Cancer patients must speak to doctors before taking weight-loss jabs

Cancer patients must speak to their doctor before taking weight-loss jabs, a charity has warned, amid a rise in people seeking help over whether they can take them.
Macmillan Cancer Support said while 'quick fixes' may seem appealing, there is currently not enough evidence over how the drugs might affect anti-cancer treatments.
It said more research is needed but it was already known the drugs may affect how other medicines are absorbed by the body. This may include some anti-cancer drugs, it said.
Dr Owen Carter, national clinical adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: 'Recently we have seen a noticeable increase in calls to Macmillan's free support line and a flurry of messages on our peer-to-peer online community about weight-loss drugs.
'We know that cancer affects everybody differently and it's understandable that lots of people are interested in new drugs which accelerate weight loss, particularly if they want to manage their weight before or after treatment for cancer.
'While 'quick fixes' may seem attractive, we simply do not know enough about the long-term impact of these weight-loss medications to recommend them if they're not prescribed by a specialist.
'Additionally, certain weight loss medications carry warnings about a potential link with thyroid cancer.
'However, we know that eating well and staying as active as possible are proven to help people feel better, increase their energy levels and strengthen their immune systems, which can help them to manage their weight and cope better with cancer treatment.
'If you have questions about cancer, including about weight-loss drugs, we urge you to speak to your GP or call the Macmillan support line.
'Trusted advisers are available 8am-8pm, seven days a week, to provide callers with information and support, or just a listening ear.'
Macmillan said it has now published new information on its website about the drugs and cancer.

