Usage of Finerenone in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 1 Diabetes
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on March 25th, 2026
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In recent years, the human monkeypox virus has posed a significant public health challenge. Being a relative of the eliminated smallpox virus, there had been interest in utilizing smallpox therapy for monkeypox. A study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine that tested the effectiveness of tecovirimat in treating human monkeypox virus infection.
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Atezolizumab for Patients with Detectable Circulating Tumor DNA Following Radical Cystectomy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on January 23rd, 2026
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Radical cystectomy is the standard first-line treatment for patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer; however disease recurrence still happens in 50% of the cases. Adjuvant therapy can be conducted, but there is a risk of unnecessary treatment and side effects if there is no residual disease. Thus, it is important to find a marker that would indicate the persistence of remnant tumors. Circulating tumor DNA had been a useful indicator for colon cancer recurrence, so a study, funded by Roche, was conducted to evaluate the usage of atezolizumab to manage bladder cancer in patients with circulating tumor DNA.
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Atezolizumab for Patients with Detectable Circulating Tumor DNA Following Radical Cystectomy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 23rd, 2026
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Radical cystectomy is the standard first-line treatment for patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer; however disease recurrence still happens in 50% of the cases. Adjuvant therapy can be conducted, but there is a risk of unnecessary treatment and side effects if there is no residual disease. Thus, it is important to find a marker that would indicate the persistence of remnant tumors. Circulating tumor DNA had been a useful indicator for colon cancer recurrence, so a study, funded by Roche, was conducted to evaluate the usage of atezolizumab to manage bladder cancer in patients with circulating tumor DNA.
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Treating Urothelial Carcinoma with a Combination of Disitamab Vedotin plus Toripalimab
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 21st, 2026
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As a means to escape the immune system, many tumor cells express PD-1 on the surface to downregulate the immune cells that have specifically targeted them for killing. Interfere with this immune evasion method by targeting and inhibiting PD-1 had proven to be successful. The pharmaceutical RemeGen had funded a study to evaluate the added benefit of adding toripalimab - an anti-PD-1 immunotherapy - to the current therapy for urothelial carcinoma, disitamab vedotin.
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Lubiprostone and Renal Function in Chronic Kidney Disease
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on October 1st, 2025
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Lubiprostone, a chloride channel activator commonly used to treat constipation, has been linked in previous large-scale observational studies to a lower risk of renal complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To investigate this potential renoprotective effect further, the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development funded a study examining lubiprostone in CKD patients.
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Combination Therapy of Finerenone and Empagliflozin to Manage Kidney Health in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on September 1st, 2025
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Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are frequently used in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. The effectiveness of these monotherapy is clearly understood, but little is known about the combination effect. With funding from Bayer, a study was conducted to assess the dual usage of these medications to prevent kidney disease progression.
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B-Cell Depletion With Obinutuzumab & Standard Therapy in Lupus Nephritis
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on May 12th, 2025
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Lupus nephritis is a severe autoimmune condition in which the immune system produces antibodies that mistakenly target kidney cells, impairing their filtration function. Although new therapies such as belimumab and voclosporin have recently been approved by regulatory agencies in the United States and Europe, these treatments have shown limitations in clinical outcomes. Consequently, there remains an urgent need for alternative therapeutic options. With funding from Roche, a study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of obinutuzumab in the treatment of lupus nephritis.
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Efficacy of Gepotidacin Versus Nitrofurantoin for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Infections
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on May 5th, 2025
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Lower urinary tract infections are extremely common, with approximately half of all women worldwide reporting at least one episode during their lifetime. Although these infections are generally manageable with antibiotics, past misuse has contributed to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for new treatment options. Gepotidacin is a novel therapeutic agent, and GlaxoSmithKline sponsored a study to compare its effectiveness to that of nitrofurantoin in treating urinary tract infections.
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Managing Chronic Kidney Disease with Empagliflozin
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 17th, 2025
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Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that is commonly prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes. Independent of the glycemic control effect, previous study had found that SGLT 2 inhibitors can alleviate glomerular hypertension and improve renal function. With funding from Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly, a recent study explored the usage of empagliflozin in managing chronic kidney disease.
