A large study has found that whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) significantly worsens cognitive function compared to radiosurgery, and should no longer be used in the adjuvant setting after radiosurgery. WBRT's side effects include hair loss, fatigue, and significant interruptions in systemic therapy.
Queensland scientists have discovered five new species of antechinus, a 50% increase in diversity within the genus. Three of these species are already under threat from climate change, feral pests, and habitat loss, with one species destined for the threatened list.
Researchers have discovered how combining AKT inhibitors with radiotherapy may improve cancer treatment outcomes. The study found that targeting specific genes can enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy across various cancer types.
The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care concludes that there is no clinically relevant evidence to withdraw nitrous oxide from clinical practice or procedural sedation. The debate focuses on the decline of its use over the last 15 years due to new, well-tolerated anaesthetic drugs and modern machines.
Researchers found that combining immunotherapy drugs nivolumab and ipilimumab significantly increases progression-free survival in advanced melanoma patients, with a median PFS of 11.5 months compared to 6.9 months for nivolumab alone.
A study of US and international orthopaedic surgery patients found that despite receiving more pain medication, American patients reported higher worst pain scores than international patients. This suggests that the relationship between pain medication and pain perception may be complex.
The study found that nivolumab improved median overall survival by 2.4 months and doubled the one-year survival rate compared to chemotherapy. The immunotherapy drug also reduced the risk of dying from lung cancer by 41%.
A major systematic review of ICU delirium studies found a strong association between brain dysfunction and adverse outcomes, including high mortality rates and post-discharge cognitive impairment. Delirium was identified in 32% of critically ill patients, leading to a two-fold increase in hospital death risk.
Researchers at NYU Langone found that contact lens wearers have a diverse set of microorganisms in the eyes that resemble those on their eyelid skin. This study suggests that improved eyelid and hand hygiene may help prevent eye infections
Scientists have discovered two distinct types of stem cells in the hippocampus, a region critical for learning and memory. The discovery may lead to new treatments for learning- and mood-related disorders.
Researchers found that a lower dose of modified poliovirus therapy is more effective in treating glioblastoma brain tumors, resulting in fewer side effects. The therapy has been shown to be safe with minimal side effects related to localized brain inflammation.
Research found that preoperative statin use significantly reduces the risk of death after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The study, published recently, evaluated data from over 16,000 patients and showed a protective effect of statins on perioperative mortality.