Megan Garlapow, PhD

All articles by Megan Garlapow, PhD

• Study reveals gap in how indolent systemic mastocytosis control is viewed

  Only 25% of patients with indolent SM report their disease is well controlled, despite most clinicians believing control is common.

• FDA requests packaging fixes for dibutepinephrine film

  If approved, dibutepinephrine could offer patients with SM a needle-free epinephrine option that is easier to carry and use.

• Testing GI tissue improves detection of systemic mastocytosis

  Gastrointestinal mastocytosis occurs in about one-third of patients with systemic mastocytosis and strongly predicts bone marrow involvement.

• Telomere shortening may explain why childhood mastocytosis often fades

  Research on shortened telomeres in children’s mast cells may help develop ways to trigger natural disease remission in SM.

• FDA grants Breakthrough Designation to bezuclastinib for nonadvanced SM

  Bezuclastinib received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for certain patients with nonadvanced SM.

• Genetic findings reveal new clues for systemic mastocytosis

  Scientists found five genetic changes in people with systemic mastocytosis (SM), including two never reported before.

• 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.