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NDTV
6 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Could This Be The End Of Cancer? Scientists Develop Revolutionary mRNA Vaccine
In a significant advancement in cancer research, scientists at the University of Florida have developed an experimental mRNA vaccine that enhances the body's immune response against tumours. The study, published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, shows that this vaccine, when combined with standard immunotherapy drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, produced a strong antitumor effect in mice. What makes the finding especially promising is that the vaccine doesn't target specific tumour proteins. Instead, it activates the immune system as if it were fighting a virus. This effect was achieved by boosting the expression of a protein called PD-L1 within tumours, which made them more responsive to treatment. Lead researcher Dr. Elias Sayour, a paediatric oncologist at UF Health, said in a news release this discovery could lead to a new way of treating cancer without relying solely on surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health and other major institutions. If future studies in humans show similar results, the research could pave the way for a universal cancer vaccine that helps treat many types of difficult, treatment-resistant cancers. "This paper describes a very unexpected and exciting observation: that even a vaccine not specific to any particular tumor or virus - so long as it is an mRNA vaccine - could lead to tumor-specific effects," said Sayour, principal investigator at the RNA Engineering Laboratory within UF's Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy. "This finding is a proof of concept that these vaccines potentially could be commercialized as universal cancer vaccines to sensitize the immune system against a patient's individual tumor," said Sayour, a McKnight Brain Institute investigator and co-leader of a program in immuno-oncology and microbiome research. Until now, there have been two main ideas in cancer-vaccine development: to find a specific target expressed in many people with cancer or to tailor a vaccine that is specific to targets expressed within a patient's own cancer. "This study suggests a third emerging paradigm," said Duane Mitchell, MD, PhD, a co-author of the paper. "What we found is by using a vaccine designed not to target cancer specifically but rather to stimulate a strong immunologic response, we could elicit a very strong anticancer reaction. And so this has significant potential to be broadly used across cancer patients, even possibly leading us to an off-the-shelf cancer vaccine." For more than eight years, Sayour has pioneered high-tech anticancer vaccines by combining lipid nanoparticles and mRNA. Short for messenger RNA, mRNA is found inside every cell, including tumour cells, and serves as a blueprint for protein production. This new study builds upon a breakthrough last year by Sayour's lab: In a first-ever human clinical trial, an mRNA vaccine quickly reprogrammed the immune system to attack glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour with a dismal prognosis. Among the most impressive findings in the four-patient trial was how quickly the new method, which used a "specific" or personalised vaccine made using a patient's own tumour cells, spurred a vigorous immune system response to reject the tumour. In the latest study, Sayour's research team adapted their technology to test a "generalised" mRNA vaccine, meaning it was not aimed at a specific virus or mutated cells of cancer but engineered simply to prompt a strong immune system response. The mRNA formulation was made similarly to the COVID-19 vaccines, rooted in similar technology, but wasn't aimed directly at the well-known spike protein of COVID.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Body fat predicts major health risk that BMI misses, researchers say
Body mass index (BMI) may not be the most accurate predictor of death risk. A new study from the University of Florida found that BMI — a measurement that is commonly used to determine whether a person's weight is in a healthy range for their height — is "deeply flawed" in terms of predicting mortality. Instead, one's level of body fat is "far more accurate," concluded the study, which was published this week in the Annals of Family Medicine. Bmi Is Wrong Way To Measure Obesity, Researchers Say To measure participants' body fat, the researchers used a method called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which uses a device to measure the resistance of body tissue to a small electrical current. Over a 15-year period, those who had high body fat were found to be 78% more likely to die than those who had healthy body fat levels, researchers found. Read On The Fox News App They were also more than three times as likely to die of heart disease, the study noted. BMI — which is calculated by dividing weight by height, squared — was described as "entirely unreliable" in predicting the risk of death over a 15-year period from any cause. The study included 4,252 people in the U.S. and pulled data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Men Face Higher Cancer Risk With This Specific Body Fat Measurement BMI should not be relied upon as a "vital sign" of health, according to senior author Frank Orlando, M.D., medical director of UF Health Family Medicine in Springhill. "I'm a family physician, and on a regular basis, we're faced with patients who have diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other conditions that are related