In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Ashley Sumrall, a neuro-oncologist and Section Chief at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, shares groundbreaking insights into the treatment of diffuse midline gliomas with the H3K27M mutation. Dr. Sumrall presents data from pediatric and adult studies using Dordaviprone (ONC201), highlighting its promising response rates and tolerability. She also discusses the evolving role of AI in neuro-oncology, the value of multidisciplinary care, and the need for advocacy in biomarker access and healthcare policy. Episode Highlights: Advancements in Treating Rare Brain Tumors Dr. Sumrall introduces updated clinical findings on Dordaviprone for diffuse midline gliomas, a rare and aggressive brain tumor affecting children and young adults. The combined adult and pediatric studies showed a 20% overall response rate and minimal serious side effects, offering a new sense of hope in an area with limited treatment options. Pediatric-Adult Trial Integration She explains the rationale for combining data from adult and pediatric studies due to the rarity of the disease and evolving definitions of pediatric age groups. This integrated approach offers valuable insights into treatment effectiveness across the age spectrum. Promise of AI in Neuro-Oncology Dr. Sumrall emphasizes how machine learning and AI tools like OpenEvidence and ChatGPT can streamline imaging analysis, assist in clinical trial design, and improve diagnostic efficiency. She foresees AI as a co-pilot in tumor boards and day-to-day clinical decisions. Well-Tolerated Therapy and Quality of Life Unlike many cancer treatments, ONC201 demonstrates a low side effect profile, with zero serious adverse events reported. This is especially significant for brain tumor patients who often face limited options beyond surgery and radiation. Biomarkers and Access Challenges She highlights the importance of biomarker testing in classifying tumors and guiding therapy. However, she warns of ongoing disparities in access due to high costs and limited insurance coverage, particularly in community care settings. Advocacy for Research Funding and Access Dr. Sumrall underscores the role of physician and patient advocacy in preserving NIH and NCI funding, expanding access to biomarker profiling, and supporting legislation to streamline patient care. Collaborative Oncology Models She describes her work in multidisciplinary tumor boards and genetic predisposition clinics, where oncologists, geneticists, and endocrinologists jointly tailor proactive care plans—an approach she believes should be the gold standard in oncology. Key Takeaway Dr. Sumrall reinforces that innovation in rare brain tumor treatment must be matched by advocacy, access to biomarker testing, and the adoption of AI-powered tools. The progress with ONC201 offers hope not just in extending life but also in improving the quality of life for patients once left without options. Resources Website: https://mdnewsline.com/ Newsletter: https://mdnewsline.com/subscribe/ Connect with Dr. Ashley Sumrall: Here
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What’s New in Bladder, Prostate, and Kidney Cancer Treatment
In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Karine Tawagi, a genitourinary medical oncologist at the University of Illinois in Chicago, shares cutting-edge updates from ASCO 2024 related to bladder, prostate, and kidney cancers. Dr. Tawagi explores the clinical implications of circulating tumor DNA (CT DNA), discusses evolving bladder preservation strategies, and addresses the expanding role of PARP inhibitors in prostate cancer. She also emphasizes the importance of equitable access to new therapies and multidisciplinary collaboration in cancer care. Episode Highlights Advances in Bladder Cancer Management Dr. Tawagi reviews the Niagara study, which integrates dervalumab immunotherapy with standard cisplatin-based chemotherapy. This new regimen has become a standard of care for cisplatin-eligible patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. She also discusses ongoing trials and the promise of bladder preservation, especially for patients concerned about quality of life post-cystectomy. The Power of CT DNA in Personalizing Treatment CT DNA is emerging as a powerful prognostic tool in bladder cancer, with potential use in escalating or de-escalating treatments based on molecular response. Dr. Tawagi discusses its role in both neoadjuvant and metastatic settings, including trials like the MODERN study. PARP Inhibitors in Prostate Cancer For prostate cancer patients with homologous recombination repair mutations—especially BRCA1/2—Dr. Tawagi highlights the role of PARP inhibitors such as niraparib and the Amplitude trial’s results in the castration-sensitive setting. She discusses the ongoing debate around sequencing, survival outcomes, and access. Kidney Cancer and Immunotherapy An update from