Disease Vs

Dr Daniel Andrews, Monash University

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العلوم

Disease Vs is all about diving into the biggest battles in modern science — from cancer to antibiotic resistance — and uncover how breakthroughs in biomedical research are reshaping how we treat diseases and deal with global heath challenges!

٢ يونيو

The Cancer Revolution: Fighting Smarter AND Harder

Ryan, Isabelle and Long delve into the ever-changing world of cancer treatments. They discuss both targeted and non-targeted treatment strategies and what the future of cancer treatment may look like! References 1. Voorhees P. Case Presentation: A 63-Year-Old Patient with Relapsed-Refractory (R/R) Multiple Myeloma [Internet]. Targeted Oncology. 2023. Available from: https://www.targetedonc.com/view/case-presentation-a-63-year-old-patient-with-relapsed-refractory-r-r-multiple-myeloma 2. Understanding What Cancer Is: Ancient Times to Present . Cancer.org. 2018. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/history-of-cancer/what-is-cancer.html#:~:text=Human%20beings%20and%20other%20animals,%E2%80%9CThere%20is%20no%20treatment.%E2%80%9D 3. Cancer in Australia statistics. Cancer Australia. 2022. Available from: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/research-data/data-and-statistics/cancer-australia-statistics 4. Cancer information and support [Internet]. Cancer.org.au. 2021. Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/ 5. What is Chemotherapy? | Chemo Treatment for Cancer [Internet]. Cancer.org. 2025. 6. Radiation therapy - Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayoclinic.org.; 2025. 7. Radiation Therapy for Cancer [Internet]. Cancer.gov. 2019. 8. Yasemin Ceyhan, Marie N, Alvarez JV. Immune cells in residual disease and recurrence. Trends in cancer [Internet]. 2023 May 5;9(7):554–65. 9. Lim ZF, Ma PC. Emerging insights of tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance mechanisms in lung cancer targeted therapy. Journal of Hematology & Oncology. 2019 Dec 1;12(1). 10. Gregory A. “Amazing” trial shows drug combination stops lung cancer advancing for longer [Internet]. The Guardian. The Guardian; 2024. 11. Xiang Y, Liu X, Wang Y, Zheng D, Meng Q, Jiang L, et al. Mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: promising strategies to overcoming challenges. Frontiers in Immunology [Internet]. 2024 Apr 9;15. 12. Personalized Medicine [Internet]. Genome.gov. 2025. 13. Rivera-Soto R, Henley B, Pulgar MA, Lehman SL, Gupta H, Perez-Vale KZ, et al. Amivantamab efficacy in wild-type EGFR NSCLC tumors correlates with levels of ligand expression. npj Precision Oncology [Internet]. 2024 Sep 6;8(1). 14. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors [Internet]. Cancer.gov. 2022. 15. Liu L, Krishnan A. Talquetamab in multiple myeloma. Haematologica [Internet]. 2023 Oct 19 ;109(3):718–24. 16. Ma Y, Gan J, Bai Y, Cao D, Jiao Y. Minimal residual disease in solid tumors: an overview. Frontiers of Medicine [Internet]. 2023 Aug 1;17(4):649–74. 17. B Martínez-Castedo, Camblor DG, J Martín-Arana, Carbonell-Asins JA, B García-Micó, Gambardella V, et al. Minimal residual disease in colorectal cancer. Tumor-informed versus tumor-agnostic approaches: unraveling the optimal strategy. Annals of Oncology [Internet]. 2024 18. Peker YS, Can MF, Ismail Hakki Ozerhan, Gokhan Yagci, Nazif Zeybek, Kutan Kavakli, et al. BRAF Inhibitors for BRAF V600E Mutant Colorectal Cancers: Literature Survey and Case Report. Case Reports in Surgery [Internet]. 2018 Jan 1 ;2018:1–6. 19. Lim ZF, Ma PC. Emerging insights of tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance mechanisms in lung cancer targeted therapy. Journal of Hematology & Oncology [Internet]. 2019 Dec 1;12(1). 20. Ahn M, Tsai C, Shepherd FA, Lyudmila Bazhenova, Sequist LV, Hida T, et al. Osimertinib in patients with T790M mutation‐positive, advanced non–small cell lung cancer: Long‐term follow‐up from a pooled analysis of 2 phase 2 studies. Cancer [Internet]. 2018 Dec 4;125(6):892–901. 21. Siravegna G, Marsoni S, Siena S, Bardelli A. Integrating liquid biopsies into the management of cancer. Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology [Internet]. 2017 Mar 2;14(9):531–48. 22. DePolo J. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) [Internet]. Breastcancer.org. 2022 . 23. Beasley D. Gilead says Trodelvy-Keytruda combo effective for aggressive breast cancer type [Internet]. Reuters. 2025.

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Exploring Approaches for Addressing Age-Related Female Infertility

Join, Joel, Linka & Govind as they explore the causes of age-related female infertility, and where in this process interventions can occur. After the age of 35, female fertility starts to decline rapidly. The team discuss possible nutritional and pharmacological approaches to slow fertility decline before ending on a discussion about fertility intervention strategies (such as IVF). References: [1] Karayiannis, D., Kontogianni, M.D., Mendorou, C., Mastrominas, M., and Yiannakouris, N. (2018). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and IVF success rate among non-obese women attempting fertility. Human Reproduction, 33(3), 494-502 [2] Baroutis, D., Kalampokas, T., Katsianou, E., Psarris, A., Daskalakis, G., Panoulis, K. et al. (2024). The Role of the Mediterranean Diet in Assisted Reproduction: A Literature Review. Nutrients, 16(16), 2807. [3] Ruder, E.H., Hartman, T.J., Blumberg, J., and Goldman, M.B. (2008). Oxidative stress and antioxidants: exposure and impact on female fertility. Human Reproduction Update, 14(4), 345-357. [4] Kabodmehri, R., Javaheri, F.S.H, Alami, F., Mahmoudi, Z., Amjadi, A., Saeedirad, Z. et al. (2023). Female infertility and dietary antioxidant index (DAI): a case-control study. BMC Women’s Health, 608. [5] Luddi, A., Capaldo, A., Focarelli, R., Gori, M., Morgante, G., Piomboni, P. et al. (2016). Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in follicular fluid of aged women undergoing IVF. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 14. References For Part 2: Pharmacological Interventions: [6] Liu, M., Yin, Y., Ye, X., Zeng, M., Zhao, Q., Keefe, D.L., et al. (2013). Resveratrol protects against age-associated infertility in mice. Human Reproduction, 28(3), 707–17. [7] Sasaki, H., Hamatani, T., Kamijo, S., Iwai, M., Kobanawa, M., Ogawa, S. et al. (2019). Impact of Oxidative Stress on Age-Associated Decline in Oocyte Developmental Competence. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 22;10, 811. [8] Wang, L., Tang, J., Wang, L., Tan, F., Song, H., Zhou, J., et al. (2021). Oxidative stress in oocyte aging and female reproduction. Journal of Cellular Physiology. 236(12), 7966–83. [9] Dou, X., Sun, Y., Li, J., Zhang, J., Hao, D., Liu, W., et al. (2017). Short‐term rapamycin treatment increases ovarian lifespan in young and middle‐aged female mice. Aging Cell. 16(4), 825–36. [10] Guo, Z., Yu, Q. (2019). Role of mTOR Signaling in female reproduction. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Oct 9, 10:692. [11] Goldman, K.N,., Chenette, D., Arju, R., Duncan, F.E., Keefe, D.L., Grifo, J.A. et al. (2017). mTORC1/2 inhibition preserves ovarian function and fertility during genotoxic chemotherapy. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 21;114(12), 3186–91. [12] Fan, J., Chen, C., Zhong, Y. (2024). A cohort study on IVF outcomes in infertile endometriosis patients: the effects of rapamycin treatment. Reproductive Biomedicine Online. 48(1), 103319. [13] Hill (2019). ‘Dream come true’: study suggests drug could extend women’s fertility by five years. News Article, Published 22/7/2024. [14] Effect of Rapamycin in Ovarian Aging (Rapamycin). Clinical Trial, Accessed 24/04/2024. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05836025 References For Part 3: Fertility Treatment (ART) Interventions: [15] Mesen, T.B., Mersereau, J.E., Kane, J.B., Steiner, A.Z. (2015). Optimal timing for elective egg freezing. Fertility and Sterility. 103(6):1551-1556.e64. [16] Armstrong, S., Akande, V. (2013). What is the best treatment option for infertile women aged 40 and over?. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 30(5):667-671. [17] Chronopoulou, E., Raperport, C., Sfakianakis, A., Srivastava, G., Homburg, R. (2021). Elective oocyte cryopreservation for age-related fertility decline. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 38(5):1177-1186. [18] Illume Fertility. Understanding Fertility Treatment Costs. Accessed on 06/05/2025. [19] Smajdor A. (2011). The ethics of IVF over 40. Maturitas. 69(1):37-40.

