MELISSA A. SANDMAN, MD

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This study looked at a new treatment called irreversible electroporation (IRE) for localized prostate cancer, reviewing 14 studies that included 899 patients. The findings showed that 77% of the studies reported cancer recurrence at varying rates, from 0% to 38.9% for cancer returning in the treated area, while urinary continence returned to pre-treatment levels for 58% of patients, and erectile function improved for 55% to 100% of patients at the one-year mark. This matters because IRE may offer a less invasive option for treating prostate cancer with manageable side effects, but more direct comparisons with traditional treatments are needed. Who this helps: This helps patients with localized prostate cancer exploring treatment options.

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This study investigated how different diets affect body weight and health by having participants follow a very-low-carbohydrate diet and then assigning them to different types of diets for several weeks. Out of 77 participants, 70 completed the trial, which means 65% of those who started finished it, and the diets had strict guidelines to ensure everyone followed them properly. This research is important because it could help improve dietary plans for weight management and reduce chronic disease risk. Who this helps: Patients looking to manage their weight or improve their health.

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Researchers studied how certain drugs, called "correctors," interact with the cystic fibrosis (CF) protein, which is often mutated in patients. They found that while only one main binding site works for the normal CF protein, the most common CF mutation (F508del) allows drugs to bind even better at a second site, making it a prime target for new treatments. This understanding can lead to more effective CF therapies, improving life for people living with the disease. Who this helps: Patients with cystic fibrosis.

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This study looked at stories shared by survivors of sexual violence on Twitter during the #MeToo movement. Researchers found that survivors discussed three main themes: reclaiming their experiences despite being dismissed, addressing feelings of shame and blame, and encouraging bystanders to support survivors respectfully. These findings highlight the critical role healthcare providers, especially OB/GYNs, can play in helping survivors regain control and find the support they need to heal. Who this helps: This helps survivors of sexual violence and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how different diets affect people trying to keep off weight they lost. Researchers had 164 participants who first lost about 12% of their body weight and then followed either a high-carb, moderate-carb, or low-carb diet for 20 weeks. They discovered that the type of diet made a difference in how much energy people burned and how much weight they regained, helping to improve our understanding of how diet influences weight maintenance. Who this helps: This helps anyone trying to maintain weight loss, including overweight and obese patients.

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A team from Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School worked with Framingham State University and a food service company to study the effects of different diet types on weight loss. Over three phases from 2014 to 2017, 234 participants took part, with 164 losing an average of 12% of their body weight during a standard diet before switching to specific macronutrient diets. This research matters because it shows a practical way to run feeding studies outside of hospital settings, which can lead to better understanding of nutrition and weight loss. Who this helps: This benefits patients trying to lose weight and researchers studying nutrition.