the Keynote 564 trial shows continued benefit of adjuvant pembrolizumab for high-risk localized kidney cancer. Dr. Tawagi underscores the importance of patient counseling using risk calculators and timely referral to oncology after nephrectomy. The Importance of Multidisciplinary Care Dr. Tawagi emphasizes collaboration among urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialties to deliver optimal, patient-centered care. She calls for increased awareness of trial updates and improved access to novel therapies across diverse populations. Key Takeaway Dr. Tawagi emphasizes that the future of genitourinary oncology lies in individualized treatment informed by biomarkers like CT DNA, equitable access to novel therapies, and strong multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance outcomes and preserve quality of life. Resources Website: https://mdnewsline.com/ Newsletter: https://mdnewsline.com/subscribe/ Connect with Dr. Karine Tawagi: Here
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Step-Based Metrics and Exercise Science in MS Care
In this episode of MD Newsline, we welcome Peixuan Zheng, an exercise scientist at the University of Illinois Chicago, who shares her research on using step-based physical activity metrics to assess and enhance the daily function of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Peixuan discusses how wearable technology and new step-counting methods—like peak cadence—can provide more accurate insights into patients’ real-world mobility compared to traditional clinical assessments. She also dives into her intervention programs combining aerobic and resistance training to support cognitive and physical function in older adults with MS, highlighting improvements in learning, memory, and ambulation. The conversation explores the promise of personalized, at-home exercise prescriptions, the role of motivation in long-term adherence, and how machine learning and advanced wearable sensors could further revolutionize MS care. Episode Highlights Real-World Walking Metrics for MS Patients Peixuan introduces the use of wearable sensors to measure “step-based metrics” like daily steps and peak cadence, capturing real-life walking performance more accurately than traditional lab tests. Reliability of Step-Based Metrics Validated over a six-month period, step-based data showed consistency across time, making it a reliable alternative for tracking changes in mobility outside clinical settings. Home-Based Exercise Interventions Zheng shares results from a 16-week home-based program combining aerobic and resistance exercises aimed at improving cognition and mobility in older adults with MS. Impact on Cognitive Function The intervention led to improved cognitive processing speed and learning/memory outcomes, measured by the BICAMS battery. Role of Motivation and Personal Goals Understanding patient motivations—like walking better or engaging in family activities—helps tailor exercise plans, boosting adherence and long-term outcomes. Machine Learning and Future Applications Zheng sees a future where AI and wearable technology help generate personalized exercise prescriptions based on real-time physiological and movement data. Key Takeaway Peixuan Zheng’s research shows that real-world step-based metrics and personalized, home-based exercise programs offer promising ways to monitor and improve mobility and cognition in people with MS. Her work supports a future of MS care grounded in precision, motivation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Resources Website: https://mdnewsline.com Newsletter: Subscribe to Updates Connect with Peixuan Zheng: Here
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Pediatric vs Adult Multiple Sclerosis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Transition
In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Alice Edward, a pediatric and adult neurologist and neuroimmunology specialist, explores the complex landscape of diagnosing and managing multiple sclerosis (MS) in children. She highlights the critical differences between pediatric and adult MS, including symptom presentation, diagnostic criteria, and treatment strategies. Dr. Edward also delves into the impact of hormonal changes, pregnancy planning, and the challenges of transitioning care from pediatric to adult neurology services. Episode Highlights Pediatric vs. Adult MS Presentation Dr. Edward discusses how children often present with more inflammatory forms of MS and experience more frequent relapses. She emphasizes the brain’s plasticity in younger patients, which can sometimes lead to better recovery. Diagnostic Criteria and Challenges She explains the pediatric-specific McDonald criteria and the importance of excluding alternative diagnoses like encephalitis, meningitis, or genetic disorders due to the rarity of pediatric MS. Red Flags and Misdiagnoses Dr. Edward points out clinical signs that may suggest non-MS