The KEYNOTE-177 trial showed that pembrolizumab was more effective in treating metastatic colorectal cancer compared to chemotherapy, doubling progression-free survival in patients with microsatellite instability–high (MSI-H) mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) subtype. The study, funded by Merck, involved 307 patients with MSI-H or dMMR mCRC who were randomly assigned to receive either pembrolizumab or chemotherapy as first-line…
The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that all baby boomers will be 65 or older by 2030, leading to an increase in senior living environments. The National Investment Center estimates the value of seniors housing and care property in the U.S. to be $477.8 billion. Active adult living communities have emerged as a popular option for…
Terence Cosgrave writes about the potential consequences of Trump appointing Robert F Kennedy as the Health and Human Services Secretary. The interconnected nature of Canada and the US is highlighted, with fears that changes in the US could impact Canada. RFK’s controversial background and lack of mental stability are discussed, along with his potential impact…
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is Trump’s pick for HHS Secretary with his own policy priorities. The HHS Secretary regulates health policies, public opinion, and public health emergencies. Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines and food-mental health connections have been criticized. He plans to remove fluoride from water, which may not be safe. Kennedy’s criticisms of public…
A recent study by Epic Research found that caffeine-related emergency department visits among youth aged 11 to 14 have more than doubled from 2017 to 2023, especially in boys. The research showed that males had significantly higher rates of caffeine-related ED visits compared to females aged 15 to 35 years. Caffeine overdoses can lead to…
Money can make life easier by allowing for luxuries like first-class airline tickets and theme park upgrades. However, it can also be used for more important purposes, such as skipping long waits at the doctor’s office. For those with higher incomes, spending a few thousand dollars on health care can be seen as prioritizing well-being…
Charles, born in London in 1944, grew up in a well-travelled and artistic family before moving to Sussex. He trained as a physician at Middlesex Hospital, becoming editor of the hospital journal and a writer for the Christmas concert. After various posts, he became medical director in Bermuda. On a trip home, he met Carolyn,…
A study published in BME Frontiers introduces an AI model for accurately quantifying maxillofacial traits using deep learning techniques on 3D images. This model addresses the limitations of manual measurements and ensures demographic parity to avoid bias in predictions. The results show high correlation with clinician measurements, validating the model’s accuracy and reliability. This innovative…
New research led by experts at the University of Nottingham suggests that certain diabetes medications, specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists, may help reduce alcohol consumption. The study, funded by the NIHR, evaluated existing literature and found that these medications could potentially target the brain’s reward center, especially in individuals with a BMI over 30. While one…
Some public health and medical organizations are concerned over President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has spread misinformation about vaccines, promoted unproven COVID-19 remedies, and opposes water fluoridation. Critics fear he will undermine public health efforts and spread distrust. Overseas,…
Magnesium bath flakes are a natural way to support relaxation, muscle recovery, and overall wellness through the skin. Different brands offer high-quality magnesium chloride flakes sourced from ancient seabeds for purity and effectiveness, providing benefits like muscle relaxation, stress relief, improved skin hydration, and enhanced sleep support. These flakes help replenish magnesium levels and soothe…
The challenging airway is a crucial aspect of anesthesia management, especially with the increasing prevalence of obesity. The evaluation and identification of a difficult airway is essential. Obesity does not always equate to a difficult airway, but it can complicate airway management. Factors like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can increase the challenge. Various methods can…
The FDA has approved naxitamab-gqgk in combination with GM-CSF for children with relapsed or refractory high-risk neuroblastoma in the bone or bone marrow. Naxitamab is a monoclonal antibody that targets ganglioside GD2, commonly found in neuroectoderm-derived tumors. This approval is granted for patients aged 1 year and older who have shown a response or stable…
Biotech firm Halozyme aims to expand its offerings to big pharma partners through a proposed €2 billion acquisition of drug discovery company Evotec. Evotec has experienced setbacks, including a cyberattack and exiting the gene therapy business. Halozyme offered €11 per share, a 109% premium to Evotec’s stock price before a private equity firm began accumulating…
