April 10, 2025
Research & Scholarship Showcase
An annual event that showcases scholarship activities from various health care programs across Manchester and Worcester campuses of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. This year thirty abstracts submitted by students, graduate students, postgraduate residents, and fellows were accepted and will be presented in a poster format.
Showcase Planning Committee Members:
School of Pharmacy, Worcester/Manchester
Matthew Metcalf and Alok Sharma (co-chairs)
Kaelen Dunican, Helen Pervanas, Holly Baker, Darlene DiTommaso, and Eva Shqina
New England School of Acupuncture, Worcester
Stephen Cina
School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics, Worcester
Jeff Hill
School of Optometry, Worcester/Manchester
Lawrence Baitch
Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, Worcester
Irina Smilyanski
School of Nursing, Worcester
Edie Hamilton, Erica Bush
School of Physical Therapy, Worcester
Christopher Joyce
School of Physician Assistant Studies, Worcester/Manchester
Linda Martino
School of Occupational Therapy, Manchester
Heidi Robertson
18 19 A Program Plan to Prevent Mental Health Issues in the Latino Population in Worcester, MA
An Evaluation of Innovative Therapeutic Strategies for Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Current and Emerging Approaches
20 Regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medical Devices
21 Somatic Mutation Analysis in Pancreatic Cancer Patients Responsive to 5-FU Therapy
22 Therapeutic Potential of Glycosylation Inhibition in Multiple Myeloma
23 Overcoming Barriers in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Through Glycosylation Inhibition
24 Application of computer vision quantitative analysis of a non-animal model plant drug assay
25 Asymptomatic Geriatric Keratoconus
26 Visual Decline in a Post-Cataract Surgery Patient: The Role of Posterior Capsular Opacification and Incidental Asteroid Hyalosis
27 Radiation Related Band Keratopathy
28 Applications of Wavefront Aberrometry in the Diagnosis of Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome
29 Investigating a New Prismatic Device for Homonymous Hemianopia
30 Decentralized Clinical Trials: The Future of Clinical Research
Abstract: 1
Unveiling
Fitness
Professionals' Perspectives: Barriers and Facilitators to Inclusive Programs
for Adults with Disabilities
Author(s): Ally Steinberg, Sara Amer, Caitlin Cogan, Holly Parisi, Courtney Schoeplein, Danielle Bellows
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Danielle Bellows
Program/School: Physical Therapy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose/Hypothesis: Despite extensive research on challenges people with disabilities face in accessing community-based fitness, few studies explore fitness professionals' perspectives. This qualitative study aimed to identify perceived barriers and facilitators influencing fitness professionals' ability to provide inclusive fitness for adults with intellectual or physical disabilities. Number of Subjects: 10 fitness professionals (3 gym owners, 3 facility leaders, 4 trainers) with varied experience in inclusive fitness.
Materials and Methods: Participants were recruited through purposive snowball sampling. Data were collected via individual online semi-structured interviews. Six researchers summarized each interview and analyzed verbatim transcripts using directed qualitative content analysis. Barriers and facilitators were coded deductively to domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Participants provided feedback on interview summaries and themes.
Results: The most relevant TDF domains for barriers were knowledge of health conditions, lack of confidence and skills in adapting activities to individual goals and abilities, inadequate financial resources, and fear of causing harm. Primary facilitators included formal training, a culture of inclusion, mentoring programs, and engaging people with disabilities in program design. Participants identified integrating inclusive fitness into initial certification programs and increasing awareness by leveraging social media and public health messaging as crucial to improving access.
Conclusions: This study addresses a critical gap and provides a foundation for future initiatives by applying the TDF to understand barriers/facilitators fitness professionals encounter for inclusive fitness. Key recommendations include integrating inclusive fitness education into fitness and healthcare professional training, developing mentoring programs, fostering collaboration between rehabilitation and fitness professionals, and implementing public health messaging. Future research using an implementation science lens should explore effective strategies to address barriers and leverage facilitators when implementing inclusive fitness. This approach must recognize the complex interaction between individual behavior change and system-level factors for all participants and providers.
Clinical Relevance: Over 61 million U.S. adults, including those with childhood-onset conditions, live with disabilities. Current healthcare trends toward shorter episodes and less rehabilitation funding, along with elevated risk for secondary impairments, place this population at risk for a lower quality of life. Implementing these findings could increase access to inclusive fitness, potentially reducing healthcare costs, improving long-term outcomes, and fostering greater social inclusion and community participation for these individuals. Pediatric therapists can support fitness professionals and facilitate a preventative approach to managing childhood-onset conditions in adulthood by collaborating to support appropriate physical activity across the lifespan.
Abstract: 2
Targeting Chagas: Exploring Novel Drug Candidates
Author(s):
Sona Mathew, Thi My Tien Bach, Younghoon Chung, Kaval Mahendrakumar Patel, Carolyn Friel
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Carolyn
Friel
Program/School: School of Pharmmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose/Hypothesis: "Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a significant public health challenge with millions of people at risk of infection. Given the limited efficacy, high toxicity, and emerging drug resistance of current therapies, this study aims to address the challenges of Chagas disease by developing safer and more effective treatments. We focused on synthesizing, purifying, and characterizing novel compounds to expand the structure-activity relationships of anti-Chagas compounds.
Materials and Methods: The synthesis of 6 novel compounds was conducted using starting materials provided by the Open Synthesis Network (OSN) of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). Structural modifications were introduced via reductive amination by combining DNDi’s pyridinylpyrazoles with an aldehyde. Reaction progression was monitored via thin-layer chromatography (TLC) employing optimized solvent systems. Upon completion, the reaction mixtures underwent workup and purification using Isolera Prime chromatography, with recrystallization applied as necessary to enhance purity. Structural confirmation was conducted through proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The purified derivatives were subsequently prepared for bioactivity assessment against parasitic targets at DNDi. Additionally, the AI-powered platform AIDDISON was utilized to accelerate drug discovery by predicting effectiveness in Chagas disease, potential cardio/liver toxicity, and solubility.
Results: Six compounds were synthesized with yields ranging from 0% to ~100%. Proton and Carbon NMRs confirmed their identity. AIDDISON software was used to predict efficacy and toxicity. All compounds were predicted to be efficacious. Two compounds (SM2-1 and YH 2-1) had the best predicted solubility with no predicted toxicity. Of these two, only SM2-1 was successfully synthesized. While YH2-1 failed to yield a product, YH3-1 exhibited an anomalous 107% yield due to incomplete solvent removal, preventing successful recrystallization. SM1-2, SM2-1, KP2-1, and KP31 TT 5 were synthesized with their melting points determined. The synthesized compounds were submitted to the DNDi Open Synthesis Network for IC50 evaluation against T. cruzi.
Conclusions: Our study successfully synthesized and characterized six novel compounds, with AIdriven predictions suggesting potential efficacy against T. cruzi and identifying SM2-1 as the most promising candidate due to its predicted solubility and lack of toxicity. Pending biological assay data will be used to refine AI-generated predictions and enhance its potential for guiding future drug discovery efforts.
Clinical Relevance: Our study successfully utilized reductive animation using DNDi starting materials and two aldehydes to synthesize and purify 6 novel compounds. The AIDDISON platform enabled AIdriven predictions of activity and toxicity which will drive future compounds to target. Our study contributed to the development of novel anti-parasitic compounds and structure-activity relationship (SAR) data. Given the limitations of current therapies, the synthesis and evaluation of new compounds offer a promising avenue for drug discovery, addressing the urgent need for improved treatments for this neglected tropical disease."
Abstract: 3
Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections in high risk patients with or without HIV
Author(s): Emily Ly, Kimberly Forbes, Alyssa Reis, Priya Sanghvi, Linda Spooner, Matthew Silva
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Matthew Silva
Program/School: School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): Fellowship, Sanofi and "Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, UMass-Chan Medical School Family Health Center of Worcester"
Purpose: Rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) following high-risk sexual encounters necessitate novel interventions to prevent infection, transmission, and late infectious complications. This pooled analysis evaluates the efficacy of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in reducing STI incidence among high-risk individuals.
Methods: A literature search was conducted to identify reports of randomized, controlled trials of doxycycline PEP from January 2010-August 2024. Trials using doxycycline 100-200 mg as PEP within 72 hours of high-risk sexual encounters with a follow-up period of up to 14 months were included. MetaInsight (a Bayesian network meta-analysis application) was used to create pairwise Frequentist and Bayesian Odds ratios using random effects models with 95% credible intervals for the outcomes of interest including any STI, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in individuals with HIV and without HIV.
Results: Five randomized, open-label trials met the criteria and were included in this evidence synthesis. All studies focused on the use of doxycycline PEP for the prevention of STIs in high-risk groups. Four studies primarily investigated the efficacy of doxycycline PEP among men who have sex with men (MSM) and one study included a cohort of high-risk women. Adherence to doxycycline was higher in MSM studies (66-80%) and lower in the cohort of high-risk women (40%).