demyelinating conditions and stresses the importance of early MRI access and parental advocacy. High-Efficacy First-Line Therapy Unlike the step-up approach in adults, pediatric MS often requires starting with high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to control aggressive inflammation. She explains why escalation therapy is not favored in children. Hormonal and Life Stage Considerations Puberty, pregnancy, and aging play critical roles in MS management. Dr. Edward reviews the latest data on DMT use during pregnancy and postpartum periods, emphasizing preventive planning. The Transition to Adult Care Dr. Edward outlines the need for smoother transitional care and continuity between pediatric and adult MS services. She shares her vision for building a lifelong care model. Cognitive Outcomes and Disease Progression Children diagnosed with MS may face more significant cognitive challenges over time due to longer disease duration. Early and aggressive therapy can mitigate long-term deficits. Key Takeaway Pediatric MS is rare but more inflammatory and demands early, aggressive treatment. Tailoring care throughout a patient's lifespan—including puberty, pregnancy, and transition to adult neurology—is vital to optimizing outcomes and preventing disability. Resources Website: https://mdnewsline.com/ Newsletter: https://mdnewsline.com/subscribe/ Connect with Dr. Alice Edward: Here
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The Hidden Impact of Hypertension on Multiple Sclerosis
In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Michael Robers, a neurologist and multiple sclerosis (MS) specialist at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, shares groundbreaking research on the intersection of hypertension and MS. He highlights the high prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension among MS patients and its association with worse physical disability. Dr. Robers also explores systemic care gaps and advocates for a more integrated, whole-person approach to MS care—emphasizing the role of MS specialists in detecting comorbidities early. Episode Highlights: Understanding MS Health Disparities Dr. Robers discusses how Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous Americans face worse MS outcomes compared to white Americans. Contributing factors include underdiagnosis, delayed care, and insufficient screening, particularly for comorbid conditions like hypertension. The Hidden Impact of Hypertension on MS Disability His research reveals that MS patients with uncontrolled hypertension are over twice as likely to require ambulatory aids. Notably, 27% of patients met hypertension criteria via vital signs, while only 7% had formal diagnoses—highlighting a major care gap. Why Awareness Matters Women, younger patients, and those with borderline high blood pressure are more likely to be unaware of their hypertension status. Dr. Robers urges MS specialists to ask simple screening questions and refer patients to primary care, even if they don’t manage blood pressure themselves. Collaborating Across Specialties Dr. Robers discusses the growing need for inter-specialty collaboration in chronic disease care, emphasizing how subspecialists like neurologists can identify issues traditionally addressed in primary care. The Path Forward in MS Care He calls for a broader focus on long-term wellness for MS patients—including screening for common but impactful comorbidities like hypertension. Future research may reveal whether proactive control of blood pressure can reduce long-term disability in MS. Key Takeaway: Undiagnosed hypertension is a modifiable risk factor in MS care. MS providers can help bridge a major care gap by screening for high blood pressure—especially in young, female, and underserved patients—to prevent worsening disability and promote holistic patient health. Resources Link: Website: https://mdnewsline.com/ Newsletter: https://mdnewsline.com/subscribe/ Connect with Dr. Michael Robers: Here
Welcome to The MD Newsline Podcast, where we bring you the latest insights at the intersection of healthcare, equity, and innovation. Join us as we dive deep into the medical breakthroughs, clinical trial updates, and industry best practices shaping the future of patient care.
Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with leading healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates tackling the biggest challenges in medicine today. From bridging health disparities to optimizing patient adherence, we uncover the strategies and innovations that are transforming the way care is delivered.
If you're a healthcare provider, industry leader, or simply passionate about advancing medical education and equity, this is your go-to resource for expert knowledge and actionable insights. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the movement toward a healthier, more equitable future.
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