Latest news with #remission
Medscape
18 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Rituximab No Better Than Standard Therapy for EGPA Remission
TOPLINE: Rituximab did not show superiority over conventional therapy in inducing remission in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Both treatment groups had similar remission rates at 180 and 360 days, with no significant differences in relapse rates or adverse events. METHODOLOGY: A phase 3, multicenter, randomized, controlled superiority trial was conducted in France to compare rituximab with conventional therapy for EGPA remission induction. A total of 105 adult patients with active EGPA (mean age, 58.4 years; 52.4% women), defined by a Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS, version 3) ≥ 3, were enrolled between December 2016 and October 2019 and randomly assigned to receive either rituximab (n = 52) or conventional therapy on the basis of the five-factor score (n = 53). Patients in the rituximab group received 1 g of rituximab on days 1 and 15, along with glucocorticoids on a tapering schedule; those with a five-factor score ≥ 1 received placebo-cyclophosphamide and placebo-uromitexan. The conventional therapy group received glucocorticoids on a tapering schedule with or without cyclophosphamide on the basis of a five-factor score ≥ 1. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved remission, defined as the absence of EGPA disease activity (indicated by a BVAS of 0 at a prednisone dose of ≤ 7.5 mg/d), at 180 days. Secondary endpoints included the duration of remission, glucocorticoid dose, and safety, with follow-up visits scheduled up to 360 days. TAKEAWAY: At 180 days, 63.5% of patients in the rituximab group and 60.4% in the conventional group achieved remission (relative risk, 1.05; P = .75). At 360 days, remission rates were similar between the groups: 59.6% in the rituximab group and 64.2% in the conventional group. The time to remission was a median of 2 weeks in both the groups. Among patients who achieved a BVAS of 0, the mean duration of remission was comparable — 48.5 weeks for rituximab and 49.1 weeks for conventional therapy. No significant differences were observed in relapse rates or serious adverse event rates between the rituximab and conventional therapy groups. Infections and cardiovascular events were the most common serious adverse events. IN PRACTICE: 'On the basis of the results of this trial, the role of rituximab in the therapeutic management of EGPA has been updated,' the authors of the study wrote. 'In most of the study population with nonsevere EGPA, the lack of a clinically meaningful effect of rituximab in addition to the conventional strategy of glucocorticoids alone may appropriately inform clinical decision-making,' they added. SOURCE: The study was led by Benjamin Terrier, MD, PhD, Université Paris Cité in Paris, France. It was published online on July 28, 2025, in Annals of Internal Medicine. LIMITATIONS: The study's design as a superiority trial may not adequately address the equivalence between rituximab and conventional therapy. The limited sample size, due to the rarity of EGPA, affected the precision of subgroup analyses. The focus on remission induction in the vasculitis phase may differ from other studies. DISCLOSURES: The study was funded by research grants from the French Ministry of Health and sponsored by Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris. Additional disclosures are noted in the original article online. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Selma Blair shares stunning holiday snaps after recent breakthrough in MS battle: 'I am so grateful for this time to breathe'
Selma Blair shared a slew of stunning holiday snaps on Thursday amid her battle with multiple sclerosis. The Legally Blonde actress, 53, announced earlier this year that she had gone into remission from the debilitating illness after receiving a groundbreaking new treatment. MS is a debilitating autoimmune condition that affects the brain and spinal cord and leaves people with mobility issues, memory loss and fatigue. There is no cure, but some treatments have been shown to slow progression and ease symptoms, including stem cell transplants, which doctors and scientists describe as the new frontier of regenerative medicine. Selma looked happier than ever in the holiday snaps with her son Arthur, 14, and could be seen lounging with a book and posing by the poolside. The star also showed off her incredible figure and bikini collection as she made the most of relaxing on her tropical getaway. Alluding to her battle with the illness, which Selma was diagnosed with in 2018, she wrote: 'This is the dream I love. Not the hard things or the hurt things, the tantrums and the tears, nor the searching. But that is the stuff that builds and tests. 'Then there is a pause. In every storm. And we can enjoy. And I am so grateful for this time to breathe. With Arthur and friends. 'With love, I wish us all a bit of breathing and smiling. Kisses and soar on.' The post went down a storm with the Hollywood icon's celebrity friends and fans alike. Nicole Scherzinger wrote: 'You are stunning. Thankyou for your light and inspiration.' Fans echoed the sentiments of the former Pussycat Doll in their replies, writing: 'Just watched The Sweetest Thing again the other night. It's inconceivable to me that both you and Christina have the same condition. 