Cancer drug combo shows promise for patients resistant to standard treatments

A promising drug combination could help people with leukemia who don't respond to traditional treatments, according to new research.

A team at Oregon Health and Science University made the discovery by analyzing samples from more than 300 patients with acute myeloid leukemia, or AML.

More than 20,000 Americans are diagnosed with AML each year, making it one of the most common types of leukemia, data show. It is also one of the most aggressive.

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The researchers paired venetoclax, a drug commonly used to treat leukemia, with palbociclib, which is used for breast cancer. This resulted in significantly stronger and more durable leukemia-fighting activity than venetoclax alone.

The findings were confirmed in human tissue samples, as well as in mouse models carrying human leukemia cells.

"The data show that this drug regimen may be especially effective in patients whose tumors exhibit features that cause resistance to the current standard-of-care, frontline therapies," Jeffrey Tyner, Ph.D., professor of cell, developmental and cancer biology in the Oregon Health & Science University’s School of Medicine and the Knight Cancer Institute, told Fox News Digital.

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Tyner, who is part of the research team, noted that initial testing explored a broad range of drug combinations and did not begin with any specific "favorites."

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Among all the pairings tested, including current standard-of-care regimens, the leukemia and breast cancer drug combination showed the most promising results.

"That really motivated us to dig deeper into why it works so well — and why it appears to overcome resistance seen with current therapy," said Melissa Stewart, Ph.D., research assistant professor at OHSU and lead author of the study, in a press release.

The study found that AML cells exposed to only venetoclax were able to adapt by increasing protein production. Adding palbociclib, however, blocked this adaptation and impeded the cancer cells’ ability to survive.

"In this model, venetoclax alone didn’t extend survival at all — just as we’d expect based on the genetics," Stewart said. "But with the combination, the majority of mice lived 11 to 12 months. In fact, one mouse was still alive when the study ended."

The study helps explain the biological reasons behind the better outcomes of this new drug combination, according to Tyner, and sets the stage for clinical trials with real patients.

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The drug, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2019, is often combined with azacitidine, a different cancer medication. Resistance to treatment, even with this duo, remained nearly universal.

"Unfortunately, almost everyone will eventually have drug resistance," Tyner said in the press release.

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"This regimen has improved initial response rates and quality of life, but the five-year survival rate for AML is still only about 25% to 40%. We have a lot of work to do," he added.

While the data strongly suggest that this new drug should be tested in clinical trials, the team says they do not yet have data for clinical activity in AML patients, other than some reported anecdotal cases.

"So, the biggest limitation is also our desired next step — of testing this new drug combination in clinical trials," Tyner said.

Fox News Digital reached out to manufacturers of venetoclax requesting comment.

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Older Americans are quitting GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for 4 key reasons

GLP-1 medications have dominated the weight-loss landscape this year — but some older Americans are reportedly kicking the trend to the curb.

A study published in JAMA in January 2025 — which looked at more than 125,000 overweight or obese people — found that nearly 47% of those with type 2 diabetes and 65% of those without diabetes stopped taking their prescribed GLP-1s within a year of starting them.

Dr. John Batsis, a geriatrician and obesity specialist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, told The New York Times in a recent report that people over 65 years old are "prime targets" for this medication, as obesity prevalence is about 40% in older adults.

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These drugs, which mimic a natural gut hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), are primarily used for type 2 diabetes and weight management. However, they have also been tested to target a variety of other conditions, like sleep apnea and cardiovascular events.

Starting and stopping these drugs often leads to weight regain, increased appetite and the loss of other associated health benefits, like redued blood pressure and cholesterol, according to Stamford Health and other experts. The risk for obesity-related conditions, such as heart disease and sleep apnea, may also increase.

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Despite the risks, some older Americans are reportedly abandoning their weight-loss medications for a variety of reasons, from intense side effects to climbing costs.

Below are four of the main reasons seniors might not stick to their GLP-1 prescriptions.

The price of GLP-1 medications is a major factor in keeping up with treatment, especially as shortages threaten availability.

The New York Times shared the story of 75-year-old Mary Bucklew, a public transit retiree living in Delaware, who had been paying just a $25 monthly co-pay through her health insurance plan to receive Ozempic for weight loss.

Bucklew lost 25 pounds in six months and reportedly gained more energy. But her insurance company notified her that they would no longer cover the drug, despite her arguments that it was necessary for her health.

Without the coverage, Bucklew’s prescription would cost more than $1,000 per month out of pocket, leaving her no choice but to stop taking it, per the report.

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Some GLP-1 manufacturers have made efforts to make the products more accessible. In December 2025, Lilly announced that it would lower the price of Zepbound (tirzepatide) single-dose vials.

"Far too many people who need obesity treatments still face cost and coverage barriers," said Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president for Lilly USA, in the announcement. "Today’s action underscores Lilly’s commitment to improving access across the obesity care landscape. We will keep working to provide more options — expanding choices for delivery devices and creating new pathways for access — so more people can get the medicines they need."

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Sue Decotiis, a medical weight loss doctor in New York City, confirmed that more than half of seniors stop taking a GLP-1 medication due to cost or side effects.

Common side effects often include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, headaches, fatigue and hair thinning, according to experts.

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"Older patients may be more sensitive to the GI side effects, too," Decotiis said. "Careful monitoring by a physician who is knowledgeable in the area of medical weight loss is imperative."

Older patients are often dehydrated from the start and do not consume enough water to offset GLP-1 side effects, according to Decotiis.

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"A body composition scale can determine water muscle mass and bone density, and can show the patient by illustration what they need to do," she advised.

In Novo Nordisk’s official Wegovy prescribing information, the drugmaker warns that nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, stating that it's "important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration," especially for people with underlying kidney issues.

Muscle loss, which is another side effect of GLP-1 medications, can be "detrimental" in this age group, Decotiis cautioned.

When people are dehydrated or don’t consume enough protein, they may lose more muscle and less fat, she said.

An October 2024 review from the American Heart Association cited two recent studies showing that less than half of the weight lost from GLP-1 medications came from fat, with a substantial portion coming from muscle mass.

The loss of muscle among older individuals can lead to an increased risk of falls and fractures. After age 35, muscle mass may decrease by up to 2% each year, according to Harvard Health — and that number increases to 3% after age 60.

People can take certain steps to counter the risk of semaglutide-related muscle loss, experts agree. 

"It starts with heightened surveillance from both the patient and the physician," Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida-based neurosurgeon and longevity expert, previously told Fox News Digital. He recommends that physicians conduct regular body measurements of patients and adjust the medication dosage if benchmarks are not being met.

Healthcare providers who approve the use of these medications without "carefully following" the patients can contribute to failure of the medications, according to Decotiis.

"Often, using a customized dosing plan helps the patient avoid undue side effects and helps them burn more fat, which is the mechanism by which GLP drugs work long-term and systemically," she told Fox News Digital. "For certain patients, a high-quality compounded GLP-1 can achieve tailored dosing."

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"Many of the patients who quit their GLP-1 drugs could have stayed on them with the right personalized care."

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Diabetes patients experience lower death rate with common medication

A large new study suggests that statins may help more people with type 2 diabetes than previously thought.

Researchers found that the cholesterol-lowering drugs reduced the risk of death and serious cardiovascular events not only in high-risk patients, but also in those considered low-risk based on standard 10-year heart disease predictions, according to a press release.

While statins are commonly prescribed to people with diabetes, there has been uncertainty about whether patients with a low predicted risk of cardiovascular disease would benefit from taking them.

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To explore this, researchers from the University of Hong Kong analyzed health records from a large U.K. medical database known as IQVIA Medical Research Data.

The study included adults aged 25 to 84 with type 2 diabetes who had no serious heart disease or liver problems when the study began. Participants were followed for as long as 10 years, allowing researchers to track long-term outcomes.

The researchers compared people who started taking statins with similar people who did not take them. 

They also grouped patients based on their estimated 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease, ranging from low-risk to higher-risk. This allowed them to assess whether statins were helpful only for higher-risk patients or across the board.

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The results, which were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, showed that statins were linked to meaningful benefits for all groups.

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Adults with type 2 diabetes who took the medications were less likely to die from any cause and less likely to experience major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or other serious heart-related complications.

These benefits were seen even among patients who were considered low-risk based on standard prediction tools, the researchers noted.

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In terms of safety, the study claims to have found little cause for concern. A very small increase in muscle-related side effects, known as myopathy, was observed in one risk group. However, there was no increased risk of liver problems, which is often a concern with statin use.

There may be important differences among people that the data couldn’t fully capture, the researchers wrote in the study publication.

Some health-related factors that were not measured, such as lifestyle habits, diet, exercise, or how closely people follow medical advice, could have affected the outcome, they added.

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Also, some hospital events may not have been fully recorded in the data. That means a few hospitalizations or complications might have been missed or not counted, which could slightly affect the accuracy of the findings.

The researchers recommend that clinicians should consider the potential benefits of statin therapy for most adults with type 2 diabetes, even when short-term cardiovascular risk appears low.

Patients with type 2 diabetes should speak with their doctor before starting or changing statin therapy, as individual health factors, potential side effects and personal cardiovascular risk should be considered.

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Hidden heart changes may be triggered by exercise, new research reveals

Regular exercise may do more than strengthen the heart. It could also reprogram the nerves that control how the heart beats, new research has found.

The discovery could eventually help doctors better treat common conditions such as irregular heart rhythms, chest pain, angina and stress-related "broken-heart" syndrome, according to scientists at the University of Bristol in the U.K.

The study, which looked at lab rats after 10 weeks of aerobic exercise, found that moderate exercise does not affect the heart’s nerve control system evenly. Instead, it produces distinct and opposing changes on the left and right sides of the body — a split that researchers say has gone largely unnoticed until now.

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On the right side, the nerve hub that sends "go faster" signals to the heart developed many more nerve cells, suggesting increased wiring, the study found. 

On the left side, however, the number of nerve cells did not rise as much. Instead, the existing cells grew significantly larger, indicating a different kind of adaptation.

"The discovery points to a previously hidden left–right pattern in the body’s ‘autopilot’ system that helps run the heart," Dr. Augusto Coppi, the study's lead author and a senior lecturer in veterinary anatomy at the University of Bristol, said in a statement.

"This could help explain why some treatments work better on one side than the other — and, in the future, help doctors target therapies more precisely and effectively."

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The findings show that exercise reshapes the heart’s nerve control system in a side-specific way rather than affecting both sides equally, the researchers said. 

Understanding that process could help doctors better target treatments, especially for patients who cannot exercise or whose symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes.

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Researchers compared the nerve clusters, known as the stellate ganglia, to a "dimmer switch" that fine-tunes how strongly the heart is stimulated. That fine-tuning is important because overstimulation of these nerves is linked to chest pain and dangerous heart rhythm problems.

The findings are early-stage and based only on animal research, so they do not prove the same effects in people. 

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The researchers noted that more studies are needed to determine whether similar left–right nerve changes occur in people and whether they could help explain why some heart treatments work better on one side than the other, potentially paving the way for more precise, personalized care.

The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from University College London, the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of São Paulo in Brazil.

The research was published in the journal Autonomic Neuroscience.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the study authors for comment.

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5 celebrities who went public with alarming health diagnoses in 2025

Chronic and fatal diseases do not choose favorites, as many celebrities faced health scares in 2025.

From cancer diagnoses to neurological complications, below are five celebrity health battles that stood out this year.

Kim Kardashian was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm after undergoing a brain scan with psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen of Amen Clinics.

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The 45-year-old reality TV star revealed in a November 2025 episode of "The Kardashians" that the doctor found "holes" in her brain stemming from a potential aneurysm.

"So, what the holes mean is low activity," Amen said in the episode. "The front part of your brain is less active than it should be. With your frontal lobes as they work now, it would be harder to manage stress."

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"It could be the chronic stress that you've been under, trying to think about taking the boards in a couple months and studying 10 hours a day, not to mention all the other things that go on in your life," he went on. "But we have to make it better."

At the time of filming, Kardashian was gearing up to take the California bar exam. She later revealed she did not pass.

"Full House" star Dave Coulier announced the return of cancer, just months after declaring he was cancer-free.

The comedian, 66, was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2024. He then announced his recovery in March after six months of chemotherapy.

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But in October, Coulier reported a second diagnosis of HPV-related oropharyngeal tongue cancer, reportedly with no warning signs.

"To go through chemotherapy and feel that relief of ‘Whoa, it’s gone,’ and then to get a test that says, ‘Well, now you’ve got another kind of cancer’ ... it’s a shock to the system," Coulier shared on "Today."

