MATTHEW E. ALTER, M.D.

Plain English
This study examined how certain characteristics of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a common skin cancer, relate to patient responses to a specific treatment. Researchers found that in a group of advanced cases, those with a particular type of tissue structure (called Alcian blue-positive stroma) were much more likely to experience faster disease progression while on treatment, with an alarming risk increase of nearly 24 times compared to others. Understanding this relationship could help doctors identify patients at risk for worse outcomes earlier and adjust their treatment plans accordingly. Who this helps: Patients receiving treatment for advanced basal cell carcinoma.

Plain English
This study looked at skin conditions that commonly occur alongside a serious bone disease called adult chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO). The researchers found that skin issues like psoriasis and acne often appear with CNO, and these skin symptoms can actually help doctors diagnose the condition. Recognizing these links is important for developing better treatment plans that involve both skin and bone specialists. Who this helps: Patients with adult chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis and their doctors.

Plain English
This research looked at how common sarcopenia, which is a loss of muscle mass, is in patients with solid tumors across different parts of the world. Out of 81,885 patients from 280 studies, the overall prevalence of sarcopenia was found to be 35.5%, with higher rates in Europe (45.6%) and North America (41.2%) compared to Asia (29.6%). Understanding these differences is important because it can help tailor treatments and care for cancer patients based on their region, particularly for those receiving curative versus palliative care. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing insights for better cancer care and management strategies.

Plain English
This study looked at how community pharmacists in the UK support pregnant women experiencing nausea and vomiting. Out of 157 pharmacists who shared their experiences, 90% offered advice on managing these symptoms, but just over half accurately identified a key safe medication. Many pharmacists wanted more training on this topic to provide better support for their patients. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women dealing with nausea and vomiting, as well as their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how community pharmacies in London can better provide HIV prevention medication called PrEP. Out of 110 pharmacy team members surveyed, many felt they lacked the confidence and knowledge to offer PrEP, highlighting the need for training. The findings show that pharmacies can play an important role in making PrEP more accessible, but they need support through training and public health campaigns. Who this helps: This helps patients who are at risk of HIV, as well as pharmacists who want to better serve their communities.

Plain English
This research focused on how surgery is used to treat malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer, especially in light of new drug treatments. The findings highlighted a shift away from more extensive surgeries, like removing regional lymph nodes, to a less invasive approach called sentinel lymph node removal, which is now preferred. This matters because it can lead to safer treatment options for patients while also integrating effective drug therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients with malignant melanoma.

Plain English
This study looked at how easy it is for people in London to access a preventive HIV treatment called PrEP through community pharmacies and sexual health clinics. Out of nearly 700 pharmacies studied, 543 (about 79%) provided sexual health services and many were well-suited to offer PrEP. The findings show that community pharmacies could help make PrEP more widely available and accessible, potentially reducing new HIV infections. Who this helps: This benefits people at risk of HIV, including patients and healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study examined a new method for automatically pulling medication information from doctors' notes in both French and English. The new approach performed very well, achieving accuracy rates of 82% in French and 96% in English for identifying relationships related to medications, while also being 10% less resource-intensive than existing methods. This matters because it allows hospitals to efficiently manage medication information without needing extensive computer resources. Who this helps: This helps hospitals and healthcare providers streamline medication tracking for patients.

Plain English
This study looked at hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful skin condition that can seriously affect a person's quality of life. Researchers found that many patients wait a long time before getting a proper diagnosis and treatment, which can worsen their condition and increase the need for surgery. It's important for patients to be treated earlier and better informed about risk factors like smoking and obesity, as recent advances in treatment options are now available. Who this helps: This helps patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Plain English
This study looked at how muscle loss, specifically in the psoas muscles, affects the side effects patients with malignant melanoma experience when receiving immunotherapy. Researchers found that out of 75 patients, 44% had treatment-related side effects, and 36% of those had severe reactions. Patients who had severe side effects had lower muscle mass, but overall, muscle loss alone did not predict these toxic reactions. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients by providing insights into the factors affecting treatment side effects, helping refine patient care.

