Family vitiligo impact scale: A scale to measure the quality-of-life of family members of patients with vitiligo

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo places a significant psycho-social burden on caregivers and family members.

AIMS

The aim of the study was to develop and preliminarily validate a scale to measure the psychosocial impact of vitiligo on adult family members.

METHODS

Themes that emerged from qualitative interviews and a focus group discussion with family members were used to generate items for a preliminary scale, followed by pre-testing and scale development. The new scale was then tested with two comparator scales and a global question.

RESULTS

A preliminary scale with 32 items was pilot tested on 30 participants. Following this, the scale was condensed to 16 items in 12 domains that were administered to 159 participants. Scale scores ranged from 0 to 48 with a mean of 19.75 ± 12.41. The scale had excellent internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.92 (0.70-0.95) and also showed good test-retest reliability at two weeks (r = 0.946). The scale showed criterion, convergent and known group validity.

LIMITATIONS

It was conducted in a large teaching hospital which may have resulted in selection of patients with persistent or progressive disease and more worried family members. Vitiligo is highly stigmatized in our country and the performance of the scale may need to be evaluated in other communities and cultures as well where stigma is less oppressive.

CONCLUSION

Family Vitiligo Impact Scale appears to be an easy-to-complete, reliable and valid instrument to measure the psychosocial impact of vitiligo in family members of patients. It may be useful as an outcome measure in both clinical and research settings.

The Evolution of Antisense Oligonucleotide Chemistry-A Personal Journey

Over the last four decades, tremendous progress has been made in use of synthetic oligonucleotides as therapeutics. This has been possible largely by introducing chemical modifications to provide drug like properties to oligonucleotides. In this article I have summarized twists and turns on use of chemical modifications and their road to success and highlight areas of future directions.

Dyschromatosis Universalis Hereditaria

Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH) is a rare pigmentary genodermatosis usually inherited in autosomal dominant fashion characterized by multiple pinpoint to pea-sized hypo- and hyper-pigmented macules arranged in reticulate pattern that develops within the first few years of life. An 11 years old boy presented with multiple gradually progressive asymptomatic hypopigmented macules on hyperpigmented background on trunk, extremities and face since 2 years of age. Family history was absent. Punch biopsies revealed increased number of melanocytes in the epidermis with basal cell vacuolar alteration and pigmentary incontinence and perivascular infiltration by lymphocytes and melanophages in the dermis. We herein present a sporadic case of dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria.

Difficulties in developmental follow-up of preterm neonates in a randomised-controlled trial of Bifidobacterium breve M16-V - Experience from Western Australia

BACKGROUND

Probiotics may be neuroprotective for preterm neonates due to their anti-inflammatory effects and ability to facilitate nutrition.

AIM

To assess long-term effects of early probiotic supplementation on neuropsychological development in preterm infants.

STUDY DESIGN

Follow up study.

SUBJECTS

Children at age 3 to 5 years who had participated as preterm infants (<33 week) in the randomised controlled trial.

OUTCOMES

Primary: Continuous early learning composite measure derived from the Mullen's Scale of Early Learning (MSEL). Other outcomes were assessed by the Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview, Developmental NEuroPSYchological assessment-2nd Edition, Parental questionnaires using children's communication checklist-2nd edition, social responsiveness scale, and Vineland Adaptive Behavioural Scales-2nd edition.

MEASURES

Continuous scores derived from all the measures.

RESULTS

67 children of the 159 participants (42%) (Probiotic: 36/79, Placebo: 31/80) were followed-up for at least one neuropsychological assessment. All six assessments were completed in 18/31 (58.1%) of the control vs. 11/36 (30.6%) probiotic group children. Multivariable analysis of MSEL composite score showed no evidence of probiotic effect univariately, or after adjustment for gestation, intrauterine growth restriction, Apgar <7 at 5 min and age at assessment (adjusted mean effect in probiotic group: -2.7, 95% CI -8.5-3.0, p = 0.349).

CONCLUSION

There was no significant effect on neurodevelopment of children assessed at the age of 3 to 5 years who participated as preterm neonates in the RCT of B. breve M-16V. The validity of these results is limited by the reduced sample size due to high rate of loss to follow up.

