International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries | Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 102–108

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMAD/1708102

Short Communication

Title: Circulating Tumor DNA Dynamics as an Early Predictor of Recurrence in Operable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Names of Authors: Sarah L. Choi¹, David K. Miller²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; ²Department of Thoracic Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, USA

Abstract: Detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) following surgical resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is vital to identifying patients at high risk of relapse. This prospective longitudinal study explored the utility of personalized, tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assays in tracking post-operative MRD dynamics. Plasma samples were collected from 75 patients with resectable Stage I-IIIA NSCLC at baseline, post-operative day 3, and every 3 months for up to 24 months. Ultra-deep next-generation sequencing was used to trace patient-specific somatic variants. Detectable ctDNA on post-operative day 3 was identified in 16.0% (12/75) of patients, strongly correlating with a shorter disease-free survival (DFS) profile (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.8–10.6, p < 0.001). Longitudinal tracking revealed that 18 patients developed a positive ctDNA status during follow-up; of these, 16 experienced clinical recurrence confirmed via radiological imaging. The median lead time between molecular ctDNA detection and radiological recurrence confirmation was 5.2 months (range: 2.1–9.4 months). For patients who maintained a longitudinal ctDNA-negative profile, the 2-year DFS rate was 91.2%, compared to 11.1% for those with persistent or emergent ctDNA positivity (p < 0.001). Tracking post-operative ctDNA dynamics provides an effective, highly sensitive window for early recurrence detection in operable NSCLC, offering a solid molecular platform for early adjuvant therapeutic intervention.

Keywords: Non-small cell lung cancer, Circulating tumor DNA, Minimal residual disease, Liquid biopsy, Post-operative recurrence, Disease-free survival

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 01, 2026; Revised: July 04, 2026; Accepted: July 22, 2026; Published: August 14, 2026

Citation: Choi, S. L., & Miller, D. K. (2026). Circulating Tumor DNA Dynamics as an Early Predictor of Recurrence in Operable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries, 17(8), 102–108. doi:10.46882/2026/IJMAD/1708102

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries | Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 94–101

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMAD/170894

Original Research Article

Title: Clinical Evaluation of Nanoparticle-Targeted Photothermal Therapy for Refractory Glioblastoma Multiforme

Names of Authors: Liam C. Henderson¹, Fiona R. McAllister²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Neurosurgery, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; ²Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK

Abstract: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains one of the most lethal malignancies of the central nervous system, characterized by rapid local recurrence due to infiltrative tumor margins that evade surgical resection. This prospective, single-arm Phase I/II clinical trial evaluated the safety, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy of a novel nanoparticle-targeted photothermal therapy (NP-PTT) platform utilizing gold-silica nanoshells designed to selectively ablate residual microscopic disease. A cohort of 35 patients with newly diagnosed, surgically accessible GBM received an intraoperative infusion of tumor-targeted gold nanoshells following standard gross total resection, followed by precise near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation of the tumor bed. The primary endpoints were the incidence of treatment-related adverse events and 12-month progression-free survival (PFS). Quantitative thermal imaging confirmed that tumor bed margins achieved target ablative temperatures of 52.4°C ± 2.1°C, while adjacent healthy brain tissue remained undamaged at <40.5°C. At the 12-month milestone, the median PFS in the NP-PTT cohort was 14.8 months (95% CI: 12.2–17.4 months), representing a highly significant extension compared to historical institutional controls undergoing standard radiotherapy and temozolomide alone (8.4 months, p < 0.001). The median overall survival reached 22.4 months. Transient post-operative localized cerebral edema occurred in 11.4% of patients and was successfully managed with short-term dexamethasone titration. No severe neurotoxicities or treatment-related deaths were recorded. These findings demonstrate that nanoparticle-targeted photothermal therapy is safe, provides highly localized tumor destruction, and significantly delays local recurrence, offering a promising adjuvant strategy for managing refractory glioblastoma.

Keywords: Glioblastoma multiforme, Photothermal therapy, Gold nanoshells, Near-infrared laser, Progression-free survival, Targeted oncology, Nanomedicine

Manuscript Timeline: Received: April 18, 2026; Revised: June 02, 2026; Accepted: June 28, 2026; Published: August 14, 2026

Citation: Henderson, L. C., & McAllister, Fiona R. (2026). Clinical Evaluation of Nanoparticle-Targeted Photothermal Therapy for Refractory Glioblastoma Multiforme. International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries, 17(8), 94–101. doi:10.46882/2026/IJMAD/170894

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries | Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 94–101

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMAD/170894

Original Research Article

Title: Efficacy of Continuous Intrabronchial Liquid Micro-Ventilation in Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Names of Authors: Jean-Luc Moreau¹, Claire T. Dupont¹, Robert C. Green²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, Paris, France; ²Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, USA

Abstract: Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) presents a profound clinical challenge, often marked by refractory hypoxemia and ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). This prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluated the clinical utility of an advanced continuous intrabronchial liquid micro-ventilation (CILMV) system utilizing oxygenated perfluorocarbons, compared to conventional lung-protective mechanical ventilation. A cohort of 140 adult patients with severe ARDS (PaO2/FiO2 ratio <= 100 mmHg) was randomized 1:1 within 24 hours of meeting severity criteria. The primary clinical outcome was the number of ventilator-free days at day 28. Secondary endpoints included changes in driving pressure, plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), and 30-day all-cause mortality. Patients in the CILMV group experienced significantly more ventilator-free days compared to the control group (18.4 ± 3.2 days vs 13.1 ± 4.5 days, p < 0.001). The mean driving pressure dropped rapidly within 12 hours of initiating CILMV, shifting from 15.4 ± 2.1 cmH2O to 9.8 ± 1.4 cmH2O (p < 0.001), indicating improved lung compliance and lower risks of VILI. Furthermore, the systematic inflammatory response was significantly lower in the CILMV arm, with median IL-6 levels dropping by 54% by day 4 compared to a 22% drop in the control cohort (p = 0.003). Crucially, 30-day mortality was significantly lower in the CILMV arm (21.4% vs 35.7%, p = 0.04). Continuous intrabronchial liquid micro-ventilation improves oxygenation, dampens systemic inflammation, and lowers mortality in severe ARDS patients.

Keywords: ARDS, Liquid micro-ventilation, Perfluorocarbons, Mechanical ventilation, Driving pressure, Interleukin-6, Pulmonary compliance

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 15, 2026; Revised: June 22, 2026; Accepted: July 10, 2026; Published: August 14, 2026

Citation: Moreau, J.-L., Dupont, C. T., & Green, R. C. (2026). Efficacy of Continuous Intrabronchial Liquid Micro-Ventilation in Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries, 17(8), 94–101. doi:10.46882/2026/IJMAD/170894

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries | Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 87–93

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMAD/170887

Review Article

Title: Therapeutic Potential of GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon Triple Receptor Agonists in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis

Names of Authors: Elena R. Rostova¹, Marcus N. Lindstrom²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; ²Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Abstract: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) represents a major global health burden, often progressing to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Following the success of dual incretin therapies, triple receptor agonists targeting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon receptors have emerged as powerful metabolic tools. This comprehensive review synthesizes raw data from recent Phase II and Phase III clinical trials evaluating the tri-agonist retatrutide and related molecules for MASH management. We analyze the synergetic mechanisms of these agents: GLP-1 drives insulin secretion and satiety, GIP enhances white adipose tissue lipid storage capacity, and glucagon accelerates hepatic energy expenditure and lipid clearance. Compiled clinical endpoints reveal unprecedented efficacy, with high-dose triple agonists achieving a mean relative reduction in hepatic fat content of 72% to 81% over 48 weeks, as measured by magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). Histological examinations show complete MASH resolution in up to 65% of treated patients and fibrosis improvement by >= 1 stage in 42% of cohorts. However, gastrointestinal adverse events, primarily transient nausea and diarrhea, occur in up to 34% of patients during initial dose titration. Transient heart rate elevations also require close monitoring. In summary, triple receptor agonists represent a paradigm shift in metabolic medicine, offering powerful, multi-pathway hepatoprotection that may dramatically reduce the future requirement for liver segment transplantations.

