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Study investigates why some cancers metastasize to the spine

MIAMI – Research is helping explain why some cancers have a higher risk of spreading to the bones of the vertebrae.

Spine surgeon Dr. Georgiy Brusovanik with Miami Back and Neck Specialists said the findings, published in the Journal Nature, may solve a long standing mystery about metastases to the backbone.

“The extrapolated message from this study is that there perhaps is something stem cell or mediator related that makes some specific a cancers, specifically lung, prostate, breast, renal, GI and thyroid cancers go to the spine more than others,” he said.

Brusovanik said patients with these cancers who have sudden onset back pain accompanied by unexpected weight loss should undergo an MRI to check for spinal metastases.

W.H.O. ISSUES ALERT ON NEW COVID STRAIN

The World Health Organization is stepping up its classification of a new Covid strain.

The group now says the JN1 strain is a “variant of interest.”

The new classification triggers laboratory studies and field investigations of outbreaks.

It also means the strain is spreading in a way that could one day pose a risk to global public health.

So far the WHO believes the global health risk is low but the agency cautions that winter could cause the strain to increase infections in many countries.

PLANT-BASED DIET LOWERS DIABETES RISK

There’s new evidence to suggest a plant-based diet can benefit your health and even reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

A British study found people who ate the most grains, fruits, and vegetables while limiting sweets and sugary drinks dropped their risk of developing diabetes by 24-percent.

People genetically pre-disposed to developing diabetes also saw benefits from eating a plant based diet.


About the Authors
Kristi Krueger headshot

Kristi Krueger has built a solid reputation as an award-winning medical reporter and effervescent anchor. She joined Local 10 in August 1993. After many years co-anchoring the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., Kristi now co-anchors the noon newscasts, giving her more time in the evening with her family.

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