A new study published in The Lancet analyzed cancer death rates across India and found that oral, stomach, and lung cancers are major causes of death in men, while cervical, stomach, and breast cancers cause the most deaths among women. The study also highlighted significant geographical and social variations in cancer mortality rates.
A phase 2 trial found that ipilimumab improved disease control and long-term survival in patients with advanced melanoma and brain metastases. The treatment was associated with similar immune-related side effects as those reported for patients without brain metastases, suggesting a potential new standard of care for this population.
Researchers found daily aspirin reduces risk of cancer death by 15% and cancer incidence by a quarter from 3 years onwards. Aspirin also shows promise in treating metastasis, with a 36% reduction in risk of distant cancer spread.
Deaf individuals experience higher rates of mental health disorders due to communication barriers and lack of specialized services. Specialist training and sign language interpreters are crucial for improving access to mental health care for this population.
A meta-analysis of 102 studies found that female sex workers in low-income and middle-income countries have an overall HIV prevalence of 12%, with a 14 times increased risk of infection compared to the general female population. The region with the highest risk was Asia, where the risk was 29 times increased.
Two large meta-analyses found a genetic variation in the interleukin-6 receptor associated with lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers and reduced coronary heart disease risk. A single-nucleotide polymorphism was linked to effects consistent with known benefits of IL6R blockade in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
A recent study found that stemmed metal-on-metal (MOM) hip replacements fail at much higher rates than other types, especially in women and those with larger head sizes. The authors call for a ban on the use of stemmed MOM implants due to poor implant survival.
Researchers develop a new approach to regenerating and transplanting organs using artificial scaffolds with patient stem cells, promising a potential solution to the organ donor shortage crisis. The technique requires no human donors, has no rejection issues, and eliminates the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
Effective regenerative therapies for heart disease hinge on collaboration between multiple specialties, including cardiovascular medicine and device technology. Recent advances in cardiac stem cell and regenerative biology are yielding potential new targets and treatment strategies.
A new study published in The Lancet found that misoprostol substantially reduces serious complications in early termination of pregnancy. Women given misoprostol were nearly a third less likely to experience one complication or more compared to those receiving placebo.
Women who used estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are less likely to develop breast cancer and die from the disease compared to those who never used HRT. The study, based on data from over 7,500 women, found a 23% reduction in breast cancer incidence and a 63% reduction in deaths from the disease.
A simplified approach to preventing post-birth bleeding appears safe and effective, reducing the risk of severe bleeding by almost half. The study's findings suggest that a uterotonic agent like oxytocin can be used to prevent PPH, making it accessible to more women in areas with limited medical staff.
A Seminar published in The Lancet calls for improved long-term monitoring of knee replacement implant outcomes using national registries. This will provide patients and surgeons with high-quality evidence to assess different implants and techniques, ultimately enhancing clinical decision-making.
Despite making significant strides in providing affordable access to basic healthcare, China still faces challenges such as waste and poor quality in public hospitals. The authors recommend reducing wastage through innovative payment incentives and governance structures.
The rapid urbanization of China has led to a significant increase in disease rates and healthcare disparities, particularly among rural-to-urban migrants. These individuals face unique health risks due to gaps in healthcare coverage and exposure to pathogens associated with both rural poverty and crowded urban environments.
Massive increases in insurance coverage and inpatient reimbursement have been achieved, especially in rural areas and hospitals, leading to greater equal access to basic health services. However, patients still face catastrophic health expenses, highlighting the need for improved risk protection measures.
China's 2008 Wenchuan earthquake exposed significant shortcomings in emergency preparation, including inadequate risk awareness and disaster prevention plans. The country has made progress in forming coordination systems and providing effective medical care, but research is needed to improve response times and treatment procedures.
Researchers have developed a web-based therapeutic programme called Fatigue In Teenagers on the interNET (FITNET) that is substantially more effective than standard treatment in reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. After 6 months, 63% of adolescents receiving FITNET reported recovery, compared to 16% on standard care.
A new review suggests that taking selenium supplements can increase the risk of developing type-2 diabetes in people who already have enough selenium in their diet. The study found that a large proportion of the US population has adequate selenium levels, making supplementation potentially harmful.
A meta-analysis of 26 studies found that adults with mental illnesses are nearly four times as likely to experience violence, and those with intellectual impairments are 1.5 times more likely to be victims. The study highlights the need for improved identification and response to violence against people with disabilities.
TAK-875, a novel oral medication, enhances insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, improving blood sugar control and lowering the risk of hypoglycemia. The study showed significant reductions in HbA1c levels across all TAK-875 doses, with higher efficacy rates compared to glimepiride.
A survey of over 41,000 patients with various cancers found that women, young people, and ethnic minorities experience delayed recognition due to symptom characteristics. GPs are less likely to consider cancer in younger patients and those from different ethnic groups, leading to longer consultation times.
Professor John Ashton's essay in The Lancet argues the Health and Social Care Bill will recreate the divide between those who can afford healthcare and the poor. He calls on NHS managers and ministers to listen to his concerns about the bill's impact on public health.
Women with a history of endometriosis are at a significantly higher risk of developing three specific types of ovarian cancer. The study found that endometriosis is linked to a more than threefold chance of developing clear-cell ovarian cancers and over double the risk of developing endometrioid tumours.
A pharmacist-led, information technology-based intervention reduced prescribing errors by 42% in primary care, with significant reductions in specific medication errors. The intervention was found to be cheap and easy to implement, costing $75 per error avoided, making it a cost-effective solution for reducing medication errors.
