DR. PETER J. WONG, M.D.

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This study explored a new type of radiation therapy called spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT) for patients who had already received radiation and had large tumors in different areas of the body. The researchers treated three patients with SFRT, administering high doses of radiation while minimizing harm to nearby healthy tissue. They found that SFRT was safe, with no severe side effects, and two of the patients experienced significant relief from their symptoms after treatment, which shows that SFRT could be a viable option for patients with difficult-to-treat metastatic cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced cancer and their doctors looking for effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how well radiation therapy (RT) techniques that limit radiation exposure to bones can reduce the risk of bone fractures in patients with lower extremity soft tissue sarcoma. Out of 700 patients, only 10 (or 1.4%) developed radiation-related fractures, a significant decrease from an earlier rate of 4.5%. This is important because minimizing bone damage during treatment can help prevent complications, surgeries, or even amputations for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with lower extremity soft tissue sarcoma.

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This study examines intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) in the pancreas, which are growths that can develop as people get older. Researchers found that most branch-duct IPMNs are low-risk and monitored over time, while main-duct IPMNs are usually removed through surgery. Understanding how to manage these conditions is important for ensuring patients receive the right treatment based on their specific case. Who this helps: This helps patients with pancreatic neoplasms and their doctors.

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This study looked at food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) in Asian American children in Northern California, finding that 146 out of nearly 130,000 children (about 0.11%) had the condition. Most of these affected children were male, diagnosed at a median age of 7 months, and frequently had other allergies like atopic dermatitis. The research highlighted that common triggers included egg (36.3%), oats (24%), and milk (16.4%), and it also revealed that many children had more than one trigger food, especially among Asian Indian and Filipino children. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with Asian American children at risk for FPIES.

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Researchers studied a new method for obtaining hearts from donors who died from a lack of blood flow, which is called donation after circulatory death (DCD). They tested a simplified approach that involved using cold, oxygen-rich blood to prepare the hearts for transplantation, rather than more complex methods, and found that all five transplants were successful with no signs of organ rejection. This matters because it shows that this easier and less expensive method can effectively increase the number of available donor hearts for patients in need of a transplant. Who this helps: This helps patients waiting for heart transplants.

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This study examined the outcomes for 186 patients with myxoid liposarcoma, a type of cancer, focusing on how often the cancer recurs and how well patients function after treatment. Researchers found that while most patients did well—showing high overall survival rates (98.8% after 1 year, 92% after 5 years)—16.7% experienced distant recurrences of the cancer, which more frequently involved areas outside the lungs. The results are important because they suggest that patients should continue to have follow-up care for at least 10 years, including imaging for various potential cancer sites, to ensure that any recurrences are caught early. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from myxoid liposarcoma and their doctors in planning long-term care.

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This study looked at how well in-house created clear aligners work for straightening teeth by analyzing 61 patients’ digital scans before and after treatment. The results showed that 91% of the lower jaw and 95% of the upper jaw teeth moved as expected, with 84% of lower jaw and 88% of upper jaw teeth meeting strict accuracy standards. This research is significant because it demonstrates that using in-house technology for clear aligners can provide effective results for orthodontic treatment. Who this helps: This benefits orthodontic patients seeking effective and accessible teeth-straightening options.

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This study focused on updating guidelines for how to evaluate the effectiveness of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for reducing pain in patients with bone metastases. Researchers gathered input from 125 experts and reached agreement on 78% of their statements, including new recommendations on how to recruit participants, assess pain, and report treatment outcomes. This is important because having standardized measures will help researchers compare different studies and improve future cancer pain treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with bone metastases and their doctors.

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This study looked at two different radiation therapy methods—sequential boost (Seq) and simultaneous integrated boost (SIB)—for treating soft tissue sarcoma after surgery. In a group of 152 patients, both methods were found to have similar levels of side effects and cancer outcomes, even though tumors were larger in the SIB group (average size of 12.2 cm compared to 7.4 cm for Seq). Since SIB might lead to fewer long-term complications, particularly for patients with larger tumors, it may be a better option for postoperative care. Who this helps: This helps patients with soft tissue sarcoma requiring postoperative radiation therapy.

