Trending News Today: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Incidence Increasing in US

A new study shows that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in the United States, whereas other liver disorders related to hepatitis or alcohol are becoming less common, Reuters reported. According to the article, the researchers examined nationwide health survey data collected in 5 cycles between 1998 and 2016. Over this time, the proportion of adults with NAFLD rose from 20% to 28.3%, mirroring increasing rates of obesity and diabetes, the article reported.

Chronic active lesions can be associated with more aggressive multiple sclerosis and earlier disability, The American Journal of Managed Care reported. According to the article, a study with a cohort of 209 patients showed that 56% had at least 1 rim lesion, regardless of whether they were being treated with disease-modifying therapy. Additionally, the researchers found that patients with 4 or more rim lesions had motor and cognitive disability at an earlier age than patients with fewer or no rim lesions, the article reported.

An early clinical trial testing an investigational pancreatic cancer treatment showed promising initial results, the University of Michigan reported. According to the press release, the researchers evaluated AZD1774, an inhibitor designed to block an enzyme called Wee1, in a phase 1 study that included 34 patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. When used in addition to radiation and gemcitabine, AZD1774 demonstrated a median overall survival of 22 months, with no progression for a median of 9 months, according to the results.