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.

Recent research is changing our understanding of testosterone's role in brain cancer, particularly glioblastoma. A study published in Nature in May 2026 made this finding, altering previous understanding. Dr. Vishnu P. S., Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences, Chengannur, in an interview with Health and Me, explained the impact of testosterone in fighting brain tumours.

This study, conducted under the National Institutes of Health with a group of researchers from the Cleveland Clinic, turned decades of medical thinking on its head. They discovered that testosterone actually slows down brain tumour growth in men. This breakthrough could totally change how we treat glioblastoma.

This study found that drops in testosterone ramp up inflammation and activate the HPA axis, producing stress hormones that speed up tumour growth. Analysing data from over 1,300 men with the deadly disease glioblastoma, researchers observed a significant benefit for those on testosterone supplements: they had a 38% lower risk of dying compared to those who were not receiving the extra hormone.

How Testosterone Protects the Brain

Testosterone usually regulates microglia, which are defense cells in the brain. When testosterone levels drop, especially in older males, these cells increase inflammation, making the brain less able to fight off issues such as tumours. Removing testosterone in preclinical tests on mice accelerated tumour growth, but restoring it slowed things down again.

The Change Everyone Is Surprised By

This finding shifts what everyone used to think. Previously, people believed testosterone helped tumours grow. But now, that idea has been turned on its head. What was once seen as harmful is now understood to be protective, suppressing brain tumours instead. Plus, the hormone works differently in the brain compared to other parts of the body and helps regulate protective systems there.

In India, this matters a great deal because men develop glioblastomas more often than women do (with a 3:2 ratio). This new finding could totally change how doctors treat patients here, especially older males whose androgen levels are lower and who already have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

What This Means for Patients

Glioblastoma continues to be one of the most difficult cancers to treat, with limited improvements in survival rates despite surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, this new research suggests that hormones can influence the brain’s immune and stress responses. This might lead to new treatment pathways, especially since androgen levels naturally decline in older men as they age.

Still, caution is needed. The relationship between testosterone and cancer is complex and has produced mixed results. Because of this, doctors do not recommend self-medicating or using hormone therapies unless under close medical supervision or as part of clinical trials. At present, it is more about viewing this as a promising step forward that could offer hope to the millions of patients and families dealing with this devastating illness.

Amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa, Rajasthan has reported its first suspected case of the Ebola virus.

According to the Ministry of Health, there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in India.

A woman who arrived in the state from Uganda has shown symptoms consistent with Ebola infection, according to media reports.

Woman Isolated After Airport Screening

The woman reportedly arrived in Jaipur from Sharjah on an Air Arabia flight and landed at Jaipur airport around 4:30 a.m.

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During routine health screening at the airport, she exhibited symptoms associated with Ebola infection. The health department was immediately informed, and she was placed under special observation.

She has since been admitted to Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) Hospital in Jaipur and kept in isolation as a precautionary measure.

Following the suspected case, the state Health Department has been placed on alert and is closely monitoring the situation.

Samples Sent to NIV Pune for Testing

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RUHS Hospital Superintendent Dr. Anil Gupta told the media that Ebola infection has not yet been confirmed in the woman. Her samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for testing.

While she has displayed symptoms similar to Ebola infection, confirmation can only be made after laboratory testing. The results are expected by this evening or tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, doctors have begun treatment and monitoring under a special protocol.

Health Ministry Issues Advisory

"No Ebola disease cases have been reported in India," the Health Ministry said in its latest update on June 3. However, the ministry has advised travelers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to remain alert for symptoms and seek medical guidance if they feel unwell.

"For information, guidance and assistance, call MoHFW's 24x7 Health Helpline: 1075," the ministry said on X.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have implemented strict screening and monitoring measures at airports across India.

The government has also issued guidelines for passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries. As part of precautionary measures, travelers entering India from such nations are required to undergo a 21-day quarantine period.

In late May, several suspected Ebola cases were reported from Gujarat, Bengaluru and Madhya Pradesh. All later tested negative for the virus. All the suspected infections involved individuals with travel links to Ebola-affected countries.

Ebola has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO). In a major relief amid the ongoing outbreak, the WHO said dropped the number of suspected cases to 116 after hundreds were ruled out following investigation.

Earlier, the number of suspected cases had neared 1,000 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The global health agency said that there had been 48 deaths and six recoveries in Congo, Reuters reported. In Uganda, there have been 15 confirmed cases and one associated death.

Expert Questions Travel Policy

Mumbai-based infectious disease expert Dr. Ishwar Gilada questioned why India continues to allow travelers from countries experiencing Ebola outbreaks.

"Our policy should be so strict that we do not allow anybody coming from those kinds of countries where there is already an outbreak of Ebola, because Ebola has neither a treatment nor a cure nor a preventive vaccine," Dr. Gilada told HealthandMe.

What Is Ebola? How Does The Disease Spread?

Ebola disease is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate. Ebola spreads through:

• Direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids
• Contact with contaminated surfaces or medical equipment
• Unsafe caregiving exposure
• Traditional burial practices involving direct contact
• Certain zoonotic animal exposures.

Symptoms to watch for include:

• fever,
• weakness,
• headache,
• muscle pain,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• sore throat,
• unexplained bleeding.

Former Scotland striker Alan Brazil revealed that he has had a liver transplant and that his heart stopped during the surgery.

"My heart stopped for a bit," said Brazil, who described himself as "incredibly lucky" to have survived a life-saving liver transplant surgery.

He announced his surgery last month, after disappearing from the airwaves while covering the Cheltenham Festival in March.

During the video announcement, he also revealed a transformation in appearance, having lost weight during the process of the transplant, The Telegraph reported.

“I’d been having ongoing trials, so many specialists, and I decided I needed a transplant. I didn’t want to do it, but my kids and Jill [his wife] said, ‘You’ve got to do it, you have to do it, you are doing it," said the 66-year-old, in his first appearance on the radio station since leaving.

"I finished [work] at quarter to 10, and at 10 I had to phone Addenbrooke's Hospital. They said, 'Get in right now'".

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"At two thirty that afternoon, I was on the slab, and they opened me up. I was under for something like eight hours.

"They transplanted my liver. My heart did stop for a bit, and it came back on its own. I'll be frank, I'm very, very lucky to be here," said Brazil, who has presented Talksport’s breakfast show since 2000.

He further said: “I’m taking loads of meds ...I’ve just got to be a good boy, rest up, and go and see these people. Hopefully, I’ll get back to 100 per cent. I never realized how bad I was. I feel totally different now. I’m incredibly lucky.”

What Is A Liver Transplant?

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As per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a liver transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor. It’s often the last resort when liver failure occurs—whether due to chronic illness or sudden injury.

When Is It Needed?

People may need a liver transplant for:

• Alcoholic liver disease
• Fatty liver disease (NASH)
• Cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C
• Liver cancer with cirrhosis
• Acute liver failure (often due to drug overdose, hepatitis, or toxins)

In children, biliary atresia is the most common reason.

Types of Liver Transplants

Deceased Donor Transplant:

The most common type is where a full or partial liver is taken from someone who has recently died.

Living Donor Transplant:

A healthy person donates a portion of their liver—typically to a close relative. Both the donor’s and recipient’s liver regenerates to normal size in a few weeks.

What Must Be Kept In The Mind?

• Matching and Compatibility: Blood type, liver size, and health are crucial.
• Approval Process: Especially important for non-blood relatives.
• Recovery and Monitoring: Post-op care involves lifelong medication, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups.