Tuesday, 21 July 2026
AMA clarifies doctors' roles, New mesothelioma care guidelines, TGA cracks down on peptides
- 01
AMA Updates Position on Doctor's Role and Scope of Practice
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has revised its position on the role of doctors for the first time since 2011, explicitly addressing scope of practice and clinical governance. The updated statement, published on 18 July, emphasises the importance of medical oversight in the use of AI and clinical decision support tools, while also highlighting the need for clear communication about patient costs. AMA vice president Associate Professor Julian Rait noted the unique role of doctors in coordinating safe care and making complex clinical decisions. The revision comes amid ongoing debates over the expansion of pharmacist prescribing and aims to clarify the responsibilities of medical practitioners.
- 02
New National Guidelines for Mesothelioma Care Released
Australia has released its first updated national mesothelioma guidelines in 13 years, recommending routine multidisciplinary care, molecular pathology, and increased access to immunotherapy and clinical trials. Developed by a committee of over 30 specialists, the guidelines aim to establish a consistent standard of care for pleural mesothelioma, a disease significantly affecting Australians due to historical asbestos exposure. Key updates include a shift towards immunotherapy as a first-line treatment option and a focus on reducing delays in diagnosis through prompt referrals to expert centres. The guidelines also address the integration of palliative care from diagnosis and recommend expanding telehealth services to improve access for patients in regional areas.
- 03
TGA Intensifies Enforcement Against Unapproved Peptide Products
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has escalated its enforcement actions against unapproved peptide products amid rising online promotions. The TGA warns that suppliers, influencers, and consumers could face product seizures, penalties, or criminal prosecution for unlawful activities related to these substances. Many peptide products lack regulatory oversight, posing significant health risks to consumers. The TGA is collaborating with social media and e-commerce platforms to eliminate unlawful advertising and prevent its recurrence.
- 04
Call for National Brain Health Strategy in Australia
Australia currently lacks a national brain health strategy, despite having strategies for cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and mental health. Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death globally, and Australia faces increasing pressure on healthcare services due to an ageing population and rising prevalence of chronic neurological diseases. The World Health Organization advocates for a comprehensive approach to brain health, which includes prevention and equitable access to care. A National Brain Health Strategy could unify efforts across various sectors, improve workforce capabilities, and establish measurable outcomes. Discussions on this strategy will commence at Australia’s Brain Health Summit on World Brain Day 2026.
- 05
Cancer Screening Disparities Risk Late Diagnosis in Trans Patients
A review from Charles Sturt University highlights significant disparities in cancer screening participation among transgender and gender-diverse patients, particularly noting that trans women are less likely to engage in routine prostate cancer screening compared to cisgender men. While gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) does not appear to increase overall cancer risk, the review calls for screening based on anatomy and individual risk factors. It also points out that gender-affirming surgery may create new anatomical sites that require surveillance, which are not currently addressed in screening guidelines. The analysis, which included 13 international studies, underscores the importance of creating inclusive healthcare environments to improve screening participation among transgender patients.
- 06
FDA approves Lipfendra for high cholesterol management
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new cholesterol-lowering pill called Lipfendra for patients whose cholesterol remains high despite treatment. This daily pill can be used alone or alongside statins and has shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by up to 59% in clinical trials. Cardiologist Dhruv Kazi noted that this approval represents a significant advancement for patients requiring additional lipid-lowering therapies. High LDL-C levels are a key risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease and stroke.
via BMJ
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.