Kristian Epistatou or Cristian Epistatu MD PhD

08/12/2025

Vietnam has officially approved the use of a Russian-developed cancer vaccine that targets fourteen of the most serious forms of cancer. This marks a major step toward offering advanced, affordable cancer care across the country.

The vaccine is designed to support the body’s immune system in recognizing and attacking cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which kills both healthy and unhealthy cells, this vaccine works by teaching the immune system how to spot cancer without harming other tissues. It is a form of immunotherapy, which is quickly becoming a powerful new tool in cancer treatment.

The vaccine has shown promising results in clinical trials for cancers like lung, liver, colon, breast, and pancreatic cancer. It is not a cure, but it can slow tumor growth, improve survival rates, and reduce the need for more aggressive treatments. Patients receiving the vaccine have reported fewer side effects and improved quality of life.

What makes this development important is accessibility. Vietnam plans to roll out the vaccine across public hospitals and health centers at a price much lower than other global treatments. This opens the door for thousands of families who previously could not afford high-end cancer therapies.

Health officials say this approval will also help reduce strain on the country’s medical system. More patients can be treated earlier and more effectively, improving long-term outcomes.

This step reflects a growing focus on science-backed, cost-effective health solutions for serious diseases. With strong public health planning and global partnerships, Vietnam is showing how modern care can reach more people without high costs.

A vaccine for cancer once sounded impossible. Now it is part of a national plan to fight back with science.

24/10/2025

HNP

This image explains Lumbar Radiculopathy, a condition where the nerves in the lower spine (lumbar) are compressed or irritated, causing pain that radiates down the legs. It is often caused by a herniated disc (pinched nerve) or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis).

Image Explanation:

The image shows the radiating pain (radicular) based on the affected nerves:

1. S1 (Sacral Nerve 1)

Pain Area: Back of the thigh, calf, to the outer side of the foot and little toe.

Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in that area. It can cause difficulty when standing on tiptoes.

2. L5 (Lumbar Nerve 5)

Pain Area: Outer side of the thigh and calf, top of the foot, to the big toe.

Symptoms: Difficulty lifting the big toe or ankle upwards (foot drop).

3. L4 (Lumbar Nerve 4)

Pain Area: Front of the thigh, inner part of the calf, to the inner side of the foot.

Symptoms: Pain when sitting for long periods, weakness when straightening the knee.

4. L3 (Lumbar Nerve 3)

Pain Area: Upper front thigh.

Symptoms: Difficulty when lifting the leg or squatting.

Summary:

Nerve Pain Pathway Area Weakness / Tingling

S1 Back of the outer foot → little toe

Heel, sole of the foot

L5 Outer side of the foot → top of the foot → big toe

Top of the foot

L4 Front of the thigh → inner part of the knee

L3 Upper front thigh Upper thigh

Solutions and Therapy:

Physical therapy & acupuncture can help relieve nerve pressure.

Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants.

Moxibustion & cupping at the lower back meridian points.

Surgery if severe and unresponsive to conservative therapy....

21/04/2025

20/04/2025

20/04/2025

20/04/2025

20/04/2025

18/04/2025

🌍 World Health Day 2025 🌱
UEMS Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Section & Board

🧠💪 "Health is not merely the absence of disease, but the ability to live independently, meaningfully, and with dignity."

On this World Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting health through rehabilitation — a cornerstone of universal health coverage and lifelong wellbeing.

Rehabilitation restores function, promotes inclusion, and empowers individuals to thrive after illness, injury, or disability.

Let’s work together for a world where rehabilitation is accessible to all who need it.

18/04/2025

17/12/2023

ITB Syndrome & Cupping Therapy 🦵

ITB Syndrome, common among runners and cyclists, stems from an over-tightened Iliotibial Band, extending from hip to shin and essential for lower limb mobility. This often leads to inflammation and pain near the outer knee, and is associated with hip bursitis, where the strained IT band inflames the bursa, causing discomfort and restricted movement. Cupping therapy, blending ancient and modern sports therapy, offers effective relief for ITBS by reducing inflammation, relaxing muscle tension, and aiding athletes' recovery.

🧐 Symptoms:

- Outer knee and thigh pain.
- ITB swelling or tenderness.
- Leg tightness and reduced flexibility.
- Pain worsens with running, cycling, stairs.

🚵‍♀️ Causes:

- Overuse in endurance sports.
- Improper training or conditioning.
- Uneven leg length, hip tilt.
- Muscle imbalances in hip and thigh.

🍶 Cupping Therapy for ITB Syndrome:

- Boosts blood flow.
- Reduces ITB inflammation.
- Breaks down ITB scar tissue.
- Improves flexibility.
- Relieves muscle tightness, friction at hip/knee.
- Complements stretching, strengthening for holistic treatment.

Check the link in our bio to access our full blog on ITBS and Cupping Therapy. 👆