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Assessment of knowledge of general and local anesthesia among patients undergoing elective surgery

A study of 370 patients undergoing elective surgery found that those with higher levels of awareness about anesthesia had better understanding of general and local anesthesia. Patients who underwent surgeries related to eyes, nose, and throat scored higher on the knowledge test due to limited sources of information.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Anesthesia Journal·DateMay 30, 2024

Listening to mindfulness audios during radiation improves physical, emotional side effects

Men with prostate cancer who listened to mindfulness audio recordings during radiation therapy experienced significant reductions in fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The study found that the mindfulness intervention was more effective than listening to relaxing music during treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·DateApr 30, 2024

UK/German study - COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and fewer common side-effects most important factors in whether adults choose to get vaccinated

A new UK/German study suggests that perceptions of serious side effects are less than half as important as common side effects, such as fatigue or pain at the injection site, when making a decision to be vaccinated. The study found that educating the public about vaccine safety and efficacy is crucial in boosting vaccination uptake.

Targeted liver cancer treatment kills cancer cells and cuts chemo side effects

Researchers have developed a new treatment that uses tailored doses of anti-cancer drugs released directly into the surgical cavity to treat liver cancer. The approach has shown promise in reducing recurrence rates and minimizing chemotherapy side effects, with potential applications for other types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2024

Low-dose radiotherapy boost helps prevent local recurrence with better cosmetic outcomes in young breast cancer patients

Researchers found that young breast cancer patients who received a low-dose radiotherapy boost had a lower risk of local recurrence after 10 years, with only 4.4% experiencing recurrence. In contrast, high-dose boosts resulted in fewer recurrences but also more severe fibrosis and cosmetic issues.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 20, 2024

AI tool predicts risk of side effects after surgery and radiotherapy in breast cancer patients

A new AI tool can predict which breast cancer patients are at risk of chronic arm swelling after surgery and radiotherapy. The tool, developed by international researchers, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze patient data and provides easily understandable explanations for doctors and patients.

Genetic test identifies patients with triple negative breast cancer who are unlikely to respond to immunotherapies

A new genetic test has identified patients with triple negative early-stage breast cancer who are unlikely to respond to immunotherapy drugs. The test, called ImPrintTN, can predict a patient's likelihood of responding to these treatments and help avoid severe side effects.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 19, 2024

Exercise helps patients with advanced breast cancer, especially if they are suffering with pain

A randomized controlled trial found that exercise programmes reduced fatigue and improved quality of life for patients with metastatic breast cancer. The study showed the greatest benefit among younger patients, but also suggested that supervised exercise can be beneficial for all patients with advanced disease.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 19, 2024

How effective are opioid medications for cancer pain?

A recent review of opioid medicines for cancer pain found surprisingly large gaps in evidence regarding their true benefits. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be at least as effective as some opioids for background cancer pain, offering potential alternatives to reduce dependence and waning analgesia over time.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 18, 2023

Study finds two antibiotics for children with sinusitis equally effective, but one had fewer side effects

Researchers found that patients prescribed amoxicillin-clavulanate had higher rates of gastrointestinal symptoms and yeast infections than those prescribed amoxicillin. The study showed no difference in treatment failure rates between the two antibiotics, with treatment failure occurring in less than 2% of cases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateSep 19, 2023

Why breast cancer survivors don't take their medication, and what can be done

Breast cancer survivors often struggle to take their life-extending medication due to side effects and high costs. A new study found that interventions such as cost-cutting policies, mobile apps, and psychological counseling can increase medication adherence by nearly 1.5 times. Addressing mental health issues, particularly depression,...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 1, 2023

Study characterizes unique immune response in patients who experience inflammatory arthritis as side effect of cancer therapies

Researchers identified a specific type of CD8 T cell that characterizes inflammatory arthritis induced by ICI therapies. A unique population of CD8 T cells was found to promote joint inflammation and persist in the bloodstream, explaining why ICI-arthritis continues after therapy is discontinued.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023

Skin lightening products can be dangerous, but users don’t know risks

A new study found that 21.3% of respondents used skin lightening agents, often for conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation, but most users were unaware of potential toxic ingredients and risks. The study highlights the need for cultural mindfulness in dermatology care to ensure safe and effective treatment across all communities.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalInternational Journal of Women’s Dermatology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 13, 2023

UNM researchers find medical cannabis patients who feel 'high' report greater symptom relief but increased negative side effects

A new study by UNM researchers found that patients who reported feeling 'high' experienced 7.7% greater symptom relief, but also a more than 20% increase in negative side effects. The study suggests that feeling 'high' may be an unavoidable component of using cannabis medicinally.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023

New research finds dramatic increase in illegal ketamine seized by authorities, sparking concern about potential dangers of rising recreational use

A significant increase in illicit ketamine seizures in the US has raised concerns about the risks of non-medical and recreational use, as well as the presence of fentanyl. The study found a 349% rise in seizures from 2017 to 2022, with the highest numbers reported in Tennessee, Florida, and California.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Case study reveals potentially lethal side effects of lecanemab for treatment of Alzheimer's disease

A case study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reveals that lecanemab can lead to therapy-induced Aβ phagocytosis and multifocal intracerebral hemorrhage, highlighting a potential risk of brain damage and death. The study suggests that better biomarkers are needed to assess the extent of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeCase study·DateMay 24, 2023

Researchers identify potential new strategy to prevent side effects from immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a potential therapeutic target, IL-21, to reduce endocrine autoimmune side effects from checkpoint immunotherapy. A specific group of immune cells play a central role in this autoimmune attack and blocking IL-21 prevents thyroid autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 17, 2023