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This study looked at how two cancer treatments, palbociclib and retifanlimab, affect patients with advanced dedifferentiated liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer. Out of 12 patients treated, 8.3% showed a response to the treatment, and 75% had stable disease for a while. However, the treatment caused significant side effects, with a 42% rate of immune-related issues, leading to the study being halted. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with advanced dedifferentiated liposarcoma by exploring treatment options and highlighting the need for safer methods.

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This research paper analyzed how families of older adults can help manage their medications during times when the patient's care is changing, like when they leave the hospital. The study found that family involvement in medication management was often limited, with families participating in only 17% of medical encounters. However, when families were engaged effectively, it led to better outcomes, including a 4% reduction in hospital readmissions and a 93% rate of medication adherence. Who this helps: This benefits older patients and their families by improving medication management and reducing hospital visits.

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This study looked at the connection between anaemia (a condition where you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells) and bone diseases like osteoporosis, especially in patients with chronic illnesses. The researchers found that conditions such as chronic kidney disease and iron overload can weaken bones, making fractures more likely. Importantly, they highlighted that while treatments for anaemia are improving, their impact on bone health is often overlooked, leading to osteoporosis being diagnosed only after a fracture occurs. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with chronic conditions and their doctors by improving understanding and management of bone health alongside anaemia.

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This study explored a new way to help patients with disorders of consciousness by using a robotic system to accurately place deep brain stimulation electrodes in a specific part of the brain. Researchers worked with four patients and found that the robotic method was more precise, with the electrode locations being less than 0.4 millimeters off from planned targets compared to traditional methods. Additionally, every patient saw improvement in their consciousness level after the surgery, with scores rising by a median of 7 points. Who this helps: This benefits patients with disorders of consciousness and their caregivers.

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This research examined how involving older patients in their medication management during transitions of care (like hospital discharge) can affect their health outcomes. They found that 76% of the studied methods were basic approaches, where patients were only informed passively, while only 24% involved patients actively in decision-making. The more engaging methods led to better health outcomes, with less hospital readmissions, highlighting the importance of partnering with patients in their care. Who this helps: This helps older patients and healthcare providers by improving medication management and reducing hospital visits.

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This study looked at the outcomes for patients with advanced rectal cancer that had spread to the liver when they underwent surgery to remove both tumors at the same time. Out of 92 patients, none died from the surgery, and those who had the procedure lived an average of 70 months after surgery. This is important because it shows that combining these surgeries can be safe and effective for patients facing serious cancer challenges. Who this helps: Patients with high-risk rectal cancer and liver metastases.

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This study looked at a treatment called nivolumab, alone or combined with ipilimumab, for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who couldn't use cisplatin-based therapies. Out of 15 patients in the nivolumab group, 12 were able to get surgery within 60 days, while in the group with both drugs, only 8 were eligible. Nivolumab showed a 79% chance of being free of disease after 12 months, making it a promising option for these patients despite some challenges with the combination treatment. Who this helps: Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who cannot receive cisplatin.

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This study looked at whether patients with a long-term, infected knee joint replacement that has an open wound (called a sinus tract) could successfully undergo a one-step surgery to fix it, compared to those without an open wound. Researchers followed 285 patients for at least two years and found that 81.2% of those with sinus tracts stayed infection-free after the surgery, compared to 83.6% of those without. This shows that single-stage surgery can be as effective for patients with these open wounds as for those without, which could change how doctors approach these infections. Who this helps: This helps patients with infected knee replacements, particularly those with sinus tracts.

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This study examined how providing financial support and navigation assistance can reduce parenting stress among families with young children facing poverty. They compared two groups: one that received help from community support workers to navigate social services and one that only received a list of local resources. After six months, the parents who got support reported significantly lower stress levels, highlighting the importance of integrating social support with medical care to improve family well-being. Who this helps: Families with young children experiencing poverty.

