The study investigates the independent associations between individual- and area-level income and site-specific cancer incidence in Canada from 2006 to 2015. It highlights that both personal and neighborhood wealth influence cancer risk through distinct mechanisms. The findings show that individuals in lower income quintiles have higher incidence rates for several cancers, including head and neck, esophageal, stomach, colorectal, liver, lung, and kidney cancers. The study emphasizes the need for further research on the mediating mechanisms between income measures and cancer incidence to inform equitable cancer prevention policies.

The article analyzes the integration of sustainability in higher education institutions (HEIs) through a systems thinking approach. It reviews policy initiatives from the United Nations and EU institutions, highlighting the gap between strategic importance and operational implementation of sustainability in HEIs. The study maps institutional sustainability self-assessment models, tools, and guidelines across four research areas: educational activities, organizational transformation, whole-system approaches, and sustainability culture. It presents best practices and emerging trends, emphasizing the need for a holistic perspective and stakeholder engagement to drive organizational change towards sustainability.

Amyloid fibrils produced by Streptococcus sanguinis play a significant role in biofilm formation and immune evasion. The study characterizes amyloid production in various S. sanguinis strains and investigates the role of sortase A in amyloidogenesis. Amyloid fibrils were identified in biofilms using Congo red staining and cross-polarized light microscopy. The amyloid inhibitor EGCG impaired biofilm maturation in a strain-specific manner. The deletion of the sortase A gene compromised amyloid production and biofilm maturation, highlighting the importance of amyloids in immune evasion and biofilm stability. The findings suggest that amyloids contribute to the pathogenicity of S. sanguinis, particularly in cardiovascular infections.

The study validates novel DNA methylation markers (CA10, DPP10, FMN2, HAS1) for cervical precancer and cancer detection. Using a genome-wide DNA methylation screen and a high throughput NGS assay, the markers were tested in two independent study populations. The markers showed high sensitivity and specificity, indicating their potential for improving cervical cancer screening and management. The study highlights the reproducibility and clinical value of these markers, suggesting their implementation in high-throughput assays for clinical and public health use.

The 2000s marked significant advancements in multiple myeloma treatment, driven by technological progress and innovative medical research. Key developments included the introduction of targeted drugs like VELCADE and REVLIMID, which improved patient outcomes and quality of life. The era also saw refinements in stem cell transplant techniques and the emergence of personalized treatment strategies. These advancements have provided hope for better future treatments and have empowered patients and caregivers to make informed decisions. The article also highlights the upcoming launch of HealthTree 2.0, a platform aimed at further supporting myeloma patients.

The article discusses the parallels between the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the impact of COVID-19 on cancer care, including prevention, screening, diagnosis, therapy, survivorship, and end-of-life care. It emphasizes the need for continued research into managing cancer risk during public health emergencies and acknowledges the contributions of reviewing editors, guest editors, and reviewers in the peer review of articles in the special issue. The article also notes the potential long-term presence of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, similar to HIV/AIDS, and the importance of research in developing new medicines, diagnostics, and treatments.

Dr. Yael Cohen presented promising results from a Phase 1 clinical trial at ASCO 2023, showcasing the combination of two bi-specifics, teclistimab and talquetamab, in treating myeloma. The trial, which began on December 15, 2020, and is expected to conclude Phase 1 on November 16, 2023, demonstrated an overall response rate of 86.6% across all dosing levels, with a 96.3% response rate in one dosing arm. The treatment was deemed safe, with manageable side effects, and 61% of patients remained on treatment at data cutoff. The trial's success, particularly in treating extramedullary disease, signals a hopeful future for myeloma patients and warrants attention in subsequent phases.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is developing a new imaging method using [68Ga]-pentixafor during PET scans to detect bone damage caused by multiple myeloma more effectively than traditional x-rays. The Phase I study will determine the safe dosage for PET/CT scans in patients with various conditions, including multiple myeloma, with the goal of understanding the uptake of the imaging agent.

