The study found that the bioabsorbable stent was safe with only one major adverse event recorded at 2 years, a heart attack, and no new events between 6 months and 2 years. The device had been fully absorbed by 2 years, reducing the chance of restenosis.
A study found that person-centered care and dementia-care mapping reduce agitation in people with dementia, but no significant improvements in quality of life or neuropsychotic symptoms. Person-centered approaches are more cost-effective and can be easily implemented in residential care homes.
The largest randomised trial of ovarian cancer screening has shown that both the CA125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound screening strategies are capable of detecting early stage ovarian cancers. The study detected almost half of all cancers in stage I/II, with a significant improvement in specificity for multimodal screening.
A recent study found that oral quinacrine does not increase survival in patients with prion disease, but may slow progression and improve symptoms. However, the treatment was associated with increased incidence of adverse events, which were mostly mild and manageable.
The EORTC-NCIC trial found that adding chemotherapy to radiotherapy significantly increases survival in glioblastoma patients, with improved outcomes seen across all clinical prognostic subgroups. The study suggests testing tumour MGMT gene methylation status to identify patients most likely to benefit from this treatment.
A short course of radiation therapy followed by high-quality surgery is the most effective treatment for patients with operable rectal cancer. Recent trials have shown a reduction in local recurrence with radiotherapy and chemotherapy before or after surgery.
The Lancet Series on Health in The Occupied Palestinian Territory highlights the urgent health struggle of mothers and children in the OPT. Despite high fertility rates, infant mortality has not decreased since 1990, and interventions require a functioning health system for effective delivery.
In the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT), chronic diseases such as heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer are leading causes of death. The Palestinian National Authority's response has been limited due to military occupation and its consequences on the healthcare system.
The Lancet Series on Health in The Occupied Palestinian Territory highlights the importance of health for achieving peace and justice in the region. Key findings include improving maternal and child health, addressing trauma and non-communicable diseases, and advocating for sustainable peace settlement through international cooperation.
Threats to Palestinian life and well-being have intensified since 2000, including killings, injuries, and destruction of homes and properties. Access to basic services like fuel, electricity, water, and sanitation is disrupted by Israeli restrictions and military incursions.
The OPT is experiencing a humanitarian crisis, with rising poverty rates, unemployment, and food insecurity. The country is also struggling to combat infectious diseases, with infant mortality rates stalled at 27 per 1000 live births, and tuberculosis and meningococcal meningitis on the rise.
A sovereign Palestinian state is crucial for developing the ailing health system in the occupied Palestinian territory. The best-case scenario includes creating a self-governing entity that can provide core public services and funding for vulnerable groups.
A study reveals that fire-related deaths are a major public-health problem in India, with over 163,000 deaths in 2001, mostly among young women. The authors estimate that these deaths are six times higher than reported by the police and suggest common causes including kitchen accidents, self-immolation, and domestic violence.
The US stimulus package is unlikely to address the financial struggles of cancer patients, who face high costs for treatment and uncertain treatment outcomes. The package's limited funding for cancer research and care may exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare access.
The global financial crisis could reduce access to expensive cancer treatments, investment in drug discovery, and support for cancer sufferers and survivors. Cancer Research UK forecasts a 4% drop in income in 2009 compared with 2008.
A Special Report in The Lancet Oncology explores the complexities of sharing genetic information with close relatives to prevent breast cancer. Experts weigh the pros and cons of adjusting the law, considering patient confidentiality, personal privacy, and the potential benefits of early interventions.
A Phase III study found that fampridine improved walking speed and leg strength in patients with multiple sclerosis. The drug also showed promise in reducing fatigue and improving endurance. However, adverse events were reported in some patients, highlighting the need for further research on its treatment profile.
A new risk score has been developed to identify people at risk of atrial fibrillation in primary care, using clinical characteristics and echocardiographic measures. The tool was tested on 4,764 participants and showed good predictive value, with age being the strongest risk factor associated with atrial fibrillation.
A systematic review of eight trials found that lowering blood pressure with medication reduced cardiovascular complications, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular deaths among dialysis patients. The protective effects were similar across different drug classes and were well-tolerated.
A randomised trial found that kyphoplasty treatment significantly improved quality of life, function, mobility, and pain in patients with acute vertebral fractures compared to non-surgical management. The procedure was also safe and effective, with no significant differences in adverse events between the two groups.
A study of over 1.6 million young people in Denmark found that traumatic brain injury significantly increases the risk of epilepsy, with risks persisting for more than a decade after the injury. The risk is particularly high for those with severe brain injuries or family histories of epilepsy.
Studies show that stroke mortality rates and burden vary greatly by country, with low-income countries being the most affected. Despite knowing known risk factors for stroke, such as diabetes and alcohol consumption, these do not explain the greater burden in low-income countries.
As flights extend and passengers with pre-existing conditions increase, in-flight medical events become more frequent due to reduced oxygen saturation. Studies show an association between long-haul air travel and venous thromboembolism risk, especially for those with recent surgery or immobilized seating.
A new study published in The Lancet Oncology found that azacitidine significantly improves the survival of patients with high-risk forms of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Patients treated with azacitidine had a median overall survival of 24.5 months, compared to 15 months for those receiving conventional care.
A study found that women with a history of breast cancer who use synthetic steroid tibolone are at a 40% increased risk of recurrence. The drug was linked to distant metastases, which are often fatal. Tibolone should not be prescribed to breast cancer patients.