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This study looked at a program called "JoyAge" designed to help older adults in Hong Kong who are at risk of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Researchers found that after 12 months, those participating in JoyAge experienced a significant drop in depressive symptoms (about 1.65 points less), anxiety (1.47 points less), and loneliness (1.29 points less) compared to those receiving usual care. This is important because it shows that a structured program can effectively support mental health in older adults, especially in places where mental health resources are limited. Who this helps: Older adults at risk of depression and those who care for them.

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This study looked at how certain immune characteristics in sarcoma patients affect their outcomes after receiving immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Researchers analyzed blood and tumor samples from 178 patients and found that those with a specific type of T cell profile (called proliferative, or PRO) had shorter survival times. In contrast, patients with tumors classified as immune-enriched and non-fibrotic had better responses to treatment and longer survival. Who this helps: This research benefits sarcoma patients and doctors by identifying which patients are more likely to respond to certain immunotherapies.

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This study looked at how common pancreatic cysts are in healthy people who had MRI scans for routine check-ups. They found that 7% of the 21,651 participants had these cysts, with the prevalence rising sharply with age; for instance, it was 20.8% in those aged 80 and older. Most of these cysts were small—nearly 99% were less than 3 cm—which is important for assessing the risk of pancreatic cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors understand the risks associated with pancreatic cysts and the importance of monitoring them.

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This research paper examines acute kidney failure in children, which is common among newborns and hospitalized kids and can lead to serious long-term health problems. The authors found that this condition is often underdiagnosed in children in Canada, with inconsistent follow-up care, highlighting the need for better prevention, faster detection, and improved management strategies. This matters because timely intervention can limit the progression of the disease and reduce complications. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly children at risk for kidney problems, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at how combining radiation therapy with a specific type of gene therapy (using adeno-associated vectors, or AAV) can improve the immune response to cancer. The researchers found that using a special AAV that delivers a substance called IL-12 during radiation treatment led to strong immune responses against tumors without causing significant side effects. This combination approach is effective in overcoming the ways cancer tries to hide from the immune system, making it a promising option for cancer treatment. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients by potentially improving their treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at acute kidney injury (AKI) in children, particularly those in hospitals, and found that it is commonly overlooked in Canada. It highlighted the need for better prevention, early detection, and consistent follow-up care, noting that AKI can lead to serious long-term health problems. Effective strategies for diagnosing and managing AKI in children were discussed, with a special focus on the unique needs of newborns. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients and their healthcare providers.

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This research looked at how to use tiny devices called microfluidic chips to study the effects of radiation on 3D models of cancer cells. The study developed new methods to grow these complex cell cultures on the chips and tested their responses to radiation using various techniques, which provide different types of information about how cells are affected. This research matters because it enhances our ability to understand cancer treatment responses, potentially leading to better therapies for patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing radiation therapy.

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This study tested a drug called vobramitamab duocarmazine (vobra-duo) on various childhood cancers, including Ewing sarcoma and neuroblastoma. The researchers found that vobra-duo effectively shrank tumors in animal models, while a comparison drug had little effect. This matters because it shows that vobra-duo could be a promising treatment for kids with difficult-to-treat solid tumors. Who this helps: This helps pediatric cancer patients.

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This study looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) can help doctors quickly find serious side effects from radiation treatment in patients with head and neck cancer. The AI was able to accurately identify conditions like bone death, hardening of tissue, jaw stiffness, and swallowing problems in 87% of cases using patient records. This is important because it can help doctors spot these issues earlier, potentially improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with head and neck cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how timing the COVID-19 booster vaccine affects patients who are starting or intensifying immunosuppressive therapy, which can increase the risk of severe COVID-19. Researchers compared giving a third booster shot less than two weeks before starting immunosuppressive treatment with giving it 24 weeks after treatment begins in a group of 280 participants, and also tested a fourth booster for bone marrow transplant patients, administered either 9 or 15 months after the transplant. The aim is to find out which timing offers better protection against COVID-19 by measuring the immune response over a year. Who this helps: Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, especially those with autoimmune diseases or who have had a bone marrow transplant.

