Kaiser Permanente’s Risant Health, which acquired Geisinger and plans to acquire more health systems focused on value-based care, has not made any public moves since its announcement. Speculation continues as to which systems could be next on its list. Recent hospital financial reports suggest that several systems may be in Risant’s crosshairs. Stay tuned for…
A study of 2155 men with prostate cancer found that active surveillance is a suitable alternative to immediate surgery or radiation for those with low risk of metastasis. The Canary Prostate Active Surveillance (Pass) study showed that after 10 years, nearly half of the men had no disease progression, with very low rates of metastatic…
Mindfulness meditation is a beneficial practice that can help with both mental and physical health conditions such as chronic pain, addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It involves cultivating awareness of thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation reduces pain, treats addiction, and increases self-awareness and self-control. While the effects of mindfulness…
The tragic story of María Rivas Cruz and Raymond Olivares, who were hit by a car while crossing the street after leaving a party, sheds light on the ongoing issue of speeding and road safety in their community in southeastern Los Angeles. Despite efforts by residents and advocacy groups, little has been done to address…
A study presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference found that an electronic tool was effective in deprescribing unnecessary inhalers in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Researchers from the University of Toronto conducted a quality improvement project in an ILD clinic, which led to a significant increase in counseling and deprescribing of unnecessary…
Obesity is a known risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, with a new study finding that being obese for 10 or more years significantly increases the risk for individuals under 50. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 women and 27,000 men, showing a 25%-60% increase in the risk of heart attacks and strokes…
Early diagnosis of diseases is crucial for effective treatment, especially for rare genetic disorders like infantile Krabbe disease. Newborn screening programs identify indicators of disease through blood tests, while newborn sequencing programs analyze a baby’s DNA for potential genetic health risks. Combining screening with sequencing can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, but also poses…
The NADINA trial presented at ASCO Annual Meeting showed that neoadjuvant immunotherapy with nivolumab plus ipilimumab extended event-free survival (EFS) for individuals with resectable stage III melanoma. This new approach resulted in 68% fewer events compared to standard treatment, with benefits also seen in patients with BRAF mutations. Neoadjuvant therapy produced major pathological responses in…
A recent study reaffirms the value of body mass index (BMI) as a screening tool in children to detect high body fat levels, which are linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite criticisms that BMI is limited by only considering height and weight, the study found that a high BMI in children is strongly…
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that implementing human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening in British Columbia could eliminate cervical cancer in the province before 2040. HPV causes more than 90% of cervical cancer cases worldwide, and the World Health Organization and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer have set targets to eliminate cervical…
The study published in Nature Communications explores the benefits of using liquid foam as a drug delivery system, specifically for gene therapy. The researchers investigated the safety, practicality, and cost-effectiveness of foam-based vectors compared to traditional liquid-based gene delivery agents. The study found that a liquid foam made of FDA-approved methylcellulose and xanthan gum showed…
Research presented at ENDO 2024 shows that nearly 2 years after receiving a full course of the IGF-IR inhibitor teprotumumab, 82% of patients with thyroid eye disease did not need further treatment for symptoms like proptosis and diplopia. The study, led by Dr. George Kahaly, analyzed data from the phase 2/3 OPTIC and OPTIC-X studies,…
Healthcare providers are facing a growing number of cyberattacks, with recent incidents at Optum’s Change Healthcare unit and Ascension causing significant disruptions and putting patient information at risk. These attacks are also very costly, with the healthcare industry maintaining the highest average data breach costs for 13 years in a row. Hospital leaders are now…
The Western Health and Social Care Trust is currently hiring for a position at Altnagelvin Area Hospital with a salary range of £94,127 to £126,907. The closing date for applications is Friday 21st June 2024 at 3.30pm. A waiting list may be established for future vacancies. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the criteria,…
Early palliative care via telehealth had a similar impact on quality of life as in-person visits for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The study found no difference in depression, anxiety, coping skills, or perceptions of prognosis between the two groups. Caregivers participated more in in-person visits, likely due to transportation needs. The convenience…
Intellia Therapeutics reported that the first 10 patients with hereditary angioedema who received a CRISPR-based treatment experienced a 98% reduction in swelling attacks, with one patient remaining attack-free for 26 months. Two patients who used to have frequent attacks have now gone over 20 months without any episodes. No patient experienced an attack in the…
Doctors reported at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting that scaling back treatment for ovarian, esophageal, and Hodgkin lymphoma cancers can make life easier for patients without compromising outcomes. This trend towards doing less, including less surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, is part of a long-term study to help patients live longer and feel…
