Latest news with #eClinicalMedicine
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Experts Unite Against Tobacco as a Leading Cause of Cancer and Chronic Diseases
PNN New Delhi [India], May 31: On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, observed every year on May 31, leading healthcare experts across the country are sounding a clarion call against one of the biggest threats to global health: tobacco. Beyond awareness, experts are demanding urgent action, highlighting tobacco's devastating and far-reaching effects -- from cancer, respiratory, and cardiovascular disease to infertility and second-hand smoke exposure. India currently faces over 37.5 lakh active cancer cases, and tobacco remains the single largest preventable cause. According to a global study published in The Lancet's eClinical Medicine, tobacco-related illnesses cause over 1.3 million cancer-related deaths annually across seven countries, including India. "Smoking is one of the worst carcinogens in the world. Tobacco exposes the entire body, not just the lungs, to cancer-causing agents. It's linked to multiple cancers, including those of the lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx, pancreas, bladder, kidney, stomach, cervix, colon, and even blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML)," said Dr. Dinesh Singh, Director and Head, Radiation Oncology, Action Cancer Hospital, Delhi. Dr. Singh further warns about second-hand smoke, stating that even non-smokers exposed to it absorb carcinogens and face a significantly elevated cancer risk, especially for lung cancer. "Tobacco smoke promotes chronic inflammation, triggering genetic instability and abnormal cell growth -- a key environment for cancer to develop. Nearly every organ in the body is affected," he explained. Dr. Pritpal Kaur, Pulmonologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Karol Bagh, Delhi said, "Tobacco is a toxic cocktail that attacks the respiratory system at every level--from inflaming the airways to permanently damaging lung tissues. COPD, asthma, lung cancer, and bronchitis are just the tip of the iceberg. Tobacco doesn't just suffocate the lungs--it wreaks havoc across the entire body. Every puff poisons not just the smoker, but everyone around them." As India continues to battle its cancer burden, Bengaluru-based SPARSH Group of Hospitals has taken a bold step forward. On May 18, 2025, SPARSH launched its flagship 300-bed multi-speciality hospital on Hennur Road, Bengaluru, introducing its first comprehensive cancer care facility. Backed by world-class infrastructure and an expert team across 50 specialities, the hospital features 75 ICU beds and an integrated oncology program. Dr. Vivek Shetty, Senior Consultant- Head & Neck Oncology, SPARSH Hospital, Hennur Road, Bengaluru said, "Along with lung cancer, oral cancer is also alarmingly common among people who smoke or use tobacco in other forms. There is an urgent need to increase awareness about early detection through proper screening and to encourage timely treatment." "With our new facility at Hennur Road, we now offer best-in-class comprehensive cancer care to combat these life-threatening diseases. Our mission is to bring comprehensive cancer treatment to the doorsteps of people in Karnataka, especially Bengaluru and its neighbouring regions," added Dr. Shetty. The hospital's approach marries precision medicine, compassion, and accessibility, making it a timely answer to Karnataka's growing cancer crisis, where 86,563 new cases are projected annually, with lung and mouth cancers comprising nearly 16% of male cancers. Whether smoked or chewed, tobacco remains the most potent and preventable health hazard. And the consequences go beyond cancer, heart disease, stroke, reproductive disorders, and chronic lung diseases, all bear its imprint. "Tobacco addiction is difficult but not impossible to beat. With modern therapies, counselling, and the right intent, recovery is possible. Every cigarette not smoked is a step toward healing -- not just for the smoker, but for their entire family, said Dr. Arun Kumar Verma, Senior Consultant- Oncology, Chhatrapati Shivaji Subharti Hospital, Meerut. "From lung, oral, and throat cancers to bladder and oesophageal malignancies, tobacco is a common denominator. What's worrying is that even people exposed to secondhand smoke--like family members or co-workers-are--are at risk," warned Dr. Verma, adding, "We must dispel the myth of 'safe usage'. There is no safe level of tobacco exposure." Experts concluded that with early detection, structured cessation programs, and accessible treatment, outcomes can dramatically improve. But quitting tobacco should also be a top priority.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New study finds unexpected link between physical pain and depression
Researchers have uncovered a surprising link between chronic pain and mental health issues in a landmark study based on decades of research. Depression and loneliness are more common in people with chronic pain years before their pain actually starts, researchers at University College London (UCL) have found. They analysed 21 years of data from a long-term health study of over 7,300 adults in England aged 50 and over. Their findings, published in eClinicalMedicine, show a strong link between these mental health challenges and the later development of chronic pain. Researchers add that chronic pain issue is a major public health concern, affecting up to 40 per cent of people in the UK and Europe, and a leading cause of disability. While previous research has established a connection between chronic pain and mental health issues like depression and loneliness, this study sheds light on the timeline of these conditions, demonstrating that these issues often actually precede the physical pain. The study participants were divided into two groups: those who developed chronic pain, including back, knee, hip, or foot pain, and those who did not. The researchers discovered that the individuals who eventually experienced chronic pain reported higher levels of depression and loneliness years before their pain began. This suggests that addressing these mental health challenges early on could be crucial in preventing or mitigating the impact of chronic pain. The research underscores the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare, emphasising the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. Researchers also found that middle-aged and older adults who experience pain are more likely to have had worsening symptoms of depression up to eight years before the onset of pain. These symptoms got worse in the years leading up to pain, appeared to peak when the pain was first noticed and remained high in the years after the pain started. Symptoms of depression were less common, less severe and relatively constant among people who did not suffer pain. They also found that loneliness increased both in the years before and years after the onset of pain but stayed low and relatively constant among the group who did not suffer pain. As a result, the researchers suggested that treatment for depression might help to prevent or reduce later aches and pains. Lead author Dr Mikaela Bloomberg, from UCL's research department of epidemiology and public health, said: 'Pain and depression are known to be linked, with each exacerbating the other. But we don't know about the timing of these related conditions. 'Our study shows that depressive symptoms and loneliness worsen long before pain begins. 'This is important as it suggests the potential for early mental health and social support to reduce or delay later pain. 'Factors such as depression and loneliness can contribute to pain through several mechanisms – by inducing stress, they may increase inflammation, which can lead to pain; they also may increase sensitivity to pain by changing immune responses and by dysregulating our autonomic nervous system, the network of nerves that control unconscious processes such as the 'flight or fight' response. 'Our findings highlight the importance of approaching pain not just from a biological perspective, mental health interventions may be important too.' The team found that depressive symptoms were most pronounced in people with lower levels of education and among less wealthy patients. 'This study provides further evidence supporting the importance of targeting loneliness and mental health in older people,' the authors wrote. 'Proactive mental health and social support is needed in the decade preceding onset of pain and should be integrated into long-term pain management strategies, particularly for individuals with fewer socioeconomic resources.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New study sheds light on pain and depression
Depression and loneliness are more profound in people with chronic pain years before their pain starts, according to a new study. Researchers said that chronic pain is a 'major public health concern' as it affects up to 40% of people in the UK and Europe and is a leading cause of disability. It has been linked to problems including depression and loneliness, but academics wanted to understand more about the connection, particularly in the period before pain starts. A team from University College London (UCL) examined 21 years of data from a long-term study tracking the health and wellbeing of patients. In the new study, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, experts examined data on more than 7,300 adults in England aged 50 and older. Half of these went on to suffer pain, including aches and pains of the back, knee, hip or foot, while the others did not. Researchers found that middle-aged and older adults who experience pain are more likely to have had worsening symptoms of depression up to eight years before the onset of pain. These symptoms got worse in the years leading up to pain, appeared to peak when the pain was first noticed and remained high in the years after the pain started. Symptoms of depression were less common, less severe and relatively constant among people who did not suffer pain. Struggling with feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress or obsessions and compulsions? NHS Talking Therapies can help. The service is effective, confidential and free. Your GP can refer you or refer yourself at — NSFT mental health (@NSFTtweets) May 13, 2025 They also found that loneliness increased both in the years before and years after the onset of pain but stayed low and relatively constant among the group who did not suffer pain. As a result, the researchers suggested that treatment for depression might help to prevent or reduce later aches and pains. Lead author Dr Mikaela Bloomberg, from UCL's research department of epidemiology and public health, said: 'Pain and depression are known to be linked, with each exacerbating the other. But we don't know about the timing of these related conditions. 'Our study shows that depressive symptoms and loneliness worsen long before pain begins. 'This is important as it suggests the potential for early mental health and social support to reduce or delay later pain. 'Factors such as depression and loneliness can contribute to pain through several mechanisms – by inducing stress, they may increase inflammation, which can lead to pain; they also may increase sensitivity to pain by changing immune responses and by dysregulating our autonomic nervous system, the network of nerves that control unconscious processes such as the 'flight or fight' response. 'Our findings highlight the importance of approaching pain not just from a biological perspective, mental health interventions may be important too.' The team found that depressive symptoms were most pronounced in people with lower levels of education and among less wealthy patients. 'This study provides further evidence supporting the importance of targeting loneliness and mental health in older people,' the authors wrote. 'Proactive mental health and social support is needed in the decade preceding onset of pain and should be integrated into long-term pain management strategies, particularly for individuals with fewer socioeconomic resources.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Weight loss drugs could slash cancer risks by 41% compared to surgery, researchers claim
Blockbuster weight loss drugs may help people avoid obesity-related cancers, new research suggests. Obesity contributes to 13 types of cancer, and health experts are worried about the growing toll as obesity rates continue to rise globally. The new study, published in the Lancet journal eClinicalMedicine, suggests that weight loss drugs such as Saxena or Trulicity could help curb these risks. Researchers compared nearly 6,400 people with obesity and diabetes who either underwent bariatric surgery or took GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are weight loss drugs that work by mimicking a hormone in the body that makes people feel full for longer. In the years after their treatments, there were 5.76 obesity-related cancer cases per 1,000 person-years among patients who had bariatric surgery, compared with a rate of 5.64 among those who took GLP-1s. Related Experimental daily pill found to aid weight loss in what could be alternative to jabs like Ozempic Because surgery is more effective at lowering people's weight, the researchers concluded that weight-loss drugs could be even better at preventing obesity-related cancers – to the tune of 41 per cent, they said. 'Our study found a similar incidence of obesity-related cancer among patients treated with first-generation [GLP-1 drugs] and with bariatric surgery… despite the relative advantage of surgery in maximising weight loss,' Yael Wolff Sagy, a study author and a researcher at Clalit Health Services in Israel, said in a statement. 'But accounting for this advantage revealed the direct effect of GLP-1RAs beyond weight-loss to be 41 per cent more effective at preventing obesity-related cancer'. Notably, though, when the researchers took people's ability to manage their blood sugar levels into account, the medicines' edge over surgery dropped to 13 per cent. Related Global expert panel suggests overhauling how obesity is diagnosed, says BMI is not enough The benefit from the drugs could be because they help reduce inflammation, the researchers said, adding that newer medicines such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Zepbound could have an even greater effect. 'We do not yet fully understand how GLP-1s work, but this study adds to the growing evidence showing that weight loss alone cannot completely account for the metabolic, anti-cancer, and many other benefits that these medications provide,' Sagy said. The study is the latest to suggest drugs designed to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes could be used for much more than weight loss. Other research indicates they could help people with addiction, dementia, liver problems, and more. But the analysis has some limitations. Only 298 people were diagnosed with obesity-related cancers during the study period, for example, and it's not clear whether people sustained their initial weight loss over time. Larger studies with more patients could affect the statistical analysis that identified the 41 per cent risk reduction from medicines compared with surgery. Related France won't pay for weight loss drug Wegovy. What about other European countries? Independent experts also noted that the study was observational, meaning the authors reviewed existing data, rather than conducting a randomised control trial where some patients receive a drug and others get a placebo or dummy treatment in order to compare their outcomes. Randomised trials are considered the gold standard for medical research. 'Larger outcome trials are needed to understand links between such medicines and cancer risks, and several should report over the next five years,' Naveed Sattar, a professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow in the UK, said in a statement. 'It is better to wait to see further large outcome trials versus placebo to get closer to the truth'.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
GLP-1RAs show anti-cancer benefits beyond weight loss
A study has found that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) offer anti-cancer benefits that extend beyond their role in promoting weight loss. The observational study (COM2-0186-22), presented during the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) taking place in Malaga, Spain between 11-14 May and published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, investigated first-generation GLP-1RAs Victoza (liraglutide) and Byetta (exenatide). The study found that GLP1-RAs had a direct effect on reducing obesity-related cancer beyond weight loss, with a 41% lower relative risk compared to bariatric surgery. Researchers analysed electronic health record data and over a median follow-up of 7.5 years, 298 patients were diagnosed with obesity-related cancer. Of these cases, 150 were from 3,178 surgery patients (5.76 cases per 1,000 person-years) compared with 148 cases from 3,178 patients taking GLP-1RAs (5.64 cases per 1,000 person-years). This comes as bariatric surgery in weight reduction is already known to reduce cancer risk. The most common cancer was postmenopausal breast cancer (26%), followed by colorectal cancer (16%), and cancer of the uterus (15%). To assess the comparative effect beyond the extent of weight loss (which mediates the reduction in cancer risk following treatment), the researchers further adjusted the analysis for the percentage of maximal BMI change during follow-up. Co-lead author Dr Yael Wolff Sagy from Clalit Health Services, Tel-Aviv, Israel, said: 'Our study found a similar incidence of obesity-related cancer among patients treated with first-generation GLP-1RAs and with bariatric surgery over an average of 8 years follow-up, despite the relative advantage of surgery in maximising weight loss. But accounting for this advantage revealed the direct effect of GLP-1RAs beyond weight loss to be 41% more effective at preventing obesity-related cancer.' Of the 6,356 study participants, 3,884 (61.1%) were females. At baseline, the mean age was 52.3 years, and the mean BMI was 41.5kg/m². Both obesity and diabetes are linked with an increased risk for many types of cancer, referred to as obesity-related cancer, including colorectal cancer, corpus uteri cancer, meningioma and ovarian cancer, as well as multiple myeloma. Investigators are now calling for randomised trials and larger prospective studies to confirm the anti-cancer effects of GLP-1RAs noted in the observational study and explore the underlying mechanisms. GLP-1RAs are also being investigated in other indications beyond obesity and type 2 diabetes, including Alzheimer's disease, addictive disorders and psychiatric disorders. GLP-1RAs have grown massively in recent years following the release of Novo Nordisk's semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic in type 2 diabetes and Wegovy in obesity, and Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro in type 2 diabetes and Zepbound in obesity. GlobalData analysis predicts the global GLP-1RA market will reach $168bn by 2033. Research also predicts Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly will dominate the market, collectively capturing 94% of the total 2030 GLP-1RA sales. GlobalData is the parent company of Clinical Trials Arena. "GLP-1RAs show anti-cancer benefits beyond weight loss" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