to obesity," Orlando said in a press release for the study. "One of the routine measures we take alongside traditional vital signs is BMI. We use BMI to screen for a person having an issue with their body composition, but it's not as accurate for everyone as vital signs are," he added. BMI has been the international standard for measuring obesity since the 1980s, according to many sources, though some experts have questioned its validity. An individual is considered obese if their BMI is 30 or above, overweight if it is between 25 and 29.9, of "normal" weight in the range of 18.5 to 24.9, or underweight if lower than 18.5. While BMI is easy to calculate, one of its main limitations is that it cannot distinguish between muscle and fat mass, the researchers noted. "For example, people who are bodybuilders can really elevate their body mass index," Orlando said. "But they're healthy even with a BMI indicating that they're obese." "BMI is just so ingrained in how we think about body fat," Mainous added. "I think the study shows it's time to go to an alternative that is now proven to be far better at the job." Experimental Drug Helps Patients Lose Nearly A Quarter Of Body Weight In Early Trials Other methods, such as a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan, may be even more accurate than BIA, but are much more expensive and not as accessible, the researchers noted. "If you talk to obesity researchers, they're going to say you have to use the DEXA scan because it's the most accurate," Mainous said in the release. "And that's probably true. But it's never going to be viable in a doctor's office or family practice." Dr. Stephen Vogel — a family medicine physician with PlushCare, a virtual health platform with primary care, therapy and weight management options — echoed the limitations of BMI. "It has been an easy measurement tool that helps us understand at-risk groups across various populations and demographics, but it doesn't provide accurate data from patient to patient," the North Carolina-based doctor, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "These findings don't challenge the assumptions about BMI — they strengthen the message that new standards, delivered in a consistent and low-cost way, would provide better nuance for the individual when it comes to their overall physical health." "The main strengths of this study are a better correlation to an individual's risk of morbidity and mortality — however, the limitations lie in the fact that we don't have enough data to determine the right cutoff for these numbers, or to identify the right tools that will be both accurate and precise across the population," Vogel said. The researchers also acknowledged that body fat percentage thresholds haven't yet been as standardized as BMI and waist circumference. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter Also, the age range of the participants in the study was limited by the data source. "Future studies should extend this comparison of body fat to BMI in older adults," the researchers wrote. The study was also limited by focusing only on mortality as an outcome, they noted, without taking into account any developing diseases — such as heart failure or cancer — that could deepen the understanding of body fat as a risk factor. The goal, according to Vogel, is to have a cost-effective, consistent method that can be used across the population with reliable accuracy. "Benefits would come in the form of a more detailed list of information that helps providers and patients make informed decisions about the patient's health, which is ideal," Vogel noted. "I'm hopeful there's enough buzz around these measures that steps will continue to be taken toward regular implementation." For more Health articles, visit The researchers are hopeful that once standards are validated, measuring body fat percentage with bioelectrical impedance analysis could become standard of care. They added, "These data will drive better discussions in the doctor's office, as well as public health initiatives with the goal of improving the health of all."Original article source: Body fat predicts major health risk that BMI misses, researchers say
Medscape
19-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
How to Handle Noncompliant Patients on GLP-1 RAs for Obesity
Primary care practices are seeing an uptick in patients inquiring about glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications due to both media hype and sizzle-reel stories they see on social media. If your patients start an appointment with their own agenda about wanting a prescription for these medications, there are ways to pause the pressure and pivot to other options first. Here is how to better handle noncompliant patients who may not want to follow your advice. How to Offer Other Proactive Measures Understanding the goals of your patients can help alleviate some pushback from the start of an appointment. Amy J. Sheer, MD, MPH 'When discussing GLP-1 receptor agonists or any ant-obesity medication, clinicians (should) approach the conversation with a combination of empathy, education, and clear guidance,' said Amy J. Sheer, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Florida (UF) College of Medicine and UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. To begin, the medical professional should systematically review the patient's past medical history, medications, weight history, nutrition (24-hour diet recall), physical activity and limitations, and their health goals, she noted. 