Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
The cation channel Trpa1 and chemokine Cxcl1 mediate axonal degeneration in spared nerve injury–induced neuropathic pain
Water and nitrogen impacts on water use, forage yield and quality of annual ryegrass
Dr Harmon Eyre, MD (1941–2025)
DUF-721 and N-terminal extension of the helicase loader DciA bind ssDNA to promote replicative DnaB helicase loading in Caulobacter crescentus
Angiopoietin-2 adsorption attempt with the cytokine adsorber cytosorb in critically ill patients
Abstract Angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) is a growth factor in angiogenesis, causing pericyte migration and vascular regression, leading to increased vascular permeability. Inflammatory mediators, hypoxia, hyperglycaemia and cancer stimulate its secretion. Particularly in sepsis, high Ang-2 levels appear to be a prognostic marker for morbidity and mortality in the critically ill. As an important trigger for endothelial damage one therapeutic option in these patients might be the removal of Ang-2. The Cyto-SOLVE trial included patients with septic shock or rhabdomyolsis treated with the adsorber Cytosorb (CS) (included in continuous kidney replacement therapy) for the removal of cytokines and myoglobin. Ang-2 was measured in the patient´s blood and pre- and post-CS at defined time points (ten minutes, one, three, six, and twelve hours after initiation). Ang-2 extracorporeal clearances (ml/min) were calculated with: $$\:\left(bloodflow*\left(1-hematocrit\right)\right)*\left(\frac{concentration\:\left(pre-post\right)}{concentration\:\left(pre\right)}\right).$$ U-Test was used to compare different subgroups. 26 patients were included (17 with rhabdomyolsis and 9 with septic shock, median Ang-2 concentration prior to CS-application: 21,653 pg/ml). We observed a low Ang-2 adsorption in the first hour of CS application, resulting in a median Ang-2 extracorporeal clearance of 8.2 ml/min and 1.7 ml/min after 10 min and 1 h, respectively. There was no significant change in Ang-2 plasma concentrations at any time point. No significant difference in Ang-2 levels was observed between patients with septic shock (median: 31,916 pg/ml) and rhabdomyolysis (median 18,379 pg/ml, p = 0.241). The Cytosorb adsorber does not decrease Ang-2 concentrations by adsorption. Therefore, Ang-2 can be considered a reliable biomarker for endothelial dysfunction even in the presence of Cytosorb therapy in critically ill patients. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether the removal of Ang-2 could be beneficial when utilizing an appropriate device.
Personalized care for patients with EGFR‐mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer: Navigating early to advanced disease management
AbstractThe discovery of activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene has revolutionized the management of lung cancer, enabling the development of targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). These therapies offer improved survival and reduced side effects compared with conventional treatments. Recent advancements have significantly reshaped the treatment paradigm for EGFR‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer. TKIs are now incorporated into the management of early stage and locally advanced disease, and phase 3 trials have explored combination strategies in metastatic settings. Although these intensified approaches improve progression‐free survival, they come with increased toxicity and higher costs, underscoring the need for precise patient selection to maximize benefit. Emerging data on biomarkers, such as co‐mutations and circulating tumor DNA, show promise for refining treatment decisions. In addition, significant progress in understanding resistance mechanisms to EGFR TKIs has broadened therapeutic options. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of EGFR‐mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer, highlighting recent breakthroughs and discussing strategies to optimize treatment based on the latest evidence.