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November 15, 2018 | Story Review

Reuters rehashes Merck announcement on Keytruda trial for esophageal cancer

You can’t do much in a 176-word story, and Reuters didn’t in this one.

1 Star

Reuters: Merck drug Keytruda succeeds in late-stage esophageal cancer trial

November 15, 2018 | News Release Review

Gold nanoparticles to destroy prostate cancer? Claims are very premature

The news release doesn’t discuss the quality of the evidence gathered in this trial, but makes numerous claims about benefits.

1 Star

First-ever prostate cancer treatment uses gold nanoparticles to destroy tumorous cells

November 14, 2018 | News Release Review

Researchers apply leap of faith to preliminary study of fecal transplant for immunotherapy-induced colitis

The proof-of-concept study involved only two patients.

2 Star

Fecal transplant effective against immunotherapy-induced colitis

November 13, 2018 | Story Review

CNN overstates evidence linking neck pulse measurements to increased dementia risk

The story didn’t tell readers this was an observational study–cause-and-effect couldn’t be established.

2 Star

Five-minute neck scan can spot dementia 10 years earlier, say scientists

November 9, 2018 | Story Review

Fox News regurgitates a hot mess from the UK Sun

The story is full of holes and canned quotes, making the news release more informative.

2 Star

Artificial intelligence can predict Alzheimer’s 6 years earlier than medics, study finds

November 8, 2018 | News Release Review

Kudos for university’s restraint in promoting at-home HPV tests for women

The release is also very transparent about potential conflicts of interest.

4 Star

Mailed HPV tests can help find women at-risk for cervical cancer, study finds

November 2, 2018 | News Release Review

Claim that fermented dairy products reduce heart attacks leaves us feeling sour

There’s an emerging assumption that fermented dairy products might be “pro-biotic” and, therefore, “heart-friendly.” But, at this time, that remains purely speculative.

2 Star

Fermented dairy products may protect against heart attack

November 1, 2018 | News Release Review

University takes cautious approach in promoting rapid test for diagnosing brain disease

The release appropriately noted that the test needs validation through a larger study.

3 Star

Is it Brain Infection or Cancer? A New Rapid Test Could Hold the Answer

Toolkit

Tips & Resources for Analyzing Health Care Claims

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Toolkit

Story Reviews

Our team of reviewers applies 10 standardized criteria to news stories that include claims about health care interventions. ~2,000 reviews published.

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News Release Reviews

We systematically evaluate the quality of health care-related news releases by journals, medical centers, drug/device makers, others.

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Blog

Wide-ranging exploration of issues in journalism, journal publishing, health care PR, advertising and marketing. Some opinions - publisher Gary Schwitzer's & others'.

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