Here is the Paper. Here is a post on the potential problems with randomized trials. Commentary from editors at Annals of Internal Medicine regarding the paper. I have been asked to post on the Danish study examining if wearing masks reduces the chance of getting COVID-19. This study has been discussed at length in commentaries […]
Wearing a mask for protection from COVID-19, a randomized trial. Read More »
This week I POSTED comments regarding the NIH study on remdesivir for COVID-19. The post was spurred by a question from a person who was concerned about the study’s accuracy and worried that she may have to face a decision to accept the drug should she get ill. Several readers, after the post, asked how
How should randomized trials be done? The example of remdesivir for COVID-19 Read More »
Here is a paper. Below is a summary of my critical appraisal of a study regarding a treatment for COVID-19. The patient asking the question is a sophisticated scientist who wanted my opinion regarding the NIH study on Remdesivir. She was not in a position to make a decision regarding treatment, but was concerned the
Should I accept Remdesivir if I get hospitalized from COVID-19? Read More »
Here is the paper. Previous blog on genetics of breast cancer. National Cancer Institute site for breast cancer. This weeks question is from a woman who listened to my previous blog on using genetic tests to determine treatment options for breast cancer. She had received the 70-item genetic test and was told she was categorized as genetically
The placebo is a crucial component of clinical trials. An active intervention, one that has a presumed biologic mechanism of action targeted to a malady, is tested against an inert agent, the placebo. Inert means it has no mechanism of action aimed at the malady being studied. The classic description of a placebo is the
Is the placebo-effect real, or a figment? Read More »
A woman with stage 1, hormone receptor positive breast cancer, following a mastectomy, is asked to consider a “genetic test” to help her decide if chemotherapy should be used in addition to taking tamoxifen. What do you think she should do about the test? Here is a Paper. Here is a Blog on genetic tests. Here
Here is a PAPER. Another PAPER. A blog on Genetic tests for breast cancer. https://youtu.be/pAmsf3mqo4o
Should I have radiology tests yearly after my breast cancer diagnosis? Read More »
70+ year old man with PSA of 8; 3/20 biopsies with cancer (Gleason scores 6-8). Paper.
Do I want surgery for prostate cancer? Read More »
Here is a paper. Video below. https://youtu.be/21EYrtaDxbI
Should I take my blood pressure medicine in the AM or PM? Read More »
Clinical science is a process for continually revising ideas about what is best for us should we become ill. It challenges older ideas by comparing old to new tests or treatments. The fuel of science is competing ideas, the grist of science is comparison. Clinical science has four main components; a) measurement, b) options, or
What can COVID-19 teach us about science? Read More »