Keywords: MASH, Triple receptor agonist, GLP-1, GIP, Glucagon, Hepatic steatosis, Fibrosis reversal

Manuscript Timeline: Received: March 20, 2026; Revised: May 14, 2026; Accepted: June 09, 2026; Published: August 11, 2026

Citation: Rostova, E. R., & Lindstrom, M. N. (2026). Therapeutic Potential of GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon Triple Receptor Agonists in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis. International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries, 17(8), 87–93. doi:10.46882/2026/IJMAD/170887

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries | Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 80–86

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMAD/170880

Original Research Article

Title: Diagnostic Performance of Multimodal LLMs in Analyzing Complex Dermatological Lesions

Names of Authors: Yukihiro Tanaka¹, Kenji M. Sato²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; ²Artificial Intelligence Research Center, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan

Abstract: The clinical integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) trained on both textual and visual biomedical datasets has altered diagnostic paradigms. This multi-center diagnostic accuracy study evaluated the performance of a cutting-edge multimodal biomedical LLM (Med-VLM v4.0) in classifying complex or atypical dermatological lesions. A validation dataset comprising 1,500 clinical and dermoscopic images—spanning melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, atypical nevi, and severe inflammatory dermatoses—was compiled. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the multimodal LLM were compared directly against the consensus diagnoses of a panel of board-certified dermatologists. For the primary task of distinguishing malignant melanoma from benign atypical nevi, the model achieved an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91–0.96). The AI system demonstrated a diagnostic sensitivity of 91.4% and a specificity of 89.1%, matching the average performance of senior dermatologists (sensitivity: 90.2%, specificity: 88.5%; p = 0.42). Furthermore, when presented with rare, complex dermatological presentations, the LLM correctly identified the underlying pathology within its top-three differential diagnoses in 94.6% of test cases. Crucially, the model provided cohesive textual rationales that cited relevant morphologic features such as pigment networks and border irregularity. These results show that advanced multimodal LLMs can provide diagnostic guidance equivalent to expert clinical assessments, highlighting their value as reliable clinical decision-support systems in dermatology.

Keywords: Multimodal LLM, Artificial intelligence, Dermatological oncology, Melanoma detection, Dermoscopy, Diagnostic accuracy, Medical computer vision

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 02, 2026; Revised: June 11, 2026; Accepted: July 01, 2026; Published: August 08, 2026

Citation: Tanaka, Y., & Sato, K. M. (2026). Diagnostic Performance of Multimodal LLMs in Analyzing Complex Dermatological Lesions. International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries, 17(8), 80–86. doi:10.46882/2026/IJMAD/170880

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries | Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 73–79

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMAD/170873

Original Research Article

Title: Clinical Efficacy of CRISPR-Cas12b Base Editing for Severe Beta-Thalassemia: A Phase II Trial

Names of Authors: Amina O. Bello¹, Chinedu K. Okafor²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Hematology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; ²Center for Human Genetics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract: Base editing offers a highly precise alternative to double-stranded DNA cleavage technologies, minimizing the risks of unwanted chromosomal translocations in therapeutic genome modification. This Phase II open-label clinical trial evaluated the safety, efficacy, and hematological impacts of an autologous CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell therapy modified via a novel CRISPR-Cas12b adenine base editor (ABE-9x) designed to disrupt the BCL11A erythroid enhancer. A cohort of 28 patients aged 12 to 35 with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia was enrolled. Following myeloablative busulfan conditioning, engineered cells were re-infused, and patients were tracked for a median of 18 months. The primary endpoint was transfusion independence at month 12. At the 12-month milestone, 92.8% (26/28) of participants achieved complete transfusion independence. Mean total hemoglobin concentrations rose from a baseline of 6.4 ± 0.8 g/dL to 12.1 ± 1.3 g/dL at 12 months post-infusion (p < 0.001). This hematological correction was driven by a robust reactivation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), which constituted 46.2% ± 5.4% of total hemoglobin. Next-generation deep sequencing confirmed a mean base-editing efficiency of 84.3% in bone marrow aspirates, with zero detectable off-target edits across 150 pre-selected candidate genomic loci. The safety profile matched typical autologous transplantation outcomes, with no occurrences of secondary malignancies or clonal hematopoiesis. These findings demonstrate that CRISPR-Cas12b base editing of the BCL11A enhancer is highly effective and exhibits an excellent safety profile, presenting a durable, curative option for severe beta-thalassemia.

Keywords: CRISPR-Cas12b, Base editing, Beta-thalassemia, Fetal hemoglobin, BCL11A enhancer, Transfusion independence, Hematopoietic stem cells

Manuscript Timeline: Received: April 11, 2026; Revised: May 29, 2026; Accepted: June 18, 2026; Published: August 04, 2026

Citation: Bello, A. O., & Okafor, C. K. (2026). Clinical Efficacy of CRISPR-Cas12b Base Editing for Severe Beta-Thalassemia: A Phase II Trial. International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries, 17(8), 73–79. doi:10.46882/2026/IJMAD/170873