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No MS-ing Around: How monoclonal antibodies are revolutionising multiple sclerosis treatment

From incurable to manageable – science is rewriting the story of MS. Join Natalie, Prio, and Ethan as they explore how monoclonal antibodies are revolutionising treatment for multiple sclerosis. References: [1] MS Australia (2025). Key Facts & Figures About Multiple Sclerosis. Company website, accessed on 01/05/25. [2] Pisetsky, D.S. (2023). Pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Nature, 19, 509–524. [3] van Langelaar, J., Rijvers, L., Smolders, J., and van Luijn, M.M. (2020). B and T Cells Driving Multiple Sclerosis: Identity, Mechanisms and Potential Triggers. Front Immunol, 11, 760. [4] Korn, T. (2008). Pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis. J Neurol, 255, 2-6. [5] Huang, J.K., Fancy, S.P.J., Zhao, C., Rowitch D.J., ffrench-Constant, C., and Franklin R.J.M. (2011). Myelin Regeneration in Multiple Sclerosis: Targeting Endogenous Stem Cells. Neurotherapeutics, 8(4), 650–658. [6] MS Trust (2022). Managing Relapses. Company website, accessed on 04/05/25. [7] Ransohoff, R.M., Hafler, D.A., and Lucchinetti, C.F. (2015). Multiple sclerosis–a quiet revolution. Nat Rev Neurol, 11(3), 134–142. [8] Cree, B.A.C., Oksenberg, J.R., and Hauser, S.L. (2022). Multiple sclerosis: two decades of progress. Lancet Neurol, 21(3), 211–214. [9] Comi, G., and Radaelli, M. (2015). Oral corticosteroids for multiple sclerosis relapse. Lancet, 386(9997), 937-939. [10] Tramacere, I., Giovane, C.D., Salanti, G., D'Amico, R., and Filippini, G. (2015). Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis: a network meta‐analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 1(1), CD011381. [11] Rosenblum, M.D., Gratz I.K., Paw, J.S., and Abbas, A.K. (2012). Treating Human Autoimmunity: Current Practice and Future Prospects. Sci Transl Med, 4(125), 125sr1. [12] Alejandra, W.P., Irene J.P.M., Antonio G.S.F., et al. (2023). Production of monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic purposes: A review. Int Immunopharmacol, 120, 110376. [13] Mekala R.R., Nalluri, H.P., Reddy P.N., et al. (2024). Emerging trends and therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies. Gene, 925, 148607. [14] Polman, C.H., O’Connor, P.W., Havrdova, E., et al. (2006). A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Natalizumab for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. N Engl J Med, 354(9), 899-910. [15] Manouchehrinia, A., Larsson, H., Karim, M.E., Lycke, J., Olsson, T., and Kockum, I. (2023). Comparative effectiveness of natalizumab on cognition in multiple sclerosis: A cohort study. Mult Scler, 29(4-5), 628-636. [16] Delbue, S., Comar, M., and Ferrante, P. (2016). Natalizumab treatment of multiple sclerosis: new insights. Immunotherapy, 9(2), 157-171. [17] Chen, J., Diouf, I., Taylor, B.V., Kalincik, T., and van der Mei, I. (2022). Superior effects of natalizumab versus other DMTs on patient-reported outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 93(10), 1120-1127. [18] USCF (2025). Stephen Hauser Wins Breakthrough Prize for Role in Redefining MS. University of California San Francisco. Company website, accessed on 29/4/2025. [19] Hauser, S.L., Bar-Or, A., Cohen, J.A., et al. (2020). Ofatumumab versus Teriflunomide in Multiple Sclerosis. N Engl J Med, 383(6), 546-557.

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Sickle No More - Is Sickle Cell Disease Now Curable?

