Radically different
Nature Medicine, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41591-026-04380-z
As presented at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting: in a phase 1b trial, patients with microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer received a FAP-4-1BB ligand together with the CEA-directed T cell engager cibisatamab; the treatment was safe, and biomarker analysis showed induction of immunity in line with the biological rationale.
Nature Medicine, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41591-026-04365-y
As presented at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting, in a phase 2 trial, treatment of patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma with BCMA-targeting CAR T cell therapy ciltacabtagene autoleucel was safe and led to encouraging rates of clinical responses.
Nature Medicine, Published online: 20 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41591-026-04318-5
Microbiome analysis suggests that gut microbial changes in Parkinson’s disease evolve progressively from healthy individuals to genetically at-risk individuals to clinically affected patients, with the degree of dysbiosis correlating with disease progression.
It is well known that both mental health conditions (MHCs)1 and low income2 increase the risk for communicable and non-communicable diseases. However, previous studies have not comprehensively investigated potential interactions in the effects of mental disorders and income on physical health. In their Article, Linda Ejlskov and colleagues assessed the risks of a broad range of physical health conditions (PHCs) across income strata in people with and without MHCs.3 According to their results, MHCs and low income seem to operate as independent, additive risk factors, with some notable exceptions.
Non-communicable diseases remain the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide and account for most health loss in high-income countries, including Italy.1 Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases are largely driven by modifiable behavioural, metabolic, and environmental exposures.2 Characterising the distribution of these risk factors and quantifying their contribution to population health is central to modern epidemiology and public health.
The concept of multimorbidity, the co-occurrence of two or more long-term conditions, has become an important focus for research in the burden of ill-health associated with ageing. A burgeoning literature shows that the prevalence of multimorbidity is substantial, even though estimates vary according to definition and method of ascertainment.1 Not many studies have taken a longitudinal approach and evaluated the incidence of multimorbidity. In The Lancet Public Health, Eirion Slade and colleagues2 report on the incidence of multiple long-term conditions, also known as multimorbidity, in an electronic health records dataset for nearly the whole of England, UK.
The notion of compression of morbidity was the guiding principle of public health a generation ago. If one could postpone the onset of chronic disease and disability to a later age, the total lifetime burden of illness could be reduced, compressing it into a shorter period at the end of life. The goal was to increase not only lifespans, but also healthspans. Public health systems are designed to enable individuals to live long, healthy lives, before experiencing a brief, sudden decline in their final months.
The adverse effects of high levels of alcohol consumption on cognitive function have been documented, including using Mendelian randomisation.1 Maintaining cognitive function is a priority for individuals as they age. However, the increasing size and health needs of the ageing population globally brings challenges for provision of preventive and therapeutic interventions.
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We’re back with more data from the AACR meeting! Among the highlights today: a first look at a drug Merck acquired from China, a fascinating but potentially controversial use for CAR-T, and American oncology’s geography problem. Don’t forget: Tuesday night we will host a live event in San Diego, and we also have a virtual recap of the AACR conference on Thursday.
In an early phase trial, investigators at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute treated 20 high risk smoldering multiple myeloma patients with Carvykti, a BCMA directed CAR-T therapy. The idea was to use the immunotherapy on patients with the multiple myeloma precursor condition, hoping to prevent the active cancer in patients at high risk of progression.
Pfizer executive Andrew Baum, a former analyst at the investment bank Citi who joined the company in June 2024 to redirect its strategic approach, has left his role as an executive vice president and chief strategy and innovation officer, the company confirmed Monday. He will continue as an adviser to Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla until the end of the year.
Pfizer and sources familiar with the matter described the move as stemming from both a sense that Baum had accomplished what he set out to do and a streamlining of Pfizer’s operations.
“Pfizer regularly evaluates its operations to ensure it is best positioned to deliver on the company’s business in the near-term and beyond,” the company said in a statement. It said that organizational and leadership changes would “position Pfizer to move faster, make clearer decisions, and advance innovation across the enterprise.”