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Welcome to this week’s myHSN Week in Health – a round-up of the biggest health news this week, and what it means for you
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Genetic test predicts heart disease risk
New immunotherapy approved for breast cancer
Personalised cancer treatment breakthrough
Ambulance service confirms winter strike dates
2-in-1 COVID & flu test gets green light
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Genetic test predicts heart disease risk
Credit: Pexels
What?
A study across North England GP practices has demonstrated that a genetic test increases the number of patients found to be at risk of heart disease in the future. 1000 patients were offered genetic tests – in 13% of cases, the risk of heart disease was increased enough that GPs offered them preventative treatment, such as a statin.
Why?
Genetic testing is a key area of research to predict how likely patients are to get certain diseases.
A Qrisk score is already used to calculate heart risk in patients without heart disease. In this study, a genetic test for heart disease risk, known as a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS), was added to this calculation.
How (does it affect you)?
This study demonstrates the strengths of genetic testing in an outpatient or GP setting. You may see this testing rolled out in the future at your own GP practice.
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New immunotherapy option approved for breast cancer
What?
Pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug known as a checkpoint inhibitor, has been approved by NICE for use in triple negative breast cancer. It has been approved for use before (neoadjuvant) and after (adjuvant) surgery.
Why?
Triple negative is a type of breast cancer that does not contain any of three commonly targeted genetic mutations. These genetic mutations mean advanced targeted drugs can be used, which allow women with breast cancer to live longer.
Giving pembrolizumab before or after surgery to remove breast cancer has been shown to increase the chance of removing the cancer completely, or increase the time before it comes back. More research is needed to assess whether it can help people live longer.
How (does it affect you)?
If you have breast cancer in the UK, this news directly affects you. If you are due to have an operation to remove your breast cancer and are triple negative, your breast surgeon or oncologist should have access to this new treatment – make sure to ask!
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Personalised cancer treatment breakthrough
Credit: Pexels
What?
An innovative new cancer therapy has been trialled by scientists in a small study of 16 patients. After receiving the new personalised therapy, 11 patients did not not respond to treatment. In 5, their cancer was stabilised.
Why?
Cancer has a variety of treatments including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Recent research has focused on personalised therapies such as the one demonstrated in this trial.
Our body has a natural defence against cancer in the form of white blood cells. In this trial, a small number of specific white blood cells called T cells (with the ability to recognise and kill cancer cells), were harvested from patients. These were in turn cloned and re-administered to patients, with the aim of treating the patient’s tumours.
How (does it affect you)?
This is an experimental small-scale study – a proof of concept. It will take many years, perhaps up to a decade for it to become standard clinical practice, if it works in later trials. Cellular therapy trials like this are ongoing in the UK. If you have cancer that has progressed while on standard treatment, speak to your oncologist to see if there are clinical trials you can be referred to.
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Ambulance service confirms winter strike dates
Credit: Pexels
What?
Scottish Ambulance Service workers have confirmed winter strike dates in the latest wave of industrial action affecting the UK. Ambulance workers will strike from 00:01 on the 25th of November.
Why?
The UK public sector is facing a spending pinch, with many workers faced with offered pay rises that fall well below inflation, and far below what many feel they deserve. This strike is the first confirmed one in a potential wave of industrial action across the health service. Workers are striking for a flat rate of £2,250, backdated to April 2022.
How (does it affect you)?
In Scotland on the 25th November expect delays to emergency care, with the prospect of extended waiting times for ambulances. Talks are ongoing prior to the strike action in an attempt to divert it. However with under a couple of weeks till the proposed strikes, it is becoming less likely that a deal will be agreed upon.
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2-in-1 COVID & flu test gets green light
What?
A Derbyshire firm’s twin COVID and flu test kit has been given the green light across the UK, in a move set to reduce transmission of these diseases, throughout what many are already calling a hard winter. The new test is similar to previous COVID tests, utilising a lateral flow design that can be easily used at home.
Why?
The combination of a COVID and flu test is seen as a key step in combatting the spread of winter viruses, allowing for tailoring of treatment if required in hospital.
How (does it affect you)?
Following successful initial trials at Guys and St Thomas’ hospitals, the test has the greenlight for rollout across the UK. If you are unwell with COVID/flu-like symptoms in a care home or hospital, it is likely that this new test will be made available to you. How it will affect transmission is an as yet unanswered question.
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As always, best wishes from myHSN!
