Jemperli + chemotherapy approved by the FDA as the first new frontline treatment option in decades for dMMR/MSI-H primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer – GSK

GSK plc announced that the FDA has approved Jemperli (dostarlimab) in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by Jemperli as a single agent for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer that is mismatch repair deficient (dMMR), as determined by an FDA-approved test, or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H). The supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) supporting this […]

Phase IIIb trial of fezolinetant shows positive topline results for treatment of vasomotor symptoms – due to menopause – Astellas

Astellas Pharma Inc. announced positive topline results from the Phase IIIb DAYLIGHT clinical trial for fezolinetant, an investigational oral, nonhormonal compound being studied for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause . VMS, characterized by hot flashes and/or night sweats, are common symptoms of menopause. The study, comprised of more than 450 women considered unsuitable […]

Fear of childbirth exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated fear of childbirth among pregnant people in the U.S., according to a new Dartmouth study. The researchers were particularly interested in understanding, from a U.S. context, which factors predict childbirth fear and how the pandemic has affected this fear and birth outcomes. The findings are published in Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health. “Our results showed really high […]

Experts call for monitoring of respiratory vaccine after trials suggest possible increase in preterm births

Experts have called for further scrutiny of a new Pfizer vaccine given during pregnancy to prevent respiratory infection in infants, after trials of a similar GSK vaccine were stopped after  a rise in preterm birth and infant deaths. Pfizer says its vaccine is safe and effective, but experts contacted as part of an investigation published by The BMJ today, say Pfizer’s trial data […]

Gynecologic surgery increases risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study showed that hysterectomy alone, hysterectomy with oophorectomy, and tubal ligation were all associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The findings and their implications are published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Women’s Health.  Click here to read the article now. Stacey Missmer, ScD, from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and coauthors, examined the association between […]

An estimated one million stillbirths and newborn baby deaths could be prevented each year by implementing low-cost pregnancy interventions in low- and middle-income countries

Eight low-cost and easily implementable proven interventions for pregnant women in 81 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) could prevent an estimated 566,000 stillbirths and 5.2 million babies a year from being born preterm or small for gestational age—some with low birth weight—the impacts of which would also affect long-term health and economic output, says a new four-paper Series published in The […]

Mayo Clinic study puts price tag on cost of menopause symptoms for women in the workplace

Menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, joint aches and cognitive difficulties damage the quality of life for millions of women. They also can adversely affect women in the workplace. A newly published Mayo Clinic study puts numbers on that cost: an estimated $1.8 billion in lost work time per year and $26.6 billion annually when […]

Telephone-based health coaching did not affect postpartum weight gain

Gestational diabetes (GDM) and overweight during pregnancy are associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Although postpartum weight loss can reduce diabetes risk, effective interventions are lacking – especially for Latina populations, who experience higher than average rates of GDM, overweight and chronic diabetes. In an effort to address this evidence gap, researchers from the University of California, San […]

Can virtual reality tools help teach obstetrics and gynecology topics to medical students?

Results from a trial published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics support the benefit of 3D virtual reality lessons to improve medical students’ knowledge and understanding of complex topics in obstetrics and gynecology. For the study, 21 students took part in a 15-minute virtual reality learning environment (VRLE) experience on the stages of fetal development, and 20 students received a […]

Why migraine frequently occurs during menstruation

When women suffer migraine attacks, it is often just before or during their monthly period. A team of researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin has now identified a possible explanation. According to their study, published in the journal Neurology,* women who experience migraines have higher levels of CGRP during menstruation. CGRP is a neurotransmitter that is known to play an important […]