The confirmed early-stage P16 carcinoma was "totally unrelated" to the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is mostly likely linked to the presence of long-term HPV, he added.

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"They said it could stem from having an HPV virus up to 30 years ago," he said. "A lot of people carry the HPV virus, but they said mine activated and turned into a carcinoma."

"We found it early enough where it’s very treatable. ... It’s got a 90% curability rate."

"Grey’s Anatomy" alum Eric Dane has been battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, this year.

Dane announced his diagnosis to People in April 2025, noting his gratitude for the support of his "loving family" and the ability to return to the set of HBO’s "Euphoria."

The actor opened up about his developing condition with "Good Morning America," telling host Diane Sawyer that he only has function in one arm.

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He also shared that he’s "very hopeful" and willing to go to extreme lengths to combat the neurodegenerative disease.

"I don't think this is the end of my story," he said in the same interview. "And whether it is or it isn't, I'm gonna carry that idea with me."

Dane was later hospitalized during the night of the Emmy Awards in September, after an ALS-related fall led to "getting stiches put in my head," he told The Washington Post.

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Dane’s ex-wife and caretaker, actress Rebecca Gayheart, penned an essay that was recently published in The Cut, revealing that Dane has "24/7 nurses" and is receiving round-the-clock care.

Billy Joel, 76, was diagnosed with a rare brain condition in May 2025, which led to the cancellation of his scheduled concerts.

The five-time Grammy winner announced that he has normal pressure hydrocephalus, which occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside or around the brain.

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"This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance," stated an announcement on Joel’s website.

"Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period."

In July, Joel joined Bill Maher’s podcast "Club Random with Bill Maher," during which he reported his health is "being worked on."

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"I feel fine," he said. "My balance sucks. It’s like being on a boat … It used to be called water on the brain. Now it’s called hydrocephalus — normal pressure hydrocephalus."

"I feel good," he went on. "They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I’m feeling."

In August, celebrity chef Gordan Ramsay revealed that he had a basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, removed from his face.

Ramsay, 58, shared two photos to Instagram post-procedure, one showing a large bandage placed beneath his ear and the other displaying a row of stitches.

"Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend," he warned in the post. "I promise you it’s not a face lift! I’d need a refund…"

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Fox News Digital’s Stephanie Giang-Pounon, Christina Dugan Ramirez, Melissa Rudy and Emily Trainham contributed to this report.

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Best time of day for cancer treatment to maximize survival, according to new study

The time of day patients receive cancer treatments could have an impact on the outcome, a new study suggests.

Research published in Cancer, the official journal of the American Cancer Society, found that patients who received standard immunochemotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) earlier in the day saw "significantly greater benefit" compared to those who got the same treatment later in the afternoon.

In the study, researchers from the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine at Central South University, China, analyzed data from nearly 400 patients who were treated between May 2019 and October 2023.

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All patients had ES-SCLC and received first-line immunotherapy (atezolizumab or durvalumab) along with chemotherapy, according to a press release.

"Our study found that patients who received immunochemotherapy before 3:00 PM had substantially longer progression-free survival and overall survival," lead study author Dr. Yongchang Zhang, medical oncologist and chief director at the Hunan Cancer Hospital in Changsha, China, told Fox News Digital. 

"After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, earlier administration was associated with a 52% lower risk of cancer progression and a 63% lower risk of death."

"It was quite surprising that simply changing the infusion time could lead to such substantial survival benefits for patients," he added.

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The findings align with the idea of chronotherapy, which suggests that the body’s natural daily rhythms affect how the immune system works and how drugs act in the body. 

This means cancer treatments may be more effective at certain times of day, likely because immune activity and drug processing change over the 24-hour cycle, the study suggests.

Based on the findings, Zhang recommends scheduling immunotherapy infusions in the early part of the day.

"Research across multiple cancer types has shown that patients receiving immunotherapy earlier in the day experience longer survival," he noted. "Our findings in non-small cell lung cancer, supported by both multicenter retrospective studies and prospective clinical trials, confirm this pattern."

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Gilberto Lopes, M.D., chief of medical oncology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, noted that previous, similar studies in non-small cell lung cancer have shown better outcomes when immunotherapy is administered earlier in the day, reinforcing the idea that the immune system follows circadian rhythms that influence treatment response. 

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"In that sense, the results are biologically plausible and consistent with a growing body of evidence across cancers," Lopes, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "What is striking is that this signal now appears in small cell lung cancer, a disease where outcomes have been notoriously difficult to improve."

The study did have some limitations, as detailed in the published study. Most notably, the study was retrospective and observational, meaning it could not prove a cause-and-effect relationship between timing of treatments and outcomes.

With this type of study, Lopes said, "investigators start with an idea and go back and review patient records." In this case, other factors can have an impact on the outcome, according to the oncologist.

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"For instance, did patients who come early in the day have a better quality of life, performance status and socioeconomic status and that is what made the difference?" he asked. "Or something else we don’t know? These results need to be confirmed prospectively to eliminate known and unknown sources of bias."

Zhang also pointed out that this was a single-center study including only Chinese patients. "To obtain more definitive evidence, prospective clinical trials conducted across multiple countries and diverse populations are needed," he told Fox News Digital.

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to conduct randomized trials to confirm these preliminary findings and pinpoint optimal treatment windows based on individual patients’ chronotypes (internal body clocks).

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"This study should not prompt patients to delay treatment or panic about appointment times," Lopes cautioned. "But it raises an important, low-cost question for oncology systems: If scheduling flexibility exists, should earlier infusion times be preferred?"

"The next step is prospective testing, but until then, this research invites us to rethink something medicine usually ignores: timing itself."

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Alzheimer’s disease could be reversed by restoring brain balance, study suggests

Scientists may have pinpointed a way to reverse Alzheimer’s disease in an animal study.

The study, led by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, found that restoring a central cellular energy molecule in mice’s brains reversed the markers of the disease, including brain changes and cognitive decline.

Researchers analyzed two Alzheimer’s mouse models — as well as human Alzheimer’s brain tissue — and found severe levels of NAD+ decline.

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NAD+, an enzyme that is essential for energy production, cell maintenance and long-term cell health, naturally declines with age, according to senior study author Andrew A. Pieper, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Brain Health Medicines Center at Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio.

"When NAD+ falls below necessary levels, cells cannot effectively perform essential maintenance and survival functions," he told Fox News Digital.

