Research Summaries
Critical breakdowns of landmark clinical trials and the latest peer-reviewed medical literature from NEJM, Lancet, JAMA, and PubMed.
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They Found Stomach Cancer. Why Aren’t We Operating Right Away?
For some resectable stomach cancers, treatment begins before surgery. Here is why, what the MATTERHORN trial showed, and when the plan may need to change.
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Can Semaglutide (Wegovy) Ease Knee Arthritis Pain? Can Knee Replacement Wait?
A trial found less knee osteoarthritis pain with semaglutide. See what weight loss may explain, what remains unknown, and when to revisit knee replacement.
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Microplastics in Carotid Plaque: Does Finding Them Change What You Should Do?
Microplastics in carotid plaque? A widely discussed study found plastic material in some plaques removed during carotid surgery. The most useful question for patients is whether that finding changes a real treatment decision. By M.J. Kim, MD Evidence reviewed through: October 7, 2026 Updated: October 8, 2026 Featured specimen image: Ed Uthman, MD, CC BY…
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Appendicitis: Antibiotics or Surgery? The CT Finding That Can Change the Decision
Antibiotics can help some patients with uncomplicated appendicitis avoid an operation. But “better without surgery” and “cured forever” are not the same thing – and one finding on your CT scan can substantially change the odds. By J.Y. Jeong, MD Evidence reviewed through: September 3, 2026 Updated: October 1, 2026 At a Glance Antibiotics are…