RNA Therapeutics Are Stepping Out of the Maze

RNA therapeutics are finally taking their place as a main drug category alongside small molecules and proteins. Here, we follow the twists and turns on their road to success and highlight areas of ongoing research.

Long-term postnatal outcome of fetuses with prenatally suspected septo-optic dysplasia

OBJECTIVES

Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by varying combinations of optic nerve hypoplasia, pituitary gland hypoplasia and abnormal cavum septi pellucidi. It is suspected on prenatal imaging when there is non-visualization or hypoplasia of the septal leaflets. Long-term postnatal outcomes of fetuses with prenatally suspected SOD have been documented poorly. The aims of this study were to describe the natural history of deficient septal leaflets, to quantify the incidence of postnatally confirmed SOD and to document the visual, endocrine and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of these infants.

METHODS

This was an observational retrospective study of all fetuses with prenatal imaging showing isolated septal agenesis, assessed at a single tertiary center over an 11-year period. Pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes and pre- and postnatal imaging findings were reviewed. Neonatal evaluations or fetal autopsy reports were assessed for confirmation of SOD. Ophthalmologic, endocrine, genetic and long-term developmental evaluations were assessed. Imaging findings and outcome were compared between infants with and those without postnatally confirmed SOD.

RESULTS

Of 214 fetuses presenting with septal absence on prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 18 (8.4%) were classified as having suspected isolated septal agenesis suspicious for SOD. Uniform prenatal MRI findings in cases with suspected SOD included remnants of the leaflets of the cavum septi pellucidi, fused forniceal columns, normal olfactory bulbs and tracts and a normal optic chiasm. Twelve fetuses were liveborn and five (27.8%) had postnatally confirmed SOD. Only two of these five fetuses had additional prenatal imaging features (pituitary cyst, microphthalmia and optic nerve hypoplasia) supporting a diagnosis of SOD. The other three confirmed SOD cases had no predictive prenatal or postnatal imaging findings that reliably differentiated them from cases without confirmed SOD. Visual and endocrine impairments were present in two (40%) and four (80%) cases with confirmed SOD, respectively. In those with visual and/or endocrine impairment, developmental delay (median age at follow-up, 2.5 (interquartile range, 2.5-7.0) years) was common (80%) and mostly severe. Neonates with isolated septal agenesis and a lack of visual or endocrine abnormalities to confirm SOD had normal development.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a quarter of fetuses with isolated septal agenesis suggestive of SOD will have postnatal confirmation of the diagnosis. Clinical manifestations of SOD are variable, but neurodevelopmental delay may be more prevalent than thought formerly. © 2020 Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

From the Knife to the Endoscope-a History of Bariatric Surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Current bariatric surgical practice has developed from early procedures, some of which are no longer routinely performed. This review highlights how surgical practice in this area has developed over time.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review outlines early procedures including jejuno-colic and jejuno-ileal bypass, initial experience with gastric bypass, vertical banded gastroplasty and biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch. The role laparoscopy has played in the widespread utilization of surgery for treatment of obesity will be described, as will the development of procedures which form the mainstay of current bariatric surgical practice including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding. Endoscopic therapies for the treatment of obesity will be described. By outlining how bariatric surgical practice has developed over time, this review will help practicing surgeons understand how individual procedures have evolved and also provide insight into potential future developments in this field.

FRI0033 ANTI-CARBAMYLATED PROTEIN POSITIVITY PREDICTS DAS28-REMISSION AT 12 MONTHS IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM THE SINGAPORE EARLY ARTHRITIS COHORT

Background:

Anti-carbamylated protein antibody (anti-carp) positivity has been associated with poorer outcomes in Western cohorts of early rheumatoid arthritis; however, it is unknown if this applies to Asians.

Objectives:

We determined whether anti-carp predicted DAS28-remission, disability and radiographic progression in a multi-ethnic Asian ERA cohort.