Directionally, PEP reduced the risk of STIs, mostly using a Frequentist model. The Frequentist model found that for the HIV- cohort, there was a reduction in the rates of any STI (0.15, CI 0.03-0.81), chlamydia (0.22, CI 0.08- 0.59), and syphilis (0.15, CI 0.1-0.22). For the HIV+ cohort, there was a reduction in the rates of any STI (0.11, CI 0.02-0.62), chlamydia (0.22, CI 0.1- 0.45), syphilis (0.23, CI 0.06-0.82), and gonorrhea (0.36, CI 0.19-0.7). The Bayesian model found that for the HIV- cohort, there was a reduction in the rates of chlamydia (0.21, CI 0.05-0.84), and syphilis (0.15, CI 0.48-0.52). For the HIV+ cohort, there was a reduction in the rate of chlamydia (0.21, CI 0.047- 0.88) only.
Discussion: Frequentist meta-analysis found PEP effective for any STI, chlamydia and syphilis for HIV+ and HIV- groups and Bayesian analysis found only benefit against chlamydia. Differential findings are due to variance and heterogeneity in the effect sizes for each endpoint in the component studies, particularly between the HIV- and HIV+ groups and in the single available study including women. Adherence to PEP varied, suggesting the need for tailored intervention strategies to enhance compliance, especially among high-risk women.
Conclusion: This evidence synthesis highlights the potential of doxycycline as effective PEP for reducing STI incidence among high-risk populations, taken within 72 hours of exposure.
Abstract: 4
Exploring the diversity of 24 character strengths across functional areas: Insights from the MCPHS Fellowship program
Author(s): Amanda Idusuyi, Emma Jochem, Morenike Ogunnaike, Matthew Silva
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Matthew Silva
Program/School: PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): Sanofi
Purpose: This study explored the character strengths of pharmaceutical industry fellows using the VIA Character Strengths Questionnaire in a retrospective, observational cohort. We aimed to identify correlations between character strengths and fellowship functional areas, examining trends that might influence fellows’ decisions in selecting a functional area. This work sought to determine whether self-assessed strengths aligned with fellowship roles.
Methods: The VIA Character Strengths Questionnaire was administered to MCPHS
Biopharmaceutical Industry Fellows (2023-2026) across all programs. The survey was distributed during a professional development event and first-year academic orientation. Participants accessed the survey via a QR code and completed it within a month. The Qualtrics form collected fellows’ top five character strengths and their functional area, categorized into four domains: Medical, Commercial, Regulatory, and Clinical Development. Demographic information, rankings (1-5), quartile position within the cohort, and role functions were gathered. Data analysis included correlation testing to evaluate associations between strengths and functional areas. Normally distributed data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation with pairwise t-tests, while nonnormally distributed data were assessed using median and range with Wilcoxon rank tests.
Results: A total of 96 items per individual were used to measure 24 character strengths across the four functional areas. This led to 144 pairwise comparisons. Since most distributions were nonnormal, medians and ranges were used for reporting, with non-parametric tests applied. Median character strength scores ranged from 3.5-4.25 (on a 1-5 scale), with the highest scores in Humanity, Transcendence, and Wisdom. Ten items showed nominal differences across functional areas. Correlations between strength components were consistent with prior VIA validation. Commercial, Clinical Development, and Medical fellows scored higher than Regulatory fellows in Transcendence (p < 0.048), while Clinical Development and Medical fellows scored higher than Regulatory fellows in Wisdom (p < 0.046). Commercial fellows had higher Courage scores than Medical or Regulatory fellows (p < 0.049).
Discussion: The VIA Character Strengths Questionnaire provided insights into MCPHS
Biopharmaceutical Industry Fellows’ strengths and their alignment with functional areas. While individual strengths varied, some trends emerged. However, given the small sample size and response variability, nominal statistical differences should be interpreted with caution. The 144 pairwise comparisons mean some findings may be significant due to chance rather than actual relationships between strengths and functional area selection.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that certain character strengths may influence fellows' decisions when selecting functional areas and could help program directors facilitate discussions on role alignment. We do not consider the VIA instrument reliable for recruitment decisions.
Abstract: 5
Novel Insights into Ewing Sarcoma: Pathogenesis, Conventional Treatment Options and Nanotherapeutics
Author(s): Simoun Banoud, Charlotte Bouchard, Ashley Silva, and Robert B. Campbell
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Robert B. Campbell
Program/School: School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose/Hypothesis: Ewing sarcoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the bones or the soft tissue surrounding the bones. Children and adolescents between the ages of 10 to 20 years old are primarily affected. Despite advances in standard therapy survival rates remain poor for metastatic and recurrent cases. The literature-based study investigates current treatment strategies, effectiveness, toxicity profiles, and the potential use of nanotherapeutics to improve treatment outcomes.
Methods: This comprehensive literature review on Ewing sarcoma examines preventive measures, high-dose chemotherapy regimens, and local control strategies, including surgery and radiation therapy, as well as emerging approaches in nanomedicine. The literature-based investigation included, conventional treatment modalities, limitations, and innovative nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity.
Results: Localized Ewing sarcoma responds well to standard chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (VDC) alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide (IE), achieving a 4-year event-free survival rate of 82%. However, metastatic cases show significantly lower outcomes, with a 5-year survival rate of 20-30%. High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation provide limited benefits. Recent studies on nanoparticle formulations, such as albumin-bound paclitaxel (Abraxane) and irinotecan-liposome conjugates (Onivyde), demonstrate improved drug bioavailability, tumor targeting, and reduced adverse effects compared to conventional chemotherapy.
Discussion: While conventional treatment improves survival rates in localized cases, metastatic and recurrent Ewing sarcoma present significant treatment challenges. Chemoresistance and systemic toxicity limit the effectiveness of high-dose chemotherapy. Nanotherapeutics present a promising alternative by improving drug delivery specificity, prolonging drug circulation, and reducing offtarget toxicity. Preclinical and early-phase clinical trials suggest nanoparticles can overcome resistance mechanisms, though further research is needed to validate efficacy & safety.
Conclusions Implications: Ewing sarcoma treatment remains suboptimal for metastatic and recurrent cases, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. Nanoparticle-based therapies hold potential for improving outcomes through targeted drug delivery. Future research should focus on optimizing nanoparticle formulations, and integrating nanomedicine into standard treatment protocols to enhance Ewing sarcoma patients' survival and quality of life.
Abstract: 6
Discovery of a Novel Isoform of RPGR (Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator), a Retinal Disease Gene
Author(s): Carolyn Ly, Julia Najjar, Mahesh Shivanna
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Mahesh Shivanna
Program/School: OPT.OD/School of Optometry
Affiliate(s): UMASS Medical School, Worcester, MA
Purpose: The retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene is mutated in >60% of cases with Xlinked forms of retinal degeneration. The RPGR gene encodes distinct isoforms (RPGRconst: encoded by 19 exons in humans and 18 exons in mice and RPGRORF15: terminates in intron 15). The terminal exon ORF15 accounts for >70% of RPGR patients. However, the role of RPGRORF15 isoform is unclear. This is largely due to the lack of RPGR isoform-specific mutant animal models. The objective of the current study was to identify the RPGRORF14/15 isoforms in mice.
Methods: Experiments were performed using wild type C57BL6/J mouse retina. RNA was isolated using miRNeasy mini kit from Qiagen. Reverse Transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using Superscript IV first strand cDNA synthesis kit and GXL DNA polymerase kit from Takara. Agarose gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the DNA. The amplified products were gel-elated and analyzed by Sanger sequencing.
Results: We found considerable heterogeneity in mouse Rpgr isoform expression using different primer combinations. Sequence analysis revealed that the mouse RpgrORF15 isoform always contained exon 14, which was absent from the Rpgrconst isoform.
Conclusions: Our results have identified a new exon 14 in the mouse RpgrORF15 isoform. In fact, a human disease mutation in RPGR is located in this exon in mice. Further studies are underway to characterize the retinal degeneration phenotype in a mouse model with a mutation in exon 14.
Significance: There is an ever-increasing need to address the loss of vision in Retinitis Pigmentosa patients who inherit defective genes leading to death of light sensing cells (photoreceptors) in the retina. RPGR is a key gene required for normal development of photoreceptors. RPGR mutations have been identified in > 60% of patients with X-Linked form of Retinitis Pigmentosa. The results from this study will help in characterizing retinal degeneration in a mouse model with mutation in exon 14.
Abstract: 7
Differences in Expression of RPGR Gene Isoforms in Human Fibroblasts
Author(s):
Julia Najjar, Carolyn Ly, Mahesh Shivanna
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Mahesh Shivanna
Program/School: OPT.OD/School of Optometry
Affiliate(s): UMASS Medical School, Worcester
Purpose: Mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene are associated with the majority of X-linked forms of retinal degeneration. The RPGR patients exhibit considerable clinical heterogeneity, which is likely due to alternative splicing of the RPGR gene. Our goal is to understand the mode of RPGR pathogenesis. We hypothesize that delineating the RPGR expression patterns will provide clues to the associated clinical variability. The objectives of the current study are to understand the variations in RPGR isoform expression among controls.
Methods: Experiments were performed using 4 control human fibroblast cells. The cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 media containing 10% fetal serum. RNA was isolated using miRNeasy mini kit from Qiagen. Reverse Transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using Superscript IV first strand cDNA synthesis kit and GXL DNA polymerase kit from Takara. Agarose gel electrophoresis was used to identify any types of isoforms present.
Results: We found that RPGR isoforms show distinct patterns of expression in the control samples. Although some higher molecular weight isoforms were consistently detected in all samples, other isoforms showed varied expression patterns. Further studies are underway to validate these data by immunoblotting using isoform-specific antibodies.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that comprehensive analysis of RPGR isoform expression is critical for delineating the variable pathogenesis associated with RPGR.
Significance: Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a severe neurodegenerative disease characterized by degeneration of photoreceptors that are considered as light sensing cells of the retina. This disease can lead to progressive vision loss or blindness depending on the severity of the disease. Currently, the RPGR gene mutations account for majority of X-linked forms of RP. This study can serve as a basis for further understanding the clinical variability seen in RP patients with inherited RPGR mutations.
Abstract: 8
Targeting Chagas: Exploring Novel Drug Candidates
Author(s):
Thi My Tien Bach, Carolyn Friel
Faculty
Advisor/Principal Investigator: Carolyn Friel
Program/School: PHARMD.DPH/School
of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose/Hypothesis: With the dramatic progression of technology, artificial intelligence has developed as a powerful tool for optimizing drug discovery in terms of time, efficiency, effectiveness and safety. By utilizing AIDDISON, machine learning algorithms were applied to enhance the efficiency of traditional methods by identifying high-potential drug candidates while simultaneously predicting their solubility, cardiotoxicity (hERG) and hepatotoxicity (HepG2). This study aims to explore the application of AIDDISON in identifying novel therapeutic agents against T.Cruzi.
Descriptive/Methods/Materials: A total of 135 chemical compounds synthesized by Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences were analyzed using the AIDDISON platform. Candidate selection was based on anti-chagas activity, toxicity predictions (hERG, HepG2), solubility, permeability (CaCO-2) and synthetic accessibility to determine the feasibility for synthesis. The compound with the highest predicted potential was further modified through pharmacophore modeling to generate alternative compounds with optimized properties. Finally, the new identified product was utilized in CAS Scifinder to identify cost-effective materials with the highest synthetic feasibility
Results: Following optimization in AIDDISON platform, 13 compounds were predicted to have high therapeutic potential. Subsequently, pharmacophore algorithms were applied to generate an additional 300 new compounds. Among these, only 54 compounds exhibited strong therapeutic potential. With the assistance of CAS Scifinder, 5 compounds were identified as having the highest efficacy with minimized toxicity and low cost of synthesis. The algorithms successfully achieved an accuracy of 70%-80% in predicting therapeutic potential.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated the effectiveness of AIDDISON in accelerating drug discovery for Chagas disease by optimizing compound selection through machine learning algorithms. The findings highlight the value of AI-powered approaches in reducing time-consuming processes and enhancing therapeutic development for neglected disease. Future studies will focus on molecular docking to deepen the understanding of the structure-activity relationships of these compounds with proteins.
Abstract: 9
Fluticasone -induced changes in Gene Expression: A Pathway-Based Approach to Insights
Author(s): Eunyoung Im, George Acquaah-Mensah
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: George Acquaah-Mensah
Program/School: PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Background: Asthma is a chronic disease associated with airway inflammation and narrowing, contributing to both mortality and disease burden worldwide. Among Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), the first-line treatment for asthma, fluticasone propionate (Flovent®) is one of the most widely used ICSs for long-term control covering all severity levels.
Rationale: In this study, we investigate fluticasone-induced gene expression changes in patients with asthma and characterize affected biological processes and pathways. This will inform a better understanding of safe and efficient use of Flovent®, given its long-term use.
Methods: The data was extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (accession: GSE4302) using the Bioconductor “GEOquery” package in R installed from Bioconductor. Phenotype dataset was extracted for comparison: asthma patients were divided into Flovent® treated (n=19) and baseline groups (n=42). Genes differentially expressed between the groups (DEGs) were identified using SAM (Significance Analysis of Microarrays) function from the Bioconductor “siggenes” package. Gene expression data were further analyzed using ""k-means clustering"" (k=3) to identify patient subgroups from “Cluster” package. These results were analyzed for pathway over-representation through the Reactome database after gene ID conversion with gProfiler website.
Results: Fluticasone treatment significantly altered gene expression, with 137 genes (False Discovery Rate < 0.05) clustering into three groups. Fluticasone-induced changes impacted metabolic and immunomodulatory processes. Reactome pathway over-representation analysis showed the Hydroxycarboxylic acid-binding receptors (HCAR, R-HSA-3296197) receptor pathway (pvalue = 0.002) was notably overexpressed, with 2 out of 7 total entities (28.6% of the pathway) and with 2 out of 3 reactions found. Particularly, among HCA receptors (HCAR1, HCAR2, HCAR3), HCAR2 is a well-known receptor for niacin, treatment for dyslipidemia, which indicates a possible link between Fluticasone and lipid metabolism regulation. Additionally, the Translocation of ZAP-70 to Immunological Synapse (R-HSA-202430) pathway (p-value = 0.002) showed secondary gene expression changes, with 3 out of 30 entities identified (10% of the pathway) and all 4 expected reactions detected. ZAP-70 has a critical role in transmitting signals from T-Cell Receptor, influencing T-cell activation and immune response. As T-cell activation is different among individuals, the effect of fluticasone may be different depending on a patient’s T-cell immune status to address asthmarelated immune response before the administration of this medicine.
Significance: The study identifies that the administration of Fluticasone in asthma patients may influence the HCA receptor pathway through DEG analysis. Particularly, the potential link with HCA Receptor 2 suggests that the patients’ group with lipid metabolism regulation issues may be less likely to benefit from therapeutic outcomes in long-term asthma management. Also, ZAP-70 indicates that the level of T-cell activation may be a good biomarker to predict Fluticasone effectiveness. However, further studies are needed to confirm the role of gene expression.
Abstract: 10
The Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Weight in Underserved Community in Worcester Massachusetts: Preventing Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease Through Community Education
Author(s):
Michael Asenso, Patrice Saint Franc, Carrie Graham, Colleen Massey, Nicolas Samar Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Nicolas Samar
Program/School:
Affiliate(s):
PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy
Purpose/ hypothesis: To design an evidence-based outreach program to address obesity among underserved communities in Worcester, MA
Descriptions/Methods/Materials: Significant disparities in obesity and physical inactivity exist among different racial and ethnic groups in Worcester County, Massachusetts. The overall obesity rate in Worcester County is 27.8%, exceeding the State average of 24.7%¹. While specific obesity rates by race and ethnicity for Worcester are not readily available, statewide data from 2011 indicates that Black adults were 43% more likely, and Hispanic adults were 40% more likely, to be obese compared to non-Hispanic White adults². These trends suggest similar disparities may exist locally.
Additionally, non-Hispanic Black (30%) and Hispanic (32%) adults have a higher physical inactivity prevalence than non-Hispanic White adults (23%) ³. Although local data for Worcester is limited, these figures highlight potential differences in physical activity levels among racial and ethnic groups.
Addressing these disparities is crucial. Implementing targeted interventions, especially among young adults (population 18 and older) living in Worcester, MA, can help prevent the onset of obesity and promote healthier lifestyles in undeserved communities.
To assess the community’s health needs, a mixed-methods approach will be used, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative community input. Both primary and secondary data were used to determine the need for the intervention. public health databases, such as the U Mass Memorial Health 2024 Community Health Assessment¹, Massachusetts Department of Public Health², and CDC³ reports, were analyzed to determine obesity and physical inactivity trends in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Statistical comparisons were made across racial and ethnic groups to identify disparities in obesity prevalence and physical inactivity rates.
Results: The primary result is to develop and outreach program. The anticipated outcome would be to reduce the incidence of obesity in the target population by 40%. In addition, the program anticipates an increase in healthy behaviors with regards to nutrition and exercise.
Abstract: 11
Treatment Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy with Tebentafusp in Patients with Uveal Melanoma against Current Monotherapies
Author(s): Shrey Patel, Bilal Habibeh, Anna Kleckerova, Francielle Mourisso, and Robert B. Campbell
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Robert B. Campbell
Program/School: PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose/Hypothesis: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare and aggressive ocular malignancy with a poor prognosis in metastatic stages. Tebentafusp (Kimmtrack), a bispecific T-cell engager targeting gp100, is the first FDA-approved treatment for UM. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of Tebentafusp compared to existing monotherapies, such as pembrolizumab, ipilimumab, and dacarbazine, in improving survival outcomes and managing adverse effects.
Methods: The PubMed database (July 16, 2024) was searched using the keywords “tebentafusp” and “uveal melanoma”. These terms were combined using the Boolean operator “AND” resulting in 101 articles. Articles were included if the studies evaluated the adverse effects of tebentafusp and the use of this drug as a monotherapy for Uveal Melanoma (the first FDA-approved drug). The inclusion criteria focused on studies evaluating overall survival (OS), adverse events, and treatment response. Data were analyzed for survival rates, hazard ratios, and treatment-related toxicities.
Results: Among 378 patients analyzed, Tebentafusp significantly improved survival rates: 72%, 45%, and 27% at years 1, 2, and 3, respectively, compared to 60%, 30%, and 18% in the control group. The hazard ratio for death was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.54–0.87), demonstrating a survival benefit. Common adverse effects included cytokine release syndrome, skin reactions, and fever, which were generally transient and manageable.
Discussion: Tebentafusp represents a novel therapeutic approach by redirecting T cells against UM cells via gp100 engagement. Compared to conventional monotherapies, it exhibits superior survival benefits despite moderate immune-related toxicities. Additionally, emerging treatment strategies, such as nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), are being explored to enhance therapeutic outcomes in UM. Combining Tebentafusp with immunomodulatory agents may further optimize response rates in patients.
Conclusions/Implications/Relevance: Tebentafusp demonstrates a significant improvement in overall survival for UM patients, marking a breakthrough in treatment options for this rare cancer. While safety concerns remain, its efficacy in extending survival supports its clinical adoption. Further research into combination therapies and alternative delivery mechanisms may expand treatment accessibility and effectiveness for UM patients.
Abstract: 12
Preformulation study on Vitamin C for improving its penetration into the skin
Author(s): Ulianoor Noorzad, Guang Yan
Faculty
Advisor/Principal Investigator: Guang Yan
Program/School:
Affiliate(s): N/A
PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Purpose: Vitamin C has been widely used in cosmetic products as topical solution/serum for antiwrinkle application. However, vitamin C is a very polar small molecule and the penetration of vitamin C into the skin through topical delivery is very limited. The purpose of this study was to identify some possible approaches for improving Vitamin C penetration into the skin through a preformulation study.
Method: Vitamin C aqueous solutions from pH 2 to pH 6 were prepared. Partition coefficient of vitamin C between the octanol and its aqueous solutions at those pHs were determined. Vitamin C aqueous solution at different pH were exposed under light for 24 hours and then the remained vitamin C content were determined. Vitamin C in deep eutectic solvent systems (urea and choline chloride) were prepared, vitamin C partition into the octanol phase from those systems and its stability under the light were evaluated. In addition, vitamin C partition into the mineral oil phase in the presence of different penetration enhancers were also evaluated.
Results: Vitamin C partition into the octanol phase decreases as the pH of the solution increase. Vitamin C aqueous solution stability under the light also decreases as the pH increases. Vitamin C in deep eutectic solvent systems lowered its partition into the octanol phase, but showed good stability under the light exposure. Only span 80 increased vitamin C partition into the mineral oil phase.
Discussion: At low pH condition, most vitamin C is in its unionized form, which more favorable than its ionized form for partition into the octanol phase and also more stable than ionized form under light exposure. The deep eutectic solvent systems offered vitamin C a non-aqueous environment, which made vitamin C stable under the light exposure, but those systems did not improve vitamin C partition into the octanol phase, most likely due to a strong molecular interaction between vitamin C and the deep eutectics solvent systems. Span 80 molecular structure containing a sorbitol moiety and fatty acid chain might be the reason of better vitamin C partition into the mineral oil phase.
Conclusion: Vitamin C aqueous solution at pH 2-3 might offer better stability and penetration into the skin. Deep eutectic solvent system might not improve vitamin C penetration into the skin. Span 80 might be a good enhancer for vitamin C penetration into the skin.
Abstract: 13
The Bridge between Chemistry and AI: Using AIDDISON™ to Enhance Drug Discovery
Author(s): Francielle Mourisso, Thi My Tien Bach, Carolyn Friel
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Carolyn Friel
Program/School:
PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): The Life Science Business of Merck (MilliporeSigma), DNDi
Purpose/Hypothesis: AIDDISON™ enhances drug discovery by utilizing machine learning (ML) and computer-aided drug design (CADD) tools to rapidly screen and optimize compounds. This approach not only speeds up the identification of potential drug molecules but may also improve their safety and efficacy by narrowing down molecules with desirable properties. Specifically, it allows us to prioritize synthesizing compounds predicted oral bioavailability, low toxicity, and high solubility. Currently, there is no established protein target or known mechanism of action for these compounds; therefore, identifying potential protein interactions remains a key objective.
Description/Methods/Materials: The data set included 139 Compounds synthesized by MCPHS and our DNDi partners, previously screened for phenotypic activity. These molecules underwent computational filtering based on predicted HERG inhibition, CACO2 permeability, HEPG2 cytotoxicity, solubility, anti-Chagas activity, and Lipinski’s Rule of 5 to identify compounds with the desired properties.
The most appropriate protein targets were selected based on scientific literature. After applying these filters, molecular docking was utilized to assess the interactions between the ideal compounds and the selected proteins resulting in a total of nine different molecular module runs.
Results & Discussion: The 139 compounds were screened using the AIDDISON™ platform to identify three compounds with predicted ideal characteristics (oral bioavailability, low toxicity, and high solubility), these three compounds were then docked in three potential protein targets (4H6O, 4UQH, and 3WCJ) using the molecular docking function. The identity of the ideal compounds and their numerical ranking for binding to the protein targets is reported. The focus is on ensuring the lead candidates have favorable properties, such as oral bioavailability and low toxicity, to identify promising compounds for the treatment of Chagas disease.
Conclusion: By refining the screening process and predicting key pharmacokinetic properties early in development, this AI-driven platform enables researchers to bring safer and more effective drugs to market faster. This is particularly impactful for neglected tropical diseases, like Chagas Disease where treatment options are often limited. By optimizing drug candidates before experimental testing, AI-driven tools provide a more efficient and targeted approach to developing novel therapies.
Abstract: 14
Enhancing Efficacy of Dasatinib via Glycosylation Inhibition in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Author(s): Kenny Pham, Ghada Alhafez, Daniel Muteba, & Robert Campbell
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Robert Campbell
Program/School: PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy characterized by the proliferation of immature lymphoid cells in the body. Second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as dasatinib are a common therapeutic option for the treatment of ALL. Although second generation TKIs are more potent BCR-ABL inhibitors, they are associated with higher toxicities leading to higher treatment discontinuations over time. O-linked glycosylation has been shown to decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents for solid malignancies in vitro and in vivo. To date, the role of glycosylation in the treatment of hematological malignancies is not well understood.
Hypothesis: Inhibiting O-linked glycosylation in ALL cells will enhance cellular access to target cells resulting in an increased effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents measured by cell kill.
Methods: The target cell line employed for this study was CCRF-CEM. Cells were plated at 20,000 cells/mL in 24-well plates or 500,000 cells/mL in 6-well plates and treated with Benzyl-α-GalNAc, an O-linked glycosylation inhibitor, for up to 48 hours. After glycosylation inhibition, cells were exposed to either FITC-tagged anti-MUC1 antibodies or dasatinib at different time points. A second generation TKI was chosen based on its comparative efficacy versus first generation TKIs and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cellular responses were assessed using electronic cell counting, Caspase 3 activity assays, and Sulforhodamine B (SRB) cytotoxicity assays. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the significance of drug uptake and cytotoxic effects.
Results: Inhibition of O-linked glycosylation led to a significant increase in the uptake of FITC-tagged anti-MUC1 antibodies by CCRF-CEM cells at 24 hours post-treatment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, glycosylation inhibition resulted in an increased cytotoxic effect for dasatinib. Compared to untreated control cells, glycosylation inhibited CCRF-CEM cells exhibited significantly higher sensitivity to dasatinib (P < 0.0001). These findings were further validated by SRB and Caspase 3 assay results, confirming an increase in drug-induced cytotoxicity following glycosylation inhibition. Discussion: Our preliminary findings suggest that O-glycosylation plays a critical role in drug accessibility and efficacy in ALL cells. The data support the hypothesis that O-Linked glycosylation represents a barrier limiting the uptake and functional effect of dasatinib. Conclusions: Inhibiting O-linked glycosylation in ALL cells increased drug uptake and cytotoxic efficacy of dasatinib. Further studies are required to confirm these results as well as exploring potential therapeutic strategies that leverage the inhibition of glycosylation pathways to enhance drug delivery. Implications/Relevance: Inhibition of post-translational O-linked glycosylation may offer a novel therapeutic approach to enhancing accessibility and efficacy while lowering toxicities due to decreased off target systemic exposure of second generation TKIs.