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Health Line

an hour ago

• Health Line

Everything You Should Know About Hormonal Imbalance

A hormonal imbalance can have a wide range of symptoms, from weight gain to fatigue. Treatment can help resolve many of the underlying causes. Hormones are your body's chemical messengers. Produced in the endocrine glands, these powerful chemicals travel around your bloodstream, telling tissues and organs what to do. They help control many of your body's major processes, including metabolism and reproduction. When you have a hormonal imbalance, you have too much or too little of a certain hormone. Even tiny changes can have profound effects throughout your body. Some hormone levels fluctuate throughout your lifetime and may result from natural aging. However, other changes occur when your endocrine glands produce too much or not enough of certain hormones. Read on to learn more about hormonal imbalances and how they might affect your health. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance Your hormones play an integral role in your overall health. Specific symptoms could indicate a hormonal imbalance. However, the symptoms you might experience depend on which hormones or glands are responsible. Common hormonal conditions that could cause imbalances may result in symptoms such as: Keep in mind that these symptoms are nonspecific. Having one or a few of them doesn't necessarily mean that you have a hormonal imbalance. Some of these symptoms may also reflect other chronic conditions. So, if you notice any notable changes in your body or energy levels, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor. Symptoms in people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) In people with ovaries, the most common consequence of hormonal imbalance is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Your hormonal cycle also changes naturally during these stages: Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance specific to AFAB people include: heavy or irregular periods, including missed periods, stopped periods, or frequent periods hirsutism, or excessive hair on the face, chin, or other parts of the body acne on the face, chest, or upper back hair loss hyperpigmentation (darker patches on the skin), especially along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath the breasts skin tags vaginal dryness vaginal atrophy pain during sex night sweats headaches It's important to note that many of these issues, including hirsutism, can affect people of other sexes, too. Symptoms in people who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) Testosterone plays a vital role in development. If you aren't producing enough testosterone, it can cause a variety of symptoms. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in AMAB people include: gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue breast tenderness erectile dysfunction (ED) decrease in beard growth and body hair growth loss of muscle mass loss of bone mass, otherwise known as osteoporosis difficulty concentrating hot flashes It's important to note that AFAB folks can also experience testosterone imbalances. Symptoms in children Children start producing sex hormones during puberty. Many children with delayed puberty will go on to experience typical puberty, but some have a condition called hypogonadism. Individuals with hypogonadism may experience: lack of development of muscle mass a voice that doesn't deepen body hair that grows sparsely impaired penis and testicular growth excessive growth of the arms and legs in relation to the trunk of the body gynecomastia menstruation that doesn't begin breast tissue that isn't developing the growth rate doesn't increase Causes of a hormonal imbalance A hormonal imbalance has many possible causes. They can differ depending on which hormones or glands are affected. Common causes of hormonal imbalance include: hormone therapy medications cancer treatments such as chemotherapy tumors, whether cancerous or benign pituitary tumors eating disorders chronic stress injury or trauma insulin resistance While hormonal imbalances may initially cause some of the conditions below, having these conditions can also lead to further hormonal imbalances: type 1 and type 2 diabetes diabetes insipidus hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules thyroiditis hypogonadism Cushing syndrome, or high levels of cortisol congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which causes low levels of cortisol and aldosterone Addison's disease Causes unique to AFAB people Many causes of hormonal imbalance in AFAB people are related to reproductive hormones. Common causes include: menopause primary ovarian insufficiency, which is also known as premature menopause pregnancy breastfeeding PCOS hormone medications, such as birth control pills Tests for hormonal imbalance There's no single test available to help doctors diagnose a hormonal imbalance. Begin by making an appointment with your doctor for a physical exam. Be prepared to describe your symptoms and the timeline along which they've occurred. Include all medications, vitamins, and supplements you're currently taking. Your doctor may ask you questions such as: How often are you experiencing symptoms? Does anything help relieve your symptoms? Have you lost or gained weight recently? Are you more stressed than usual? When was your last period? Are you planning to get pregnant? Do you have trouble getting or maintaining an erection? Do you have vaginal dryness or pain during sex? Your doctor may suggest one or more diagnostic tests depending on your symptoms. You can also request that your doctor perform these tests. A healthcare professional can request a blood test to check your thyroid and estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol levels. Pelvic exam If you have a uterus, a doctor may perform an internal exam to feel for any unusual lumps, cysts, or tumors. If you have testicles, a doctor may check your testicles and scrotum for any lumps or abnormalities. Ultrasound An ultrasound machine uses sound waves to look inside your body. Doctors may request an ultrasound to get images of the: uterus ovaries testicles thyroid pituitary gland Additional tests Sometimes, more advanced tests are required. These can include: biopsy MRI X-ray thyroid scan sperm count test (semen analysis) At-home tests If you're experiencing symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, you may also consider using a home testing kit. These kits are available for a variety of conditions. However, while still best to talk with a doctor as they may recommend additional testing to determine the cause of a hormone imbalance, at-home tests can provide a starting point. Home testing kits for menopause measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your urine. FSH levels increase when you enter menopause. Levels also rise and fall during a typical menstrual cycle. Other factors, such as the use of hormonal birth control, can also affect your FSH levels. Note that these kits can indicate that menopause may have started, but they can't tell you conclusively. A healthcare professional's confirmation may be necessary. Other home testing kits typically use saliva or blood from the fingertip to measure your cortisol levels, key thyroid hormones, and sex hormones such as progesterone and testosterone. Some tests may require a urine sample. These kits require you to send the sample off to a lab. Your test results are usually available online within 5 to 9 business days. The company LetsGetChecked provides at-home tests that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, many at-home tests have not received FDA approval. Regardless of which at-home test you choose, it is important to discuss your test results with your healthcare professional. Let them know if you're concerned about certain symptoms or a possible diagnosis. Treatment options for a hormonal imbalance Treatment for a hormonal imbalance will depend on what's causing it. Some common treatment options include: Estrogen therapy Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with your doctor. If you don't already have one, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. Vaginal estrogen If you're experiencing vaginal dryness or pain during sex, a doctor may also recommend an estrogen cream, tablet, or ring. This local therapy helps eliminate many of the risks associated with systemic estrogen, or estrogen that travels throughout the bloodstream to the appropriate organ. Hormonal birth control Hormonal birth control can help regulate your menstrual cycles. Types of hormonal birth control include the: birth control pill birth control patch birth control shot vaginal ring intrauterine device (IUD) Some types of hormonal birth control may also help improve acne on the face and body. Anti-androgen medications Androgens are male sex hormones that are present in people of all genders. High androgen levels can be treated with medication that blocks the effects of androgens. These effects include: hair loss facial hair growth acne One androgen closely tied to hair growth and loss is testosterone. A 2020 study found that when not enough testosterone is produced, hair loss and lack of growth are common. Testosterone therapy Testosterone supplements can reduce the symptoms of low testosterone. In adolescents with delayed puberty, it stimulates the start of puberty. It's available in many forms, including injections, a patch, and gel. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has risks, including to your cardiovascular system. Thyroid hormone therapy If you have hypothyroidism, the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid) can bring hormone levels back into balance. Metformin Metformin is a type 2 diabetes medication that may help some individuals with PCOS symptoms. The FDA has not approved it to treat PCOS, but it might help lower androgen levels and encourage ovulation. It is often prescribed off-label for this purpose. Flibanserin (Addyi) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi) Flibanserin (Addyi) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi) are the only medications that are FDA-approved for the treatment of low sexual desire in premenopausal people. Addyi is a pill, and Vyleesi is a self-administered injectable medication. These drugs may come with some serious side effects, such as severe nausea and changes in blood pressure. Talk with your doctor to see if either one could be right for you. Eflornithine (Vaniqa) This prescription cream is designed specifically for excessive facial hair. Applied topically to the skin, it helps slow new hair growth but does not eliminate existing hair. Natural remedies and supplements Many nutritional supplements on the market claim to treat menopause and hormonal imbalance. However, few of them are backed by scientific evidence. Many of these supplements contain plant-derived hormones, which are sometimes called 'bioidentical' hormones because they chemically resemble the body's natural hormones. However, there's no evidence to suggest that they work better than regular hormone therapy. They are also not regulated by the FDA to the same degree as prescription hormone medications. Some people find that yoga helps ease symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Yoga is excellent for your strength, flexibility, and balance. It may also aid in weight loss, which can further help regulate your hormones. You can also make the following lifestyle changes: Lose weight: If your doctor has recommended it, a reduction in body weight may help regulate menstrual cycles and increase the chances of getting pregnant. Weight loss may also help improve erectile function. Eat well: A balanced diet is an important part of overall health. Decrease vaginal discomfort: Use lubes or moisturizers free of parabens, glycerin, and petroleum. Avoid hot flash triggers when possible: Identify things that commonly trigger your hot flashes, such as warm temperatures, spicy foods, or hot beverages. Remove unwanted hair: If you have excess facial or body hair, you can use hair removal cream, laser hair removal, or electrolysis. Hormonal imbalance and acne The primary cause of acne is excess oil production, which leads to clogged pores. Acne is most common in areas with many oil glands, including the: face chest upper back shoulders Acne is often associated with the hormonal changes of puberty. But there's a lifelong relationship between acne and hormones. Acne and menstruation The menstrual cycle is one of the most common acne triggers. For many individuals, acne develops the week before they get their period and then clears up. Dermatologists recommend hormonal testing for people who have acne in combination with other symptoms, such as irregular periods and excess facial or body hair. Acne and androgens Androgens contribute to acne by overstimulating the oil glands. Children of all genders have high levels of androgens during puberty, which is why acne is so common at that time. Androgen levels typically settle down in a person's early 20s. Hormonal imbalance and weight gain Hormones play an integral role in metabolism and your body's ability to use energy. The only way to treat weight gain from a hormone disorder is to treat the underlying condition. Some hormone conditions, such as Cushing syndrome, can increase the risk of becoming overweight or developing obesity. Cushing syndrome causes high levels of cortisol in the blood. This leads to an increase in appetite and fat storage. Hypothyroidism, if the condition is severe, can also lead to weight gain. Slight hormone imbalances can happen during menopause. During this transition, many people gain weight because their metabolisms slow down. You may find that you still gain weight even though you're eating and exercising like usual. Hormonal imbalance and pregnancy During a typical pregnancy, your body experiences major hormonal changes, which are different from a hormonal imbalance. Pregnancy and PCOS Hormonal imbalances such as PCOS are among the leading causes of infertility. With PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with ovulation. While you can't become pregnant if you're not ovulating, irregular ovulation in PCOS can still result in pregnancy. If you're trying to become pregnant and have PCOS, your doctor may recommend methods to improve your fertility. This may include losing weight, if a doctor recommends it. Prescription medications are also available that can stimulate ovulation and increase your chances of becoming pregnant. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is also an option if medication doesn't work. As a last resort, surgery can temporarily restore ovulation. PCOS can cause issues during pregnancy for both you and your baby. There are higher rates of: gestational diabetes miscarriage preeclampsia cesarean delivery (C-section) high birth weight admission to and time spent in the neonatal intensive care unit Becoming pregnant while living with PCOS does not mean an individual will experience any of the above problems. Talking with your doctor and following their advice is the best way to have a safe pregnancy and delivery. Pregnancy and hypothyroidism Babies born to parents with untreated hypothyroidism are more likely to have developmental issues. This includes intellectual and developmental disabilities. Managing your hypothyroidism along with your doctor's advice can help lessen these risks. Hormonal imbalance and hair loss Most hair loss, such as male pattern baldness, is hereditary but may be influenced by a hormone imbalance. Hormonal changes and imbalances can also sometimes cause temporary hair loss. In AFAB folks, this is often related to: pregnancy childbirth the onset of menopause An overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormones can also cause hair loss. Other complications Hormone imbalances are associated with many chronic, or long term, health conditions. Without proper treatment, you could be at risk for several serious medical conditions, including: type 1 and type 2 diabetes diabetes insipidus high blood pressure high cholesterol heart disease neuropathy obesity sleep apnea kidney damage depression and anxiety endometrial cancer breast cancer osteoporosis loss of muscle mass urinary incontinence infertility sexual dysfunction goiter

