Conference Coverage

A recent study explored the emerging role of KCNQ5 potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle regulation and their potential as therapeutic targets to promote vasodilation and manage blood pressure. Hear from Dr. Geoffrey Abbott as he dives into cutting-edge research using a CRISPR-generated KCNQ5 knockout rat model, revealing critical insights into adrenergic signaling, vascular reactivity, and the vascular effects of aloperine. Dr. Abbott is a Professor and Interim Chair of Physiology and Biophysics at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, and he also spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.

Cancer therapies can trigger both acute and chronic vascular effects, from treatment-induced hypertension to long-term atherosclerotic changes. Learn more as Dr. Jun-ichi Abe shares insights from his presentation at the 2025 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. Dr. Abe is a Professor in the Department of Cardiology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Fatigue and exercise intolerance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may persist even when disease activity is controlled, and preload deficiency could be an overlooked cause. In this expert-led discussion, Drs. Luigi Adamo and Andrea Fava share insights from their research, highlighting diagnostic clues, the role of NT-proBNP, and emerging interventions aimed at improving quality of life. Dr. Adamo is an Associate Professor of Medicine and the Director of Cardiac Immunology, and Dr. Fava is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology and Director of Lupus Translational Research at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

How often are ICU patients conscious during intubation despite paralysis? Hear from Dr. Yana Zemkova as she discusses new findings on the incidence of awareness with paralysis and the urgent need for improved monitoring in critical care. Dr. Zemkova is Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine specializing in Pulmonary, Critical Care and Occupational Medicine at the University of Iowa, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 CHEST Annual Meeting.

Despite advances in biologics, many patients with rheumatoid arthritis still experience persistent inflammation. However, cadherin-6 has recently been identified as a potential treatment target. Hear from Dr. Gary Firestein as he explains the discovery, function, and therapeutic potential of cadherin-6 in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. Dr. Firestein is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine and the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences at UC San Diego.

While cadherin-6 may not yet shift clinical practice in rheumatoid arthritis, its role as a surface-expressed, actionable target opens the door to rapid therapeutic development—particularly with existing antibodies already in clinical trials for urologic cancers. Dr. Gary Firestein discusses the potential for cadherin-6 to become a useful target across multiple diseases. Dr. Firestein is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine and the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences at UC San Diego.

Obesity impacts how the lungs function in a variety of ways, and understanding these impacts is essential for interpreting pulmonary function tests, identifying restrictive or obstructive patterns, and managing ventilation. Learn more with Dr. Sujith Cherian, who's an Associate Professor in the Divisions of Critical Care, Pulmonary, and Sleep Medicine at University of Texas Health-McGovern Medical School and the Director of Interventional Pulmonology and Pleural Diseases at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital in Houston. He also spoke about this topic at the 2025 CHEST Annual Meeting.

Cytology via thoracentesis remains the first-line approach for diagnosing malignant pleural effusion (MPE), yet its sensitivity is limited. leaving many patients undiagnosed or delayed in treatment. In this expert-led discussion, Dr. David Feller-Kopman explores the limitations of current diagnostic methods and the evolving role of biomarkers in enhancing both diagnostic accuracy and prognostic insight. Dr. Feller-Kopman is a Professor of Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and he discussed this topic at the 2025 CHEST Annual Meeting.

New research presented at the 2025 American College of Rheumatology Convergence highlights a critical link between adverse childhood experiences and mental health outcomes in adolescents with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). In this AudioAbstract, Ryan Quigley explores the findings, the implications for trauma-informed care, and the need to assess psychosocial history in managing cSLE.

Discussing weight with pediatric patients and families is a nuanced challenge shaped by stigma, culture, and access—but it’s also a vital opportunity for early intervention. Dr. Jaime Moore shares how to build confidence, counter bias, and leverage practical tools and partnerships that support long-term, personalized care. Dr. Moore is an Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nutrition at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine and part of the Children’s Hospital Colorado Lifestyle Medicine Program. She also spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition.