NHANES, Numbers, & Risk (7.18.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week on RheumNow.com along with interesting case questions from "Ask Cush Anything".
News
Zasocitinib (Tyk2 Inhibitor) Efficacy in Psoriatic Arthritis
A highly selective, tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor zasocitinib (TAK-279), was studied in a phase 2b trial and found to be effective and safe patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
Americans choose short term relief for neck and back pain
EurekAlert!
New survey data from the Orlando Health Spine Center reveals a significant difference among Americans on how to manage neck and back pain.
Molecular profiling of RA synovium predicts biologic responses
Machine learning analysis of pre-treatment synovial tissue biopsy from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients starting either etanercept (ETN), tocilizumab (TCZ) and rituximab (RTX) revealed
1 in 5 Patients are Unaware of their Arthritis Diagnosis
Current CDC numbers suggest that arthritis (any type) affects an estimated 67.1 million (27.9% ) adults in the USA. Interestingly, 1 in 5 do not know their arthritis subtype (21.6%, 14.4 million).
Manifestations and Treatment in Relapsing Polychondritis
A large multicenter cohort study of Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) describes the clinical manifestations and treatment approaches to this rare, heterogeneous, multisystem disease.
Variability of Guidelines on the Perioperative Use of DMARDs in Rheumatic Diseases Patients
More effective treatments in patients with rheumatic diseases have resulted in less need for major surgery, yet a substantial number of RMD patients will undergo surgery often in the setting of DMARDs use. A scoping review looked at numerous clinical practice guidelines/recommendations for the perioperative management of DMARDs and found inconsistencies and low quality evidence, with great reliance on conditional (expert opinion) recommendations.
Osteoporosis treatment benefits people older than 80
EurekAlert!
People who are older than 80 should be considered for osteoporosis treatment after a fracture to avoid further risk, according to a study being presented Saturday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, Calif.
Interstitial Lung Disease and Lung Cancer Risk
A large prospective cohort study found that interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.
Hmmm Really? (7.11.2025)
Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from this past week - some obvious, other new thoughts and some - hmmm, reallly?
CMS to Test Prior Authorization Model in Traditional Medicare
Medpage Today
No Increased Malignancy Risk with Ixekizumab
A pooled analysis of 25 randomized clinical trials affirms the safety of ixekizumab (IXE) when used to treat patients with psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).