Methods:

Patients with physician diagnosed ERA (symptom duration ≤1 year) were recruited from the Singapore Early Arthritis Cohort (n= 317) by convenience sampling. Serum anti-carp was measured cross-sectionally using a commercial ELISA (SincereBio). The test was repeated in 40 healthy individuals to establish the optimal sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of RA via a receiver operating curve. Disease activity (DAS28-ESR or DAS28-CRP) was recorded at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Two independent accessors quantified the radiographic damage at baseline and at follow-up using the modified Sharp van der Heijde score (mSS). We used multivariable logistic regression to determine whether anti-carp predicted the following outcomes; (i) DAS-28 remission at 12 months, (ii) any disability (mHAQ>0) at 12 months and (iii) radiographic progression (any increase in the mSS). In each regression model, we chose covariates known to influence the dependent variable in our cohort or from literature.

Results:

One hundred patients were recruited, of mean age (SD) 49.8 (12.5) years, median (IQR) disease duration 10.2 (6.9-15.1) weeks at cohort entry and baseline median DAS-28 4.5 (2.9-5.9) (Table 1). The anti-carp assay was performed after a median (IQR) disease duration of 2.24 (1.82-3.14) years. 93 patients had baseline hand radiographs and 66 had follow-up hand radiographs after ≥ 12 months. Receiver operating characteristics curve yielded optimal sensitivity (95%) and specificity (60%) for the diagnosis of RA at 1.60OD. Therefore, 60 patients were anti-carp positive and 35 patients (37.2%) were positive for RF, ACPA and anti-carp (Figure 1). Anti-carp positivity independently predicted DAS28-remission at 12 months (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.08-10.7,p=0.04) (Table 2). Anti-carp positivity did not predict disability at 12 months (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.18-2.07,p=0.43) or radiographic progression (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.03-2.03,p=0.18).

Table 1.

Predictors of DAS28-remission at 12 months

VariableN (%)Univariable Logistic RegressionMultivariable Logistic RegressionORpOR (CI)SEpAnti-carp60 (60)3.0 (1.31−6.88)0.013.41 (1.08−10.7)1.990.04SerologyRF and ACPA negative31 (33.0)RefEither RF or ACPA positive11 (11.7)0.99 (0.25−3.93)0.991.10 (0.17−7.04)1.040.92RF and ACPA positive52 (55.3)1.12 (0.45−2.75)0.800.89 (0.28−2.81)0.520.84Baseline DAS28Remission17 (17.4)RefLow DA10 (10.2)0.50 (0.05−4.67)0.540.13 (0.01−1.67)0.170.12Mod DA32 (32.7)0.29 (0.05−1.65)0.160.10 (0.02−0.68)0.100.02High DA39 (39.8)0.18 (0.04−0.90)0.040.06 (0.01−0.41)0.06<0.01Combination csDMARDs or biologic DMARD74 (74)1.13 (0.46−2.76)0.801.97 (0.58−6.67)1.230.28Radiographic damage at baseline11 (20)1.79 (0.65−4.95)0.261.27 (0.33-4.95)0.880.73Tertiary education23 (38.3)0.77 (0.34-1.77)0.540.42 (0.12-1.45)0.270.17EthnicityChinese42 (70)RefMalay39 (68.4)0.61 (0.22-1.71)0.350.56 (0.14-2.25)0.400.41Indian8 (13.3)0.60 (0.20-1.77)0.350.79 (0.20-3.13)0.560.74Females46 (76.7)0.43 (0.17-1.11)0.080.48 (0.13-1.85)0.330.29

Conclusion:

Contrary to previous studies done on Western cohorts where anti-carp predicted worse outcomes, anti-carp positivity predicted DAS28-remission at 12 months in our multi-ethnic Asian cohort. This suggests that different genetic and environmental determinants account for anti-carp expression in patients with RA.

Disclosure of Interests:

Jiacai Cho: None declared, Anselm Mak Speakers bureau: Professor Anselm Mak has been paid as a speaker for Johnson & Johnson., Sachin Agrawal: None declared, Preeti Dhanasekaran: None declared, Lay Kheng Teoh: None declared, Peter Cheung: None declared, Manjari Lahiri Grant/research support from: Manjari Lahiri is the site principal investigator for the Singapore National Biologics Register, which is a multi-pharmaceutical funded register, in which industry sponsors provide support through the Chapter of Rheumatologists, Singapore. Dr Lahiri does not personally receive any remuneration.

