Megan Garlapow, PhD

All articles by Megan Garlapow, PhD

• Patients with indolent SM need early osteoporosis care, study recommends

  Osteoporosis affects 42% of people with indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) and is linked to spine and peripheral fractures.

• Researchers uncover mutation patterns in childhood mastocytosis

  The commonly known KIT D816V mutation appeared only in systemic disease, while other KIT mutations were seen in skin-limited cases.

• Stem cell transplants eradicate SM mutations faster than symptoms

  In patients with SM and blood cancer, a stem cell transplant rapidly removed the disease-causing mutation, but tryptase levels took longer.

• Extending venom therapy intervals reduces risk without sacrificing safety

  Patients with systemic mastocytosis can safely extend venom immunotherapy (VIT) maintenance intervals to 12 weeks after five years.

• Researchers highlight role of tryptase genotyping in diagnosing mastocytosis

  Tryptase genotyping helps determine whether a high tryptase level reflects disease or genetics in systemic mastocytosis (SM).

• Study reveals risk of skin cancer rises in patients with mastocytosis

  Patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM) face significantly increased risks of melanoma and other skin cancers.

• Antisense therapy targeting KIT mutations shows potential as SM treatment

  HT-KIT cut KIT protein levels by more than 80% and halted tumor growth in systemic mastocytosis (SM) models.

• COVID-19 booster triggers severe immune response in man with SM

  A patient with systemic mastocytosis suffered a life-threatening immune reaction after receiving an mRNA-1273 COVID-19 booster.

• New protein findings reveal clues to indolent systemic mastocytosis

  Results from a recent study could support more accurate diagnosis and future therapies in indolent systemic mastocytosis.

• New clinical trial set to evaluate dual-drug approach for SM with blood cancer

  A clinical trial is testing avapritinib and decitabine to improve outcomes for patients with SM and an associated blood cancer.