Heart patients with mechanical aortic valves often need blood thinners for life. These meds, called vitamin K antagonists, stop dangerous clots from forming on the new valve. The usual target for blood thinning, measured by INR, is 2. 5. But some patients have extra risks. If they have atrial fibri
Chordoma is a tough cancer to treat. It's rare, and doctors don't have many options. But there's a new drug called palbociclib that might help. Researchers tested palbociclib on people with advanced chordoma. They wanted to see if it could stop the cancer from growing. The results are promising. P
Heart patients who have had a TAVR procedure, which replaces a damaged heart valve, often wonder how to avoid blood clots afterward. Blood thinners are usually given to prevent clots, but not everyone needs them. This has sparked a lot of discussion among doctors. The problem is that TAVR can lead
Back pain that won't quit is a real problem for many people. It's called chronic non-surgical refractory back pain. That's a mouthful, but it just means pain that doesn't get better with usual treatments. Now, there's some interesting news from two big studies. They looked at a high-tech solution ca
Scientists have come up with a clever way to fight cancer using a special molecule. This molecule can find and attack cancer cells in the body. The tricky part about cancer is that it can hide from the body’s defense system. But this new treatment helps the body recognize and fight cancer cells. Th
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a tough condition to manage. Even though there are treatments available, there's still a lot of room for improvement. Researchers have been working hard to find better ways to prevent and treat RA. One big step forward came from a study that looked at the genes of many p
Epilepsy is a challenging condition, especially for those who don't respond to standard medications. This is known as drug-resistant epilepsy, and it's a significant issue that needs new solutions. Scientists have been investigating a protein called PHGDH. This protein is found in brain cells and p
Knee injuries in children can be serious, especially when they involve the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The challenge is that kids are still growing, and surgery near the growth plates can have lasting effects. Two main approaches exist for ACL repair in youngsters: physeal sparing and non-phys
Knee implants are a big deal. They help people walk again. But there's a tricky part: the stem. It's like the root of the implant. It goes into the bone. There are two types: cemented and press-fit. Cemented stems are like glue. They hold the implant in place right away. But they don't let the bone
In the quest for better health, many turn to supplements, but what if these very supplements are doing more harm than good? A leading heart specialist has raised alarms about five common supplements that might be putting hearts and livers at risk. First up, niacin, or Vitamin B3. It's essential for
