MedPage Today
Coverage of MedPage Today in the Nexus archive.
- 'Carrot Maxxing' Is a New Name for an Old Trend
The article discusses 'carrot maxxing,' a term describing the practice of consuming large amounts of carrots as a natural health shortcut, now trending on social media. MedPage Today and Northwell Health's collaboration, Culture Clinic, provides a healthcare perspective on the phenomenon.
- Use of PDE5 Inhibitor Tied to Increased Glaucoma Risk
A large retrospective study found that men using the PDE5 inhibitor tadalafil (Cialis) for lower urinary tract symptoms had an increased likelihood of developing glaucoma-related clinical events. The association between tadalafil use and glaucoma risk was highlighted as a key finding.
- Psilocybin for PTSD; Breathwork and Cravings; 'Game of Thrones' Writer's Depression
Psilocybin-assisted therapy improved symptoms of severe, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans in an open-label trial. High school students who carried firearms had... (partial information due to article cutoff).
- FIT-Based Screening Linked to Drop in Colorectal Cancer Mortality
A retrospective population-based cohort study from Spain found that FIT-based screening is linked to a decline in colorectal cancer mortality from 2004 to 2024. Age-standardized mortality rates decreased during this period, correlating with the implementation of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening.
- Slam the Brakes on Healthcare Consumerism
A gym branch partners with a private company to offer walk-in intravenous (IV) drips, illustrating the growing trend of healthcare consumerism. The article critiques this expansion by urging a slowdown in commodifying healthcare services.
- About a Quarter of Buprenorphine Prescriptions for OUD Abandoned
A retrospective cohort study found that the proportion of new buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid use disorder (OUD) that were never dispensed or filled increased from 2020 to 2024. The study analyzed data from over 1,400 patients with commercial insurance.
- Is 'Gym Penis' Real? Retatrutide Access Expanded; Vitamin D Fails Cancer Test
The article questions the 'gym penis' phenomenon, which suggests penile shrinkage after workouts. It also reports expanded access to Retatrutide and the failure of Vitamin D in a cancer test. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is mentioned in the context of endorsing an unspecified health-related topic.
- Circumcision and Autism: What a New Study Found
A study of U.S. children in the ECHO cohort found no evidence linking neonatal male circumcision to autism spectrum disorder. The analysis included nearly 2,800 boys across 14 sites, with 6% of circumcised individuals examined.
- Leptomeningeal Disease in HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Leptomeningeal disease, involving metastases in cerebrospinal fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord, affects approximately 110,000 new cases annually in the U.S. The condition is noted in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients, with incidence varying among different cancers.
- I Prescribe Diet Changes Every Week. Med School Barely Taught Me Anything Relevant.
The article states that the author prescribes diet changes weekly as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which are prevalent conditions in American clinics. The author criticizes medical school for providing minimal relevant education on diet and nutrition.
- Tanning Is Getting Hot Again. Here's What It Really Does to Your Skin.
Nichole Sims began using tanning beds at age 15, influenced by peers before events like homecoming and prom. Eight years later, she was diagnosed with melanoma. The article highlights the health risks of tanning bed use.
- Long-Acting Lenacapavir Still Delivered Effective HIV PrEP After a Year
A year-long extension of the PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 trials found that twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir (Yeztugo) for HIV PrEP resulted in only one new HIV infection. The drug demonstrated high effectiveness in preventing HIV over the study period.
- Takeaways From Anthony Fauci's COVID-Era Diaries
Anthony Fauci's diaries from the COVID-19 pandemic were referenced during a Senate hearing led by Rand Paul. The hearing highlighted Fauci's role as a key voice in the U.S. pandemic response.
- Biomarker Trends Predict Lupus Flares for Challenging Subgroup
Researchers proposed that tracking specific biomarkers, such as IgG-type antibodies, can improve flare prediction for a common but poorly understood variant of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study focuses on a challenging subgroup of patients with this autoimmune disease.
- New Drug Prevents Worsening Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Major Trial Win
Oral ralinepag may receive FDA approval after showing effectiveness in preventing worsening of pulmonary arterial hypertension in a phase III trial. The drug's success in the ADVANCE OUTCOMES trial could lead to its approval as a treatment for PAH.
- Tracker Tallies Over $250M in Cancelled Grants From HHS Agency
A new online tracking tool from AcademyHealth reveals over 100 grants totaling more than $250 million have been canceled by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The cancellations highlight the agency's recent reduction in funding commitments.
- Speaking Up for Fauci; Banana Smoothie Gate; That One Perfect Coworker Group
The article references topics including support for Fauci, an event dubbed 'Banana Smoothie Gate,' and a coworker group described as 'That One Perfect Coworker Group.' It also mentions a social media post expressing 'survivor's guilt' related to a person on the stand.
- Intensified Pre-Op Chemoradiotherapy Fails in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Adding concurrent irinotecan to capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy did not improve disease-free survival or other outcomes in a phase III trial for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
- CAR T-Cell Therapy in Pregnant Autoimmune Patients: Safe for Baby?
Pregnancies among women treated with CAR T-cell therapy for autoimmune rheumatologic diseases have proceeded without concerns, according to researchers. Fourteen pregnancies were reported in the study.
- Sodium Channel Blocker Cuts Post-Surgery Pain
The sodium channel blocker LTG-001, an investigational selective Nav1.8 inhibitor, reduced pain scores more than placebo for 2 days after abdominoplasty in a phase IIb trial. The primary endpoint was the time-weighted sum of pain scores.
