AN-WEN CHAN, MD

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This study looked at the quality of reported research in trials that test new skin disease treatments against established ones. Out of 71 trials, only 51.6% clearly stated their noninferiority hypothesis, and about 24% had findings that reviewers disagreed with or could not fully evaluate because key information was missing. This is important because better reporting helps doctors make informed decisions about treatment options for patients. Who this helps: Patients and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to improve care for patients who have been hospitalized for acute heart failure in Australia. The researchers found that only a small number of eligible patients receive adequate treatment according to established guidelines. They developed a set of recommendations to help doctors ensure that patients start the right heart failure medications while in the hospital and continue to receive the best possible care after they go home, which can significantly lower the risk of death and hospital readmissions. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from heart failure and their healthcare providers.

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This study investigated the relationship between the levels of a medication called tacrolimus and the risk of developing cancer in patients who received solid organ transplants. Researchers found that among 5,178 transplant recipients, 6.1% developed new cancers, and the risk increased by 9% for every 20% rise in tacrolimus levels in the first year. Patients with the highest drug exposure had a 47% greater cancer risk compared to those with the lowest exposure, emphasizing the need for careful management of tacrolimus dosages after surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits transplant patients and healthcare providers by highlighting the need for careful medication management.

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This study focused on malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC), a serious condition resulting from cancer spreading to the spine, which can harm patients' quality of life and survival. A group of experts from 20 countries came together to create clear definitions and consistent methods for assessing and reporting MSCC in clinical trials. They reached agreement on 49 key statements, including how to evaluate pain, movement, and other important health factors, to ensure that future studies on MSCC will be easier to compare and understand. Who this helps: Patients with malignant spinal cord compression and their doctors will benefit from these standardized guidelines.

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This study investigated how certain nitrogen-containing compounds found in air pollution contribute to haze formation and health issues in Chongqing during winter. The researchers discovered that organic nitrates and nitrites are major components of these compounds and that high humidity and nitrogen emissions significantly increase their levels during haze events. These compounds can lead to oxidative stress in lung cells, raising concerns about respiratory health during polluted days. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with respiratory conditions, doctors, and policymakers focused on improving air quality.

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Researchers examined how to improve the reporting of clinical trial protocols for children and teenagers. They introduced 17 new guidelines in the SPIRIT-C 2026 extension that specify crucial details often missing from these protocols, such as how to adjust treatment based on a child's age or size and how to minimize anxiety in young participants. This matters because clearer and more complete trial protocols will lead to better-designed studies that can help create safe and effective treatments for young patients. Who this helps: Patients, especially children and adolescents, as well as their caregivers and healthcare providers.

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The study focused on developing a new guideline called CONSORT-Children and Adolescents (CONSORT-C) 2026 to improve how research trials involving children and teens are reported. The guideline introduces 13 new reporting items to make the results of these trials clearer and more useful, based on input from young people and their caregivers. This is important because better reporting helps families and doctors make informed health decisions for young patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients, families, and healthcare providers.

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The 2023 wildfires in Canada released a significant amount of harmful pollutants into the air, impacting health in both Canada and the U.S. Researchers found that these pollutants could lead to an estimated 500 excess cancer cases and increase the risk of serious health issues for many people, with 1,300 individuals facing a higher cancer risk and 110,000 experiencing significant health risks. Additionally, about 360,000 Canadians may suffer from increased air pollution, and nearly 63 million people—mostly in the U.S.—could face worsened ozone levels. Who this helps: This information helps policymakers and health officials working to protect community health during wildfire events.

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This study looked at two cases of vaginal perforations in critically ill patients who used a device designed to manage fecal incontinence. One 87-year-old woman developed a perforation after 19 days of using the device, and a 34-year-old woman had a similar issue after just four days. These findings are important because they highlight serious risks associated with this common medical device, especially in patients with other health problems. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand the risks of using fecal management systems in vulnerable patients.

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The study focused on updating guidelines for creating randomized trial protocols, which are essential for planning and conducting clinical research. Researchers reviewed current practices and collected feedback from 317 individuals, resulting in the addition of 2 new items and revisions to several existing ones, bringing the total checklist to 34 minimum items. This update emphasizes transparency, patient involvement, and assessment of potential harms in trial protocols, which is crucial for improving the quality of medical research. Who this helps: This helps patients, researchers, and healthcare providers by ensuring that clinical trials are conducted more effectively and ethically.

