Weekly News

Chipping away at the ‘epidemic of loneliness,’ one new friendship at a time
“On a typical morning, Jason Silverman lounges at home in his bed for hours, with the TV on and the volume turned up. Sometimes, this daily regimen can get lonely. So he looks forward to the days his friend, Melissa Mills, picks him up and takes him to a gym in Framingham, Massachusetts, where they exercise together. Silverman, 38, has Down syndrome. Talking is difficult for him, but he communicates by smiling, sighing and leading Mills by the arm. She’s become familiar with his routine: Usually they hit the treadmill first, then bike a bit before a lunch break and finally, a swim in the pool.”

Association of secondhand smoke exposure and health-related lifestyle behaviors among male university employees in Japan
“Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure causes various health problems associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. However, the lifestyles of individuals exposed to SHS have not been characterized extensively.”

4 Lessons for Approaching Conversations About Weight Loss
“It’s important to acknowledge the effort, not the number on the scale. Weight loss does not make someone a better person, so focus on their accomplishments and hard work. If you’re not close to the person, it’s best to keep your comments brief and positive.”

The Impact of Virtual Reality (VR) Gaming and Casual/Social Gaming on the Quality of Life, Depression, and Dialysis Tolerance in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Narrative Review
“This comprehensive narrative review aims to investigate the impact of virtual reality (VR) and social gaming on the quality of life, depression, and dialysis tolerance in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a growing global health concern affecting the quality of life and increasing mortality rates. Through a combination of exercise and video games, exergaming, and digital game therapy (DGT), sedentary risks can be mitigated and therapy adherence enhanced. Despite potential side effects such as exhaustion and nausea, research indicates that virtual therapeutic games improve motivation and dialysis tolerance, and even reduce brain activity in pain-associated regions during procedures.”

Stress test abnormalities reveal more than just cardiovascular risks
“The treadmill exercise test with electrocardiogram (ECG), also known as an exercise stress test, is one of the most familiar tests in medicine. While exercise testing typically is focused on diagnosing coronary artery disease, a recent study finds that exercise test abnormalities, such as low functional aerobic capacity, predicted non-cardiovascular causes of death such as cancer in addition to cardiovascular-related deaths.”

G20 leaders stress on achieving universal health coverage, enhancing pandemic preparedness
“The G20 leaders committed to improve access to medical countermeasures and facilitate more supplies and production capacities in developing countries to prepare better for future health emergencies.”

Strengthening Bonds and Reducing Conflicts: The Power of Couples Working Out Together
“The threads of physical and emotional well-being are tightly intertwined in the intricate fabric of romantic relationships. As couples navigate the complexities of daily life, various factors come into play, including disagreements and hormonal imbalances.”

What are preventable cancers and how are they prevented?
“Health experts have estimated that 184,000 people in the UK will be diagnosed with preventable cancers this year and that it will cost the country just over £78bn.”

NIH funds cross-campus effort to train experts in AI and Nutrition
“Cornell has received a $1.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop a program that combines precision nutrition with advanced data science and analytical methods, equipping students to address complex health challenges like nutrition disparities and diet-related chronic diseases.”

High Levels of Particulate Air Pollution Associated With Increased Breast Cancer Incidence
“Researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that living in an area with high levels of particulate air pollution was associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, is one of the largest studies to date looking at the relationship between outdoor air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter, and breast cancer incidence.”

Is coconut oil healthy? Mouse study finds it may alter metabolism and cause obesity
“Though many consider coconut oil healthy, a new study suggests otherwise. The study finds that coconut oil disrupted mice’s ability to use leptin and insulin, two critical hormones, with insulin resistance being a primary characteristic of type 2 diabetes. Nutritionists recommend unsaturated or polyunsaturated oils instead of saturated oils like coconut oil.”

The #1 Commonly Missed Early Sign of Lung Cancer, According to Oncologists
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. after skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The disease is to blame for about 1 in 5 cancer deaths, and the ACS estimates more than 127,000 people will die from it this year.”

Outcomes of Lung Cancer Screening Using LDCT Imaging for Over 1 Million Individuals
“In 2013, low-dose CT (LDCT) imaging was recommended for lung cancer screening (LCS), making approximately 8 million Americans eligible.”

