ASCO in 30 Seconds is a guide to the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, providing highlights from the event. The 2025 edition has come to an end, with insights from reporters Matt, Adam, and Angus. Key takeaways include significant advancements in targeted medicines, challenges in treating KRAS-mutated cancers, and the emergence of new…
Republican lawmakers accused Anthony Fauci of covering up the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, but in a recent congressional hearing, he defended himself by sharing an email urging further investigation into the virus. Emails from a former aide revealed discussions on using private accounts to avoid preserving government records. Despite these allegations, there is no…
A recent West Health-Gallup survey indicates growing concerns over the potential insolvency of Medicare and Social Security in the US. Worry is particularly high among those aged 50 to 64. The survey also reveals that most Americans feel the government does not prioritize issues affecting older adults, leading to concerns about voting preferences. Additionally, many…
Recent research validated the pregnancy-adapted Mediterranean diet score (preg-MEDAS) in the IMPACT BCN trial and studied its association with maternal dietary and cardiometabolic changes. The study involved 1,221 pregnant women at high risk for small for gestational age newborns and found that higher adherence to the MedDiet was associated with older age, lower preconceptional weight,…
Upadacitinib (Rinvoq) is now approved for children aged 2 years and older with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who do not respond well to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. The drug is available in both tablet and oral solution forms. JIA affects many children in the US, and upadacitinib offers…
A 50-year-old woman in Canada visited emergency departments multiple times with symptoms of alcohol intoxication, despite not drinking. She was diagnosed with auto-brewery syndrome, where gut microorganisms ferment alcohol, causing intoxication without drinking. This condition is seen in those with gut fermentation from overgrowth of carbohydrate-fermenting fungi or bacteria in the gastrointestinal system. Factors like…
Hospitals saw improved finances in April, continuing from a strong first quarter, according to a report from Kaufman Hall. Margins and key indicators showed positive trends, with outpatient revenue and emergency room visits increasing. However, there is a gap forming between high- and low-performing hospitals, with 40% in the US losing money. Financial stability is…
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Anthony Fauci defended the federal government’s response to the covid-19 pandemic during a hearing before the House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee. The hearing featured heated exchanges with Republican members of the panel. Fauci, the former chief medical adviser under President Joe Biden, emphasized the importance of public health measures in tackling the crisis. The…
The CDC recommends providers counsel gay, bisexual, MSM, and transgender women about using doxycycline for post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This recommendation is based on evidence showing the effectiveness of doxy-PEP in reducing the risk of acquiring chlamydia and syphilis. The CDC advises offering doxy-PEP to patients with a history of…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have finalized guidelines for post-exposure prophylaxis against bacterial sexually transmitted infections, recommending the use of doxycycline within 72 hours of sexual activity for higher-risk groups. This is the first time the antibiotic is being used as prophylaxis against STIs, with studies showing significant reductions in chlamydia and syphilis…
Public health leaders in England are calling for increased investment and a sexual health strategy from the government in response to the continuing rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows a 4.7% increase in new STI diagnoses in England last year, with gonorrhoea diagnoses reaching the highest level…
A recent study published by a team of Ochsner Health cardiologists in JAMA Cardiology compared two treatment strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity. The study found that dual direct-current cardioversion (DCCV) was significantly more effective in restoring sinus rhythm in obese patients compared to single DCCV. This approach, using two sets of…
Obeldesivir (GS-5245) is an investigational oral antiviral drug that shows promise in treating various coronaviruses, including SARS, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Developed through a partnership between Gilead Sciences and researchers at the University of North Carolina, the drug has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing viral replication and disease severity in mice. While a recent Phase 3…
Ezra Spier, diagnosed with long COVID in late 2022, had to quit his job due to severe fatigue. He joined clinical trials at Stanford and UCSF, leading him to create a website to match patients with trials. The site aims to make trials more accessible and easier to navigate for marginalized patients. Spier’s goal is…
In-flight alcohol consumption can raise heart health risks, even for young and healthy individuals due to reduced cabin pressure at cruising altitude. A study in the BMJ journal Thorax found that alcohol consumption before sleeping under hypobaric conditions puts a strain on the cardiac system. The study involved 48 healthy adults who were randomly assigned…
GLP-1 medications are highly effective for blood sugar control, weight loss, and overall health improvement, but distribution shortages are limiting access. Misinformation and misconceptions about these drugs as a “silver bullet” are common, making it difficult for healthcare providers to create effective care plans. Healthcare providers need to educate patients on the real benefits and…
Pager Health and League have partnered to improve the maternity care experience by integrating Pager Health’s 360 Enterprise Orchestration solution into League’s health-engagement platform. This collaboration aims to provide personalized, data-driven maternity programming and care journeys for expectant mothers from preconception through postpartum phases. The platform offers secure chat, multipoint care navigation, and access to…
Medicaid, the health insurance program for low-income Americans, has cut more than 22 million recipients since spring 2023. Ashley Eades, a mother whose family lost their Medicaid coverage due to procedural reasons, fought to enroll her son back in the program. The unwinding of protections during the covid pandemic has led to many families losing…
The American Heart Association projects a dramatic increase in the prevalence and economic burden of heart disease and stroke in the US by 2050. Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are expected to rise, leading to higher healthcare costs and productivity losses. AHA efforts have already reduced death rates from heart disease and…
Structure Therapeutics announced positive results from its experimental oral obesity drug, with a weight loss of 6.2% on average in a mid-stage study. This exceeded Wall Street expectations and led to a 32% increase in the company’s shares. The drug aims to capture a share of the $150 billion global obesity treatment market by the…
Douglas Jenkinson, a retired general practitioner from the UK, expresses doubt about the effectiveness of increasing primary immunisation rates to control whooping cough. He believes that the pertussis vaccine is relatively poor and the disease is highly infectious before symptoms are obvious. Jenkinson suggests that pertussis will continue to be a challenge, as both natural…
In 2021, 9.6 percent of medical visits in the United States occurred via telehealth, with a higher percentage for mental health visits, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The research surveyed over 232,000 visits and found that telehealth visits decreased throughout the year for all clinician categories. There was a…
A study led by scientists at Washington State University found that blocking the protein CDK7 could prevent heart damage associated with a commonly used chemotherapy drug. Inhibiting CDK7 could also enhance the cancer-killing capability of the medication. The research, focused on the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, showed that CDK7 activates a chain of molecular signals leading…
Bronchial rheoplasty (BR) has been shown to significantly reduce mucus plugging, a new measure in COPD that obstructs airways and can lead to increased mortality and exacerbations. Researchers recruited 52 adult patients with chronic bronchitis (CB) and found that BR procedures reduced mucus plugging, improved symptoms, and increased airway volume. The results suggest that BR…
Quality sleep can help with physical and mental well-being, and studies now suggest that better sleep health can also help combat feelings of loneliness. Loneliness was declared a public health concern in a 2023 advisory, with high risks of various health issues associated with it. A recent study found that improved sleep health was linked…
MedCity News is hosting a startup pitch contest at the INVEST Digital Health conference in Dallas on September 18, focusing on pediatric and adolescent behavioral health. With the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among young people, the contest aims to highlight startups addressing this critical problem. Six finalists will present to investors, with the…
Deloitte acquired assets related to CasePointer, a disease-surveillance business, from End Point. CasePointer uses open-source public health software to automate processes for state and local public health agencies. Deloitte will integrate CasePointer services with its GovConnect digital assets to assist government agencies with technology related to communicable diseases, bioterrorism events, and environmental hazards. The acquisition…
María Rivas Cruz and her fiancé, Raymond Olivares, were struck by a car fleeing an illegal street race in southeast Los Angeles while crossing the street. Olivares died instantly, while Rivas Cruz was left in a coma for two weeks. The incident highlighted longstanding concerns about speeding in the area. Despite efforts to improve road…
A hospital in Seattle implemented a self-screening program for measles before entry, finding it easy to implement and acceptable by patients. Measles can be transmitted up to 2 hours after exposure, with symptoms showing up 1 to 2 weeks later and 90% of exposed individuals developing the virus. The hospital used signs and forms to…
Illumina’s board of directors has approved a spin-off of its cancer test subsidiary, Grail, ending a four-year, $8 billion saga. Grail will become an independent company on June 24, with Illumina retaining a 14.5% stake. This is the second time Grail has been spun off by Illumina, as it initially started as a unit within…
The NHS in England has launched the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad scheme, inviting thousands of cancer patients to participate in trials of personalised cancer vaccines. The first patient in England has already been treated with a personalised vaccine for bowel cancer. This initiative is part of a government agreement to expand access to innovative cancer…
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified the initial step in allergic reactions involving mast cells, which release bioactive chemicals in response to allergens. They discovered that inflammasome components control the movement and release of granules containing these chemicals in mast cells. When these inflammasome proteins were inhibited, anaphylactic shock in response to allergens was…
A recent study found that transferring immunoglobulin G (IgG) from long COVID patients to mice causes symptoms, suggesting a link between autoimmunity and long COVID. The study included 34 long COVID patients and 15 controls with mild infections. Patients exhibited diverse symptoms, with fatigue being a common factor. The study identified three distinct long COVID…
The FDA approved mRESVIA, an mRNA vaccine by Moderna, for adults aged 60 years and older to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. This is the third RSV vaccine approved in the past year, following Arexvy from GSK and Abrysvo by Pfizer. mRESVIA is a single-dose vaccine that showed 83.7% efficacy against RSV…
The Northern Light Polaris Tub is a versatile and durable water tub that combines hot and cold features in one convenient package. It is designed for all-weather use with a strong frame and cabinet, along with efficient cooling and insulation systems. The tub is easy to use with accessible controls and maintenance features, as well…
In May, there were several major fundraising announcements in the payer/employer space. Some notable funding rounds included Transcarent raising $126 million, Chapter securing $50 million, Boulder Care raking in $35 million, Expressable securing $26 million, and Fay emerging from stealth with $25 million. These companies offer various healthcare services such as Medicare navigation, treatment for…
Oncology-focused digital therapeutics company Mika Health and nonprofit Cancer Support Community (CSC) are partnering to provide an AI-enabled digital therapeutic for U.S. cancer patients and caregivers, offering mental health support and other services free of charge. Mika Health’s app allows patients to access psychological support, track side effects, receive medication reminders, get education and nutrition…
María Rivas Cruz y su prometido, Raymond Olivares, fueron atropellados por un auto que participaba en una carrera callejera. Olivares murió y Rivas Cruz sufrió lesiones graves. A pesar de los esfuerzos de los residentes por abordar el exceso de velocidad en su vecindario, poco se ha hecho al respecto. La administración Biden está trabajando…
A study compared the cost effectiveness of first-line biparametric MRI testing versus first-line PSA screening for prostate cancer. The study found that first-line PSA with second-line multiparametric MRI was more cost effective than biparametric MRI as a first-line approach. While biparametric MRI showed potential in reducing prostate cancer deaths and increasing life-years, it also led…
ASCO in 30 Seconds provides a quick summary of the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, where attendees can enjoy free coffee and reflect on their experiences. The conference raises questions about the effectiveness of cancer drugs, whether they provide a cure or simply manage the disease as a chronic condition. The article discusses…
A review published in BMJ in January 2024 corrected the time in range target for adults with type 1 diabetes to be >70%, as shown in Table 3. The article and PDF have been updated to reflect this change. Source link
Every year, many cancer patients in Sweden may not receive adequate pain relief at the end of life due to the healthcare system failing to recognize their pain. The Abbey Pain Scale, often used for patients who cannot communicate their pain, is ineffective for cancer patients. Currently, there is no specific pain assessment tool designed…
A study presented at the SLEEP 2024 meeting found that older adults with sleep apnea have a higher likelihood of using healthcare services, including hospitalization, in the future. Participants over 50 with sleep apnea had a 21% higher chance of needing health services compared to those without the condition, even after accounting for other factors….
The FDA expert panel will consider recommending the approval of an MDMA capsule in combination with psychological intervention for PTSD treatment. The drug manufacturer, Lykos Therapeutics, has faced questions about the ethics and validity of clinical trials used to support their application. Critics have raised concerns about bias, lack of blinding in the study design,…
Premenstrual disorders in women, such as PMD, could increase the risk of suicide, as shown by a study in Sweden. PMD is caused by abnormal reactions to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, resulting in serotonin deficiency. Severe PMD has been linked to accidents and hypertension, with a 40% increased risk. Research found that women…
Senator Bernie Sanders is investigating the high prices of Ozempic and Wegovy, two diabetes and weight-loss medications. He argues that these drugs are unaffordable for many patients, especially in comparison to other countries. Sanders’ cost argument focuses on the manufacturing cost of GPL-1 drugs, which is estimated to be $5, much lower than the retail…
A cavernous malformation is a bundle of leaky blood vessels in the brain, resembling a raspberry. It can cause health problems by slowing blood flow and increasing pressure in the brain, leading to potential hemorrhage. It is a rare disorder, affecting about 1/500 people, with some cases being genetic. Symptoms vary depending on the location…
Several themes are highlighted in the Letters to the Editor section, including the need for lawmakers to protect home health care to alleviate hospital bottlenecks. Issues surrounding the criminalization of abortion-inducing drugs in Oklahoma and the impact of dietary choices on health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations, are also discussed. Strategies to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare…
Dr. Satish Gopal, recipient of the ASCO Humanitarian Award, has dedicated his career to improving cancer care in low- and middle-income countries. As director of the NCI Center for Global Health, he has led collaborative efforts to support cancer research and control in Africa. Gopal has mentored numerous researchers and opened doors for African participants…