After 40 years in development, the first TIL therapy received accelerated approval from the FDA for advanced melanoma. The therapy, called Amtagvi or lifileucel, is the first cell therapy approved for a solid tumor. During a phase 2 clinical trial, 31% of patients responded to the therapy, with 42% of those patients continuing to respond…
serve populations with fewer patients from deprived areas, while those with smaller private income tend to serve more deprived populations. This suggests that wealthier areas may have better access to private healthcare, while poorer areas rely more on NHS services. The study also highlights the potential impact of private patient income on NHS funding and…
Smoking causes lasting effects on the immune system even after quitting, according to a new study published in the journal Nature. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 1,000 healthy people in France and found that smoking alters adaptive and innate immunity. Although adaptive immunity remains affected for years, even decades, innate immunity rebounds immediately after people…
A recent study published in the CDC journal investigated the prevalence of long COVID among adults in the United States. Researchers found that 6.4% of adults experienced long COVID, with rates varying from 1.9% in the Virgin Islands to 10.6% in West Virginia. The study utilized data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System…
Keeping a healthy weight as you age is important, though it can be more difficult. The basic rules for weight loss still apply: burn more calories than you consume, eat nutritious foods, and avoid empty calories. If you’re over 60 and want to lose weight, there are extra steps to take. Strength training helps maintain…
A study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ 2024 annual meeting suggests that watchful waiting for shoulder adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is medically appropriate and can lead to substantial cost savings compared to physical therapy. Researchers found that patients who received no active treatment for the condition showed similar reductions in symptoms over…
Recent research suggests that probiotics, typically known for their benefits to gut health, may also play a key role in promoting digestive and cognitive well-being. The connection between the gut and brain relies on the communication between the enteric and central nervous systems, with the vagus nerve as the primary communicator. The gut, referred to…
Exoscope technology is a highly advanced tool that has shown excellent outcomes in spinal neurosurgery cases. It offers precise visualization and maneuverability, leading to better surgical results. The technology uses cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use of cookies. To learn more about the…
Biopharma companies often use outdated data tools like Microsoft Excel, leading to fragmented and manual data processing. With the explosion of data in the industry, companies are looking to adopt more sophisticated digital technologies, such as the “digital twin,” to streamline data collection and analysis. A “digital data backbone” is being seen as essential to…
A new network in Ireland, called EQUIPS, has been established to advance and improve the understanding of quality and patient safety research. The HSE and Health Research Board have jointly funded the network with €1.25 million over five years. Led by Prof Samuel Cromie and Dr Orla Healy, the network will bring together stakeholders, researchers,…
Children receiving chemotherapy for cancer may experience negative eating behaviors, such as changes in taste, emotional overeating or undereating, food selectivity, and slow eating. The study, conducted on children aged 8 to 18 being treated for cancer, found that most of them had normal body mass index (BMI) scores, but some were at risk for…
Celine Gounder from KFF Health News spoke on “CBS Mornings” about the CDC considering changes to isolation guidelines for COVID-19 and how to protect others while still testing positive. KFF Health News provides in-depth health journalism and is part of KFF, an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. The story can be…
Dr. Jordan M. Graff, MD, FACS, presented a post hoc analysis of the YOSEMITE and RHINE clinical trials at Retina 2024, evaluating biomarkers for vascular stability. The trials compared faricimab vs. aflibercept in patients with diabetic macular edema, and found that faricimab showed a greater reduction in hyperreflective foci and vascular leakage. This suggests that…
Prominent immunologist and oncologist Padmanee Sharma is facing a lawsuit that accuses her of threatening to harm a junior faculty member’s career, making defamatory comments about them, and trying to take credit for work she did not do. Sharma defended herself, saying her contributions were ignored, and a third-party assessment concluded she should be given…
William “Ian” Jones was born in Tregaron, Cardiganshire, and studied medicine in Cardiff. After completing two years of national service in Singapore, he began a career in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) medicine under the guidance of Don Harrison at the Royal National Throat, Nose, and Ear Hospital. He earned his fellowship in 1964 and…