Dr. Charles Brenner, chief scientific advisor for Niagen, which specializes in products that boost NAD+ levels, shared that NAD+ plays a significant role in powering organs that require high energy, including the brain.

"The brain consumes around 20% of your body’s energy and has high demand for NAD+ for cellular energy production and DNA repair," Brenner, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "This is because NAD+ plays a key role in the way that neurons adapt to a range of physiological stressors and support processes associated with brain health."

Research demonstrates the potential benefits of NAD+ supplementation in brain health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and ataxia telangiectasia, he added.

In the UH Cleveland study, researchers used a medication called P7C3-A20 to restore normal levels of NAD+ in mice models, which was found to block the onset of Alzheimer’s. In brains with advanced Alzheimer’s, it reversed amyloid and tau build-up and fully restored cognitive function, according to the researchers. 

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​​Treated mice also showed normalized blood levels of phosphorylated tau 217, an important clinical biomarker used in human Alzheimer’s research.

"For more than a century, Alzheimer's has been considered irreversible," Pieper said. "Our experiments provide a proof of principle that some forms of dementia may not be inevitably permanent."

The researchers were "struck" by how robustly the advanced Alzheimer’s was reversed in mice’s brains when NAD+ homeostasis was restored, even without directly targeting amyloid plaques.

"This gives reason for cautious optimism that similar strategies may one day benefit people," Pieper added.

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This work builds on previous research from the lab demonstrating that restoring NAD+ balance helped to speed recovery after severe traumatic brain injury.

The study — which was conducted along with Case Western Reserve University and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center — was published last week in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.

The main limitation of the study is that it was only conducted in mouse models and may not directly translate to the disease in humans, according to the researchers.

"Alzheimer's is a complex, multifactorial, uniquely human disease," Pieper told Fox News Digital. "Efficacy in animal models does not guarantee the same results in human patients."

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While drugs have been tested in clinical trials with the goal of slowing Alzheimer’s progression, none have been tested for reversal in humans.

The authors also warned that over-the-counter NAD+-boosting supplements can raise cellular NAD+ to excessively high levels that, in some animal models, have been shown to promote cancer. 

"P7C3-A20, by contrast, enables cells to restore and preserve appropriate NAD+ balance under stress without driving NAD+ to excessively high levels," Pieper noted.

Anyone considering NAD+-modulating supplements should discuss the risks and benefits with their physician, he recommended.

There are also proven lifestyle measures that promote brain resilience, according to the researcher.

"These include prioritizing sufficient sleep, following a MIND or Mediterranean diet, staying cognitively and physically active, maintaining social connections, addressing hearing loss, protecting your head from physical injury, limiting alcohol, and controlling blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors like avoiding smoking," Pieper advised.

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Looking ahead, the team plans to conduct further research into the impact of brain energy balance on cognitive health, and to test whether the strategy works for other age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

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Record-breaking flu numbers reported in New York state, sparking warnings from officials

The New York State Department of Health reported a record surge in influenza activity, with 71,123 positive flu cases recorded statewide during the week ending December 20.

Health officials said the figure represents the highest number of flu cases ever reported in a single week since influenza became a reportable disease in New York in 2004.

State health data show the weekly total reflects a 38% increase from the previous reporting period, signaling a rapidly intensifying flu season.

There have been 189,312 reported positive flu cases so far this season, while influenza-related hospitalizations rose 63% in the most recent week.

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"We are seeing the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week in New York state," Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a press release.

Earlier this month, the department declared influenza prevalent statewide, a designation that requires unvaccinated health care workers to wear masks in patient care settings.

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Health officials continue to emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization from influenza.

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New Yorkers who have not yet received a seasonal flu shot are still encouraged to do so, with experts saying vaccination can offer protection even later in the season.

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To help limit further spread, the department advises individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms — including fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches — to stay home. State health officials also recommend frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.

For those who become ill, officials say antiviral medications are available and are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Health officials also added that people at higher risk for complications should contact a health care provider promptly for evaluation and possible treatment.

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The department noted that flu activity typically peaks in January, meaning case counts could continue to climb in the weeks ahead.

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Traditional Brazilian plant shows unexpected strength against arthritis

A plant used in Brazilian medicine has scientific potential to help people with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Researchers tested Joseph’s Coat (Alternanthera littoralis) in lab studies and found it reduced swelling, protected joint tissue, and appeared safe at the doses used.

Joseph’s Coat grows naturally along Brazil’s coast. Local communities have traditionally used it to ease inflammation, infections, and parasites. Until now, however, there has not been solid scientific evidence showing it works or is safe.

The new study was carried out by teams from universities across Brazil, including the Federal University of Grande Dourados, the State University of Campinas, and São Paulo State University. They published their findings in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

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Scientists first examined the chemical makeup of the plant’s stems and leaves that grow above ground. They prepared an ethanolic extract, meaning they used alcohol to pull out the plant’s active compounds.

In lab models of arthritis, this extract reduced visible swelling.

"In the experimental models, we observed reduced edema, improved joint parameters, and modulation of inflammatory mediators, suggesting antioxidant and tissue-protective actions," Arielle Cristina Arena, associate professor in the Department of Structural and Functional Biology at the Institute of Biosciences at UNESP’s Botucatu Campus, said in a press release.

It also influenced inflammatory pathways and signs of oxidative stress, which can damage tissue during chronic inflammation. 

Joints exposed to the extract showed fewer signs of degeneration and better overall health than untreated controls.

The research team also ran toxicology tests to check for safety. At the tested doses, the plant extract did not trigger harmful effects in the laboratory animals used in the study, suggesting a promising safety profile.

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If further research confirms these results, researchers say that Joseph’s Coat could be a source for new plant-based anti-inflammatory treatments.

Modern arthritis drugs can be effective but often have side effects that limit long-term use. The team says that natural compounds with fewer side effects could offer alternatives or complements in future therapies.

The study was conducted in animals, not humans, so the findings cannot be directly applied to patients with arthritis.

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Human bodies process compounds differently, and treatments that work in lab models do not always translate into safe or effective therapies for people.

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The study also focused on a specific extract prepared under controlled conditions, meaning store-bought or homemade versions of the plant could vary widely in strength and safety.

In addition, the research does not identify which specific compounds in the plant are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects.

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Without this information, it is difficult to standardize doses or predict long-term outcomes. 

The scientists note that further studies are needed to isolate active ingredients, test long-term safety, and eventually conduct clinical trials in humans.

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Did holiday stress wreak havoc on your gut? Doctors say 6 simple tips can help

If the stress of the holidays wreaked havoc on your gut, you’re not alone — 76% of Americans experience gastrointestinal distress during the holiday season, according to a recent national survey from Oshi Health and YouGov.

Digestive problems can be triggered not only by holiday overeating, but also by stress. Financial worries, disrupted routines, fatigue and interpersonal dynamics rank as some of the top causes.

"I see an uptick in psychiatry-related GI issues during the holiday season," Dr. Claire Brandon, a gastrointestinal psychiatrist based in New York City, told Fox News Digital. "When you are undergoing stress, your body produces more corticotropin-releasing hormones, which sets off a cascade of the inflammatory system."

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Stress hormones can act directly on the gut, leading to more digestive distress and pushing the body out of "rest-and-digest mode," Brandon said.

"Stress activates the sympathetic — fight, flight, freeze — nervous system, which slows digestion," added Dr. David Clarke, an Oregon-based gastroenterologist and president of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms. "That can lead to bloating, cramps, nausea and sometimes abdominal pain."

The good news, doctors say, is that a few simple, realistic steps can help reset the digestive system after the holidays.

Sleep plays a major role in gut health. Research shows that insufficient or disrupted sleep can change the composition and function of the gut microbiome, potentially affecting metabolic and immune factors that influence overall health.

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"When I travel and get derailed, my main focus is to reset my sleep," Brandon said. She recommends reestablishing wind-down routines like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.

Fiber helps keep digestion moving and supports healthy gut bacteria, which can aid post-holiday recovery, experts say.

"The usual principles for supporting digestion apply here," said Clarke. "Consuming a balanced diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes; avoiding highly processed foods; and moderating alcohol will keep your gut microbiome happy."

Staying hydrated will also aid digestion, Clarke said, noting that light-colored urine is a good indicator of hydration.

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Traveling can be particularly tough on the gut, experts say, especially during flights where low cabin humidity causes the body to pull water from the bowels, leading to constipation. 

Drinking water before, during, and after flights — and limiting alcohol and caffeine — can help counteract dehydration-related digestive slowdowns. Experts also recommend sipping water consistently throughout the day.

Both doctors agreed that exercise supports digestion and stress regulation, which are both key to gut recovery. 

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"Going on walks can be enough to help with this, but if you have space to do more, including some gentle stretching, that can be a huge help," Brandon advised.

Stress management plays a critical role in gut health, and experts say that small, consistent habits can help ease gastrointestinal symptoms.

Brandon recommends calming the nervous system with breathing or grounding exercises and slowing down at meals. 

"If you’re constantly running on fumes, on a layover in the airport, eating high sugar and doing things off your routine, expect a few disruptions with your gut," she said. "Reframe it as something that you can reset when you get home."

Clarke says that detoxes and cleanses are not necessary and can actually be harmful. Instead, he recommends sticking to the basics — including hydration, balanced meals, regular sleep and movement.

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Doctors say the gut is designed to recover on its own in response to consistently healthy practices rather than extreme resets.

While short-lived symptoms can improve within hours and are usually temporary, experts say lingering or worsening issues shouldn’t be ignored.

"If you are back home and struggling to feel your usual baseline while back on your routine, it’s probably worth checking in with your physician," Brandon advised.

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Exercise affects the heart in a hidden, powerful way by rewiring nerves, study finds

Regular exercise may do more than strengthen the heart. It could also reprogram the nerves that control how the heart beats, new research has found.

The discovery could eventually help doctors better treat common conditions such as irregular heart rhythms, chest pain, angina and stress-related "broken-heart" syndrome, according to scientists at the University of Bristol in the U.K.

The study, which looked at lab rats trained over 10 weeks, found that moderate exercise does not affect the heart’s nerve control system evenly. Instead, it produces distinct and opposing changes on the left and right sides of the body. a split researchers say has gone largely unnoticed until now.

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"The discovery points to a previously hidden left–right pattern in the body’s 'autopilot’ system that helps run the heart," Dr. Augusto Coppi, the study's lead author and a senior lecturer in veterinary anatomy at the University of Bristol, said in a statement.

"This could help explain why some treatments work better on one side than the other and, in the future, help doctors target therapies more precisely and effectively," Coppi added.

After 10 weeks of aerobic exercise, the researchers examined the animals’ heart control nerves and found left–right differences that did not appear in inactive rats, according to the research published in the journal Autonomic Neuroscience in September.

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On the right side, the nerve hub that sends "go faster" signals to the heart developed many more nerve cells, suggesting increased wiring. On the left side, however, the number of nerve cells did not rise as much. Instead, the existing cells grew significantly larger, indicating a different kind of adaptation.

The findings show that exercise reshapes the heart’s nerve control system in a side-specific way rather than affecting both sides equally, the researchers said. Understanding that process could help doctors better target treatments, especially for patients who cannot exercise or whose symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes.

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Researchers compared the nerve clusters, known as the stellate ganglia, to a "dimmer switch" that fine-tunes how strongly the heart is stimulated. That fine-tuning is important because overstimulation of these nerves is linked to chest pain and dangerous heart rhythm problems.

The findings are early stage and based on animal research, however. So, they do not prove the same effects in people. More studies are needed before they could affect patient care.

Researchers say future studies will explore whether similar left–right nerve changes occur in people and whether they could help explain why some heart treatments work better on one side than the other, potentially paving the way for more precise, personalized care for angina and heart rhythm disorders.

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The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from University College London, the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of São Paulo in Brazil.

The findings add to growing evidence that regular, moderate exercise benefits the heart in ways scientists are beginning to understand better.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the study authors for comment.

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Anti-aging breakthroughs revealed in 2025 that could extend lifespan

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH — 4 anti-aging approaches revealed in 2025 that may help Americans live longer

GOING VIRAL — Find out where this season’s highly contagious flu variant is spreading the most

SEASONAL RISK — Holiday heart attacks spike as doctors share hidden triggers and prevention tips

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KNOW YOUR NUMBERS — 3 markers of health could help with weight-loss strategies, obesity expert reveals

INVISIBLE BURDEN — A misunderstood illness leaves millions exhausted, with most cases undiagnosed

DIGESTIVE DANGER — Frequent heartburn may be a warning sign of a more serious condition, doctor says

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5 fitness trends that went viral in 2025 — experts weigh hype vs results

An estimated 80% of Americans reported participating in sports and fitness activities in the past year, representing an all-time high, according to a 2025 report.

