The following is a summary of some recent studies on Covid-19.
They include research that warrants further study to corroborate the findings and that have yet to be certified by peer review.
Vaccines weaker than expected in multiple myeloma patients
When a Vaccine Acts a Little Too Boldly: A Look at Multiple Myeloma and Covid‑19
Even when you’re fully vaccinated, some folks just don’t get the full shield. Take former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, who died on Monday (Oct 18) from Covid complications. His case highlights a sobering truth: people with the blood cancer multiple myeloma often fall short when it comes to vaccine protection.
What the Latest Study Unpacked
Hold on to your lab coats—the new research, slated to hit Cancer Cell online this Monday, breaks down a double‑trouble hit: fewer neutralising antibodies and a weak T‑cell response. Here’s why that matters:
- Antibodies act like the body’s “flying squad,” blasting free viruses in the bloodstream—think of them as flaming arrows.
- T‑cells are the ground troops, tagging up infected cells so the immune army can rally against them. They also send out “aim‑fire” signals that keep infections in check.
In a sample of 44 multiple myeloma patients who completed both mRNA shots (Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna), researchers found a chilling pattern:
- Those with low or no antibody response usually had few or no T‑cell heroes to step in when a severe Covid wave struck.
- As Dr. Samir Parekh of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai put it: “The unexpected lack of T‑cell responses, coupled with the absence of antibodies following Sars‑CoV‑2 vaccination, is of concern.”
The Take‑Home Message
It’s a no‑go for complacency—immune response checks aren’t a luxury; they’re a survival tool. The study urges doctors to monitor blood tests after vaccination, especially in cancer‑struck patients, ensuring they’re not left tipping the scales against the virus.
Bottom Line (With a Dash of Humor)
If you’re one of those patients, you might want to keep a closer eye on your shots. Think of it like steering through stormy seas—your vaccine’s big but nailing it isn’t automatic. And thanks to Powell’s unfortunate end, we’re reminded that even the most celebrated faces aren’t untouchable. In the human drama of medicine, every line of defence matters—especially when the virus is playing hardball.
Claims of stem cell treatments for Covid-19 are bogus
Numerous businesses have made unsubstantiated and inaccurate claims about supposed stem cell products to treat Covid-19, researchers said in a paper on Thursday in the journal Stem Cell Reports.
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Their paper cites more than 20 companies that have received warning letters from the US Food and Drug Administration or Federal Trade Commission for promoting unlicensed stem cell treatments for Covid-19.
Exactly how many businesses are involved in manufacturing or selling these bogus products directly to consumers is unknown, according to the authors.
Stem cells, from which other cells with specialised functions can be generated, are presently used to treat only a few diseases and conditions.
No such therapy has been approved by government regulators for preventing or treating Covid-19. Many advertisements falsely claim their therapies’ effectiveness and safety are supported by evidence.
“The spread of such misinformation has potential to cause real harm to patient safety and public health by making it difficult or impossible for patients and other members of the public to distinguish evidence-based scientific claims from pseudoscience and quackery,” the authors said.
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