A new approach against non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has combined immunotherapy with molecularly targeted therapy to activate the immune response and inhibit oncogenic pathways, which prevented tumor progression and eliminated cancer cells. Brigham and Women’s Hospital scientists have developed nanoparticles loaded with antibody conjugates that could deliver large amounts of treatment to the tumor tissue. This new strategy could improve the results of conventional immunotherapy in these patients and reduce toxicity of existing treatments.

After a rocky year, Akili Inc. received U.S. FDA clearance for use of its non-prescription product, Endeavorotc, for treatment of adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Endeavorotc employs a video game format to improve attention in individuals with inattentive or combined-type ADHD.

As new treatment options are being continually investigated and trialed against Parkinson’s disease, the possibilities offered by deep brain stimulation (DBS) risk being overlooked. Though not a cure, the therapy could vastly improve the quality of life for patients with the disease.

Inosys Korea Co. Ltd. gained U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance for Unispace, a cervical spine cage manufactured with 3D printing technology. Unispace can be used during spinal fusion surgery, Busan-based Inosys said, wherein operators can remove a patient’s diseased or damaged disc and replace it with the cervical cage to maintain the original length of the spine.

In just its second PCT filing, Ykrita Lifesciences Private Ltd. (YLS) continues to assemble intellectual property for its development of an extracorporeal bioengineered dual-cell liver regeneration (EBDLR) system which serves as a lightweight, portable, ectopic liver device to aid in the rejuvenation of the body’s own liver and treat acute liver failure without the need for surgery.

High weight is associated with a greater risk of developing many cancers, and with an increased risk of metastasis. But in some cancers such as renal cell carcinoma, it is also associated with better survival and a better response to immunotherapies in particular.