Walmart is reportedly in discussions to acquire a majority stake in ChenMed, a chain of primary care clinics, as per a Bloomberg report. Here are the key details: The potential acquisition underscores Walmart’s growing interest in expanding its footprint in the healthcare domain.
Author: Abhay Panchal
Of several potential advances in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers presented at the 2023 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, four new trials may help change the way several GI cancers are treated. In two trials, investigators looked at approaches to personalize surgery treatment plans for colon and pancreatic cancers. Two other trials evaluated targeted therapies for HER2-positive biliary tract and colorectal cancers, but more research is needed to determine which patients would be best suited to these treatments. Neoadjuvant Chemo Vs Upfront Surgery For Colon CancerIn the phase 3 NeoCol trial, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was found to…
Research conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of Olympus has highlighted that Black Americans are 20% more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to succumb to it compared to other demographic groups. This research was based on a survey of 2,027 U.S. adults conducted between Feb. 23 and Feb. 27. Here are the key findings: These findings underscore the need for increased awareness and education about colon cancer screenings, especially within minority communities.
Optum stands as the nation’s largest employer of physicians, boasting a workforce of 70,000 employed or aligned physicians. Here are five key statistics about Optum: These statistics highlight Optum’s significant influence and reach in the healthcare sector, especially in terms of physician employment and service delivery.
Agilent Technologies, Inc. and Exact Sciences Corp., a prominent provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, have announced a definitive agreement for the sale of Resolution Bioscience to Exact Sciences. The financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed. Sam Raha, senior vice president at Agilent, expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, noting that Exact Sciences’ significant capabilities in advanced cancer diagnostic testing make Resolution Bioscience a strategic fit. Brian Baranick, general manager of Precision Oncology at Exact Sciences, emphasized the value of integrating Resolution Bioscience’s diagnostics into their portfolio. Resolution Bioscience, which specializes in next-generation sequencing-based precision oncology solutions,…
Accumulating research is revealing the scope of occupational injuries to providers in the endoscopy suite. Repetitive movements, high procedural volume and lack of foundational ergonomic education mean endoscopists are prone to occupational injuries, resulting in missed or unproductive workdays and increased disability. New research presented at Digestive Disease Week 2023 shows that approximately two-thirds have reported an injury and about one-third are currently in pain. 7 in 10 EndoscopistsTwo new meta-analyses have demonstrated much the same results as previous single-center surveys: Around two-thirds of endoscopists are reporting injuries; many of them are injuries to the back. In one meta-analysis of…
Key Insights: Pharmacy giant Sanofi has alerted the public about supply constraints for its over-the-counter gastroenterology medication, Dulcolax, which is a laxative. This was reported by NBC News on Sept. 12. Physicians are advising the public against misusing the medication for purposes other than its primary use, which is to relieve constipation. Some individuals have been using Dulcolax for weight loss. Sanofi has experienced an unprecedented demand for Dulcolax, leading to its absence on some retail shelves. Similarly, Haleon’s fiber supplement, Benefiber, has seen a surge in demand, though no shortages have been reported. The demand for polyethylene glycol 3350,…
A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed a significant communication gap regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The research found that only about 26.8% of patients who were overdue for CRC screening had received a recommendation from their clinician to undergo the screening. Despite the known benefits of routine screening in detecting and preventing early-stage CRC, over one-third of adults remain overdue. The study also highlighted disparities in screening recommendations, especially among low socioeconomic groups and underrepresented racial populations. For instance, the prevalence of CRC screening recommendations was notably lower for Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals compared…
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the colon. In North America, its prevalence surpasses 400 per 100,000 individuals. Those with UC tend to have a reduced life expectancy and are at a heightened risk for colectomy and colorectal cancer. The disease can significantly impair quality of life due to symptoms like chronic diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Around 27% of UC patients experience extraintestinal manifestations, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis. Monitoring is essential, with colonoscopy recommended 8 years post-diagnosis for dysplasia surveillance. Treatment strategies are guided by disease location and activity. Mild to moderate UC is primarily treated…
A recent prospective cohort study suggests that a blood test might be a reliable method for diagnosing some adults with suspected celiac disease, potentially eliminating the need for a biopsy. In the study of 436 adults without IgA deficiency, a serum anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) test was compared with the gold standard of duodenal biopsy. The serum test identified 348 true positives and 66 true negatives but also had 15 false positives and seven false negatives. The research, led by Carolina Ciacci, MD, from the University of Salerno in Italy, found the blood test’s positive predictive value to be 95.9%…