Plain English
This study looked at the role of community pharmacists in recognizing and helping women with mental health issues related to pregnancy and childbirth, known as perinatal mental health (PMH) problems. It found that while 20% of women in the UK experience these issues, pharmacists often feel unprepared and lack the necessary training to offer proper guidance. Improving training and creating clear pathways for referrals to mental health services could enable pharmacists to better support these women. Who this helps: This benefits perinatal women and their families, as well as community pharmacists who want to assist them.

Plain English
This study looked at how community pharmacists in London provide healthcare advice for women planning to become pregnant or who are already pregnant. Researchers found that although many women turn to pharmacists for advice, there are gaps in what pharmacists are able to offer, especially around important topics like smoking and alcohol use. Improving education and addressing organizational challenges could help pharmacists give better support, making them a key resource for women's health during pregnancy. Who this helps: This benefits women planning for pregnancy and healthcare providers like pharmacists.

Plain English
Researchers updated guidelines on actinic keratosis (AK) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), two skin conditions that primarily affect light-skinned people and can lead to serious health problems, especially in the elderly. They focused on the causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention strategies for cSCC, providing healthcare professionals with a clearer framework for managing these conditions. This matters because better guidelines can improve patient care and reduce the disease burden. Who this helps: This helps patients, dermatologists, and healthcare providers involved in skin cancer treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at how often community pharmacists talk to patients about recognizing signs of cancer and participating in bowel cancer screening. The results showed that 82.8% of pharmacists sometimes or often encourage patients to notice cancer symptoms, but only 50.8% help patients make informed decisions about bowel cancer screening. It highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to improve how pharmacists guide patients on these important health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients by improving their awareness and understanding of cancer signs and screening options.

Plain English
This study looks at how environmental factors and lifestyle choices during pregnancy affect the health of mothers and their babies. Researchers are examining how things like air pollution and social inequality impact the risk of negative pregnancy outcomes, such as stillbirth and poor development in children. They are collecting data from pregnant women in Strasbourg and will analyze this information to understand these relationships better. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women and healthcare providers by highlighting risk factors that affect pregnancy outcomes.

Plain English
This research paper looks at how to manage advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC), a type of skin cancer, over the long term. It highlights that while the most common treatment, Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (HHIs), can work well initially, they may cause side effects that reduce a patient's quality of life, leading to treatment interruptions. It stresses the need for better treatment plans and new medications since some patients do not respond to HHIs. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at how patients with uveal melanoma, a rare type of eye cancer, are treated and monitored in German-speaking countries. Out of 70 skin cancer centers surveyed, 44 responded, revealing that most patients (70.7%) with advanced disease receive care at specialized centers, yet 35.1% of these centers do not have any screening measures in place. The findings highlight significant differences in treatment approaches and emphasize the need for clear guidelines to improve care for these patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with uveal melanoma and their doctors by pushing for better care standards.

Plain English
Researchers studied how low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) affects the severity of treatment side effects in cancer patients by analyzing data from 48 studies involving 4,803 patients. They found that patients with LSMM were more likely to experience severe treatment-related toxicity, with an odds ratio of 2.19, meaning they were over twice as likely to have adverse reactions compared to those with normal muscle mass. This is particularly important for patients undergoing certain treatments, like kinase inhibitors, which showed an even higher odds ratio of 3.08. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and oncologists as it can guide them in treatment planning and dosage adjustments for cancer patients.

Plain English
This research reviewed how community pharmacists can help improve the health of women before and during pregnancy. It found that pharmacist-led programs increased the use of important nutrients, like iron and folic acid, and helped pregnant women quit smoking. While the studies showed some positive effects—such as better iron levels and higher awareness of health needs—the quality of the studies varied. Who this helps: This helps women planning for pregnancy and those who are already pregnant.

