Dr. Wold studies how to tackle severe infections, particularly those caused by tough bacteria and COVID-19 viruses. One of his key research areas is developing T-cell vaccines, specifically the VB10.2210, which aims to boost immune responses against COVID-19 variants. Additionally, he examines antibiotics like LTX-109, which have the potential to eliminate drug-resistant bacteria, reducing the risk of serious infections in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Dr. Wold also explores advanced chemotherapy treatments for various cancers, including multiple myeloma and non-small cell lung cancer, seeking to improve patient survival rates and minimize side effects.
Key findings
VB10.2210 vaccine induced strong immune responses in 34 participants, particularly in CD8+ T-cells, with no serious side effects.
LTX-109 showed a post-treatment suppression of Staphylococcus aureus growth for an average of 5.5 hours, compared to only 1 hour for mupirocin.
Patients using LTX-109 for nasal decolonization reduced Staphylococcus aureus significantly in just 2 days compared to placebo.
In a study of 72 multiple myeloma patients, 22 had complete recovery after combination treatment, showing the approach is safe in community settings.
High-dose cisplatin treatment led to 39% of 62 advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients showing improvement, with 6% achieving full recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Wold study COVID-19?
Yes, Dr. Wold is researching a T-cell vaccine called VB10.2210 to enhance immune responses against COVID-19.
What treatments has Dr. Wold researched for infections?
He has studied antibiotics like LTX-109, which effectively eliminate tough bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.
Is Dr. Wold's work relevant for cancer patients?
Absolutely, Dr. Wold has researched chemotherapy treatments for multiple myeloma and non-small cell lung cancer, providing insights that may improve outcomes for these patients.
What is LTX-109?
LTX-109 is a nasal treatment designed to reduce harmful bacteria, including drug-resistant strains, which helps to prevent serious infections.
How effective is the chemotherapy combination studied by Dr. Wold?
His studies have shown that combinations of chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin can lead to significant improvements for patients with advanced lung cancer.
Publications in plain English
SARS-CoV-2 T-cell vaccine VB10.2210 induces broad T-cell responses in a phase 1/2 open-label clinical trial.
Plain English This research tested a new T-cell vaccine called VB10.2210 in 34 healthy adults who had already been vaccinated against COVID-19. The trial found that the highest vaccine dose of 3.0 mg produced a strong immune response, particularly from a type of immune cell called CD8+ T-cells, with no serious side effects reported. This is important because it may lead to better protection against various COVID-19 variants and help fight severe cases or persistent infections.
Who this helps: Patients at risk for severe COVID-19.
Postantibiotic effect and postantibiotic sub-MIC effect of LTX-109 and mupirocin on Staphylococcus aureus blood isolates.
2017
Letters in applied microbiology
Saravolatz LD, Pawlak J, Martin H, Saravolatz S, Johnson L +3 more
Plain English This study looked at two antibiotics, LTX-109 and mupirocin, to see how long they could suppress the growth of a tough bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, which is resistant to many common treatments. LTX-109 was found to keep the bacteria from growing for an average of 5.5 hours after treatment, compared to just 1.0 hour for mupirocin. This is important because a longer effect means LTX-109 could be given less often, making it easier for patients to stick to their treatment and potentially reducing the chance of the bacteria becoming resistant.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with tough-to-treat bacterial infections.
LTX-109 is a novel agent for nasal decolonization of methicillin-resistant and -sensitive Staphylococcus aureus.
2015
Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy
Nilsson AC, Janson H, Wold H, Fugelli A, Andersson K +3 more
Plain English The study tested a new nasal treatment called LTX-109, which aims to eliminate harmful bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus, including drug-resistant strains. The researchers found that after just 2 days of using a 2% or 5% concentration of LTX-109, patients showed a significant reduction in bacteria compared to those who received a placebo. This is important because reducing these bacteria can prevent serious infections, especially in hospital settings, and the treatment appears to be safe with minimal side effects.
Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of infections, especially those in hospitals.
Consolidation hemibody radiotherapy following induction combination chemotherapy in high-tumor-burden multiple myeloma.
1992
Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
MacKenzie MR, Wold H, George C, Gandara D, Ray G +5 more
Plain English This study looked at a treatment approach for patients with advanced multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Researchers tested giving chemotherapy first for eight cycles, followed by hemibody radiation therapy and more chemotherapy. Out of 72 patients, 22 had a complete recovery after the initial treatment, and the overall survival time was about 134 weeks, which was similar to other treatments. This matters because it shows that while the treatment was safe and could be done in community healthcare settings, it didn't lead to longer survival compared to existing options.
Who this helps: This helps patients with high-tumor-burden multiple myeloma and their doctors.
High-dose cisplatin and mitomycin C in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a phase II study of the Northern California Oncology Group.
1990
Cancer chemotherapy and pharmacology
Gandara DR, Perez EA, Wold H, Caggiano V, Malec M +3 more
Plain English This study explored the effects of a high-dose chemotherapy combination of cisplatin and mitomycin C in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Out of 62 patients, 39% showed some improvement in their condition, with 6% achieving full recovery and 33% showing partial recovery. On average, patients survived for about 29 weeks, and while the treatment had significant side effects, they were manageable, indicating that this approach could potentially be effective.
Who this helps: Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Plain English This study looked at how different doses of a chemotherapy drug called cisplatin affect patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Among 76 patients evaluated, 36% showed a positive response to treatment, with 8% experiencing complete recovery and 28% seeing partial improvements. Patients lived an average of 37 weeks after treatment while receiving nearly full doses of the drug, which was tolerated relatively well with limited side effects.
Who this helps: This study benefits patients with advanced NSCLC who may have better treatment options.
High-dose cisplatin in hypertonic saline: reduced toxicity of a modified dose schedule and correlation with plasma pharmacokinetics. A Northern California Oncology Group Pilot Study in non-small-cell lung cancer.
1986
Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Gandara DR, DeGregorio MW, Wold H, Wilbur BJ, Kohler M +3 more
Plain English Researchers studied a new way to give high doses of cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug, to patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. They divided the total dose of 200 mg/m2 into two sessions, which resulted in fewer side effects: only one out of 17 patients developed severe nerve damage, and none experienced severe drops in blood cell counts. This is important because it means patients may feel better and tolerate treatment more easily.
Who this helps: This helps patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.