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Impact of Neoadjuvant Durvalumab on Disease Recurrence and Survival in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on December 20th, 2024
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Current guidelines for bladder cancer recommend adjuvant cisplatin chemotherapy prior to radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. However, 50% of patients experience relapse within three years. Durvalumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, can improve tumor clearance by blocking the immunosuppressive effects of cancer cells. A study funded by AstraZeneca was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of adding durvalumab to the treatment regimen for managing muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
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Evaluating the Safety and Outcomes of Kidney Transplants from HIV-Positive Donors to HIV-Positive Recipients
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 29th, 2024
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Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease, while dialysis serves as a temporary solution. However, individuals living with HIV face lower chances of receiving a kidney transplant compared to HIV-negative patients. Furthermore, HIV-positive patients undergoing dialysis are at a higher risk of death. In light of this, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases sponsored a study to explore the feasibility of transplanting kidneys from HIV-positive donors into HIV-positive recipients.
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Intravenous Amino Acid Infusion Reduces Acute Kidney Injury Risk in Cardiac Surgery Patients With Cardiopulmonary Bypass
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 9th, 2024
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Renal hypoperfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery can reduce the glomerular filtration rate, leading to acute kidney injury, which is linked to high morbidity and a significantly increased risk of chronic kidney disease and mortality. Previous studies have demonstrated that amino acid infusion may mitigate renal hypoperfusion and improve renal oxygenation. In light of this, the Italian Ministry of Health funded a study to explore the potential benefits of intravenous amino acid infusion during cardiac surgery.
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Treating Renal Cell Carcinoma with Belzutifan, a HIF-2α Inhibitor
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on Octber 2nd, 2024
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Ninety percent of renal cell carcinoma cases involve mutations in the VHL gene, which leads to upregulation of the HIF pathway, driving tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Belzutifan has the potential to disrupt this pathway by binding to the HIF2α transcription factor and inhibiting its dimerization. In light of this, Merck sponsored a study to assess the efficacy of belzutifan in treating renal cell carcinoma.
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Higher Dietary Protein Intake Associated with Reduced Mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Topic: UROLOGY
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 27th, 2024
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Older adults require higher protein intake to maintain good health due to factors like reduced physical activity, appetite, and increased insulin/protein resistance. However, for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), high protein intake can worsen their condition. As a result, it is recommended that patients with stage 3 to 5 CKD limit their daily protein consumption to less than 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. While it's well-established that restricted protein intake helps slow CKD progression, the broader impact of such a diet on overall health and mortality remains unclear.
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Felzartamab's Potential in Reducing Antibody-Mediated Kidney Allograft Rejection
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 9th, 2024
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Currently, no approved treatment exists for antibody-mediated rejection of kidney allografts. CD38, a glycoprotein abundantly expressed on plasma cells and natural killer cells, presents a promising therapeutic target. Inhibiting CD38 can neutralize these immune cells and reduce inflammation. Felzartamab, an antibody targeting CD38, was studied in a trial sponsored by MorphoSys to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing the risk of kidney allograft rejection.
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Evaluating the Efficacy of Semaglutide in Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease Among Type 2 Diabetics
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 7th, 2024
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The risk of chronic kidney disease is significantly higher in patients with type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have shown that those treated with renin–angiotensin system inhibitors and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have a reduced risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Given the growing popularity of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists like semaglutide, a study was conducted to evaluate its impact on the risk of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Effectiveness of Pembrolizumab as Adjuvant Treatment for Renal-Cell Carcinoma
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on May 15th, 2024
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There is a limited number of approved adjuvant treatment for post-resection renal-cell carcinoma. In 2021, Pembrolizumab, an antibody that targets the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) protein, was approved by the US Food and Drug administration after promising interim results. A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine provides further insights from the final phase of the study evaluating the efficacy of pembrolizumab as an adjuvant treatment for post-resection renal-cell carcinoma.
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Exploring the Efficacy of D-Mannose in Preventing Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on May 10th, 2024
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D-mannose is a naturally occurring isomer of glucose, and it can bind to bacterial fimbriae to inhibit adherence to epithelial cells. A recent publication in the Journal of the American Medical Association explored its potential in preventing uropathogen colonization in cases of recurrent urinary tract infection.
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Enhanced Antitumor Activity against Urothelial Carcinoma with the Enfortumab Vedotin and Pembrolizumab Combination
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on April 12th, 2024
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Platinum-based chemotherapy has long been the conventional therapy for urothelial carcinoma, but its efficacy remains limited, resulting in a low 5-year survival rate. Recent investigations have shown promising outcomes with the combination of enfortumab vedotin, an antibody targeting nectin-4 - a cell adhesion molecule overexpressed on tumor cells - and pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor. In light of these findings, a larger-scale study was undertaken to evaluate the enhanced antitumor activity of the enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab combination against urothelial carcinoma.