'But, if a patient appears irritated that you are taking the time to do a thorough history, it is best to explain that knowing their specific goals can help in many ways, including which pharmacotherapy is safe and most effective for them and prescribing the medication most likely to be covered,' Sheer also shared. Sheer described how she takes the time to discuss the challenges so that patients can get a better grasp of expectations. 'I explain to my patients briefly the pathophysiology around weight loss and why weight loss and maintenance are so difficult — hormonal control, etc.,' she continued. 'I tell my patients that all people need to have a healthy diet and be physically active to be healthy. We all need to do this, whether we are on pharmacotherapy for weight loss or not.' In some cases, patients get very pushy. They said, 'Can you get my insurance to cover these?' To begin with, Sheer said to be honest about the outcome. 'Tell the patient, 'Maybe' and 'We will try.' Have a plan A and plan B, and write it in your notes so you remember,' she advised. Also, suggest that your patient research their own insurance company's formulary by logging into their insurance portal to see what's possibly covered. 'I write down the names of the medications of interest, such as Saxenda, Wegovy, or Zepbound. Often, when a patient calls their insurance, they are given incorrect information — they are told their insurance covers Mounjaro and Ozempic and to have their physician prescribe this — but the patient does not have diabetes, so this will not work,' she said. Also, when a patient calls, Sheer said, they will be told to have their physician prescribe an acute otitis media with codes that do not make sense, like hypertension. What they need is to look at their formulary. Streamlining the Process To assist patients who are suitable candidates, here are some strategies: Stay on indication. Sheer said coverage for GLP-1 RA is complicated and changing rapidly based on the indications. 'Clinicians should prescribe the pharmacotherapy best suited for the patient based on their comorbidities. This gives the best chance of coverage. Long gone are the days of getting Ozempic or Mounjaro for weight loss — the patient must have diabetes. It is a waste of time to prescribe a diabetes medication for weight loss because it will not get approved,' she said. Have an appeal letter ready to submit. 'I have an appeal letter for the common GLP-1 RA for weight loss that I will submit for patients who get denials,' said Sheer. 'These can work, and templates of these letters can be found online.' Brintha Vasagar, MD, MPH Is there a recommended process? Brintha Vasagar, MD, MPH, a family physician with Progressive Community Health Centers in Milwaukee, reported how GLP-1RAs should be considered in patients with obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30 or BMI > 27 with one or more weight-related comorbidities) who have not reached their weight loss goals after 3-6 months of lifestyle efforts. 'A review of medications which can contribute to weight gain and bloodwork to evaluate for other causes of weight gain can be helpful,' outlined Vasagar. 'Comorbidities can be helpful in deciding which GLP-1 RA would be most beneficial for each specific patient.' What other tips can medical professionals suggest? Clinicians prescribing these medications must be comfortable advising about healthy nutrition, including goals for protein, fiber, and water intake, recommended Sheer. 'Also, they should feel comfortable giving a weight loss goal range, which I usually tell my patients is 1-2 pounds a week, depending on their BMI, starting weight, comorbidities, nutrition, and physical activity,' she explained. 'I tell my patients that when they lose weight, they do not just lose fat — they lose fat, muscle, and bone. We must try to target fat. Exercise and nutrition help target the fat, lose more weight healthily, strengthen bones, and ultimately keep weight off.' Why a discussion about side effects is vital. It is important to review the most common side effects, which are gastrointestinal and include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and increased reflux. 'Also, you should ask the patient about their personal history of pancreatitis and personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer,' Sheer reported. What happens if the patient is truly noncompliant? If after your patient has received the prescribed medication, they are not returning to your practice for check-ins, some physicians are taking a firm approach. 'At Novant Health Bariatric Solutions, we have a 6-month cutoff rule. If the patient is noncompliant with our program, their appointments, or their medication, we will not provide another prescription,' said David Voellinger, MD, bariatric surgeon at Novant Health Bariatric Solutions – Elizabeth in Charlotte, North Carolina. What else should you be telling your patients? Voellinger told patients that obesity is a chronic, relapsing, multifactorial disease that must be treated in a multimodal fashion in a multidisciplinary program including lifestyle management, medical management, surgical management, or integrative management. 'Every patient requires a different individual approach, and each patient responds differently to treatment,' he stated. 'We try to use the lowest effective dosage of medication possible to minimize side effects.' GLP-1 RAs are great medications to help with weight loss and are particularly effective in decreasing 'food noise' and the cravings and desires to eat, Voellinger said. 'But they can also be dangerous if not used correctly and used as part of a comprehensive program. They are not a magic bullet or quick fix for weight issues.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Jacksonville has its first stroke treatment ambulance, study says it's not always cost-effective
