Health
Some cancer patients could avoid surgery with innovative new therapy
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An experimental drug has shown promise in fighting a hard-to-treat form of bladder cancer known as BCG-unresponsive high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) is an immunotherapy drug that is often the first-line treatment for certain early-stage bladder cancers.
The new drug, TAR-200 — which was evaluated in a trial sponsored and conducted by Janssen Research & Development, LLC, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson — may offer a less invasive alternative to bladder removal surgery.
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TAR-200 is a small, drug-releasing device placed directly into the bladder through a simple outpatient procedure, without general anesthesia, according to the study press release.
Once inserted, it slowly releases the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine over several weeks.
Researchers say the new bladder-inserted device could spare patients from losing their bladder entirely. (iStock)
“Traditionally, these patients have had very limited treatment options. This new therapy is the most effective one reported to date for the most common form of bladder cancer,” said study lead Sia Daneshmand, M.D., director of urologic oncology with Keck Medicine of USC, in a press release.
“The findings of the clinical trial are a breakthrough in how certain types of bladder cancer might be treated, leading to improved outcomes and saved lives.”
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Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and the 11th most common cancer in women.
According to the Urology Care Foundation, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is found in the tissue that lines the inner surface of the bladder.
“Bladder cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers worldwide, yet treatment options have remained largely unchanged for over 40 years.”
High-risk NMIBC carries a greater chance of coming back after treatment. This study aimed to find an option for patients whose cancer recurred even after standard therapy.
“The standard treatment plan for these patients was surgery to remove the bladder and surrounding tissue and organs, which has many health risks and may negatively impact patients’ quality of life,” said Daneshmand.
This new therapy could eventually allow some patients to avoid that procedure.
Trial results showed that many patients stayed cancer-free for more than two years. (iStock)
All participants in the study had high-risk NMIBC that did not respond to the standard immunotherapy drug BCG. The study was split into multiple groups who tested different combinations of drugs and treatment methods.
In one group, patients received TAR-200 once every three weeks for about six months, followed by maintenance treatments every 12 weeks for up to two years.
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Among 85 patients in this group, 82.4% showed no detectable signs of cancer after treatment. In that group, 52.9% remained cancer-free at one year, and many stayed cancer-free for more than two years without needing additional therapy.
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In another group of patients with a less aggressive type of early-stage bladder cancer, early disease-free survival rates were 85.3% at six months and 81.1% at nine months. Overall, 94% were able to keep their bladders.
The clinical trial results were published earlier this year in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The TAR-200 device delivers gemcitabine directly to the bladder, keeping the drug where it’s needed most. (iStock)
The researchers emphasized that this is still mid-stage (Phase 2b) data. Longer-term, larger trials and regulatory reviews are still needed before the treatment could become standard care.
“Because the study didn’t include a traditional comparison (no randomized control arm), we can’t definitively say how TAR-200 stacks up against other treatments in a fair head-to-head way,” the researchers wrote.
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Patients in this study are a specific subset (BCG-unresponsive and eligible for bladder preservation) and may not represent all bladder-cancer cases.
“Also, follow-up time remains relatively short and the number of patients modest, meaning we don’t yet know how long the benefits will last or how they apply to larger, more diverse groups of people,” the researchers added.
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More than three-quarters of the global population is falling short on omega-3 intake, a nutrient gap that may increase the risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, inflammation and vision problems.
That’s according to an analysis published in Nutrition Research Reviews, in which researchers from the University of East Anglia, the University of Southampton and Holland & Barrett analyzed omega-3 intake patterns across multiple countries and age groups.
The review found that 76% of people worldwide are not meeting the recommended levels of two omega-3 fats that are essential for heart health: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
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The analysis considered recommendations from global health authorities and assessed how closely populations follow them.
Most adults should aim for at least 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day, though actual intake is far lower in many regions, according to the researchers.
A new study found that 76% of people fall short of their recommended omega-3 intake. (iStock)
To explore the health implications of low omega-3 intake, Fox News Digital spoke with Michelle Routhenstein, a New York–based preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished.
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Low omega-3 levels can have a noticeable impact on heart health, cognitive function and inflammation throughout the body, the expert confirmed.
Low intake can also increase the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac death, she added. It’s also associated with higher triglycerides, irregular heart rhythms and plaque in the arteries.
Most adults should aim for at least 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day, researchers say. (iStock)
Inadequate omega-3 levels have also been linked to changes in brain function, including faster cognitive decline, a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and increased rates of depression.
