Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease of the brain and spinal cord resulting in CNS demyelination affecting 2.8 million people worldwide and 23,000 Australians. There are about 1000 new cases diagnosed in Australia each year and the accumulation of disability can be devastating with an estimated 50 to 80% of patients ceasing full-time work within 10 years. The condition is 3 times more common in women and is most often seen between the ages of 20 and 40 years. The damage in multiple sclerosis is caused by a type IV hypersensitivity reaction and may reflect molecular mimicry with activated T cells crossing the blood-brain barrier and attacking CNS myelin which is produced by oligodendrocytes (myelin in the peripheral nervous system is made by Schwann cells).

Neuroendocrine tumours represent neoplasms of the diffuse neuroendocrine system (DNES) which is our body’s largest endocrine organ comprised of the fascinating amine precursor uptake and decarboxylase (APUD) cell series first described in the 1960s by British scientist A.G.E Pearse. These cells can produce numerous peptides and bioactive amines. Influenced by both the endocrine and nervous systems as well as by the chemistry in their local environment, neuroendocrine cells play a vital role in intracellular signalling and ensure the integrated functioning of many organs and systems within the human body working in both paracrine and endocrine fashion. The signalling molecules produced by the diffuse neuroendocrine system represent a universal chemical language, a vital contributor to the regulation of homeostasis. Cells of the DNES are found throughout the body and are present in almost every organ with well-known examples in the lining of the Gi tract, the lungs, pancreas, thymus, thyroid, brain, adrenal glands etc…

Neuroendocrine tumours represent neoplasms of the diffuse neuroendocrine system (DNES) which is our body’s largest endocrine organ comprised of the fascinating amine precursor uptake and decarboxylase (APUD) cell series first described in the 1960s by British scientist A.G.E Pearse. These cells can produce numerous peptides and bioactive amines. Influenced by both the endocrine and nervous systems as well as by the chemistry in their local environment, neuroendocrine cells play a vital role in intracellular signalling and ensure the integrated functioning of many organs and systems within the human body working in both paracrine and endocrine fashion. The signalling molecules produced by the diffuse neuroendocrine system represent a universal chemical language, a vital contributor to the regulation of homeostasis. Cells of the DNES are found throughout the body and are present in almost every organ with well-known examples in the lining of the Gi tract, the lungs, pancreas, thymus, thyroid, brain, adrenal glands etc…

Pancreatic cancer is the eighth most common cancer reported in Australia. In 2021, it is estimated that there will be 4261 new cases and 3391 deaths. The incidence has increased from 10 per 100,000 in 1982 -to 12 per 100,000 today with the average age of onset between 60 and 65 years. At the time of diagnosis, approximately one-third of patients already have advanced disease with a limited 3 to 4-month survival prognosis, overall, 1-year survival for pancreatic cancer is only 16% and 5-year survival of 3% despite new approaches to management.

As case numbers and deaths continue to climb from Covid-19 infection and its many variants, two antiviral drugs have entered the market and are now available on the Australian PBS with specific prescription criteria to be met. So, what are they and what do they do?

Lymphoma is a clonal neoplastic proliferation of lymphoid cells (B cells, T cells and NK cells) and is the sixth most common malignancy reported in this country which makes it the most common hematologic malignancy with over 5000 cases diagnosed each year in Australia putting lifetime risk at 1 in 50.

Lymphoma is a clonal neoplastic proliferation of lymphoid cells (B cells, T cells and NK cells) and is the sixth most common malignancy reported in this country which makes it the most common hematologic malignancy with over 5000 cases diagnosed each year in Australia putting lifetime risk at 1 in 50.

There are over 70 different types of lymphoma which are divided into 2 main groups: Hodgkin's lymphoma accounts for 10% of cases and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma accounts for 90% of cases.

Hodgkin's lymphoma named after Thomas Hodgkin (1832) is more common in men, and tends to occur at a younger age than non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with a bimodal age distribution but the average age at diagnosis of 39 years and involves lymph nodes frequently on just one side of the body usually above the diaphragm. The tumour cell is referred to as the Reed Sternberg cell which is a bi or multi-nucleated B cell comprising characteristically just 1% of the lymphoma mass. Just to make this nomenclature interesting there is classic Hodgkins which make up about 95 % of cases and of which nodular sclerosing comprises about 70 % and mixed cellularity 20-25 % and non-classic Hodgkins is characterised by nodular lymphocytic predominant pathology.

In May this year, new cases of the rare infection-Monkey Pox - typically limited to Africa, began spreading within Europe and North America.

More than 780 cases have now been reported across 15 countries with Australia recently reporting 8 cases.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox and typically is spread through close physical contact with skin lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding and is much less infectious than respiratory illnesses such as Covid 19. Transmission of Monkey pox virus by respiratory droplets would normally require prolonged face-to-face contact, so the apparent rapid spread of the virus may signal a shift in its behaviour and some scientists have questioned if the virus may have mutated to become more transmissible. Two strains have been identified.

Dr John Levin practices antiaging medicine and joins this podcast to discuss his practical approach to treatment. As John laments antiaging medicine is not taught in medical school yet he believes the science of anti-ageing holds the key to significantly reducing human suffering and improving health span. Whilst the average human life span continues to increase and modern medicine more efficiently tackles diseases, the science of anti-ageing looks at mechanisms leading to cell degeneration and decay and seeks ways to regenerate cell health and thereby delay the many diseases associated with ageing.

PCOS is the most common endocrinopathy of reproductive age women affecting about 1 in 10. Characteristically the condition presents with menstrual irregularity, excess androgens, and polycystic ovarian morphology. More common in women with a family history and type 2 diabetes the condition is associated with obesity, infertility, pregnancy complications and metabolic derangements as well as a number of psychological consequences.

In this podcast we have a conversation with obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Mei Cheah founder of Create Health a leading group of specialists in women's health creating visions for a healthy future, better well-being, and more informed patients. Create Health aims to deliver exceptional care across obstetrics, gynaecology, reproductive endocrinology, minimally invasive surgery, fertility and IVF plus allied and complimentary health services. We look forward to exploring the practical aspects of this diagnosis further with you.