Mayor Donna Deegan and the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department just cut the ribbon on northeast Florida's first 'mobile stroke treatment unit,' an ambulance given to the city by UF Health. UF Health says the ambulances can help provide immediate, potentially life-saving care to people having a stroke and get the specific kind of care they need through the ambulance's stroke-oriented emergency medical equipment and staff onboard. The city put more than $855,000 in funding toward seven new, full-time JFRD positions to keep the ambulance running. Action News Jax reviewed new numbers from JFRD showing only a fraction of the calls it's responded to in the last few years were actually for strokes: - 2021: 147,701 total EMS calls; 3,339 dispatched as stroke - 2022: 146,716 total EMS calls; 3,543 dispatched as stroke - 2023: 144,327 total EMS calls; 3,630 dispatched as stroke - 2024: 143,929 total EMS calls; 3,497 dispatched as stroke Read: Roads closed in Jacksonville Beach as firefighters respond to fire on Shetter Avenue JFRD told Action News Jax not all of the calls dispatched as a stroke actually turned out to be a stroke, meaning only a portion of those calls ended up being for people having a stroke. On average, the numbers show the department has responded to 10 stroke calls per day since 2021. We also discovered a recent study from the American Heart Association, which says that, although these ambulances do provide life-saving care, they are not always cost-effective. The study, which covers international research, said they cost millions to purchase and operate every year and that only a portion of the calls they are dispatched to are for actual strokes, not to mention that only a portion of those calls require the emergency medical equipment onboard. Action News Jax asked the city how this particular unit will be worth the cost for the staffing to operate it. We were told it will be mainly serving northwest Jacksonville, a district it calls a hotspot for strokes. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< 'These communities have been underserved for a long time, especially this one. And I think it's incredibly important that we give folks who live on this side of town the same opportunity to be healthy as people in other parts of town and have all the time,' Mayor Deegan said. The ambulance is going to be based out of JFRD Station 64, located on Harts Road on the north side. It's worth noting JFRD runs on a roughly $400 million budget, and it says the $855,000+ for the staff working the ambulance will become an annual cost [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Business Journals
23-04-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
UF Health reaches agreement with United Healthcare
THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS FOR PREMIUM MEMBERS The new multiyear agreement with United Healthcare will be effective May 5. UF Health officials recently announced the signing of a new multiyear agreement with United Healthcare, effective May 5, in which UF Health hospitals and physicians will once again be in the United provider network for patients in Gainesville, Jacksonville, St. Johns and Central Florida. 'This new agreement provides thousands of United patients continuous access to premier compassionate, academic-quality health care throughout Northeast, North Central and Central Florida,' said Dr. Stephen J. Motew, president and system CEO of the UF Health clinical enterprise, in a release. 'We appreciate the patience of our communities and are thankful for all the hard work our health care team has devoted to our tradition of excellence in caring for our patients.' The new arrangement is designed to reduce administrative overhead, improve efficiency and enhance care management, UF Health said in the release. GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY Find Local Events Near You Connect with a community of local professionals. Explore All Events 'The contract provides UF Health physicians and caregivers acceptable terms and relief from administrative obstacles,' said Dr. Marvin Dewar, CEO and chief medical officer of UF Health Physicians. 'We want to protect patients' access to the expert care they know and trust, now and in the future.' Those enrolled in the following plans will have network access to all UF Health's hospitals, facilities and physicians, beginning May 5: UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored commercial plans UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Florida (Medicaid) This agreement also restores network access to UF Health Flagler Hospital, facilities and physicians for people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, including Dual Special Needs Plans. All other UF Health hospitals and physicians throughout the state continue to participate in UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage network. The deal comes after another recent agreement was reached with UF Health Flagler Hospital and Aetna. The hospital returned to in-network status April 1 with a new multi-year agreement. Sign up here for the Business Journal's free morning and afternoon daily newsletters to receive the latest business news impacting the First Coast, and download our free app to get breaking news alerts on your phone. Hospitals Licensed beds Rank Prior Rank Hospital Name/URL 1 1 Northeast Florida State Hospital 2 2 UF Health Jacksonville 3 3 Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside Cancer Program View this list
