CHI K. TSANG, M.D.

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This study examined a type of benign tumor called inverted papilloma that forms in the frontal sinus region of the skull. Researchers reviewed medical records of 98 patients treated between 1993 and 2023 and found that 28.6% had tumors on both sides, 17.3% experienced recurrence after surgery, and 23.5% had a weakness in the skull base that could lead to complications like cerebrospinal fluid leaks. This research highlights the need for careful surgical planning and follow-up to successfully manage these challenging tumors and reduce the risk of complications. Who this helps: This helps doctors and surgeons who treat patients with inverted papilloma.

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This research looked at a type of nose and sinus tumor called sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) and how different levels of abnormal cell changes, known as dysplasia, affect patient outcomes. Of the 448 patients studied, 74.3% had no dysplasia, while 10.5% had severe dysplasia, which was linked to a higher chance of the tumor coming back (recurrence rate of 38.1% compared to 17.2% for those with no dysplasia). Understanding these differences helps doctors determine treatment plans and provide better guidance for patients at risk of recurrence. Who this helps: This benefits patients with sinonasal inverted papilloma and their doctors.

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This study looked at a new tool to predict the chances of recurrence for a type of tumor called sinonasal inverted papilloma. Researchers found that patients with severe tissue changes (high-risk dysplasia) and those with multiple tumor sites are more likely to have their tumors come back. Using a new chart, doctors can now provide personalized risk estimates for patients at 3, 6, and 9 years after treatment, helping them decide how closely to monitor their patients over time. Who this helps: This helps patients with sinonasal inverted papilloma and their doctors.

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This study looked at the number of female authors and female leaders in head and neck oncology research. Out of 1,227 publications, only 24% were written by women, with 30% of those on transoral robotic surgery. The findings show that while women are contributing important research, they hold very few leadership positions, with only 3% of department chairs being women, highlighting a significant gender gap in this field. Who this helps: This benefits patients by encouraging diverse perspectives in treatment advancements and research.

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This study describes a case of a 55-year-old woman who developed a rare skin condition called erythema multiforme after receiving chemotherapy for endometrial cancer. She had a worsening rash with blisters for four days, alongside other health indicators like low white blood cell count and elevated protein levels. Doctors diagnosed her condition through a skin biopsy and treated her with antiviral medication and a topical ointment. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing cancer treatment and their doctors by highlighting a possible side effect of chemotherapy.

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This study looked at how getting vaccinated against COVID-19 affects the chances of developing long COVID and the use of healthcare resources in England from 2021 to 2022. It found that vaccinated individuals had a 19% lower risk of long COVID compared to those who were unvaccinated, with the greatest benefit seen in immunocompromised patients, who had a 72% lower risk. This is important because it indicates that vaccination not only helps prevent severe illness but might also reduce the long-term health issues that can follow a COVID infection. Who this helps: Patients, especially those at higher risk for long COVID.

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This study looked at how often ear, nose, and throat doctors (otolaryngologists) mentioned payments they received from medical companies in their research publications. Of the 102 doctors analyzed, they received a total of over $8.4 million, with an average of 15 payments each. Out of 1,735 research papers published, 20% of the ones that involved products from these companies did not include necessary disclosures about these relationships. Who this helps: Patients benefit from clearer disclosures that can lead to more trustworthy medical research.

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This study looked at the best doses of two medication combinations—nortriptyline-topiramate and verapamil-paroxetine—for treating tinnitus, a condition that causes ringing in the ears. In a trial with 41 patients lasting 8 weeks, 42% of those taking nortriptyline-topiramate and 41% of those on verapamil-paroxetine experienced significant improvement in their tinnitus scores. This is important because being able to manage tinnitus effectively can really enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. Who this helps: Patients suffering from tinnitus.

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This study looked at patients in England diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) between 2014 and 2020 to understand their treatment patterns and outcomes. Out of nearly 15,000 patients, 5.6% (or 848 patients) were classified as triple-class exposed, meaning they had received at least one treatment from three different drug classes. The results showed that after becoming triple-class exposed, patients had a median survival time of just 13.2 months, which highlights the seriousness of their condition. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and patients by providing a clearer picture of the challenges faced by those with multiple myeloma who have run out of treatment options.