Routhenstein noted that low levels may also worsen inflammation in autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, and can negatively affect eye health, since omega-3s play a key structural role in the retina.
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To improve omega-3 levels, the expert said it’s important to understand how much is needed and where to get it.
“The richest dietary sources of EPA and DHA are oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, trout and anchovies,” Routhenstein told Fox News Digital.
Oily fish, such as salmon, are among the richest natural sources of omega-3s. (iStock)
Many people benefit from eating oily fish more frequently, often three to four times per week, Routhenstein noted. For individuals who do not eat fish regularly, supplements can help raise EPA and DHA to healthier levels.
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For those taking omega-3 supplements, dosing should be based on lab results, medications, omega-3 levels and overall medical history, according to Routhenstein. Moderate, quality-controlled supplements are generally considered safe for most people.
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There is also some evidence supporting prescription-strength omega-3 products.
“High-dose EPA, such as 4 grams per day of icosapent ethyl, has been shown to reduce major cardiovascular events in certain high-risk populations, while similar doses of mixed EPA/DHA have not consistently shown the same benefit,” Routhenstein said.
Omega-3 dosing should be individualized based on lab data, medication use, current levels and overall medical history. (iStock)
Testing omega-3 levels can also help determine whether intake is adequate. The omega-3 index, a blood test that measures EPA and DHA in red blood cells, is considered one of the most reliable ways to assess status.
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“Levels around 8% are associated with lower cardiovascular risk, while levels below approximately 4% are considered low,” Routhenstein said.
Understanding baseline levels can help guide more personalized decisions about diet and supplementation.
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Those who are unsure about their omega-3 status or whether supplementation is appropriate should speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach.
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As winter weather moves in, cozy essentials like scarves, plush throws and heated bedding become everyday comforts.
But dermatologists caution that these cold-weather favorites can secretly undermine skin health — trapping sweat and bacteria, causing irritation and exposing the skin to excess heat.
Choosing the right materials for wellness — and using them safely — can make a big difference.
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Here are five winter must-haves and gift ideas, with expert tips on how to keep skin healthy and happy while staying warm this season.
Soft scarf, $19.99, Amazon.com
Scarves made of natural fiber, like this one that is 100% cotton, may help if you’re prone to irritation. (Amazon)
A soft scarf is a staple for cold days and an easy way to elevate a winter outfit.
Yet, if breakouts are appearing along the neck, jawline or chest, that favorite accessory may be part of the problem.
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“You should wash your scarf as often as your clothes to prevent breakouts,” Annabelle Taurua, a beauty expert at Fresha, a beauty and wellness booking platform headquartered in London, told Fox News Digital.
Cotton is a better choice than polyester, she also noted, as it’s more breathable and allows sweat to evaporate.
Fluffy blankets, $28.97, Potterybarn.com
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin — which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth. (Pottery Barn)
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin, which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth.
Rough textures or infrequent washing can also irritate sensitive skin and worsen breakouts.
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“Regularly wash your blankets, especially those made from synthetic or fluffy materials, to remove built-up oils and dirt,” Taurua advised.
She recommended breathable materials like cotton or linen, as well as hypoallergenic options for anyone prone to irritation.
Good set of sheets, $49.99, Amazon.com
Much like scarves, natural fibers are the way to go for your linens to avoid irritation. (iStock)
Cold weather makes lingering in bed especially tempting, but lying on unwashed bedding can worsen acne.
Pillowcases and sheets quickly collect oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, which transfer directly onto the face.
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“Washing bedding frequently is important,” Taurua said. “You should aim to change and wash your pillowcases every two to three days and your sheets at least once a week.”
Heated blanket, $33.99, Walmart.com
Heated blankets are a great way to stay warm during the winter. (Walmart)
When using a heated blanket, start with the lowest heat setting and limit use, said Taurua.
“Once you’re warm, switch to a regular blanket,” she advised.
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She also said it’s best to avoid direct contact for long periods to reduce irritation.
Hot water bottle, $12.99, Amazon.com
A traditional winter staple, hot water bottles offer quick comfort — but they come with risks similar to heated blankets, including burns, scalding and long-term heat-related skin damage.
Hot water bottles should never be filled with boiling water, experts advise. (Amazon)
“Never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water,” Taurua said.
“Only use hot, not boiling, water, and fill it to a maximum of two-thirds.”
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She recommended wrapping the bottle in a towel or cover to avoid direct skin contact and limiting use to around 20 minutes.
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