Mechanism of action of nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg

Effective bladder-preserving therapeutic options are needed for patients with bacillus Calmette-Guérin unresponsive non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg (Adstiladrin®) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as the first gene therapy in urology and the first intravesical gene therapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with high-risk bacillus Calmette-Guérin–unresponsive non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer with carcinoma in situ with or without papillary tumors. The proposed mechanism of action underlying nadofaragene firadenovec efficacy is likely due to the pleiotropic nature of interferon-α and its direct and indirect antitumor activities. Direct activities include cell death and the mediation of an antiangiogenic effect, and indirect activities are those initiated through immunomodulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. The sustained expression of interferon-α that results from this treatment modality contributes to a durable response. This review provides insight into potential mechanisms of action underlying nadofaragene firadenovec efficacy

An Exploration of Shame, Spiritual Practices, and Compassion in a Community-Based Group

Psychological research has explored the maladaptive role of shame in contributing to poor self-image, impaired relationships, and psychopathology. Compassion-focused therapy, offered in individual and group therapy formats, has demonstrated effectiveness in repairing shame through its emphasis on increasing self-acceptance and empathy. In settings such as the Bahamas that have experienced societal fragmentation, culturally tailored community-based group interventions may play a significant role in mitigating the effects of maladaptive responses to shame. In the present study, researchers explored whether engaging in spiritual practices within a community-based group was related to transformation and the alleviation of shame. Research questions focused on whether the group process and shared ritual practices of spirituality were significant elements of participants’ experience of transformation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 members of “The Family: People Helping People,” a Bahamas-based group resocialization program, and analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Fifty-four themes were identified and cluster analyses were conducted to assess relationships between themes based on word similarity. Themes related to spiritual practices, compassion for self and others, shame, transformation, and group process were examined. Participants noted that prayer enhanced their group experience and fostered group cohesion and increased compassion for others. In addition, group-related factors (particularly interpersonal elements) and compassion were significant in participants’ description of transformation and decreased shame. Findings support a holistic approach to addressing shame that incorporates psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions