Research on hormone therapy and its effects. Covers menopause symptom relief, bronchiectasis risk, dementia links, and Alzheimer's risk.
A large Danish study found that current use of oral menopausal hormone therapy is associated with an increased risk of blood clots in legs/lungs, with no general increased risk seen with transdermal hormone therapy. Stroke and heart attack risks were limited to prolonged high-dose oral hormone therapy.
A US study of 20 years of health data found that hormone therapy initiated during peri- or early postmenopause reduces cardiovascular disease risk by 22% compared to those who did not use hormone therapy. The protective effect was strongest among Black women and those who initiated therapy within 10 years of menopause onset.
A new study published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation suggests that women with a shorter reproductive lifespan are at greater risk of developing bronchiectasis. The study of nearly 97,000 postmenopausal women found that hormone therapy use was associated with a 19% greater risk of bronchiectasis.
A large UK study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce the risk of dementia, particularly for women who have undergone surgical menopause. The study, which followed over 180,000 postmenopausal women, found that HRT was associated with a 16% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to non-users.
A Stanford Medicine study found that estrogen-only menopausal hormone therapy may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in women. The study, which analyzed brain autopsies and cerebrospinal fluid samples, found a 35% reduction in Alzheimer's-related pathological deposits in women who used estrogen-only MHT.
Prostate cancer cells rewire amino acid metabolism to override normal brakes on cholesterol production, fueling hormone therapy resistance. Restricting isoleucine and valine in the diet may slow tumor growth and improve treatment response, while boosting propionyl-CoA levels promotes tumor growth.
A study published in Neurology found that estrogen-only hormone therapy was associated with a lower risk of developing dementia in women. Researchers analyzed data from over 21,000 female participants and found that those who took hormone therapy had fewer signs of Alzheimer's disease in their brains at autopsy.
A recent real-world study indicates that reaching a PSA level below 0.2 ng/mL is associated with improved patient survival, and this cutoff may be the best metric for determining treatment success, according to investigators analyzing Veterans Health Administration data.
Researchers analyzed patient data from five clinical trials to evaluate the impact of adding hormone therapy on postoperative radiation outcomes. While traditional pathological features can identify patients at higher risk of recurrence, they do not predict treatment benefit.
A Rutgers Cancer Institute physician-scientist says a VA study comparing two hormone therapies for metastatic prostate cancer provides strong real-world evidence to help doctors choose the right drug for each patient. The study found that enzalutamide may offer a modest survival advantage for patients aged 75 and older.
A new study by the University of Southampton has found that reusable catheters are just as safe for patients as single-use ones and do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The study followed hundreds of patients for a year and discovered that those who tested reusable catheters used 35 per cent fewer antibiotics.
A Phase 2 trial found that combining opaganib with abiraterone and enzalutamide showed promising results in slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes. The treatment's tolerability was also well-tolerated, with most side effects mild to moderate.
Researchers have identified a hidden mechanism explaining why breast cancer can return years after successful treatment. Slow-growing breast cancer cells can form microscopic tumours that silently tick away in distant organs, evading detection for decades.
A NIH-funded study discovered that testosterone may play a key role in limiting brain tumor growth in men by suppressing inflammation and stress hormone production. Analysis of over 1,300 men with glioblastoma found that supplemental testosterone was significantly associated with improved survival rates.
A new analysis shows elinzanetant effectively relieves moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with endocrine therapy, regardless of the type of hormone treatment. The drug reduces VMS frequency and severity by blocking a protein that triggers these symptoms.
A large clinical trial led by UCL researchers has shown that hormone patches are as effective as injections in controlling locally advanced prostate cancer. The patches cause fewer side effects, including hot flushes and breast tissue swelling, while improving quality of life for men with the condition.
A new UCLA study suggests that adding hormone therapy to post-operative radiotherapy may provide little survival benefit for most men with prostate cancer, especially those with low PSA levels. However, men with higher PSA levels before radiation may see modest improvements in survival and metastasis-free survival.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology will host a webinar highlighting recent clinical advances in breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and leukemia. Researchers will present key findings from ASH and SABCS meetings, impacting treatment outcomes.
A large Danish study found that menopausal hormone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of death in women with moderate to severe symptoms and no contraindications. The study also showed a significant survival benefit for women who had undergone bilateral oophorectomy after using hormone therapy.
