Author: Frank Jost

Understanding Epigenetic Therapies: A New Horizon in Cancer Treatment for Older Adults Epigenetic therapies represent a groundbreaking approach in oncology, especially important for older adults wary of traditional cancer treatments’ harsh side effects. Unlike chemotherapy or radiation—which directly kill cells—these therapies aim to ‘reset’ cancer cells by reversing the abnormal epigenetic modifications that cause cancer progression. The idea hinges on modifying how cancer cells read their DNA without changing the DNA sequence itself, targeting the enzymes responsible for these chemical alterations. For instance, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors like Azacitidine (Vidaza) and Decitabine (Dacogen) are designed to reactivate tumor suppressor genes…

For millions of Americans, health insurance costs are about to become significantly more expensive. As enhanced financial assistance for health coverage is set to expire, many households are discovering that their monthly premiums could rise sharply — in some cases to levels that rival or even exceed major living expenses like housing. Even people who do not directly receive financial assistance may feel the impact, as changes to the health insurance marketplace ripple through the broader system. Why premiums are increasing Temporary financial support introduced during the pandemic helped lower monthly health insurance premiums for a large number of Americans.…

As flu season begins, health authorities in Mexico have confirmed the detection of a new variant of the seasonal influenza virus, commonly referred to as “superflu.” While the name may sound alarming, experts emphasize that this strain is not a completely new virus and does not appear to be more dangerous than typical seasonal flu strains. Still, because this variant spreads easily and can cause intense symptoms, public health officials are encouraging people to take flu season precautions seriously, especially those who are older or have underlying health conditions. What is “superflu”? The term “superflu” refers to a specific variant…

Eating well is generally seen as a positive habit. Choosing fresh foods, limiting ultra-processed products, and paying attention to nutrition are often encouraged. But for some people, the pursuit of healthy eating can slowly turn into an obsession — one that harms both physical and mental health. This lesser-known eating disorder is called orthorexia, and it is becoming increasingly common. Orthorexia is not about weight loss or body shape. Instead, it revolves around a rigid fixation on eating only foods perceived as “pure,” “clean,” or “healthy,” while completely avoiding anything labeled as “bad” or “toxic.” Over time, this mindset can…

The Promise of Oncolytic Virus Therapy in Cancer Care for Seniors As cancer remains a significant health challenge for the elderly, new treatment paradigms that combine efficacy with gentleness are urgently needed. Oncolytic virus therapy, a rapidly evolving area of cancer immunotherapy, offers fresh hope by employing engineered viruses to selectively target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This dual attack mechanism not only directly kills tumor cells but also awakens the immune system to fight residual disease, potentially offering gentler side effects compared to traditional chemotherapies and radiation. Clinicians and researchers at leading institutions—including the Mayo Clinic…

A new proposal from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could expand the list of sunscreen ingredients permitted in the United States. The ingredient at the center of the discussion is bemotrizinol, a filter that is already commonly used in parts of Europe, Australia, and Asia. If the proposal moves forward, Americans could eventually see sunscreens on store shelves that include this additional option for broad-spectrum protection — meaning coverage against both UVA and UVB rays. What is bemotrizinol and why does it matter? Bemotrizinol is a chemical UV filter designed to help protect skin from two major types…

More than two centuries ago, physician James Parkinson described a puzzling set of symptoms in a small group of London residents: shaking, stiffness, slowness and changes in walking. Today, we recognize those clues as Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition best known for movement problems — but increasingly understood as a whole-body disorder that can involve the gut, sleep, mood, skin and more. At the center of Parkinson’s is the gradual injury or loss of brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps regulate movement, motivation and attention. When dopamine signaling falls, the nervous system struggles to coordinate…

Holiday travel, packed stores, family gatherings — this time of year brings a lot of togetherness. It also brings a predictable side effect: more germs moving from person to person. New national tracking shows that flu-like illness is climbing in the United States, and many labs are detecting a newer flu offshoot often referred to as H3N2 subclade K. For the week ending December 6 (the first full week after Thanksgiving), the share of doctor visits for fever plus cough or sore throat rose to 3.2%, exceeding the “epidemic threshold” used by many public health experts to signal that flu…

The Promise of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals in Senior Cancer Care Targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) has emerged as a groundbreaking advancement in oncology, especially relevant for seniors facing cancer diagnoses. This innovative treatment employs radioactive compounds linked to molecules that specifically seek out cancer cells, delivering lethal doses of radiation with remarkable precision. Unlike traditional chemotherapy or external beam radiation, RPT minimizes collateral damage to healthy tissues, making it a gentler option for older patients who often have coexisting health issues. By combining diagnostic imaging and therapy in a theranostic approach, RPT offers individualized treatment plans that adjust to the biological characteristics…

The sudden rise of Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg to one of the Food and Drug Administration’s most powerful posts has stunned many inside the agency. Overnight, a physician best known for questioning parts of the U.S. vaccine program has been placed in charge of the FDA office that oversees the safety and approval of most prescription and over-the-counter drugs in America. Her promotion, made after the abrupt departure of longtime cancer drug expert Dr. Richard Pazdur, has been greeted with deep unease by multiple senior FDA scientists. They fear the move could politicize a traditionally science-driven office and unsettle drug…