'You are two of my most favourite actresses and your journey has been so amazing to watch.'; 'You are my hero, not letting MS get in the way! Makes me try hard to not let it get in my way.' About six years ago, Blair underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), a procedure that extracts and then reinfuses stems cells - undifferentiated cells with the ability to develop into various specialized cell types - into a person's body About six years ago, Blair underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), a procedure that extracts and then reinfuses stem cells - undifferentiated cells with the ability to develop into various specialized cell types - into a person's body. With HSCT, patients specifically receive hematopoietic stem cells, which are immature cells that can develop into all types of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets - which help blood clot. They are derived from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood. Speaking to experts have said the results of these procedures can go as far as to 'see patients go from a wheelchair to walking.' So far, this groundbreaking field of medicine has made waves in the fields of cancers, autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders. Now, doctors are using them to repair years-worth of brain damage, even restoring some paralysed patients' ability to walk by regrowing tissue. Taken from the patients themselves, the cells are purified and then implanted into an area of their body where cells have died, such as brain tissue, to regrow those types of cells.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
‘Welcome home Ethan': Chatham teen makes much anticipated return home
A local teen, who's cancer is now in remission, returned home to a surprise welcome from friends and family. A Chatham teen made his long-awaited return home on Tuesday afternoon after a historic fight against cancer. Arriving with a police escort, Ethan Hunter, 17, was greeted by dozens of friends and family members who had come to celebrate the teen's heroics. Ethan Hunter returns home Ethan Hunter returned to his home, greeted by family, friends, and supporters in Chatham, Ont. on July 22, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor) Hunter's homecoming follows more than two years in and out of hospitals in Toronto and London after being diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma, a rare subtype of T-cell leukemia, in 2022. 'Not everybody is, I don't even want to use the word lucky, because it's not luck, it's people,' said Shara Hunter, Ethan's mom. 'Ethan fought this far; Ethan wanted to come home. God loves him.' Ethan Hunter returns home Ethan Hunter returned to his home, greeted by family, friends, and supporters in Chatham, Ont. on July 22, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor) As the teen approached the home, signs reading 'Welcome Home Ethan' were hoisted high into the air. Standing by to greet Ethan was Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, and representatives from the OPP, Chatham-Kent Police Service and Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue. When asked if he was happy to be home, a quiet Hunter nodded. Ethan Hunter returns home Ethan Hunter returned to his home, greeted by family, friends, and supporters in Chatham, Ont. on July 22, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor) 'I can't even begin to describe the team that went into, not just today, the last three years, since Toronto and relapse. It's been an incredible outpouring of prayers,' said Shara. 'So very, very grateful for every single person.' Hunter's recovery turned for the better when he became the first person in the world with T-cell lymphoma to respond to a new trial drug. Ahead of Hunter's return home, his room received a makeover to reduce the risk of allergens and bacteria that could create a risk for his still-vulnerable immune system. Rather than dwell on the past, the family is looking forward to making memories and finding a return to normalcy. Ethan Hunter returns home Ethan Hunter returned to his home, greeted by family, friends, and supporters in Chatham, Ont. on July 22, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor) - With files from CTV's Chris Campbell.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Strictly's Amy Dowden reveals why she refuses to look at the rumoured line-up as she insists she's 'stronger than ever' ahead of returning to the show after cancer battle
Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden says she had the 'hardest time' after ringing the chemotherapy bell when she completed her cancer treatment. The professional dancer Now in remission, Amy is hoping to raise awareness of the importance of checking in with people even after they have got the all-clear from cancer. 'I was so lucky with my friends and family; they rallied around us, but there's so many people who told me they didn't hear from anybody after they rang their bell - they thought they were fine. 'But little do they know, that's the hardest time, because that's when you've had all your chemo, that's when you're really struggling to walk up the stairs and really feeling the impact of a cancer treatment and diagnosis. 'I think it's important that people just having a better understanding.' has revealed why she refuses to look at the show's rumoured line-up. The BBC show is set to return to screens in September, with a plethora of celebrities tipped to take part including Dani Dyer, Stacey Solomon and Vicky Pattison. However, while excitement builds about the line-up, dancer Amy, 34, told in an exclusive interview with the MailOnline how she purposely avoids the speculation as she prefers her partner to be a 'lovely surprise'. Meanwhile, the Welsh beauty told how she's 'stronger than ever' as she gears up to join her fellow professional dancers for the new series following her battle with breast cancer. Speaking of the rumoured cast for the 2025 show, Amy shared: 'I haven't seen [the rumoured line-up], and I don't look at it. Normally, none of them are normally on the show anyway. 'We don't get told anything, and I'm glad we don't because I want a lovely surprise.' Amy went on to say that she'd recently been filming Celebrity Hunted alongside fellow pro Carlos Gu, so had not 'seen anything' anyway. She added: 'Me being genuinely honest, I don't tend to not look anyway, because most of the time it is not true.' Meanwhile, Amy insisted that she's feeling 'fitter and stronger than ever right now' in light of both her ongoing recovery from cancer as well as her injury last year which forced her to quit that series. The star was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at the age of just 32 in 2023 and made the decision early on to openly share her journey in the hope that it would help other people. When asked how she knew the lump she discovered the day before her honeymoon was different, she admitted that the key to her early, lifesaving diagnosis was getting to know her breasts ahead of time. She said: 'It was a real solid lump for a start, and it wasn't on the other breast.' The dancer, who was forced to pull out of last year's Strictly because of a foot injury, stressed: 'If there is something that you are not sure about, go to the GP. Get a check-up. 'It doesn't matter how big or small it might feel - don't think of being a nuisance. It's why we have the healthcare system we have in place.' Meanwhile, the Welsh beauty told how she's 'stronger than ever' as she gears up to join her fellow professional dancers for the new series following her battle with breast cancer While Amy was thankfully given the all-clear last year after an operation and chemotherapy, she is now speaking out about the 'longest' part of her cancer journey - her recovery While Amy was thankfully told she had 'no evidence of cancer' last year after surgery and chemotherapy, she is now speaking out about the 'longest' part of her journey - her recovery. Generally speaking, those who have had breast cancer are at the greatest risk of recurrence in the first five years. The star said: 'I was very deluded - I literally thought I would be ringing the bell and my life would come back. 'I didn't anticipate or realise the journey ahead of recovery and how long it was going to take, both physically and mentally, and I wish I had more preparation for that.' Speaking in collaboration with Keep Ahead, a campaign to raise awareness of the aftermath of cancer initiated by Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK, Amy said that while she still has a challenging number of years ahead of her, she is getting through the uncertainty by doing what she loves, dancing. She said: 'Especially this year, just throwing myself into that - taking dance lessons, being on theatre tours, and being able to now do what I love most and what makes me happy is what has got me through some tough times.' The star was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at the age of just 32 in 2023 and made the decision early on to openly share her journey in the hope that it would help other people Amy was speaking at the launch of Keep Ahead - a campaign initiated and funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK. It aims to raise awareness of the life after cancer, risk and fear of recurrence, and empower people living with breast cancer to take an active role in decision making about their treatment and care journey.
CBS News
7 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Paul Skenes, Make-A-Wish Foundation give 10-year-old pitcher the memory of a lifetime
For 10-year-old Riley Wheaton, Tuesday went down as a day that he and his family will never forget after what has been a challenging last year. The 10-year-old pitcher got to meet his hero, Paul Skenes, and spend a day finding out what life is like in the big leagues, but not after he fought for his life late last year. In October of last year, he had to be flown to Boston Children's Hospital when he was found to be in complete heart failure. Doctors diagnosed him with myocarditis, which required five chest tubes across four months to remove the fluid from around his heart and lungs. Just months later, he was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a type of cancer that forms in the lining of the blood vessels. Wheaton went through multiple rounds of chemotherapy and was found to be in remission, but according to his family, during all the treatments, he was still in the hospital, obsessed with baseball. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Pittsburgh Pirates, this past week, he was one of the boys at PNC Park. "He throws hard," Skenes said in an interview with the team website. "Everything he's dealt with or not, he throws hard for a 9-year-old. I'm not kidding when I say by the end of it, my hand was a little sore." Skenes and Wheaton spent the day going through a typical gameday routine, throwing in the bullpen, shagging fly balls during batting practice, and of course, getting ready in the clubhouse. Once he was ready, he got to throw out the first pitch with none other than Paul Skenes behind the plate. Since learning he was in remission, Wheaton has returned to the baseball diamond, with his family saying a few weeks after his final round of chemotherapy, he took the mound for his 10U travel team and struck out 10 batters over four innings. Now, the kid his teammates call "the mini-GOAT" has a day and a memory that will last a lifetime. "I don't think it's going to hit us until maybe next week," his mother said. "All of this and soaking it all in. We are just so appreciative."