Callum, Yasindhu & Aria, explore the ever-expanding world of gene therapy and gene editing. They investigate the gene therapy interventions for sickle cell patients and consider what this means for these patients going forward. Tune in to hear all about how gene therapy is already impacting lives! References: [1] Kanter, J., Walters, M.C., Krishnamurti, L., Mapara, M.Y., Kwiatkowski, J.L., Rifkin-Zenenberg, S., Aygun, B., Kasow, K.A., Pierciey, F.J. Jr., Bonner, M., Miller, A., Zhang, X., Lynch, J., Kim, D., Ribeil, J.A., Asmal, M., Goyal, S., Thompson, A.A., and Tisdale, J.F. (2022). Biologic and Clinical Efficacy of LentiGlobin for Sickle Cell Disease. N Engl J Med. 386(7), 617-628. [2] Singh, A., Irfan, H., Fatima, E., Nazir, Z., Verma, A., and Akilimali, A. (2024). Revolutionary breakthrough: FDA approves CASGEVY, the first CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy for sickle cell disease. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 86(8), 4555-4559. [3] Ribeil, J.A., Hacein-Bey-Abina, S., Payen, E., Magnani, A., Semeraro, M., Magrin, E., Caccavelli, L., Neven, B., Bourget, P., El Nemer, W., Bartolucci, P., Weber, L., Puy, H., Meritet, J.F., Grevent, D., Beuzard, Y., Chrétien, S., Lefebvre, T., Ross, R.W., Negre, O., Veres, G., Sandler, L., Soni, S., de Montalembert, M., Blanche, S., Leboulch, P., and Cavazzana, M. (2017). Gene Therapy in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease. N Engl J Med. 376(9), 848-855 [4] Demirci, S., Uchida, N., and Tisdale, J.F. (2018). Gene therapy for sickle cell disease: An update. Cytotherapy. 20(7), 899-910. [5] Hoban M.D., Orkin, S.H., and Bauer, D.E. (2016). Genetic treatment of a molecular disorder: gene therapy approaches to sickle cell disease. Blood. 127(7), 839-848. [6] Orkin, S.H., and Bauer, D.E. (2019). Emerging Genetic Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease. Annu Rev Med. 70(1), 257-271. [7] Basu, A., Winn, A.N., Johnson, K.M., Jiao, B., Devine, B., Hankins, J.S., Arnold, S.D., Bender, M.A., and Ramsey, S.D. (2024). Gene Therapy Versus Common Care for Eligible Individuals With Sickle Cell Disease in the United States : A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. Ann Intern Med. 177(2), 155-164. [8] Jones, R.J., Kassim, A.A., Brodsky, R.A., and DeBaun, M.R. (2025). Is allogeneic transplantation for sickle cell disease still relevant in the era of gene therapy?. Blood Adv. 9(4), 877-883. [9] Goyal, S., Tisdale, J.F., Schmidt, M., Kanter, J., Jaroscak, J., Whitney, D., Bitter, H., Gregory, P.D., Parsons, G., Foos, M., Yeri, A., Gioia, M., Voytek, S.B., Miller, A., Lynch, J., Colvin, R.A., and Bonner, M. (2022). Acute Myeloid Leukemia Case after Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease. N Engl J Med. 386(2), 138-147. [10] Ball, J., Bradley, A., Le, A., Tisdale, J.F. and Uchida, N. Current and future treatments for sickle cell disease: From hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to in vivo gene therapy. (2025). Mol Ther. 33(5), 2172-2191. [11] Gray, V., Thomas, U., and Davies, K. (2024). Warrior Spirit: An Interview with Victoria Gray, Sickle Cell Pioneer. CRISPR J. 7(1), 5-11.

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Born Under Pressure: Prenatal Stress and the Child's Mind

Alexandra, Andrew & Zeyneb do a deep dive on the impacts of pre-natal stress on the developing fetus and after birth. They particularly focus on the potential impacts of stress on the child's developing brain. They also offer some strategies to manage stress for both mother and baby. Tune in to find out more! [1] Wu, Y., De Asis-Cruz, J. and Limperopoulos, C. (2024). Brain structural and functional outcomes in the offspring of women experiencing psychological distress during pregnancy. Molecular Psychiatry What happens in the womb [2] Zhu, P., Wang, W., Zuo, R. and Sun, K. (2018). Mechanisms for establishment of the placental glucocorticoid barrier, a guard for life. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences [3] Davis, E.P., Sandman, C.A., Buss, C., Wing, D.A. and Head, K. (2013). Fetal Glucocorticoid Exposure Is Associated with Preadolescent Brain Development. Biological Psychiatry, [4] Coussons-Read, M.E. (2013). Effects of Prenatal Stress on Pregnancy and Human development: Mechanisms and Pathways. Obstetric Medicine [5] Clarke, A.S., Wittwer, D.J., Abbott, D.H. and Schneider, M.L. (1994). Long-term effects of prenatal stress on HPA axis activity in juvenile rhesus monkeys. Developmental Psychobiology, 27 [6] Braithwaite, E., Kundakovic, M., Ramchandani, P., Murphy, S. and Champagne, F. (2015). Maternal prenatal depressive symptoms predict infant NR3C11F and BDNFIV DNA methylation. Epigenetics [7] Moog, N.K., Nolvi, S., Kleih, T.S., Styner, M., Gilmore, J.H., Rasmussen, J.M., Heim, C.M., Entringer, S., Wadhwa, P.D. and Buss, C. (2021). Prospective association of maternal psychosocial stress in pregnancy with newborn hippocampal volume and implications for infant social-emotional development. Neurobiology of Stress [8] Mulligan, C., D’Errico, N., Stees, J. and Hughes, D. (2012). Methylation changes atNR3C1in newborns associate with maternal prenatal stress exposure and newborn birth weight. Epigenetics [9] Meane, M.J. and Szyf, M. (2005). Environmental programming of stress responses through DNA methylation: life at the interface between a dynamic environment and a fixed genome. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience [10] Herring, C.M., Bazer, F.W., Johnson, G.A. and Wu, G. (2018). Impacts of maternal dietary protein intake on fetal survival, growth, and development. Experimental Biology and Medicine [11] Zhang, H. and Wang, L. (2013). Use of antidepressants during pregnancy: a better choice for some. Shanghai Archives of Psychiatry [12] Desaunay, P., Eude, L.-G., Dreyfus, M., Alexandre, C., Fedrizzi, S., Alexandre, J., Uguz, F. and Guénolé, F. (2023). Benefits and Risks of Antidepressant Drugs During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Meta-analyses. Pediatric Drugs [13] Expectful. (n.d.). Expectful—A Health & News Hub from Fertility to Postpartum. https://expectful.com/. [14] Porter, A.C., Hunter, S., Noonan, K. and Hoffman, M.C. (2022). A Mindfulness Application for Reducing Prenatal Stress. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 67 (4), 442-447. doi:10.1111/jmwh.13359. [15] Pregnancy, birth & baby . (n.d.). https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/about-pregnancy-birth-and-baby. [16] myGov. (2025). Mental health during pregnancy. https://my.gov.au/en/services/raising-kids/having-a-baby/before-your-baby-arrives/mental-health-during-pregnancy Bonus question [17] Rifkin-Graboi, A., Meaney, M.J., Chen, H., Bai, J., Hameed, W.B., Tint, M.T., Broekman, B.F.P., Chong, Y.-S., Gluckman, P.D., Fortier, M.V. and Qiu, A. (2015). Antenatal Maternal Anxiety Predicts Variations in Neural Structures Implicated in Anxiety Disorders in Newborns. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 54(4), pp.313-321.e2.

