Cancer Research and Treatment:
- A new drug called daraxonrasib for pancreatic cancer has shown promising results in clinical trials, with patients living twice as long. This development was announced at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) annual meeting.
- Mayo Clinic presented oncology breakthroughs at ASCO 2026, covering data science, early detection, and targeted therapies.
- There’s also news of a new vaccine (amivantamab) for head and neck cancer, which has shown to shrink tumors in over a third of patients in a trial.
- Immunotherapy before surgery may reduce colon cancer recurrence.
- A targeted therapy has reduced the risk of lung cancer recurrence by 83% in a rare genetic subtype.
Obesity and Weight Management:
- Research suggests that waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) may be a better indicator of obesity and overall health than body mass index (BMI).
- Eli Lilly’s new experimental weight loss drug, retatrutide, has shown dramatic weight loss of up to 28%, potentially surpassing current GLP-1 drugs.
- A new once-daily GLP-1 tablet for weight loss is also available, offering an effective oral option.
- Trials suggest that maintaining weight loss might not require full-dose GLP-1 drugs.
Public Health and Safety:
- ER visits for tick bites have reached their highest level in over a decade, with the CDC reporting a rise in cases.
- A recent report found that only about 20% of sunscreens meet rigorous safety criteria.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring a rise in tick bites, leading to higher-than-usual emergency room visits.
- Concerns about potential hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks have also been noted, with some Americans being monitored.
Neurological Health:
- New research highlights the sudden warning signs of stroke, emphasizing the “BE FAST” acronym for recognition. Lifesaving treatments for stroke are also being discussed.
- An experimental molecule is being studied for its potential to “reprogram” the brain’s defenses against Alzheimer’s disease.
- An Alzheimer’s blood test around ages 53-69 may help detect the disease early.
- Declining physical activity may signal cognitive changes in older adults, and migraine with aura is linked to a higher stroke risk in older adults.
Other Health News:
- New colorectal cancer screening guidelines now include alternative blood and at-home stool-based tests.
- Ultra-processed foods have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other health conditions, but healthy swaps may lower the risk.
- Research indicates that hormone therapy use for menopause is declining despite its proven benefits.
- A study has found promising results with a breast cancer prevention drug, (Z)-endoxifen, which reduced breast density safely and with fewer side effects.
- Quitting smoking is linked to a 16% lower dementia risk and offers major benefits beyond heart and lung health.
June is also recognized as Men’s Health Month, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.