Abstract: 15
Understanding Genetic Variants in Male Breast Cancer: A Path Toward Targeted Screening and Therapy
Author(s): Francielle Mourisso, Abigail Chan, Robert Campbell
Faculty
Advisor/Principal Investigator: Robert Campbell
Program/School:
Affiliate(s): N/A
PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Purpose/Hypothesis: While breast cancer is a common and well-studied malignancy, treatment guidelines are largely based on clinical trials composed almost entirely of female participants. Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease that is often treated similarly to female breast cancer (FBC) despite potential biological and genetic differences. We hypothesize that specific genetic mutations differ in prevalence between MBC and FBC, potentially influencing screening and treatment strategies.
Methods: The primary goal of this literature review was to evaluate studies that researched the incidence of genetic defects in male breast cancer cases and compare them to female breast cancer to highlight potential screening and treatment options for MBC. The PubMed database was searched using the keywords “male breast cancer,” “genetic variants,” “MBC,” and “incidence,” combined with the Boolean operator “AND,” yielding 18 relevant articles. A secondary search was performed using “female breast cancer” as a comparator.
Results: The findings revealed that BRCA2 mutations were 11.3% less prevalent in MBC cases compared to FBC, representing the most significant genetic discrepancy between the two. Additionally, mutations in the ATM gene were found to be 5.6% more prevalent in FBC than in MBC. These results suggest that BRCA2 may serve as a critical target for MBC screening and treatment, whereas ATM mutations appear to play a lesser role in MBC pathophysiology.
Discussion: These differences in genetic mutations may have significant implications for the screening and treatment of MBC. Currently, MBC is managed using treatment protocols established for FBC, despite the lack of male-specific clinical trials. The emerging role of genetic testing could provide a more individualized approach to MBC detection and management. Additionally, increasing awareness and implementing routine screening procedures may encourage earlier diagnosis and reduce the stigma surrounding MBC, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
Conclusions/Implications/Relevance: The findings highlight the importance of distinguishing MBC from FBC in both research and clinical practice. While BRCA2 mutations remain a key focus for MBC screening and treatment, the lower prevalence of ATM mutations suggests that genetic risk factors for MBC may differ from those of FBC. Expanding genetic research and developing tailored treatment guidelines could improve patient outcomes and provide a more personalized approach to MBC management. "
Abstract: 16
Breaking the Barrier: Targeting Glycosylation to Improve Drug Efficacy in Lymphoma
Author(s): Shayan Mosaffa, Nasr Issa, Thao Nguyen, Robert B. Campbell
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Robert Campbell
Program/School:
Affiliate(s): N/A
PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Background: Lymphoma, a malignancy more prevalent in younger males, presents significant treatment challenges due to limited target selectivity. Mucin, a glycosylated protein commonly overexpressed in cancer cells, may act as a physical barrier that hinders drug penetration. Previous research in pancreatic cancer models demonstrated that inhibiting mucin glycosylation improved treatment efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. However, this strategy has not yet been explored in the context of lymphoma. This study aims to evaluate the role of mucin glycosylation in restricting intracellular uptake and drug effectiveness in lymphoma cells. We hypothesize that glycosylation serves as a cellular barrier, reducing the accessibility and efficacy of therapeutic agents.
Methods: The U-937 human lymphoma cell line (ATCC CRL-1593.2) was cultured in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum. Cells were seeded in 24-well plates and treated with a glycosylation inhibitor, benzyl-α-GalNAc. Following incubation, cells were exposed to a fluorescently labeled anti-MUC1 antibody to assess molecular access in the presence or absence of the glycosylation barrier. Antibody uptake was measured using a fluorescent microplate reader. Functional effects were assessed through cell viability assays using the QuadCount system, with additional analysis performed using a fluorometric method.
Results: At one hour, cells pre-treated with the glycosylation inhibitor exhibited significantly increased uptake of the anti-MUC1 antibody compared to untreated controls (p = 0.0266), suggesting enhanced drug accessibility in the early phase. Preliminary findings also revealed that benzyl-α-GalNAc pre-treatment significantly enhanced the cytotoxic effect of imatinib when compared to imatinib alone (p = 0.0240). Ongoing experiments are evaluating whether uptake is time-dependent and whether glycosylation impacts the activity of additional therapeutic agents.
Conclusion: Inhibition of mucin glycosylation with benzyl-α-GalNAc enhanced anti-MUC1 antibody uptake and increased the effectiveness of imatinib in lymphoma cells. These findings support the potential of glycosylation inhibition as a novel strategy to overcome barriers to drug delivery and improve treatment outcomes in lymphoma.
Abstract: 17
Investigating Nutation and Standard Growth Measurements in Pisum sativum: A Plant-based non-animal model drug assay
Author(s): Prem Patel, Chloe Flibbert, Nathaniel George, Dr. Joseph Kostansek, Dr. Matthew Metcalf
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Matthew Metcalf
Program/School: PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Background: Animal testing has long been considered the gold standard for evaluating drug safety and efficacy; however, ethical concerns and regulatory shifts have increased interest in alternative non-animal models (NAM). The Metcalf lab has been exploring plant-based NAMs to replace conventional animal models. Specifically, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibitory effects on Pisum sativum root and shoot growth in an auxin specific manner. Nutation (circumnutation) is an intrinsic oscillatory movement inherent in plants. In this study we examined the effects of NSAIDs on plant nutation and compared them to auxin effects on root and shoot growth.
Hypothesis: NSAIDs will enhance the nutation response in Pisum sativum, producing a pattern similar to the effects of auxins.
Methods: Pea seedlings were exposed to varying concentrations of NSAIDs or auxins and compared to controls. Two cameras were utilized in time-lapse photography to capture nutation and standard growth. One a side-view camera for traditional growth measurements and the other a top-down camera for nutation analysis.
Results: NSAIDs induce a dose dependent nutation response comparable to auxins, however the effect was suppression of the nutation response in a concentration dependent manner. This qualitatively the nutation inhibition response matched root growth inhibition effects, consistent with previous findings for NSAIDs and auxins, example Ibuprofen lysinate LD50 5.9 µM (SEM ±3.98.8 µM). Additionally, we observed primary roots which no longer were in the solution (close to the seed body) developed lateral roots like control plants, but when solutions were replaced daily, the lateral roots were severely suppressed by exposure to either auxins and NSAIDs.
Discussion: These observations support our hypothesis that NSAIDs would effect the nutation response matching auxins. However our findings that NSAIDs and auxins suppress the nutation response was in opposition to our hypothesis that nutation would be enhanced. Both NSAIDs like ketorolac and auxins like indole butyric acid delay the nutation response which is correlated with root growth inhibition.
Conclusions: The nutation response assay presents a novel method for assessing drug effects on plant movement, drawing parallels to animal-based behavioral assays. We demonstrated (qualitatively) nutation is effected by NSAIDs in a manner comparable to auxin effects. This is consistent with previously observed NSAID effects on root and shoot length. However, our qualitative results/observations need to be expressed quantitatively to establish discreet outcomes for a discreet drug assay. Our future direction, is analyzing the nutation response using computer vision to quantitate the nutation responses and ultimately automating this quantitative analysis. This study advances the potential for plant models as ethical and cost-effective NAM alternative in drug screening.
Abstract: 18
A Program Plan to Prevent Mental Health Issues in the Latino Population in Worcester,
MA
Author(s): Olivia Langdon, Desiree Rodriguez Acevedo, Zahra Mohammad, Sidnei Raka, Carrie Graham, Colleen Massey
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Carrie Graham, Colleen Massey
Program/School: PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose: To develop a program that aims to increase awareness of mental health and promote resources available to help the young adult Latino community of Worcester, MA.
Methods: Evidence shows that many young Latinos struggle with mental health, but do not seek medical help because of stigma, financial difficulties, and language barriers. This program uses a multi-faceted design based on the Health Belief Model to accomplish its goals and address individual health beliefs/perceptions. A needs assessment will be completed of the Worcester Latino population between ages 18 and 30. This will ensure that the program addresses this population’s exact concerns. Latinos represent 24.9% of the Worcester population, which is a significant number of people who may not have access to proper mental healthcare services. An Instagram page, titled Latinos with Health, will be created along with physical distribution of promotional/educational material in community centers, churches, and schools. Partnering with the Family Health Center and Massachusetts Department of Mental Health will give the program mental health care resources and up-to-date statistics. Workshops/informational sessions will be held to help overcome stigma and raise awareness at partnered facilities. These sessions will be held by bilingual health professionals. Services/posts will be in both English and Spanish. The Instagram page will aim to grow a large following and run surveys when necessary.
Results: The result is the creation of a program that aims to educate the Latino population in Worcester between ages 18 and 30 about their mental health and resources available to increase awareness and reduce stigma. The anticipated outcome is 1,000 followers of the Instagram page by the end of 6 months. Additionally, it is expected that 75% of workshop/information session participants will have an increase in awareness and knowledge of mental health topics/resources.
Discussion: Mental health issues have been of rising concern, especially for Latinos. Not only do they face the normal stigma and health care system issues, but also, they may have language barriers that deter them from receiving care. A program focused on reaching young adults through social media is adaptive and would allow for more outreach since most people of this age group use it. It would combine primary prevention tactics with promotion of resources available for those already struggling with mental health. Utilizing reliable resources, like the Family Health Center of Worcester, bilingual mental health professionals, and digital marketing teams will allow for the development of an easy-to-use tool for the Latino community of this age struggling with their mental health.