Researchers at Indiana University and Purdue University are working to improve the early diagnosis of autism in children, as the wait time for evaluations can be over a year. They conducted a study using eye tracking biomarkers at primary care clinics and found that combining clinician diagnosis with eye-tracking metrics improved the accuracy of autism…
Administering the bispecific antibody amivantamab subcutaneously along with lazertinib may improve outcomes in EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Results from the PALOMA-3 trial showed that this approach not only reduces administration times but also led to a significant improvement in overall survival. Patients found the subcutaneous administration more convenient, with reduced infusion-related reactions. The…
A recent study found that children exposed to air pollution in the womb are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues during adolescence. The study focused on how pollution during pregnancy impacts mental health, specifically psychotic experiences, depression, and anxiety. Researchers analyzed data from over 9,000 participants in the Bristol Children of the…
GSK’s multiple myeloma drug, Blenrep, was withdrawn from the market but is now accumulating new clinical data that could support its return, potentially as an earlier line of therapy. The latest results from a Phase 3 study show that Blenrep helps patients live longer, with a 48% reduction in the risk of disease progression or…
RCSI has partnered with Irish medtech company Head Diagnostics to research the use of novel digital biomarkers in monitoring Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on World MS Day. They will assess the handheld medical device iTremor One to measure ocular microtremor (OMT) for objectivity in assessing the condition. Combining this with gait analysis may offer more comprehensive…
Perioperative chemotherapy with the FLOT protocol showed longer overall survival in patients with advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma compared to the CROSS regimen in a randomized phase 3 trial. The FLOT arm had a median overall survival almost 2.5 years longer than the CROSS arm. The study included 438 adults with esophageal adenocarcinoma and assessed the impact…
A new study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago showed that virtual palliative care can be just as effective as in-person care for patients with advanced cancer. Palliative care experts prefer the convenience and efficiency of telehealth sessions, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. Palliative care focuses on improving quality…
Scientists have been trying to explain why we spend so much time sleeping for centuries, with recent breakthroughs shedding new light on the functions of sleep. First, advancements in technology and analytical techniques have allowed researchers to understand lucid dreaming and how memories are replayed in the brain during sleep. Sleep has been shown to…
A study by UC San Francisco and the San Francisco VA Health Care System found that 13% of older adults are diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to falls. Contrary to previous studies, the research showed that females, whites, and wealthier individuals had a higher risk of TBI. TBI can lead to serious conditions…
New phase 3 data shows that Crinecerfont, an oral medication, is beneficial for both adults and children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. This genetic condition leads to impaired cortisol synthesis and excessive production of adrenal androgens. Current treatment involves high doses of glucocorticoids, which can have negative side effects. Crinecerfont reduces…
Fulcrum Aesthetics in Chicago, led by Dr. David Hill and Nurse Practitioner Brittony Croasdell, specializes in plastic surgery with a focus on patient safety and complication management. With a wealth of knowledge and proactive education initiatives, the duo strives to dispel misconceptions and provide accurate information to prevent misguided decisions. Their training and expertise uniquely…
AstraZeneca is set to expand its reach in lung cancer treatment with new clinical data presented at the ASCO meeting. The study showed that the drug Tagrisso improved progression-free survival in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Another drug, Imfinzi, in combination with tremelimumab, also showed improved survival in patients with LS-SCLC. Results have been hailed as…
New guidance has been issued to assist the Medical Council in making decisions on fitness-to-practice inquiries. The document focuses on sanctions, clarifying the existing guidance and increasing transparency around the decision-making process. Categories of sanctions range from advice to cancellation of registration, with mitigating and aggravating factors considered when determining the level of sanction. Cases…
The Tennessee Department of Health is giving high grades to Ballad Health, a hospital monopoly, despite the hospitals consistently falling short of performance targets. Only 5% of Ballad’s score is based on actual quality of care, with no penalties for failing to meet goals in areas such as surgery complications and patient satisfaction. Critics argue…
Early-life family stress increased the likelihood of boys initiating substance use by age 13, while early-life stress and earlier puberty raised girls’ likelihood of substance use. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 8,000 children and found that early-life stress, age at puberty, hormone levels, and age influenced the time to first substance use. Boys and girls…
The cancer drug Enhertu showed promising results in a clinical trial, significantly delaying tumor growth in women with metastatic breast cancer. The makers of Enhertu, Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, believe this new data could change the standard of care for hormone receptor-positive, metastatic breast cancer. Medical oncologists are impressed with the efficacy of Enhertu, calling…