Breakthrough Targeted Therapy Approach for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Helps Patients With a Genetic Mutation Live Longer
“The immunotherapy drug, durvalumab, has been the standard of care for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) to improve survival, when prescribed after chemotherapy and radiation therapy. But patients with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation have not seen the same survival benefit.”

Mirati Presents Two-Year Follow-Up Data from KRYSTAL-1 Study Demonstrating Durable Response and Long-Term Overall Survival at 2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer
“SAN DIEGO, Sept. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.®  (NASDAQ: MRTX), a commercial stage research and development,  biotechnology company, today presented two-year follow-up data from a pooled analysis of the Phase 1/1b Cohort and Phase 2 Cohort A for the KRYSTAL-1 study evaluating adagrasib (KRAZATI®) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring a KRAS^G12C mutation.”

Gilead’s Phase 2 EVOKE-02 Study of Trodelvy® (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) in Combination With KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Demonstrates Promising Clinical Activity in First-Line Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“– Results Show Encouraging Activity of Trodelvy in Combination with KEYTRUDA in 1L Metastatic NSCLC Across all PD-L1 Subgroups and Histologies Studied –“

Promising Results in TROPION-Lung04 Trial for Advanced Lung Cancer
“Initial results from the TROPION-Lung04 Phase Ib trial showed that datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) in combination with Imfinzi (durvalumab), an anti-PD-L1 therapy, with or without carboplatin demonstrated encouraging responses and no new safety signals in patients with previously untreated advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without actionable genomic alterations.”

AI more accurately identifies patients with advanced lung cancer that respond to immunotherapy and helps doctors select treatments
“Newswise — Treatment planning for lung cancer can often be complex due to variations in assessing immune biomarkers. In a new study, Yale Cancer Center researchers at Yale School of Medicine used artificial intelligence (AI) tools and digital pathology to improve the accuracy of this process.”

Lung Cancer Screening: Making it Meaningful for Nonsmoking Asian Women
“”If you build it, they will come,” is the hallmark line from the 1989 baseball movie “Field of Dreams.” Unfortunately, that hasn’t necessarily proven true in low-dose CT lung cancer screening (LCS). Hitting a home run with widespread programming has been a challenge in the U.S., and despite health insurance coverage for lung cancer screening in the United States since 2015, “fewer than 10% of eligible persons” participate in LCS, noted international researchers.”

NHS England invites more than one million people for lung cancer checks
“More than one million people (1,052,083) have been invited for a lung cancer check, as part of the biggest programme to improve early lung cancer diagnosis in health service history.”

Rybrevant Betters Outcomes in Certain Lung Cancer Populations
“Rybrevant (amivantamab-vmjw) improved progression-free survival when given with or without lazertinib to patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR exon 19 (ex19del) or L8588R substitution non-small cell lung cancer that has previously progressed on Tagrisso (Osimertinib), according to findings from the phase 3 MARIPOSA-2 study announced in a press release by Janssen.”

Opinion: The Chemotherapy Shortage Is Hard to Wrap Your Head Around
“As an RN in a surgical oncology unit, I have cared for many patients receiving chemotherapy.”

When the Cancer Awakens
“My current treatment was successful in making sure it did not change or grow. I linked it to when a toddler has completely demolished the living room with toys and energy. Then it’s time for his nap. You clean up the mess, then settle in with a good cup of tea. That time with a cup of tea is like enjoying cancer’s stability. Except sooner or later, the toddler awakens. And recently, so did my cancer.”

Northwestern Medicine Launches a Hispanic Program for Patients With Lung and Thoracic Diseases
“The Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute Hispanic Program was recently launched to offer personalized care for lung and thoracic patients in their native language, making life-saving care more accessible for the Hispanic community and people who prefer to speak Spanish by removing cultural and linguistic barriers.”

Mom, 35, diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer shares the subtle warning signs she ignored for years
“A mother from California’s has revealed her cancer symptoms were blamed on anxiety and doctors said she should ‘see a therapist’.”

TTF Fields Improve Survival in Lung Cancer
“Adding Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) to standard systemic therapy tended to improve survival in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had progression on or after platinum-based therapy, according to findings from the LUNAR trial that were recently published in The Lancet Oncology.”