A Phase I study led by Juan Du, MD, presented at the American Society of Hematology meeting, showed promising results for a new dual CAR T therapy, GC012F (FasTCAR-T Cells), targeting BCMA and CD19 in newly diagnosed high-risk multiple myeloma patients. The study included 13 patients who achieved a 100% overall response rate, with 69% reaching a stringent complete response. The therapy demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with minimal side effects such as cytokine release syndrome, and all patients achieved minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity at 1, 6, and 12 months post-infusion. The fast production time of GC012F is particularly beneficial for high-risk patients who require effective and timely treatment.

A new CAR T cell therapy targeting GPRC5D, known as BMS-986393, has shown initial safety and efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma, including those previously treated with BCMA CAR T therapy. Presented by Susan Bal, MD at the American Society of Hematology meeting, the Phase I clinical trial indicated that the drug was safe at all tested dose levels, with most cytokine release syndrome cases being grade 1 and neurotoxicity being infrequent and reversible. The overall response rate was high, with durable responses and MRD negative complete responses observed, suggesting that GPRC5D-directed CAR-T Therapy with BMS-986393 could be a new treatment option for relapsed/refractory myeloma.

CAR-T cell technology targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) shows promising results in treating multiple myeloma, but most patients eventually experience disease progression. A study presented at the American Society of Hematology meeting by Kevin Reyes from the University of California analyzed 78 patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma who received BCMA CAR-T therapy. The study found that while 79% of patients achieved a very good partial response or better, the 2-year progression-free survival was only 34.6%. Post-CAR-T therapies, including BCMA-targeted bispecific antibodies and anti-CD38 antibodies, showed varying effectiveness. The presence of 1q copy number gain was associated with inferior overall survival. The study highlights the need for maintenance therapy post-CAR-T infusion and the development of novel therapies for this patient population.

Kate Bush's song 'Running Up That Hill' has re-entered the charts due to an emotional scene featuring Max in 'Stranger Things' Season 4. Another song, 'Pass the Dutchie' by Musical Youth, also captures viewers' attention, particularly in scenes involving the character Argyle, played by Eduardo Franco. Fans have expressed their enjoyment of the song on social media. The article provides an episode guide for the current season and confirms that Season 5 will be the final season of the show.

The trailer for the fourth series of Stranger Things has been released, revealing a split into two parts with the first volume premiering on Netflix on 27 May and the second on 1 July. The Hawkins gang faces an all-out war against the creatures of the Upside Down, with characters entering high school and relocating to California. Hopper is shown to be in a Russian prison camp, and Eleven is approached by a government agent for help. The series will see the return of several main cast members and introduces a new Demogorgon-human hybrid.

Patients with highly relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma are in need of new treatment options. Regeneron's bispecific antibody, REGN5458, is showing promise in early clinical trials, with significant response rates in patients who have undergone multiple prior therapies. The Phase 1 study aims to assess the safety and tolerability of REGN5458, with 73 patients treated so far. Common side effects include fatigue and cytokine release syndrome, but no severe cases were reported. The overall response rate for the highest doses was 75%, with many patients achieving a very good partial response or better. The treatment is progressing towards Phase II and Phase III clinical trials.

The study models the outcomes of different cervical cancer screening strategies in the context of varying levels of HPV vaccination. It finds that HPV-based screening modalities detect more abnormal cervical cells than traditional liquid-based cytology (LBC) but at the cost of increased false positives. As HPV vaccination rates increase, HPV-based modalities result in fewer unnecessary colposcopies compared to LBC methods. The study emphasizes the importance of considering HPV vaccination status to maximize screening efficiency and minimize overtreatment.

Scientists achieved a remarkable feat by developing a COVID-19 vaccine within 11 months, with the first dose administered in Canada in December 2020. Public willingness to be vaccinated is crucial for returning to pre-pandemic life, but fear of adverse events may rise. Media reports, such as those by Tucker Carlson on Fox News, have sensationalized rare adverse events, leading to public confusion. It is important to understand that adverse events following vaccination are not necessarily caused by the vaccine. The U.S. CDC reports a low rate of anaphylaxis, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Canadians are encouraged to get vaccinated to ensure public health and safety.