Holding paper receipts for just 10 seconds can pose health risks, researchers warn

Health researchers are sounding the alarm about an endocrine disruptor commonly found in paper receipts – and they say it doesn't take long for your hands to absorb the chemical.

In an Apr. 14 statement, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced a notice of violation for 32 retailers that allegedly had high levels of Bisphenol S (BPS) in their receipts. 

In the official notice of violation on April 11, the companies named dozens of national corporations.

MEN'S MULTIVITAMINS RECALLED DUE TO UNDECLARED ALLERGEN: FDA

The organization described Bisphenol S (BPS) as the "lesser-known but harmful chemical cousin to BPA in receipt paper," and described the organic compound as "hormone-disrupting."

"BPS, like [Bisphenol A] … mimics estrogen and can disrupt the normal functioning of the body, including metabolism, growth and development, and reproduction," the statement said. 

"Studies show that BPS can be absorbed through skin when handling receipt paper – even for short periods."

THIS ODD DENTAL HABIT COULD SPARK HEART HEALTH RISKS, EXPERTS WARN

The statement claimed that holding a BPS-laced receipt for just 10 seconds could have serious health consequences.

"Based on these studies and testing by an independent lab, the concentrations were so high that touching only one receipt with BPS for 10 seconds resulted in exposure above the safe harbor level, which requires a clear and reasonable warning to consumers," CEH Science Lead Mihir Vohra said in the press release.

CEH stated that a lawsuit will be filed against the alleged violators unless they agree to "provide clear and reasonable warnings" to consumers or "reformulate such products to eliminate the BPS exposures."

The retailers will also have to pay an "appropriate civil penalty."

The organization advised consumers to decline paper receipts whenever possible. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Store workers who must handle receipts should wear gloves if possible or avoid using alcohol-based hand cleaners before handling a receipt, because it can significantly increase the absorption of BPS," said CEH Senior Director Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon in the release.

"Receipts are made from thermal paper, which shouldn’t be recycled because they contain bisphenols like BPA and BPS, which can contaminate the recycling stream and pose health and environmental risks."

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel noted that digital receipts are more prevalent than ever. 

"We are definitely moving in the direction of digital receipts anyway," the medical expert told Fox News Digital.

Siegel also noted that many Americans are exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) without noticing it – for example, it can commonly be found on smartphone cases, despite not being found on iPhones.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

More research needs to be done on the impact of "forever chemicals" like BPS, the doctor suggested.

"Forever chemicals are everywhere and there is a concern about fertility," Siegel cautioned. 

"We need to do a better job of documenting and limiting exposure."

BPS has been scrutinized in recent years over its potential to adversely impact people's health.

In 2021, German researchers found that the chemical compound could "seriously damage" human brains after studying its effects on the nerve cells of goldfish.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/Wg1JRY6

Read More

Reality star shares deadly melanoma update as doctors discuss prognosis

Reality star and podcaster Teddi Mellencamp, 43, has been fighting for her life after the spread of a deadly form of skin cancer — and on Wednesday, she revealed some optimistic news.

Mellencamp, daughter of singer John Mellencamp and former cast member of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," has spoken openly about the trajectory of her stage 4 melanoma.

"What we have to remember is that my cancer was skin cancer. The last time we spoke here was, like, I had skin cancer, melanoma, on my back," the mother of three shared during a recent interview with Extra.

'RHOBH' STAR TEDDI MELLENCAMP'S TUMORS HAVE 'SIGNIFICANTLY SHRUNK' AS SHE FIGHTS STAGE 4 CANCER

"This metastasized, which is still a form of melanoma, but into my brain, into my lungs."

Mellencamp has undergone surgery to remove four brain tumors, but an additional five tumors are still intact. She is also receiving ongoing immunotherapy and radiation treatments, she has shared on her podcast, "Two Ts In A Pod."

Mellencamp revealed in another interview with Nightline that doctors have given her a 50/50 chance of survival.

"50/50? I wouldn’t buy a car that’s only gonna drive 50 percent of the time. I don’t want this," she joked. "And he’s like, ‘No, it’s only because that’s how long immunotherapy has been around, so that’s how long the study has worked.’ So that’s when I try to then find the positive."

On Wednesday, Mellencamp revealed in an Instagram post that her latest scan shows that all metastasized tumors in her brain and lungs have "shrunk or disappeared."

BLOOD TEST COULD PREDICT SKIN CANCER RECURRENCE, STUDY SHOWS

"My tumors have significantly shrunk, which doctors believe means that this all will work and that I will be back to myself," she said in the video. 

