EMJ Podcast: Insights For Healthcare Professionals

This week, Jonathan is joined by Kevin Tracey, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA, to explore bioelectronic medicine; its use in the treatment of inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis; and its future. The pair further dives into the vagus nerve and the link between vagotomy and Parkinson’s disease, and the use of monoclonal anti-TNF antibodies to treat septic shock. 

Use the following timestamps to navigate the content in this episode:

(00:00)-Introduction 

(02.36)-Tracey’s origin story and route into medicine  

(04.46)-Defining bioelectronic medicine  

(07.15)-Septic shock and monoclonal anti-TNF antibodies  

(10:10)-The vagus nerve and 1493 

(22:15)-Vagotomy and Parkinson’s disease  

(26:32)-Optogenetics 

(29:52)-Replacing pharmaceuticals with bioelectronics  

(32:59)-Saving lives with vagus nerve stimulation to treat inflammation 

(35:01)-Cancer neuroscience  

(36:52)-Tracey’s three wishes for improving his field of specialty 

Michela Starace, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy, joins Jonathan to discuss hair loss and its impact on the lives of patients. They also explore how symptoms of conditions can present in nails, and how to treat benign nail tumours.

Use the following timestamps to navigate the topics discussed in this episode:

(00:00)-Introduction

(01:53)-What led Starace into medicine, and the field of dermatology

(03:20)-Alopecia areata, the role of JAK inhibitors, and adverse treatment events

(06:40)-Commonality of alopecia areata, and its recent reclassification as an autoimmune disease

(07:35)-Health-related quality of life and psychosocial anxiety in patients with hair loss

(10:03)-Recommendations for the treatment of female androgenetic alopecia

(12:03)-The role of trichoscopy in diagnostics

(14:36)-Onychoscopy in the diagnosis of nail disorders

(17:58)-The International Nail Society’s hopes for the future

(19:00)-Atopic dermatitis in adolescents

(20:08)-Presentation and treatment of benign nail unit tumours

(23:32)-Doctor-patient relationship in dermatology

(25:23)-Innovations in the field

(26:57)-Three wishes for the future of healthcare

In this episode, moderator George Cooper, sits down with the brilliant minds of Professor Stacey Cohen and Dr. Jeff Sharman. Together, they delve into the fascinating world of Monoclonal Antibody Biosimilars and their significant impact on the field of Oncology, with a particular focus on Lymphoma and Colorectal Cancer.   Join us as our expert panel explores the utilization of Monoclonal Antibody Biosimilars in the treatment of these cancers, shedding light on their efficacy and safety. Drawing from their extensive experience and knowledge, Professor Cohen and Dr. Sharman also share their insights on the prevailing attitudes towards this approach, while highlighting the key aspects of the current consensus within the medical community. This episode also offers a glimpse into the future prospects of Monoclonal Antibody Biosimilars, including the anticipated uptake and potential advancements in the field.     Professor Stacey Cohen Associate Professor at the Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch Cancer Centre as well as an Associate Professor at the Division of Oncology, University of Washington.   Professor Cohen is a specialized medical oncologist focusing on GI cancers, including colon, rectal, early-onset, and hereditary types. Her research explores the influence of genetics on treatment choices, encompassing hereditary gene alterations, tumor genetic changes, and novel disease markers. Dr. Cohen aims to personalize treatment decisions for her patients and the wider cancer community, maximizing efficacy while minimizing side effects. She values establishing enduring patient relationships and participating in collaborative decision-making processes.   Doctor Jeff P Sharman Director of Research at the Willamette Valley Cancer Institute as well as the Medical Director of Hematology Research for The US Oncology Network.   Dr. Sharman, the research director at the Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and the medical director of hematology research for The US Oncology Network, possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in the latest scientific advancements across various cancer types. His notable contributions to treatment progress and extensive publication history in esteemed scientific journals, such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and Blood, highlight his expertise. Through his research program in Eugene, he has garnered global recognition in diverse cancer fields and presented his findings at major conferences in the US, Asia, and Europe. Dr. Sharman's research has facilitated WVCI's access to exciting new areas of research, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and personalized medicine.     This podcast was funded by an educational grant from Pfizer, who has had no input to the creation of this educational podcast.

This podcast episode explores the increasing global burden of dengue disease, focusing on changing demographics in endemic areas and the mounting risk of the disease in traditionally non-endemic areas. Moderated by Sue Saville, an independent health journalist, experts Tikki Pangestu, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, and João Bosco Siqueira, Federal University of Gois, Brazil, discuss the dangers of arboviral diseases, their impact on the healthcare ecosystem, and prevention strategies.

This podcast was funded by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

This week, Jonathan is joined by Eva Parker, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. They explore the impact of climate change on dermatological diseases such as skin cancer, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. The pair also discuss how the skin is affected by rising temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, and air pollution, and further dive into diversity and inclusion in the dermatology field, and how political issues can affect healthcare.