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Assessing the Efficacy of Cefepime-Taniborbactam Combo in Complicated Urinary Tract Infections
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on April 1st, 2024
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Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a prevalent illness that can be successfully addressed with beta-lactam antibiotics like cefepime, a fourth-generation cephalosporin. Nonetheless, significant resistance has emerged against these antimicrobial agents, particularly in the form of beta-lactamase. Taniborbactam, a novel beta-lactamase inhibitor, has recently undergone evaluation in combination with cefepime for the treatment of UTIs in a recent study.
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IgA Nephropathy Treatment with Sibeprenlimab
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on February 23rd, 2024
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IgA nephropathy stands as the predominant cause of glomerulonephritis. Kidney impairment arises from the formation of immune complexes, orchestrated by autoantibodies that target galactose-deficient IgA antibodies. To explore treatment avenues, a study investigated the efficacy of Sibeprenlimab in IgA nephropathy management by inhibiting APRIL, a crucial protein involved in regulating B-cell immune response.
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Comparative Efficacy of Sparsentan and Irbesartan in Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Management
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on February 21st, 2024
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Water retention regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) heightens the susceptibility to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The administration of an agent capable of inhibiting the RAAS system has demonstrated efficacy in mitigating the proteinuria linked to renal impairment. Consequently, a study was undertaken to assess the comparative effectiveness of Sparsentan, an endothelin-angiotensin receptor antagonist, and Irbesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, in the management of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
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Assessing the impact of Erdafitinib, a FGFR inhibitor, on metastatic urothelial cancer
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 17th, 2024
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Patients diagnosed with metastatic urothelial cancer are presently undergoing treatment involving cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, the eligibility criteria for this therapy are quite stringent, and its efficacy in managing the disease is limited. Additionally, second-line treatments utilizing PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors have proven ineffective. Hence, there's a pressing need for new interventions. Given that approximately one-fifth of these patients possess a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), a study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an FGFR inhibitor called Erdafitinib in addressing metastatic urothelial cancer.
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Examine the usage of short-course antibiotic therapy to treat pediatric urinary tract infection
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 15th, 2024
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Amid the escalating concern surrounding antimicrobial resistance, discussions have emerged regarding the utilization of short-course antibiotic regimens as opposed to longer ones, aiming to reduce undue selective pressure for resistant phenotypes. A recent study evaluating the effectiveness of short-course therapy for pediatric urinary tract infections has released its findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Comparing the Efficacy of Enzalutamide, Leuprolide, and Their Combination in Treating Biochemical Recurrent Prostate Cancer
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 6th, 2023
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Previous surveillance studies had observed that disease recurrence occurs in approximately 50% of prostate cancer patients who received chemotherapy. This disease recurrence is characterized by an increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and the degree of increase is inversely associated with survival. To address this issue, a study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Enzalutamide, an androgen receptor inhibitor, and Leuprolide, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, in treating recurrent prostate cancer.
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Effectiveness of Saw Palmetto Extract in Managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Topic: UROLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on November 1st, 2023
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Saw Palmetto has been widely marketed as an herbal remedy for the treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia in older males. While its usage is prevalent globally, there has been a lack of scientific research to substantiate its effectiveness. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006 had investigated the efficacy of saw palmetto in managing and preventing benign prostatic hyperplasia.
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Using a combination of Cabozantinib plus Nivolumab and Ipilimumab to treat Renal-Cell Carcinoma
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by An Duc Thien Le |
Posted on June 12th, 2023
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The immune checkpoint inhibitors, cabozantinib and nivolumab, are the first-line therapies for renal cell carcinoma; however, the effectiveness rate of these treatments can be suboptimal. Tyrosine kinase is a major signal transducer for various pathways that can benefit the tumor such as growth, angiogenesis, immunomodulation, and metastasis. Thus, it is an essential target for antitumor therapy. Cabozantinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and a study was conducted to assess its efficacy and safety when used with the immune checkpoint inhibitor to treat renal cell carcinoma.
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Using hydrochlorothiazide diuretics to prevent nephrolithiasis
Topic: UROLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on March 8th, 2023
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Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, are frequently given to prevent recurrent nephrolithiasis. However, there is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of this treatment and what the most appropriate dose would be. Thus, a study, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, was conducted to investigate the clinical effect of various hydrochlorothiazide doses in preventing kidney stone formation.
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