Merck’s combination of Keytruda and an anti-LAG-3 antibody failed to improve overall survival in metastatic microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer, according to the KEYFORM-007 trial. While Keytruda has shown promise in microsatellite instability-high solid tumors, MSS colorectal cancer has proven resistant to checkpoint inhibitors, with response rates below 10%. The failure of this combination highlights the ongoing challenge in treating MSS colorectal cancer, as other mechanisms, like LAG-3 inhibition, are still being explored without breakthrough results yet.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Health care is facing significant threats as the courts, not just politicians, are chipping away at the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Recent Supreme Court rulings, particularly overturning the Chevron doctrine, have weakened federal agencies’ power to regulate health policies, allowing industries like pharma and insurance to mount legal challenges. These lawsuits could undermine key protections, including pre-existing condition coverage. However, grassroots initiatives, such as Medicaid expansion and reproductive rights, show that public pushback may play a crucial role in defending health care access.
Physician practice ownership is steadily declining due to factors like hospital and private equity consolidation, rising practice costs, and administrative burdens. Despite attractive buyout offers, many doctors opt for autonomy through private ownership, citing benefits like control over practice operations, wealth accumulation, and improved patient care. Private ownership allows physicians to design customized business models and experience intrinsic rewards, such as pride in their community impact. When financing expansions or acquisitions, favorable loan structures are crucial, and physicians should seek guidance from specialized professionals.
Time’s article on the best apps for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) highlights several tools designed to help users track symptoms, medications, and diet, and connect with communities for support. These apps include GI Monitor, Oshi Health, MyIBD Care, and others, offering features like personalized plans, access to telehealth, and reminders for medication adherence. Each app aims to empower patients to take control of their health and improve their quality of life through tracking and support features tailored to chronic digestive issues.
At the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting, Louis J. Aronne, MD, argued that obesity medications could make bariatric surgery obsolete, thanks to drugs that treat multiple metabolic conditions. Francesco Rubino, MD, countered, suggesting “metabolic” surgery will continue to play a key role, especially for long-term management of obesity and related conditions. Aronne believes future treatments will address obesity earlier, while Rubino sees surgery remaining important for certain patients. Both agree obesity management is evolving rapidly.
Highmark and US Digestive Health have reached a new contract agreement that ensures continued access for Highmark members to US Digestive Health’s gastroenterology services. This deal follows negotiations and secures in-network coverage for patients. Both organizations expressed a commitment to providing high-quality care and maintaining essential services for their shared patient base. This agreement is significant for patients seeking specialized gastrointestinal care across Pennsylvania.
The largest gastroenterology physician groups in the U.S. include Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, Gastro Health, and Connecticut GI. Texas Digestive Disease Consultants tops the list with 556 physicians, followed by Gastro Health with 475, and Connecticut GI with 312. These large groups manage a range of gastroenterology care services, from evaluations to surgeries, and are well-suited for bulk purchasing and long-term partnerships due to their size and centralized decision-making processes.
True You Weight Loss has become the first practice in the U.S. to complete 5,000 endoscopic weight loss procedures. The milestone highlights the growing popularity of minimally invasive alternatives to traditional bariatric surgery. True You offers procedures like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and intragastric balloon placement. The practice emphasizes non-surgical approaches to weight loss, helping patients avoid many of the risks associated with traditional surgery while achieving significant weight reduction.
A study published on Cureus evaluated the effectiveness of an app-based digestive care management program. Participants, who were adults with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, experienced significant improvements in their symptoms after using the app. The program included symptom tracking, personalized medical nutrition therapy, and health coaching. Results showed that 83% of participants reported better symptom management, with 61% reporting reduced symptom severity. The app demonstrated promise as a tool for improving digestive health outcomes.
Guardant Health and Exact Sciences are making significant bets on blood-based tests for colorectal cancer screening. These companies are investing heavily in advancing non-invasive blood tests that could rival or complement existing screening methods like colonoscopies or stool-based tests. The goal is to increase screening rates, especially for those hesitant about traditional methods. However, the high costs of developing and marketing these tests, coupled with questions about their accuracy and regulatory approval, make this a risky but potentially groundbreaking move in cancer diagnostics.