A study presented at ENDO 2024 found that children who are sedentary for more than six waking hours a day have an increased risk of fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis by young adulthood. Sedentariness was found to be a causal factor in liver damage. The study analyzed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of…
Researchers from POSTECH and NeoImmuneTech, in collaboration with Kangwon National University, have discovered a way to enhance the effectiveness of bispecific antibody therapies in treating solid tumors. Bispecific antibodies can bind to two different antigens, engaging T cells to attack tumors. The team utilized a protein called rhIL-7-hyFc to increase bystander T cells in solid…
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the EMA approved the cancer therapies Cejemly for metastatic NSCLC and Avzivi, a bevacizumab biosimilar for various cancers. Cejemly showed positive results in clinical trials and will be available as an infusion. Avzivi has similar efficacy and safety to Avastin and is approved for multiple cancer…
Non-surgical facial rejuvenation has become a popular option for those seeking to enhance their appearance without invasive surgery. Botox and Juvederm are two widely sought-after treatments that offer effective alternatives to surgical procedures. Botox temporarily paralyzes muscles to reduce wrinkles, while Juvederm replenishes lost volume in the skin. These treatments, along with a comprehensive skincare…
Healthcare contact centers play a crucial role in provider and insurer communications, affecting patient satisfaction. However, many of these centers face work friction issues, such as outdated technology and complex workflows. These problems lead to inefficiency, high turnover, and customer frustration. To combat work friction, leaders must understand its impact on employees and patients. By…
The issue of bed shortages in Irish hospitals has long been a problem, with patients facing long waits in Emergency Departments. Despite efforts to address the issue, such as the government committing to providing 3,000 new beds by 2031, there are concerns about cost overruns. The construction of the Children’s Hospital, initially budgeted at €650…
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are proposing solutions to address the ongoing closure of rural hospitals. An example from Anamosa, Iowa highlights the challenges faced by small hospitals in rural areas. Some legislative proposals include allowing older closed facilities to reopen and granting rural emergency hospitals access to the 340B federal drug discount program. The 340B…
A study presented at ASCO Annual Meeting showed that an AI-guided navigation workflow helped identify patients with pancreatic cancer earlier in the diagnostic process, leading to a decrease in time to biopsy, follow-up, and treatment initiation. The workflow increased patient referrals to multidisciplinary clinics and participation in biospecimen studies at the institution. Researchers at Northwell…
The American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting is underway in Chicago, with a frenzy of oncologists, data, and long food lines. STAT reporters are covering the event, following their own standing-room-only event filled with thrills and laughter. The first 24 hours have been eventful, with big news emerging. The meeting will continue for several…
A doctor in private practice, Julian Kenyon, has been struck off the UK medical register for trying to sell unproven treatments to a patient with advanced cancer. The patient’s daughter, also a doctor, complained to the General Medical Council (GMC). Kenyon, who was medical director at the Dove Clinic for Integrated Medicine, offered alternative medicine…
Socioeconomic status (SES) influences genetic susceptibility to diseases. A study in Finland found that lower SES individuals have a higher genetic risk for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lung cancer, and depression, while higher SES individuals are more likely to have genetic risks for breast, prostate, and all cancers. These findings suggest that polygenic risk scores…
A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests that consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) may be associated with chronic insomnia in adults. The study found a significant link between UPF consumption and insomnia independent of other factors. Previous research has shown the benefits of healthy dietary patterns on sleep…
The CROWN trial presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting showed that lorlatinib, a third-generation ALK inhibitor from Pfizer, provided the longest progression-free survival (PFS) reported for any targeted therapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The benefits included a 72% improvement in PFS and a 92% reduction in intracranial progression…
Quality sleep is important for mental well-being, but disrupted or insufficient sleep may increase the risk of homicides and suicides in vulnerable individuals. A recent analysis of national data over the past 15 years found that the risk of these violent deaths peaks at night. Factors such as nocturnal wakefulness, age, alcohol use, and relationship…
Burnout, defined as chronic workplace stress that has not been managed, is a common issue for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) due to the demanding nature of their job. Factors contributing to burnout include high levels of responsibility, lack of time management skills, and employer demands. To avoid burnout, communication, self-care, and seeking professional help…
The Network of Community Cancer Support Centres is seeking over €5 million in funding from the Government in the upcoming Budget. The centres, which provide a range of free services to cancer patients and survivors, saw a 16% increase in demand in 2023, with 97,500 people accessing individual and group services. The centres require annual…
Cassie Cox, a Georgia resident, is grateful for her Obamacare insurance policy that covered her ER visit with no out-of-pocket cost due to low income. The South, including Georgia, has seen a surge in ACA enrollment with enhanced federal subsidies. But with the possibility of these subsidies expiring and a potential second Trump presidency, there…