"I’m feeling good," Mellencamp went on. "I have two more sessions of immunotherapy, and then hopefully I am done and I will be cancer-free. I’m going to keep a positive outlook, because that’s how my doctor just spoke to me — he said, ‘You did this. You got this.’"

Fox News Digital reached out to Mellencamp for comment.

The incidence rate of metastatic melanoma is 0.9 per 100,000 people, per data from the National Cancer Institute.

"Melanoma has a significantly higher chance of spreading than basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the most common types of skin cancer," said Marcus Monroe, MD, an associate professor in the Division of Otolaryngology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, in an interview with Fox News Digital. 

The chances of melanoma spreading to other locations increases with each stage of cancer.

"For the earliest stage, this risk is estimated at less than 5%, increasing for patients with stage 2 disease to a wider range, from 5% at the low end up to 40% to 50% for the most advanced stage 2 patients," said Monroe.

CANCER REPORT REVEALS SURPRISING NEW DATA ON DEATHS, DIAGNOSES

In stage 3 patients (those with regional spread either via in-transit metastases or to adjacent lymph nodes), up to 30% to 40% will develop distant metastases, with a 16% to 17% risk of brain metastases, the doctor added.

The brain and lungs are the most common sites of metastasis for melanoma, experts confirmed.

If the patient has lesions that are deep in the skin or involve the lymph nodes, the chance of melanoma spreading is higher — anywhere from 20% to 70%, according to Jose Lutzky, MD, director of cutaneous oncology services at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in South Florida.

Metastatic melanoma was once considered mostly treatment-resistant because it did not respond to traditional chemotherapy and radiation, noted Dr. Joshua Strauss from Advanced Care Oncology and Hematology Associates of the Atlantic Medical Group in Morristown, New Jersey.

MELANOMA PATIENTS REVEAL DRAMATIC STORIES FOR SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: ‘I THOUGHT I WAS CAREFUL’

"Nowadays, using targeted therapies and immunotherapy survival has been dramatically improved, and there is a possibility of long-term remission with treatment," Strauss told Fox News Digital.

Lutzky noted that melanoma is almost always curable by surgical removal when it’s detected early. 

"Because of advances in the treatment of melanoma over the last 10 to 15 years, even very advanced melanoma can be cured in up to 50% of cases with modern immunotherapy treatment," he told Fox News Digital. 

"More recently, cell therapy has been approved to treat those advanced melanomas that do not respond to immunotherapy."

To prevent melanoma, it’s important to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation, especially in people with lightly pigmented skin, Strauss advised. 

"Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing are critical," he said.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying water-resistant sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, and SPF 30 or higher, before sun exposure.

"Indoor tanning bed use should be avoided because it is known to be associated with increased melanoma risk," Strauss added.

High-risk individuals should also have yearly skin checks with a dermatologist.  

"This includes individuals with a personal history of skin cancer, family history of melanoma, people who take medications that suppress the immune system, and people who are highly sun-sensitive, such as those with red or blond hair, light skin pigmentation, significant freckling and light eye color," the oncologist said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Strauss uses the acronym ABCDE to differentiate between a normal mole and a melanoma. 

"Moles with Asymmetry, irregular Borders, multiple Colors, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving or changing characteristics require further evaluation," he said. 

The doctors who spoke to Fox News Digital — none of whom have treated Mellencamp — shared their sentiments about the television personality’s cancer battle.

"Teddi’s situation is quite serious, but there is cause for hope and optimism with the new treatments we now have available for melanoma," Strauss said.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Monroe added, "Our thoughts go out to Teddi and we wish her the very best as she faces this challenge."

"Her courage in sharing her story and raising awareness of melanoma may just make the difference in someone else receiving lifesaving care."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/1lSK2xh

Read More

Dancing can help relieve cancer-related side effects, early data shows

Dancing it out can be a great way to recover from chemo.

That's according to new research from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, which found that dancing the tango can boost neurological recovery in cancer patients by reducing lingering symptoms of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN) is a condition that can occur anywhere throughout the body, but mostly impacts the hands, feet and limbs, according to an OSU press release.

EXPERIMENTAL WOMEN'S CANCER DRUG BOOSTS SURVIVAL RATES IN NOTABLE STUDY

Eighty percent of breast cancer survivors experience CIN, which can cause pain, falls, difficulty walking and diminished quality of life, experts say.

