Chronic kidney disease–associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a common, yet underrecognized condition in patients with CKD and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Real-world observational studies indicate that CKD-aP affects up to 80% of ESKD patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD), with ∼40% experiencing moderate to severe itch. CKD-aP can negatively impact patients’ mental and physical health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and is also associated with sleep disturbance and depression. Several studies have found that CKD-aP is a predictor of adverse medical outcomes, including an increased risk of hospitalizations and mortality. In this article we review the literature relating to the epidemiology of CKD-aP to describe its prevalence across the treatment spectrum of CKD (non-dialysis, HD, peritoneal dialysis and transplant recipients) and to summarize potential risk factors associated with its development. We also review key data from studies that have evaluated the impact of CKD-aP on HRQoL and medical outcomes.

Sequential application of target drugs is standard procedure after renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients develop resistance. To optimize the sequence, antitumour effects of the mTOR inhibitor RAD001 or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) sorafenib on RCC cells with acquired resistance to the TKI sunitinib was evaluated. RCC cells were exposed to 1 μM sunitinib for 24 hrs (as control) and for 8 weeks (to induce resistance) and then switched to RAD001 (5 nM) or sorafenib (5 μM) for a further 8 weeks. Tumour cell growth, cell cycle progression, cell cycle regulating proteins and intracellular signalling were then investigated. Short-term application of sunitinib (24 hrs) induced cell growth blockade with accumulation in the G2/M phase. RCC cells became resistant to sunitinib after 8 weeks, demonstrated by accelerated cell growth along with enhanced cdk1, cdk2, loss of p27, activation of Akt, Rictor and Raptor. Switching to sorafenib only slightly reduced growth of the sunitinib resistant RCC cells and molecular analysis indicated distinct cross-resistance. In contrast, full response was achieved when the cancer cells were treated with RAD001. p19 and p27 strongly increased, phosphorylated Akt, Rictor and Raptor decreased and the tumour cells accumulated in G0/G1. It is concluded that an mTOR-inhibitor for second-line therapy could be the strategy of choice after first-line sunitinib failure.

Key Points Question Can individuals insured by Medicaid access cancer care services at high-performing cancer-designated hospitals? Findings In this cross-sectional study of 334 facilities recognized for cancer care, 95.5% accepted new patients with Medicaid for breast cancer, 90.4% for colorectal cancer, 86.8% for kidney cancer, and 79.6% for skin cancer (melanoma) care. Medicaid was accepted for all 4 surveyed cancers at 67.7% of facilities. Meaning Despite increases in the number of US residents insured through Medicaid, these findings suggest that barriers to accessing cancer care exist at high-quality centers.

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Sea urchin-like polystyrene/polyaniline particles were synthesized by a seeded swelling polymerization. When dispersed in silicone oil to produce an electrorheological (ER) fluid, they exhibit typical ER behaviors with better dispersion stability.