VA, DoD clinical guideline synopsis details 34 new recommendations for PTSD and acute stress disorder

A synopsis of new clinical guidelines from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) details 34 recommendations for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring conditions. The VA/DoD guidelines notably recommend the use of specific manualized psychotherapies over pharmacotherapy and recommend against the use of benzodiazepines, cannabis, or cannabis-derived products. The synopsis is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on radiation therapy for IDH-mutant glioma

A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) provides recommendations on the use of radiation therapy to treat patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant grade 2 and grade 3 diffuse glioma. Evidence-based recommendations outline the multidisciplinary planning and delivery techniques to manage this subset of central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

Women’s Preventive Services Initiative issues guidelines for preventing obesity in midlife women

The Women’s Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI), a national coalition of women’s health professional organizations and patient advocacy representatives, has issued a new clinical guideline recommending that clinicians discuss obesity prevention strategies with female patients aged 40 to 60 years even if they are not overweight. According to the guideline, counseling should include individualized discussion with patients about healthy eating and physical activity to maintain a healthy weight for those with a normal-range body mass index (BMI), or to maintain or limit weight gain for those whose BMI is categorized as overweight. The recommendation is based on a systematic review of published evidence.

Study on Green Kiwifruit to Treat Chronic Constipation and New ACG Clinical Guidelines on C. difficile Infection Featured in the June Issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology

The June issue of AJG includes articles on the effectiveness of OTC therapies and green kiwifruit as a dietary therapy for chronic constipation, as well as new ACG Guidelines on the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of C. difficile infections, and more.

CAP Opens PD-L1 Lung Tumor Testing Guideline for Public Comment

The College of American Pathologists (CAP), in collaboration with five other societies, developed a draft evidence-based clinical practice guideline that aims to optimize PD-L1 testing for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are being considered for immunooncology therapy.

American College of Gastroenterology Issues Updated Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines

The American College of Gastroenterology has issued updated evidence-based screening guidelines for colorectal cancer (CRC), including a new recommendation to begin CRC screening at age 45 for average risk adults. Key updates include recommendations for screening individuals with family history of CRC or polyps, guidance on the use of aspirin to reduce the risk of CRC, quality indicators for adenoma detection rate and colonoscopy withdrawal time, as well as suggestions about evidence-based interventions to boost screening rates, especially among African Americans. The authors distinguish between one-step screening tests, such as colonoscopy, and two-step screening tests that require colonoscopy, if positive, in order to complete the screening process.

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on radiation therapy for rectal cancer

A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) provides guidance for physicians who use radiation therapy to treat patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Recommendations outline indications and best practices for pelvic radiation treatments, as well as the integration of radiation with chemotherapy and surgery for stage II-III disease. The guideline, which replaces ASTRO’s 2016 guidance for rectal cancer, is published in Practical Radiation Oncology.

ASTRO issues first clinical guideline on radiation therapy for cervical cancer

A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) provides recommendations for radiation therapy to treat patients with nonmetastatic cervical cancer. The guideline outlines indications and best practices for EBRT and brachytherapy in postoperative and definitive settings, and it also addresses chemotherapy and surgery when used in combination with radiation. The guideline is published online in Practical Radiation Oncology.