Researchers found that hormone treatment reduces abnormal nerve invasion and improves chronic back pain by limiting nerve growth inside damaged spinal tissue. The study suggests that parathyroid hormone can reverse the process by activating natural signals.
A new study found that social media influencers are promoting unproven claims about low testosterone in young men, framing common experiences as hormonal deficiencies. The content is linked to the manosphere, encouraging hyper-masculine ideals and positioning testosterone as a way for men to reclaim power and status.
A national clinical trial found that oxybutynin significantly reduced hot flash frequency and quality of life for men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer. The study showed substantial improvements in hot flash symptoms, often within the first week of treatment.
A new clinical study identifies localized reactivation of human cytomegalovirus inside the femoral head as a potential cause of osteonecrosis. The findings suggest that antiviral prevention strategies may be effective in blocking disease progression.
A major U.S. clinical trial has uncovered a genetic factor that may inform how to optimize the dosing of abiraterone, a widely used hormone treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Researchers found that men who carry a specific version of the gene SULT2A1 clear abiraterone from their bodies more slowly, which could affect how well it w...
A comprehensive review of prior research found no evidence that menopause hormone therapy increases or decreases dementia risk in post-menopausal women. The study included data from over 1 million participants and analyzed the impact on mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, with no significant association found.
A new study found that a sizable minority of people with migraine with aura still receive estrogen-containing birth control pills and hormone therapy, despite treatment contraindications. The study highlights the need for updated research on stroke risks associated with these medications among people with this type of migraine.
A matched prospective analysis of 676 women found that menopausal hormone therapy was not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in those with BRCA mutations. This suggests a personalized approach to menopause management for these women, balancing the risks and benefits of MHT use.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that shorter courses of androgen deprivation therapy can effectively control prostate cancer without increasing risks. The ideal duration of ADT depends on cancer risk, allowing for more personalized treatment plans.
The FDA has revised the labeling for menopausal hormone therapy based on current evidence, which may affect patient safety and treatment options. The updated guidelines aim to provide more accurate information for healthcare providers and patients.
A new study found that hormone therapy can alter sex-specific blood proteins in transgender women, resembling those of cisgender women. The therapy may reduce the risk of heart disease and increase the risk of allergic and autoimmune diseases.
The ASPIRE trial is a Phase III clinical study investigating whether adding chemotherapy to standard treatments can extend survival in men with advanced prostate cancer. The trial aims to determine the effectiveness of combining docetaxel with hormone therapy and apalutamide.
A new randomized study validates a predictive gene expression test that identifies patients with recurrent prostate cancer who will benefit from adding hormone therapy to radiation. The test, PAM50, groups tumors into molecular subtypes and predicts treatment outcomes.
New Brazilian regulations restrict hormone therapy and research for transgender youth, potentially increasing depression, social isolation, and suicide. Experts question the scientific basis and ethics of these rules, calling for evidence-based care and open discussion.
Women with type 2 diabetes taking oral hormone replacement therapy are at a higher risk of developing pulmonary embolism and heart disease. Transdermal HRT, on the other hand, appears safer, reducing cardiovascular risk by up to 25%.
The addition of progesterone to gender-affirming hormone therapy leads to increased breast growth for transgender individuals. Progesterone, a key female sex hormone, was found to be safe and effective when added to oestradiol, with participants experiencing up to a 37% increase in breast volume.
A study by Minttu Venetkoski found that pre-eclampsia increases the risk of ischaemic heart disease and stroke by approximately 1.5-fold. Women with a history of pre-eclampsia are advised to inform their doctors, as this can help mitigate cardiovascular risks during menopause.
A study by Professor Chunxiu Gong's team identified the clinical presentation of Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) and genetic alterations in Chinese pediatric patients. The researchers found that 12 patients presented with classic CdLS, while others showed global developmental delays and growth retardation.
A study found that hormone therapy type impacts memory performance in postmenopausal women, with transdermal estradiol patches enhancing episodic memory and pill form improving prospective memory. The type of hormone therapy taken during and after menopause may influence cognitive performance differently across various types of memory.
A study using anonymized patient records from UC health centers found over 600 correlations between endometriosis and other conditions, including infertility, autoimmune disease, and certain cancers. The research supports the growing understanding of endometriosis as a multi-system disorder.