Use the following timestamps to navigate the topics discussed in this episode:

(00:00)-Introduction 

(02:45)-Impact of climate change on dermatology and the skin 

(04:23)-Encouraging more people to take skin cancer seriously 

(06:30)-American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Expert Resource Group (ERG) on Climate Change and Environmental Affairs 

(07:54)-Revelations being published 

(11:05)-Health issues as a political issue 

(12:40)-Impact of climate change atopic dermatitis and mental health comorbidities 

(15:09)-Minimising our impact on climate change 

(18:40)-Chagas disease 

(22:48)-How skin colours affects skin presentations 

(24:50)-Diversity, equality, and inclusion in healthcare and dermatology

(27:25)-Three wishes for healthcare 

This podcast episode explores new advances in treating obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and the role of myosin inhibitors, and provides an overview of the EXPLORER-HCM and VALOR-HCM clinical trials.

Iacopo Olivotto, University of Florence, Italy, first discusses unmet medical needs, specifically regarding the unmet needs of patients and gaps in current treatment methods. The discussion then centres around the mechanism of action of myosin inhibitors, a first-in-class drug for HCM, recently approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The findings of current clinical trials are outlined, with results being linked to a reduced need for septal reduction therapy, in addition to improved quality of life for patients. Finally, case studies are presented, discussing the impact of treatments on the lives of patients with HCM, and how to best integrate new treatments into current practice.

Listen to our latest podcast, featuring expert guests Domenica Lorusso, Catholic University of Rome, Italy and Nicole Concin, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria. This episode discusses key findings from recent research into predictive biomarkers in endometrial cancer, specifically focusing on the potential for these biomarkers to inform clinical decision making.

This podcast was funded by a medical educational grant from GSK, with the purpose of enhancing the fundamental understanding of oncology specialists of key data and the latest advancements in endometrial cancer care.

In this podcast episode, moderator George Cooper is joined by Dr Pavan Najran, Clinical Lead for Interventional Radiology at the Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. During the episode, the distal radial method is explored. Its distinctions from conventional radial methods are outlined, and its applications within the radiology field highlighted.

Pavan Najran, Clinical Lead for Interventional Radiology and Consultant Clinical and Interventional Radiologist, The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK, provides guidance on performing the distal radial method for radiology, covering topics ranging from the room set-up to achieving haemostasis. Najran also discusses solutions for situations involving thrombosis in the distal radial artery. The conversation further highlights the advancements offered by the distal radial method in comparison to the traditional radial approach, providing perspectives into how it enhances patient experience. Additionally, Najran addresses the common challenges encountered when implementing the distal radial method and offers valuable insights on how to overcome them.

The publication of this podcast was funded by Merit Medical.

The suggestions and other information, which may include both Merit and third-party products, are for the practitioner’s convenience and for general information purposes only. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, nor is it meant to endorse or guarantee the suitability of any of the referenced products or methods for any specific patient or procedure. Before using, refer to the Instructions for Use (IFU) for indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and directions for use.

Morag Griffin, Haematology Consultant, Leeds University Teaching Hospitals, UK, joins Jonathan to discuss rare haematological conditions, such as aplastic anaemia and paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, as well as their treatments. They also discuss how vaccination response is affected by these diseases.

Use the following timestamps to navigate the topics discussed in this episode:

(00:00)-Introduction

(01:13)-What led Griffin into haematology

(02.00)-How Griffin’s Master’s degree in leadership helped her throughout her career

(03.10)-Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH)

(09.13)-Griffin’s research on biomarkers and laboratory assessments for monitoring the treatment of patients with PNH

(12:44)-Aplastic anaemia

(16:43)-Importance of international collaboration

(19:34)-How aplastic anaemia and PNH affect vaccination responses

(23:45)-Histiocytic disease

(26:23)-Future research in haematology

(29:02)-Three wishes for the future of healthcare

This week’s episode dives into racial disparities in healthcare and the field of urology, with a focus on prostate and bladder cancer. Jonathan and Samuel Washington, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), USA, discuss equality and equity in healthcare, uncovering how racial disparities affect the diagnosis and treatment of urological tumours, particularly in African American men. The pair also speak about which groups are more at risk of experiencing adverse outcomes, the changes needed to ensure better care is available to these patients, and how racial disparities affect medical education.

Use the following timestamps to navigate the topics discussed in this episode:

(00:00)-Introduction

(01:58)-Inspiration which led Washington to work in urologic oncology

(02:42)-“Urologic personality” traits

(04:01)-Machine-learning algorithms in estimating occurrence of lymph node cancer

(06:26)-Dietary and lifestyle factors influencing patient outcomes

(08:06)-Healthcare disparities in treating genitourinary diseases

(09:45)-Changes needed to make outcomes equivalent for patients of different races

(12:52)-Societal and political factors interacting with healthcare

(15:04)-Socioeconomic factors impacting healthcare use after bladder removal

(16:59)-Equity and equality in healthcare: health literacy and shared decision-making

(18:42)-Tailoring patient communications in prostate cancer screening

(20:00)-Partner-supported treatment decisions

(21:03)-Racial and ethnic differences in medical student training

(22:23)-Three wishes for the future of healthcare