Lung cancer biomarker campaign, launched with AstraZeneca, boosts its reach and adds pharma supporters
“The groups are called the MET Crusaders, the EGFR Resistors, the KRAS Kickers and the ROS1ders — and members are non small cell lung cancer patients who share the same biomarkers. The groups, though, are also avid cancer biomarker testing advocates and supporters of LUNGevity’s “No One Missed” campaign to encourage comprehensive testing in lung cancer.”

Roche announces positive phase 3 results for Alecensa in early-stage lung cancer
“The phase 3 ALINA study has been evaluating the targeted drug as an adjuvant therapy in patients with completely resected stage 1B to 3A ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).”

National Comprehensive Cancer Network awards grants for small cell lung cancer research
“The funding — provided through support from AstraZeneca — is intended to support projects focused on reducing gaps in care for people with limited-stage or extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.”

Early Molecular Genotyping Testing Results Confer OS Benefit in Advanced NSCLC
“Patients with metastatic nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and available molecular genotyping results experienced a significant improvement in overall survival (OS) following first-line therapy compared with those with unavailable testing, according to findings from a real-world cohort study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology Precision Oncology.”

New research could help improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for people with brain tumors
“A study led by researchers at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center sheds new light on why tumors that have spread to the brain from other parts of the body respond to immunotherapy while glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer that originates in the brain, does not.”

Mind-Body Therapies for Anxiety, Depression a Critical Part of Comprehensive Cancer Care
“Mind-body therapies have been shown — and are recommended in guidelines — to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with cancer who may be at any part of the care continuum, an expert said.”

$3.6M to fund study on long-term physical activity to reduce Alzheimer’s risk
“HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State College of Medicine researchers are exploring a new way to keep people physically active long term, and in doing so, they said they hope to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. With a $3.6 million, two‑phase grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the team will study whether training people to set and monitor their progress toward short-term, everyday physical activity goals encourages them to stay physically active long term.”

Hula hooping is a full-body, low-impact workout. Try it with these 7 exercises
“Hula hooping isn’t just a nostalgic childhood activity, it’s also an effective full-body workout that’s easy on the joints. Here are the benefits of hula hooping and exercises to try.”

Active children are more resilient
““Get some exercise!” It’s one suggestion adults frequently hear when they complain about stress in their lives. Exercise helps relieve stress. But does this also apply to children? Does exercise help them manage the pressures to achieve at school? A research team led by Dr. Manuel Hanke and Dr. Sebastian Ludyga from the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health recently examined the effect of physical activity on children’s stress levels. Their findings appear in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.”

The best exercises for abs at home, according to an expert personal trainer
“When you’re looking for the best exercises for abs to do at home, it’s easy to resort to the familiar rhythms of crunches and sit-ups . We’ve clenched our jaws, counted our reps, and put our trust in the process, but unfortunately, you won’t be seeing too many results from these staple Phys Ed exercises.”

How to Stop “Nexting”
“Go on, admit it! You refresh your social media feed like you’re expecting either a winning lottery number or an IRS audit notice. You binge-watch like you’re training for the Stream-a-lympics. Congratulations, you’ve been caught in the tantalizing trap of “nexting”!”

Michigan researchers receive $26 million NIH grant to study environmental impacts on child health
“Backed by a $26 million federal grant, researchers at three Michigan universities, a leading health care system, and a state agency will continue a long-term study of how exposure to environmental factors during pregnancy and early childhood can impact health for a lifetime.”

How a mere 12% of Americans eat half the nation’s beef, creating significant health and environmental impacts
“A new study has found that 12% of Americans are responsible for eating half of all beef consumed on a given day, a finding that may help consumer groups and government agencies craft educational messaging around the negative health and environmental impacts of beef consumption.”

Diet of ultra-processed foods linked to higher depression risk long term
“The more that a person’s daily calories come from ultra-processed foods, the more likely they are to experience depression long-term, a new study suggests. The association between these foods and depression persisted regardless of sex, body mass index, age, marital status, social living situation, or level of physical activity.”

Produce Prescription Programs Yield Positive Health Benefits for Participants, Study Finds
“Around the country, non-profits and local governments are testing the idea of food as medicine through “produce prescription programs”—with promising results, according to researchers from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.”

