There have been headlines about a "New Drug Lowers Heart Disease and Cancer"
However, once again the media is exaggerating and misquoting. The drug, Canto, has immune regulating and anti-inflammatory properties. Its use was associated with a 15% decrease in heart attacks in a large group of patients who had previous heart attacks and signs of increased inflammation (C-Reactive Protein elevation).
Compared with placebo, Canto was associated with a higher incidence of fatal infection, a lower incidence of cancer death, and no significant difference in all-cause mortality.
This study is dramatic in that it confirms that inflammation is a significant cause of heart disease, probably independent of cholesterol. Unfortunately the increased risk of fatal infections makes use of this medication not really feasible. In addition to the $200,000 per year cost.
How is causes the very slight lowering of cancer deaths needs further study as well.
N Engl J Med 2017 Aug 27. Harrington RA. N Engl J Med 2017 Aug 27.
N Engl J Med 2017 Aug 27. Harrington RA. N Engl J Med 2017 Aug 27.
So the press has exaggerated once again a preliminary interesting report. Some may even call this fake news?
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