sanofi is listed on EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY Media RelationsSandrine Guendoul | +33 6 25 09 14 25 | Evan Berland | +1 215 432 0234 | Léo Le Bourhis | +33 6 75 06 43 81 | Victor Rouault | +33 6 70 93 71 40 | Timothy Gilbert | +1 516 521 2929 | Léa Ubaldi | +33 6 30 19 66 46 | Investor RelationsThomas Kudsk Larsen | +44 7545 513 693 | Alizé Kaisserian | +33 6 47 04 12 11 | Felix Lauscher | +1 908 612 7239 | Keita Browne | +1 781 249 1766 | Nathalie Pham | +33 7 85 93 30 17 | Tarik Elgoutni | +1 617 710 3587 | Thibaud Châtelet | +33 6 80 80 89 90 | Yun Li | +33 6 84 00 90 72 | Sanofi forward-looking statementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include projections and estimates regarding the marketing and other potential of the product, or regarding potential future revenues from the product. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words 'expects', 'anticipates', 'believes', 'intends', 'estimates', 'plans', and similar expressions. Although Sanofi's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Sanofi, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or delays, or government regulation generally, that could affect the availability or commercial potential of the product, the fact that product may not be commercially successful, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including future clinical data and analysis of existing clinical data relating to the product, including post marketing, unexpected safety, quality or manufacturing issues, competition in general, risks associated with intellectual property and any related future litigation and the ultimate outcome of such litigation, and volatile economic and market conditions, and the impact that global crises may have on us, our customers, suppliers, vendors, and other business partners, and the financial condition of any one of them, as well as on our employees and on the global economy as a whole. The risks and uncertainties also include the uncertainties discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by Sanofi, including those listed under 'Risk Factors' and 'Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements' in Sanofi's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024. Other than as required by applicable law, Sanofi does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements. All trademarks mentioned in this press release are the property of the Sanofi group. Attachment Press Release

Eating This Food Could Add Years to Your Life, According to Dietitians
Eating This Food Could Add Years to Your Life, According to Dietitians

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Eating This Food Could Add Years to Your Life, According to Dietitians

Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDN Who doesn't wish for a long, healthy life? The foods you eat can help, especially nuts. 'Nuts are little powerhouses of nutrition!' says Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LDN. 'They're packed with healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation, improve heart health and even lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and certain cancers.' They are so promising that one study found that switching from an unhealthy eating pattern to a healthy pattern rich in foods like nuts was linked to a 10-year increase in life expectancy among 40-year-olds. No wonder dietitians are huge fans! Read on to learn how nuts support longevity, tips to enjoy them, plus other foods that may help you live longer. How Nuts May Add Years to Your Life May Promote Brain Health A sharp brain can help you stay vital and active as you age. Conversely, cognitive decline can substantially reduce your quality of life and even shorten your lifespan. In fact, dementia and Alzheimer's disease are leading causes of death worldwide. But what if there were foods that might keep your brain spry, like nuts? 'Studies so far suggest that nuts could help maintain brain health and possibly prevent cognitive decline, especially in older adults or those at higher risk for conditions like dementia,' says Manaker. This may be due to their cocktail of brain-healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, B vitamins, polyphenols and minerals. While studies have found benefits from eating nuts in general, walnuts may be especially advantageous. 'Among nuts, walnuts stand out because they're rich in a plant-based omega-3 fat called alpha-linolenic acid, which is thought to be especially good for the brain,' says Manaker. Can Support Heart Health Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. Eating more nuts may help protect against this all-too-common cause of death. One large review study found that a nut-rich eating pattern may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 25%. What makes them so effective? 'Nuts provide unsaturated fats that support vascular health and reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases that lead to heart attack and stroke,' says Ayanna Smart, RD. That's not all, though. Nuts also boast a cocktail of heart-healthy fiber, antioxidants, minerals and plant protein. May Protect Against Chronic Disease 'Nuts are a key part of the healthiest dietary patterns linked to longer life, including Mediterranean and plant-based diets,' says Sapna Peruvemba, M.S., RDN. In addition to protecting against heart disease, research shows regular nut consumption lowers the risk of death from other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, she says. A nut-rich eating pattern has even been linked to lower all-cause mortality, she adds. For instance, one large review study found people who ate roughly 1 ounce of nuts per day were 11% less likely to die from cancer and 22% less likely to die from any cause. Might Preserve Muscle Mass As we age, it's common to lose muscle mass and strength. That doesn't just make it harder to lift the heavy box that just dropped on your doorstep or carry a giant bag of groceries. Advanced muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, also increases the risk of falls and fractures. In older folks, it may also raise the risk of infection, postoperative complications and mortality. A small yet encouraging body of research has found that nuts may help preserve muscle mass and prevent sarcopenia. While the mechanisms have yet to be determined, one review study suggests that nuts' combination of vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fats, antioxidants and protein may work together synergistically to protect against age-related muscle loss. Tips to Enjoy Nuts While nuts are a tasty, convenient snack on their own, there are loads of ways to add more of these healthy treats to your meals and snacks. These dietitian-approved tips can get you started. Toss them into trail mix. Whether you're at your desk or on a long hike, trail mix makes a satisfying snack. Make your own by combining nuts with dark chocolate, no-sugar-added dried fruit and seeds. Blend them into smoothies. Nuts are an easy way to add protein and healthy fats to your smoothie. Softer nuts like pecans and walnuts work particularly well. But almond, cashew and peanut butters are also fantastic ways to add creamy, nutty goodness to your smoothie. Add them to your snack plate. Think charcuterie board with crunch! For a tasty, well-balanced snack plate, arrange nuts, cheese, whole-wheat crackers and fruit on a platter and enjoy! Sprinkle them on cereal and yogurt. Enhance a bowl of yogurt, cereal or overnight oats with a sprinkling of chopped or sliced nuts. In addition to adding extra crunch and flavor to your bowl, they'll help you stay full longer. Mix them up! All nuts are great for you. But if you always go for the same kind, try switching things up. 'The key is variety,' says Manaker. 'Mixing up your nut choices ensures you get a range of nutrients.' Other Foods That May Improve Longevity Whole grains. There's a reason nutrition experts recommend making at least half of your grains whole grains. Research has found that whole grains are strongly linked to a longer lifespan. Oats, barley, corn, quinoa, farro, brown rice and whole-wheat bread and pasta are all outstanding choices. Leafy greens. 'Leafy greens are linked with a reduction in cognitive decline,' says Lisa Andrews, RD, LD. Dark, leafy greens, like spinach, kale and chard, are loaded with antioxidants that may reduce inflammation in the brain. They may also indirectly support brain health by enhancing gut health. Your gut is in constant communication with your brain via an internal superhighway called the brain-gut axis. So, when your gut is healthier, your brain thrives, too. Legumes. 'Beans, lentils and chickpeas are high in fiber and plant-based protein, which can help lower cholesterol and support gut health,' says Manaker., They're also central to eating patterns linked to longevity, like the Mediterranean diet. Berries. 'Blueberries and other berries are beneficial, as they provide antioxidants to prevent cellular damage and aging and are associated with a stronger gut microbiome,' says Andrews. One study found that frequent berry eaters were less likely to die from any cause compared to people who rarely consumed berries. Our Expert Take Nuts have loads of health benefits and may add years to your life. They've been linked to brain and heart health, less muscle loss, fewer chronic diseases and a longer lifespan overall. Don't just save them for snacks, though. Crunchy, tasty nuts are a fantastic addition to trail mix, yogurt, smoothies, cereal or overnight oats. As healthful as nuts are, it's important to remember that one food alone won't make or break your health. 'Think of nuts as a small but mighty part of a much larger lifestyle approach to wellness,' says Manaker. For even more benefits, include them in an eating plan rich in other foods linked to longevity, like whole grains, leafy greens, legumes and berries. Read the original article on EATINGWELL

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