docTLDR

The ESC/EAS 2025 Focused Update introduces new cardiovascular risk prediction algorithms (SCORE2, SCORE2-OP) for more precise assessment, especially in older adults, and recommends bempedoic acid for patients intolerant to statins. The guidelines reaffirm LDL-C targets, highlight Lp(a) as a key risk factor, and discourage supplements for cholesterol lowering due to lack of proven benefit. These changes aim to improve lipid management and outcomes in high-risk groups.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, widely used for diabetes and obesity, offer benefits like reduced cardiovascular risk and possible slowing of biological aging, but pose unique risks for older adults. Rapid weight loss can accelerate sarcopenia and facial aging, while side effects include nausea, dehydration, and rare but serious pancreatic or gallbladder events. Polypharmacy and drug interactions require close monitoring, especially in elderly patients.

A large Brazilian cohort study (n=12,772; mean age 52) found that adults consuming the highest amounts of seven artificial sweeteners—including aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose—experienced a 62% faster decline in memory and thinking skills over eight years compared to the lowest consumers. The effect was most pronounced in people under 60 and those with diabetes. The study did not establish causality but raises concerns about long-term brain heal...

Hyderabad reports the highest breast cancer incidence in India, with 54 per 100,000 women affected. Doctors note a rise among women aged 20–30, linked to sedentary lifestyles, diabetes, and processed foods. Telangana plans to make cancer a notifiable disease, aiming for better data and targeted interventions. Clinicians should expect more young patients and prioritize early detection.

AIIMS Raipur has inaugurated 'Dev Hast', the first robotic surgery system in a government hospital in central India. This milestone brings advanced minimally invasive surgery to public sector patients, promising improved precision, reduced recovery times, and expanded access for complex procedures. Doctors in the region can now refer patients for state-of-the-art robotic interventions.

A 55-year-old woman, left wheelchair-bound by a stroke and abandoned by family, regained her ability to walk after CMC Vellore neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar advocated for her re-employment and provided emotional support. Three months after returning to work at 75% pay, she walked into the clinic unaided, highlighting the critical role of physician empathy and social rehabilitation in stroke recovery. Dr Kumar urges doctors to prioritize compassion alongside medical care.

Cardiologists warn of a surge in heart attacks among Indians below 40, driven by sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and undiagnosed risk factors. Experts at Medanta's Cardiac Conclave call for mandatory preventive screenings—BP, cholesterol, diabetes, and treadmill tests—especially before gym activity. Doctors should counsel younger patients on early risk assessment and lifestyle modification.

Enteromix, a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, has demonstrated 100% efficacy and safety in clinical trials, targeting tumor shrinkage with minimal side effects. If approved, it could offer Indian oncologists a new immunotherapy tool, especially for colorectal, brain, and skin cancers, pending regulatory clearance.

A study highlighted by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (CMC Vellore) warns that using smartphones on the toilet increases hemorrhoid risk by 46%. The research, published in PLOS One, found that two-thirds of adults use phones in the bathroom, leading to longer sitting times and increased rectal vein pressure. Experts advise limiting toilet time to under five minutes and keeping phones out of the bathroom to reduce risk.

A large cohort study found that drinking coffee, especially in the morning, is associated with a 16% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular death compared to non-coffee drinkers. The benefits were most pronounced for moderate to heavy morning consumption (2+ cups), while all-day coffee drinking did not confer similar protection. Timing may influence coffee’s impact on circadian rhythms and inflammation, suggesting morning intake is optimal for heart health.

On World Leukemia Day, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC), Nashik, emphasized the critical importance of early leukemia detection and the adoption of advanced therapies to improve patient outcomes. The centre highlighted that timely diagnosis can significantly enhance survival rates and advocated for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and the public. HCGMCC also showcased its commitment to providing cutting-edge treatment options for leukemia patients in India.

An ICMR study highlights that India faces its highest cancer incidence among women, predominantly breast and cervical cancers, while men experience the highest mortality rates, mainly from oral and lung cancers. The report, based on analysis of over 700,000 cases and 200,000 deaths, underscores urgent needs for early detection, targeted screening, and region-specific interventions to reduce cancer burden and mortality.

A recent study highlights microwave ablation (MWA) as a promising minimally invasive treatment for hyperthyroidism caused by thyroid nodules. MWA demonstrated significant nodule volume reduction, symptom improvement, and normalization of thyroid function in most patients, with a favorable safety profile and minimal complications. This positions MWA as a potential alternative to surgery or radiofrequency ablation for select patients with hyperthyroidism and thyroid nodules.

India's drug regulator has issued safety alerts for specific batches of Tofacitinib Tablets IP 5 mg (TOFAJAK TABLETS) and TELMA AM, declaring them potentially spurious after manufacturers denied producing these batches. Both alerts, issued in April 2025, warn healthcare professionals and patients to exercise caution, as investigations into the authenticity and source of these drugs are ongoing. The alerts highlight the risk of ineffective or harmful medications entering the supply chain and u...

With rising global antifungal resistance and increasing cases of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, selenium sulfide stands out for its proven efficacy, safety profile, and low risk of resistance development. Its multifaceted mechanism and long history of use make it a preferred choice for dermatologists, especially as azole-resistant fungal strains become more prevalent. Selenium sulfide offers reliable long-term control and is well tolerated by most patients.