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This study looked at how different types of radiation therapy (RT) affect skin problems and overall quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Researchers compared traditional RT to modern techniques like intensity-modulated RT (IMRT). They found that IMRT led to fewer cases of severe skin darkening, with a risk ratio of 0.39, which means it significantly reduced this issue compared to traditional methods, although it did not show lasting differences in other skin problems or quality of life measures. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy and their doctors by offering insights into reducing skin side effects.

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This research looked at how different ways of using cannabis (like smoking, vaping, or consuming edibles) affect thinking skills and levels of THC in the blood. The findings showed that most methods had similar effects on cognitive performance, though vaping might impair attention more than other methods, and smoking high-potency cannabis could negatively affect memory. It’s important because understanding these differences helps in knowing how cannabis impacts safety and impairment, especially since edibles can be harder to detect due to their longer-lasting effects. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, doctors, and policymakers looking to understand cannabis use and its effects.

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This study focused on improving the guidelines for radiation therapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a type of cancer in the upper throat. Researchers gathered opinions from 30 experts worldwide and found significant differences in how they contour radiation targets and prescribe doses. The new guidelines outline 58 important parameters for treatment, with 20 reaching strong agreement, including updates on radiation doses which can help improve treatment effectiveness and reduce harm to healthy tissue. Who this helps: This helps patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma by ensuring they receive more accurate and effective radiation therapy.

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This study looked at patients with liver cancer related to hepatitis B who were treated with surgery or other methods and how antiviral therapy affects the chances of cancer coming back. Out of 765 patients, those who received antiviral treatment had a significantly longer time without the cancer returning, with a median recurrence-free survival of 31.1 months. In particular, antiviral therapy greatly reduced the chance of cancer returning after 6 months and 12 months, indicating that the typical pattern of recurrence is changing and the second peak might be avoided altogether due to these treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hepatitis B-related liver cancer by offering them a better chance for long-term health after treatment.

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This study looked at how people in Ontario changed their behaviors during the early COVID-19 pandemic based on government restrictions and their personal circumstances. Researchers found that older individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions changed their behaviors the most, showing a significant reduction in exposure risk to COVID-19, and they had worse symptoms if they did get sick. Interestingly, vaccination did not seem to affect overall exposure risk, highlighting how personal and systemic factors influenced behavior more than individual choices. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and policymakers in planning future pandemic responses.

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This study looked at the different ways to measure the severity of acute radiation dermatitis (ARD), a skin reaction that many patients experience during radiation therapy. Researchers reviewed 423 studies and found 58 different assessment methods, including tools that doctors and patients use to report symptoms and impacts on quality of life. However, there is no standard method widely accepted, which makes it hard to accurately measure and manage ARD, highlighting the need for more research to develop reliable assessment tools. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing radiation therapy and their doctors by improving the management of ARD.

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This study looked at chronic radiation dermatitis (CRD) in breast cancer patients, a skin condition that can occur 90 days or more after radiation therapy and lead to serious problems like skin discoloration and ulcers. The research found a lack of consistent data on how often CRD occurs and how best to prevent or treat it, but some strategies like using certain creams and physical activity may help. Understanding CRD is important because it can significantly affect patients' quality of life after treatment for breast cancer. Who this helps: Patients undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer.

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Researchers studied the health effects of fine particulate matter in southwestern China, specifically focusing on its chemical makeup and how it contributes to health issues. They found that during haze episodes, the harmful effects increased significantly, with oxidative potential measurements ranging from 1.1 to 5.4 nmol/min, particularly noting that metals and certain organic compounds were major contributors to these health impacts. This matters because understanding the specific sources and components of air pollution can help develop better strategies for improving air quality and protecting people's health. Who this helps: Patients living in areas affected by air pollution, as well as public health officials and policymakers.

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This study focused on using patient-derived organoids (miniature versions of tumors grown in the lab) to help understand how liver cancer therapies might work better for individual patients. Researchers successfully created 23 organoids from liver cancer patients and found that most FDA-approved drugs do not effectively target the main mutations that drive the cancer. Notably, one drug showed strong potential to benefit patients based on specific genetic details, emphasizing the promise of using these organoids to improve cancer treatment effectiveness. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer by providing more personalized treatment options.

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This study looked at a protein called FADD and its role in liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC). Researchers found that higher levels of FADD help attract immune cells called CD8+ T cells to tumors, making the cancer more likely to respond to immune checkpoint therapy. In experiments, when FADD was removed from liver cancer cells, tumors grew larger and had fewer CD8+ T cells, showing that FADD is important for activating the immune response. Who this helps: This research helps liver cancer patients by improving the effectiveness of innovative immunotherapy treatments.