The UK is projected to see up to 210,000 avoidable alcohol-related deaths over the next 20 years, including 70,000 from liver disease. The government can take action to prevent this by implementing evidence-based measures such as increasing prices and reducing availability.
Hospital admissions for serious infectious diseases have increased by over 50% in New Zealand since 1989, with Môori and Pacific peoples disproportionately affected. The country's commitment to reducing health inequalities has been questioned, as the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous populations widens.
A case report in The Lancet details the death of an 82-year-old woman due to Legionnaires' disease caused by contaminated dental surgery equipment. Laboratory experiments demonstrated genomic matching between the bacteria found in the patient's respiratory secretion and the dental unit waterline.
The Lancet Editorial expresses concerns about the new DSM-5 edition's lack of exclusion for bereavement. The current draft diagnoses feelings of deep sadness after loss as depression, rather than grief, with no evidence base for treating recently bereaved individuals with antidepressants.
A group of over 150 paediatricians warn that the UK Government's proposed reforms will lead to increased fragmentation in care, harming vulnerable children and families. The bill is expected to limit choice and increase inequalities in healthcare outcomes.
A cash transfer programme reduced HIV and HSV-2 infection prevalence by two-thirds in school-age girls, supporting changes in self-reported sexual behaviour. The intervention also showed no significant difference for individuals who dropped out of school.
A new study published in The Lancet Oncology shows that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) significantly reduces hot flushes and night sweats in women after breast cancer treatment. CBT improves symptoms by 46-52% compared to usual care, with sustained benefits at 26 weeks.
A study published in The Lancet found that infusing patients' own cardiac stem cells into the heart after a heart attack reduces scar tissue by 50%. This breakthrough suggests that healthy heart muscle can be restored after previously thought-to-be irreparable damage.
A Viewpoint published in The Lancet disputes reports of NHS decline in productivity. Quality improvement was found to be significantly higher than initially thought, with notable gains in areas like critical care and patient experiences. This challenges the narrative of declining healthcare productivity in England.
Researchers discuss management of cervical cancer during pregnancy, focusing on tumour size, nodal staging, term of pregnancy, and histological subtype. Chemotherapy can be used in the second or third trimester to increase chances of fetal preservation, but carries risks of premature birth and low birthweight.
Blood cancers in pregnancy can lead to increased risk of blood clots and health complications for the mother. Termination is recommended at early stages, while cancer therapy is possible later. Progesterone-only contraceptives are considered safe for patients in long-term remission.
Breast cancer in pregnant women is common and treatable with surgery or chemotherapy. A normal-length pregnancy should be the aim to avoid premature birth. Chemotherapy can be given as per standard guidelines, but radiation therapy is not advised due to fetal shielding concerns.
A study found that children born to mothers who received chemotherapy during pregnancy have normal cognitive development and no significant differences in behavior, health, or hearing compared to the general population. However, premature birth was associated with lower cognitive scores.
A study published in The Lancet has found that a common variant on the Y chromosome increases the risk of coronary artery disease by 50 percent in men. Men carrying this variant have a higher risk of CAD, independent of traditional cardiovascular and socioeconomic risk factors.
Two studies suggest that cleansing umbilical cord with chlorhexidine solution during and after birth can reduce sepsis and mortality in babies in rural parts of Sindh province, Pakistan. The interventions showed a significant reduction in infections and mortality risk, with no effect seen from handwashing alone.
A study found exemestane significantly worsens age-related decreases in bone mineral density by three times, even with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
New research published in The Lancet reveals that malaria kills an estimated 1.2 million people globally each year, nearly twice as many as previously thought. Most malaria deaths occur in children over 5 years old, but the study also shows a significant number of deaths among adults in Africa and other parts of the world.
Researchers analyzed data from England and Wales, finding that services implementing recommended interventions saw a significant decrease in suicide rates. The provision of 24/7 crisis care was associated with the largest reduction in fatalities, while local policies on patients with dual diagnosis and multidisciplinary reviews also sh...
Young people worldwide are at risk of depression, which can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Research suggests that prevention strategies targeted at high-risk individuals, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal therapy, have shown promise in reducing depressive symptoms.
A new study published in The Lancet found that children with burn injuries covering 60% or more of their total body surface area (TBSA) are at substantially higher risk of severe complications and death. The authors recommend immediate transfer to specialist burns units for treatment with increased vigilance and improved therapies.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that a difference of 15mm Hg or more between arms is associated with increased risk of peripheral vascular disease, pre-existing cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Measuring blood pressure in both arms should be part of routine care to identify patient...
A new lung cancer assay measures gene activity in tumor tissue and provides a risk score to predict patient survival after surgery. The assay has been validated in two independent trials and shows promise in identifying patients at highest risk of mortality.
Researchers used human embryonic stem cells to treat macular degeneration in two patients, with some improvement in vision observed. The study showed that the transplants were safe and led to successful engraftment of cells into the retina.
A commonly used medication for enlarged prostates may also slow the progression of early-stage prostate cancer, according to a new study. The treatment, dutasteride, was found to delay disease progression and reduce anxiety related to the disease in patients undergoing active surveillance.
A new study assessing over 400 articles found that lithium treatment causes thyroid and parathyroid abnormalities in about 25% of patients, compared to 3% and 1% in the general population. Additionally, weight gain is a common side effect of lithium therapy.