Conclusion/Relevance: It is evident that mental health resources can be improved for Latinos in Worcester. By using social media, the target audience of young adults will easily be reached to help raise awareness for mental health and promote resources available. This program only focuses on one city, but if successful, could lead to implementations in other cities with large Latino populations. It could be an inspiration for other areas to follow to help this population battle mental health obstacles.
Abstract: 19
An Evaluation of Innovative Therapeutic Strategies for Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Current and Emerging Approaches
Author(s): Krishna Panchal, Sofia Orlando, Heer Patel, Madison Conneely, Robert Campbell
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Robert Campbell
Program/School: PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (LGSOC) is among one of the rare serous epithelial ovarian cancer subtypes. It is particularly defined by slow tumor growth and is presumed to develop from precursors of serous ovarian tumors. It is characterized by mutations in BRAF, KRAS, and NRAS proto-oncogenes that mediate the progression of tumor growth. The study aims to evaluate the current and emerging novel treatment therapies for LGSOC. The PubMed database was searched via advanced search using the Boolean operator ‘AND’. The first search combining “Nanoparticles” and “LGSOC” yielded no results, while the second search combining “Novel” and “LGSOC” yielded 24 results from 2015 to 2024. Of these 24, 17 studies specifically pertained to LGSOC. The last search combined “LGSOC” and “PLD,” or pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, which is a current treatment approach for ovarian cancers. This search yielded one viable result from 2017. Ultimately, these findings highlight the limited research available on novel treatment approaches for LGSOC. Furthermore, this literature review highlights the significant treatment challenges of LGSOC, attributed to its slow tumor growth and unique molecular profile. Existing treatments, such as MEK inhibitors, can effectively manage recurrent LGSOC; however, their dose-dependent toxicity and rapid resistance often compromise patients’ quality of life. In contrast, nanotherapeutics offers a novel and alternative approach to enhancing both clinical outcomes and patient well-being. Specific nanoformulations can improve targeted drug delivery by increasing the effectiveness of treatments while also minimizing toxicity. They can boost drug efficacy by releasing drugs in a controlled manner, which can significantly prolong progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with LGSOC. These findings collectively support the urgent need for effective strategies for the treatment of LGSOC. Further research and clinical trials will explore combinations of MEK inhibitors with other targeted liposomal therapies and hormonal agents, to enhance therapeutic treatment by improving drug efficacy, tumor response, and disease prognosis.
Abstract: 20
Regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medical Devices
Author(s): Prem
Patel, Riya Patel, Vipul Patel, Frederick Frankhauser Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Frederick Frankhauser
Program/School:
Affiliate(s): N/A
PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Introduction: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is transforming medical device capabilities. These devices are now offering improved accuracy, and personalized treatment plans, and have enhanced patient outcomes. However, this integration of AI presents significant regulatory, ethical, and safety challenges. There are concerns regarding data security, algorithmic transparency, and patient trust that must be addressed to ensure the responsible adoption of AI-driven medical technologies.
Methods: A literature review was conducted to examine current regulatory frameworks, ethical concerns, and industry advancements related to AI-enabled medical devices. Viewed key policies from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada, and the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess their role in guiding AI integration. Additionally, case studies, including Google's Med-PaLM 2, were evaluated to highlight practical applications and challenges.
Results: Findings indicate that AI-enabled medical devices require robust regulatory oversight to ensure patient safety and ethical compliance. The FDA’s Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP) offers a structured approach for continuous AI updates while maintaining safety and efficacy. Ethical considerations, including patient autonomy, data privacy, and algorithmic fairness, remain critical challenges. Global collaboration, as demonstrated by WHO’s guiding principles and North American regulatory efforts, is essential for establishing comprehensive AI governance.
Conclusion: The responsible implementation of AI in medical devices necessitates a balance between innovation and regulatory safeguards. There needs to be collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to develop policies that prioritize patient wellbeing while fostering technological advancements. Establishing definitive transparent guidelines that are globally aligned will ensure the safe and effective use of AI in healthcare, ultimately enhancing medical outcomes and efficiency.
Abstract: 21
Somatic Mutation Analysis in Pancreatic Cancer Patients Responsive to 5-FU Therapy
Author(s): Thi My Tien Bach, Kawther Abdilleh, George Acquaah-Mensah Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: George Acquaah-Mensah Program/School: PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Background: Pancreatic cancer has significantly become a public health challenge in treatment pathways nowadays. While fluorouracil-based chemotherapy remains one of the base treatments that prolong survival rate, its efficacy often limits response rate, associated with toxicity and resistance. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to investigate the differentially expressed somatic mutation genes with responsive and non-responsive groups of candidates, who are exposed to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) therapy.
Method: Data from pancreatic cancer patients were sourced from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s database. A cohort was derived from participants who exhibited outcomes of either complete response or progressive disease and underwent completion of multiple lines of therapy involving 5-FU. Short variant mutations were characterized using maftool computational framework. Subsequent analysis was conducted with forest plot, oncoplot, and somatic reaction plot
Result: A collection of 129 patients was utilized in this study. Only 9.17% of patients experienced complete response outcomes while 90.83% demonstrated progressive disease results. Notably, KMT2C was explored as a differently expressed gene with a significantly higher percentage (50%) in a responsive group than the non-responsive group (10.8%), with a p-value <0.01%.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential utility of KMT2C as a predicted biomarker for treatment responsiveness to 5-FU therapy. Further research and validation studies are expected to add more investigation to the mechanistic implications and clinical observations."
Abstract: 22
Therapeutic Potential of Glycosylation Inhibition in Multiple Myeloma
Author(s):
Faculty
Heni Patel, Hiral Kapadia, Sharnett Riley, Robert Campbell
Advisor/Principal Investigator: Robert Campbell
Program/School:
Affiliate(s): N/A
PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Purpose/Hypothesis: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable malignancy of plasma cells characterized by abnormal glycosylation patterns that may affect cellular interactions with therapeutic agents. One such protein, MUC1-C, is overexpressed in MM and contributes to disease progression by promoting cell survival. Aberrant glycosylation of MUC1-C may create a barrier that reduces drug uptake and efficacy. Prior research suggests that inhibiting glycosylation enhances the susceptibility of MM cells to cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated immune responses and chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether inhibiting glycosylation with benzyl-α-GalNAc could enhance drug uptake and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents in MM. We hypothesized that reducing glycosylation in MM cells would increase their sensitivity to clinically relevant drugs.
Methods: The RPMI-8226 human plasmacytoma cell line (ATCC CCL-155) was cultured in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) under aseptic conditions. Cells were seeded into 24-well plates and pre-treated with benzyl-α-GalNAc, a glycosylation inhibitor, for 48 hours. After pre-treatment, cells were exposed to various agents for an additional 24 hours. To evaluate the impact of glycosylation on drug uptake, a fluorescently labeled anti-MUC1 antibody was used. The effects of two chemotherapy agents, imatinib and cyclophosphamide, were also assessed, both alone and in combination with the glycosylation inhibitor.
Results: Pre-treatment with benzyl-α-GalNAc significantly enhanced the uptake of the fluorescent anti-MUC1 antibody compared to untreated controls (P = 0.0008). In addition, combining the glycosylation inhibitor with imatinib resulted in a statistically significant improvement in drug effects compared to imatinib alone (P = 0.0012). A similar enhancement was observed when cyclophosphamide was used in combination with the glycosylation inhibitor (P = 0.0329). These results indicate that inhibiting glycosylation improves both drug uptake and therapeutic response in MM cells.
Discussion: The study demonstrated that abnormal glycosylation in MM cells may act as a barrier to drug entry and effectiveness. Inhibiting glycosylation with benzyl-α-GalNAc enhanced the uptake of antibodies targeting MUC1 and improved the cytotoxic effects of imatinib and cyclophosphamide. These findings support the hypothesis that modifying glycosylation can make MM cells more susceptible to existing therapies. This approach may help overcome drug resistance mechanisms in MM and improve the precision and efficacy of treatment regimens.
Conclusions/Implications/Relevance: This study highlights the potential of glycosylation inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy in multiple myeloma. By reducing glycosylation, MM cells become more vulnerable to antibody binding and chemotherapeutic agents. These findings have important clinical implications, suggesting that combining glycosylation inhibitors with standard treatments could enhance their effectiveness. Further in vivo studies are warranted to explore this strategy in clinical settings.