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This study looked at patients in the UK with a severe type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma, who had already received multiple treatments but were not responding. It found that patients treated with elranatamab had a better outcome, with a median progression-free survival of about 10.6 months, compared to only 3.71 months for those receiving standard treatments. This is important because it shows that elranatamab could offer a significant improvement in survival for patients who have very few options left. Who this helps: This benefits patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who have exhausted other treatment options.

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This study focused on how quality of life is affected in patients with familial cerebral cavernous malformation (fCCM) and used a specific survey called PROMIS-29 to measure it. Researchers found that patients reported significantly higher levels of anxiety, pain, and difficulties with physical functioning, with average scores of 52.71 for anxiety and 52.50 for pain, compared to typical populations. These findings matter because they highlight not only the physical challenges patients face but also the emotional struggles related to the condition. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with fCCM and their healthcare providers.

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This study tested a new way of delivering synthetic DNA that produces antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in healthy adults. Researchers gave 44 participants up to four doses of this DNA, and every participant showed measurable levels of the antibodies, with the highest concentration reaching 1.61 micrograms per milliliter. The treatment was safe with no serious side effects reported, making it a promising option for creating long-lasting immunity against COVID-19 and potentially other diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for COVID-19 and healthcare systems looking for effective treatments.

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Researchers studied how cancer patients who take blood thinners (anticoagulants) are affected by interactions with other medications they might be prescribed. They found that drug interactions significantly impact health, leading to issues like increased bleeding or blood clots, which can be life-threatening. To improve care, the study recommends careful monitoring of medications and involving pharmacists in managing these interactions. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and healthcare providers manage their medications safely.

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This study focused on improving the quality of data used in infection prevention and control (IPAC) programs in hospitals. Researchers found that by implementing recommended quality checks, medical staff can boost data completeness by 22%, accuracy by 68%, and timeliness by 10%. Better data means better decisions for patient safety, which is crucial for effective healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by ensuring safer healthcare environments.

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This study tested a program where nurses screen cancer survivors for symptoms that cause distress after treatment. Out of nearly 3,700 patients, 80% agreed to be screened, and 32% reported high symptom distress. The program helped many patients improve their symptoms over time, with 34% feeling better three months later and an additional 22% improving by nine months. Who this helps: This benefits cancer survivors by providing them with targeted support to manage their symptoms.

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This study looked at COVID-19 vaccination rates among nearly half a million non-EU migrants and refugees in England. It found that 91.8% received their second vaccine dose, but only 51.3% got their third dose. Refugees and Black migrants faced particularly higher risks of delays in getting their vaccinations, with older migrants over 65 years old being four times less likely to have received their doses compared to older adults in the general population. Who this helps: This information benefits policymakers and health officials aiming to improve vaccination efforts for migrant and refugee communities.

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This study looked at over 2.2 million people in England who were diagnosed with COVID-19 to understand their characteristics, vaccination status, and risk factors for severe illness. The findings showed that the study group had fewer older adults than expected and included more individuals from wealthier regions. Most people who were hospitalized had not completed their COVID-19 vaccinations, and those identified as high risk were typically older, often smokers, and had higher rates of obesity and other health issues. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and healthcare providers by improving understanding of COVID-19 patient demographics and risk factors.

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This study examined the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine during the 2021/22 season in England, focusing on how well it prevented severe cases requiring emergency care in children aged 1-17 and adults aged 50 and older. The results showed that the vaccine was highly effective in children, reducing emergency care needs by about 72.7%, while its effectiveness in adults was more modest at around 26.1%. This is important because it highlights the ongoing benefit of vaccination, especially for younger age groups who had consistent protection, even amidst lower levels of flu activity due to COVID-19 measures. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly children and older adults, by emphasizing the importance of flu vaccination for reducing serious health risks.

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This study looked at how taking polyphenol supplements, which come from plants and have antioxidant properties, affects the memory of overweight and obese adults, particularly those over 60 years old. Researchers analyzed 24 studies involving 2,336 participants and found that polyphenols improve immediate memory recall but do not seem to help with memory that requires delayed retrieval. This is important because if these supplements can enhance memory in older adults at risk for cognitive decline, they could offer a simple way to support brain health. Who this helps: This helps older adults struggling with obesity and memory issues.

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This study looked at how a program that provided personal protective equipment (PPE) coaching to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic was received and what helped or hindered its implementation. Researchers found that fear of COVID-19 and strong leadership support helped the program succeed, while confusion about roles and lack of resources were significant obstacles. Understanding the specific healthcare environment was key to making the program effective. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and hospital administrators improve safety practices.

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This study looked at the trends in the use and payment for surgeries that help treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) from 2000 to 2021, focusing on procedures involving the tongue and hyoid bone. The number of these surgeries increased dramatically from 121 in 2000 to 3,481 in 2015 but then dropped by 82.9% to just 594 by 2021. This trend mirrors the payments from Medicare, which surged from about $46,958 in 2000 to $8.45 million in 2015 before plummeting to $341,011 in 2021, mostly due to changes in the use of a specific treatment called radiofrequency ablation. Who this helps: This research is valuable for doctors and healthcare providers who treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

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This study reviewed patient information leaflets (PILs) used in recent placebo-controlled surgical trials to see how well they inform patients about what to expect. Out of 62 trials, only 14 PILs were analyzed, revealing that while 50% included details about the trial design, only 43% explained how the placebo differs from the actual surgery. Clear and balanced information is crucial for patients' understanding and decision-making about participating in these trials, emphasizing the need for improvements in how this information is communicated. Who this helps: This benefits patients considering participation in surgical trials.

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This study looks at how we measure the status of glucocorticoid hormones, which are important for the body's balance. The researchers found that common methods of testing, like checking cortisol levels, often miss the subtler signs of hormone imbalance, especially when levels aren't extremely high or low. They suggest that new techniques, such as looking at metabolic changes and specific genetic markers, could provide better insights into a person's glucocorticoid status. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with hormone-related health issues, particularly those on glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

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This study looked at brain scans of 150 patients who experienced sudden hearing loss and compared them to 148 healthy individuals of the same age. Researchers found that the patients with hearing loss had significantly more brain changes called white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), with average scores of 2.14 for patients versus 0.37 for healthy people. This matters because it indicates that individuals with sudden hearing loss may have underlying brain conditions that could be related to blood vessel issues or migraines. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss and their doctors.

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The study looked at how likely patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are to develop liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) after receiving antiviral treatment. It found that patients who successfully cleared the virus (sustained virological response, SVR) had a much lower rate of liver cancer—1.54 cases per 100 person-years—compared to those who did not respond to the treatment (7.80 cases). It also noted that the risk of liver cancer after achieving SVR was higher for patients with cirrhosis, at 2.47 cases per 100 person-years, compared to those without cirrhosis, where it was just 0.85 cases. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic hepatitis C and their doctors by providing critical information on cancer risks following treatment.

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The GREAT study is testing whether combining two treatments—perceptual learning and transcranial electrical stimulation—can improve vision in patients with glaucoma better than using either treatment alone. The researchers will track changes in vision, brain activity, mobility, mental health, and overall quality of life after participants undergo a series of treatment sessions. This study is important because it aims to find effective rehabilitation methods for glaucoma patients, helping them regain some of their lost vision and improve their daily lives. Who this helps: This benefits glaucoma patients seeking better vision and quality of life.

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This study looked at how exercising in low-oxygen conditions (hypoxic exercise) affects aging cells in the body, particularly how it might slow down the aging process. Out of over 2000 studies initially considered, only 11 met the criteria, showing that hypoxic exercise could help reduce cellular aging, especially in certain immune and blood cells. This matters because understanding these effects could lead to better ways to combat aging and related diseases. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with aging or chronic diseases.

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This study looked at how children aged 1 to 17 in England used health care services and the costs linked to COVID-19, especially comparing those treated at home versus in the hospital. Researchers found that children aged 12 to 17 who were hospitalized stayed longer (an average of 5 days) than younger children, and overall, community care was more common, with primary care visits higher for younger kids (up to 6% for phone consultations). Understanding these patterns helps improve how health resources are managed for children with COVID-19. Who this helps: This benefits children, their families, and health care providers.

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The research focused on how England created a national system to track COVID-19 vaccinations during the pandemic, as existing records were not adequate. They found that 97.8% of people who should have been unvaccinated matched the official records, and nearly all who reported receiving vaccinations matched the data in the new system, indicating high accuracy. This matters because it allows health authorities to monitor the vaccination campaign effectively and understand how well the vaccines are working. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and researchers who track vaccine delivery and effectiveness.

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This study looked at how to help Chinese cancer survivors manage their fear of cancer coming back, which affects about 30% of them, leading to lower happiness and quality of life. Researchers are testing a new method called ConquerFear-HK, which includes special techniques to help people think about and handle their fears better, compared to standard care. A total of 174 participants will take part, and the effectiveness of both approaches will be measured at different times after the treatment. Who this helps: This benefits Chinese cancer survivors dealing with fear of recurrence.

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This study looked at patients with familial cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) to understand how often they experience serious bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage) and how the number and size of their brain lesions affect this risk. The researchers found that the overall rate of symptomatic bleeding was 2.8 cases for every 100 patients each year, but those with a previous bleeding episode had a much higher rate of 4.5 cases per 100 patients annually. The more lesions a patient had, the greater their risk of future bleeding; specifically, the risk increased by 37% for every time the total number of lesions doubled. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and patients with familial CCM as it helps identify those at higher risk for serious complications.

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This study developed a new tool to help online mental health services accurately identify when someone may be thinking about suicide. Researchers analyzed data from a 24/7 text counseling service in Hong Kong, finding that 46.2% of the initial alerts for suicidality were incorrect. The new tool improved accuracy from 53% to 68%, meaning it is much better at distinguishing real concerns from false alarms, which can help prevent unnecessary panic among counselors. Who this helps: This benefits mental health professionals focused on providing support to individuals in distress.

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This research looked at whether taking polyphenol supplements can improve thinking skills, known as executive function, in overweight and obese adults at risk of cognitive decline. The study reviewed data from 23 clinical trials with nearly 2,000 participants and found that polyphenols did not significantly improve executive function overall (with a minor effect size of 0.076). However, there were hints that younger adults in this group might benefit more, suggesting future research is needed. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and health professionals working with overweight and obese patients concerned about cognitive health.

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This study looked at two methods for drawing blood in the emergency department to see which one causes less damage to the blood cells, a problem known as hemolysis. Researchers found that using the S-Monovette blood collection system resulted in significantly lower hemolysis rates, with none of the samples showing severe hemolysis, while the BD Vacutainer method had a rate of 16.2% for severely damaged samples. This matters because reducing hemolysis helps ensure more accurate test results for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who need accurate blood test results for timely and effective treatment.

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This study focuses on new ways to find biomarkers, which are important for diagnosing and treating diseases like cancer. Researchers explored the use of nucleic acid aptamers, which are special molecules that can attach to proteins and help identify them more effectively than traditional methods. They discovered that these aptamers can be tailored for different environments in the body, allowing for the detection of various proteins and thus improving the chances of early and accurate disease diagnosis. Who this helps: This benefits patients by improving disease diagnosis and treatment options.

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This study looked at how well counselors can manage multiple clients at the same time in online text-based counseling. Researchers reviewed over 54,000 counseling sessions and found that when counselors handled two to three clients at once, the quality of care dropped, leading to less client satisfaction compared to one-on-one sessions. The findings highlight the need to limit the number of concurrent sessions to maintain high service quality, which is essential for effective mental health support. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking online counseling services.

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This study looked at whether H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are necessary to prevent serious reactions when patients receive the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel. Researchers found that the rate of serious reactions (grade 2 or higher) was similar in patients who did not receive H2RAs and those who did—12.1% compared to 15.1%. This means that removing H2RAs from the premedication regimen does not lead to more infusion reactions, suggesting that their use should be reconsidered. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing chemotherapy, as it may simplify their treatment process.

