Pembrolizumab plus chemoradiotherapy has shown to significantly improve overall survival for women with high-risk locally advanced cervical cancer. The FDA approved this regimen based on progression-free survival data from a phase 3 trial. Results presented at the ESMO Congress demonstrated a higher 36-month OS rate with pembrolizumab compared to a placebo. The regimen showed consistent…
A Phase 2 trial in Barcelona, Spain, showed that adding a second immunotherapy from Bristol Myers Squibb to an existing checkpoint inhibitor and chemotherapy improved responses for certain patients with lung cancer. The trial tested Opdualag, a combination of Bristol’s Opdivo and relatlimab, targeting a checkpoint called LAG-3. While Opdualag is approved for advanced melanoma,…
The UN has launched a vaccination campaign in central Gaza to protect children from polio, aiming to vaccinate 90% of children in the occupied Palestinian territory. A baby was recently paralyzed by the disease, the first case in Gaza in 25 years. The World Health Organization and Unicef have called for a pause in fighting…
A study identified that technology-related errors are common when prescribing medications in hospitals, with one in three errors being attributed to electronic systems. High-risk medications like oxycodone and insulin were often associated with these errors. The study also found that technology-related errors persisted over time, even years after implementing electronic systems. Examples of system design…
Two new courses have been announced as part of the UK’s first menopause education and support program created by UCL researchers. The courses, Be Prepared for Menopause and the Perimenopause Programme, aim to provide accessible and evidence-based education and support for individuals before and during menopause. The program is being developed in partnership with charities…
A study presented at the ESMO Congress in 2024 found that combining standard FOLFOX chemotherapy with doublet immunotherapy did not improve progression-free survival in patients with HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. The study, known as AIO-STO-0417 (MOONLIGHT), aimed to explore whether adding doublet immunotherapy to chemotherapy would provide additional benefits. Results showed that the…
Foot braces play a crucial role in managing foot pain, aiding in recovery, and preventing further injuries. They offer support for various conditions like sprains, strains, and plantar fasciitis, catering to athletes, injury recoveries, and daily activities. Understanding the types of foot braces available, such as ankle braces, compression foot sleeves, plantar fasciitis night splints,…
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology has revolutionized diabetes management by providing real-time, accurate data that allows for personalized insights and timely interventions. By sharing CGM data with healthcare providers, patients can receive targeted recommendations to improve their glycemic control and outcomes. CGM reduces the need for frequent in-person visits, optimizing resource allocation and cost savings…
The author discusses the ongoing under-investment in healthcare in Ireland, exemplified by the Children’s Hospital debacle. The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) recently called for the €13 billion Apple tax windfall to be exclusively invested in the healthcare sector. The author questions whether this investment in healthcare would provide the best value compared to other areas…
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in New Jersey is partnering with NeuroFlow to assess patient population risk and improve behavioral health care. The alliance aims to integrate workflow tools to identify and prioritize mental health needs and enhance resource allocation. The focus is on tracking patient progress, especially among the almost 70% Medicaid population. NeuroFlow’s…
Missoula, Montana, is experiencing punishing heat waves, causing health complications among residents, particularly seniors. Rural communities in the area are also struggling with extreme heat, with many residents not having access to air conditioning or cooling centers. A study found that for every 1 degree Celsius increase in temperature, 911 calls increased by 1%. The…
At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting, Dr. Jorge L. Alió discussed extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses, clarifying the differences between them and their specific indications. He emphasized the importance of understanding the optical design and defocus curve when selecting a lens, and suggested looking at independent clinical studies for guidance….