From TikTok routines to old-school military tactics and high-tech machines, this year's fitness trends promised big results with surprisingly simple moves — but experts say not all gains are created equal.

Below is a roundup of five standout trends from 2025, complete with fitness trainers' takes on each approach.

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The 12-3-30 workout — which entails walking at a 12% incline at 3 mph for 30 minutes — exploded on TikTok and is now supported by research. A new study compared it to "self-paced" treadmill running, matching total calories burned between the two.

Running burned energy faster — roughly 13 calories per minute versus 10 calories per minute for 12-3-30, the study found. The walking method used more fat as fuel, however, with about 41% of energy coming from fat compared to 33% with running.

Maelee Wells Sutton, a certified personal trainer at Crunch Fitness in New York, previously told Fox News Digital it's "no surprise" that higher-intensity running burns calories faster. "Walking at 12-3-30 is certainly more intense than walking on a flat surface, but is less intense than a run," she noted.

Weighted vests, long used in military training, resurfaced as a social media craze this year, with TikTok searches for #weightedvest drawing more than 30 million views.

"They’ve been used for decades in athletic and military training, but social media has helped reintroduce them to mainstream fitness," sports scientist Dr. Mark Kovacs previously told Fox News Digital.

THE BEST WEIGHTED VESTS TO POWER UP ANY WORKOUT

"You turn everyday walking into a slightly more demanding workout without changing the movement," the Atlanta-based doctor added.

Research shows weighted vests can increase calorie burn and cardiovascular demand, but long-term outcomes are mixed.

"Focus on posture and slowly add weight over time," Kovacs advised. "Always listen to your body. Discomfort is a sign to back off."

Sparked by high-profile users like Ivanka Trump and Gisele Bündchen, jiu-jitsu is getting new attention as both a workout and a life skill.

The Valente brothers, based in Miami, Florida, train Ivanka Trump and her family. They describe jiu-jitsu as a physical, mental and emotional practice grounded in their "7-5-3 code" philosophy, aimed at "spiritual, mental and physical wellness."

"We have students starting as young as 3 years old and as old as 87 continuing their training," Joaquim Valente previously told Fox News Digital. "It creates an opportunity for everyone to engage."

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Beyond self-defense, the trainers frame jiu-jitsu as a way to build presence and emotional control.

"Self-defense is a human necessity," Pedro Valente said, emphasizing that "the best self-defense is always avoidance. If you get into a physical fight, you're already a step behind."

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On the fitness side, Gui Valente highlighted the full-body demand of jiu jitsu: "You work every single muscle in your body, in different ways. You have to be able to develop great stamina … as well as flexibility and mobility."

Another popular fitness trend in 2025 was simply to get out of bed in the morning and jump 50 times.

Kathryn Smith, creator of the trend, admitted that she’s not naturally disciplined. "I am a lazy person by nature. I always have been. I'm never gonna do something that I don't want to do," she says in her TikTok clip.

"How I've gotten to the point I am right now has been very, very, very baby steps. So, the first thing is morning jumping … What I do when I get out of bed, my feet touch the ground, I jump 50 times."

She credits the habit for providing a quick mental lift. "How do you get oxygen to your brain? Increase your blood flow. How do you increase your blood? Increase your heart rate. Jump up and down."

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Sports nutrition expert Maura MacDonald said the trend caught on due to its ease of access. "It’s a lot easier to get out of bed and jump 50 times than to lace up your sneakers and head out for a run, or go to the gym and do deadlifts," she previously told Fox News Digital.

Vibration plates  — platforms that use whole-body vibration — are trending as a potential shortcut for fat loss and strength.

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Using constant muscle "contracting and relaxing," the machines may help with "strength, flexibility, circulation and bone mass," according to fitness tutorials. Experts also warn that the plates are "no substitute for the basics of good health, like regular exercise and a healthy diet."

Nic Wilson, a fitness trainer at F45 Training in Hollwood, California, previously noted that vibration plates can indeed boost neuromuscular demand, forcing muscles to "contract more frequently," and that even 10- to 15-minute sessions can offer some benefit.

"While they can enhance muscle activation, vibration plates alone are not a high-calorie-burning workout and won’t replace traditional cardio or strength training for weight loss or conditioning," he cautioned.

Some research suggests that vibration plates may help support weight loss when paired with calorie reduction, and could also help to reduce back pain and high blood pressure.

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Seniors taking multiple medications may face unexpected health effects

Older adults discharged from hospitals on multiple medications are less likely to regain independence during rehabilitation, a new study suggests.

The Japanese study, published in the journal BMC Geriatrics Dec. 17, explored the effects of polypharmacy — defined as taking six or more regular medications on a regular basis — at a convalescent rehabilitation hospital in Japan.

The retrospective observational study looked at 1,903 patients 65 and older who underwent rehabilitation at the hospital from April 2017 to March 2024, according to a press release.

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The patients had one of three conditions: cerebrovascular disease (a disorder of the brain’s blood vessels that reduce or block blood flow), motor disorder (a condition that affects movement and muscle control) or disuse syndrome (inactivity leading to muscle weakness and physical decline).

Of the total group, 62.1% of the patients were taking six or more medications when they were discharged from the hospital, and more than 76% of them were 80 or older. 

Those taking multiple medications were also more likely to be taking benzodiazepine receptor agonists (taken for anxiety or insomnia), laxatives and psychotropic medications (mainly used for depression, anxiety, psychosis and other mood disorders). 

The researchers determined that those with polypharmacy who had cerebrovascular disease and disuse syndrome scored significantly lower in the functional independence measure (FIM), which assesses how independently a person can perform everyday activities, especially after illness, injury or hospitalization. Those in the motor disorder group didn’t show any link between polypharmacy and FIM.

The negative effects were stronger among adults over 80 and those recovering from stroke-related conditions or general weakness due to inactivity.

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Based on these findings, the researchers suggest that reviewing and reducing unnecessary medications could help improve recovery for those undergoing rehabilitation.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, refers to polypharmacy with seniors as a "risky proposition."

"Even though each medication may have a purpose, often important, we must keep in mind that the ability to tolerate various medications and metabolize them efficiently diminishes as you get older," he told Fox News Digital.