Abstract: 23
Overcoming Barriers in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Through Glycosylation Inhibition
Author(s): Binyaz Ilavia, Norymar Ayala Concepcion, Zein Dib, Najlaa Hussain S Alsini, Robert B. Campbell
Faculty
Advisor/Principal Investigator: Robert Campbell
Program/School:
Affiliate(s): N/A
PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Background: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the abnormal proliferation of myeloid cells, primarily neutrophils. The hallmark genetic abnormality, the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL1), results from the translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, creating a fusion protein with enhanced tyrosine kinase activity. This genetic alteration promotes uncontrolled cell growth and impaired apoptosis, central to CML pathology. Leukemic cells have been observed to exhibit atypical O-glycosylation patterns, including increased expression of Tumor Associated Carbohydrate Antigens (TACAs), which could influence drug accessibility and therapeutic efficacy. Although glycosylation's impact on treatment outcomes has been extensively documented in solid tumors, its significance in hematologic cancers, particularly CML, remains relatively unexplored. This research examines the potential benefits of O-glycosylation inhibition on drug absorption and therapeutic effectiveness in a CML cell model.
Methods: The K-562-GFP cells were maintained in RPMI culture media with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). To identify a safe concentration, the glycosylation inhibitor benzyl-α-GalNAc was tested for cytotoxicity. After establishing a non-toxic concentration, K-562-GFP cells were treated with benzylα-GalNAc. The impact of this treatment on glycosylation was assessed using fluorescent antiMUC1antibodies Finally, the comparative effectiveness of liposomal delivery systems was evaluated by measuring cell viability in samples treated with a control liposome formulation (DOPC/Chol) versus an experimental liposomal formulation containing lipid extratct (DOPC/Chol/LE).
Results: Treatment with benzyl-α-GalNAc resulted in significantly enhanced uptake of anti-MUC1 antibody by K-562-GFP cells (P < 0.001), confirming effective disruption of the glycosylation barrier. In cell viability assays, the control liposomal formulation (DOPC/Chol) demonstrated significantly improved drug uptake and cytotoxicity across all time checkpoints (1 hr, 4 hr, and 48 hr), consistent with fluorescence imaging data. In contrast, the experimental formulation containing lectin (DOPC/Chol/LE) did not show significant cellular uptake or enhanced cytotoxicity.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that inhibition of O-glycosylation can substantially improve drug delivery and therapeutic response in CML. Ongoing research aims to validate these preliminary results and explore their implications using additional FDA-approved agents, potentially transforming current therapeutic strategies for hematologic malignancies.
Clinical Implication and Relevance: The study underscores glycosylation inhibition as a critical approach that could significantly enhance the effectiveness of existing CML treatments. By overcoming the glycosylation-based barriers, this strategy may not only improve patient outcomes but also reduce drug resistance and minimize adverse effects by lowering required therapeutic doses. This promising avenue of research could have broader implications across various hematologic malignancies and possibly solid tumors, advancing personalized medicine approaches in oncology.
Abstract: 24
Application of computer vision quantitative analysis of a non-animal model plant drug assay
Author(s): Emily Pham, Jackson Elliott, Nathaniel George, Timothy Aungst, George AcquaahMensah, Matthew Metcalf
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Matthew Metcalf
Program/School: PHARMD.DPH/School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose Hypothesis: The purpose of this research project is to develop a non-animal model (NAM) to evaluate the impact of different drug substances on plant growth specifically various species of pea plants (Pisum sativum) via quantitation of visual responses in time-lapse photography. The drug substances tested are different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Along with NSAIDs, plant hormones known as auxins were also tested to as positive controls. We hypothesized we could apply literature reported quantitation software to our timelapse assays to quantize our qualitative observations and produce repeatable, measurable discrimination to serve as discrete endpoints.
Methods: We Evaluated 183 potential tools reported to have quantitative plant imaging software for our applications. None were directly applicable to our work and we settled on two which were aligned, but not automated SmartRoot to calculate root characteristics and NutationTracker to calculate nutation variables.
Results: No programs allowed automatic extraction of data from a time series of visual data and ML programs which automatically extracted data were severely limited. SmartRoot was used to calculate root characteristics and was found to reliably determine the growth of roots (starting and ending points only) equivalent to our previous hand measurements. NutationTracker was able to quantize the nutation response, which was impossible without this software.
Discussion: SmartRoot allowed us to determine starting and ending measurements of roots and export the data to tables automatically after hand tracing the roots in the program. While this method offeres the advantage of additional data points like root diameter and branching, this method is slower than direct hand measurement of starting and ending measurements. It is also impractical for conducting multiple timepoint entries to gain information on velocity of growth, time analysis of effects, or delayed function (if roots appear at the end or the beginning but attain similar lengths). NutationTracker allows the determination of direction, period, axis, frequency, and shape of nutation, as well as orientation in time. This is the first time we have discreet endpoints in our assay. However, hand entry is still tedious, especially for the thousands of frames of video.
Conclusions/ Implications/ Relevance: While we were able to identify two programs to quantitate visual data, the programs are slow and require tedious input methods. The nutation tracking is comparably tedious but provides a glimpse at what quantiation can be extracted from timelapse video. However all these current programs are impractical without automation of computer vision extraction of the data. We are currently exploring the use of custom AI for tracking root and shoot growth in these plants and developing the programs which will provide automated timelapse circumnutation tracking and both shoot and root growth.
Abstract: 25
Asymptomatic Geriatric Keratoconus
Author(s): Danielle
Faculty
Brasche, Julia Najjar, Jasmine Pierre, Angelika Waclawska, Melissa Williams
Advisor/Principal Investigator: Adrian Kohn
Program/School: OPT.OD/School of Optometry
Affiliate(s): N/A
Keratoconus is a disorder of corneal thinning and steepening commonly diagnosed in between the second and fourth decade. The earlier the onset, the more severe the disease is likely to be. Typically, it presents as a bilateral, asymmetric, and progressive corneal disorder of thinning and protrusion, causing a conical shape instead of a prolate cornea. Past the age of 40, further progression is not commonly observed.
A 70 year old white male presented to the Eye and Vision Center for an annual exam with no visual complaints. The patient had been seen annually for the past 5+ years with minor changes in refractive status. Upon refraction at the current visit, the patient accepted a significant quantity of cylinder in the right eye and the left eye with a small improvement in visual acuity; the patient had no visual complaints with this manifest refraction. Cataracts were eliminated as a differential diagnosis due to bilateral pseudophakia; thus corneal pathology was determined to be the most likely cause of the patient’s ability to accept a high quantity of cylinder. A Pentacam scan was performed to evaluate corneal structure, and determined that the patient had inferior steepening in both the right and left eyes, which is characteristic of keratoconus.
Due to the etiology of keratoconus, the patient’s condition had likely gone undiagnosed for the majority of his life. The inferior nature of the steepening allowed him to live a normal life with minimal visual complaints, thus his condition was not caught until decades after it would normally be diagnosed. It was later discovered that this patient’s middle-aged son had also been diagnosed with keratoconus the year prior. Due to keratoconus commonly not progressing in patients over the age of 40, no treatment was started and the patient will be monitored annually.
Despite the patient’s stable vision and lack of visual complaints, diagnosing his condition allows for proper patient education and awareness of potential future complications. This case stressed the importance of considering patient populations that do not fit the typical demographic for a particular diagnosis."
Abstract: 26
Visual Decline in a Post-Cataract Surgery Patient: The Role of Posterior Capsular Opacification and Incidental Asteroid Hyalosis
Author(s): Simrat Dhillon, Sawera Rashid, Hajarah Sadiq, Carolyn Ly, Kathleen O’Leary
Faculty
Advisor/Principal Investigator: Kathleen O’Leary
Program/School:
OPT.OD/School of Optometry
Affiliate(s): N/A
Background/Purpose: Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a common postoperative complication of cataract extraction, occurring when residual lens epithelial cells proliferate and migrate, leading to increased light scatter, visual disturbances, and reduced visual acuity. Asteroid hyalosis, characterized by calcium-lipid complexes suspended throughout the collagen fibrils of the vitreous, may also contribute to light scatter and impair retinal visualization, however, was not the primary cause of reduced VA in this case study.
This case discusses a 77-year-old South Asian male patient with a history of bilateral cataract surgery and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation, presenting with progressive visual decline over the past year. The patient’s systemic history includes hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease, all controlled with medication. This case underscores the varied clinical presentations of PCO and the importance of timely YAG laser capsulotomy for vision restoration.
Case Summary/Results: The patient reported a gradual decline in distance visual acuity (VA) over the past year, with an initial VA of 20/30 at distance. The patient was using appropriate progressive additional lenses (PALs) for both near and distance vision. Retinoscopy and manifest refraction showed mild improvement in visual acuity, however, the patient reported monocular diplopia in the left eye with a significant astigmatic shift, raising concerns for an underlying condition beyond refractive error.
Posterior segment examination revealed asteroid hyalosis in the right eye and drusen around the arcades in both eyes, neither significantly affecting visual acuity. Both PCIOLs were well-centered, however exhibited signs of PCO (1+ OD, 2+ OS), suggesting PCO as the primary cause of reduced visual acuity. Fundus photography and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed to rule out additional retinal or macular pathology. The imaging results confirmed the absence of significant retinal or macular pathology, reinforcing PCO as the primary etiology. Based on these findings, the patient was referred for YAG laser capsulotomy to address the opacified posterior capsule and improve light transmission. The patient was advised to return for a follow-up examination post-procedure to reassess visual function and finalize his prescription for spectacles.