A Phase 3 trial in Barcelona, Spain, showed that the immunotherapy drug retifanlimab in combination with chemotherapy helped slow down disease progression in patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer often caused by human papillomavirus. The study found that adding retifanlimab to chemotherapy reduced the risk of disease progression or death by more than…
Clinical negligence payments in England reached £2.9bn in 2023-24, up from £2.6bn the previous year. This represents 1.7% of the entire NHS budget and is fueling calls for reform in NHS litigation. Surgeon and former Labour health minister Ara Darzi’s review of the NHS highlighted this as an urgent issue. The number of formal complaints…
The rise of new drugs in the GLP-1 and GIP analog class, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, is leading to an increase in prescriptions, budgets, and profits for pharmaceutical companies. These drugs offer promise for treating diabetes and obesity, with significant weight loss as a side effect. However, they only treat the effects of these…
Albert Einstein College of Medicine has received a grant from the NIAID for a project called PROVIDENT to develop vaccines and therapies against emerging viruses. Led by Dr. Kartik Chandran, the project aims to focus on virus families to quickly create countermeasures during pandemics, learning from previous outbreaks like COVID-19. The grant will fund research…
In a phase 3 trial, adjuvant durvalumab did not significantly improve disease-free survival in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer following resection compared to placebo. The study included over 1,200 patients with no EGFR or ALK mutations, and results were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress. The findings contrast with prior trials showing…
Cervical collars, also known as neck braces, are medical devices that support the cervical spine and provide immobilization after traumatic injuries or surgeries, as well as for chronic conditions like cervical spondylosis. They help manage pain, reduce strain, and prevent further damage to the neck. Collars are commonly used in emergency situations like car accidents…
Charlie Health has partnered with Cartwheel to provide mental health support to over 400,000 students in more than 100 school districts. Charlie Health offers virtual mental health treatment for adolescents and adults, while Cartwheel partners with K-12 school districts to provide virtual therapy and psychiatry. Through this partnership, students in Cartwheel’s network can access higher…
RCSI President Deborah McNamara opened a new €32 million Education and Research Centre at Connolly Hospital, joining the Smurfit Education and Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital as RCSI’s second major clinical centre in Ireland. The three-story building includes amenities for students and staff, tutorial rooms, a lecture theatre, a mock operating theatre, and a practical…
Color Health has appointed Dr. Rebecca Miksad as chief medical officer and Josh Sturm as chief revenue officer. Miksad, a medical oncologist, will oversee the medical and clinical aspects of Color, focusing on the development of its Virtual Cancer Clinic. Sturm will expand Color’s partnerships. Eko Health added Brent D. Lang to its board of…
KFF Health News contributors Phillip Reese and Andy Miller discussed important health topics on different radio programs. Reese talked about the rise of breast cancer rates among Asian American and Pacific Islander women, highlighting the need for awareness and early detection. Miller discussed the medical response to mass shootings, focusing on the impact on mental…
The National Psoriasis Foundation has announced the honorees for the upcoming Commit to Cure Gala in 2025. Joel M. Gelfand, Carol Ostrow, and Jose U. Scher will be recognized for their contributions to the psoriasis field. Gelfand is known for his expertise in psoriasis research and patient care, while Ostrow is a chair of the…
Pfizer has reported that an experimental antibody has shown promise in helping cancer patients with cachexia, a condition that causes weight loss. The antibody not only helped patients regain weight compared to a placebo, but also increased their muscle mass and activity levels. This indicates that the weight gain translated into significant benefits for the…
Following Labour’s general election victory, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced a diagnostic review of the NHS led by Ara Darzi. The report highlights the NHS’s serious issues, including long waiting times, poor access to care, and declining outcomes. Darzi also criticizes past austerity measures, funding cuts, and organizational disruptions that have contributed…
A Boar’s Head deli meat manufacturing plant in Virginia was linked to a listeria outbreak, resulting in nine deaths and dozens hospitalized. The company has closed the plant indefinitely and has discontinued the production of liverwurst, identified as the root cause of contamination. Multiple recalls have been issued for Boar’s Head and Old Country brand…
At ESMO 2024, new studies show that immunotherapy can benefit women with early-stage endometrial and cervical cancers. One study found promising results with an antibody drug conjugate targeting a specific protein in ovarian and endometrial cancers. Immunotherapy has improved survival in many cancers, but its efficacy in gynecological cancers varies. Pembrolizumab with chemoradiotherapy improved overall…
In a first-in-human clinical trial, an mRNA-based cancer vaccine for glioblastoma showed promising results by inducing T-cell responses in over three-quarters of patients with an acceptable safety profile. The vaccine was able to generate new immune responses and break through immune tolerance to the tumor. Patients with poor prognosis due to MGMT-unmethylated glioblastoma were included…
Poor posture caused by spending long hours at a desk or on a computer can lead to muscle imbalances, neck and back strain, and serious health issues. Lower back pain, a common issue affecting millions worldwide, can be linked to poor posture. Ways to improve posture include taking breaks, stretching, using orthopedic pillows, and investing…
Amy Abernethy believes accelerating clinical evidence generation is crucial for personalized healthcare. She, along with Brad Hirsch, launched Highlander Health, a company focused on supporting clinical evidence generation. Highlander consists of two branches: Highlander Health Partners, an investment arm for middle-market companies, and Highlander Health Institute, a platform providing grants for clinical research. The institute…
The expert report commissioned by the Department of Finance on potential increases to the Standard Fund Threshold (SFT) limit has not yet been published. There is speculation that the Threshold may increase after the next election, potentially benefiting those approaching retirement and pension drawdowns. The current €2 million threshold, unchanged since 2014, may no longer…
