Leigh MacMillan

April 25, 2022

Molecular testing across tumor types

The KRAS inhibitor sotorasib is newly approved for one kind of lung cancer; Vanderbilt researchers ask if it should be considered for another type if the tumor has the gene mutation it targets.

April 13, 2022

Addiction researcher Nestler set for next Discovery Lecture

Eric Nestler, MD, PhD, renowned for his studies of the molecular basis of drug addiction and depression, will deliver the next Discovery Lecture on Thursday, April 21.

A VUMC study found that following up with patients within the week after their hospital discharge as a stand-alone intervention has no impact on readmissions, mortality or patient satisfaction.
April 12, 2022

Financial impact of prior authorization

Prior authorization — health insurer approval of a medical intervention prior to treatment — costs more than $40 million for U.S. academic radiation oncology practices, with questionable value added to patient care.

April 11, 2022

Peptides promote AFib arrhythmia

Peptide oligomers have detrimental metabolic effects and cause pro-arrhythmic electrophysiological changes in heart atria, suggesting they may contribute to atrial fibrillation.

Eric Skaar, PhD, MPH, Hualiang Pi, PhD, and colleagues are studying a regulatory factor in the bacterium that causes the disease anthrax.
April 7, 2022

Study advances understanding of bacterial bioterrorism agent

Vanderbilt researchers have identified a critical regulatory factor in the bacterium that causes the disease anthrax and has been used as a biological weapon.

March 24, 2022

Stress in young adult cancer patients and caregivers

Adolescent and young adult oncology patients and caregivers experience psychosocial impairment and financial toxicity at the time of cancer diagnosis, findings that will inform interventions to support patient and caregiver well-being.