Medical Bulletin 3/December/2022

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have conducted a pioneering study analyzing internet-delivered anonymous cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for people who view images or videos of children being sexually abused. The participants, who were mainly recruited via forums on the encrypted part of the internet called Darknet, reported less use of such material after therapy. The study is published in the journal Internet Interventions.

The spread of images and videos of children being sexually abused is a widespread problem. In 2021, almost 85 million files suspected to contain documented sexual abuse of children, legally referred to as child pornography, were reported to different tiplines around the world, an increase of about 30 percent from 2020.

Reference:

Reduced use of child sexual abuse material after online CBT; Internet Interventions, DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100590

Expression of estrogen-related gene can impact post-menopausal breast cancer risk

In a study using a first-of-its kind mouse model of aging that mimics breast cancer development in estrogen receptor-positive post-menopausal women, investigators have determined that over-expression, or switching on of the Esr1 gene, could lead to elevated risk of developing estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in older women.

In a second study from the same research lab, investigators found that in the specially bred mice given anti-hormonal drugs similar to those currently used by women to lower their breast cancer risk, the elevated risk of developing breast cancer due to over-expression of Esr1 could be lowered or reversed.

Reference:

Study in mice suggests that expression of estrogen-related gene can impact post-menopausal breast cancer risk and prevention strategies; American Journal Of Pathology.

Gantenerumab data presented at CTAD- ADDF statement

The phase 3 trial results for lecanemab and gantenerumab presented at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) conference demonstrate why optimal treatment of Alzheimer's will require drugs that do more than clear amyloid plaques. While lecanemab had an effect on slowing cognitive decline and removing amyloid plaques in the brain, gantenerumab had neither effect.

This was a historic Clinical Trial on Alzheimer's Disease conference, reflecting tremendous progress in Alzheimer's research and drug development. There have been a lot of encouraging news, including the lecanemab results and clinical trial data from other classes of drugs that demonstrate the diversity of the pipeline. The mixed data shows that while anti-amyloids are a promising starting point, however, there will be need for a combination of drugs aimed at different targets.

Reference:

ADDF statement on gantenerumab data presented at CTAD; ALZHEIMER'S DRUG DISCOVERY FOUNDATION