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The Endo-crimes of Lupus: Unravelling the Gender Disparity

Selina, Helya & Thiri take a look into the complex world of autoimmunity by taking a look at Lupus. They shed light on why 9 out of 10 people with lupus are female and how hormones can play a key role in the onset of lupus. Tune in to find out more! References: [1] Ding, Z. (2025). Week 9: B Cells and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, Lecture 32; accessed on 01/05/2025. [2] Maidhof, W. and Hilas, O. (2012). Lupus: an overview of the disease and management options. P&T, 37(4), p.240. [3] Guéry, J.C. (2019). Why is systemic lupus erythematosus more common in women? J. Bone Spine, 86(3):297-9. 4] Sachdeva, R., Pal, R. (2022). The influence of reproductive hormones on systemic lupus erythematosus. Explor. Immunol., 2(3):351-62 [5] Graham, J.H., Yoachim, S.D., and Gould, K.A. (2020). Estrogen receptor alpha signaling is responsible for the female sex bias in the loss of tolerance and immune cell activation induced by the lupus susceptibility locus Sle1b. Front. Immunol., 11:582214. [6] Dao, K.H., and Bermas, B.L. (2022). Systemic lupus erythematosus management in pregnancy. Int. J. women's health, 15:199-211. [7] Hu, C., Liu, H., Pang, B., Wu, H., Lin, X., Zhen, Y., and Yi, H. (2021). Supraphysiological estradiol promotes human T follicular helper cell differentiation and favours humoural immunity during in vitro fertilization. J. Cell. Mol. Med., 25(14):6524-34. [8] Delgado, B.J., and Lopez-Ojeda, W. (2019). Estrogen. [9] Harding, A.T., and Heaton, N.S. (2022). The impact of estrogens and their receptors on immunity and inflammation during infection. Cancers, 14(4), p.909. [10] Chen, P., Li, B., and Ou-Yang, L. (2022). Role of estrogen receptors in health and disease. Front. Endocrinol., 13, p.839005. [11] Abdolahpour, S., Abdolahi, N., Aghaei, M., Azadeh, H., and Farazmandfar, T. (2025). The Effect of Estradiol and Testosterone Levels Alone or in Combination with Their Receptors in Predicting the Severity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Cohort Study. Iran. J. Med. Sci., 50(2), p.69. [12] Parks, C.G., Santos, A.D.S.E., Barbhaiya, M., and Costenbader, K.H. (2017). Understanding the role of environmental factors in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus. Best Pract. Res.: Clin. Rheumatol., 31(3), pp.306-320. [13] Buie, J., McMillan, E., Kirby, J., Cardenas, L.A., Eftekhari, S., Feldman, C.H., Gawuga, C., Knight, A.M., Lim, S.S., McCalla, S., and McClamb, D. (2023). Disparities in lupus and the role of social determinants of health: current state of knowledge and directions for future research. ACR open rheumatology, 5(9), pp.454-464. [14] Guffroy, A., Jacquel, L., Guffroy, B., and Martin, T. (2024). CAR-T cells for treating systemic lupus erythematosus: A promising emerging therapy. J. Bone Spine, 91(5), p.105702. Links to Audio Clips & Sound effects [1] Introduction music: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/9bms0Xvzb6/ [2] Paparazzi sounds:

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Fast and Curious: Can intermittent fasting improve the efficacy of chemotherapy?

