Sam's News — health — 2026-09-10¶
Health¶
7 U.S. cancer medicine shortages persist, forcing treatment workarounds¶
An ongoing shortage of cancer medications continues disrupting treatment at leading U.S. cancer centers and clinical trials, according to a National Comprehensive Cancer Network survey of 34 treatment centers. All centers reported experiencing at least one medication shortage; 61% manage through inventory rationing and minimum dosing, while two-thirds face treatment delays requiring repeated insurance prior authorization.
- All 34 surveyed NCCN centers reported shortages of at least one medicine
- Over 20% reported shortages of five or more medications
- 61% able to treat despite shortages (by avoiding waste and reducing dosing)
- Two-thirds report treatment delays due to insurance prior authorization requirements
Sources: STAT News AI Web Searched
7 Platinum chemotherapy in childhood causes cellular aging in liver tissue¶
A study published in Science found that platinum-based chemotherapy given to children with hepatoblastoma accelerated cellular aging in liver tissue, potentially increasing long-term risk of secondary tumors. While platinum agents improved five-year survival from 20% to over 80%, lifelong monitoring of survivors is now recommended.
- Average 2,200 mutations per liver sample; typical of adult livers
- Mutation load increased proportionally with cisplatin/carboplatin exposure
- Mutations affect cancer-related genes and pathways associated with other pathologies
- Childhood liver cells aged to adult-equivalent level
- Five-year survival improved from 20% to 80% for localized tumors
- Lifelong monitoring of survivors recommended for late-onset malignancies
Sources: STAT News AI Web Searched
6 Two promising experimental heart drugs fail in development¶
Two experimental drugs heralded as the next generation in heart disease treatment have failed clinical advancement.
Sources: STAT News RSS
Biotech¶
7 UniQure to Release Four-Year Results for Huntington's Gene Therapy¶
UniQure is expected to announce four-year clinical trial results for AMT-130, its Huntington's disease gene therapy, before the end of September 2026. Earlier three-year results showed the high dose slowed Huntington's progression by 75% compared to matched external controls; the drug has already been submitted for regulatory approval in the U.S. and U.K.
- Four-year results expected by end of September 2026
- Three-year data showed 75% slowing of Huntington's progression (high-dose cohort of 12 patients vs. external controls)
- Already submitted for regulatory approval in U.S. and U.K.
Sources: STAT News AI Web Searched
6.5 Roivant Lung Disease Drug Succeeds in Mid-Stage Trial¶
A Roivant-developed lung disease drug has achieved positive results in a phase 2 clinical study, with the drug's origins representing an additional notable element of the program.
Sources: STAT News RSS
Healthcare¶
6.5 FDA expands approval of Bayer lung cancer drug¶
The FDA has expanded approval for a Bayer lung cancer therapy, with additional clinical efficacy data from UniQure and an AI heart-failure management tool also in focus.
Sources: STAT News RSS
6 Doctors continue accepting gifts and fees from pharmaceutical companies despite debate¶
Medical doctors continue to accept gifts and speaking fees from pharmaceutical companies despite ongoing controversy about such payments.
Sources: STAT News RSS
Funding¶
6 Novartis shareholder seeks board shake-up after record share decline and trial setbacks¶
A major Novartis investor has called for board restructuring following the drugmaker's record share price fall and clinical trial failures.
Sources: STAT News RSS
Health Policy¶
5.5 Trump Administration Proposes AI Solutions to Address Rural Healthcare Workforce Shortages¶
Federal health officials are considering artificial intelligence as a strategy to help improve healthcare delivery in rural America.
Sources: STAT News RSS
Policy¶
5.5 President dangles $500 ACA refunds for select enrollees before midterms¶
The president of the United States has announced $500 refunds for certain ACA marketplace enrollees, though the legal mechanism and eligibility criteria remain unclear.
Sources: STAT News RSS