A new study has found that a combination of two drugs could enhance the immune system to treat one of the most common types of cancer in the world, bowel cancer. Also known as colorectal cancer, despite its widespread presence, the treatment options for this condition are limited. What the study specifically found was that this procedure could shrink the tumours caused by this condition by around 60%.

What Are The Drugs Involved

The trial involved the use of two immunotherapy drugs, botancilimab and balstilumab. It is a monoclonal antibody that works to stimulate the body's immune system to attack cancer. The study is a rather significant find, as it’s the first time that a consistent and durable response to immunotherapy has been reported in patients with solid MSS mCRC tumours.

The study was divided into several phases for more than 6 months. In the US trial, around around 101 patients with microsatile stable metastatic colorectal (MSS-mCRC) tumours showed a decrease . Around 61% of the patients experienced tumour shrinkage or stabilization after combined treatment with votancilumab and balstilumab. When it comes to downsides, diarrhea and fatigue were found to be the most common side effects or side effects of this drug.

These results are interesting and open to exploration. To date, immunotherapy has not been effective in patients with CNS-mCRC tumors. This study demonstrates the potential of the combination of botenlimab and balstilimab in the treatment of CNS mCRC, providing new hope for people diagnosed with colon cancer.

What Could This Mean For Bowel Cancer Treatment In The Future

The study is currently in the final stages of clinical trials, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hopes to quickly gain approval for its use because of the importance of this area that affects many people. The efficiency shown demonstrates the potential of botansilimab to contribute to broad antitumor immunity.

All in all, the combination of botensilimab and balstilimab represents a promising new direction in the treatment of colorectal cancer. This breakthrough could improve conditions for many patients worldwide and lights a new hope in the fight against this common disease. The results of this study show the effectiveness of immunotherapy in this field and how its potential to transform cancer treatment can only grow in the years to come.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has given a warning on having cosmetic surgeries in foreign nations, as it can cause serious infection, even in some cases, death.

CDC, in its report, has shed light on the fact that aesthetic surgeries such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and other elective procedures are performed both within the United States and abroad. This cosmetic enhancement is causing growing concern for public health.

CDC’s journal Emerging Infectious Diseases also published a study regarding the danger and fatality surrounding the beauty enhancement surgeries. This study screened over 2,100 reports of U.S. citizens who travelled in foreign nations between 2014 and 2024.

This CDC research identifies 21 reports involving approximately 145 patients who experienced severe adverse health effects after undergoing beauty enhancement procedures within and outside the US. Notably, four out of these patients even died due to having these surgeries.

The report also mentioned the reasoning behind this alert, as many of these clinics and facilities are causing infections and even death due to their outdated and careless infection-control practices, which include improper environmental cleaning, lack of use of personal protective equipment, a shortfall in hand hygiene, and repeated use of some surgical instruments.

Kiara McNamara, a CDC nurse epidemiologist and lead author of the study, said, “More and more people are getting medical procedures outside the United States, but there are risks.”

The CDC has urged U.S. nationals to research thoroughly before having cosmetic procedures in healthcare facilities abroad.

Also Read: Donald Trump: As The President Boasts Cognitive Test Score - Truth Social Posts Suggest Otherwise

Norovirus Spreading Across the U.S.

The United States is once again witnessing a surge in norovirus infections, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Media reports noted that hikers along Southern California's Pacific Crest Trail have been hit by a fast-spreading outbreak of what is often referred to as the "winter vomiting disease".

At least two dozen hikers have fallen ill along the trail over the past two weeks, resulting in at least one air rescue. Health officials believe the cases are linked to norovirus, USA Today reported.

Also Read: Norovirus Spreading Across US: What To Know About The Highly Contagious Vomiting Virus

In addition, the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System also showed that norovirus cases have increased over several weeks following a sharp seasonal decline that began in March.

About 11.2 per cent of administered norovirus tests returned positive during the week ending April 28. That figure rose to 12 per cent in the week ending May 2.

Norovirus is commonly associated with the colder months, when respiratory illnesses such as flu and the common cold are widespread.

However, health experts note that late-spring increases in norovirus activity are not unusual, and outbreaks can occur throughout the year due to the virus's highly contagious nature, the report said.

President Donald Trump is boasting about his cognitive test score and claiming he has the highest score possible, but his comments on Truth Social have started a debate that questions the test itself.

President Trump is saying that he had a perfect score of 30 out of 30 in the cognitive test at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, which, according to him, is a sign of “extreme intelligence.” On the other hand, experts are at odds with him in this regard, as the whole test is for screening cognitive function, not for calculating intelligence.

What Did President Donald Trump Say About His Cognitive Test Results?

