News • Intensive care research
Safer ‘weaning’ of patients from ventilation to improve outcomes
A new global study involving ICUs across 50 countries recommends a systematic approach to reduce the duration of ventilation to improve risk of death.
Article • High-intensity focused ultrasound
HIFU ablation treatment for benign thyroid nodules
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation is a noninvasively treatment for benign thyroid nodules that are causing distress to patients. Brian H. H. Lang, MD, Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Hong Kong, and chief of the Division of Endocrine Surgery at Queen Mary Hospital, is a preeminent investigator, proponent, and pioneer of this technique. He…
Article • Promising approach
Focused ultrasound ablation for treatment of breast tumours
Focused ultrasound (FUS) ablation is an emerging treatment for breast tumours. Its use was highlighted in an October webinar focused on emerging immunotherapy research and breast cancer.
News • Preventing EBV reactivation
Liver transplantation: Finding the "sweet spot" of immuno-suppression
Dutch physicians have developed a system to determine the right dose of immunosuppressive drugs for patients to receive a donor liver - to prevent the activation of the Epstein-Barr virus.
News • Potential of immunotherapy explored
Surgery first for colon cancer? Not so fast, says new study
Immunotherapy prior to surgery is surprisingly effective for patients with a certain type of colorectal cancer (dMMR/MSI-H CRC). These new study results contrast current treatment regimens.
News • Medication and surgery recommendations
Childhood obesity guidelines: the end of 'watchful waiting'
The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued its first comprehensive guideline on the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with obesity, marking an end to previous recommendations.
News • Trial finds improved survival rates
Pancreatic cancer: chemotherapy before surgery brings benefits
Treating pancreatic cancer patients with chemotherapy before surgery significantly improved 1-year survival rates compared to immediate surgery, a randomised clinical trial has found.
News • Prolonging life vs. maintaining functionality
Cancer treatment goals: patients and doctors often not on the same page
Prolonging life may not be a top priority for everyone: New research finds that patients with neuroendocrine tumours and their doctors often disagree when it comes to treatment goals.
News • Gender bias
Dangerous double standard in heart disease prevention advice for women and men
Women are told to improve their lifestyle to prevent heart disease while men are advised to take statins. That’s the finding of a study presented at the ESC Asia scientific congress.
Sponsored • Gastrointestinal endoscopy
Innovating products that balance patient safety and environmental concerns
As transparency surrounding the eco-footprint of hospitals becomes more important, medical device manufacturers must recognize the need for action to tackle global challenges, such as climate change.
News • UK study draws connection
Asthma: end of Covid-19 restrictions doubled risk of severe attacks
Adults with asthma had, at one point, an approximately doubled risk of a severe asthma attack after Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed in the UK, according to new research.
Article • Alternative to lumpectomy
Breast cryoablation for surgically inoperative patients
Breast cryoablation is an emerging treatment for early-stage, localized breast cancer that destroys malignant tumours by freezing them. During the past decade, it has been increasingly utilized as an alternative to lumpectomy, but its long-term benefits compared to other breast cancer treatments are still unproven.
News • Presented at Medica 2022
External catheter solution to end urinary tract infection
At Medica, medical device company Ur24Technology Inc. showcased its TrueClr product line – a non-invasive catheter to minimise infection risk, increase patient comfort and reduce healthcare costs.
Article • Digitisation in the OR
Robotic duo pushes boundaries of microsurgery
One robot supports the surgeon’s control of tiny instruments, while another automatically keeps an eye on what is happening: With this novel combination, surgeons in Münster have successfully performed fully robot-assisted microsurgery for the first time. Presenting the new procedure at the Hornheide Specialist Clinic, the experts explain how the interaction of both robotic systems ensures…
Sponsored • Periprosthetic protection
Bone cements containing antibiotics for infection prophylaxis – quo vadis?
Periprosthetic infections and revisions are on the rise in Germany and worldwide, with significant consequences for affected patients as well as for the healthcare systems. Precisely because the number of patients at higher risk of infection in arthroplasty continues to rise, attention is increasingly focused on how this dreaded complication can be avoided.
News • Stereotactic body radiotherapy
Advanced radiotherapy speeds up prostate cancer treatment
An advanced radiotherapy technique can be used to safely treat prostate cancer patients in as little as one to two weeks, compared with the current standard, which takes one to two months.
News • After blood stem cell transplantation
How the immune system "reboots" in MS patients
Blood stem cell transplantation is a radical but highly effective therapy for multiple sclerosis. A study examined how the treatment curbs the disease and how the immune system regenerates afterwards.
News • Nasopharyngeal cancer study
Covid vaccination improves effectiveness of cancer treatment
Until now, it was feared that vaccination against Covid-19 could reduce the success of treatment for patients with nasopharyngeal cancer. A recent study now gives the all-clear in this regard.
News • Equivalent outcomes in 5 vs 8-week treatment
High-risk prostate cancer: Study confirms effectiveness of shortened radiation therapy
A new randomized study confirms that men with high-risk prostate cancer can be treated with a moderately shortened course (5 vs. 8 weeks) of radiation therapy.
Article • LTX overview
Lung transplant surgery: last hope for patients with advanced lung diseases
Despite treatment, chronic lung diseases such as COPD or cystic fibrosis can become so severe that a lung transplant is necessary. Dr Urte Sommerwerck explains which patients might be considered for transplantation and why follow-up is as important as the surgery itself.
Video • Digital patient support tool
Ovarian cancer: "Olivia" to provide information and support
Patients affected by ovarian cancer can turn to "Olivia": The interactive digital resource provides information about diagnostics, treatment and life with ovarian cancer.
News • Focal therapy study
New prostate cancer treatment to reduce risk of impotence
Focal treatment of prostate cancer involves treating only the tumor and not the entire gland, sparing surrounding tissue and nerves. The method is being evaluated in a research study.
News • New treatment approach
Colon cancer: Overcoming chemotherapy resistance
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers. A team from the University of Geneva has found an alternative for patients who have developed resistance to chemotherapy treatments.
News • Pediatric surgery research
The benefits of a quiet operating theatre
Reducing the level of noise in the OR may positively affect a child’s behavior, including fewer temper tantrums, in the days following surgery and anesthesia, according to new research.
News • Passive steerable instrument
Flexible needle for greater precision in surgery
Engineers from EPFL and the University of Strasbourg have developed a surgical needle whose trajectory can be corrected on the fly, thanks to a flexible tip controlled with a simple button.
