The Prostate Health Index (PHI) is a diagnostic blood test that combines the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA (fPSA), and the isoform [-2]proPSA (p2PSA). Its use in prostate cancer diagnostics can reduce the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies compared to determining PSA alone. A recently published Czech study assessed the utility of PHI in evaluating the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. The study compared PHI values with the results of preoperative biopsy and postoperative prostate histology in men indicated for radical prostatectomy.

Polatuzumab Vedotin is a conjugate of a cytostatic agent and an antibody against CD79b, a component of the B-lymphocyte receptor typically expressed by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells. In combination with bendamustine and rituximab (pola-BR), this drug is administered in the 3rd and subsequent lines of treatment for relapsed or refractory (R/R) DLBCL. If allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is not feasible, patients with R/R DLBCL generally have a very poor prognosis, with limited further treatment options. However, at the 61st American Society of Hematology (ASH) congress held in December 2019 in Orlando, promising results were presented from extended follow-up of patients treated in clinical studies with the pola-BR combination.

The role of intestinal microflora in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including lupus erythematosus, has been discussed for a long time. An American study discovered a specific bacterium whose proliferation in the intestine correlates not only with the occurrence of the disease but also with its activity.

The second-generation antihistamine bilastine is approved in Europe for the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria from the age of 6 years. Recently, results from two post hoc analyses on the pharmacokinetics and safety of bilastine in children aged 6–11 years have been published.

Chronic urticaria is less common in pediatric patients compared to the acute form, but it always requires therapy due to bothersome chronic symptoms that reduce quality of life and disrupt daily activities of affected children. According to recent guidelines, the first-line treatment is non-sedating second-generation antihistamines, among which bilastine is included.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a risk factor for the development of various diseases, including pulmonary emphysema. Currently, it is significantly underdiagnosed, and the availability of effective treatment is a reason for conducting its screening. The Czech Pneumological and Phthisiological Society ČLS JEP (ČPFS) recommends examining AAT levels in all patients with irreversible obstructive ventilatory disorders of any origin, direct relatives of patients with AATD, and individuals with chronic liver disease of unclear origin. The RAPID-OLE study has shown that treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency modifies the course of this disease and underscores the importance of early intervention.

Treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) requires lifetime administration of weekly intravenous infusions of this substance, mostly in medical facilities. The possibility of AAT application at home is being discussed. This topic was also addressed at a symposium held during the European Respiratory Society (ERS) congress, which took place in November 2019 in Madrid.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a congenital disorder caused by mutations in the SERPINA1 gene. Although it is very well described, it is considered underdiagnosed and undertreated. A recent international survey conducted among specialists on this issue aimed to determine the current situation in Europe.

A comprehensive report by Professor John Thygesen from the University Hospital in Copenhagen analyzes patient groups for whom preservative-free antiglaucoma medications are particularly suitable. In conclusion, he suggests that if there are no price differences, widespread treatment with preservative-free preparations is preferable.

The cause of reduced quality of life in patients with psoriatic arthritis is the involvement of both skin and joints. Commonly used therapy certainly improves symptoms of both systems to some extent, but to what extent does this improvement correlate with a higher health-related quality of life? This question was addressed by analyzing two randomized studies.

Janus kinase inhibitors are relatively new and very promising drugs, but their novelty also raises the question: Are they really safe? A brand-new analysis provides the answer by examining a cohort of patients treated for the longest duration to date.

The fixed combination of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor dorzolamide and the locally acting beta-blocker timolol is indicated for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma. The comparison of the efficacy and tolerance of this combination with preservatives, associated among other things with eye irritation, and without them was the subject of the American study presented below.

Since the new type of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 utilizes the DPP-4 receptor to enter human cells, DPP-4 inhibition by gliptins could represent a potential approach to pharmacological treatment of COVID-19 caused by this coronavirus.

As of June 1, 2020, general practitioners can prescribe antidiabetics from the group of so-called gliptins, inhibitors of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4i), in addition to metformin. The cornerstone of type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment remains a comprehensive lifestyle modification (dietary measures, increased physical activity, weight reduction) and metformin as the first-line drug. In selected comorbidities or if these measures do not lead to the desired glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level after 3-6 months, the following recommendations can be followed. However, it is essential to remember that the recommendations of professional societies do not always correspond to the prescription limitations of the State Institute for Drug Control (SÚKL).

The combination of anti-EGFR therapy with irinotecan has brought benefits to patients with chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in clinical studies. Results of a study directly comparing the efficacy of two different EGFR inhibitors, panitumumab and cetuximab, in combination with irinotecan have been published in the European Journal of Cancer.