Medical Bulletin 3/February/2026

The study is published in the journal PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences).

“This combination therapy also led to significant regression of genetically engineered mouse tumors as well as patient-derived tumor xenografts, without tumor relapses,” the study authors said. Importantly, the therapy was well tolerated across multiple mouse models.

The triple combination includes an experimental drug already approved for lung cancer, a protein degrader, and an additional targeted therapy. Together, the three agents triggered complete tumor disappearance in mice, showing a potential new approach for treating a cancer that is typically resistant to conventional drugs.

Despite the promising results, researchers caution that the therapy is not yet ready for humans. Mariano Barbacid, head of the Experimental Oncology Group at CNIO, told PNAS, “Although experimental results like those described here have never been obtained before, we are not yet in a position to carry out clinical trials with the triple therapy.” Optimizing the treatment for clinical use will be a complex process requiring further research.

Pancreatic cancer forms in the pancreas, an organ that produces insulin and digestive enzymes, and is often diagnosed at a late stage. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, it is the 12th most common cancer worldwide. In the U.S., it accounts for 3% of all cancers but nearly 8% of cancer-related deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026, about 67,530 people will be diagnosed, with approximately 52,740 deaths expected.

While human applications remain years away, the CNIO findings represent a major step toward potentially transformative pancreatic cancer treatments.

REFERENCE: Vasiliki Liaki, Sara Barrambana, Myrto Kostopoulou, Mariano Barbacid. Et al.; A targeted combination therapy achieves effective pancreatic cancer regression and prevents tumor resistance; Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences; https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2523039122

New Guidelines Aim to Improve Early Detection of Cystic Fibrosis in Newborns

Updated national guidelines on cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening have been issued by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago in partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recommendations aim to improve early, accurate, and equitable detection of CF in infants across all racial and ethnic groups.

CF is a genetic disorder affecting approximately 40,000 children and adults in the United States, causing digestive and respiratory complications. Newborn screening is conducted in all states; however, variability in testing practices and genetic panels has contributed to missed or delayed diagnoses. Infants who are Black, Hispanic, or Asian are at increased risk of late diagnosis due to rarer CF-causing gene variants that are not commonly included in standard panels.

The updated recommendations focus on:

• Expanding detection across diverse populations.

• Reducing the time from birth to diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

• Ensuring early intervention to improve health outcomes.

The report highlights progress in early CF detection. In 2014, 40% of infants were evaluated after the recommended 28-day timeframe; by 2024, this decreased to 33%. Evidence indicates that infants diagnosed within the first two weeks of life exhibit improved nutrition at 1 and 5 years, leading to better growth, lung function, and overall disease trajectory.

Dr. Susanna McColley, co-author of the guidelines, emphasized the importance of rapid diagnostic evaluation following a positive newborn screen. She also cautioned that false-negative results may occur, particularly in Black or Asian infants. Infants displaying clinical signs of CF, such as bowel obstruction or growth faltering, should undergo diagnostic testing regardless of initial screening results.

The updated CF newborn screening guidelines represent a critical step toward equitable, timely diagnosis and intervention. Early detection is associated with improved growth, lung health, and long-term outcomes, reinforcing the importance of guideline implementation across diverse populations.

Source: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Prior Ischemic Stroke More Than Doubles Risk of Recurrence During Pregnancy and Postpartum

A preliminary study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2026 highlights that women with a history of ischemic stroke face more than twice the risk of having another stroke during pregnancy or within six weeks of childbirth. The conference, taking place in New Orleans from February 4–6, is a premier event for stroke research and clinical updates.

Researchers analyzed electronic health records from the Oracle Health Real-World Data database, covering hospitals across the U.S. The study included 220,479 women aged 15 to 50 who delivered between 2015 and 2025, comparing those with and without prior ischemic stroke. Participants were 60.7% White, 21.8% Black, 1.3% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 15.9% other races.

Among 1,192 women with a previous stroke, 415 (34.8%) experienced a recurrent ischemic stroke during pregnancy or postpartum, compared with 737 (0.34%) strokes among 219,287 women without prior stroke. After adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and medications, prior stroke was associated with more than a twofold increased risk of recurrence. Additional risk factors included a history of heart attack (82% higher risk) and obesity (25% higher risk).

Lead author Dr. Adnan I. Qureshi emphasized the importance of heightened surveillance for women with prior strokes. “These pregnancies should be managed at centers experienced with high-risk cases to ensure the highest level of care,” he said. Jennifer Lewey, M.D., M.P.H., highlighted the role of pre-conception counseling, interdisciplinary care teams, and proactive management of blood pressure, diet, and medications to reduce recurrence risk.

The study underscores that prior ischemic stroke is a significant risk factor for recurrence in pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Preventive care, personalized planning, and high-risk pregnancy management are critical to improving maternal outcomes. Further research is needed to refine strategies to lower recurrence risk in this population.

REFERENCE: Dr. Adnan I. Qureshi, et al.; Women with stroke history twice as likely to have another during or soon after pregnancy; American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2026, Abstract DP006; American Heart Association