The DAANCE study assessed how the adapted Argentine tango can help restore mobility and alleviate symptoms like numbness, burning, tingling and loss of feeling in these problem areas.

The study, led by Lise Worthen-Chaudhari, PhD, a scientist in the OSU Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, was funded by the National Institute on Aging.

POPULAR COFFEE ALTERNATIVE MAY HELP PREVENT CANCER, SAY EXPERTS

Worthen-Chaudhari, a former dancer herself, expressed the need for alternative treatment options for CIN.

The researcher and her team designed the study for breast cancer survivors experiencing CIN who had received their last chemotherapy treatment at least three months prior.

In the early stages of the study, the researchers found that small doses of social dance improved dual-task function compared to larger doses of at-home exercise.

This could be due to the cognitive engagement of dual-task functioning, the researchers concluded.

Just 20 minutes of social dance a few times a week could begin to "rewire the neuropathways that have been impacted by cancer treatment," according to Worthen-Chaudhari.

Preliminary data also shows that dancing the tango can lead to improvements in balance, cognitive function, motor function and neuropathy symptoms.

‘I’M A CANCER SURVIVOR – HERE'S WHAT I'VE CUT FROM MY KITCHEN'

The rhythm of the Argentine tango, at 120 beats per minute, helps activate a "neural phenomenon" called "entrainment," where "two or more oscillating systems (like brainwaves or behaviors) align," the researchers noted.

Given tango's ideal cadence, Worthen-Chaudhari told Fox News Digital that it "made sense" that doing the dance a couple of times per week would deliver positive effects of "movement, rhythmic entrainment and social connection, all at once, in a way that promoted recovery more than any of those elements in isolation."

Pilot data shows that this repetitive, slow music and walking dance help re-map nerves damaged by chemotherapy, she added.

Other institutions have also reported success in balance and cognition after using adapted tango with Parkinson’s disease patients.

This therapy could help individuals with other conditions, such as diabetes, dementia, neurodegenerative diseases and general aging, Worthen-Chaudhari noted.

An expanded five-year study will continue to look into dual-task performance, with plans to recruit 140 breast cancer survivors at the OSU Cancer Center.

The researchers will explore whether the effects of tango therapy can be sustained over time to improve movement and cognitive functions.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"In essence, this work is about helping survivors reclaim their lives and thrive, rather than just survive," Worthen-Chaudhari wrote in the release.

"It’s about providing them with a fun, effective way to improve their sensory motor skills and reduce the fear of falling, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being."

Worthen-Chaudhari, shared that she was "delighted" to find that tango with a friend could work just as well as exercise to alleviate these symptoms.

"I wanted to know if tango could do more than prevent decline ... if it could stimulate neuro-recovery among those trying to recover from neuro-trauma," she told Fox News Digital.

"I'm excited about an option that doesn't require sweating, such that you have to shower before going back to work or out to dinner."

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

"In retrospect, I can see that it makes sense, but I was surprised that the results were clear even in an initial study of the idea," the scientist added.

She assured, "There is hope for recovery from the beating that cancer gives your body, brain and nerves."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/VZ41iHb

Read More

Blood test could predict skin cancer recurrence, study shows

Researchers at NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center have revealed that blood tests could predict the return of skin cancer.

Melanoma is a less common form of skin cancer that is more dangerous than other varieties, according to the American Cancer Society. 

This is because it’s much more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not found and treated early.

CANCER REPORT REVEALS SURPRISING NEW DATA ON DEATHS, DIAGNOSES

The new cancer research, published in The Lancet Oncology journal, examined the levels of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) found in cancer patients' blood.

Approximately 80% of stage 3 melanoma patients who had detectable levels of ctDNA (before they started treatment) went on to experience a return of the cancer later, according to a press release from NYU Langone.

Stage 3 melanoma – one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer – occurs when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

POPULAR COFFEE ALTERNATIVE MAY HELP PREVENT CANCER, SAY EXPERTS

The lymph nodes can be surgically removed, but once they’re gone, that makes it harder to monitor for cancer using traditional methods such as X-rays and CT scans, researchers noted.

That challenge has sparked interest in finding new ways to detect cancer activity sooner.

"Our findings suggest that circulating tumor DNA tests could help oncologists identify which melanoma patients are most likely to respond well to therapy," said lead author Mahrukh Syeda in the release.

Early detection of the disease’s return through ctDNA analysis could save lives, according to Syeda, as this type of cancer is notoriously difficult to treat once it has spread.