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This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of using external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) after a second breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) for patients who had breast cancer return in the same breast. It reviewed data from eight studies involving a total of 569 patients, finding an average local recurrence rate of 10% after treatment, with minimal serious side effects reported (1% during treatment and 3% long-term). This is important because it offers another option for women facing a breast cancer recurrence, potentially avoiding the need for more invasive surgery like mastectomy. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients who experience a recurrence in the same breast.

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This research compared four quality of life questionnaires used for patients with liver and biliary cancers to see how well they work. The study analyzed 14 rigorous studies that showed these questionnaires were reliable and valid, but many were developed with mostly European or US patients, limiting their cultural representation. For example, the QLQ-BIL21 was based on a very small sample of only 52 patients, while other questionnaires had more diverse but still limited demographics. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers who care for patients with liver and biliary cancers by helping them choose more suitable tools to assess quality of life.

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This study created a guideline called the CHART statement to improve the way research on health advice given by AI chatbots is reported. The researchers involved over 500 experts to develop a checklist with 12 key items and 39 detailed aspects to ensure that such studies are clear and thorough. This is important because better reporting makes it easier for doctors and researchers to evaluate how well these chatbots perform and trust their recommendations. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and researchers who rely on accurate information from AI-driven health chatbots.

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This research paper focused on improving the way studies about chatbot health advice (CHA) are reported. Researchers developed the CHART statement, a checklist with 12 main items and 39 additional points, to make it easier for everyone—from doctors to researchers—to understand and evaluate these studies. The goal is to create consistency in the reporting of findings, which can impact how these chatbot tools are used in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and researchers by ensuring clearer information about health chatbots.

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This study focused on creating a standardized checklist called CHART to help researchers clearly report on how AI chatbots provide health advice. Through extensive review and collaboration with over 500 experts, the CHART guideline was developed, which includes 12 main items and 39 sub-items to ensure that key details about chatbot health advice studies are transparent and thorough. This matters because it helps ensure that the information presented about these AI tools is accurate and reliable, improving the way health advice is shared with patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and researchers who rely on clear information from chatbot studies.

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This study compared two types of radiation therapy given after mastectomy and breast reconstruction to see which one leads to fewer complications. Researchers looked at data from 11 studies involving over 3,600 patients and found that moderate hypofractionation (HF) had a similar risk of major complications as conventional fractionation (CF), with a notable lower risk of capsular contracture in the HF group (38% less risk). These findings suggest that HF may provide a safer and less burdensome option for postmastectomy patients. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients who have undergone mastectomy and reconstruction.

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This research focused on how art activities like dancing, painting, music, and poetry can help improve mental health and quality of life for breast cancer survivors dealing with anxiety and depression after treatment. The study reviewed 31 trials and found that visual art and music interventions effectively reduced anxiety and depression, while dance showed some benefits but was less consistent. This is important because it suggests that creative activities can be useful tools for supporting the emotional well-being of these survivors. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer survivors looking for ways to improve their mental health.

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Researchers studied how a special ultrasound technique can predict how well breast cancer patients respond to chemotherapy before surgery. They found that this method accurately predicted treatment responses in 86% of cases, helping to identify patients who might need stronger follow-up treatments sooner rather than later. This is important because getting the right treatment more quickly can improve outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients with breast cancer who need personalized treatment plans.

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This study looked at how burning different types of plastic, like grocery bags and water bottles, releases tiny plastic particles into the air. Researchers found that burning these plastics produces a lot of small particles and harmful chemicals, with emissions ranging from about 0.5 to 769 grams of particles for every kilogram of plastic burned. This is important because these emissions might be a significant source of these tiny plastic particles in the environment, possibly even more than what's released from tires and brakes. Who this helps: This research helps environmental scientists and policymakers understand pollution sources, which can lead to better regulations on plastic waste management.

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This study focused on improving how doctors outline the area to be treated with radiation therapy for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a type of cancer found in the throat. The collaboration among several major oncology organizations led to clear guidelines that tackle important issues, like how to determine treatment margins after chemotherapy and how to define low-risk treatment areas. The guidelines aim to create consistent practices across different regions, which is crucial for providing better, more effective care. Who this helps: These guidelines benefit patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and their doctors.

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This study looked at guidelines for targeting the neck area during radiotherapy for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a type of cancer. A collaborative group of international experts developed these guidelines to tackle several important challenges in treatment, ensuring that the targeted areas are accurately defined. By following these guidelines, doctors can improve treatment consistency, which is crucial for better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and their doctors.

