The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been steadily increasing among men younger than 50 years, while remaining stable among women of the same age group, according to a study conducted in Austria. This finding suggests that patient sex should be considered when determining the age for starting CRC screening. Key findings from the study include: The researchers found that 10.5% of individuals younger than 50 years and 21.9% aged 50 years and older had adenomas. Additionally, 3.9% of younger individuals and 6.9% of older individuals had at least one advanced adenoma. The prevalence of adenomas was higher among men…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking test that can detect 18 early-stage cancers, potentially representing a significant advancement in medical diagnostics. This test, designed by US researchers from the biotech firm Novelna, analyzes proteins in the blood to identify early-stage cancers across all main organs in the human body. Traditional methods for early cancer detection have faced challenges such as invasiveness, cost, and low accuracy for early-stage diseases. The Novelna test addresses these issues by using specific blood proteins for early detection and monitoring. Previous tests lacked sensitivity (accuracy in identifying those with cancer) and specificity (accuracy in excluding those without…
Cutting out coinsurance for patients undergoing colonoscopy after a positive stool test could improve patient life-years, according to new research. Although the full effect of Medicare’s January 2023 policy waiving cost sharing for colonoscopy after a positive stool-based colorectal cancer screening test remains uncertain, researchers estimated that if the waived cost of a follow-up colonoscopy increased adherence by 15%, then the resulting colonoscopies would extend the lives of the average-risk population by up to 20%. Furthermore, any uptick in CRC screening is expected to yield savings in healthcare spending, according to the researchers. “Policies and efforts to increase both total…
Robotic surgery is associated with improved outcomes over laparoscopic procedures for colon cancer patients undergoing colectomies, according to a new study by Dallas-based University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The study, published in World Journal of Surgical Oncology, showed that patients undergoing robotic surgery experience shorter hospital stays and lower rates of complication on average. Additionally, they have more lymph nodes harvested and a more accurate determination of what stage the cancer is in, according to a Jan. 4 press release from UT Southwestern. Patients also had fewer conversions to open surgery necessitated by anatomical challenges and fewer instances of…
Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company behind the anti-obesity drug Zepbound, has launched LillyDirect, a direct-to-patient portal. This innovative platform allows certain patients to obtain Zepbound for as low as $25 a month, marking a significant shift in how these medications are made available to patients. This development is particularly important for the 42 million Americans with obesity, for whom weight loss medications like Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound can be highly beneficial. The availability of these medications has been challenging due to drug shortages and high costs, with prices reaching up to $1,300 monthly without insurance coverage. However, 2024 may see…
PanGIA Biotech, a US-based biotechnology company, is finalizing a three-year, prospective, multicenter clinical study on prostate cancer liquid biopsy and is preparing to launch additional clinical studies for multi-cancer early detection using the PanGIA® Liquid Biopsy Platform. This platform utilizes urine-based true liquid biopsy technology, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing cancers earlier, with the goal of saving lives through improved availability and scalability in cancer diagnostics. The company received IRB approval in 2020 and launched a novel AI-integrated urine-based liquid biopsy study, recruiting urologists from US-based academic and community practices to enroll men scheduled for prostate…
A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, which provides reassurance about the low rate of pulmonary aspiration during upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy in patients taking glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications, used for diabetes and obesity treatment, have been associated with delayed gastric emptying, raising concerns about the risk of pulmonary aspiration during upper GI endoscopy. The study analyzed 4,134 upper GI endoscopies performed in 2,968 unique patients taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Researchers used a validated automated electronic search algorithm to identify potential cases of pulmonary aspiration, which were then confirmed through manual chart review. Only two…
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declined to approve Astellas’s investigational gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer drug, zolbetuximab, due to manufacturing issues. Zolbetuximab, a monoclonal antibody, was under priority review as the first specific agent for locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma that is claudin 18.2-positive. This overexpression in gastric cancer cells is linked to tumor growth and progression. The FDA’s decision, which was due by January 12, 2024, was affected by “unresolved deficiencies” found during its pre-license inspection of a third-party manufacturing facility for zolbetuximab. Astellas is actively working with the FDA and the…
The study acknowledges that women generally have smaller hand sizes and lower muscle mass and strength compared to men. A survey was conducted among 107 practicing gastroenterologists, comprising 41 (38.3%) females and 66 (61.7%) males. The survey collected demographic information, personal preferences in endoscopy styles and techniques, and data on endoscopy-related injuries. The results showed that female participants were shorter, had smaller hand sizes, and performed fewer weekly cases than their male counterparts. Additionally, a higher percentage of men (45.5%) performed advanced endoscopic procedures compared to women (20%). The study found that women had specific preferences in handling endoscopes, such…
EndoQuest Robotics, a medical device company, has partnered with OMNIVISION, a developer of semiconductor solutions, to create a revolutionary flexible endoluminal robotic system. This system is designed to improve patient outcomes and set a new standard of care in minimally invasive surgery. The key component of this system is the integration of OMNIVISION’s OCHFA CameraCubeChip into EndoQuest’s Flexible Robotic System. The novel robotic system being developed by EndoQuest aims to address unmet needs in gastrointestinal (GI) and other endoluminal surgeries. It offers precision, flexibility, and improved patient outcomes. The system utilizes proprietary technology to navigate and perform procedures within the…