Publications by authors named "S Mellis"
Article Synopsis
- Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare condition where bones form in soft tissue, referred to as heterotopic ossification (HO), and this study examined imaging methods to identify and measure new HO lesions.
- The research analyzed data from a phase 2 clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of garetosmab (a therapy) with a placebo in adults with FOP, utilizing both PET/CT and CT scans to detect lesions over 28 weeks.
- Results showed that both PET/CT and CT-only methods detected a similar number and volume of new lesions, indicating that CT-only imaging is an effective alternative for monitoring HO changes in FOP patients.
Article Synopsis
- Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare disorder causing painful flare-ups and abnormal bone growth, known as heterotopic ossification (HO).
- In a clinical trial, patients receiving the anti-activin A antibody garetosmab experienced fewer severe and lengthy flare-ups compared to those given a placebo, leading to a notable difference in quality of life.
- The study found that 71% of placebo patients had flare-ups linked to new HO lesions, while garetosmab reduced the severity, duration, and frequency of these flare-ups throughout the trial.
Introduction: Radiological imaging has played an important role in diagnostic medicine for over a century, though it is known to contribute to dermatological conditions, cataracts, and cancer. The associated risk of harm has led to the introduction of protective regulations around the world. Present-day NHS clinicians are increasingly requesting and relying on diagnostic imaging.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThere is an urgent need for increased understanding of COVID-19 and strategies for its prevention, treatment, and mitigation. All participants in the research enterprise, including institutional review boards, have an ethical duty to protect participants and ensure that the benefits gained from such research do not conflict with the core principles that guided researchers prior to the pandemic. In this review, we discuss the ethical issues surrounding initiation and conduct of clinical trials, focusing on novel COVID-19 therapeutic, vaccine, or biospecimen research, using the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- - Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare condition that causes painful heterotopic ossification in connective tissues, leading to disability.
- - In the LUMINA-1 phase 2 trial, adults with FOP were given either garetosmab (an activin A-blocking antibody) or a placebo over two 28-week periods, focusing on safety and effects on HO lesions.
- - Although the primary efficacy endpoint was not met in the first period, garetosmab significantly reduced the development of new HO lesions in the second period compared to placebo, with ongoing investigations into its effectiveness.