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This study focuses on creating new guidelines for researchers to include climate and environmental impacts in clinical trials. The aim is to develop two specific sets of guidelines, called SPIRIT-ICE and CONSORT-ICE, which will help ensure that the health effects of climate change are accurately reported in medical research. This matters because it will lead to more sustainable healthcare practices and better public health outcomes in the face of climate change. Who this helps: This benefits patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers aiming for healthier environments.

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This study focuses on how clinical trials report the environmental impact of medical interventions, aiming to create guidelines for better assessment in the future. The researchers will look at existing methods and studies to gather information on how these environmental outcomes are currently reported in trials. They plan to use their findings to improve the standards for reporting in future clinical research, which could lead to more sustainable healthcare practices. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working to make healthcare more environmentally friendly.

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This research looks at how the environment around tumors in the digestive system affects cancer behavior and treatment outcomes. It highlights four new scoring systems designed to evaluate important features of the tumor microenvironment in different types of gastrointestinal cancers, such as colorectal and gastric cancer. These scores help doctors better predict patient outcomes and tailor treatments to individual needs, making cancer care more effective. Who this helps: This benefits patients with gastrointestinal cancers and their doctors by providing better tools for treatment planning.

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This research paper reviews how two questionnaires, the EORTC QLQ-BN20 and FACT-Br, are used to measure the quality of life in brain tumor patients over the past ten years. The review analyzed 100 studies and found that while most studies reported quality of life, there were challenges with missing data and differences between what patients reported about their cognitive abilities and what tests showed. Improving how these tools are used can help provide better insights into patients' experiences and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with brain tumors and their doctors better understand their quality of life during treatment.

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This study focused on a new drug called EG01449, designed to block a specific receptor (neuropilin-1) involved in pain caused by tissue damage or inflammation. The researchers found that this drug effectively reduced pain linked to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), showing promising results in models of pain where the drug decreased both sensitivity to touch and heightened pain from cold. This matters because it offers a new way to manage chronic pain without the risks associated with current pain medications, like addiction or organ damage. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic pain.

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This study focused on an older man who had a kidney transplant and a history of bladder cancer. He had an unusual mass in his urethra that was initially thought to be cancer but turned out to be a benign growth caused by a low-risk strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The patient received treatment and is being closely monitored, which underscores the need for doctors to consider non-cancerous causes of urethral masses, especially in patients with complex medical histories. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and patients with bladder cancer and similar conditions.

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This study looked at how different amounts of soft tissue around the hip affect the risk of hip fractures in older adults when they fall. Researchers created computer models using scans from 280 older adults in Singapore and found that people with more trochanteric soft tissue had less risk of fractures. Specifically, Chinese participants were found to be at a higher risk of fracture compared to Indians and Malays, with female Chinese participants having 2.4 times more predicted hip fractures than Indians. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and health professionals understand hip fracture risks better in older adults, allowing for improved fall prevention strategies.

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This study explored a new method called quantitative ultrasound (QUS) to predict how well patients with stage II-III breast cancer respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (treatment given before surgery). The results showed that QUS could accurately predict treatment outcomes, achieving 92% accuracy, with response rates of 93% for standard treatment and 96.8% for those whose treatment was adjusted based on QUS results. This is important because it allows doctors to tailor chemotherapy based on how the tumor is responding, potentially leading to better patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with stage II-III breast cancer.

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This study looked at how different research studies define and measure outcomes when using stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to treat bone metastases. Out of 58 studies, the most common focus was on pain relief, which was the main outcome in 28% of the studies, while other important factors like toxicity and survival rates were reported in 22% and 12% of studies, respectively. The findings highlight the need for more consistent definitions and measurement methods across studies so that results can be effectively compared and used in treatment planning. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with patients who have bone metastases.

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Researchers developed a new blood test using advanced DNA sequencing to detect HPV-associated head and neck cancers early, before symptoms appear, and compared it to three other blood-based detection methods. The new sequencing test detected cancer 98.7% of the time it was present and correctly identified healthy people 98.7% of the time—significantly better than existing blood tests. This breakthrough matters because HPV-related head and neck cancers are becoming more common, yet doctors currently have no way to catch them early when treatment is most effective.

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Researchers created a helpful database called the SCEBdb to organize and provide access to important past studies that support updates to clinical research reporting guidelines known as SPIRIT 2013 and CONSORT 2010. The SCEBdb currently includes 846 published works that help researchers reference previous relevant studies easily, which is crucial for maintaining high standards in clinical research. This means that when researchers plan studies, they can more effectively build on existing knowledge, reducing mistakes and improving the quality of future studies. Who this helps: This helps researchers and organizations involved in clinical trials and methodology.