Angela, Abbie & Jasmine tackle the question, can intermittent fasting improve chemotherapy for patients? It's a wild idea but the science suggests there may just be something to it! Tune in to find out more. References: [1] Bauersfeld SP, Kessler CS, Wischnewsky M, et al. The effects of short-term fasting on quality of life and tolerance to chemotherapy in patients with breast and ovarian cancer: a randomized cross-over pilot study. BMC Cancer. 2018 [2] Cancer Council Australia. Chemotherapy. Cancer Council Australia. Accessed April 27, 2025. [3] Cancer Council Victoria. Chemotherapy overview. Cancer Council Victoria. Accessed April 27, 2025. [4] Clifton KK, Ma CX, Fontana L, Peterson LL. Intermittent fasting in the prevention and treatment of cancer. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021 [5] de Groot S, Lugtenberg RT, Cohen D, et al. Fasting mimicking diet as an adjunct to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer in the multicentre randomized phase 2 DIRECT trial. Nat Commun. 2020 [6] Gabel K, Cares K, Varady K, Gadi V, Tussing-Humphreys L. Current Evidence and Directions for Intermittent Fasting During Cancer Chemotherapy. Adv Nutr. 2022 [7] Ikoliks. Fast & Furious. Pixabay. Accessed May 3, 2025. https://pixabay.com/music/search/fast%20and%20furious/ [8] Kalam F, James DL, Li YR, et al. Intermittent fasting interventions to leverage metabolic and circadian mechanisms for cancer treatment and supportive care outcomes. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 2023 [9] Li Sucholeiki R, Propst CL, Hong DS, George GC. Intermittent fasting and its impact on toxicities, symptoms and quality of life in patients on active cancer treatment. Cancer Treat Rev. 2024 [10] Lugtenberg RT, de Groot S, Kaptein AA, et al. Quality of life and illness perceptions in patients with breast cancer using a fasting mimicking diet as an adjunct to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the phase 2 DIRECT (BOOG 2013–14) trial. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2021 [11] National Cancer Institute. Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer. National Cancer Institute. Accessed April 27, 2025. [12] Omar EM, Omran GA, Mustafa MF, El-Khodary NM. Intermittent fasting during adjuvant chemotherapy may promote differential stress resistance in breast cancer patients. Journal Egypt Natl Canc Inst. 2022 [13] Raffaghello L, Lee C, Safdie FM, et al. Starvation-dependent differential stress resistance protects normal but not cancer cells against high-dose chemotherapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 [14] Raffaghello L, Safdie F, Bianchi G, et al. Fasting and differential chemotherapy protection in patients. Cell Cycle. 2010 [15] Riedinger CJ, Kimball KJ, Kilgore LC, Bell CW, Heidel RE, Boone JD. Water only fasting and its effect on chemotherapy administration in gynecologic malignancies. Gynecol Oncol. 2020;159(3):799–803. doi:10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.09.008 [16] Roberson M. The Real-Life Diet of Longevity Doctor Valter Longo, Who Wants You to Finish Eating Well Before Bedtime. GQ. October 30, 2024. [17] Sadeghian M, Rahmani S, Khalesi S, Hejazi E. A review of fasting effects on the response of cancer to chemotherapy. Clin Nutr. 2021 [18] Safdie FM, Dorff T, Quinn D, et al. Fasting and cancer treatment in humans: A case series report. Aging (Albany NY). 2009;1(12):988-1007. doi:10.18632/aging.100114 [19] Tiwari S, Sapkota N, Han Z. Effect of fasting on cancer: A narrative review of scientific evidence. Cancer Sci. 2022;113(10):3291-302. doi:10.1111/cas.15492 [20] Voss M, Wenger KJ, von Mettenheim N, et al. Short-term fasting in glioma patients: analysis of diet diaries and metabolic parameters of the ERGO2 trial. Eur J Nutr. 2022;61(1):477-487. doi:10.1007/s00394-021-02666-1 [21] Zorn S, Ehret J, Schauble R, et al. Impact of modified short-term fasting and its combination with a fasting supportive diet during chemotherapy on the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced toxicities in cancer patients - a controlled cross-over pilot study. BMC Cancer. 2020;20(1):578. doi:10.1186/s12885-020-07041-7

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Keep up with: Antibiotic Resistance