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This study looked at how well a machine learning algorithm could find patients in the UK with a specific heart condition called ATTR cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), which often goes undiagnosed. Researchers analyzed health records from 2009 to 2018 and found that the algorithm correctly identified potential patients with high accuracy, achieving scores of 0.84 and 0.86 when combining different health data sources. This is important because earlier detection of ATTR-CM can lead to better treatment outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with undiagnosed ATTR cardiomyopathy and their doctors, enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at how physical abilities, like grip strength and walking speed, changed over time in three groups of older Chinese adults born in different eras. Researchers found that those born between 1934 and 1938 had worse grip strength and faced more difficulties with daily activities than those from earlier generations. Additionally, this recent group experienced a faster decline in physical abilities as they aged, especially among women. Who this helps: This research benefits older adults and healthcare providers by highlighting the need for targeted support and interventions for physical health.

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This study looked at the healthcare costs and resources used by adults in England who were hospitalized for COVID-19. It found that older adults, especially those aged 75-84, faced the highest hospitalization costs (about £8,942), while those under 50 paid around £7,703. The results emphasize that older and immunocompromised individuals require more healthcare resources, which is important for planning and managing COVID-19 care effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

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This study looked at the real-life experiences of 151 patients in the UK who had advanced kidney cancer and were treated with nivolumab, a type of immunotherapy, after other treatments failed. The researchers found that patients who started nivolumab as their second treatment had a median survival of 23 months, while those who received it later had a median survival of 12.4 months. These findings are important because they confirm that nivolumab is effective for patients who have already been treated for their cancer and matches results from earlier clinical trials. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced kidney cancer and their doctors understand the benefits of nivolumab treatment.

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This study looked at how confident older adults feel about their balance and how that confidence relates to the likelihood of falling and getting injured. It found that those with high balance confidence were less likely to experience falls in the next year, with a 43% to 49% lower chance of falling compared to those with lower confidence. This is important because even a single fall can lead to serious injuries and affect an older adult’s quality of life. Who this helps: This benefits older adults who may be at risk of falling, as well as their caregivers and healthcare providers.

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This study investigated whether lab-created miniaturized versions of pancreatic tumors, called patient-derived organoids (PDOs), can predict how well patients with pancreatic cancer respond to chemotherapy before surgery. From 2017 to 2021, researchers collected samples from 117 patients, successfully creating PDOs from 71% of those who had received treatment and 76% of those who hadn’t. The findings show that PDOs can quickly assess how tumors might respond to specific drugs, which could help doctors choose the most effective treatment plans for their patients. Who this helps: This benefits pancreatic cancer patients and their doctors by guiding personalized treatment choices.

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This study examined how to predict when someone might reveal thoughts of self-harm or suicide during online counseling sessions by analyzing text conversations. Researchers looked at over 49,000 counseling sessions, specifically using language patterns and connections between words to identify moments leading up to a disclosure of these thoughts. They found their prediction model to be effective, achieving a predictive accuracy score of 0.79, which helps counselors respond better and faster to those in need before they explicitly mention their struggles. Who this helps: This benefits counselors and mental health providers working with individuals experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

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This research focused on a new type of cancer treatment that combines aptamers (molecules that can specifically target cancer cells) with established cancer-fighting drugs by using modified nucleotide versions of these drugs. The scientists found that when they made this combination, known as aptamer nucleotide analog drug conjugates (ApNDCs), it improved the ability to deliver the drug directly to the tumor cells while avoiding issues associated with traditional drug linkers. This matters because it could make cancer treatments more effective without introducing new risks, as the drugs used have been safely applied for years. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients by potentially offering more effective and targeted treatment options.

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The PULsE-AI trial studied how well a machine learning tool can find people with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) in primary care settings in England. In the trial, 23,745 participants were examined, and 944 were identified as high risk; of those, 256 agreed to diagnostic testing. In the end, 9.41% of those tested were diagnosed with AF compared to just 4.93% in the usual care group, showing that the testing approach could effectively identify more cases of this heart condition. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of atrial fibrillation by enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.

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Researchers worked to create a standardized list of important outcomes for studying burn care internationally. They gathered input from over 600 healthcare professionals and patients around the world and narrowed down 1,021 initial outcomes to seven key ones: death, complications, daily living ability, wound healing, nerve pain and itching, mental health, and returning to school or work. This standardization matters because it ensures that future studies focus on the most important aspects of recovery for burn patients, making research more effective and helpful. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare professionals by improving the quality of burn care research and treatment.