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This study looked at a new way to conduct clinical trials for radiation therapy called the PERa platform. Over five years, it enrolled 1,415 patients from five different centers, with 93% agreeing to be contacted for future trials. The results showed that the platform could effectively recruit participants and maintain their involvement, although only 53% completed follow-up surveys. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing radiation therapy by improving how clinical trials are conducted and potentially leading to better treatment options.

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This study looked at how to better predict radiation pneumonitis (RP), a common side effect for patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving radiation therapy. Researchers analyzed data from 1,023 patients and found that combining a new AI tool using CT scans with traditional clinical data improved prediction accuracy from a score of 0.66 to 0.74. This matters because it can help doctors identify patients at a higher risk of developing RP, allowing for better treatment planning. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing radiation therapy for lung cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at the environmental impacts of a new type of radiation therapy that skips the usual simulation step for certain patient treatments. Researchers found that this "simulation-free" method resulted in a significant reduction of operational carbon emissions, dropping from 24.6 kg to 10.3 kg per patient, which is a 58% decrease. However, when accounting for the emissions from equipment production and maintenance, the total emissions for this method were higher (82.4 kg) compared to the traditional method (49.3 kg), primarily because of longer machine usage times. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and healthcare providers by highlighting ways to make radiation therapy more environmentally friendly.

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This study looked at how body changes and setup errors affect the delivery of radiation in a treatment called Lattice Radiation Therapy for patients with large tumors. Among the 16 patients, researchers found that even with changes in anatomy, the average radiation dose delivered to tumors was close to what was planned—around 27.7 Gy—though some high-dose areas saw reductions of about 41.5%. This matters because it shows that the treatment can still be effective despite these changes, ensuring that patients receive the correct amount of radiation. Who this helps: Patients undergoing Lattice Radiation Therapy.

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This study looked at late complications from radiation treatment in patients with head and neck cancer and found that 12.6% of patients developed severe issues related to the treatment within five years. These complications significantly increased the risk of death, with a hazard ratio of 2.1, meaning these patients were more than twice as likely to die compared to those without severe complications. Identifying factors that can be modified, like radiation technique and smoking status, offers a chance to improve patient outcomes and survivorship. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and healthcare providers by highlighting ways to reduce complications from treatment.

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In this study, researchers examined how a common gut parasite called Blastocystis affects behavior and chemical processes in mice. They found that Blastocystis alters the production of serotonin, a brain chemical linked to mood, by influencing the levels of tryptophan in the gut. Mice infected with Blastocystis showed higher levels of tryptophan and serotonin, as well as increased anxiety during behavioral tests. This research is important because it highlights the connection between gut health and mental well-being, suggesting that gut parasites like Blastocystis can impact behavior and emotions. Who this helps: This helps patients with gut-related mood disorders, such as anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

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Researchers created a new test called the InfC rRT-PCR to accurately detect influenza C viruses (ICVs). This test can identify very low amounts of the virus—just five copies—without getting confused by other types of influenza or respiratory viruses. The study found that this test is both highly sensitive and specific, meaning it works well for detecting ICVs in people who may have been infected. Who this helps: This helps doctors and health professionals better diagnose and manage influenza C virus infections in patients, especially children.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 affects the intestines of cancer patients undergoing certain treatments. Researchers found that up to 49 days after infection, some parts of the intestines continued to show signs of the virus, along with increased inflammation and lasting damage, which may worsen their condition. These results highlight the need to understand how COVID-19 could lead to long-term health issues for cancer patients, especially those who have undergone treatments like organ transplants. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and their doctors understand potential complications after COVID-19.

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This study focused on improving the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) using a blood test method called flow cytometry. Researchers tested blood samples from 228 patients and found that using a combination of five specific markers achieved a nearly perfect accuracy rate for diagnosing CLL—close to 100%. This is important because it helps doctors identify patients who have CLL more reliably and can lead to tailored treatments that improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and their doctors.