Yahoo

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Wave Life Sciences Announces Oral Presentation of Preclinical Data Supporting WVE-007's Mechanism (INHBE) to Reduce Fat, Preserve Muscle, and Induce Healthy Weight Loss at ADA's Annual Scientific Sessions

Presentation to highlight WVE-007 (INHBE GalNAc-siRNA) as a potential novel and unique obesity treatment leading to healthy weight loss and supporting preclinical data demonstrating potent and durable reduction in Activin E resulting in fat loss with muscle preservation New preclinical data demonstrate that a single dose of INHBE siRNA leads to lower inflammation of adipose tissue with strong suppression of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages in visceral fat in DIO mice, highlighting potential mechanistic insights into the risk reduction for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coronary artery disease (CAD) suggested by human genetics CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wave Life Sciences Ltd. (Nasdaq: WVE), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on unlocking the broad potential of RNA medicines to transform human health, today announced the presentation of preclinical data supporting WVE-007, its GalNAc-siRNA designed to silence INHBE mRNA, an obesity target with strong evidence from human genetics. The data demonstrate the ability of Wave's long-acting GalNAc-siRNA to reduce INHBE mRNA and Activin E protein, induce weight loss mainly through reduction of fat mass, and reduce pro-inflammatory macrophage recruitment in a diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse model. The data were highlighted today in an oral presentation at the American Diabetes Association's 85th Annual Scientific Sessions, taking place June 20 to 23, in Chicago. 'These exciting preclinical data highlighted in today's presentation both recapitulate human genetics findings and continue to support the potential of WVE-007 to drive weight reduction by reducing Activin E to induce lipolysis – or fat breakdown, preferentially reducing visceral fat, and decreasing inflammation of adipose tissue – all without impacting lean muscle mass. These data suggest a highly differentiated therapeutic profile with lower visceral fat, less insulin resistance and less inflammation, supporting potential for risk reduction of T2D, CAD and other obesity-related co-morbidities,' said Erik Ingelsson, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer. 'Silencing of INHBE is an entirely orthogonal mechanism from GLP-1s, which are centrally acting and impact the digestive system and central nervous system to decrease appetite. If these preclinical data translate in the clinic, WVE-007 has the potential to transform the obesity treatment paradigm by delivering healthy weight loss, preservation of muscle mass, and infrequent dosing of once or twice a year. We are evaluating WVE-007 in our ongoing INLIGHT clinical trial in adults living with overweight or obesity, and we are on track to deliver the first clinical data in the second half of this year.' Human genetics provides strong evidence for INHBE as a therapeutic target. Individuals who have a protective loss-of-function variant in one copy of the INHBE gene have a healthier cardiometabolic profile, including less abdominal fat, lower triglycerides, and lower risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These heterozygous carriers also exhibit favorable associations with liver traits, including reductions in cT1 (reflecting liver inflammation and fibrosis) and ALT (reflecting liver damage), with no impact on liver fat. The oral presentation titled, 'siRNA-INHBE Silencing in Mice Recapitulates Human Genetic Data and Demonstrates Improved Healthy Weight Loss Profile,' highlighted results from studies in DIO mice that evaluated monotherapy (INHBE-siRNA alone) as well as combination (INHBE siRNA and semaglutide), and maintenance (INHBE siRNA when semaglutide treatment is discontinued) treatment settings. Key results are as follows: A single dose of INHBE-siRNA led to robust target engagement, including reduction of INHBE mRNA and Activin E protein, a lipolysis suppressor that is upregulated in obesity. Liver INHBE mRNA was strongly correlated with serum Activin E levels following INHBE-siRNA treatment. A single dose of INHBE-siRNA led to weight loss on par with semaglutide. There was a decrease in diet-induced visceral adipose mass and shrinkage of adipocytes compared with PBS treatment, supporting the restoration of healthy adipose tissue with this mechanism of action. Muscle mass was preserved. Infiltration of activated macrophages in visceral adipose was significantly decreased by a single dose of INHBE-siRNA compared with PBS controls. INHBE-siRNA also significantly reduced proinflammatory M1 macrophage (CD11c positive) recruitment while sustaining levels of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages in visceral fat, indicating an overall shift away from a pro-inflammatory state. When administered as an add-on to semaglutide, a single dose of INHBE-siRNA doubled the amount of weight loss, highlighting potential for combination treatment. Wave's INHBE siRNA curtailed rebound weight gain when semaglutide treatment was discontinued, highlighting its potential as an off-ramp and maintenance treatment following GLP-1 treatment. The full presentation can be accessed by visiting 'Scientific Presentations' on the Investors section of the Wave Life Sciences website: About Wave Life SciencesWave Life Sciences (Nasdaq: WVE) is a biotechnology company focused on unlocking the broad potential of RNA medicines to transform human health. Wave's RNA medicines platform, PRISM®, combines multiple modalities, chemistry innovation and deep insights in human genetics to deliver scientific breakthroughs that treat both rare and common disorders. Its toolkit of RNA-targeting modalities includes editing, splicing, RNA interference and antisense silencing, providing Wave with unmatched capabilities for designing and sustainably delivering candidates that optimally address disease biology. Wave's diversified pipeline includes clinical programs in Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington's disease, and Obesity, as well as several preclinical programs utilizing the company's broad RNA therapeutics toolkit. Driven by the calling to 'Reimagine Possible', Wave is leading the charge toward a world in which human potential is no longer hindered by the burden of disease. Wave is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information on Wave's science, pipeline and people, please visit and follow Wave on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations for WVE-007 and the anticipated therapeutic benefits thereof; the anticipated timing of clinical data from our INLIGHT clinical trial of WVE-007; the novelty of our approach to silence INHBE mRNA in order to achieve healthy, sustainable weight loss and the potential for once- or twice-yearly dosing; the potential benefits of WVE-007 over existing obesity therapies; the potential of WVE-007's mechanism (INHBE) as a novel and unique obesity treatment to induce fat loss, preserve muscle, and drive weight loss; our understanding of our preclinical data for WVE-007 and our expectations of how such data will translate in humans; beliefs that Wave's portfolio of RNA medicines is differentiated, potentially best-in-class and potentially transformative; the broad potential of Wave's RNA medicines pipeline and oligonucleotide chemistry and any benefits that may arise as a result thereof. The words 'may,' 'will,' 'could,' 'would,' 'should,' 'expect,' 'plan,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'potential,' 'continue,' 'target' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release and actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of these risks, uncertainties and important factors, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties described in the section entitled 'Risk Factors' in Wave's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as amended, and in other filings Wave makes with the SEC from time to time. Wave undertakes no obligation to update the information contained in this press release to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances. Contact:Kate RauschVP, Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations+1 617-949-4827Investors:InvestorRelations@ Media:MediaRelations@ in to access your portfolio