The president is saying that he has achieved a full score in a very difficult test. He said, “Unlike other US Presidents, none of whom have ever taken an approved, high difficulty, Cognitive Test, I scored a perfect 30 out of 30, considered ‘extreme intelligence.’”

“In fact, this is my fourth such test, all PERFECT or 120 correct answers out of 120 questions asked! Anyone rarely gets a Perfect Score, especially when achieved four times in a row.” He wrote in his post.

He also demanded that the candidates for president and vice president should also go through this kind of test by saying, “In fact, this is my fourth such test, all PERFECT or 120 correct answers out of 120 questions asked! Anyone rarely gets a Perfect Score, especially when achieved four times in a row.”

Also Read: US CDC Health Alert: Deadly Risks and Infections Linked to Cosmetic Surgeries Abroad

Why Did Experts Question Repeated Testing?

Trump’s claims were immediately questioned by experts like Dr. Jonathan Reiner and Abby Phillip of CNN. They argued that repeated tests may not provide the same value. According to them, as the president had taken the test several times and the questions didn't change that much, it was easy. Other than that, the test is not designed to calculate intellect; it is more of a dementia screening test.

Also Read: Norovirus Spreading Across US: What To Know About The Highly Contagious Vomiting Virus

Questions Raised Over Cardiovascular And Cholesterol Details

According to experts, the physical examination lacks detailed results from tests used to assess cardiovascular health.

Barbabella’s description of Trump’s cardiac health cites results from a coronary CT angiography, an echocardiogram, and an artificial-intelligence-enhanced electrocardiogram analysis.

Jonathan Reiner, Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Interventional Cardiologist, in a post on social media platform X, questioned the need for another coronary artery CT on Trump, as he was last scanned in October.

"We don’t typically scan patients 6 months later unless we are concerned about a finding on the initial scan. What prompted the repeat CT?" he said.

Further, Trump’s cholesterol numbers and medication regimen also attracted attention from physicians who reviewed the memorandum.

According to the report, his HDL (good cholesterol) level was 70 mg/dL, while his LDL (bad cholesterol) level was 53 mg/dL.

The report said Trump takes rosuvastatin and ezetimibe for cholesterol management.

“He’s got like the best cholesterol numbers you’ll see,” said Daniel Torrent, adding that it is unusual for medication alone to achieve such favorable values. “We don’t usually manage people to the point where they’re that good.”

The United States is once again witnessing a surge in norovirus infections, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Media reports noted that hikers along Southern California's Pacific Crest Trail have been hit by a fast-spreading outbreak of what is often referred to as the "winter vomiting disease".

At least two dozen hikers have fallen ill along the trail over the past two weeks, resulting in at least one air rescue. Health officials believe the cases are linked to norovirus, USA Today reported.

Wastewater Data Shows Rising Activity

According to data from WastewaterSCAN, a Stanford University-led program that tracks disease activity through wastewater testing, norovirus activity was "high" and on an upward trend nationwide in late May.

The surveillance data showed norovirus was detected in 100 per cent of samples collected during May, with concentrations particularly high in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the country.

CDC Reports Increase In Cases

Also read: Western Australia Records 22 Mpox Infections In 2026; Seven Reported Last Week

In addition, the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System also showed that norovirus cases have increased over several weeks following a sharp seasonal decline that began in March.

About 11.2 per cent of administered norovirus tests returned positive during the week ending April 28. That figure rose to 12 per cent in the week ending May 2.

Norovirus is commonly associated with the colder months, when respiratory illnesses such as flu and the common cold are widespread.

However, health experts note that late-spring increases in norovirus activity are not unusual, and outbreaks can occur throughout the year due to the virus's highly contagious nature, the report said.

What Is Norovirus And Its Common Symptoms?

Norovirus causes viral gastroenteritis, sometimes called “stomach flu” or a “stomach bug,” though it isn’t related to influenza. As per Mayo Clinic, it consists of several strains of RNA viruses that inflame the stomach and intestines, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Symptoms usually appear one to two days after exposure and often include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting (non-bloody)
• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Dehydration (rare but possible)
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches

Most people recover within one to three days, though they can still spread the virus for up to two weeks after feeling better.

Read More: John Barnes, Bobby Davro Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer Even As UK Rules Out Universal Screening

Who Gets Norovirus?

Anyone can get infected. Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the US, affecting all ages. Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with existing health conditions are more vulnerable.

How Does Norovirus Spread?

Norovirus spreads very easily. It survives well in the environment, and only a minuscule amount is enough to infect someone. In fact, just a few particles on the head of a pin can infect over 1,000 people.

Exposure can happen through:

• Eating contaminated water or food, especially leafy greens, fresh fruit, and shellfish like oysters
• Contact with vomit or fecal particles from someone who is infected, either by touching them directly or by touching contaminated surfaces, utensils, or toys.