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"For example, a med that sedates you or even has the potential to disorient you may be more likely to do so as you become elderly."

Drug interactions also tend to increase as patients grow older, Siegel added. 

"This must all be monitored carefully by your physician, and, sometimes, less is more," he said.

The study did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged. Due to its retrospective and observational design, it does not prove that the medications caused the outcome.

The researchers also lacked data on specific doses of the medications and the intensity of the rehabilitation, they noted. Also, the study was conducted at just a single hospital, so the results may not apply to more general populations.

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Future research is needed to determine which specific medications most affect recovery and to explore the best approaches for reducing prescriptions.

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4 anti-aging approaches revealed in 2025 that may help Americans live longer

On average, Americans want to live to be 91 years old, according to a recent Pew Research survey — a goal that has driven a focus on longevity-boosting practices.

Over 60% of U.S. adults use supplements, and most prioritize long-term health and wellness behaviors as part of an anti-aging approach, research has shown.

In 2025, researchers revealed the following anti-aging discoveries that may help you live a longer life.

COMMON DAILY VITAMIN SHOWN TO SLOW AGING PROCESS OVER 4-YEAR PERIOD

A study by researchers at Mass General Brigham and the Medical College of Georgia discovered that taking vitamin D supplements may protect against biological aging.

Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in May 2025 found that supplementing with daily vitamin D3 can reduce biological wear and tear equivalent to nearly three years of aging.

Three months later, researchers at Harvard confirmed this correlation with their own study published in the same journal.

Daily vitamin D3 supplementation was found to prevent the shortening of telomeres, the protective ends on chromosome strands, which is a hallmark of aging.

An April 2025 study by Maharishi International University (MIU), the University of Siegen, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences found that transcendental meditation can significantly alleviate stress and slow down aging.

The long-term meditation practice involves silently repeating a mantra in your head to achieve deep relaxation.

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The study, published in the journal Biomolecules, found that participants who practiced transcendental meditation had lower expression of the genes associated with inflammation and aging.

"These results support other studies indicating that the transcendental meditation technique can reverse or remove long-lasting effects of stress," co-author Kenneth Walton, a senior researcher at MIU, previously told Fox News Digital. "Lasting effects of stress are now recognized as causing or contributing to all diseases and disorders."

A September 2025 study discovered that GLP-1 drugs, which are designed for diabetes and weight loss, could significantly reduce mortality for Americans.

Researchers at Swiss Re, a reinsurance company in Zurich, Switzerland, estimated that GLP-1 drugs could lead to a 6.4% reduction in all-cause mortality in the U.S. by 2045. In the U.K., more than a 5% reduction in mortality was projected over the same 20 years.

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Obesity is one factor that has "stalled progress in life expectancy," as it is linked to 70% of the leading causes of death in high-income countries, according to the researchers.

In October 2025, various research investigated the impact of social engagement on longevity.

A study published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that social relationships can slow cellular aging.

Researchers at Cornell University explored the long-term benefits of social connections on biological aging.

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"We found that strong social ties can literally slow down the biological aging process," lead study author Anthony Ong previously said in an interview with Fox News Digital. "Strong social ties appear to work in the background over many years, building a more resilient body by reducing the chronic, low-grade inflammation that is a key driver of accelerated aging."

A similar study was published the same month, revealing that creative activities such as music, dance, painting and even certain video games may help keep the brain biologically younger.

Researchers from 13 countries — including teams at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland and SWPS University in Poland — analyzed brain data from more than 1,400 adults of all ages worldwide. Those who regularly pursued creative hobbies had brain patterns that appeared younger than their actual age.

Even short bursts of creative activity, such as a few weeks of strategy-based video gaming, had noticeable benefits.

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Fox News Digital’s Deirdre Bardolf and Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.

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Widely prescribed opioid shows minimal pain relief and higher heart risk, study finds

A widely prescribed opioid painkiller showed limited effectiveness and increased risk of negative effects in a new analysis published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.

The study examined tramadol, a common prescription opioid used to treat chronic pain.

Tramadol has historically been perceived as a safer or less addictive opioid, which has contributed to its widespread use in chronic pain treatment, the study authors noted.

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"Often, we may use tramadol to avoid more addictive drugs like other opioids, though in fact tramadol is a synthetic opioid. It is much milder," Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News, told Fox News Digital.

In the new analysis, researchers used data from 19 randomized clinical trials involving 6,506 adults with conditions including osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. All the studies compared tramadol to a placebo treatment.

Overall, tramadol led to a small decrease in pain, but the amount of relief was less than what is usually considered clinically meaningful, the authors reported.

"It is notable how minimal the pain reduction was and how clearly the study highlighted the elevated risk of serious adverse events, even over relatively short trial durations," Alopi M. Patel, M.D., pain medicine physician at Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai in New York City, told Fox News Digital. (Patel was not involved in the study.)

MORE PEOPLE TURN TO ACUPUNCTURE FOR BACK PAIN AS STUDY SHOWS RELIEF

Participants receiving tramadol experienced a higher risk of adverse events, both serious and non-serious, compared with those receiving a placebo. 

Serious adverse events primarily included cardiovascular events, such as chest pain, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. The authors concluded that tramadol likely increases the risk of heart-related issues.

The authors concluded that the benefits of tramadol for chronic pain are small and that the harms likely outweigh the benefits. The findings call into question the use of tramadol for chronic pain conditions, they stated.

Most of the trials included in the analysis were short, with treatment periods ranging from two to 16 weeks and follow-up periods from three to 15 weeks. This limited the ability to assess long-term outcomes, the researchers acknowledged.

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The authors reported that many outcomes had a high risk of bias, which may have exaggerated the apparent benefits and minimized the reported harms.

The trials involved several different types of chronic pain, but the data were not detailed enough to draw conclusions for any specific condition. This makes it "harder to generalize the findings to specific patient populations," noted Patel.

Though the study has value, Siegel said, "looking at slight increased rates of cancer or heart disease among those on the drug is completely misleading, because it is not controlled for other factors and there is no evidence or hint of causation."

"You would have to first look at underlying characteristics of that group who took the meds."

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The doctor also pointed out that the study "doesn’t compare [tramadol] with full-on opioids like Percocet."

Experts emphasize that patients should not stop taking tramadol abruptly, as doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Those looking to change their medication should consult a doctor.

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"I recommend that clinicians and patients engage in transparent, shared decision-making that considers tramadol’s modest benefits alongside its risks," Patel advised.

Fox News Digital reached out to several manufacturers of tramadol requesting comment.

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Flu by state: Where this season’s highly contagious variant is spreading the most

A new form of the flu, which is highly contagious and aggressive, is sweeping the nation this season.

A mutation of influenza A H3N2, called subclade K, has been detected as the culprit in rising global cases, including in the U.S.

The World Health Organization stated on its website that the K variant marks "a notable evolution in influenza A (H3N2) viruses," which some say calls into question the effectiveness of this season's influenza vaccine against the strain.

‘AGGRESSIVE’ NEW FLU VARIANT SWEEPS GLOBE AS DOCTORS WARN OF SEVERE SYMPTOMS

The K variant causes more intense flu symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat and runny nose, according to experts.

Among 216 influenza A(H3N2) viruses collected since Sept. 28, 89.8% belonged to subclade K, a CDC report states.

The agency continues to release a weekly influenza surveillance report, tracking which states are seeing the most activity for outpatient respiratory illness.

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING YOUR FLU SHOT, ACCORDING TO DOCTORS

Below are the states and regions within the highest range of reported medical visits, not necessarily confirmed influenza cases, as of the week ending Dec. 13.

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The CDC has estimated that there have been at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 flu deaths this season so far. The flu vaccine is recommended as the best line of defense against the virus.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Neil Maniar, professor of public health practice at Boston’s Northeastern University, shared details on the early severity of this emerging flu strain.

"It’s becoming evident that this is a pretty severe variant of the flu," he said. "Certainly, in other parts of the world where this variant has been prevalent, it's caused some severe illness, and we're seeing an aggressive flu season already."

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Subclade K is the "perfect storm" for an aggressive flu season, Maniar suggested, as vaccination rates overall are down, and it's uncertain whether this year's flu vaccine directly addresses this specific mutation.

"The vaccine is very important to get, but because it's not perfectly aligned with this variant, I think that's also contributing to some degree to the severity of cases we're seeing," he said. "We're going in [to this flu season] with lower vaccination rates and a variant that in itself seems to be more aggressive."

Maniar stressed that it's not too late to get the flu vaccine, as peak flu season has not yet arrived.

"The vaccine still provides protection against serious illness resulting from the subclade K variant that seems to be going around," he said. "There are likely to be lots of indoor gatherings and other events that create risk of exposure, so protection is important."

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Even healthy individuals can become seriously ill from the flu, Maniar noted, "so a vaccine is beneficial for almost everyone."

"Individuals typically start to develop some degree of protection within a few days and gain the full benefit within about two weeks, so now is the time for anyone who hasn’t gotten the vaccine yet."

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6 things to know about pancreatic cancer after former senator’s diagnosis

Former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska announced this week that he has been diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 pancreatic cancer, calling the disease "a death sentence" in a message posted on X.

Sasse, 53, said the cancer has spread and acknowledged that he has "less time than I’d prefer," although he also mentioned recent scientific advances and his intention to pursue treatment.

"I’m not going down without a fight," Sasse said when revealing his diagnosis. "One sub-part of God’s grace is found in the jaw-dropping advances science has made the past few years in immunotherapy and more."

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Pancreatic cancer is known to be one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with ongoing research efforts aiming to improve outcomes. 

Below are six key things to know about the disease.

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously aggressive and difficult to treat, according to the American Cancer Society. Most patients are not diagnosed until the disease has already spread to other organs, largely because there aren't reliable screening tests and early symptoms can be vague or absent.

The ACS estimates that 67,440 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2025, and about 51,980 are expected to die from it. The tumor’s biology creates physical and chemical barriers that reduce the effectiveness of many traditional treatments.

Researchers at UCLA recently reported progress on an experimental, off-the-shelf, cell-based immunotherapy designed to attack pancreatic cancer.

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In mouse studies, the therapy slowed tumor growth, extended survival and remained effective even after the cancer had spread to other organs, such as the liver and lungs. 

The treatment uses special immune cells called natural killer T (NKT) cells, which are genetically modified so they can specifically recognize and attack pancreatic cancer cells.

Unlike personalized therapies, the NKT cells are naturally compatible with different immune systems and can be mass-produced from donor stem cells. 

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Researchers estimate that one donor could supply cells for thousands of treatments, with a potential cost of around $5,000 per dose. All testing so far has been done in mice, and human trials have not yet begun.

Separate research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has suggested that the amino acid cysteine could help the gut heal after cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. 

In mouse studies, cysteine — found in foods like meat, eggs, dairy products, legumes and nuts — helped to regenerate intestinal stem cells that are often damaged during cancer therapy.

Additional unpublished research showed benefits after treatment with 5-fluorouracil, a chemotherapy drug used for colon and pancreatic cancers. Researchers emphasized that human studies are still needed and that cysteine is not a cure for cancer itself.

Recent research published in PLOS Medicine by the International Agency for Research on Cancer found that alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

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The study followed 2.5 million people for about 16 years, finding that each additional 10 grams of ethanol consumed per day was linked to a 3% increase in risk. Higher intake levels were associated with greater risk, particularly with beer and spirits.

Researchers noted that the study was observational and that more work is needed to understand lifetime drinking patterns.

When symptoms do occur, they can include abdominal pain that spreads to the sides or back, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss, according to Mayo Clinic.

Some patients develop jaundice — yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes — along with light-colored or floating stools, dark urine and itching. 

Other possible signs include a new diagnosis of diabetes (or diabetes that becomes harder to control), pain and swelling in an arm or leg that may be linked to a blood clot, and persistent tiredness or weakness.

Those who are experiencing symptoms should consult with a healthcare professional.

Pancreatic cancer risk is influenced by a combination of genetic, medical and lifestyle factors. 

The disease becomes more likely with age, and men are slightly more susceptible, according to the ACS. Those with a family history or inherited genetic mutation also have a higher risk, as do people with type 2 diabetes, obesity and lack of physical activity.

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Diets high in processed or red meats and low in fruits and vegetables, as well as high alcohol consumption, may also contribute to pancreatic cancer risk, along with some occupational chemical exposures, per multiple cancer agencies.

Experts note, however, that many people are diagnosed with the disease despite having no clear risk factors.

Ashley J. DiMella, Angelica Stabile, Deirdre Bardolf, and Alex Nitzberg contributed reporting.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/en1GZw5

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