Ruwani Mawella, Hyung-Don Kim, Raghav Sundar, Ian Chau
{"title":"East meets West: resectable gastric cancer treatment in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors.","authors":"Ruwani Mawella, Hyung-Don Kim, Raghav Sundar, Ian Chau","doi":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2722331","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2722331","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Resectable gastric cancer remains a major global health challenge, with significant geographic variation in treatment paradigms between Eastern and Western practice. While perioperative chemotherapy has been established as the standard of care in the West, Eastern strategies have traditionally favored upfront surgery followed by adjuvant therapy. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is reshaping this landscape, raising critical questions regarding optimal integration into curative-intent treatment.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review examines contemporary evidence underpinning Eastern and Western approaches to resectable gastric cancer, including perioperative chemotherapy, adjuvant strategies, and surgical standards. Key publications, including phase II-III trials, meta-analyses, and recent guideline updates, were reviewed.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The integration of ICIs into curative-intent treatment represents a paradigm shift in the management of resectable gastric cancer, but its clinical impact is strongly influenced by regional practice patterns. Recent phase III data support the use of perioperative chemo-immunotherapy in Western treatment paradigms, whereas benefits may be more limited in Eastern settings where outcomes with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy are already favorable for earlier stage gastric cancer. Future progress will depend on refining patient selection, optimizing sequencing, and incorporating biomarker- and response-adapted strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12184,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1423-1431"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148790035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advances and controversies in chronotherapy in management of adult hypertension.","authors":"Mark Y Lee, Michael Safani","doi":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2722316","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2722316","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12184,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1391-1393"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148790133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Management of patients with thymidine kinase 2 deficiency: where are we now?","authors":"Cristina Domínguez-González","doi":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2720613","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2720613","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12184,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1379-1383"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148757878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Emerging pharmacotherapies for chronic spontaneous urticaria: spotlight on BTK inhibitors.","authors":"Ozge Sevil Karstarli Bakay, Emek Kocatürk","doi":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2720061","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2720061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) results from multiple interacting pathogenic mechanisms. Despite available treatments, a proportion of patients remain inadequately controlled, supporting the need for therapeutic options.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review examines the role of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) in CSU and summarizes the development of BTK inhibitors. Data on fenebrutinib, remibrutinib, rilzabrutinib, TAS5315, and other emerging agents are reviewed, focusing on mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety, and their potential place in practice. TAS5315 remains at an earlier stage of development, with CSU findings available from conference abstracts and registry data. The literature search included PubMed-indexed articles, clinical trial reports, regulatory documents, and congress presentations relevant to BTK inhibition in CSU.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>BTK inhibitors act on intracellular pathways involved in mast-cell activation, basophil signaling, and B-cell mediated immune responses. Studies have shown reductions in disease activity across multiple BTK inhibitors, with benefit observed early after treatment initiation in several studies. Remibrutinib is the first BTK inhibitor approved for CSU and has the most extensive phase 3 evidence. Oral administration may provide a treatment option for patients. Defining the place of BTK inhibitors within treatment algorithms and identifying patients most likely to benefit from this approach remain areas for future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":12184,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1447-1465"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148790082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cristián Juanet, María José Soler, Ladan Zand, Fernando C Fervenza
{"title":"Evaluating sparsentan for the treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.","authors":"Cristián Juanet, María José Soler, Ladan Zand, Fernando C Fervenza","doi":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2722324","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2722324","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) represents a histopathologic pattern of glomerular injury rather than a single disease entity. In FSGS, prognosis varies substantially according to the degree of proteinuria. Despite optimized supportive therapy and, in presumed primary FSGS, immunosuppression, many patients continue to manifest significant proteinuria and progressive loss of kidney function, highlighting an unmet need for new therapies. Sparsentan, a single-molecule dual endothelin receptor A and angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, has emerged as a novel antiproteinuric therapy for FSGS.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review discusses the role of endothelin-1 in FSGS, as well as the pharmacodynamic rationale, pharmacokinetic properties, clinical efficacy, and safety and tolerability of sparsentan.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Sparsentan provides antiproteinuric benefits beyond renin-angiotensin system blockade, supporting the endothelin pathway as an important therapeutic target in FSGS. However, the absence of a definitive kidney function benefit in the DUPLEX trial, together with the heterogeneous study population, limits firm conclusions. Sparsentan can be used in secondary and genetic FSGS, and in presumed primary FSGS with residual proteinuria after immunologic control. Future studies should better define the subgroups most likely to benefit and clarify the optimal dosing strategy.</p>","PeriodicalId":12184,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1407-1416"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148790114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Piero Ruscitti, Francesco Ursini, Roberto Giacomelli, Luca Cantarini, Francesco Caso
