Dr. Kambiz Kadkhodayan, a gastroenterologist at the Orlando-based AdventHealth Center for Interventional Endoscopy, has successfully performed the world’s inaugural “Candy Cane” endoscopic procedure. The patient, Rene Galloway, a former emergency room nurse, had previously undergone nine surgeries over the past 13 years. Due to her medical history, she was deemed a less favorable candidate for additional surgeries. The “Candy Cane” procedure involves: Dr. Kadkhodayan performed the entire procedure without making any incisions. He expressed his satisfaction with the results, noting that four other patients have since undergone the procedure with similar success. He stated, “I can’t tell you how rewarding…
Author: Abhay Panchal
New guidelines suggest that women should be offered take-home kits to screen for cervical cancer, aiming to reduce discrimination in healthcare. As provinces transition away from Pap smears, which involve a doctor collecting cervical cells to detect early signs of cancer, a newer HPV test is being introduced. This test detects high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is offered to those aged between 25 and 65 every five years. Self-swabs for HPV, likened to at-home COVID-19 tests, could significantly enhance early detection. Dr. Aisha Lofters, a scientist and family physician, believes that at-home HPV testing can help overcome…
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who resumed infliximab treatment after using a biosimilar faced a threefold increased risk of discontinuing the treatment over time due to an unwanted response. This observation was made in a study conducted by Rosanne W. Meijboom and her team from the Pharmacy Foundation of Haarlem Hospitals in the Netherlands. Key Points: Study Background: The research aimed to understand the reasons behind patients reverting from a biosimilar to the original infliximab. While many patients transitioned successfully from the infliximab originator to its biosimilar, about 7% reverted to the originator. Research Methodology: The study, conducted between…
CHICAGO—A monitoring device passively and accurately detects flares of Crohn’s disease before clinical signs appear, according to a study of more than 100 individuals monitored for up to a year. The device—which stays at home and is not worn by the patient—measures biomarkers remotely with a sensor as the patient performs normal activities. Collecting data on the patient’s changes in sleep, gait and respiration, the device then employs machine learning to detect the difference between remission and flare, reported investigator Joshua Korzenik, MD, an associate professor of gastroenterology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, in Boston. “It…
The American Medical Association (AMA) has conducted research to understand the landscape and decision-making process behind cost and commercial payer coverage for digitally enabled care. The findings indicate a lack of coverage agreement, inconsistent coverage policies within the commercial market, and varying levels of coverage policy transparency for digital health services and tools. Key Points: Study Overview: The AMA, in collaboration with Manatt Health, released a study summarizing publicly available coverage policies of commercial health insurers for 21 unique digital medicine services. The aim was to comprehend the existing landscape of commercial payer coverage and the decision-making process behind coverage…
Citing several limitations inherent to the terms nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an international multisociety panel significantly revised its nomenclature and definition recently. The reassessment is timely, given that NAFLD and NASH are the most common forms of chronic liver disease worldwide. The panel’s primary objective was to link the replacement nosology to the underlying presumed pathophysiology, thereby highlighting that metabolic dysfunction is a defining characteristic of these diseases. However, concerns have been raised among some that inclusion of the word “metabolic” along with some of the other suggested elements may be confusing for both clinicians…
The FDA has given its approval for the subcutaneous administration of Takeda Pharmaceuticals’ Entyvio as a maintenance therapy for adult patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. This approval follows the induction therapy via IV administration of the biologic. The IV formulation of Entyvio was initially approved in 2014 for both moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The new formulation of Entyvio is anticipated to be available as a single-dose pre-filled pen within the upcoming month. Key Points: Purpose and Efficacy: The Galleri® test can detect signals from over 50 types of cancer, many of which currently lack recommended screening tests. When…
Point32Health, the parent company of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, has expanded its collaboration with GRAIL, LLC, a healthcare company focused on early cancer detection. This expansion aims to offer GRAIL’s innovative Galleri® multi-cancer early detection blood test to more members. The test is now available to specific Point32Health members who receive primary care with Mass General Brigham affiliated providers. Key Highlights: Purpose of the Test: The Galleri® test can detect signals from over 50 types of cancer, many of which currently lack recommended screening tests. When a cancer signal is detected, the test can predict its…
New AGA guidance helps physicians and patients identify whether problems are due to the condition caused by lone star tick bitesAs confirmed diagnoses of alpha-gal syndrome are rising, experts urge GI clinicians to familiarize themselves with this condition, it’s often-challenging presentation, and the necessary steps for its diagnosis and management. Physicians in certain regions of the United States should consider alpha-gal allergy in patients with unexplained abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, according to a recently released clinical practice update from the American Gastroenterological Association (Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023;21[4]:891-896). This increased vigilance is particularly warranted for patients who live or…
SonarMD, a company at the forefront of value-based care in digestive health, has entered into new partnerships with gastroenterology practices in Illinois. This collaboration is part of an agreement with a significant health plan in the state. SonarMD’s primary focus is to work alongside practices to proactively manage the health of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, between their in-office visits. Key Highlights: Patient Monitoring: IBD patients associated with these practices and members of the health plan will have complimentary access to the user-friendly SonarMD tool. This tool allows patients to monitor their…