0707 “What We’Ve Got Here Is Failure To Communicate”: Apnea Patients And Their DME Suppliers

Introduction

Successful treatment of obstructive sleep apnea requires adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. A key factor is the relationship between the DME provider and the patient so that treatment can be initiated and continued in a timely manner. Our quality improvement project aims to empower and enable patients towards active participation in their sleep apnea care. Our goal is to ultimately increase patients’ knowledge of their Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplies company, and thus improve their treatment. The first step was to determine patients’ familiarity with their DME.

Methods

Forty-one patients with sleep apnea on PAP therapy volunteered to be questioned about their DME company during clinic visits at the Yale North Haven Sleep Center, Connecticut, starting November 2019. Patients were asked if they knew the name or the contact of their DME; whether they received adequate training on PAP therapy initiation; if they were receiving timely and correct PAP therapy supplies. They were asked to rate their satisfaction with the DME on a scale of 1 to 5; one being very dissatisfied and five being very satisfied.

Results

Only 12 out of 41 patients (29.3 percent) knew the names of their DME companies. The average satisfaction rating was 3 (neutral); 44% of patients were dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied with the performance of their DME. Detailed comments were mostly related to poor contact and communication with the DME.

Conclusion

Most apnea patients had difficulty identifying and contacting their DME. As the next step of this quality improvement project we plan to intervene to ensure that the patients have the name and contact information of their DME available and attached to their PAP machine equipment. We plan to repeat this questionnaire after this intervention to study the impact of this quality improvement project.

Support

None

High-resolution imaging of the human incudostapedial joint using synchrotron-radiation phase-contrast imaging

The incudostapedial joint (ISJ) of the middle ear is important for proper transmission of sound energy to the cochlea. Recently, the biomechanics of the ISJ have been investigated using finite-element (FE) modelling, using simplified geometry. The objective of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of synchrotron-radiation phase-contrast imaging (SR-PCI) in visualising the ISJ ultrastructure. Three human cadaveric ISJs were dissected and scanned using SR-PCI at 0.9 µm isotropic voxel size. One of the samples was previously scanned at 9 µm voxel size. The images were visually compared and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated (of both bone and soft tissues) for quantitative comparisons. The ISJ ultrastructure as well as adjacent bone and soft tissues were clearly visible in images with a 0.9 µm voxel size. The CNRs of the 0.9 µm images were relatively lower than those of the 9 µm scans, while the ratio of bone to soft tissue CNRs were higher, indicating better discernibility of bone from soft tissue in the 0.9 µm scans. This study was the first known attempt to image the ISJ ultrastructure using an SR-PCI scanner at submicron voxel size and results suggest that this method was successful. Future studies are needed to optimise the contrast and test the feasibility of imaging the ISJ in situ. LAY DESCRIPTION: The human middle ear consists of the eardrum, three small bones (the malleus, incus and stapes) and two joints connecting the bones (the incudostapedial joint and the incudomallear joint). The role of the middle ear is to amplify and transfer sound energy to the cochlea, the end organ of hearing. The incudostapedial joint (ISJ) of the middle ear is a synovial joint which is important for proper transmission of sound energy to the cochlea. Similar to other synovial joints it consists of meniscus, fluid and articulating surfaces. Recently, the biomechanics of the ISJ have been investigated using computational models, using grossly simplified geometry. Synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) is a high-resolution imaging technique used to visualise small structures in three dimensions. The objective of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of using SR-PCI in visualising the ISJ ultrastructure. Three human cadaveric ISJs were dissected and scanned using SR-PCI at 0.9 µm isotropic voxel size. One of the samples was previously scanned at 9 µm voxel size. The images were both qualitatively and quantitatively compared. This study was the first known attempt to image the ISJ ultrastructure using an SR-PCI scanner at submicron voxel size and results suggest that this method was successful. Future studies are needed to optimise the contrast and feasibility of imaging the ISJ in situ.

