Mary Anne Dunkin

Journalist at U.S. Medicine

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Articles

Melanoma Treatment: More Options, More Time

1 week ago | georgiatrend.com | Mary Anne Dunkin

In August 2015, when Carter announced he had been diagnosed with melanoma that had spread (metastasized) to his liver and brain, the prognosis seemed grim. Yet, just months later, Carter announced he was cancer-free. After the standard protocol of surgery and radiation, he had been treated with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), a newly approved immunotherapy drug that empowered his immune system to target and destroy the cancer cells.
New Studies: BRCA1, BRCA2 Mutations Deserve More Attention in Men

1 week ago | usmedicine.com | Mary Anne Dunkin

Male carriers of BRCA1/2 PVs are widely overlooked, even though they also are at increased risk of developing cancer, particularly of the prostate, pancreas and breast. Men represent half of BRCA1/2 PV carriers, but even their clinicians often are unaware of their carrier status, associated cancer risks and management recommendations. That is especially significant at the VA, which treats nearly 500,000 prostate cancer patients and survivors.
TransCon PTH Offers Benefits Beyond Conventional Therapy for Hypoparathyroidism

1 week ago | usmedicine.com | Mary Anne Dunkin

Hypoparathyroidism primarily affects the bones and kidneys, and conventional therapy in use until recently—high doses of calcium and active vitamin D—have had limited effectiveness. FDA approval of a novel therapy might change the situation for adults, however. The clinical trials, which included veterans, indicated a high level of effectiveness in returning serum calcium levels to normal.
What Is the Relative Severity of Respiratory Viral Illnesses?

1 week ago | usmedicine.com | Mary Anne Dunkin

PORTLAND, OR — Respiratory viral illnesses (RVIs) such as COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Few studies have directly compared the severity of these infections, particularly among nonhospitalized patients, however.
Military Access Issues, Racial Disparities Create Gaps in Endometrial Cancer Care

2 weeks ago | usmedicine.com | Mary Anne Dunkin

Endometrial cancer has rising incidence and mortality rates in the United States, and that is having a strong impact on DoD healthcare. Military servicewomen diagnosed with that type of uterine cancer face extra challenges, however, if they are stationed in overseas or remote location. In addition, risks associated with advanced endometrial cancer are greatest for non-Hispanic Black women, who make up 32% of the U.S. active-duty force.
Arthritis Linked to Higher Risks of CVD, Mortality in Postmenopausal Women

3 weeks ago | usmedicine.com | Mary Anne Dunkin

WASHINGTON, DC — Arthritis is a common chronic condition that increases with age, but it may pose greater health risks than previously recognized, particularly for those who did not serve in the military, a new study has suggested. The study analyzed data from 135,000 women followed for more than 16 years as part of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). Roughly half of postmenopausal women (53.8% of veterans and 47.4% of nonveterans) had arthritis at the time of enrollment.
New-Onset Diabetes After COVID-19 Infection Likely to Go Into Remission

1 month ago | usmedicine.com | Mary Anne Dunkin

SEATTLE — As researchers continue to investigate the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2, a new study utilizing VA data has uncovered an intriguing pattern: Individuals who developed new-onset diabetes after a COVID-19 infection were more likely to experience diabetes remission. But the study’s authors emphasized this does not imply that COVID-19 is beneficial for blood sugar control.
Chronic Conditions Strongly Influence VA Use of Telehealth vs. In-Person Care

1 month ago | usmedicine.com | Mary Anne Dunkin

PALO ALTO, CA — As telehealth continues to evolve from a pandemic-era necessity to a core component of modern care, a new national study of VA outpatient encounters revealed that the likelihood of a visit being conducted in person, by phone or via video might hinge on the patient’s chronic condition.
Fluoroquinolones Don’t Raise Risk of Aortic Aneurysm, Dissection After All

2 months ago | usmedicine.com | Mary Anne Dunkin

NASHVILLE, TN — Fluoroquinolones (FQs) have long been a standard treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs), offering effective relief for millions of patients worldwide. Some studies have suggested, however, that the drugs might increase the risk of aortic aneurysm or dissection, leading to safety warnings and restrictions in certain patient population. Other studies have failed to show a connection.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survival High in Military, but More Prevention Called For

2 months ago | usmedicine.com | Mary Anne Dunkin

BETHESDA, MD — Sudden cardiac arrest is a silent and often fatal event that strikes without warning, even among those in peak physical condition. In the civilian world, survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are alarmingly low. A new study sheds light, however, on how the U.S. military’s rigorous emergency response protocols and commitment to the philosophy of “leave no one behind” may be saving lives at a much higher rate.