The Top Ten lists in Medicine feature papers published during the last
two years (excluding review articles) that were most cited in current
journal articles indexed by
Clarivate
during a recent two-month period. Papers are ranked according to the
latest bimonthly citation count. The articles below are accompanied by
expert discussion and analysis (including comments from the
papers’ authors) written by one of four veteran
scientist-journalists and longtime ScienceWatch.com
contributors.
Recent research into mutations of the
KRAS gene in metastatic colorectal
cancer demonstrates that the presence
of wild-type (non-mutated) KRAS in
tumors is correlated with
more-effective treatment with the
anticancer agent panitumumab. Similar
results have been obtained with the
drug cetuximab. Such findings hasten
the promise of personalizing cancer
treatments for specific tumor
types.
View Article
With the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in
cervical cancer firmly established, researchers are
now exploring HPV’s possible causative action
in cancers of the head and neck. One study
comparing histories of patients with oropharyngeal
cancer against controls suggested a strong
association between the cancer and HPV infection,
with factors such as sexual behavior and the number
of sexual partners exerting an apparent influence.
Specifics, such as the precise means of oral
transmission, are still being elucidated."
View Article
Recent studies have assessed the effects of anti-obesity
surgery on mortality, comparing obese subjects who underwent
gastric bypass and other procedures against obese controls who
did not have surgery. Results indicated that surgery improved
mortality rates and quality of life, with improvement
apparently related to quantity of weight lost. Given the
refinements in surgical techniques since these studies were
initially launched in the 1980s, the current advantages are
likely to be even greater.
View Article
Medicine’s most-cited papers are currently dominated by
studies pertaining to type 2 diabetes and its management. In
particular, recent trials have examined the effects of intensive
blood-glucose lowering in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Meta-analysis has suggested that this course of therapy is
connected with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events and
higher mortality rates, although further investigation is needed to
clarify this matter and others related to treatment.
View Article
Recent studies have examined the use of tight glycemic
control—specifically, intense insulin therapy—for
patients with severe sepsis in intensive-care units. Although
earlier trials suggested that such therapy improved mortality
as compared with conventional intensive care, later studies
indicated no significant difference and also suggested that low
glycemic levels present a threat of their own. Clinicians will
look to ongoing trials to clarify these matters.
View Article
Recent highly cited papers in medicine investigate the increasing
evidence pertaining to cancer stem cells. In one paper, for example, a
team of researchers discusses a particular cell capable of initiating
colon cancer. A deeper knowledge of these kinds of cells—how they
behave, how they differ from one another, and how they interact with
such factors as the cell-surface marker CD133—will add to the
understanding of oncogenesis and help point the way toward improved
treatment strategies.
View Article