Atezolizumab can induce response in alveolar soft part sarcoma

The immunotherapy agent atezolizumab induces sustained responses in about one-third of patients with advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), according to a study published in the Sept. 7 issue of…

Use of common painkillers alongside hormonal contraception linked to heightened risk of blood clots

Credit: CC0 Public Domain Women who use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers alongside hormonal contraception appear to be at a small increased risk of blood clots known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), finds…

Atypical antipsychotics not safer than haloperidol for older adults with postoperative delirium: Study

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A study of more than 17,000 older adults prescribed an antipsychotic medication after major surgery found that atypical antipsychotics are not less harmful than haloperidol. The…

Avoid cannabis during adolescence, pregnancy and while driving, say experts

Credit: CC0 Public Domain Experts recommend avoiding cannabis during adolescence and early adulthood, in people prone to or with mental health disorders, in pregnancy, and before and while driving, based…

First biosimilar approved to treat multiple sclerosis

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Tyruko (natalizumab-sztn), the first biosimilar to Tysabri (natalizumab) injection, for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, the agency announced Thursday. Tyruko…

Lorazepam treatment may be linked to worse outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Patients with pancreatic cancer who took the benzodiazepine lorazepam (Ativan), commonly prescribed to treat anxiety during cancer treatment, had a shorter progression-free survival than patients who…

Some chronic disease medications found to impair the body’s cooling ability

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Medications to treat various chronic diseases may hinder the body’s ability to lose heat and regulate its core temperature to optimal levels. The loss of effective…

Americans want weight loss drugs despite high cost

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Many Americans really want to lose weight—and a new poll shows nearly half of adults would be interested in taking a prescription drug to help them…

Recommendations developed for acetaminophen poisoning

In a consensus statement published online Aug. 8 in JAMA Network Open, recommendations are presented for the management of patients with acetaminophen poisoning. Richard C. Dart, M.D., Ph.D., from the…

Lead poisoning from Ayurvedic medicines: Rare but cautionary

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain An article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) highlights a case of lead toxicity from Ayurvedic medicines in a young woman, and the complexity in diagnosing…