A study conducted by a team of researchers including Rebecca Fischer, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Texas A&M University School of Public Health, analyzed the efficacy of the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine in preventing infections and symptomatic COVID-19 in young adults. The study followed 1,149 young adults aged 18-29 over…
Researchers led by Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new approach to treat neurodegenerative diseases. The approach targets antioxidant response and is an important part of cellular protection against oxidative stress. The discovery was published in Advanced Materials and aims to disrupt the protein interaction responsible for oxidative stress in diseases…
Bloating, gassiness, and abdominal discomfort can occur due to overeating, eating rich and fatty foods, and eating too fast. Gas in the abdomen can also cause bloating. Swallowing air and consuming certain foods can contribute to bloating as well. Foods like beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables, sweeteners, dairy products, and whole grains can cause gassiness and…
The FDA has approved omalizumab (Xolair, Genentech) to reduce allergic reactions to foods in adults and most children. The drug is meant to be taken regularly to reduce the risk for reactions, including anaphylaxis, in case of accidental exposure to allergens. Omalizumab is not approved for emergency treatment. It is the first drug approved to…
Probiotics are essential for optimal health, especially for women. Wholesome Wellness Women’s Raw Probiotics are high-potency supplements designed to support digestive and immune health. For men, Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Men provides comprehensive and targeted benefits. PurelyPure Probiotics is ideal for those with allergies. MegaFood MegaFlora is vegan-friendly, and Thorne FloraMend Prime Probiotic is…
The city of Palwal is set to receive its first government medical college. This development will provide better access to medical education and healthcare services for the residents of Palwal. The establishment of the medical college signifies a significant step towards improving the healthcare infrastructure in the region. With the introduction of this institution, the…
The integration of Generative AI with CPQ systems in healthcare can revolutionize the industry. This integration allows for personalized treatment plans, streamlined supply chain management, and accelerated drug discovery. Generative AI can analyze extensive data sets to tailor treatment options to individual patient needs. It can also predict demand, optimize stock levels, and detect fraud…
A study led by an Irish researcher at University College Cork found that a new drug combination shows promising results in treating advanced HER2-negative breast cancer. The combination of a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and two types of immunotherapy led to one-in-four women having their tumors destroyed or significantly reduced. The study, led by Prof…
A study compared the effectiveness of TNF inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and IL-17 inhibitors in improving the SPARCC score of the sacroiliac joint in patients with axial spondyloarthritis. The analysis included 18 randomized controlled trials, which showed that all three types of inhibitors were equally effective in reducing the SIJ SPARCC score at 3 months. TNF…
Hippocratic AI, a California-based generative AI company, is launching a Nurse Advisory Council to ensure the safety-focused development of its large language models (LLMs) for healthcare. The company’s LLM aims to increase care equity, the supply of healthcare workers, and better healthcare access and outcomes. The Nurse Advisory Council consists of various healthcare professionals and…
This article discusses the impact of Catholic hospitals’ adherence to the “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services,” which prohibit procedures like abortion and limit reproductive care. The directives often conflict with accepted medical standards and have led to patients being turned away from necessary care. The article also highlights how the Supreme…
Leonard Calabrese, DO, discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to a better understanding of the relationship between infection and autoimmunity at the Basic and Clinical Immunology for the Busy Clinician symposium. He highlighted the importance of an integrated immune response and the balance between effector mechanisms and regulatory forces. The pandemic has provided ample…
A small study found that liraglutide, a GLP-1 medication used to treat obesity and diabetes, reduced opioid cravings by 30% in a small group of patients with opioid use disorder. Those taking liraglutide with buprenorphine were more likely to report zero cravings compared to the placebo group. These results suggest that liraglutide could be an…
Cedrick Reginald Martys studied medicine at Sheffield University and worked in the pharmacology department for one year before marrying his wife, Shirley, in 1968. He completed his GP training in Stratford-upon-Avon and returned to the Peak District, where he began a GP partnership in Darley Dale. He also started working on his MD thesis. Source…
With Heart Month just around the corner, now is a good time to focus on the importance of a healthy diet for heart health. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels can lead to atherosclerosis and other heart-related diseases. Cholesterol and triglycerides are fats that circulate in your blood, and lifestyle changes can help improve your levels….