The study analyzed results from nearly 600 men and women who participated in an earlier clinical trial. Researchers used blood samples to compare ctDNA presence and evidence of cancer returning.

The team accounted for other factors like sex, age, and type of therapy used to combat the cancer.

COMMON MEDICAL TEST LINKED TO 5% OF CANCERS, STUDY SUGGESTS: ‘USE THEM WISELY’

Almost all patients who had detectable levels of ctDNA within one year of treatment experienced a return of melanoma.

"The ctDNA method works by focusing on the most common mutations in the genetic code in melanoma cells," according to the release.

Assessing ctDNA levels was as good or better at predicting recurrence than other tests that involve examining the tumor itself, the researchers found.

"Unlike standard, tissue-based analyses of tumor cells, which can only suggest the likelihood of recurrence, circulating tumor DNA tests provide a clear, direct measure of the disease itself and can tell us outright that melanoma has returned," said senior author and dermatologist David Polsky in the press release.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

In some cases, however, the cancer still returned even though patients had negative ctDNA tests before starting therapy.

Researchers plan to improve the sensitivity of the tests in the next study in hopes of reducing cases like these.

Dr. Joshua Strauss, an attending hematologist and medical oncologist at Advanced Care Oncology and Hematology Associates of the Atlantic Medical Group in Morristown, New Jersey, applauded the research.

"This is another in a line of studies touting the powerful technologies that are now able to detect tumor DNA circulating in the blood in various tumor types," he told Fox News Digital.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

"It is clear from this paper and others that persistent circulating tumor DNA after a curative surgery is a poor prognostic sign, suggesting a high risk for early recurrence," Strauss went on.

The next step in the evolution of this technology, according to the oncologist, will be to use this information "not just in a prognostic way, but in a predictive way to help guide management choices."

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

Read More

'I'm a neurologist — here's why dementia is rising and how to reduce your risk’

Dementia cases continue to rise in the U.S., with people over age 55 facing a 42% risk of developing the condition in their lifetime.

A recent study led by Johns Hopkins predicted half a million dementia cases in 2025 and one million per year by 2060.

That doesn’t mean people are powerless in reducing their risk, however, according to Dr. Joel Salinas, a behavioral neurologist and associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

BLOOD PRESSURE AND DEMENTIA RISK SHARE SURPRISING LINK, STUDY SUGGESTS

Salinas joined Fox News Digital in an on-camera interview to discuss what’s driving the spike in dementia cases and what behavioral changes could provide some degree of cognitive protection. (See the video at the top of the article.)

One of the biggest factors in the increase is demographics, noted Salinas, who is also the co-founder and chief medical officer of Isaac Health, a virtual memory clinic for brain health and memory issues.

"The baby boomer population, being one of the largest groups, is also the fastest-aging group," he told Fox News Digital. "As we get more and more baby boomers — not just over 65, but into their 70s and 80s — we're going to see more and more of them developing some degree of cognitive impairment due to a plethora of reasons."

Age is indeed the biggest risk factor, he noted.

"After age 65, our risk starts to increase. By the time we get to our 80s, that risk is about one in three," he said. "And then after 85, it starts to go up even higher, to almost one in two."

The pandemic could have played a role as well, the neurologist said.

"This is still being understood, but it seems like COVID-19 also affected blood vessels in the body and the brain," he said. "So people who already had a vulnerability for developing dementia could have had an acceleration or an earlier presentation."

STROKE, DEMENTIA AND DEPRESSION SHARE THESE 17 PREVENTABLE RISK FACTORS

Research has also shown that loneliness and social isolation can increase one’s risk of cognitive decline. 

"We know that individuals who don't have a lot of social engagement are at a higher risk," Salinas said. 

"There's still a lot being done to figure out, you know, the chicken or the egg — is it that you're developing the disease and you're presenting with symptoms of loneliness earlier than others, or is it the loneliness and social isolation that increases your risk? I think it's probably both."

There is a genetic component of dementia, the neurologist said, but the good news is that it’s rare.

SMARTPHONE USE COULD REDUCE DEMENTIA RISK IN OLDER ADULTS, STUDY FINDS

"If you think about risks and protective factors like a seesaw, these rare genetic mutations may outweigh anything protective you do, but the nice thing is that because they're rare, the chances are you don't have those risks," he said. 

"So you probably have genetic risk that can be outweighed to some degree by protective factors."

A major study published last year in The Lancet found that almost half of dementia cases are potentially preventable with lifestyle modifications.