Conclusion/Implication/Relevance:This case highlights the significance of recognizing PCO as a leading cause of postoperative visual decline, while also considering other factors such as asteroid hyalosis, which may contribute to intraocular light scatter and fundus visualization challenges. OCT played a crucial role in differentiating between capsular, vitreous and retinal causes of visual impairment. YAG laser capsulotomy remains the gold standard for treating PCO and restoring visual function. However, persistent visual disturbances related to asteroid hyalosis may necessitate further patient monitoring and management strategies.
Abstract: 27
Radiation Related Band Keratopathy
Author(s):
Maha Faraj, Sherin Mathew, Meshleen Zedan, Nour Moughnyeh, Kathleen O’Leary
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Kathleen O’Leary
Program/School: OPT.OD/School of Optometry
Affiliate(s): N/A
Description: The cornea is a transparent covering that rests in the anterior portion of the eye. It is the first defense supported by the lacrimal glands. The lacrimal glands work closely with the cornea producing tears to keep the cornea lubricated and healthy. Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the eye that presents in childhood. Patients with retinoblastoma have to undergo a combination of radiation and chemotherapy to treat the cancer. External beam radiation therapy is performed using a laser-focused on the eye to hopefully destroy cancer cells using high-energy radiation. At the same time, this is a beneficial treatment for retinoblastoma often it can cause damage to the lacrimal glands of both eyes leading to the disruption of tear development and irritation of the eye. A common complication of radiation therapy is band keratopathy, a degeneration of the cornea leading to subepithelial deposits. Radiation treatment damages the lacrimal glands leaving the cornea susceptible to irritation and damage. The patient will present with decreased vision, irritation, and possible foreign body sensation. The lacrimal gland unable to produce adequate tears allows the cornea to be exposed to a higher concentration of calcium on its surface leading to deposits forming the keratopathy. Band keratopathy can cause a further decrease in vision and discomfort.
Results: A 29-year-old caucasian female presents to the clinic with chronic eye irritation. The patient describes the irritation as not painful but states light sensitivity has worsened over the past few weeks since the irritation started. The slit lamp examination indicated band keratopathy filamentary keratitis, and anterior synechiae in the left eye. The patient was diagnosed with retinoblastoma at 6 years old and underwent radiation treatment in both eyes. The right eye was enucleated as a result of the retinoblastoma.
Discussion/Conclusion: Band Keratopathy is a common consequence of cancer treatment on the eye. Radiation treatment for retinoblastoma is imperative and life-saving. However, the side effects can leave patients with pain and irritation that can hinder their daily quality of life. Band keratopathy can lead to reduced vision, irritation, photophobia, and eye pain. Many patients who undergo life-saving cancer treatments may be living with these side effects unaware they can be treated. As optometrists, we must help treat the consequences of radiation on the eye to help improve a patient's day to day. Band keratopathy is one uncomfortable side effect of radiation, but proper treatment and care can help alleviate symptoms and stop the further progression of vision loss.
Abstract: 28
Applications of Wavefront Aberrometry in the Diagnosis of Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome
Author(s): Angelica Perez, Ariana Marchi, Kaitlyn McGrath, Sadie Heinrich, Lawrence Baitch
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Lawrence Baitch
Program/School: OPT.OD/School of Optometry
Affiliate(s): N/A
Background: Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome describes higher-order aberrations of the internal optics, mainly the lens, not compensated by the cornea, causing visual symptoms in the absence of any significant cataract. This is measured through Wavefront Aberrometry and allows practitioners to identify and measure optical imperfections that may be of importance in the consideration for lens extraction. This case describes a 69-year-old Caucasian female with a history of visual complaints second to lens changes but was denied cataract surgery within the recent year.
Case Summary/Results: The patient reported blurry vision at distance and near with trouble focusing in both eyes that started approximately 3 years ago. Reports decreased night vision with objects appearing flat and having a loss of dimension. Denies glare but vision looks “fuzzy with haze”. Pertinent ocular history includes monovision LASIK surgery of the right eye in 1999 and Glaucoma suspect due to large cups in both eyes. Patient reported seeing a Cataract Surgeon since the last ocular exam in July of 2023, and was denied cataract surgery due to low grade cataracts. Pertinent systemic health includes IBS, hypothyroidism, and migraines. Patient reports taking oral low dose aspirin and levothyroxine daily.
Examination showed corrected visual acuities of 20/30-2 OD and 20/20 OS. Intraocular pressures, motilities and confrontation visual fields were all within normal. Anterior segment examination was remarkable for 1+ nuclear sclerotic cataract, 1+ cortical cataract, vacuoles and water clefts OD/OS. Posterior Segment exam & ONH OCT revealed large C/D ratio, and mild temporal rim tissue thinning OD/OS. Every other aspect of funduscopic examination was unremarkable.
Wavefront Aberrometry using iTrace aberrometer revealed significant higher order aberrations present disrupting the calculated point spread function and dysfunctional lens index. The internal wavefront aberrations obtained from the subtraction of the corneal from the total wavefront aberrations indicate symptoms present second to lens changes despite little nuclear and cortical changes visibly present under slit lamp examination.
Conclusion: Wavefront aberrometry indicative of Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome. Clinically significant cataracts and Glaucoma ruled out correlating to symptoms. Based on symptomatology reported by patient and observed incipient cataracts, data is consistent with a diagnosis of Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome OD/OS.
Abstract: 29
Investigating a New Prismatic Device for Homonymous Hemianopia
Author(s): Mariem Girgis, Kathryn Deliso
Faculty
Advisor/Principal
Investigator:
Kathryn Deliso
Program/School: OPT.OD/School of Optometry
Affiliate(s): N/A
Homonymous hemianopia (HH) is a visual condition in which there is vision loss on the same side of the visual field in both eyes. HH can be characterized as right HH or left HH. This visual field loss is the result of a lesion along the visual pathway posterior to the optic chiasm (Goodwin 2014). Patients presenting with right HH have a lesion affecting the left side of the visual pathway. On the other hand, patients presenting with left HH have a lesion affecting the right side of the visual pathway. The causes of HH are extensive, however, the most common cause of HH is stroke; other causes of HH include tumors and traumatic brain injury. HH can affect a patient’s ability to read, walk, and/or drive. Patients are at a higher risk of sustaining serious injuries due to falling or being unable to navigate safely around obstacles (Goodwin 2014). There are multiple approaches to managing HH. One of the most tangible forms of management involves prismatic correction to expand a patient’s remaining visual field. Essentially, prisms move objects from the “blind side” into the “seeing side,” allowing the patient to be alerted to their presence. Once alerted, the patient then knows to turn and look in the direction of the previously unseen object. Currently, on the market, the Peli lens (also known as a fresnel peripheral prism, (FPP)) is one of the more commonlyutilized prism options used for management of HH, allowing for about 32 degrees of visual field expansion (Peli et al, 2024). Recently, Peli et al (2020) proposed a novel visual field expansion device termed the multi-periscopic prism (MPP), which utilizes both mirrors and prisms to result in about 42 degrees of visual field expansion. It has been demonstrated that patients with HH are at highest risk of collision with pedestrians/objects moving towards them at an angle of 45 degrees (Peli et al, 2020; Peli et al, 2024). Current Peli lenses (FPP), cannot alert HH patients to these pedestrians/objects due to their limited visual field expansion of 32 degrees. In theory, the MPP device promises to be a more viable option for visual field expansion in HH; however, a real-life comparison of both types of prism devices, MPP and FPP, is needed to ascertain the comparative impact of these devices on HH patients’ ability to navigate scenarios where they are at high risk of colliding into pedestrians/objects. In collaboration with Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, we present in this work a comparison of MPP vs FPP effectiveness in visual field expansion for HH.
Abstract: 30
Investigating a New Prismatic Device for Homonymous Hemianopia
Author(s): Sheelean Balata, Frederick Frankhauser
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Frederick Frankhauser
Program/School:
Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs) represent a major shift in clinical research by enabling clinical trial operations to occur outside of traditional clinical sites. This study evaluates the advantages, challenges, stakeholder perspectives, and technological requirements of DCTs compared to traditional clinical trials. A comprehensive review was conducted using FDA guidance documents, published literature, industry white papers, and stakeholder perspectives. Unlike traditional trials that rely on in-person visits, DCTs use remote or hybrid models supported by telehealth platforms, electronic data capture systems, and remote monitoring tools. Stakeholders such as participants, sponsors, investigators, and regulators, face challenges such as data integrity, regulatory compliance, and technology infrastructure. DCTs offer several advantages, including increased participant diversity, improved recruitment and retention rates, and greater convenience for participants. However, there are limitations such as high implementation costs, concerns about data quality, and complex regulatory requirements. This research highlights that successful DCT implementation depends on a robust technological framework, collaboration between stakeholders, and adherence to evolving regulatory standards. Insights from early DCT models will help shape the future of clinical research, making them more inclusive and efficient.