A study involving over 26,000 people across 32 countries found that high blood pressure, smoking, and atrial fibrillation are linked to increased severity of stroke. Among participants, 74% with severe stroke had high blood pressure, 11% had atrial fibrillation, and 30% were current smokers. High blood pressure was associated with 3.2 times higher likelihood of…
Pregnant women in the US are reporting being asked to pay upfront fees for maternity care earlier than expected, causing stress and financial pressure. This practice, which is legal but deemed unethical by patient advocacy groups, is typically done to ensure medical providers are compensated for their services. With the high cost of maternity care,…
The FDA has proposed removing oral phenylephrine from over-the-counter nasal decongestants after a review found it to be ineffective. Other safe and effective treatments are available for nasal congestion. In other news, a study found that only 55.5% of allergists accept Medicaid, potentially creating barriers to care. Additionally, efforts are being made to train physician…
The death of Rick Slayman, the first man to receive a kidney transplant from a genetically engineered pig, was due to an unexpected cardiac event according to his transplant surgeon. Despite his death, there was no sign of organ rejection, indicating the new kidney was still viable. With over 100,000 people in the US on…
The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) found that NHS hospitals are not adequately recording people’s end-of-life care wishes. The report stresses the importance of normalizing conversations about death and improving access to early palliative care. NCEPOD reviewed data on the care of patients with dementia, heart failure, lung cancer, and liver…
A review published in JAMA Pediatrics found that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are common globally. This review included 65 studies with a total of 490,423 children from 18 countries. The estimated prevalence rates of ACEs were 42.3% for 0 ACEs, 22.0% for one ACE, 12.7% for two ACEs, 8.1% for three ACEs, and 14.8% for…
A recent study in The Lancet found that global diabetes rates have risen significantly between 1990 and 2022, with low- and middle-income countries experiencing the most substantial increases. Despite this, treatment coverage has not improved equally across all regions, leading to disparities in care between high-income and low-resource areas. In 2022, an estimated 828 million…
A study in the United States found that despite lower admission rates, the incidence of diverticulitis in emergency departments increased from 0.4% in 2016 to 0.56% in 2023. CT scans were performed in 89.6% of cases, with an increase in usage from 83% to 92.6% over time. Admission rates for diverticulitis patients decreased from 33.6%…
A sedentary lifestyle is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Researchers suggest taking short breaks to counteract the effects, with a recent study showing that sitting for more than six hours a day can raise blood pressure. Even replacing 10 minutes of sedentary time with light physical activity…
The author discusses his journey to financial security through investing in a diversified portfolio of dividend-paying stocks. He shares his experience of starting out with no knowledge about investing, gradually learning and building his portfolio over 30 years. The author emphasizes the importance of investing in good companies, reinvesting dividends, and staying patient through market…
off-target toxicities,” said Professor Marcia S. Brose, director of the Center for Rare Cancers and Personalized Therapy at the Abramson Cancer Center and coauthor of the ARROW trial. Pralsetinib is a once-daily oral therapy that selectively targets oncogenic RET alterations, providing a more precise and effective treatment option for patients with these specific types of…
Prior authorization is a contentious issue between payers and providers, with payers arguing for its necessity to reduce costs and unnecessary care, while providers claim it creates administrative burden and delays care. Chris Severn of Turquoise Health and Don Antonucci of Providence Health Plan discussed prior authorization at a networking event. Antonucci mentioned that prior…
The HSE is implementing a new productivity assessment process to determine funding for new consultant posts in hospitals. Consultants in emergency medicine and CAMHS are exempt from this policy. The process will ensure funding is directed to sites meeting productivity levels. The Productivity Unit will develop a methodology in coordination with various departments. Department of…
The United States has not made much progress in closing racial health disparities, with government decisions often being the underlying cause. KFF Health News conducted a yearlong investigation into how government actions harm Black health, resulting in 1.63 million excess deaths among Black Americans compared to white Americans over the past two decades. This loss…
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children with normal blood pressure may not need to be screened as often as current recommendations suggest. The study followed 2,918 participants over nearly 40 years and found that children and teens with elevated blood pressure were twice as likely to have high blood pressure as adults….