DarioHealth is integrating Twill’s condition-specific communities and peer groups into its cardiometabolic platform, aiming to enhance member engagement and improve health outcomes. Navamedic partners with Alex Therapeutics to provide a digital health app for Parkinson’s treatment management. Mobile Health Consumer launches the GLP-1 Prerequisite Program and GLP-1 Lifestyle Support Program to support healthier lifestyle habits…
The author reflects on visiting a cotton field with their family, sparking conversations about their own family’s history of trauma and racial violence. Through reporting on two killings in Sikeston, Missouri, the author uncovers their own family’s secrets, including the police shooting of a relative in 1946. The intergenerational trauma caused by these events is…
The study examined the impact of new cannabis laws on the use of prescription drugs for mental health disorders. Both medical and recreational cannabis laws were found to reduce benzodiazepine use but increase the use of antidepressants and antipsychotic medications. The study analyzed data from over 10 million commercially insured patients and found significant changes…
ESMO in 30 Seconds is an online newsletter from the European Society for Medical Oncology’s annual meeting in Barcelona. One of the highlights is the presentation of the GALAXIES Lung-201 study on an anti-TIGIT therapy. Roche received FDA approval for an injectable form of its PD-(L)1 inhibitor Tecentriq. AstraZeneca’s Capitello-290 study did not meet its…
The MBRRACE-UK report from October 2023 highlights ongoing disparities in birth outcomes for women from ethnic minorities in the UK. Maternal death risks are significantly higher among black and Asian women compared to white women. Despite calls for individualized care and interventions, women from ethnic minorities feel unheard and excluded from solutions. To address this,…
A study of over 200,000 Swedish cross-country skiers who participated in the Vasaloppet race between 1989 and 2011 found that male participants who performed well in the race were at an increased risk of developing abnormally low heart rates and needing pacemakers later in life. The risk increased with the number of races participated in…
Menopause is a natural life transition that affects many women in their 40s and 50s. The Menopause Society has launched Making Menopause Work™ to help employers support menopausal employees and reduce healthcare costs related to untreated symptoms. The program includes recommendations based on new scientific consensus and aims to create menopause-responsive workplaces. Menopause symptoms can…
The FDA has approved a subcutaneous formulation of ocrelizumab for the treatment of relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis. This new injection can be administered in 10 minutes by a healthcare professional and is the first twice-a-year injection approved for both types of MS. The approval was based on data from a phase 3 trial…
Discover the superhero of oral care with water flossers, making dental routines fun and easy. Say goodbye to tedious traditional flossing with these gadgets that blast away plaque, food particles, and bad breath, providing satisfying and efficient cleaning. Water flossers are particularly beneficial for those with braces or dental work, offering a modern, hassle-free way…
Bicara Therapeutics has raised $315 million in an IPO to fund a pivotal study for a therapy targeting head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The therapy, ficerafusp alfa, is designed to hit two cancer targets and is being tested in combination with the immunotherapy Keytruda. Bicara aims to overcome resistance to immunotherapies in HPV-negative HNSCC…
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) impacts an estimated 40,000 people in Ireland, affecting all genders equally and can be diagnosed at any age. The Gutcast podcast series by Crohn’s Colitis Ireland and Johnson & Johnson provides insights into the real-world impacts of IBD through interviews with patients and healthcare professionals. The series covers topics such as…
Canary Speech, a voice biomarker technology company, received a patent for its paired neural networks for speech analysis. This technology enables precise monitoring of changes in an individual’s voice, improving the accuracy of detecting health conditions. The system processes millions of data elements per minute, allowing for real-time assessment of vocal biomarkers for various diseases….
Georgia’s experimental Medicaid expansion program, Pathways, requires participants to work, study, or engage in qualifying activities for 80 hours a month in exchange for health coverage. The program, launched in July 2023, has faced challenges with low enrollment, bureaucratic hurdles, and technical issues. Despite the high cost of administration and consulting fees, the program has…
A study published in BMJ found that long-term exposure to air pollution, specifically particulate matter, was linked to infertility in men. Additionally, noise pollution from road traffic was linked to infertility in certain women aged 35 to 45 years. The study included over 500,000 men and nearly 400,000 women in Denmark and found that exposure…
A close contact of the person in Missouri with an unexplained H5 bird flu infection last month was also sick at the same time but was not tested for influenza, as reported by the CDC. The CDC did not mention this case during a press briefing, but the individual’s illness suggests possible human-to-human transmission of…
A report by the World Health Organization highlights that tens of thousands of people in Gaza with life changing injuries are unable to access critical rehabilitation services and basic supplies like crutches and wheelchairs. Due to attacks on hospitals, evacuation orders, and a lack of staff, there is no access to inpatient rehabilitation services or…
A study from the University of Sydney reveals that antidepressants are being prescribed to people over 65 for pain treatment based on limited evidence. Only 15 trials in the last 40 years have focused on the benefits of antidepressants for pain in older adults. The lack of evidence highlights the need for prescribing practices considering…
The World Health Organization has added the MVA-BN vaccine to its prequalification list, making it the first vaccine against mpox to receive this approval. This will allow for increased access to the vaccine to help contain outbreaks and reduce transmission. The vaccine, administered in two doses 4 weeks apart, has shown to be effective in…
US suicide rates have dramatically increased by 37% from 2000 to 2022, resulting in nearly 49,000 deaths in 2022 alone. Calls for universal suicide screening have emerged, but the psychiatric field is divided, citing issues like false positives and lack of resources. Proponents argue that screening can detect at-risk individuals for early intervention. Hospitals like…