With the changing understanding of the etiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, several new questions arise. One of them is the question of identifying the progressive phase of the disease. Can magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help in this regard?

Teriflunomide is one of the first-choice medications in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, not only in the Czech Republic. Conversely, the use of dimethyl fumarate is more limited here compared to other countries. Did the data from real-world clinical practice published this year actually demonstrate differences in the efficacy of both medications, and thus justify their classification?

More than 7 years –⁠ that is the current median survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a mutation in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene who are receiving targeted therapy. Therefore, the quality of life of patients on treatment and the search for a balance between its antitumor efficacy and adverse effects (AEs) is becoming the focus of clinical research. Recently, lorlatinib has been discussed in this context.

The treatment of patients with humoral immunodeficiency is long-term and therefore needs to be not only effective but also safe and well-tolerated. Below, we present the outcomes from an Italian real-world clinical practice study evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of human immunoglobulin for facilitated subcutaneous administration and patient satisfaction with this therapy.

The work of a team of German and Dutch authors presents data on the real clinical use of 10% subcutaneous immunoglobulin facilitated by hyaluronidase (fSCIG) in elderly patients with primary (PID) or secondary (SID) immunodeficiency.

The new recommendations from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) regarding chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) from August 2022 also include a brief summary of the most common symptoms and methods for classifying the disease based on its extent at diagnosis or in case of progression.

Targeted treatment for driving oncogenic mutations has significantly improved outcomes for patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well. A case study was recently published in the journal Frontiers in Oncology of a patient with advanced disease who achieved complete remission after several lines of therapy.

Diseases caused by smoking tobacco products are a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality. One of the options for quitting smoking is electronic cigarettes, which, although not entirely researched yet, according to available studies, genuinely help people quit smoking and are associated with significantly lower health risks compared to traditional tobacco products.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a significant risk factor for the development of heart failure. The pathogenesis of this condition is very complex, involving hyperglycemia and other metabolic abnormalities, as well as frequently occurring comorbidities such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, or diabetic neuropathy. The development of type 2 DM (T2DM) in patients with heart failure (cardiogenic T2DM) is also quite common and is primarily caused by the resistance of peripheral tissues to insulin. The result of cardiogenic DM is further progression and a worse prognosis of heart failure. Recent findings on this topic have been summarized by Greek experts in their review article for Journal of Clinical Medicine.

The oral Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) tofacitinib is currently approved for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). Its efficacy and safety in this indication have previously been investigated in randomized placebo-controlled trials. However, the study discussed below examined the drug's impact on the endoscopic and histological progression of the disease and fecal calprotectin levels.

At the 18th ECCO Congress, held in March 2023 in Copenhagen, results from a Spanish real-world study were presented. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), including the impact of this drug on extraintestinal manifestations of the disease and immune-mediated diseases.

Thanks to the expansion of modern therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, many patients now have regimens based on venetoclax. Do you want to help them better understand the practical aspects and principles of this therapy? For this purpose, the Czech Group for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (ČSCLL) in collaboration with PharmDr. Petra Rozsívalová from the Department of Clinical Pharmacy of the Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and the University Hospital Hradec Králové has compiled a new brochure. It clearly and simply informs how this treatment works, the available dosages, how to use it correctly, and the most common side effects. Of course, it includes many practical tips, such as what to do if a patient forgets to take a dose, which foods interact with the treatment, and whether it affects the efficacy of vaccinations.

One of the unique characteristics of certain microorganisms is their ability to form organized communities enveloped in extracellular polymeric matrix and firmly attached to a solid surface or interphase or forming aggregates, collectively referred to as biofilm. Clinically, the major issue is the formation of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic organisms' biofilm on tissues (such as respiratory tracts) or the surfaces of various medical devices (including catheters and implants), as it represents a dangerous complication leading to the development of chronic, recurrent, and scarcely treatable conditions.

One of the substances that could potentially influence the success of treatments for infections associated with biofilm formation in the future is erdostein. This medication is used in the treatment of both acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory system (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) usually accompanied by increased mucus production. Its effect is mediated by several mechanisms that can also affect bacterial biofilm.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has an irreplaceable role in intensive care medicine. In the context of preventing complications caused by blood clot formation, unfractionated heparin is most commonly used in patients on extracorporeal circulation. However, its administration can lead to complex coagulopathies, which may result in increased bleeding or, perhaps surprisingly, a higher frequency of blood clot formation. A unique case study recently presented by authors from Motol University Hospital in Prague demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) enoxaparin in this indication for a patient connected to ECMO for a very long duration (3 months), with several days even on two devices simultaneously.