Medical News Podcast

Carrie Dougherty, MD, FAHS and Jessica Ailani, MD review migraine abstracts from the 2024 European Headache Congress.

A phase 3 study showed that combining pelabresib with ruxolitinib significantly improved spleen volume reduction and symptom relief in myelofibrosis patients compared to ruxolitinib alone, offering a promising new treatment option. Long-term use of gantenerumab may delay Alzheimer's dementia onset in individuals with inherited Alzheimer's, supporting the amyloid hypothesis and paving the way for f...

Jessica Ailani, MD and Carrie Dougherty, MD, FAHS debate initial preventive treatment for migraine and the in-clinic management of status migraine.

Drs. Lebin and Nagle-Yang discuss the pharmacological management of PPD, with a focus on the risks and benefits of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and zuranolone.

Drs. Nagle-Yang and Lebin discuss the barriers to care engagement for patients with PPD, including such factors as stigma, fear of judgement, and access to treatment.

Sarah Nagle-Yang, MD and Lindsay Lebin, MD review the screening, impact, and management of suicide risk in patients with PPD, highlighting effective prevention strategies.

A study suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists may reduce hematologic cancer risk in type 2 diabetes patients by 54% compared to insulin. Two individuals have achieved functional HIV cures through stem cell transplants, offering insights into cure strategies. Additionally, women with dense breasts face double the risk of breast cancer and reduced mammogram accuracy, supporting FDA regulations for breast...

An AI system trained on breast ultrasound studies showed promise in reducing false positives and biopsies by over 37% and 28%, respectively, while maintaining sensitivity, potentially aiding clinical decision-making. Second, nirsevimab demonstrated effectiveness in preventing RSV infections and hospitalizations among infants, with protection waning over time but remaining significant. Lastly, brea...

Drs. McClung and Singer delve into common questions and clinical conundrums encountered in managing osteoporosis and fractures, including calcium use and dental procedures, in patients with osteoporosis.

Drs. Singer and McClung discuss the operationalization of a bisphosphonate “drug holiday” in people treated with this class of osteoporosis medication. They address questions regarding patient selection criteria, duration of the holiday, and strategies for determining when and with what medication treatment should be resumed.

Andrea J. Singer, MD, FACP, CCD and Michael R. McClung, MD review the preservation of bone health in perimenopausal women, with a particular focus on the role of hormone therapy and how the interplay of hormonal, lifestyle, and genetic factors is key to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

A Texas child's measles-related death, the first in the U.S. since 2015, highlights rising cases amid declining vaccination rates. AstraZeneca's Serena 6 trial found camizestrant, delayed disease progression in HR-positive HER2-negative breast cancer. A BMJ study found no link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and increased suicidality in diabetes patients. The CDC reports an 80% decline in high-ris...

Dr. Andrew Budson discusses the relationship between consciousness and memory, proposing that consciousness evolved as part of the memory system. He explains how unconscious processes drive much of our decision-making, with consciousness acting as a memory-based guide to influence behavior. He highlights the role of attention in memory retention and how false memories, particularly in Alzheimer's...

This podcast reports a severe flu season, with hospitalizations exceeding previous years and rising pediatric flu deaths. A Texas measles outbreak, mainly in unvaccinated children, has reached nearly 60 cases, with more in New Mexico, highlighting vaccine decline risks. Research finds moderate to vigorous leisure activity lowers type 2 diabetes risk, while strenuous work activity does not. A UCLA...

Drs. Tiffany A. Traina and Claudine Isaacs discuss how they approach HER2+ early breast cancer treatment planning and which patients can take advantage of de-escalation.

Drs. Traina and Isaacs share how they determine which patients are appropriate for neoadjuvant therapies and how to address residual disease, as well as potential treatment toxicities.

Measles cases are rising in Texas and New Mexico, with most infections occurring in unvaccinated individuals and public health officials warning of further spread. A new study in JAMA Psychiatry found that semaglutide significantly reduces alcohol craving and heavy drinking, suggesting a potential new treatment for alcohol use disorder. Research confirms that self-sampling for HPV is as effective...

Professor Alexander Jensen discusses parental favoritism and its impact on family dynamics, highlighting that both mothers and fathers tend to favor daughters, potentially due to social and evolutionary factors. The study suggests that children who receive less favorable treatment may experience negative mental health and behavioral outcomes, including increased risk-taking and lower self-esteem....

This podcast features Marlie Tondac, the lead author of a study on learning and attention in young children finding that children aged 7 to 9 learn differently from adults; they absorb information more generally from their environment, regardless of specific tasks or goals. This "sponge-like" learning suggests that children benefit from immersive and engaging environments rather than structured, t...

A study in The Journal of Urology highlighted the potential of the MyProstateScore 2.0 (MPS2) urine test to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies by up to 42%. A study in JAMA Neurology found that certain headache disorders, such as migraine and tension-type headaches, are associated with a higher risk of suicide attempts and deaths compared to the general population. A phase 3 trial in The New Eng...

A new phase 3 trial demonstrated that adding nivolumab to adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improves outcomes for patients with ER-positive HER2-negative breast cancers. Heavy lifetime cannabis use was associated with reduced brain activity in areas responsible for working memory, suggesting potential long-term cognitive impacts. A study found that EMS clinicians wearing ballistic vests experien...

Drs. Solomon and Swigris review how they discuss lung transplantation with patients with ILDs, as well their philosophies of addressing end-of-life issues and the use of opioids in managing symptoms in these patients.

A study in NEJM shows that abelacimab, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting factor XI, significantly reduces bleeding risk compared to rivaroxaban in atrial fibrillation patients, suggesting a safer alternative for stroke prevention. Data from JAMA Health Forum reveals growing consolidation of primary care practices by hospitals and private equity firms, driving up healthcare costs without...

Drs. Solomon and Swigris focus on the importance of managing comorbidities and addressing treatment-related adverse events, such as GERD and mood disorders, in patients with ILDs to improve quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation is also emphasized as a vital component of care for these patients.

Drs. Solomon and Swigris discuss how the treatment of ILDs demands a personalized approach based on the underlying cause and progression of the condition. They explore therapeutic options, including antifibrotic agents and immunosuppressive therapies.