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CLINICAL TRIALS
ALL IN : Targeting Inflammation and Alloimmunity in Heart Transplant Recipients with Tocilizumab
This is a Phase II , prospective , multicenter , randomized , placebo-controlled clinical trial . The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of tocilizumab ( Actemra ) on post-transplant outcomes . The drug , currently FDA approved for rheumatologic conditions , is hypothesized to improve posttransplant survival rate by reducing incidence of rejection , donor-specific antibodies , and hemodynamic compromise . Principal investigator : Shelley Hall , MD , FACC , FHFSA , FAST
TROJAN-C : Transplant of Redeemed Organs by Judicious Administration of New Direct-Acting Antivirals for Hepatitis-C Heart Recipients
This Phase II , multicenter , open-label study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of utilizing HCVpositive donors for heart transplant in HCV-negative recipients treated with sofosbuvir 400 mg / velpatasvir 100 mg ( Epclusa ® ). The primary objective is to increase the number of viable hearts that can be used for transplant , since drugs are available to treat HCV with minimal side effects . Principal investigators : Shelley Hall , MD , FACC , FHFSA , FAST , and Robert Gottlieb , MD , PhD , FACC
WILLIAM C . ROBERTS , MD , MACC , A GUIDING FORCE IN CARDIOLOGY
In 1993 , William C . Roberts , MD , MACC , joined the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center . He is an internationally recognized authority on cardiac pathology . A member of the Baylor Dallas and Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas medical staffs , Dr . Roberts is also executive director of the Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Institute , editor-in-chief of The American Journal of Cardiology , editor-in-chief of Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings , and dean of the A . Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education .
In 2016 , Dr . Roberts was awarded the American College of Cardiology ’ s Lifetime Achievement Award , the highest recognition bestowed on an individual by the college . The award recognized his contributions to the cardiovascular profession , particularly cardiac pathology . The ACC president at the time , Kim Allan Williams , MD , FACC , said , “ It is an honor to be able to recognize Dr . Roberts with the Lifetime Achievement Award and celebrate his contributions to and achievements in cardiology .”
Heart-to-Heart program gains national attention
Six years ago , Dr . Roberts followed his heart and began a program that has touched the lives of more than 157 heart transplant recipients – Heartto-Heart . At the request of a patient who received a heart transplant at Baylor Dallas 10 years earlier , Dr . Roberts invited him to see his old heart and hold it in his hands . Patients and family members have participated in these powerful educational sessions by Dr . Roberts . In FY20 , a few patients who received heart transplants in other parts of the country , consulted Dr . Roberts for more information about the pathology and anatomy of their “ old ” hearts . The program continues to gain national attention with an article published in the April 28 , 2020 , issue of American Cardiology Journal Online .
“ Examining One ’ s Own Heart ,” authored by Dr . Roberts and Saba Ilyas , BS , describes the history of the first-of-its-kind-in-the-nation program , its impact on the heart transplant patients who participate and the value of the program as a teaching moment .
Dr . Roberts is a mentor to many , including the cardiology fellows who receive valuable advice about their careers in medicine , as well as life in general . He is an advocate for a heart-healthy plantbased diet and willingly shares his knowledge about exercise and nutrition with others .
Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas Heart Transplantation