News & Updates

Beyond Survival: Empowering a Future for Patients with EGFR-Mutated NSCLC

The growing range of treatment options for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has made first-line decisions more complex and more critical. Patients are increasingly more aware of new and different treatment options and are seeking therapies that align with their personal values. As survival outcomes continue to improve, shared decision-making (SDM) plays a vital role in individualising care by integrating clinical evidence with what matters most to each individual. This article explores how SDM can support patient-centred care, drawing on insights from Professor James Yang and patient advocate Mark Brooke.

Rapid resolution of refractory atopic dermatitis with abrocitinib: A case study focused on head and neck involvement

A Chinese man in his late 30s with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, and nephritis, all in remission, presented to the clinic in November 2024 with worsening atopic dermatitis (AD). He had previously used oral systemic steroids (up to 30 mg daily) and azathioprine (up to 100 mg daily), with only mild response, leading to the discontinuation of these treatments. Upon examination, the patient exhibited itchy, scaly red patches on his central face, ears, neck, upper trunk, and elbows, with significant erosions. The body surface area involvement was 50 percent. Find out how this patient responded to oral abrocitinib treatment.

Herpes zoster encephalitis in two patients with kidney disease: Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

Case 1: A 73-year-old woman with diabetes and end-stage renal disease receiving acyclovir treatment for herpes zoster (HZ) presented with altered mental status. Laboratory tests and brain CT were unremarkable. What is the diagnosis? Acyclovir neurotoxicity or HZ encephalitis?

Case 2: A 63-year-old man with sudden onset of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis presented with severe acute confusion 1 month after initiation of high-dose immunosuppressants and corticosteroid. Physical examination found HZ vesicles at L1 dermatomes and lumbar puncture confirmed HZ encephalitis. Treatment dilemma: To continue immunosuppressive therapy to save the kidney, or taper off to save the brain and cognition?

Advancing renal protection strategies in CKD: From evidence to action

At the 29^th Hong Kong Medical Forum, Professor Bobby Chacko of the University of Newcastle, Australia, discussed a topic of urgent global relevance: advancing renal protection strategies for a broader impact in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This editorial summarizes and expands upon the key points discussed — particularly the imperative to transition from knowledge to action in chronic kidney care.

Closing LDL-C treatment gaps with nonstatin options: Insights from European registries

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for nearly half of all deaths in Europe. Despite the introduction of lower LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) treatment targets, effective LDL-C control remains challenging. At the Advances in Medicine (AIM) 2025 meeting, Professor Andreas Schäfer from Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany, discussed unmet needs in LDL-C control across Europe and shared new clinical insights on bempedoic acid.

Optimizing phosphate control with sucroferric oxyhydroxide in CKD

Hyperphosphataemia leads to the development of chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD–MBD), which increases morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD. Aside from dietary restrictions and adequate haemodialysis, phosphate binders play a crucial role in hyperphosphataemia management. At an industry-sponsored symposium during the 29^th Hong Kong Medical Forum, Professor Li Zuo of the Peking University People's Hospital in Beijing, China, discussed the advantages of sucroferric oxyhydroxide (SO; Velphoro®, Rxilient) vs other phosphate binders, highlighting its high phosphate-binding capacity, reduced pill burden, and potential benefits for longterm disease control and adherence in patients with CKD–MBD. 

Modern management of BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC

Dr Su-Pin Choo of the National Cancer Centre in Singapore shares a BRAF^V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patient case from her clinical practice and offers practical insights during a Q&A session at an industry-sponsored symposium.

RW study in Chinese migraine patients: Rimegepant effective with high satisfaction rates

Rimegepant as an acute treatment for migraine is effective with high patient satisfaction rates, a real-world (RW) registry study in Chinese patients has shown.

IL-23 inhibitor use in a PsA patient with inadequate response to prior bDMARDs

A 29-year-old lady with heavily pre­treated psoriatic arthritis (PsA) was re­ferred to our clinic in 2021.

Capsular switching and emergence of vaccine escape variants after PCV introduction

While pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have greatly reduced the global burden of pneumococcal disease, the emergence of disease caused by non-vaccine type (NVT) pneumococci, through serotype replacement and/or serotype (capsular) switching, remains a significant challenge. This article reviews the process of vaccine escape by capsular switching and the resulting impact on PCVs’ effectiveness.