There are many different factors to address, Salinas said, with proper nutrition and exercise topping the list.

Addressing hearing loss by using a hearing aid can also help keep dementia at bay, according to the neurologist, as can staying socially engaged.

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also boost prevention, as does getting enough quality sleep.

HEALTH BOOST AND DEMENTIA PREVENTION IN JUST 5 MINUTES A DAY

Entering a specific stage of sleep called "slow wave" or "stage three" helps to clear out the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain, Salinas said. 

"If someone is having issues with sleep, we send them to see a sleep specialist to do the proper testing," he said. "Obstructive sleep apnea, which is a common sleep disorder, affects blood pressure, heart disease and brain health. And it's something that's treatable."

With any healthy behavior, consistency is key.

"It’s about putting the odds in your favor that you'll be less likely to develop one of these conditions, or at least delay the onset of symptoms," Salinas said.

"It's never too late to take them on, but whenever you start them, the more consistent you are with them, the bigger return you'll have."

Salinas cited studies showing that 92% of people with mild cognitive impairment go undiagnosed. 

"That's when we really want to intervene — but most of the time, people are being diagnosed when the condition is moderate to severe."

While it can be tricky to distinguish between the regular effects of aging and early signs of dementia, Salinas called out some key differentiators.

"We have more difficulty with memory and thinking as we get older, but it should never be to the point where it interferes with our day-to-day functioning," he said. 

It’s normal to experience "blips" once in a while, he said, like forgetting your keys, blanking on the name of a celebrity, or walking into a room and not remembering why you entered.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"But if you're seeing that happen much more frequently over time and it’s getting worse, that might suggest there is something neurodegenerative and not just normal or typical aging," Salinas advised.

To help ensure earlier diagnosis and intervention, Salinas recommends speaking with a healthcare provider as soon as atypical symptoms are noticed.

"It’s important to take them seriously — but not all doctors or medical providers are the same," he cautioned. "A common story we hear is that people’s symptoms get dismissed."

In this case, Salinas suggests getting a second opinion, preferably from a neurology specialist.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

"There is more and more that can be done to manage symptoms at the earliest stages," he said. 

"And at a minimum, if you do end up having a condition that doesn't have a cure, you’ll be empowered with information about your health that will help you make better decisions and plan for the future."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/79cr1Gb

Read More

Blood pressure and dementia risk share surprising link, study suggests

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known to have a direct impact on heart attack and stroke risk — but a new study has revealed its surprising link to brain health.

In a large, randomized trial, researchers led by First Hospital of China Medical University discovered that "intensive blood pressure control" resulted in a 15% reduced dementia risk among participants and a 16% reduced risk of cognitive impairment.

The study included 33,995 people in rural China aged 40 or older who had "uncontrolled hypertension."

7 BLOOD PRESSURE MISTAKES THAT COULD BE THROWING OFF YOUR READINGS

The participants were divided into two groups. One received "usual care," while the other was assigned to "trained non-physician community healthcare providers" who prescribed "titrated antihypertensive medications."

For the latter group, the medications helped them achieve a systolic blood pressure goal of <130 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure goal of <80 mm Hg, according to the study findings in Nature Medicine.

"The primary outcome of all-cause dementia was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the usual care group," the researchers wrote. 

They were also less likely to experience "serious adverse events."

HEALTH BOOST AND DEMENTIA PREVENTION IN JUST 5 MINUTES A DAY

This was one of the first large-scale, randomized, controlled effectiveness trials to demonstrate a "significant reduction in all-cause dementia associated with lowering blood pressure," the researchers concluded.

There were some limitations of the study, the article acknowledged, including the absence of baseline and follow-up cognitive assessments. 

Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide, said this study presents an "intriguing approach" to addressing dementia in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension. 

JUST 5 MINUTES OF EXERCISE COULD REDUCE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, STUDY FINDS

"Unlike studies performed in the United States, this study employed non-physicians to significantly reduce blood pressure in rural China through a ‘cluster’ blinding method," Serwer, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"While the study can be subject to scrutiny, it raises a pertinent question: How crucial is modification of cardiovascular risk factors in the development of dementia?"

The primary medications used in the study to lower blood pressure were calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers, Serwer noted. 

"These commonly prescribed medications have been independently associated with a reduced risk of dementia, irrespective of the magnitude of blood pressure reduction they achieve," he said.

"This raises the possibility that the lower rates of dementia observed may be attributed to other beneficial effects of the medications rather than solely to blood pressure reduction."

