Medical Bulletin 05/ May/ 2025

A recent study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that high poultry consumption may be linked to an increased risk of death from gastrointestinal cancers. The research found that individuals who consumed more than 300 grams of poultry per week had a 27% higher risk of mortality compared to those who ate less than 100 grams.

The study analyzed health data from over 4,000 participants, who were monitored for an average of 19 years. Participants underwent detailed medical interviews and physical assessments, and their dietary habits were recorded using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Meat intake was categorized into red meat, poultry, and total meat, each further divided into four consumption levels. Health outcomes were verified through municipal records and a regional health database, while statistical models adjusted for potential confounders such as age, sex, and existing health conditions.

Findings revealed that participants who consumed more than 300 grams of poultry per week had significantly higher mortality rates from gastrointestinal cancers, especially among men. This risk exceeded that linked with comparable red meat consumption. Among the 1,028 deaths recorded during the study, poultry constituted about 29% of total meat intake. Despite most participants following a Mediterranean-style diet, a pattern typically associated with better health outcomes, the risk remained elevated among high poultry consumers.

While the study provides critical insights, it acknowledges several limitations. Most notably, it did not differentiate between processed and unprocessed poultry or account for cooking methods—factors that may influence cancer risk. As such, while the findings are compelling, they underscore the need for more nuanced research before making broad dietary changes.

In conclusion, although chicken remains a staple in health-conscious diets, this study suggests moderation may be key, especially regarding long-term health impacts.

Reference: Bonfiglio, C., Tatoli, R., Donghia, R., Pesole, P. L., & Giannelli, G. (2025). Does Poultry Consumption Increase the Risk of Mortality for Gastrointestinal Cancers? A Preliminary Competing Risk Analysis. Nutrients, 17(8), 1370. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081370

A new phase 3 clinical trial published this week in The New England Journal of Medicine concludes that semaglutide, a widely used diabetes medication, can halt and even reverse metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe and increasingly common liver disease. The international study, led by Dr. Arun Sanyal of Virginia Commonwealth University and Dr. Philip Newsome of King’s College London, offers strong evidence that semaglutide not only improves liver health but also addresses the underlying metabolic dysfunction driving the disease.

MASH, previously known as NASH, is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension, and can progress to cirrhosis or liver failure. It currently affects millions globally, with fatty liver disease impacting about 36% of the global population as of 2019. Despite its prevalence, only one FDA-approved treatment exists for the broader spectrum of fatty liver disease, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic options.

The trial involved patients across 37 countries and assessed the effects of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, on individuals diagnosed with MASH. Participants received semaglutide over a prolonged period, and researchers tracked changes in liver histology, biomarkers, body weight, and other metabolic indicators. Results showed that semaglutide led to significant reductions in liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis, with many patients achieving resolution of MASH without worsening fibrosis. Additionally, the drug contributed to notable weight loss and improvements in cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist sold under brand names Wegovy and Ozempic, is approved for weight loss and blood sugar control. As of now, semaglutide is not approved to treat MASH, and the maker Novo Nordisk has plans to seek regulatory approval for its use in treating liver disease sometime this year.

The results from this landmark study across 37 countries provide strong evidence that semaglutide can help patients with MASH by not only improving liver health, but also addressing the underlying metabolic issues that contribute to the disease,” Sanyal, the lead author and the professor of medicine at the VCU School of Medicine said in a statement.

“If approved, this could offer an additional therapeutic option for patients with MASH and fibrosis. This is crucial, given the strong link between MASH and cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal conditions, where semaglutide has already shown established health benefits,” Sanyal added.

Reference: Newsome, P.N., Sanyal, A.J., Engebretsen, K.A., Kliers, I., Østergaard, L., Vanni, D., Bugianesi, E., Rinella, M.E., Roden, M. and Ratziu, V. (2024), Semaglutide 2.4 mg in Participants With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis: Baseline Characteristics and Design of the Phase 3 ESSENCE Trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 60: 1525-1533. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18331

AstraZeneca, in partnership with health-tech company Qure.ai, has successfully completed over 5 million artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled chest X-rays (CXRs) across more than 20 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The initiative, part of the World Economic Forum's EDISON Alliance 1 Billion Lives Challenge, underscores the potential of AI in enhancing early lung cancer detection, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings.

The screening program uses Qure.ai’s proprietary qXR® AI technology to analyze routine CXRs for signs of lung abnormalities, including nodules that may be indicative of cancer. Initiated in 2020 under AstraZeneca’s A.Catalyst Network, the collaboration aims to support early identification of high-risk individuals and improve access to diagnostic follow-ups like low-dose CT scans. Out of the 5 million scans conducted, nearly 50,000 individuals were identified with lung nodules at high risk for cancer and were referred for further diagnostic testing.

The program has seen successful implementations in countries such as Colombia, El Salvador, and India. AstraZeneca is now working closely with Ministries of Health and policymakers to scale this approach and integrate AI-enabled screening into national lung health strategies. By directing limited resources toward high-risk cases identified through AI, the initiative enhances the efficiency and reach of cancer detection efforts, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to advanced imaging and specialists is often constrained.

This achievement highlights how AI-driven healthcare solutions can bridge gaps in early detection and improve outcomes for diseases like lung cancer, reinforcing AstraZeneca's global commitment to equitable cancer care and innovative health technology adoption.

"Reaching this milestone underscores our commitment to driving progress towards early detection, the first step on the path to ultimately improved patient outcomes," said Ti Hwei How, Vice President, International Oncology, AstraZeneca. "Our collaboration with Qure.ai has validated the power of AI-enabled chest X-rays as a cost-effective triaging tool for early lung cancer detection. With successful implementation in countries such as Colombia, El Salvador and India, we are setting the stage for scaling this approach. We are actively partnering with Ministries of Health and policymakers to prioritise lung health and lung cancer on national agendas, including through AI-enabled screening programs to make a real difference.” 

Reference: https://www.qure.ai/news_press_coverages/A-new-era-for-lung-cancer-detection-AI-enabled-risk-assessment-reaches-5-million-people-around-the-world