President-elect Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic and environmental lawyer, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Trump announced the pick on social media, stating that RFK Jr. will address chronic disease epidemics and reform health agencies. The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation, with many expressing concerns about…
Arthur Ng’etich and colleagues emphasize the importance of equity, justice, and inclusion in addressing the climate crisis and improving health systems. Despite some progress in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources, structural drivers of climate change and related inequities remain unchallenged, impacting public health. To achieve meaningful progress, it is essential to…
A major analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study shows that the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. has doubled since 1990, with over 208 million adults affected in 2021. The study predicts a continued increase in overweight and obesity without significant reform, with devastating consequences for health and economic costs. By 2050, it…
Gram-negative bacteria are a serious global health threat due to their resistance to multiple antibiotics, making infections hard to treat. To combat this, the NIH has granted $3.96 million to Vincent Tam from the UH College of Pharmacy to develop more effective combination therapies. Tam plans to design a monitoring device and algorithm to guide…
Pregnant individuals in the United States, especially younger and Hispanic or non-Hispanic Black women, who visit the emergency department (ED) four or more times during pregnancy are more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity (SMM) at the time of birth. A study based on data from over 774,000 pregnant women in Massachusetts found that those…
Patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease can now access the innovative recoveriX therapy in hospitals and neurorehabilitation centers worldwide. Developed by g.tec medical engineering GmbH, recoveriX uses brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to stimulate muscles and restore function in limbs impaired by neurological conditions. Studies have shown its effectiveness in…
Dr. Rachel M. Lee and Dr. Ken Cardona presented research at the Society of Surgical Oncology meeting on a risk score to stratify patients with pulmonary metastases based on preoperative characteristics. Factors such as age, primary tumor location, resection status, tumor grade, and number of lung lesions were found to impact overall survival. A risk…
The combination of nivolumab and cabozantinib has been found to improve overall survival in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma compared to the previous standard treatment of sunitinib. This was shown in the phase 3 CheckMate 9ER trial. While this combination is not the only one to show a survival advantage over sunitinib in a…
The FDA has approved the first gene therapy for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency, a rare enzyme deficiency that leads to muscle and developmental issues. Developed by PTC Therapeutics, the gene therapy, known as eladocagene exuparvovec, is administered directly into the brain to replace the mutated DDC gene with a functioning version. The therapy has…
Republicans will have full control of the House of Representatives, Senate, and White House in January, giving them the power to change health policy. President-elect Donald Trump promises not to touch Medicare, but issues like drug prices and physician pay will need attention. The GOP will need to navigate slim margins in Congress to make…
Clindamycin, a drug with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, remains relevant and safe for treating acne vulgaris. While oral clindamycin is not FDA-approved for acne, both oral and topical formulations are available. Combining clindamycin with other ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide, is recommended to reduce antibiotic resistance and optimize efficacy. A recent triple-combination gel containing clindamycin was…
Leaders in the biopharma world and scientific community are concerned about the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services by President-elect Donald Trump. Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and vaccine skeptic, could have a significant impact on drug development, public health policy, and basic research if confirmed by…
The decision to regulate Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthetic Associates (AAs) in the UK has sparked controversy. PAs and AAs have a smaller body of knowledge compared to physicians, but their scope of practice is undefined and they must be supervised by a clinician. The General Medical Council (GMC) has not defined their scope of…
A study presented at the American Society of Hematology’s annual meeting found that the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes is associated with a lower risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The study compared GLP-1 RA users to those using DPP-4 inhibitors and found that GLP-1 RA users had an 18%…
Multiple Myeloma is an incurable blood cancer with high relapse rates, prompting the need for novel immunotherapies. Researchers have developed an interactive tool based on a single-cell RNA-sequencing atlas of the MM immune microenvironment to guide the development of new treatments. The tool focuses on understanding the tumor-immune microenvironment to overcome resistance mechanisms in MM…
Amber Blair, PA-C, delivered her presidential address to the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates, reflecting on the organization’s growth since its founding in 1994 by Joe R. Monroe. The SDPA, now with over 4900 members, aims to reach 5000 in the coming year. Blair emphasized the importance of remaining engaged in the SDPA community and…
A 36-year-old woman in Thailand discovered a surgical needle left in her vaginal area during childbirth, causing her decades-long abdominal pain. The Pavena Foundation for Children and Women reviewed her case and arranged for treatment at a public hospital. The needle was allegedly left by a nurse while a doctor was stitching her delivery wound….
A study presented at the 2020 virtual annual meeting of the American Society for the Surgery of Trauma showed that 57% of trauma surgeons are dissatisfied with their work-life balance, leading to a high rate of burnout. Factors such as having hobbies, a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking vacation time off were associated with…
The KEYNOTE-590 trial found that combining pembrolizumab with chemotherapy for patients with advanced esophageal cancer led to improved overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone. This was especially true for patients with high expression of PD-L1, the target of pembrolizumab. The study included patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. The…
Since the pandemic hit four years ago, healthcare organizations are still struggling with low margins and high costs, especially related to labor. A 2023 report by the American Medical Association shows financial pressures on providers, with labor expenses at $839 billion. Despite improvements in operating margins, recovery is slow. To optimize revenue cycles, providers can…
Scientists at federal health agencies are anxious about the potential impact of the upcoming Trump administration, particularly regarding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s influence on public health policy. Kennedy aims to make significant changes, such as weakening childhood vaccine mandates and promoting alternative health ideas. The Trump administration’s plans for reshaping public health policy could have…