Dima, Jacob & Jayen take a deep dive into the world of antibiotic resistance. Why is it such a big problem and why does the outlook look bleak at the moment? They also offer perspectives on the way forward and what can be done to avoid disaster. Tune in to find out more! References: 1. Lan T, Zhang B, Jin Lu Liu, Jia Q, Gao J, Cao L, Yan J, Bao Liang Li, Xiao Juan Xie, Yu Huan Xu, Hong Mei Wen. Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a Hospital Setting: A Retrospective Study from 2018 to 2022. Indian Journal of Microbiology. 2024;64:1035–1043. 2. Nimmo, G. R., Pearson, J. C., Collignon, P. J., Christiansen, K. J., Coombs, G. W., Bell, J. M., McLaws, M. L., & Australian Group for Antimicrobial Resistance. Prevalence of MRSA among Staphylococcus aureus isolated from hospital inpatients, 2005: report from the Australian Group for Antimicrobial Resistance. Communicable diseases intelligence quarterly report. 2007;31(3):288–296. 3. Zahra Osivand, Rahimi E, Amir Shakerian, Faham Khamesipour. Prevalence, antibiotic resistance, virulence and antimicrobial resistance gene profiles of Salmonella species recovered from retail beef and poultry processing environments. BMC Microbiology. 2025;25(1):174. 4. Llor C, Bjerrum L. Antimicrobial resistance: Risk Associated with Antibiotic Overuse and Initiatives to Reduce the Problem. Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety. 2014;5(6):229–241. 5. Suzuki Y, Hiroki H, Xie H, Nishiyama M, Sakamoto SH, Uemura R, Nukazawa K, Ogura Y, Watanabe T, Kobayashi I. Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from dairy cows and their surrounding environment on a livestock farm practicing prudent antimicrobial use. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2022;240:113930. 6. Kahn LH, Bergeron G, Bourassa MW, Vegt B, Gill J, Gomes F, et al. From farm management to bacteriophage therapy: strategies to reduce antibiotic use in animal agriculture. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2019;1441(1):31–39. 7. Lawes T, Lopez-Lozano JM, Nebot CA, Macartney G, Subbarao-Sharma R, Dare CR, Wares KD, Gould IM. Effects of national antibiotic stewardship and infection control strategies on hospital-associated and community-associated meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections across a region of Scotland: a non-linear time-series study. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2015;15(12):1438–1449. Background information: 8. Baylor College of Medicine. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Baylor College of Medicine. 2020. Accessed, April 25th, 2025. 9. Aleksandrowicz A, Carolak E, Dutkiewicz A, Aleksandra Błachut, Wiktoria Waszczuk, Krzysztof Grzymajło. Better together–Salmonella biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance. Gut microbes. 2023 Jul 4;15(1). 10. Drexler M. Prevention and Treatment [Internet]. Nih.gov. National Academies Press (US); 2010. Accessed, May 2nd , 2025

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Seasonal Shield for Influenza: The Science Behind the Flu Shot

Thomas, Cherry & Greta take a deep dive into all things influenza virus. They explore how the flu virus enters our cells, why the flu vaccine needs to be updated each year and current advances in flu treatment including the promise of a universal flu vaccine. Tune in to find out more! References: 1. CDC. Cold Versus Flu. Influenza (Flu). 2024. Accessed April 20th 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/coldflu.html 2. Bouvier NM, Palese P. The biology of influenza viruses. Vaccine. 2008;26 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):D49-53. doi:10.1016 3. CDC. Types of Influenza Viruses. Influenza (Flu). 2024. Accessed April 20th 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses-types.html 4. Lowen AC, Mubareka S, Steel J, Palese P. Influenza Virus Transmission Is Dependent on Relative Humidity and Temperature. PLoS Pathog. 2007;3(10):e151. doi:10.1371 5. Boktor SW, Hafner JW. Influenza. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing. 2023. Accessed May 1st 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459363/#_ncbi_dlg_citbx_NBK459363 6. Samant M, Khare P. Cytokine Response Against Major Human Viral Infections. Elsevier; 2024. 7. Australian Government. Influenza (flu) vaccine. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. 2020. Accessed April 22, 2025. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine 8. World Health Organization. History of influenza vaccination . World Health Organization; 2024. Accessed April 22, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/history-of-vaccination/history-of-influenza-vaccination 9. Trombetta CM, Kistner O, Montomoli E, Viviani S, Marchi S. Influenza Viruses and Vaccines: The Role of Vaccine Effectiveness Studies for Evaluation of the Benefits of Influenza Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel). 2022;10(5):714. doi:10.3390 10. CDC Seasonal Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Studies . CDC - Flu Vaccines Work. 2024. Accessed April 22, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu-vaccines-work/php/effectiveness-studies/index.html 11. SIlva JC. Flu shot ingredients: What they contain and why. Medicalnewstoday. May 19, 2023. Accessed April 22, 2025. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321207 12. Cleveland Clinic. Herd immunity: History, vaccines, Threshold & What It Means . Cleveland Clinic. 2022. March 16, 2022. Accessed April 22, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22599-herd-immunity 13. Gomez Lorenzo, Margarita M. et al. Immunobiology of Influenza Vaccines. CHEST. 2013;143(2):502-510. doi:10.1378 14. Kim, H., Webster, R.G., Webby, R.J. Influenza Virus: Dealing with a Drifting and Shifting Pathogen. Viral Immunology. 2018;31(2):174-183. doi:10.1089 15. Selecting Viruses for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed April 25, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccine-process/vaccine-selection.html 16. Okoli,G.N., et al. Variable seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness across geographical regions, age groups and levels of vaccine antigenic similarity with circulating virus strains: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence from test-negative design studies after the 2009/10 influenza pandemic. Vaccine. 2021;39(8):1225-1240. doi:10.1016