A study of 1900 Chinese participants found that individuals with metabolic syndrome are more sensitive to salt intake, leading to increased blood pressure responses. This finding suggests that reducing sodium intake could be a crucial component in managing blood pressure for patients with multiple risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that a short period of immobilization with a below-knee cast results in faster recovery from severe ankle sprains compared to other treatments. The authors recommend using a 10-day below-knee cast or an Aircast brace for management.
A randomised trial of 1590 cancer patients found no benefit of warfarin in reducing catheter-related thrombosis. However, dose-adjusted warfarin showed a reduced risk of thromboses compared to fixed-dose warfarin. The study concludes that warfarin is not a viable option for thromboprophylaxis in cancer patients.
Researchers found that ustekinumab significantly improves symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and diminishes skin lesions in patients. The treatment, which targets interleukins 12 and 23, showed good tolerability and a benign safety profile.
A new method uses circulating tumour cells to monitor disease status and predict survival in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Changes in CTC number before and after treatment are strongly associated with risk, making it a more predictive biomarker than PSA.
Population immunity to measles was insufficient to interrupt transmission three years after a mass vaccination campaign in Zambia. Repeated mass vaccination campaigns are necessary to achieve high routine vaccine coverage and reduce measles deaths and illness.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found no significant differences between immediate imaging and usual clinical care for patients with acute or sub-acute low-back pain. The authors recommend refraining from routine imaging unless serious underlying conditions are suspected, to reduce unnecessary tests and improve patient ...
The Lancet Editorial emphasizes the need for governments to implement policies focusing on price, availability, and affordability of alcohol. Recent guidance in the UK and Australia advises delaying drinking onset age, but warns that education alone may not be effective without complementary population-level policies.
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Royal Colleges call on the UK government to strengthen the country's clinical research base, enabling patients to access life-enhancing treatments. The consensus statement emphasizes the need for stronger partnerships between industry, academia, and the NHS.
The EXPRESS study found that urgent assessment and treatment of minor stroke patients in a specialist clinic reduces recurrent strokes by 80% and fatal/disabling strokes by 0.3%. This results in lower hospital admissions, bed-days, and costs, generating £624 savings per patient.
A new study finds aggressive surgery followed by targeted radiotherapy is effective in treating a rare form of childhood brain cancer. The treatment improved event-free survival rates, with children under 3 years old showing excellent outcomes.
The European Union's decision to allow orlistat to be sold OTC may not be beneficial for the public due to its limited effect on obesity management. The drug's high cost, approximately £1.47 per day in England, adds false credibility to quick fixes, highlighting the need for long-term lifestyle changes.
A comprehensive review of case-control studies links gene polymorphisms in alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes to an increased risk of upper aerodigestive tract cancers. Polymorphisms ADH1B and ALDH2 are associated with a higher risk, but data on other variants is insufficient for meta-analysis.
A phase I/II study of autologous non-myeloablative haemopoietic stem cell transplantation in 21 adults with relapsing-remitting MS found that the procedure can stabilize and may reverse neurological disability. After an average follow-up of 3 years, 81% of patients improved by at least 1 point on a disability scale.
A comprehensive meta-analysis of 12 new-generation antidepressants found sertraline and escitalopram to be the most effective and acceptable options. They showed better efficacy compared to other drugs, with escitalopram being more efficacious than duloxetine by 33%.
Eight projects across eight countries will receive funding and expert guidance to improve treatment capacity for childhood cancer. The initiatives aim to narrow the 80/20 divide, where 80% of childhood cancers occur in resource-limited countries.
A randomized controlled trial studied 700 critically ill patients aged under one year and 1-16 years, finding that intensive insulin treatment reduced mortality by 3% and intensive care stay by 5.5 days compared to conventional insulin treatment.
The Lancet emphasizes the importance of a competitive merit-based selection process for the new PEPFAR head. Key qualifications include visionary leadership, global health expertise, and experience in collaboration with various stakeholders.
Lifetime risk of alcohol-use disorders for men exceeds 20% and women less than half that, with 15% at risk for abuse and 10% for dependence. Effective recovery strategies exist and can begin with doctor visits.
Researchers argue that integrating malaria and neglected tropical disease control interventions at the community level can increase antimalarial treatment rates by over twice as much. They propose that global funders recognize this approach to expand coverage of both diseases.
The Declaration of Tokyo, a landmark event in medical ethics, needs revision to clarify physician roles and duties in countries with prisoner abuse. A revised version should incorporate authoritative definitions, publicly post death certificates, and commend accountability for abetting abuse.
A study of over 2,500 pregnant women in Africa found that spousal violence increases the risk of single and repeated fetal loss. The strongest association was with emotional violence, which linked to a 33% reduction in preventable excess recurrent fetal loss if prevalence of abuse is eliminated
Global minimum standards for intellectual property protection under TRIPS lead to unequal pharmaceutical trade between rich and poor countries. Developing countries are not utilizing flexibilities to overcome patent barriers, leaving them vulnerable to pressure from powerful nations.
The Lancet Series on Trade and Health explores how trade affects population health, highlighting policy coherence challenges. Governance of trade and health is weighted towards international trade law, with WTO's strong dispute resolution procedure, which WHO lacks.
The article explores the growing trend of health tourism and global healthcare trade, highlighting the benefits and concerns surrounding cross-border e-health services, private healthcare abroad, foreign direct investment in healthcare, and migration of healthcare professionals. Key findings include the increasing demand for low-cost m...