Ophthalmology
Audio Summaries

Clinical Uses of Common Genetic Variants Associated with Common Diseases

The authors investigate why the integration of polygenic risk scores and genomic knowledge into clinical practice for common adult-onset diseases has been slow, despite advancements in genomics and the identification of numerous genetic variants associated with these conditions. They explore potential applications of these scores and pharmacogenomics in improving prevention and treatment strategies as genome sequencing becomes more accessible.

Effect of Screening with Multicancer Early-Detection Test on Late-Stage Cancer Diagnosis

The authors aimed to determine whether screening with a multicancer early-detection test, in addition to usual care, reduces the incidence of late-stage cancers (stage III or IV) compared to usual care alone. In a randomized controlled trial involving over 142,000 participants, they found no significant difference in the incidence rates of stage III or IV cancers between the two groups after three screening rounds. While there was a trend towards a lower incidence of stage IV cancers, the results were not conclusive, indicating the need for further follow-up.

Phase 1 Study of Anito-cel, a d-Domain BCMA CAR T Cell for Refractory or Recurrent Myeloma

This phase 1 study investigates the safety and efficacy of anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel), a BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy, in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have undergone multiple prior treatments. The results indicate a high response rate (100%) with a significant proportion achieving complete response (79%), while adverse events, particularly cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, were mostly mild. The findings suggest that anito-cel may be a promising treatment option for this challenging patient population.

Etuvetidigene Autotemcel for the Treatment of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome

This study investigates the efficacy and safety of etuvetidigene autotemcel (etu-cel), an autologous gene therapy, for treating Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The results indicate a high overall survival rate of 96% at both 1 and 5 years post-treatment, along with a significant reduction in severe infections and bleeding events after therapy. The findings suggest that etu-cel provides a sustained clinical benefit for patients with this condition.

Understanding peripheral arterial disease in the current era

The authors aim to address the underacknowledgment, underdiagnosis, and undertreatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the context of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, highlighting its increasing prevalence and significant mortality rates. They emphasize the need for improved recognition and interdisciplinary measures to enhance patient outcomes and advocate for better integration of preventive care and treatment strategies. This clinical series seeks to inform clinicians and policymakers about the global burden of PAD and effective approaches to manage it.

Incidence of De Novo Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension After DMEK vs DSAEK: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The authors aimed to estimate the incidence of de novo glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT) in glaucoma-naïve adult eyes undergoing Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) compared to Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). Their systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 studies revealed that the pooled incidence rates were significantly lower for DMEK (3% for glaucoma and 9% for OHT) compared to DSAEK (11% for glaucoma and 34% for OHT), although the certainty of these findings was low to very low due to variability in definitions and confounding factors. The authors concluded that while DMEK appears to be associated with lower rates of these complications, further research with standardized definitions and protocols is necessary to clarify the impact of surgical technique.

Peripheral arterial disease: adverse impacts, disparities in outcomes, and the path ahead

This paper aims to address the adverse impacts of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the disparities in outcomes among affected populations. The authors highlight the significant individual and societal burdens of PAD, particularly on underserved groups, and propose both short-term and long-term strategies to improve management and access to care, including enhanced awareness and multidisciplinary treatment approaches. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to reduce the prevalence and consequences of PAD, especially in vulnerable communities.

Current advancements in the care of peripheral arterial disease: modern approaches to medical, endovascular, and surgical treatment

The authors review current advancements in the management of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), particularly focusing on the effectiveness of medical therapy, supervised exercise, and the judicious use of revascularization procedures. They aim to address how to optimize treatment strategies to reduce cardiovascular risks, improve quality of life, and minimize limb loss in patients with varying severity of PAD. The paper highlights the complexities of PAD management due to its multifaceted nature and the potential overuse of invasive interventions.

Developing roadmaps for advancing practice, research, and policy in the arts and health

The authors aim to develop actionable roadmaps for integrating the arts into health and wellbeing systems globally, addressing the emerging evidence of arts engagement's health benefits. They propose key strategies, including ensuring universal access to arts opportunities, implementing population-level approaches to tackle health inequities, and fostering clinical innovation in arts therapies. Additionally, they highlight the importance of cross-sector collaboration and investment to support these initiatives.

Incidence, Prevalence, and Clinical Associations of Non-Infectious Pediatric Uveitis in the United States: A TriNetX Database Study

The authors aimed to characterize the incidence, prevalence, demographics, and clinical associations of non-infectious pediatric uveitis in the United States using the TriNetX database. They found that from 2016 to 2025, the annual incidence and prevalence of pediatric uveitis increased, with anterior uveitis being the most common subtype and significant ocular complications associated with intermediate and posterior uveitis. The study highlights the need for further prospective research to determine whether the rising rates reflect a true increase in disease incidence or improved detection methods.