Symphytum officinale augments osteogenesis in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro as they differentiate into osteoblasts

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells possessing regenerative potential. Symphytum officinale (SO) is a medicinal plant and in homoeopathic literature, believed to accelerate bone healing.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to determine if homoeopathic doses of SO could augment osteogenesis in MSCs as they differentiate into osteoblasts in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bone marrow samples were obtained from patients who underwent bone grafting procedures (n = 15). MSCs were isolated, expanded and characterized by flow cytometry (CD90, CD105). Cytotoxicity of SO was evaluated by MTT assay. Osteogenic differentiation was induced in MSCs with β-glycerophosphate, ascorbic acid and dexamethasone over 2 weeks. Different homoeopathic doses of SO (MT, 3C, 6C, 12C and 30C) were added to the basic differentiation medium (BDM) and efficiency of MSCs differentiating into osteoblasts were measured by evaluating expression of Osteocalcin using flow cytometry, and alkaline phosphatase activity using ELISA. Gene expression analyses for osteoblast markers (Runx-2, Osteopontin and Osteocalcin) were evaluated in differentiated osteoblasts using qPCR.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry (CD90, CD105) detected MSCs isolated from bone marrow (93-98%). MTT assay showed that the selected doses of SO did not induce any cytotoxicity in MSCs (24 hours). The efficiency of osteogenic differentiation (2 weeks) for different doses of Symphytum officinale was determined by flow cytometry (n = 10) for osteoblast marker, Osteocalcin, and most doses of Symphytum officinale enhanced osteogenesis. Interestingly, gene expression analysis for Runx-2 (n = 10), Osteopontin (n = 10), Osteocalcin (n = 10) and alkaline phosphatase activity (n = 8) also showed increased osteogenesis with the addition of Symphytum officinale to BDM, specially mother tincture.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that homoeopathic dose (specially mother tincture) of Symphytum officinale has the potential to enhance osteogenesis.

Benefits of barbed suture utilisation in gastrointestinal anastomosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Anastomosis formation constitutes a critical aspect of many gastrointestinal procedures. Barbed suture materials have been adopted by some surgeons to assist in this task. This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the safety and efficacy of barbed suture material for anastomosis formation compared with standard suture materials.

METHODS

An electronic search of Embase, Medline, Web of Science and Cochrane databases was performed. Weighted mean differences were calculated for effect size of barbed suture material compared with standard material on continuous variables and pooled odds ratios were calculated for discrete variables.

FINDINGS

There were nine studies included. Barbed suture material was associated with a significant reduction in overall operative time (WMD: -12.87 (95% CI = -20.16 to -5.58) (P = 0.0005)) and anastomosis time (WMD: -4.28 (95% CI = -6.80 to -1.75) (P = 0.0009)). There was no difference in rates of anastomotic leak (POR: 1.24 (95% CI = 0.89 to 1.71) (P = 0.19)), anastomotic bleeding (POR: 0.80 (95% CI = 0.29 to 2.16) (P = 0.41)), or anastomotic stricture (POR: 0.72 (95% CI = 0.21 to 2.41) (P = 0.59)).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of barbed sutures for gastrointestinal anastomosis appears to be associated with shorter overall operative times. There was no difference in rates of complications (including anastomotic leak, bleeding or stricture) compared with standard suture materials.

Model-based evaluation of the efficacy and safety of nivolumab once every 4 weeks across multiple tumor types

BACKGROUND

Nivolumab 480 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) is approved in the European Union, United States, and several other markets across multiple tumor types. Its approval was supported by quantitative efficacy/safety analyses bridging to 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (Q2W).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The benefit-risk profile of nivolumab 480 mg Q4W relative to 3 mg/kg Q2W was evaluated using population pharmacokinetic modeling and exposure-response (E-R) analyses for safety and efficacy. Pharmacokinetic exposures were predicted for 3203 patients with melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, urothelial carcinoma, or classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Quantitative models analyzed E-R to predict 480-mg Q4W safety across all indications and efficacy for melanoma, NSCLC, and RCC. Intratumoral receptor occupancy (RO) was predicted for parameters representing different tumor types.