To confirm the findings, Serwer said it would be beneficial to include baseline cognitive assessments of the patients and to identify the prevalence of Alzheimer’s dementia within the communities.

"The most significant takeaway from this study is the profound importance of addressing blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and sedentary lifestyles," the cardiologist said. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"By prioritizing these factors, we not only aim to prevent heart attacks and strokes, but also strive to enhance overall quality of life."

The study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Chinese Society of Cardiology Foundation, and the Science and Technology Program of Liaoning Province, China.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/IHT6t0K

Read More

Stem-cell therapy for Parkinson's shows 'strong promise' in relieving symptoms

With around one million people living with Parkinson’s disease in the U.S. — and 90,000 getting new diagnoses each year — the race is on for a cure.

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) have announced progress on that front — they have developed a new therapy that uses stem cells to treat advanced Parkinson’s.

In the phase 1 trial, the researchers used donated stem cells (taken from early-stage embryos) to create nerve cells (neurons) and transplanted them into the brains of 12 Parkinson’s patients, according to a press release from MSK.

NEW DRUG FOR PARKINSON’S SHOWN TO BE EFFECTIVE IN CLINICAL TRIALS: 'VERY ENCOURAGED'

Once the cells are injected, they produce dopamine, a hormone in the brain that helps with movement and coordination.

(One of the hallmarks of Parkinson’s is low levels of dopamine, which causes the typical symptoms of tremors, stiffness, balance issues and difficulty walking.)

After 18 months, the injected cells had "taken hold in the brain with no serious side effects," the researchers reported. 

Based on the MDS-UPDRS — a ratings scale for symptoms developed by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society — the participants experienced "noticeable improvements," especially the group that received a higher dose.

"Neurologists say things usually get a little bit worse every year with this disease, meaning the score goes up by a few points," study co-author Lorenz Studer, MD, director of MSK’s Center for Stem Cell Biology, said in the press release. 

"In our study, not only did the score not get worse, it dropped by more than 20 points in the high-dose group."

On average, patients in the high-dose group reported 2.7 hours of additional "on time" — indicating periods of normal functioning with minimal symptoms — "a result that could be quite meaningful for their everyday life," Studer noted.

Given the success of the phase 1 trial, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for the researchers to go straight to a phase 3 clinical trial in a much larger patient group — around 100 people — which will take place in the first half of 2025.

The findings were published in the journal Nature.

PARKINSON’S CASES COULD DOUBLE GLOBALLY BY 2050, STUDY REVEALS

"The study showed that developing specific nerve cells from human embryonic stem cells in the lab, then injecting them in the brain of people with Parkinson’s disease, is safe and holds significant promise as a possible future treatment," lead study author Viviane Tabar, MD, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

"The findings were rewarding, as this work is more than a dozen years in the making." 

Dr. Mary Ann Picone, medical director of the MS Center at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, said that cells for the treatment of Parkinson's disease could offer potential for not only slowing disability, but also stopping progression and bringing about improvement in motor function.  

"Although there is risk involved in the immune suppression necessary before the stem cell implantation and the procedure itself, it would be a major step forward in replacing the dopaminergic neurons lost in the disease," Picone, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. 

Levodopa, currently the first-line treatment for Parkinson’s, is limited in that patients need greater dosage amounts as time goes on, according to Picone — "and regulating off and on periods of either stiffness or dyskinesias (uncontrolled muscle movements) becomes more difficult." 

Dr. Ann Murray, director of movement disorders at WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in West Virginia, referred to the study as "unbelievably exciting" for Parkinson’s patients. 

"Although the goal of this particular research project was to ensure safety, getting that significant clinical improvement in the UPDRS is absolutely groundbreaking," Murray told Fox News Digital. (She also was not involved in the study.) 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"This is just the first step in getting this type of therapy approved for patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, but this is an amazing first step for the potential benefits of stem cell brain therapy."

There were some limitations associated with the study, Tabar noted.

"This is a small study designed to show safety — it is critical to conduct a larger, well-controlled study to prove that the treatment indeed works, otherwise referred to as a Phase 3 ‘efficacy’ study," she said.

These early findings, however, are "suggestive of a strong promise."

"I think we can finally say that stem cells, when derived and differentiated properly, hold great promise to repair the brain in Parkinson’s and potentially in other conditions someday," Tabar said.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

The cell therapy was developed at MSK and was licensed to BlueRock Therapeutics in Massachusetts, which funded the study.

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

Read More