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Expands Access to HIV PrEP, but Inequities Remain a Challenge
“On August 22, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) published new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention recommendations in JAMA. Cases of HIV in the United States declined by nearly 10 percent between 2017 and 2021, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), partially because of expanded access to antiviral medication called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) — but gross inequities remain an issue.”

FDA warns against using certain eye drops over microbial contamination
“(CNN) — The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning against buying or using certain eye drops from Dr. Berne’s and LightEyez due to microbial contamination.”

COVID EG.5 Variant Symptoms Experts Say You Need To Watch For
“The symptoms of Eris are similar to previous strains of the virus, but Eris may be able to more easily elude antibodies that people have developed from previous infection or vaccines.”

Bayer and Kroger Team to Help Improve Access to Health and Nutrition in Rural America
“WHIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Bayer, one of the country’s largest life-sciences companies, announced today its campaign to remind rural America to “Take Care, Now” and help alleviate care deserts in rural America, areas significantly impacted by both food insecurity and limited access to healthcare. Today, 90 percent of counties with the highest food insecurity rates are rural and rural communities represent nearly two-thirds of primary care health professional shortage areas in the country.”

Popular AI Tools Can Hurt Your Mental Health, New Study Finds
“However, treading lightly is essential with generative AI tools. According to recent research from the Center for Countering Digital Hate, popular AI tools have been providing users with harmful content surrounding eating disorders around 41% of the time. This has the potential to encourage or exacerbate eating disorder symptoms.”

What is silent walking? The latest viral workout trend has some intriguing benefits
“We’ve all heard the advice that going for a run will clear your head or that spending time outdoors can give you a fresh perspective on a problem, but a recent viral TikTok trend is marrying the two in an unexpectedly helpful way. It’s called silent walking, and it combines the health benefits of nature, exercise and meditation to center and calm its many participants.”

4 Ways to Help Patients With Metastatic Lung Cancer Find Meaning in Their Experiences
“Oncology nurses can help patients with metastatic lung cancer find meaning in their experiences and potentially help them cope more effectively with their diagnosis.”

Addressing Racial Disparities in Lung Cancer Evaluation Timeliness Using an Innovative RODP
“Rapid outpatient diagnostic programs (RODP) accelerate lung cancer evaluation, but their effect on racial disparities in evaluation timeliness is unclear.”

Minneapolis nonprofit promotes ‘simple and easy test’ to fight lung cancer
“A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation wants to promote early detection through a screening campaign.”

Immunotherapy Drug Imfinzi Given Before and After Lung Cancer Surgery May Boost Outcomes, Study Suggests
“Some lung cancer patients may have improved outcomes after getting an immunotherapy drug before and after surgery, according to a promising new study.”

Rural Patient Populations at Higher Risk of Lung Cancer Mortality
“Although the incidence of lung cancer mortality has decreased in the United States Since 1999, men, Non-Hispanic Black individuals, rural populations, and individuals in Southern States have been subject to disproportionate disparities in disease-related outcomes, according to findings from a population-based CDC database analysis presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting.”

Chemoimmunotherapy Safe, Effective for Untreated Lung Cancer Brain Metastases
“Chemoimmunotherapy for untreated lung cancer brain metastases delayed progression and use of whole-brain radiation, a prospective phase II study showed.”

Blood test helps predict risk for lung cancer mortality
“Researchers have developed a method to predict which individuals are at higher risk for lung cancer-related mortality.”

Optimizing tobacco cessation treatment with lung cancer screening
“Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the United States, and 80% of lung cancer deaths are linked to one risk factor: smoking. While lung cancer screenings are a critical part of prevention and treatment for the disease and 15 million Americans qualify for yearly screenings, over half those eligible for screenings are still actively smoking. Without standard smoking cessation measures in place, the benefits of the screenings have not been fully realized.”

Sherwood Discusses Treatment Options for Unresectable Stage III Lung Adenocarcinoma
“During a Targeted Oncology™ Case-Based Roundtable™ event, Garrett B. Sherwood, MD, discussed biopsy and treatment approaches for a patient diagnosed with T2aN2M0, stage IIIA adenocarcinoma.”

Expert Panel to Review Lumakras for KRAS G12C-Mutant Lung Cancer
“A panel of experts will vote on whether Lumakras (sotorasib) should be approved for the treatment of adults with previously treated locally advanced or metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) KRAS G12C-mutated non-small cell lung cancer, according to an announcement from Amgen, the manufacturer of the drug.”

