Clark

Researchers are studying familial hypercholesterolemia and related lipid disorders to improve treatment and reduce cardiovascular risks. The study aims to develop a comprehensive model for both primary and secondary prevention by enhancing access to resources at the primary care and specialty levels. The goal is to identify high-risk patients through electronic health records and work closely with their primary care providers to offer thorough medical management. The study screens patients with LDL cholesterol levels above 160 mg/dL and familial hypertension signs. The approach involves contacting the patients' primary care providers via secure chat to inform them of comprehensive services, then reaching out to patients unless the provider opts out. The intervention includes supportive care that uses standard treatments along with proactive outreach, genetic testing encouragement, ongoing education, medication adherence support, lab testing, specialist referrals, and follow-up visits either in person or virtually. Consultations with pharmacists, nutritionists, genetic counselors, or specialists may be included. Participants will undergo routine lab tests and medical evaluations to monitor LDL cholesterol levels, with the primary outcome measuring the proportion of patients maintaining LDL-C below 100 mg/dL after six months. The study also tracks adherence to medications and the use of integrated care services such as pharmacy and nutrition support. Participants remain involved through ongoing communication and follow-up over the study period to assess treatment effectiveness and safety.

Researchers are evaluating the use of cemiplimab, an immune system-boosting drug, to treat early-stage cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), a type of skin cancer. Cemiplimab works by attaching to a protein called PD-1 on immune cells, helping them kill cancer cells. This Phase 3 study compares the effectiveness of cemiplimab injected directly into the skin lesion against standard surgical removal of the tumor. The research also examines the side effects that cemiplimab may cause. Participants will either receive cemiplimab injections into the tumor or undergo primary surgery, which involves removing the tumor with precise margin control methods like Mohs surgery. The study focuses on lesions sized between 1 cm and 2 cm located on the head, neck, hand, or pre-tibial area. Those undergoing surgery will have their tumors completely removed with margin assessment to ensure thorough treatment. During the study, investigators will monitor participants for event-free survival (EFS), meaning the length of time without cancer progression or other events, assessed up to one year and up to three years. Researchers will also track side effects and overall treatment response. Participants need to have good general health, adequate liver, kidney, and bone marrow function, and be physically able to undergo surgery if assigned to that group. The study aims to provide important information on how well cemiplimab works compared to surgery for early-stage CSCC.