Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
OncologyThe gastrin-releasing peptide receptor in prostate cancer
In this review, researchers have described the potential applications of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The interest of this receptor is also described for other types of solid tumors. For the researchers, this receptor could be of at least equal interest to that of PSA, used in current clinical practice. The development of ther
Pharmacology and ToxicologyMetformin and simvastatin in ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. One approach to developing effective new therapeutic strategies is to redirect drugs already on the market for other indications. In this study, researchers looked at two metabolic modulators: metformin and simvastatin. They evaluated the effects of metformin combined with simvastatin on the proliferation and viability of two ovarian tumo
OncologyImmune checkpoint inhibitor chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer
While the combination of an immune checkpoint inhibitor and chemotherapy has become a standard treatment for non-small cell lung cancer, there are few data on its value in subjects over 75. In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, Japanese researchers evaluated the efficacy and safety of this first-line therapeutic strategy in elderly non-small-cell lung cancer. A total of 1,245 patients we
PediatricsGram-negative bacterial infections following cerebrospinal fluid shunts
In this retrospective cohort study, researchers followed pediatric patients with Gram-negative bacterial infections following cerebrospinal fluid shunt or external ventricular drain. A total of 64 infections in 50 patients were evaluated, of which 70% followed a shunt. The median age of patients was 1.4 years for shunt infections and 4.2 years for drain infections. The Gram-negative bacteria most
PneumonologyVitamin D and lung function
In this study, researchers sought to identify novel genetic variants associated with lung function and influenced by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels. They focused on two respiratory parameters previously associated with serum 25(OH)D levels: forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). In all, 30 genetic variants significantly associated with FEV1
RhumatologyA promising new strategy for rheumatoid arthritis?
The progression of rheumatoid arthritis can be accelerated by the abnormal proliferation of aggressive fibroblast-like synoviocytes and the persistence of synovial inflammation. In this study, researchers evaluated the value of a strategy acting simultaneously on these two mechanisms to restore synovial homeostasis and treat rheumatoid arthritis. They developed a soluble hyaluronic acid-based micr
PediatricsThe burden of tuberculosis in adolescents and young adults
The burden of tuberculosis in adolescents and young adults remains poorly understood. In this study, researchers investigated the evolution of tuberculosis incidence and mortality in 10-24 year-olds between 1990 and 2019. Worldwide, tuberculosis incidence fell by an average of 1.28% per year. Declining trends were similar across gender, age and geographic regions. However, tuberculosis incidence f
SurgeryFocal stenosis of the pancreatic duct, always a sign suggestive of pancreatic cancer?
Radiological evidence of focal stenosis of the main pancreatic duct is highly suggestive of pancreatic cancer. Even in the absence of a mass lesion, it can lead to surgical resection of the affected part of the pancreas. In this case study, four patients with a specific pathology associated with non-neoplastic focal stenosis of the main pancreatic duct are presented. In all cases, the pancreas sho
OncologyEfficacy and safety of enfortumab and pembrolizumab in urothelial carcinoma
Until now, no treatment has shown superior efficacy to platinum-based chemotherapy in improving overall survival in patients with treatment-naive locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. In this phase 3 clinical trial, investigators compared the efficacy and safety of enfortumab and pembrolizumab to platinum-based chemotherapy in 886 patients with previously untreated locally advanced
Public Health and Social MedicinePrevalence of underweight and overweight between 1990 and 2022
In this study, data were compiled from 3,663 population-based studies, including 222 million participants (children and adults) in 200 countries and territories. The aim was to assess the individual and combined prevalence of underweight or leanness and obesity, and their trends between 1990 and 2022. The combined prevalence of underweight and obesity increased in 162 countries for women, and in 1
Cardiology and Vascular MedicineMicroplastics and cardiovascular risk
Preclinical studies suggest that microplastics and nanoplastics may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In this prospective multicenter observational study, researchers analyzed data from 257 patients with coronary artery disease, followed for an average of 33.7 months. Polyethylene was detected in the plaque of the carotid artery in 150 patients. 31 patients also had measurable amounts o
Endocrinology and MetabolismThyroid hormones and hyperuricemia before and after bariatric surgery
There are links between thyrotropin, thyroid hormones and obesity. At the same time, obesity is a modifiable risk factor for hyperuricemia. In this retrospective study, researchers investigated the potential link between thyroid hormone alteration and hyperuricemia in obese patients before and after sleeve gastrectomy. A total of 1,054 patients with normal thyroid function and obesity were include