Tarlatamab Shows Antitumor Activity, Safety in Small Cell Lung Cancer
“The DeLLphi-300 trial of a bispecific T-cell engager showed favorable outcomes in patients with previously treated small cell lung cancer.”

NCCN Announces Funding for Small Cell Lung Cancer Research Projects
“The National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s Oncology Research Program selects projects focused on reducing gaps in patient care for people with limited-stage (LS) and extensive stage (ES) small cell lung cancer.”

Dayton VA turns to local medical firm’s technology to fight lung cancer
“22 VA hub locations turn to Miamisburg-bred technology for early detection of lung cancer”

Developing a High-Risk Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program to Meet Community Needs
“The program’s initiative aims to identify those at increased risk for cancer through assessment and testing and then formulate a personalized evidence-based cancer surveillance or screening plan.”

Mediterranean Lifestyle Can Help Lower Your Risk of Cancer, Early Death
“New research shows that individuals adhering to a “Mediterranean lifestyle” have 29% lower risk of all-cause mortality and 28% lower risk of cancer mortality compared to those who do not. The Mediterranean lifestyle includes a variety of factors including diet, eating habits, and rest. The study suggests that the health benefits can be replicated outside of the Mediterranean.”

Fast Diet Fads: Doctors caution against weight loss medications as ‘quick fix’
“MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to lose weight, you’re not alone. Weight loss medications are gaining in popularity, but doctors say they’re designed for the long-term, not a quick weight loss solution.”

Great Step for Baby: Walkable Neighborhoods Linked to Safer Pregnancies
“MONDAY, Aug. 21, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Walkable neighborhoods — with sidewalks, parks and paths — encourage pregnant women to get more exercise, which leads to good outcomes for both mom and baby. New research looks at the influence of these walkable communities on this activity, which is considered safe for pregnant women.”

Do fitness apps also boost your mental health?
“VANCOUVER, British Columbia — We are inundated with all kinds of apps to help improve our health, but do they really work? Researchers at the University of British Columbia set out to find the answer by assessing the impact of exercise apps on the mental health of healthcare workers. What did they discover? Simple home workouts using exercise apps also help reduce symptoms of depression.”

Statement – Shaking up the status quo that separates different approaches to medicine and health
“Statement by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, at the conclusion of the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit in Gandhinagar, India, 18 August 2023
“Our gracious hosts, the Ayush and health ministers of India and the Government of Gujarat State; WHO colleagues from headquarters and our regions; Delegates from all corners of the world. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi – the father of modern India – a man whose words continue to inspire: “Namra tareeke se aap duniya ko hila sakte hai” – “In a gentle way, you can shake the world”. After just 2 days here in Gandhinagar – the city named after the Mahatma – I think it’s no exaggeration to say that all of us, together, have gently shaken up the status quo that has, for far too long, separated different approaches to medicine and health. By taking aim at silos, we are saying we will collaborate all the more to find optimal ways to bring traditional, complementary and integrative [TCI] medicine well under the umbrella of primary health care and universal health coverage. Collaborations underpinned by science and evidence and safety; collaborations that acknowledge the very real role TCI medicine plays in the lives, health and well-being of people globally. Health and well-being achieved through the principles of equity, affordability and quality.””

Video:

Study shows cancer cases on the rise among young women

Patients With Lung Cancer Respond to ‘Did You Smoke?’
“The Living!!! With Lung Cancer Support Group meets virtually twice per month and is moderated by University of Kansas Cancer Center social worker Sarah Bechard. We are dedicated to building survivorship skills for fellow lung cancer patients and their caregivers.”

Adjuvant Furmonertinib Shows Efficacy, Tolerability in EGFR+ NSCLC With High-Risk Factors
“Furmonertinib (AST2818) had efficacy and an acceptable toxicity profile when utilized as adjuvant treatment in EGFR-mutated, stage IA2-IIIA non–small cell lung cancer with high-risk pathological factors who have undergone radical surgery, according to findings from a retrospective study presented at the 2023 ASCO Breakthrough Meeting.”

Looking Across Disciplines to Share the Breadth of Innovation in Cancer Care
”If one looked only at the progress in lung cancer over the last decade, there would be plenty to behold. Long-term efforts to promote smoking cessation and discoveries of druggable targets combined to push lung cancer mortality rates down 5% a year between 2015 and 2019, according to the annual data from the American Cancer Society.”

New Rapid Lung Cancer Screening Using MALDI-MS
“Lung cancer is responsible for 21% of cancer deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute (1). It is vital to create early screening methods with high classification accuracy to detect cancer early in patients.”

Amivantamab Plus Lazertinib May Be a Future Treatment Option for NSCLC
“Targeting biomarkers in patients with non­–small cell lung cancer [NSCLC] continues to be a major avenue of development for combination therapy with long-term results showing the response durability of amivantamab [Rybrevant] and lazertinib [Leclaza] in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC, according to data published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.”

FDA Clears AI-Powered Software for Lung Nodule Detection on X-Rays
“VisiRad XR, which utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate diagnosis of suspicious lung masses and nodules on chest X-rays, has garnered 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).”

Why so few get screened for lung cancer, the deadliest cancer in the U.S.
“It was Thanksgiving 2021, and Michael Young was at Target buying a turkey baster. “I’m in the parking lot, and my chest starts to feel like somebody’s sitting on me,” Young recounted. But he didn’t think too much of it and waited until February to tell the doctor about these on-and-off chest pains. “8:30 a.m. Monday morning, the cardiologist calls me and says, ‘We have a problem; we need to talk,’” Young said. The heart scans had found lung cancer.”

Updated Data from TRIDENT-1 Trial Show Durable Efficacy Benefits with Repotrectinib for Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic ROS1-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Repotrectinib continued to demonstrate high response rates and durable responses, including robust intracranial responses, in patients with ROS1-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who were TKI-naïve or previously treated with one TKI and no chemotherapy.”

Comparing Small Cell and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the country, accounting for about 1 in every 5 cancer related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. While “lung cancer” is an umbrella term, the malignancy can be looked at as separate diseases with non-small cell lung cancer being the most common.”

Transforming Lung Cancer Resection: Evolution of Quality through Lymph Node Kit Implementation
“The following is a summary of “Institution-Level Evolution of Lung Cancer Resection Quality With Implementation of a Lymph Node Specimen Collection Kit,” published in the July 2023 issue of the Thoracic Oncology by Akinbobola et al.”

Tarlatamab induces response in relapsed small cell lung cancer
“Tarlatamab exhibited activity among patients with relapsed or refractory small cell lung cancer, according to the agent’s manufacturer.”

Genetic Profiles Affect Smokers’ Lung Cancer Risk
”MADRID — Smokers with extreme phenotypes of high and low risk of developing tobacco-associated lung cancer have different genetic profiles, according to a multidisciplinary study conducted by specialists from the Cancer Center at the University of Navarra Clinic (CUN). The results were presented at the last meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology held in Chicago, United States.”

Lilly’s Retevmo Beats PD-1 Combo for RET Fusion-Positive Lung Cancer
“Topline results from the late-stage LIBRETTO-431 study evaluating the efficacy of Eli Lilly’s oral targeted cancer therapy Retevmo (selpercatinib) in participants with advanced or metastatic rearranged during transfection (RET) fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), show increased progression free survival compared to treatment with a PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy.”

Phase 3 Study of Selpercatinib Meets Primary PFS End Point in NSCLC
“Selpercatinib (Retevmo) given as an initial treatment for patients with RET fusion-positive advanced or metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) vs platinum-based chemotherapy plus pemetrexed with or without pembrolizumab (Keytruda), meeting the primary end point of the LIBRETTO-431 study (NCT04194944).”

Scientists say they can short-circuit lung cancer gene
“In tests on mice, they were able to block the switch that drives abnormal cell growth, so that tumors shrank permanently.”

Fine Particulate Matter Exposure May Increase Risk of Primary Cancers Other Than Lung Cancer
“Chronic exposure to fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5, particulate matter 2.5 µm in diameter) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) may increase non-lung cancer risk in older adults, according to a study published by Yaguang et al in Environmental Epidemiology. In a cohort study of millions of Medicare bneficiaries, researchers found that exposures to PM2.5 and NO2 over a 10-year period increased the risk of developing colorectal and prostate cancers. They also found that even low levels of air pollution exposure may make individuals particularly susceptible to developing these cancers, in addition to breast and endometrial cancers.”

Ask the Doctors: Radon gas in homes can lead to lung cancer
“Q: Would you please address radon gas? I’ve spent 40 years in real estate sales here in Florida, and while radon is noted in inspections, most buyers don’t realize it’s dangerous. Any information about the health risks, and how to protect yourself, could help a lot of people.”

PREVENTING TYPE 2 DIABETES
“CDC-recognized diabetes prevention program promotes lifestyle changes, leading to transformations. Elizabeth Bolt used to drink three 32 oz. Mountain Dews a day. For breakfast, she’d have a Coke. For lunch, she’d have a candy bar.”

The Alabama Physical Activity and Nutrition Plan to Improve Health Behaviors announced by the Alabama Wellness Alliance
“The Alabama Wellness Alliance (AWA), previously the Alabama Obesity Task Force, has released the Alabama Physical Activity and Nutrition Plan (ALPAN), which is supported by the governor of Alabama and the state health officer. Low rates of physical activity, poor nutritional intake, food insecurity, chronic diseases, and obesity are public health concerns throughout the United States, especially in Alabama”

What is the best type and combo of exercise to lower death risk?
“According to a new study, a balanced regimen of moderate and vigorous activity, along with two muscle-strengthening sessions a week, can reduce the risk of various forms of mortality. The study also found even greater reductions in mortality risk by exceeding current physical activity guidelines. The study suggests that clinicians should ease their physically inactive patients into a healthy mix of exercises.”

Wall squats can help to lower blood pressure – here’s how to perform the exercise at home
“From the cadence of a leisurely stroll to the vigour of a jog around the neighbourhood, the consensus among fitness and medical experts has remained steadfast: Exercise is a stalwart ally in the quest to lower blood pressure.”

Exercising on little sleep could be bad for your brain, new study says
“You could lose that boost of energy and mental clarity you get after a workout — if you don’t get enough sleep. But that’s just the beginning. Turns out not getting enough sleep, coupled with exercise, could actually be bad for your brain.”

Walking will dramatically improve your health, thousands of daily steps not needed
“In an era where technology often confines us to sedentary habits, walking remains a readily available and simple form of exercise. A new study suggests that the more we walk, the more we stand to gain in terms of health benefits.”

New international guidelines will improve cystic fibrosis treatment
“Newswise — People living with cystic fibrosis (CF) will benefit from improved treatment as international experts produce clinical practice guidance for exercise assessments. The European CF Society Exercise Working Group (ECFS) document, led by Dr Zoe Saynor from the University of Portsmouth in England, provides comprehensive recommendations and instructions for health and care professionals carrying out exercise tests on individuals with the condition.”

A Comprehensive Review of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptom Management in Autoimmune Gastritis: Current Insights and Future Directions
“Autoimmune gastritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa due to autoimmune dysregulation. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms associated with autoimmune gastritis can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and require effective management strategies. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of upper gastrointestinal symptom management in autoimmune gastritis, aiming to consolidate existing knowledge, identify gaps, and offer insights for future research and clinical practice.”

WHO convenes first high-level global summit on traditional medicine to explore evidence base, opportunities to accelerate health for all
“The World Health Organization (WHO) is convening the Traditional Medicine Global Summit on 17 and 18 August 2023​ in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. Co-hosted by the Government of India, the Summit will explore the role of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine in addressing pressing health challenges and driving progress in global health and sustainable development.”

The 10 Unhealthiest Store-Bought Salsas
“There are so many ways to enjoy salsa, from topping nachos to using it as a salad dressing. The best part is that this savory sauce can be healthy. Healthline explains that salsa is an excellent source of vitamin C. Ingredients like tomatoes and other herbs and spices provide antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory compounds. As a bonus, you get dietary fiber that helps speed movement along your gut and keep you healthy.”

Women’s hormone expert shares her method for eliminating menstrual pain: ‘Desperate to feel better’
“More than 90% of women say they experience premenstrual symptoms of some kind, according to the Office on Women’s Health, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services.”

Just how bad is alcohol? Eight experts weigh in on the risks and supposed benefits of drinking
“Although it’s common knowledge that drinking too much is unhealthy, research sometimes conflicts about where the dividing line is between permissible and risky alcohol consumption — and whether drinking a small amount could come with any health benefits.”