Medical News Podcast

Data in ~300,000 U.S. veterans show the 2024–2025 COVID-19 booster cut COVID-related ED visits (−29%), hospitalizations (−39%), and deaths (−64%) over six months, with modest yet meaningful absolute gains. In JAMA Psychiatry, a cohort linked risperidone use in dementia to a 28% higher stroke risk, especially in those with prior cardiovascular disease and within the first three months, warranting cautious, time-limited prescribing and monitoring. An article in JAMA Network Open found restless leg syndrome associated with higher subsequent Parkinson’s incidence, supporting RLS as a practical marker for heightened PD risk.

An analysis of 35,000 stage II–III colon cancer cases shows relapse risk peaks in year one and falls below 0.5% per six-month interval by year six, offering a practical definition of cure and a basis to taper long-term follow-up. A second study estimates U.S. inhaler use generates over two million metric tons of annual emissions, with propellant-free devices offering lower-impact alternatives. Finally, lifestyle cohorts reveal about one-quarter of people with prediabetes can normalize glucose without weight loss, conferring >70% risk reduction over a decade and spotlighting fat distribution as a modifiable target.

Drs. Fahkri and Seshadri review abstracts from the 18th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma in Lugano, Switzerland, exploring investigational novel agents in CLL.

A new meta-analysis in HeartRhythm found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduced sudden cardiac death risk by about 18% across patients with type 2 diabetes, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease, with consistent effects and minimal trial variation. A Cochrane review of over 100,000 participants showed RSV vaccines are highly effective and safe: protein-based shots cut severe lower respiratory infections in older adults by ~75% and protected infants when given to pregnant mothers, halving RSV-related care and hospitalizations. Finally, WHO and EMA reaffirmed acetaminophen’s safety in pregnancy, rejecting suggested links to autism or neurodevelopmental harm, noting decades of safe use and the risks of untreated pain or fever.

Drs. Seshadri and Fahkri review abstracts exploring treatments for patients with high-risk CLL, including SEQUOIA Arm C and CLL16 studies.

Drs. Fahkri and Seshadri discuss recent studies on novel fixed-duration combinations and MRD-guided regimens for CLL. The Sequoia RMD study showed high efficacy with zanubrutinib and venetoclax, achieving a 99% response rate. Similarly, a phase 1 study with sornotoclax and zanubrutinib showed a 96% response rate. The UK FLAIR study demonstrated superior PFS and overall survival with ibrutinib plus venetoclax. The CLL18 trial evaluates MRD-guided vs. fixed-duration treatments with venetoclax and obinutuzumab or pirtobrutinib. Future CLL therapies may increasingly rely on MRD-guided approaches.

Drs. Hindiyeh and Hutchinson review new FDA-issued safety warnings for Raynaud's phenomenon and hypertension in CGRP-based migraine treatment. They explore the impact of this label update and share practical strategies for patient management.

The CDC’s advisory panel voted to recommend separate MMR and varicella shots for children under four, citing a slight seizure risk with the combined MMRV vaccine, a move strongly opposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics as misleading and confusing. In obesity care, a phase 3 trial showed oral semaglutide 25 mg led to an average 13.6% weight loss in adults without diabetes, reinforcing GLP-1 pills as an effective option. Meanwhile, a large study linked pediatric CT scan radiation to increased blood cancer risk, urging dose minimization and safer alternatives.

Drs. Hutchinson and Hindiyeh discuss medication overuse headache, including some clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and management strategies.

Drs. Liu and Scott discuss the future of small cell lung cancer treatment, reviewing emerging strategies including immunotherapy, antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), and bispecific T-cell engagers, as well as other targeted agents.

Drs. Liu and Scott review second-line treatments of small cell lung cancer following first-line maintenance treatment, including platinum rechallenge and other post-platinum agents.

Drs. Liu and Scott offer their perspectives on maintenance therapy in patients with small cell lung cancer, discussing the rationale, different approaches, as well as the associated benefits and challenges.

A large meta-analysis in The Lancet found clopidogrel superior to aspirin for long-term secondary prevention in coronary artery disease, reducing major cardiovascular events by 14% without added bleeding risk. The REBOOT trial in NEJM showed no benefit of beta-blockers in post-MI patients with preserved ejection fraction, and even potential harm in women on high doses, prompting reevaluation of routine use. Finally, a phase 2 trial in JAMA Internal Medicine showed daily azelastine nasal spray reduced COVID-19 incidence by 67% and shortened illness duration, though larger studies are needed to confirm its prophylactic role.

Drs. Chaichian and Dall’Era explore the “treat to target” approach in lupus, including key targets like DORIS remission and lupus low disease activity state.

Drs. Dall’Era and Chaichian discuss earlier use of targeted biologics for treating lupus.

The FDA has endorsed vibration-controlled transient elastography as a surrogate endpoint for MASH trials, marking the first non-invasive alternative to liver biopsy. A Japanese cohort study linked breakfast skipping and late dinners to higher fracture risk, with combined habits raising risk by nearly 25%. Finally, a global meta-analysis suggests shingles vaccination reduces major cardiovascular events by ~16–18%, though most evidence is observational.

Drs. Chaichian and Dall’Era review the updated guidelines for the treatment and management of SLE in children and adults.

Drs. Fava and Petri discuss emerging therapies in systemic lupus erythematosus, including treatments for lupus nephritis and cutaneous disease.

Drs. Petri and Fava review non-invasive biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus, including urine proteomics.

Drs. Petri and Fava discuss updated guidelines for the screening, treatment, and management of lupus nephritis.