Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Cancer is no longer treated on the basis of its histological lineage alone; more and more drugs are being developed that are directed toward specific molecular and immunological features. Monoclonal antibodies are one type of selectively acting therapeutic agent. As part of this development, antibody-drug conjugates ("ADCs") have been approved in recent years for the treatment of hematologic and solid malignancies. ⋯ ADCs are a novel category of drugs for the treatment of cancer. Their approval is mainly, but not exclusively, based on the favorable findings of randomized, controlled phase III trials. ADCs are already helping to improve the outcomes of treatment for cancer.
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Early during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, national population-based seroprevalence surveys were conducted in some countries; however, this was not done in Germany. In particular, no seroprevalence surveys were planned for the summer of 2022. In the context of the IMMUNEBRIDGE project, the GUIDE study was carried out to estimate seroprevalence on the national and regional levels. ⋯ These findings indicate that a large percentage of the adult German population has formed antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This will markedly lower the probability of an overburdening of the health care system by hospitalization and high occupancy of intensive care units due to future SARS-CoV-2 waves, depending on the viral characteristics of then prevailing variants.
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Menopausal estrogen depletion increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and of osteoporosis. Both of these risks can be increased by thyroid dysfunction as well. This cumulation of risks will be presented. ⋯ The risk of heart diseases and bone diseases accelerates around the time of the menopause. Early detection and treatment of hyperthyroidism, which can further elevate the risk of both of these diseases is therefore required. In perimeno - pausal and postmenopausal women who are being treated for hypothyroidism, TSH suppression must be avoided. Thyroid dysfunction is common in women; its manifestations are less obvious with advancing age, making clinical diagnosis more difficult, yet it can have major deleterious effects. Thus, the indications for measuring TSH in perimenopausal women should be kept broad, rather than restrictive.