{"title":"Expanding the therapeutic landscape of still's disease: the emerging role of JAK inhibitors.","authors":"Piero Ruscitti, Francesco Ursini, Roberto Giacomelli, Luca Cantarini, Francesco Caso","doi":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2723582","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2723582","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Still's disease is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by a complex cytokine network involving interleukin (IL)-1, IL‑6, IL‑18 and interferon (IFN)-γ. Although IL‑1 and IL‑6 inhibitors represent the cornerstone of current targeted therapy, a subset of patients remains refractory or develops treatment-related limitations. Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>We reviewed the possible role of JAKis in the management of Still's disease, with a focus on their mechanistic rationale, clinical evidence, and potential positioning within current therapeutic strategies. A narrative review was conducted through a comprehensive search of MedLine via PubMed accordingly.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Preliminary evidence, mainly derived from small observational studies, suggests that JAKis may improve systemic and articular manifestations and allow glucocorticoid sparing. In addition, agents such as ruxolitinib may have a role in macrophage activation syndrome through inhibition of IFN‑γ-dependent pathways. However, incomplete modulation of IL‑1-driven and inflammasome-dependent mechanisms may represent a potential limitation in specific disease phenotypes. JAKis represent a promising addition to the therapeutic armamentarium of Still's disease, particularly in refractory cases. Further prospective studies are needed to define the role of JAKis within the treatment algorithm of Still's disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":12184,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1503-1512"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148790095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Perioperative corticosteroids and venous thromboembolism risk: a systematic review with exploratory pooled meta-analysis.","authors":"Narat Srivali, Federica De Giacomi","doi":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2723581","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2723581","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Perioperative corticosteroids suppress pro-inflammatory pathways that drive postoperative coagulation, suggesting a potential anti-thrombotic effect. No prior systematic review has examined this relationship.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We systematically reviewed studies reporting DVT or PE in patients receiving perioperative corticosteroids versus controls (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL; inception-January 2026), performing an exploratory pooled analysis using a random-effects model with GRADE certainty assessment. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 (RCT) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (observational studies).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four studies (78,282 patients) were included. Pooled DVT analysis showed a statistically significant reduction favoring corticosteroids (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.96; <i>p</i> = 0.008; I<sup>2</sup> = 0%); however, one observational study contributed 96.7% of patient-level weight, rendering the estimate functionally a single-study restatement. Excluding it reversed the effect direction. The only RCT trended toward DVT harm (RR 1.20). The PE estimate was non-significant (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.23-1.31; <i>p</i> = 0.18; I<sup>2</sup> = 47%). GRADE certainty was very low for all outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The apparent DVT benefit reflects healthy-user confounding in a dominant observational study and is unsupported by randomized evidence. A dedicated, adequately powered RCT with pre-specified VTE endpoints, is urgently needed.</p><p><strong>Protocol registration: </strong>www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero; identifier is CRD420261325249.</p>","PeriodicalId":12184,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1513-1526"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148808402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kimia Saleh Anaraki, Kashif M Munir, Stephen N Davis
{"title":"Once-weekly insulins: a paradigm shift in the management of type 2 diabetes?","authors":"Kimia Saleh Anaraki, Kashif M Munir, Stephen N Davis","doi":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2716376","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2716376","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12184,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1375-1378"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148688797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Contemporary pharmacological management of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease.","authors":"Takahiro Saito, Masaomi Nangaku, Imari Mimura","doi":"10.1080/14656566.2026.2726516","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14656566.2026.2726516","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Iron supplementation, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), and hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) are currently the main therapeutic options for anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In 2026, KDIGO published an updated clinical practice guideline for anemia management in CKD.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review summarizes the recent advances in the pharmacological management of CKD-associated anemia, focusing on iron supplementation, ESAs, and HIF-PHIs.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The 2026 KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease advocates a more proactive approach to iron supplementation in patients with CKD, based on emerging evidence, and provides guidance on HIF-PHIs, which are increasingly used in clinical practice. Robust evidence regarding the optimal thresholds for initiating iron therapy and target values for iron parameters remains lacking, highlighting the need for treatment strategies tailored to patient and regional characteristics. Although HIF-PHIs have demonstrated efficacy comparable to that of ESAs, concerns remain regarding potential increases in the risks of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events in some patient populations, additionally, their long-term safety regarding malignancy has not been fully established. Further studies are needed to establish individualized treatment strategies and clarify the long-term safety and optimal therapeutic targets for anemia management in patients with CKD.</p>","PeriodicalId":12184,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148864317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}