Latest news with #RST
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Tobacco use accounts for over half of cancer patients in Nagpur
Nagpur: City's RST Cancer Hospital, which houses the cancer registry of the region, revealed alarming data ahead of World No Tobacco Day 2025. From 2021 to 2023, the hospital registered 16,079 cancer patients, and of these, a staggering 56% were found to be tobacco-related cases. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Oral cancer alone accounted for 2,770 cases — nearly one in every three patients — making it the most common cancer type reported at the hospital. "This is not just a medical problem; it's a public health crisis," said Dr Revu Shivakala, research scientist at RST Cancer Hospital. "The highest number of cases are in the 51-60 age group, but what's worrying is the growing number in the 41-50 bracket. Oral cancer is strongly linked to tobacco and gutkha use, which are still widely consumed in Central India." As the city marks World No Tobacco Day on May 31, doctors from RST Hospital are joining the global call to protect youth from the deceptive strategies of the tobacco industry. The 2025 theme declared by WHO is 'Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products'. "Bright packaging, fruity flavours, and social media influencers are being used to make tobacco look cool to children and teenagers. We must act now," said Dr Vikas Dhanorkar, additional director at RST Cancer Hospital. India's law against tobacco — the COTPA Act 2003 — bans advertising, smoking in public, and sales to minors or near schools. However, experts say enforcement is still patchy, especially in semi-urban areas around Nagpur and other parts of Vidarbha. Dr BK Sharma stressed, "Tobacco continues to claim lives and destroy futures. On this day, we urge everyone to recognise the risks behind marketing and protect our youth from addiction." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to WHO, over 37 million children worldwide (aged 13-15) use tobacco, with India alone contributing around 14.6%. Many begin with flavoured products like mint and mango, unaware of the long-term health damage. "Tobacco is not just a bad habit — it's a killer in disguise," warned Dr Kartar Singh, head of radiology at RST. "Let's speak the truth and work together for a tobacco-free tomorrow." Doctors are urging citizens in Nagpur and across Central India to stay alert to how the tobacco industry is targeting the next generation — and to help break the cycle by creating awareness, supporting education, and encouraging tobacco users to seek help in quitting. Cancer Types & Age Trends at RST Cancer Hospital Registry Total Registered Cancer Cases: 16,079 Tobacco-Linked Cases: 9,140 (≈56%) Top 3 Cancer Types Oral Cancer: 2,770 cases (30%) Breast Cancer: 1,330 cases (15%) Cervical Cancer: 1,172 cases (13%) Age Group Most Affected 51–60 years: 26% of total cases 41–50 years: 17% 31–40 years: 13% 61–70 years: 12%
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
FDA Grants De Novo Clearance for Reflow Medical's Spur ® Peripheral Retrievable Stent System
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reflow Medical, Inc., a leading developer of innovative medical devices focused on complex cardiovascular disease, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted De Novo clearance for the company's Spur Peripheral Retrievable Stent System, a unique clinical solution for the treatment of de novo or restenotic lesions following predilatation in patients with infrapopliteal arterial disease. This first-of-its-kind technology offers a truly novel approach to treating patients with BTK CLTI disease. Share The Spur Stent System is the first and only retrievable stent system that features a self-expanding stent with an integrated dilatation balloon catheter on an over-the-wire system. It is designed for controlled lesion penetration and treatment through a series of radially expandable spikes. Known as Retrievable Scaffold Therapy (RST), the spikes on the Spur Stent penetrate the lesion to increase the acute luminal diameter and modify the lesion morphology to change vessel compliance and reduce vessel recoil effect. Results of the recently concluded DEEPER REVEAL clinical trial (NCT05358353) to evaluate the Reflow Medical Spur Stent System for below-the-knee (BTK) treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), demonstrated that following predilatation, the Spur Stent System achieved a 99.2% technical success 1 rate and 97.0% freedom from MALE 2 and POD 3 at 30 days. 'Clinical data submitted to the FDA demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the Spur Stent System,' said Mahmood K. Razavi, MD, FSIR, FSVM, who serves as Director of the Clinical Trials and Research Center at St. Joseph Heart and Vascular Center in Orange, California. 'This novel device will be a valuable and innovative expansion of our treatment toolbox as a unique device for the treatment of complex BTK disease,' he added. S. Jay Mathews, MD, MS, FACC, FSCAI, the Cath Lab Director at Bradenton Cardiology/Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Florida, commented, 'It's exciting to see the clinical success of the DEEPER REVEAL trial enabling the De Novo clearance of the Spur Stent System. This first-of-its-kind technology offers a truly novel approach to treating patients with BTK CLTI disease. As an adjunct to standard balloon angioplasty, Spur RST enables us to address this complex disease in a more effective way, achieving these outcomes that go beyond what PTA alone can deliver.' Both Dr. Mathews and Dr. Razavi were lead Principal Investigators for the study, which was conducted at 49 centers in the U.S. and enrolled 130 patients. 'Extensive research and development, which laid the groundwork for the DEEPER REVEAL trial, enabled the creation and clinical validation of the Spur Stent System, an innovative mechanical endovascular device engineered to enhance lesion penetration and optimize the treatment of BTK peripheral arterial disease,' said Teo Jimenez, Senior Vice President of R&D at Reflow Medical. According to Reflow Medical CEO and Co-Founder, Isa Rizk, 'The FDA's De Novo clearance, following positive clinical trial results in patients with CLTI, enables us to provide physicians with an effective therapeutic option for this growing patient population. We are fully prepared to launch our innovative technology through our dedicated sales force, ensuring it promptly reaches physicians to support patients.' The FDA decision will be available on their website under DEN240048. About Reflow Medical, Inc. Reflow Medical is a global company that partners with leading physicians to develop innovative technologies addressing unmet clinical needs in the endovascular treatment of complex cardiovascular disease. The company's portfolio includes coronary and peripheral microcatheters, crossing catheters, and a revolutionary system known as Retrievable Scaffold Therapy (RST). Products include the CoraCatheters line, available in the U.S. only; the Wingman™, Spex ® and Spex LP, available in the U.S., CE Mark and CE Mark-accepting countries and selected markets; and the Spur ®. Spur received CE Mark approval for the treatment of restenotic lesions in below-the-knee arteries, when used in conjunction with a commercially available drug-coated balloon. Reflow Medical is headquartered in San Clemente, California. 1. Technical success defined as less than 30% residual stenosis by visual estimation; 2. Major adverse limb events; 3. Perioperative death
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
FDA Grants De Novo Clearance for Reflow Medical's Spur® Peripheral Retrievable Stent System
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., May 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reflow Medical, Inc., a leading developer of innovative medical devices focused on complex cardiovascular disease, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted De Novo clearance for the company's Spur Peripheral Retrievable Stent System, a unique clinical solution for the treatment of de novo or restenotic lesions following predilatation in patients with infrapopliteal arterial disease. The Spur Stent System is the first and only retrievable stent system that features a self-expanding stent with an integrated dilatation balloon catheter on an over-the-wire system. It is designed for controlled lesion penetration and treatment through a series of radially expandable spikes. Known as Retrievable Scaffold Therapy (RST), the spikes on the Spur Stent penetrate the lesion to increase the acute luminal diameter and modify the lesion morphology to change vessel compliance and reduce vessel recoil effect. Results of the recently concluded DEEPER REVEAL clinical trial (NCT05358353) to evaluate the Reflow Medical Spur Stent System for below-the-knee (BTK) treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), demonstrated that following predilatation, the Spur Stent System achieved a 99.2% technical success1 rate and 97.0% freedom from MALE2 and POD3 at 30 days. "Clinical data submitted to the FDA demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the Spur Stent System," said Mahmood K. Razavi, MD, FSIR, FSVM, who serves as Director of the Clinical Trials and Research Center at St. Joseph Heart and Vascular Center in Orange, California. "This novel device will be a valuable and innovative expansion of our treatment toolbox as a unique device for the treatment of complex BTK disease," he added. S. Jay Mathews, MD, MS, FACC, FSCAI, the Cath Lab Director at Bradenton Cardiology/Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Florida, commented, "It's exciting to see the clinical success of the DEEPER REVEAL trial enabling the De Novo clearance of the Spur Stent System. This first-of-its-kind technology offers a truly novel approach to treating patients with BTK CLTI disease. As an adjunct to standard balloon angioplasty, Spur RST enables us to address this complex disease in a more effective way, achieving these outcomes that go beyond what PTA alone can deliver." Both Dr. Mathews and Dr. Razavi were lead Principal Investigators for the study, which was conducted at 49 centers in the U.S. and enrolled 130 patients. "Extensive research and development, which laid the groundwork for the DEEPER REVEAL trial, enabled the creation and clinical validation of the Spur Stent System, an innovative mechanical endovascular device engineered to enhance lesion penetration and optimize the treatment of BTK peripheral arterial disease," said Teo Jimenez, Senior Vice President of R&D at Reflow Medical. According to Reflow Medical CEO and Co-Founder, Isa Rizk, "The FDA's De Novo clearance, following positive clinical trial results in patients with CLTI, enables us to provide physicians with an effective therapeutic option for this growing patient population. We are fully prepared to launch our innovative technology through our dedicated sales force, ensuring it promptly reaches physicians to support patients." The FDA decision will be available on their website under DEN240048. About Reflow Medical, Inc. Reflow Medical is a global company that partners with leading physicians to develop innovative technologies addressing unmet clinical needs in the endovascular treatment of complex cardiovascular disease. The company's portfolio includes coronary and peripheral microcatheters, crossing catheters, and a revolutionary system known as Retrievable Scaffold Therapy (RST). Products include the CoraCatheters line, available in the U.S. only; the Wingman™, Spex® and Spex LP, available in the U.S., CE Mark and CE Mark-accepting countries and selected markets; and the Spur®. Spur received CE Mark approval for the treatment of restenotic lesions in below-the-knee arteries, when used in conjunction with a commercially available drug-coated balloon. Reflow Medical is headquartered in San Clemente, California. 1. Technical success defined as less than 30% residual stenosis by visual estimation; 2. Major adverse limb events; 3. Perioperative death View source version on Contacts Jennifer Carlylejcarlyle@ 949-481-0399
Otago Daily Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Farmers' positivity up, stress levels down: trust
Farmers speaking to those who understand the unique problems of their work and lifestyle helps them to feel less stressed and more confident for the future, a new report shows. Rural Support Trust (RST) has released a report, supported by Fonterra and conducted by the Ākina Foundation, showing a majority of its clients feel better after engaging with its services. The report showed that in 2024, 94% of the support trust's clients felt less stressed and 97% felt more confident in managing future challenges. The trust's Southland chairman Simon Hopcroft said the service offers one-on-one support, ensuring that farmers and growers have access to someone who understands the unique challenges of living and working rurally. The trust also acts as a referral channel, he said, connecting clients with professional experts in mental health, financial stability, employment and rural isolation. Fonterra director of global external affairs Simon Tucker said the co-operative was grateful for the work RST was doing in this field. "We know the ups and downs that come with working on the land and the stress that goes along with it," he said. "This report demonstrates why access to wellbeing services is vital for our rural communities." In the case of financial pressures, Mr Hopcroft said the trust could provide up to $6000 in funding for expert advice on how to move the business out of difficulty. Mr Hopcroft said the foundation knew that isolation was a key factor impacting on the mental health of primary producers. Problems plaguing Southland growers and farmers, Mr Hopcroft said, included last year's prolonged wet spring, which caused an increased need for support. They also continued to see queries regarding employment, particularly with contractual issues in the dairy sector, he said. The survey showed that on average, customers' mental wellbeing improved by 5.4 points, on a 10-point scale. Rural South national chair Michelle Ruddell said while it was good to see the positive impact on a person's wellbeing, it was concerning that many were getting to such dark places before reaching out. "Our ongoing work in destigmatising mental health challenges and normalising asking for help is critical to building strengthened rural communities. "We want people to feel comfortable to reach out early before things feel out of control and we're here to support regardless of the situation," she said. To improve on isolation and the overall mental health of rural workers, he said they created community events, as well as connecting clients with counsellors. The trust has seasonal events such as Surfing for Farmers and the mountainbiking group Rural Riders in the South, hoping to foster connection between farmers and get them out of the house and away from the farm. The report showed over 1500 reached out for RST support last year and 51% of cases required referral to the trust's outside networks.
Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Pakistan's IMF bailout shows how the international system accommodates a structurally fragile state
Written by Soumya Bhowmick On April 22, a strike by Pakistan-linked terrorists in Pahalgam killed 26 tourists, sparking one of India's most intense military retaliations in decades under Operation Sindoor. As missile exchanges and drone strikes escalated across the border, a high-stakes diplomatic intervention unfolded, and an unlikely peacemaker stepped in: US President Donald. Trump announced a ceasefire on May 10, declaring it a triumph of statesmanship. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), just a day earlier, had approved a $2.4 billion bailout to Pakistan, split between a $1 billion Extended Fund Facility and a $1.4 billion climate-linked Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST). For Islamabad, it was an economic lifeline; for New Delhi, a case of rewarding belligerence. The sequence — from terror attack to conflict, ceasefire, and cash infusion — suggests that the IMF played more than a financial role, becoming an unlikely but strategic lever in managing a near-war between nuclear rivals. Old habits die hard The United States, as the IMF's largest shareholder with veto power, was likely central to this manoeuvre, offering financial leverage to secure Pakistan's de-escalation. While the IMF and Pakistani officials maintain that the loan terms were negotiated before the conflict, the final approval during peak hostilities reveals a familiar pattern — using economic tools to pursue strategic ends. Historically, Pakistan has received financial rescues aligned with Western interests, from the Cold War to counterterrorism. IMF dollars seem to have served as a discreet peacekeeping mechanism this time, with $2.4 billion becoming the price of avoiding any further showdown. The IMF justified its disbursement to Pakistan based on technocratic success: Inflation down, growth stabilised, and reforms initiated. The $1.4 billion climate-focused RST loan was framed as support for flood-ravaged Pakistan's resilience. Yet the timing raised red flags, especially in India, which protested that such funding might indirectly enable terrorism or military aggression. Even if IMF funds don't buy bullets, they unburden domestic budgets, potentially allowing increased defence allocations elsewhere. This concern is especially pressing in Pakistan's case, where the military retains disproportionate influence over national priorities. In 2025, despite deep economic distress, Islamabad plans to raise its defence budget by 18 per cent, allocating over Rs 2.5 trillion — placing Pakistan 29th globally in military expenditure and signalling where its fiscal emphasis lies. Pakistan's chronic IMF dependence — 24 bailouts since 1958 — is a symptom of deeper governance rot: Tax evasion by elites, lack of structural reform, and economic mismanagement. Every programme has served as a stopgap, never a solution, as entrenched interests resist change. With only about 2.5 per cent of the population filing income tax, the burden falls on people with low incomes, while foreign creditors bridge the fiscal gap. The current IMF loan was both a lifeline and a leash, stabilising the economy but tightening external control. That the IMF is now probing Pakistan's terror finance practices reflects how blurred the line between economic and security reform has become. A structural benchmark under the loan programme mandated the release of a comprehensive Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment (GCDA) by July 2025. The GCDA is intended to identify systemic corruption risks and recommend reforms to bolster transparency, institutional resilience, and inclusive growth — areas closely tied to reducing illicit financial flows, including those that may fuel terrorism. Yet by March 2025, Pakistan had set up a high-level Cabinet Committee to weigh whether to release the full report or only a selective summary, raising fresh doubts about the credibility of these commitments. Despite this hedging on transparency, the IMF's continued engagement reflects the uncomfortable balancing act it often performs between enforcing reform and preserving strategic interests. The great powers' pawn? Pakistan's location — bordering China, India, the Arabian Sea, and its proximity to Central Asia — makes it a prized pawn in great power politics. For China, it's a gateway for trade and a pressure point on India, anchored by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). For the US, despite its pivot to India, Pakistan remains a significant player due to its strategic position and nuclear capabilities. China and the US enable Pakistan's dysfunction for strategic gain — Beijing through investment, Washington through multilaterally backed liquidity, while Islamabad exploits its economic fragility as leverage. The current IMF bailout underscores how the international system continues to accommodate a geopolitically pivotal yet structurally fragile terror-breeding state. The IMF's intervention may have brought peace, but at a cost to global norms and regional resilience. With food inflation soaring and agriculture underfunded, the climate angle is equally troubling, exacerbated by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical agreement governing water sharing between India and Pakistan. India's decision to put the treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam attack has significant implications for Pakistan's water security, primarily as the country relies heavily on the Indus River system for agriculture and drinking water. Finally, the IMF loan also risks diluting anti-terror norms: Rewarding a state still linked to proxy warfare sends a troubling message. If financial institutions compromise principles for short-term peace, they may unintentionally fund future conflicts. This moment demands vigilance, not complacency, from those who finance global stability with accountability. The writer is a Fellow and Lead, World Economies and Sustainability at the Centre for New Economic Diplomacy (CNED) at Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
