Genetics

Host: Bruce Japsen

Guest: Arthur Holden, MBA

Two years after it was formed, the International Serious Adverse Event Consortium, working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is making progress understanding why certain people are predisposed to dangerous drug interactions. Arthur Holdren, founder of the consortium, tells host Bruce Japsen about the discovery of a genetic link between liver injury and some people who received a popular antibiotic.

Host: Bruce Japsen

Guest: Linda Powers, Ms.

President Obama expanded federal funding for certain embryonic stem cell research and many are excited about what it means to the entire field of discovery of new drugs and medical treatments. Linda Powers, of the Maryland Stem Cell Commission, tells host Bruce Japsen about the importance of Obama's move to, not only those interested in embryonic stem cells, but the entire field and drug discovery in general.

Host: Lee Freedman, MD

Guest: Michael Hildebrand, PhD

Researchers have discovered a CATSPER gene mutation that may lead to development of a male infertility treatment, as well as a male contraceptive. Are we really another step closer to developing a male contraceptive, and when might an oral contraceptive be available for men? Join host Dr. Lee Freedman as he talks with Dr. Michael Hildebrand, fellow in the department of otolaryngology at the Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, about this exciting new genetic discovery, and how it might lead to the development of a male contraceptive.

Host: Lisa Dandrea Lenell, PA-C, MPAS, MBA

Guest: Andrew Faucett

How does a PA handle a patient who comes in following genetic testing, and how do they counsel that patient on their results? PA educators are realizing this scenario is becoming commonplace. Since 2008, genetics is now a required course for all PA students. Andrew Faucett, an assistant professor in the department of human genetics at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta joins host Lisa D'Andrea Lenell to discuss the importance of genetic medicine in your daily practice.

Host: Vatsal Thakkar, MD

Guest: Randy Blakely, PhD

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the cortex, essential to movement and activity control, as well as attention and executive function, tying this transporter to ADHD. How are scientists finding the genetic markers that may be transmitted to those with ADHD, and how does this help scientists understand more about the disorder? Dr. Randy Blakely, director of the Center for Molecular Neuroscience at the Silvio O. Conte Center for Neuroscience Research and the Alan D. Bass Professor of Pharmacology and Psychiatry at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, describes a genetic mutation that causes the dopamine transporter to run backwards, and how this discovery is helping scientists understand the mechanisms of ADHD. Dr. Vatsal Thakkar hosts.

Host: Larry Kaskel, MD

Guest: F. Anthony Greco, MD

Cancer is so often an agonizing diagnosis, one that can be that much more difficult for a patient to accept when the origin of the cancer cannot be traced. Novel genetic tests are just one of a few new options that may help us in situations where imaging, therapy, and other genetic markers have not been effective. Dr. F. Anthony Greco, director of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center in Nashville, tells us that we appear to be making progress toward new ways to diagnose cancers of unknown primary origin. Dr. Larry Kaskel hosts.

Host: Lee Freedman, MD

Guest: Leif Ellisen, MD, PhD

A new program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston includes extracting the DNA from its cancer patients’ tumors to determine which abnormalities occur in the tumor cells, specific to the type of tumor. From these results, physicians hope to create better, targeted cancer therapies. Host Dr. Lee Freedman asks Dr. Leif Ellisen, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, about the details of this program. Will genetic tumor profiling be conducted at many more cancer centers in the near future?

Host: Bruce Japsen

Guest: Marc Hedrick, MD

Many view the promise of stem cells as something far off in the distance, but these regenerative cells are nearing commercialization in the area of cosmetic and plastic surgery, particularly for women who are in need of reconstructive breast surgery. Dr. Marc Hedrick, president of San Diego based Cytori Therapeutics, tells the Chicago Tribune's Bruce Japsen about a commercialized device in Europe that uses adult stem cells derived from fat as a way to reconstruct breasts following surgery. Clinical trials may begin in the US in the next year.

Host: Bruce Japsen

Guest: Robert Harman

Human stem cell treatments are only just emerging in clinical trials. but man's 'best friend' is already benefitting from pain relief and important treatments that are commercialized. And this work in dogs and cats could one day benefit human patients. Dr. Robert Harman, CEO and founder of Vet-Stem, tells the Chicago Tribune's Bruce Japsen about the latest efforts by a stem cell therapy developer to use fat cells for treatments, a therapy gaining momentum in pets and soon to be moving through clinical trials for humans.

Host: Mark DeLegge, MD

Guest: Douglas Rex, MD

Fecal immunochemical testing (or FIT testing) replaces the older stool guaiac test in the recent colorectal cancer screening guidelines. What's the advantage to FIT testing? Is there a place for fecal DNA testing in the realm of colorectal cancer screening methods right now, or does this procedure need further revision? Host Dr. Mark DeLegge discusses the newest developments in colorectal cancer screening technologies with Dr. Douglas Rex, distinguished professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. Is CT colonography also a viable screening option?