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Impact of introducing RTS,S/AS01_E malaria vaccine on mortality in young children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi: an observational evaluation of a cluster-randomised implementation programme

May 10, 2026

This study evaluates the impact of the RTS,S/AS01_E malaria vaccine on mortality rates in young children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi over a 46-month period following its introduction in 2019. The authors aimed to determine whether the vaccine significantly reduced overall mortality in children eligible for three doses compared to non-eligible children, finding a notable reduction in mortality, with approximately one in eight deaths averted in areas with moderate vaccine coverage. The results underscore the importance of accelerating malaria vaccine deployment in regions where malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality.

Enpatoran, a Toll-like receptor 7/8 inhibitor, in moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus: findings from Cohort B of a multicentre, international, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-finding phase 2 trial

May 10, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of enpatoran, a TLR7/8 inhibitor, in improving disease activity in patients with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to placebo. Although enpatoran showed improved British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) response rates at various doses, the primary objective of demonstrating a statistically significant dose-response relationship was not achieved. Overall, enpatoran was well tolerated among participants.

Endovascular thrombectomy for patients with large-core ischaemic stroke presenting up to 24 h after onset (ATLAS): a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis with central imaging adjudication

May 10, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large-core ischaemic stroke presenting within 24 hours of onset, a group often excluded from such treatments. Their systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data from six trials found that endovascular thrombectomy significantly improved functional outcomes and reduced mortality compared to medical management, although the benefits were less clear for patients with very large ischaemic core volumes (≥150 mL). Overall, the findings suggest that endovascular thrombectomy is beneficial for most patients with large-core ischaemic strokes, except in cases of extensive ischaemic changes presenting beyond 6 hours.

The role of community-based blood pressure screening in improving hypertension care

May 9, 2026

The authors argue against the viewpoint that mass blood pressure screening detracts from hypertension care, positing instead that community-based screening can enhance hypertension detection, especially in underserved populations. They emphasize that such screening, when conducted with validated methods, can effectively identify individuals with elevated blood pressure and raise awareness about hypertension, ultimately supporting better management and control of the condition. The paper advocates for integrating community screening with primary care to address the global challenge of hypertension.

Long-term effects of colonoscopy screening on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality: a multicountry, population-based randomised controlled trial

May 8, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of colonoscopy screening on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality over a 13-year follow-up period. The results indicated that screening significantly reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer but did not show a corresponding reduction in mortality, with both groups experiencing lower-than-expected mortality rates. The findings suggest that while colonoscopy screening is effective in lowering cancer incidence, its impact on mortality may be less pronounced than anticipated.

Effects of ovarian ablation or suppression on breast cancer recurrence and survival: patient-level meta-analysis of 15 000 women in 23 randomised trials

May 3, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the impact of ovarian function suppression (OFS) on breast cancer recurrence and survival in premenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive or unknown early breast cancer. Their meta-analysis of data from 23 randomized trials involving nearly 15,000 women found that OFS significantly reduced recurrence rates and breast cancer mortality, particularly in those confirmed premenopausal after chemotherapy, highlighting its effectiveness regardless of concurrent treatments like tamoxifen.

Once-weekly semaglutide versus placebo in patients with alcohol use disorder and comorbid obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

May 3, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of once-weekly semaglutide in reducing heavy drinking days among treatment-seeking patients with alcohol use disorder and comorbid obesity. The results demonstrated that semaglutide significantly reduced heavy drinking days compared to placebo, supporting its potential as a novel therapeutic intervention for alcohol use disorder. Additionally, the treatment was generally well-tolerated, with mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects reported more frequently in the semaglutide group.

Substantial increases in cervical cancer inequalities worldwide without enhanced human papillomavirus vaccination and screening efforts: a global modelling study

May 3, 2026

This study aimed to assess the trajectory of cervical cancer elimination in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs) and to evaluate the impact of enhanced HPV vaccination and screening strategies on existing inequalities. The findings indicate that without significant improvements in vaccination and screening efforts, cervical cancer incidence will decrease minimally in LMICs, leading to a dramatic increase in inequalities by 2105. Achieving WHO elimination targets and implementing universal vaccination strategies are essential for reducing these disparities and achieving cervical cancer elimination in LMICs.

Depression

May 3, 2026

The authors examine the global burden of depression, which affects individuals across all age groups and societies. They emphasize the need for improved diagnosis and clinical management of depression, alongside the development of new interventions, to enhance treatment efficacy and efficiency. The paper seeks to address how existing treatments can be better utilized to combat this pervasive illness.

Pharmacological blood-pressure lowering for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and death across the full spectrum of chronic kidney disease severity: an individual-participant data meta-analysis

Apr 26, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the effects of blood-pressure-lowering treatment on the risk of major cardiovascular events and mortality across various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Their analysis of individual-participant data from 52 randomized controlled trials revealed that a reduction in systolic blood pressure similarly decreased cardiovascular risk in individuals with and without CKD, although the benefit was less pronounced in those with CKD and concurrent diabetes. The findings suggest that while blood-pressure management is effective across all CKD stages, tailored strategies may be necessary for patients with CKD and diabetes.