Valentine’s Day is a time for chocolate, but it’s important to understand the health benefits of different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate contains the most phenolic compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can benefit the body. Other types of chocolate, such as milk and white chocolate, contain less of these compounds and are…
Monica Cantu and her husband were expecting twins, a boy and a girl, when Cantu was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia. Her baby boy was born premature and did not survive, and Cantu later learned that her diagnosis was linked to high blood pressure during pregnancy. Studies show that Hispanic women are at an increased risk…
The FDA has approved lifileucel for the treatment of certain adults with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, marking the first approval of a cellular therapy in the solid tumor setting. The tumor-derived autologous T-cell immunotherapy is indicated for patients previously treated with a PD-1–blocking antibody, and if BRAF V600–positive, a BRAF inhibitor with or without an…
A Harvard study shows that workout supplements come in different forms such as pills, powders, and ready-to-drink shakes. The global market for pre-workout supplements was valued at $13.98 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $23.77 billion by 2027. When choosing a workout supplement, it’s important to know the ingredients and their effects on…
The Parliamentary Panel has recommended that the National Medical Commission (NMC) make it easier for medical students to report ghost faculty and zero attendance. This move is aimed at improving accountability and transparency in medical education. The panel has highlighted the need for stricter regulations to prevent such issues from occurring. The NMC has been…
Many Americans are shocked by the high cost of prescription medications, leading to difficult choices between affording essential medications or other necessities. A partnership between EHR vendor Elation Health and health information network Surescripts aims to bring prescription price transparency to the point of care for primary care clinicians. The collaboration allows physicians to access…
The National Service Plan for the Health Service Executive outlines the HSE’s plans for the year 2024, but the implementation of these plans is uncertain. The government has allocated €23.5 billion for the HSE, with additional funding for disability services. The budget includes money for the implementation of new health regions and increased costs for…
Lubiprostone, linaclotide, and elobixibat increase the mean spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) frequency in patients with chronic constipation (CC), according to a study in BMC Gastroenterology. The study reviewed 24 articles to compare the effects of the approved doses of these medications. Lubiprostone, linaclotide, and elobixibat were associated with an increased risk of diarrhea. The study…
The evolving healthcare landscape requires board members to guide digital innovation strategies, anticipate risks, and make informed decisions. Board members must understand the digital landscape, anticipate future trends, make strategic decisions, manage risks, and consider costs. Digital expertise is also important in the boardroom. The role of board members is critical in leading healthcare organizations…
David Mitchell, a multiple myeloma patient, has been paying exorbitant amounts for his needed medication. This led him to found the advocacy group Patients for Affordable Drugs, which in part was instrumental in getting drug price reforms into the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. The changes implemented by this act have led to significant savings for…
The FDA has granted breakthrough device status to Efemoral Medical’s novel vascular scaffold system for the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia. The system, called Efemoral Vascular Scaffold System, is designed to restore normal vessel diameter across all lesion lengths and morphologies for above-the-knee interventions. It uses a unique design of alternating, dissolvable, drug-eluting scaffolds and…
STAT publishes selected Letters to the Editor in response to First Opinion essays to encourage robust discussion about difficult issues. The current issue includes articles about the dental care crisis, medical device regulation, a new scientific journal, the use of biosimilars for a drug, and a new approach to preventing cardiovascular disease. The content covers…
Lauren Philips was a dedicated doctor who started her career in Truro and later worked in intensive care and accident and emergency medicine at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. She tragically took her own life in north Devon, a place she cherished. Known for her caring nature and musical talent, Lauren was a valued member of…
The Food and Drug Administration approved omalizumab to reduce allergic reactions and anaphylaxis in people with food allergies. The approval was based on data from a Phase 3 clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The trial called Omalizumab as Monotherapy and as Adjunct Therapy to Multi-Allergen OIT in Food…
A study conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo’s Medical School found that using exome sequencing to diagnose growth disorders in children with overlapping symptoms and conditions is highly effective. The technology has reduced the need for a long diagnostic journey and has led to accurate diagnoses and treatment. The team sequenced the…
Experts recommend prioritizing a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet for optimal health. Each color group provides different nutrients and benefits, such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and gastrointestinal support. Red foods like tomatoes can potentially fight infectious bacteria, while orange foods like carrots and oranges support hormone regulation and reproductive health. Yellow…
Medscape conducted a reader poll to determine if multicancer early detection tests are more hype than help. With the proliferation of such tests in the market, there is a debate on their effectiveness and potential impact on patient care. The poll aimed to gather insights from healthcare professionals on their opinions and experiences with these…
Maintaining good oral hygiene is linked to reducing the risk of gum infections and conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer’s. A study found that using antiseptic mouthwash may improve blood sugar levels in some diabetic patients by reducing the number of bacteria associated with periodontitis, a gum infection linked to various health conditions. Researchers found that…
The Ministry of Health informed Lok Sabha that the number of Kayakalp facilities has seen a significant increase from 97 in the financial year 2015-16 to 13,915 in the financial year 2021-22. This rise shows a substantial expansion in the implementation of Kayakalp initiatives, which aim to improve the cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control in…
The digital health space has seen significant growth since the Covid-19 pandemic, but a survey from EY found that healthcare executives are not yet seeing financial benefits. While 86% of executives believe digital health solutions can reduce costs, 70% have not seen a return on investment. The use of AI in healthcare is increasing, with…