- Sugar Rationing in Early Life Linked to Lower Dementia Risk Decades Later
A study of 65,000 U.K. Biobank participants found that lower sugar consumption in utero and before age 2 correlated with reduced dementia risk later in life. The research linked these findings to historical data following the end of World War II sugar rationing.
- Surgery Underused for Primary Hyperparathyroidism With End-Organ Damage, Study Says
A study found that a small fraction of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)-associated end-organ damage underwent surgical treatment, based on a large national cohort study of over 43,000 adults with biochemically diagnosed PHPT.
- Even Short Bouts of Antipsychotics Linked to Diabetes Risk
A Dutch cohort study found that initiating antipsychotic medications, even for short durations, is associated with an increased prevalence of pharmacologically treated type 2 diabetes in youths. The study analyzed nearly 90,000 youths to establish this link.
- Coronary Calcium Scores From Nongated CT Scans Predicted Cardiovascular Risks
A cohort study found that incidental coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores from nongated chest CT scans accurately predicted cardiovascular risks. Patients with moderate nongated CAC scores had significantly higher cardiovascular risks.
- FDA Staff Unconvinced Drug for Melanoma Shows Benefit
FDA staff remains unconvinced that the melanoma drug candidate RP1 (vusolimogene oderparepvec) demonstrates sufficient benefit. The drug, previously rejected twice by the FDA, faces potential challenges at an upcoming FDA outside experts meeting.
- The Physician and the Peripheral Brain
The article discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in society, highlighting how smarter AI systems are taking over tasks across various sectors. It references MedPage Today's coverage of the topic, focusing on the implications of deskilling and AI's impact on different aspects of life.
- Lymphedema in Breast Cancer: Longer Radiation Course Not Better
Hypofractionated locoregional radiotherapy for high-risk breast cancer showed noninferior results to standard fractionated radiotherapy in preventing arm lymphedema over three years, with no significant differences in cancer outcomes. The study was conducted in Denmark.
- Mitch McConnell Update: Senator Not Medically Cleared to Leave Rehab
Sen. Mitch McConnell's office provided an update stating he has not yet been medically cleared to leave rehab. The statement was issued by the congressional Office of Attending Physician.
- What Is the 'Barbie Peptide' and Why Is It Risky?
The article discusses an unregulated injectable peptide, referred to as the 'Barbie Peptide,' which is being promoted on social media. It highlights the risks associated with the substance due to its lack of regulation and potential health dangers.
- AMA President: It's Time to Lift Limits on Physician-Owned Hospitals
The AMA President calls for removing limits on physician-owned hospitals. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded health insurance to millions, protected people with pre-existing conditions, and strengthened healthcare safety nets since 2010.
- GLP-1s and Alcohol Use Disorder; No Luck With Gonorrhea Vaccine
The article discusses GLP-1s in relation to Alcohol Use Disorder and the lack of success with a Gonorrhea Vaccine. It references a weekly podcast from Texas Tech featuring Elizabeth Tracey and Rick Lange analyzing top medical topics.
- What Are Compounders Commonly Adding to GLP-1 Drugs?
The article discusses what compounders are commonly adding to GLP-1 drugs and mentions it is a quiz targeting medical professionals to test their knowledge on the topic.
- Hold Off on JAK Inhibitors in Rheumatoid Arthritis Until After Shingles Vax?
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who began JAK inhibitors after receiving one dose of a two-dose shingles vaccine had similar varicella zoster virus antibody levels at 12 weeks compared to those who delayed JAK inhibitors. The study suggests starting JAK inhibitors after the first shingles vaccine dose does not compromise antibody response.
- Uncommon Autonomic Tachycardia Syndrome Linked to Classic Dermatomyositis
A study found that autonomic tachycardia has a stronger association with classic dermatomyositis than previously recognized, suggesting the need for evaluation in symptomatic patients. The conclusion is based on a retrospective review published by MedPage Today.
- Statins Tied to Lower Major Complication Risk After Retinal Surgery
A large propensity-matched analysis found that people with a history of statin use had nearly a 50% lower risk of two major complications after retinal detachment surgery. The study involved almost 7,500 patients undergoing the procedure.
- Trial Begins for Nurse Who Says Postpartum Issues Led Her to Kill Her Kids
A trial has begun for a nurse who claims postpartum issues led her to kill her children. The article includes a note about the U.S. national suicide and crisis lifeline.
- Stem Cell Therapy for GA Shows Early Evidence of Vision Gains, Retina Preservation
A stem cell-derived therapy for advanced geographic atrophy (GA) showed preliminary evidence of vision improvement and retina preservation, according to a small study reported in Montreal. The study indicated potential benefits in preserving retinal health and enhancing visual acuity in patients with advanced GA.
- The Roadmap to DSM-6
The article discusses the upcoming DSM-6, highlighting its role as a foundational reference in psychiatric diagnosis and its impact on clinical practices, insurance reimbursements, and psychiatric research design.
- Second Season of Clesrovimab for RSV Well Tolerated in High-Risk Kids
The long-acting monoclonal antibody clesrovimab (Enflonsia) was well tolerated in high-risk infants during two RSV seasons, according to a randomized clinical trial. The drug is used for RSV prevention in infants at increased risk for severe disease.
- Dramatic Results Seen With Gene Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Gene therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) showed stable vision and retinal anatomy for up to 5 years, with significant reductions in treatment burden, according to studies presented in Montreal.