Plain English
This paper examines how COVID-19 has affected community pharmacists in the UK, highlighting that their mental health and wellbeing have not received enough attention. The authors call for more research to understand these workers' experiences and needs during the pandemic. Addressing their mental health is crucial, as it can help improve support systems for this often-overlooked group. Who this helps: This helps community pharmacists and their employers, as well as patients relying on their services.

Plain English
This study looked at how well older adults from different ethnic backgrounds recognize the symptoms and risk factors of bowel cancer in parts of Greater London. Out of 1,013 adults surveyed, those from ethnic minority groups were less aware of symptoms related to bowel cancer, with an average of only 4.27 out of 9 symptoms recognized, and many weren't aware of a screening program, especially among Afro-Caribbean and Somali participants. This gap in awareness matters because it highlights the need for tailored education and outreach programs to improve bowel cancer detection in these communities. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those from Afro-Caribbean and Somali backgrounds, by increasing awareness and potentially improving early detection of bowel cancer.

Plain English
This study looked at how skin changes or lesions can be linked to internal cancers, either directly as cancer spreads to the skin or through syndromes related to genetic factors. Researchers found that it's important for dermatologists to identify these skin issues, as they can help in diagnosing cancer earlier. Recognizing these skin signs could lead to a quicker cancer diagnosis in patients. Who this helps: Patients with undiagnosed internal cancers.

Plain English
This study looks at cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a common skin cancer that makes up 20% of skin tumors. It highlights that the best treatment is to completely remove the cancerous area and confirm its removal with further testing. For higher-risk cases, such as those with tumors thicker than 6 mm, additional tests like lymph node biopsies may be needed and new treatments may include targeted therapies or immunotherapy. Who this helps: Patients with skin cancer, especially those at higher risk for aggressive disease.

Plain English
This study looked at how patients in Germany and Austria with advanced BRAF-mutant melanoma are being treated between 2016 and 2018. Out of 99 patients, 80.8% were at stage IV, and most received targeted therapy (TT) as their first treatment rather than immunotherapy (IO), with 59.6% getting TT compared to 40.4% for IO. This research matters because it shows that patients are getting treatments that follow clinical guidelines, which can help improve their chances of survival. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced melanoma and their doctors by providing insights into current treatment practices.

Plain English
This study looked at how doctors, nurses, and pharmacists in the UK manage asthma medications, specifically when to lower the dosage. Researchers found that many healthcare providers rarely decrease medication, with 42.7% of doctors and 46.3% of nurses doing so infrequently. The main reasons for this included a lack of awareness, confidence, and clear guidance on how to step down medication effectively. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with asthma by promoting safer and more effective treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at how certain green pigments used in historical paintings darken over time, specifically copper acetate and copper resinate, which were popular from the 15th to 17th centuries. Researchers found that when these pigments are exposed to light, they change chemically and darken significantly, which can be traced back to the replacement of their bonding agents with oxygen from the air, causing a notable change in their appearance. Understanding why these pigments darken helps conservators better preserve and restore old artworks. Who this helps: This benefits artists, art conservators, and museums working to maintain historical paintings.

Plain English
This study looked at how a substance called ADMA in the blood can predict serious kidney problems in patients with mild kidney issues or diabetes who are undergoing a heart procedure using contrast medium. They found that higher levels of ADMA 24 hours after the procedure were linked to worse outcomes, such as needing dialysis or having a significant rise in kidney function tests, with an ability to correctly identify at-risk patients 65% to 89% of the time. This is important because it helps doctors identify patients who may be at risk of serious kidney damage after a common medical procedure, allowing for better care and monitoring. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes or mild kidney issues undergoing heart procedures.

Plain English
This study looked at how two different medications, linagliptin and telmisartan, can help protect the kidneys in rats that had most of their kidneys removed (5/6 nephrectomy). It found that linagliptin reduced kidney damage by 48% and significantly lowered harmful protein levels in urine by 66%, while telmisartan lowered blood pressure and reduced urinary protein levels by 92%. These results matter because they show that both drugs can help prevent kidney disease progression, but they do so through different biological pathways. Who this helps: Patients with chronic kidney disease and their doctors.