A new study by the NIH found that hormone therapy may alter breast cancer risk in women under 55. Women treated with unopposed estrogen hormone therapy were less likely to develop breast cancer, while those using estrogen plus progestin hormone therapy were more likely to develop the disease.
A comprehensive review highlights the impact of anti-cancer treatments on bone health, increasing the risk of fractures and bone fragility. The International Osteoporosis Foundation advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to early screening and proactive bone-protective strategies.
A new study of 591 women with early-stage breast cancer found that nearly two-thirds opted for continued endocrine therapy beyond the initial five years. Patients with higher-risk stage 2 disease were more likely to continue treatment, highlighting potential benefits in extending hormone-based therapy for these patients.
Researchers with City of Hope will present innovative clinical trial results, breakthrough diagnostic techniques, and advances in treatment options at the AACR Annual Meeting. Highlights include a phase 3 clinical trial showing promising results for novel immunotherapy against nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Researchers identified a potential new treatment, lorundrostat, which reduced systolic blood pressure in individuals with uncontrolled or treatment-resistant hypertension. The study found a significant 15-point reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to placebo.
The European Society of Endocrinology and the European Hormone and Metabolism Foundation launch a global campaign to raise awareness about hormone balance and its impact on chronic diseases. Small steps can make a big difference in improving hormone health.
A new analysis found that oral hormone therapy can lower levels of lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor associated with higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Hormone therapy also improved biomarkers of cardiovascular health, including cholesterol levels.
A research team has identified a key protein suspected to be involved in benzodiazepine-related inflammation, which could inform strategies to improve benzodiazepine drug design and treat inflammation-related conditions. The findings may lead to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers have discovered a significant increase in inflammation and C-reactive protein levels in female patients with sickle cell disease during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. This finding may help identify potential targets for managing pain crises, particularly when combined with hormonal contraceptives.
Researchers have developed a new approach to overcome treatment resistance in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Dual aromatase-steroid sulfatase inhibitors (DASIs) show promise in effectively blocking both enzymes involved in oestrogen production, potentially reducing tumour growth.
Researchers discovered TBX2 drives therapy resistance by shifting signaling from the androgen receptor to the glucocorticoid receptor. The study identified a strategy to target this switch, potentially predicting patient risk and offering new treatment approaches.
A new study found that interval cancers, which are detected between two screening sessions, account for 30% of all breast cancers. Women with high breast density, hormone therapy, and a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk. More frequent or improved screening methods could significantly improve early detection rates.
A study found that open-label placebos alleviated symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women, with effects greatest when provided with additional information. The placebo effect played a significant role, accompanied by improved self-efficacy and reduced symptom intensity.
A new review highlights how breast cancer cells change their communication and growth patterns, helping tumors survive, spread, and resist treatment. The review explores disrupted signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, which can promote tumor progression and resistance to treatment.
A new study suggests that paricalcitol may help manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs by reducing renal secondary hyperparathyroidism and proteinuria. The treatment showed promise in stabilizing proteinuria, but raised questions about potential long-term effects on CKD progression.
Research suggests flavonoids improve insulin sensitivity, enhance β-cell function, modulate the gut microbiota, inhibit gluconeogenesis, and regulate enteroendocrine hormones in type 2 diabetes management. Flavonoid-specific effects on GLP-1, GIP, PYY, and CCK secretion contribute to improved glycemic control.
A longitudinal observational cohort study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy was associated with lower rates of moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. The study highlights the importance of gender-affirming primary care models for transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse patients.
A study of nearly 900 postmenopausal women found an association between perimenopausal symptom burden and later cognitive function and behavioral impairment. Women with higher menopausal symptom burdens were more likely to experience poorer cognitive function and mild behavioral impairments, both markers of dementia.
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that women over 70 who took hormone therapy had faster tau accumulation than those who didn't. This increase was seen in specific brain regions vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest delaying hormone therapy may lead to worse Alzheimer's outcomes.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified biomarkers for predicting treatment response in metastatic breast cancer and found a potential target for tumor progression in pancreatic cancer. Additionally, they discovered that abnormal chromosome changes predict survival in patients with secondary acute myeloid leukemia.
Scientists at NUS Medicine have developed a novel approach using nasal bacteria to deliver therapeutic molecules directly to the brain, reducing appetite and improving glucose metabolism in preclinical studies. The engineered bacteria leverage the olfactory mucosa's unique properties to deliver medication with enhanced bioavailability.