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Science Unmasked: Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors Make Heroic Cancer Treatments

Drug resistance is a big problem in cancer treatment. Just when you think cancer has been defeated it can come back with a vengeance. Adrian, Diya & Victoria explore the question "could targeting the hedgehog pathways for drug resistant cancers?" Tune in to find out! References: [1] World Health Organization (2024). Global cancer burden growing amidst mounting need for services. Geneva: WHO. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/01-02-2024-global-cancer-burden-growing--amidst-mounting-need-for-services [2] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023). Cancer data in Australia. Canberra: AIHW. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/overview [3] Cancer Research UK (date unknown). Types of cancer. London: Cancer Research UK. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/how-cancer-starts/types-of-cancer [4] MedlinePlus (2022). Types of cancer treatment. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000901.htm [5] National Cancer Institute (date unknown). What is cancer?. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer [6] Nguyen, N.M., Cho, J. (2022). Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors as Targeted Cancer Therapy and Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(3), 1733. [7] Jing, J., Wu, Z., Wang, J., et al. (2023). Hedgehog Signaling in Tissue Homeostasis, Cancers, and Targeted Therapies. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 8(1). [8] Nguyen, N.M., Cho, J. (2022). Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors as Targeted Cancer Therapy and Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(3), 1733. [9] Zito, P.M., Nassereddin, A., Scharf, R. (2021). Vismodegib. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513360/ [10] Wang, J., Chan, D.K.W., Sen, A., Ma, W.W., Straubinger, R.M. (2019). Tumor Priming by SMO Inhibition Enhances Antibody Delivery and Efficacy in a Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Model. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 18(11), 2074–2084. [11] Barker, C.A., Dufault, S., Arron, S.T., et al. (2024). Phase II Single-Arm Trial of Induction and Concurrent Vismodegib With Curative-Intent Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced, Unresectable Basal Cell Carcinoma. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 42(19), 2327–2335. [12] Xu, C., Wang, B., Xu, T., et al. (2025). EZH2 inhibitor and Vismodegib Synergistically Inhibit the Growth and Metastasis of Medulloblastoma. Medical Oncology, 42(6). [13] Sekulic, A., Migden, M.R., Oro, A.E. et al. (2012). Efficacy and Safety of Vismodegib in Advanced Basal-Cell Carcinoma. The New England Journal of Medicine, 366 (23), 2171-2179. [14] Chang, A.L.S., Oro, M.R. (2012). Initial Assessment of Tumour Regrowth After Vismodegib in Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma. Archive of Dermatology, 148(11), 1324. [15] Atwood, S.X., Sarin, K.Y., Whitson, R.J. et al. (2015). Smoothened Variants Explain the Majority of Drug Resistance in Basal Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Cell, 27(3), 342-353. [16] Danial, C., Sarin, K.Y., Oro, A.E., Chang, A.L.S. (2016). An Investigator-Initiated Open-Label Trial of Sonidegib in Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma Patients Resistant to Vismodegib. Clinical Cancer Research, 22(6), 1325-1329. [17] Morinello, E., Pignatello, M., Villabruna, L., Goelzer, P., Burgin, H. (2014). Embryofetal Development Study of Vismodegib, a Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor, in Rats. Birth Defects in Research Part B: Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology, 101(2), 135-143.

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Epigenetic Modifiers - can they help put the brakes on cancer?

Ben, Hailey & Ryan explore key breakthroughs which are helping us understand how epigenetic modifiers can be used to control the growth of cancer cells. Are epigenetic modifiers the next big thing in cancer treatment? Tune in to find out. Click here to view the references for the episode

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Disease Vs is all about diving into the biggest battles in modern science — from cancer to antibiotic resistance — and uncover how breakthroughs in biomedical research are reshaping how we treat diseases and deal with global heath challenges!

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Dr Daniel Andrews, Monash University
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© Dr Daniel Andrews, Monash University
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Disease Vs