RESULTS

Time-averaged concentrations for 480 mg Q4W versus 3 mg/kg Q2W were higher during the first 28 days (26.8%) and similar at steady state (5.2%). The maximum concentration (C_max) after the first dose was higher (110.4%), and the trough concentration at day 28 was lower (-22.1%) with 480 mg Q4W versus 3 mg/kg Q2W. The C_max achieved with 480 mg Q4W was lower than the previously established safe dose of 10 mg/kg Q2W. The probability of adverse events for key safety end points was similar for 480 mg Q4W and 3 mg/kg Q2W. The predicted overall survival and objective response rates with 480 mg Q4W were comparable to 3 mg/kg Q2W. The predicted high intratumoral RO provided additional evidence to support 480 mg Q4W across tumor types.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefit-risk profile for nivolumab 480 mg Q4W was predicted to be similar to that of 3 mg/kg Q2W across tumor types while providing a convenient and flexible option for patients and their caregivers.

Assessment of nivolumab exposure and clinical safety of 480 mg every 4 weeks flat-dosing schedule in patients with cancer

Background

A nivolumab monotherapy flat-dosing regimen of 480 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) has been approved in several markets, including the United States, Canada, and European Union, as an alternative dosing regimen for several indications. Approvals of this Q4W regimen were based on population pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses, established flat exposure–response relationships, and clinical safety. The objective of this study was to compare the PK exposure of 480 mg Q4W with 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (Q2W) and 240 mg Q2W using modeling and simulation, and to evaluate clinical safety of the Q4W regimen.

Patients and methods

Nivolumab PK exposure for the 480 mg Q4W schedule was simulated for 3817 patients across multiple tumor types and compared with those for the 3 mg/kg Q2W and 240 mg Q2W schedules. The safety profile of the Q4W schedule was assessed by analysis of clinical data from 61 patients who transitioned to nivolumab 480 mg Q4W from 3 mg/kg Q2W during four phase III clinical trials.

Results

Compared with 3 mg/kg Q2W, nivolumab 480 mg Q4W produced similar time-averaged concentration, approximately 16% lower trough concentration, and 45% higher peak concentration at steady state. The peak concentration for 480 mg Q4W was significantly lower than that of 10 mg/kg Q2W, a dose previously shown to have an acceptable tolerability and safety profile. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) that started after transitioning from 3 mg/kg Q2W to 480 mg Q4W were reported in 14.8% of patients, with 1.6% of patients reporting grades 3–4 TRAEs. Pooled safety data for these patients are consistent with those for the 3 mg/kg Q2W schedules, and no new safety signals were identified.

Conclusions

The time-averaged steady-state exposure and safety profile of nivolumab 480 mg Q4W are consistent with that of 3 mg/kg Q2W across multiple tumor types. Nivolumab 480 mg Q4W represents a new dosing schedule option, and in addition to 240 mg Q2W, provides convenience and flexibility for patient care.

Clinical trial numbers

NCT01721772, NCT01668784, NCT01673867, NCT01642004

Acute Primary Tuberculous Ulcer of Glans Penis

Acute primary tuberculous ulcer of glans penis is a rare entity even in the endemic region. We present a 55 year old male with multiple undermined ulcers for short duration of 4 weeks with raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate, negative Mantoux test and histopathology revealed a diagnosis of tuberculous ulcer which responded well to antitubercular therapy.

Intratumoural immunotherapy: activation of nucleic acid sensing pattern recognition receptors

Recently, it has become clear that the tumour microenvironment (TME) is important in cancer immunotherapy. While immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective for some patients, the heterogeneous nature and status of the TME (‘cold’ tumours) play a critical role in suppressing antitumour immunity in non-responding patients. Converting ‘cold’ to ‘hot’ tumours through modulation of the TME may enable expansion of the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy to a broader patient population. This paper describes advances in intratumoural immunotherapy, specifically activation of nucleic acid sensing pattern recognition receptors to modulate the TME.

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Intratumoural immunotherapy to modulate the tumour microenvironment.

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Use of novel immunostimulatory agents which activate nucleic acid sensing pattern recognition receptors.

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Harnessing innate and adaptive immunity induced by receptor-mediated immune cascade.

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Intratumoural therapy leads to local and anenestic tumour responses.