CBS News

an hour ago

• CBS News

Pennsylvania family who stayed at Ronald McDonald house shares their continued message of hope

Bucks County family who stayed at the Ronald McDonald house shares their continued message of hope Bucks County family who stayed at the Ronald McDonald house shares their continued message of hope Bucks County family who stayed at the Ronald McDonald house shares their continued message of hope "Sarah's Painting" was created in a hospital bed by a 9-year-old going through chemotherapy. Michael Pulaski said his daughter, Sarah, loved to paint. "Which was kind of news to us, and she was actually pretty good!" Michael Pulaski said with a chuckle and smile. "It meant something to her, so it meant something to us." Now this picture is taking on a bigger meaning. "Sarah's Painting" CBS News Philadelphia. "It's been, for years, my method of communicating with the world," Sarah's brother, Ryan Pulaski, said. The 22-year-old college student is in the process of making an album. His first single was released Friday, on what would be Sarah's 25th birthday. "In Sarah's Painting, I see visions of life it should be," he sings in the song called "Sarah's Painting." It's inspired by the colorful brush strokes frozen in time. "I feel exceptionally called to create art, and it is only because I had, I have this wonderful sister who was an artist herself, that I was able to find my own voice," Ryan Pulaski said. Pulaski family. In 2010, CBS News Philadelphia caught Sarah's infectious smile on camera while walking the halls of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She talked with us about a Ronald McDonald house family room for the telethon. "When we first met you, it was actually a stressful but promising time, because Sarah was in her first portions of treatment, and she was doing well," Michael Pulaski said. The pre-teen from Richboro went into remission, but later relapsed. At 11 years old, she died after a brave, long battle with leukemia. "This is my absolute favorite picture of the two of them together," Michael Pulaski said, pointing at a photo of Ryan and Sarah. Pulaski family. It's an unbreakable sibling bond — shining through photos, "Sarah's Painting," and now Ryan's song. "She'd probably tell me, I still can't sing," Ryan Pulaski said with a laugh. He continued, "But I think she would love it and be supportive all the same." As for the sibling's dad, "There aren't words, and I'm just proud." The Pulaski family said this story — it's one full of hope, to show others, a picture is worth a thousand words, a thousand memories and a love that lasts a thousand lifetimes. "I think if my 22-year-old son, who's had a probably a more difficult journey than I have, can find hope and joy, then I think the rest of us can too," Michael Pulaski said.