Plain English
This research paper focuses on skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is a common form of skin cancer, especially among Caucasians. The study found that complete surgical removal of the cancer is the best treatment, and for thicker tumors (over 6 mm), a specific type of biopsy called sentinel lymph node biopsy can be considered, although its benefits are still being studied. This matters because it informs treatment options and follow-up care for patients, emphasizing the need for tailored monitoring based on individual risk factors. Who this helps: Patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and their doctors.

Plain English
This research paper looks at basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer, especially in fair-skinned people. In Germany, around 63 women and 80 men per 100,000 people are diagnosed with it each year. The study discusses the importance of early detection using advanced diagnostic tools and highlights that the standard treatment involves surgically removing the cancerous tissue, sometimes using specialized methods depending on the case's complexity. Who this helps: This benefits patients with basal cell carcinoma and their doctors by improving diagnosis and treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at how a specific substance (ET-1) in urine changes after diabetic patients or those with mild kidney issues were exposed to contrast media during a medical procedure called coronary angiography. Researchers found that after the procedure, levels of ET-1 in urine decreased significantly, indicating a change in kidney function, but these changes were not linked to serious complications like needing dialysis or rehospitalization over the following 90 days. This information is important because it helps medical professionals understand the effects of contrast media on kidney function in at-risk patients. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes and mild kidney problems undergoing procedures that use contrast media.

Plain English
Researchers studied how genes in a specific brain region called the dentate gyrus respond to the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) and how this affects behavior in mice. They found a clear pattern in gene changes linked to how well the mice responded to fluoxetine; for instance, specific gene activity was closely tied to antidepressant-sensitive behaviors. This information is important because understanding these gene responses can help improve treatments for patients who don't respond to standard antidepressants. Who this helps: This research benefits patients struggling with depression, particularly those who do not find relief from usual treatments.

Plain English
This study looked at organ transplant recipients who often develop non-melanoma skin cancers, which can be aggressive and hard to treat. Researchers found that switching their immunosuppressive medications to mTOR-inhibitors like everolimus or sirolimus led to a significant decrease in new skin cancers: before the switch, patients had 16 squamous cell cancers and 22 cases of Bowen's disease, but after the switch, only 2 new squamous cell cancers and 3 new cases of Bowen's disease appeared within a year. This matters because it shows a possible treatment strategy that can reduce the burden of skin cancer in these vulnerable patients. Who this helps: Patients who have received organ transplants and are at risk for non-melanoma skin cancers.

Plain English
This paper looks at squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer that is becoming more common, especially in older people as life expectancy rises. It highlights that while SCC usually has a good outlook, advanced forms are serious, with survival rates dropping to below 20% for patients with regional lymph node spread and below 10% for those with distant spread. Understanding these risks is important for better treatment and management of SCC in vulnerable patient groups. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

Plain English
This study looked at the effects of a medication called linagliptin on kidney damage in mice with type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that linagliptin helped reduce protein in the urine and lessen kidney injury over three months, while a common blood pressure medication (enalapril) did not have a significant impact on blood sugar or blood pressure. This is important because it shows that linagliptin may protect kidneys even without affecting glucose or blood pressure, potentially benefiting those with diabetic kidney complications. Who this helps: Patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney problems.

Plain English
This study looked at how a condition called oral lichen planus, which causes inflammation in the mouth, can sometimes lead to a type of cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Researchers found that this cancer develops in 1-2% of people with oral lichen planus. Understanding this connection is important for patients so they can be monitored for potential cancer development. Who this helps: Patients with oral lichen planus.

Plain English
This study focused on treating advanced skin cancer known as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) using an drug called cetuximab, which blocks a specific protein (EGFR) involved in tumor growth. Two patients with advanced cSCC were treated with cetuximab, and the findings highlight a growing interest in using EGFR inhibitors for this type of cancer, especially when other treatment options haven't worked. This matters because there are limited effective treatments for older patients with this aggressive skin cancer, and finding new options could improve their care. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who have exhausted other treatment options.