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This study looked at how wearable technology can help people who survive head and neck cancer by tracking their health and recovery. The researchers reviewed 9 studies and found that these devices could monitor things like physical activity, radiation exposure, and throat function. For example, low step counts were linked to higher anxiety and more hospital visits. These findings matter because they suggest that wearable devices can provide valuable information to help doctors make better treatment decisions and improve patients’ quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from head and neck cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected vascular surgery services in a hospital in the UK. Between March 2019 and March 2021, the number of procedures dropped sharply during the first two lockdowns, from 138 to just 42 and then 35, but partially recovered to 86 during the third lockdown. The pandemic led to an increase in emergency surgeries, including a doubling of thromboembolectomies and a rise in amputations and bypass procedures, while the use of telemedicine surged. Who this helps: Patients needing vascular surgeries and emergency care services.

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This study looked at how effective it is to use a smart shirt and a digital health platform to track symptoms in cancer patients receiving palliative radiation therapy. Researchers aimed to recruit 100 patients and found that monitoring through the shirt could lead to better detection of side effects and help improve overall patient care. This is important because timely management of symptoms can greatly enhance the quality of life for patients dealing with metastatic cancer. Who this helps: Patients with metastatic cancer undergoing palliative treatment.

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This study looked at an infant who had a unique heart defect called a ventricular septal defect (VSD). After the baby died, doctors found that the defect had a strange tunnel-like structure, which was different from what was originally diagnosed. This matters because understanding the exact nature of such heart defects helps surgeons plan better for treatment, ensuring they can fix the defect effectively. Who this helps: This helps doctors and surgeons dealing with heart defects in infants.

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The study looked at cases of mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in Southeast Asia over 15 years. Researchers found that MALT lymphoma was the most common type of marginal-zone lymphoma, making up 77.8% of cases, with a five-year survival rate of 97.8% for low-risk patients (those with no risk factors) compared to 76.7% for high-risk patients. This information is important as it helps identify which patients may have better chances of survival based on specific characteristics. Who this helps: This helps patients with MALT lymphoma by providing insights into their prognosis based on risk factors.

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This study looked at a patient with VATER syndrome, who had a bilateral cleft lip and palate, and underwent surgery to repair a significant defect in their mouth caused by removing the premaxilla. The surgical technique used a non-vascularized bone graft, which was successful in closing an oronasal fistula and consolidating the bone over 13 months. These findings show that this type of graft can effectively treat serious issues in patients with major facial defects. Who this helps: This benefits patients with VATER syndrome and similar conditions needing facial reconstruction.

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This study explored how the Chaihu-Longgu-Muli decoction (CLMD), a traditional Chinese medicine, can help alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Researchers found that CLMD targets and reduces inflammation by affecting key proteins involved in the inflammatory process, identifying 46 important targets and three compounds—quercetin, kaempferol, and wogonin—that work effectively together. This is significant because it helps explain how CLMD can provide relief from PMS symptoms by improving the body's inflammatory response. Who this helps: This research is beneficial for patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome.

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This study developed a pig model to better understand heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition that affects over half of heart failure patients. The researchers used a two-step method involving a high-salt diet and surgery that restricted blood flow, monitoring the pigs for 20 weeks. They found that this method led to significant heart changes, such as increased heart size and stiffness, as well as problems in other organs like the lungs and kidneys, which mirror issues seen in humans with HFpEF. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on heart failure treatments.

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This study compared two methods for checking liver health in patients with chronic liver disease: a newer approach called endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and a traditional method called transjugular (TJ). The results showed that the EUS method was more effective, providing both an adequate liver biopsy and reliable portal pressure measurements in 82.8% of cases, compared to just 41.4% for the TJ method. This finding is important because it suggests that EUS could be a better option for doctors when evaluating liver conditions, as it offers higher quality results without increasing the risk of complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic liver disease by providing better diagnostic options.