patient care

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that breast cancer survivors who receive chemotherapy may face a more pronounced and long-lasting decline in their physical health compared to those treated only with endocrine therapy. This large-scale prospective cohort investigation sheds light on the differential impact of various treatment regimens, pointing to the need for more informed decision-making when balancing therapeutic benefits against potential long-term side effects.

In a breakthrough study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology on 19 February 2025, Japanese researchers have uncovered compelling evidence that even modest exercise habits prior to hospitalization are linked to better outcomes for older patients with heart failure. As heart failure continues to pose a major health threat—especially for ageing populations—this study offers fresh insights into how regular physical activity can improve survival rates and enhance quality of life after discharge.

Anxiety disorders affect one in six Australian adults each year and often occur alongside depression and other disabling conditions. With an increasing number of patients delaying or avoiding GP visits due to cost pressures, improving treatment for those living with anxiety has never been more urgent. Recognising this need, researchers are launching the Living with Anxiety study—a large-scale investigation into the genetic and environmental factors that influence both the development of anxiety disorders and the response to treatments, particularly antidepressant medications.

In a concerning pattern that continues to unfold across central Queensland, a vulnerable patient with Alzheimer's disease walked out of the care of Gladstone Hospital on Sunday morning. The incident marks the third time in less than two years that a patient has gone missing from a central Queensland public hospital, raising serious questions about the safety and security measures in place for those with cognitive impairments.

A recent analysis of Australian clinical guidelines has revealed a significant gap in the consideration of sex and gender in medical practice, raising concerns about equity in healthcare. The study, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, assessed 80 guidelines from 51 organizations, covering 27 areas of practice between 2014 and 2024. The findings highlight critical deficiencies in how medical guidelines address the impact of sex and gender on healthcare outcomes, reinforcing calls for more inclusive medical policies and research.

Two women in Queensland have been caught up in a potentially life-altering medical error after they were both given incorrect cancer diagnoses. This mishap has now sparked a major investigation, with the state government promising a thorough review of the incident and its causes.

An international team of researchers has explored how multi-omics—the integration of molecular data across different biological layers—can enhance our understanding of the way genetic and environmental factors interact to influence chronic diseases.

This blog post discusses the groundbreaking collaboration between Aston University and the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in developing an innovative injectable paste for bone cancer treatment. The research focuses on using gallium-doped bioglass to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. By delivering targeted therapy directly to tumor sites, this advancement aims to improve patient outcomes, reduce recurrence rates, and expedite recovery times. This interdisciplinary effort symbolizes a significant leap in oncology care, offering hope for better treatment solutions and improved quality of life for bone cancer patients.