A JNCI decision-modeling study compared noninvasive colorectal cancer screening options using “efficient frontiers” (benefit: life-years or QALYs gained; burden: lifetime colonoscopies/patient hours). Among average-risk adults, biennial or triennial next-generation multitarget stool DNA (ages 45–75) was the only noninvasive strategy consistently on the efficient frontier. Annual FIT was typically near-efficient; multitarget stool RNA was near-efficient at best; and currently available blood-based tests were not efficient under any age/interval scenario. Sensitivity analyses that added colonoscopy (every 5–10 years) preserved these findings; results assumed 100% adherence and test performance from recent large trials. Authors conclude next-gen stool DNA should be prioritized among noninvasive…
Author: Abhay Panchal
A new review in Nature Mental Health strengthens the case that the gut microbiome directly shapes brain chemistry, stress responses, and behavior. Researchers at the University of South Australia highlight disrupted gut patterns in depression and schizophrenia, early clinical gains from probiotics, dietary changes, and fecal microbiota transplants, and evidence that psychiatric drugs alter gut flora. With nearly one in seven people affected by mental disorders, the findings position microbiome-based therapies as promising, low-cost, and scalable options for future mental health care.
The expiration of Medicare telehealth coverage on Sept. 30 has forced providers to cancel or shift appointments, leaving millions of seniors and disabled patients at risk of losing access. The lapse stems from Congress’s failure to extend funding, despite broad bipartisan support and a Senate bill with 65 co-sponsors. Patients with chronic conditions — especially those immunocompromised — face immediate disruptions, while providers navigate uncertainty over reimbursement. Advocates warn the disruption highlights the urgent need for permanent telehealth coverage.
OncoDaily GI spotlights the innovations transforming gastrointestinal oncology — from precision biomarkers to advances in equitable cancer care. The second week of October features breakthroughs across colorectal, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers, underscoring the momentum of science and collaboration in reshaping the field. Highlights include new evidence supporting curative surgery in recurrent colon cancer, deeper insights into colorectal cancer subtypes, and progress in pancreatic oncology through biomarker-guided immunotherapy, transcriptomic-driven chemotherapy, and early-detection models. Economic analyses in hepatocellular carcinoma strengthen value-based decision-making, while a European trial expands targeted treatment options for KRAS-mutant CRC.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of healthcare laws cracking down on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and private equity firms. SB 41 bans spread pricing, prohibits PBMs from steering patients to owned pharmacies, and requires rebates to be passed to payers. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2026. Newsom also signed AB 1415, requiring private equity firms to notify the state before healthcare M&A deals, and SB 351, barring interference in medical decision-making. Lawmakers say the reforms aim to protect patients, strengthen oversight, and curb rising costs.
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A report from a JAMA summit warns that the growing use of AI in healthcare could complicate liability in cases of medical failings. Experts including Prof Derek Angus (University of Pittsburgh) and Prof Glenn Cohen (Harvard Law School) highlighted challenges for patients proving fault, citing opaque AI designs and contractual shifts of responsibility. The report also notes weak regulatory oversight and limited real-world testing, stressing that the most widely adopted AI tools are often the least evaluated — raising risks for patients and providers alike.
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s DMV Chapter has named Dr. Raymond K. Cross, Jr. — Medical Director of the Center for Inflammatory Bowel and Colorectal Diseases at Mercy Medical Center — as its 2025 Medical Champion of Hope Award recipient. He will be recognized at the Foundation’s Maryland Night of Champions gala on Oct. 17. Dr. Cross, a board-certified gastroenterologist, has authored over 200 publications and led multiple national initiatives, including roles with the Foundation’s Clinical Research Alliance and SPARC IBD. Mercy CEO Dr. David Maine praised his leadership for transforming IBD care across Maryland and beyond.
Dova Health Intelligence has announced a collaboration with Mayo Clinic to advance DovaVision UC Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES), an AI-powered tool designed to deliver more consistent and reproducible assessment of ulcerative colitis disease activity from colonoscopy videos. The partnership will focus on regulatory preparation and clinical validation to support integration into gastroenterology workflows. “Automated scoring of the Mayo Endoscopic Score will enhance both clinical care and research,” said Dr. Darrell Pardi, Chair of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo Clinic. Dova CEO Solveig Johannessen and founder Dr. Michael Byrne noted that the collaboration aims to set new standards in digital IBD…
AI health startup Doctronic has raised $20 million in Series A funding, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, to expand its instant, affordable healthcare platform. Founded by Dr. Adam Oskowitz and Matt Pavelle, Doctronic combines multiple specialized AI agents with clinical oversight to deliver private, personalized health guidance in minutes and connect patients to physicians for video visits starting at $39. The platform has already powered 15 million medical conversations for over 1 million users and handles about 50,000 weekly visits. Doctronic recently validated its AI doctor at 99.2% alignment with licensed clinicians, positioning it as a tool to address the…