NEJM This Week — August 20, 2026

This week, we feature new research on gene-edited therapies for children with β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease, treatment for membranous nephropathy, coronary revascularization after myocardial infarction, and an outbreak of severe methemoglobinemia. We review treatment decisions in multiple myeloma, follow a case of man with fever and rash, and report on psychedelic drug development. Perspectives address preventive care, AI-assisted translation, barriers to health care access, and the long shadow of Bedlam.

This week, we feature new research on acute myeloid leukemia, achondroplasia, pediatric septic shock, and RAS-mutant lung cancer. We also review the evaluation and management of pulmonary nodules and follow a diagnostic case of recurrent fractures. Perspectives explore reproductive health care, the human–animal bond in health care access, and on creating space for patients’ voices in clinical decision making.

This week, we feature new research on acute respiratory failure, wheezing in childhood, lung cancer, and obesity. We review myeloproliferative neoplasms and follow a diagnostic case of a patient with myasthenia gravis who developed dyspnea and weakness. Perspectives explore medical marijuana research, AI in clinical care, sexual and gender minority health research, and the Perspectives Editor saying goodbye.

This week, we feature new research on polymyalgia rheumatica, hypercholesterolemia, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma. We review evidence-based strategies for tobacco cessation, and follow a case of a woman with nausea, dizziness, and metabolic acidosis. We discuss recent advances in gene editing for rare metabolic diseases. Perspectives address HIV care, health care quality, medical ethics, and finding resilience in the face of serious illness.

This week, we feature new research on chronic kidney disease, high-risk prostate cancer, peripheral artery disease, and oxygen therapy after cardiac arrest. We review the evaluation and management of syncope, follow a challenging case of immune-related inflammatory illness, and report on Perspectives exploring pandemic preparedness, the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, and physician mental health.

This week, we feature advances that may change care for prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, acute pain, and IgA nephropathy. We review platelet factor 4 disorders and follow a case of persistent nasal ulceration. Perspectives explore medical aid in dying, federal authority in health care, public health and litigation, and the challenge of delivering life-changing news with honesty and compassion.

This week, we bring you advances in pancreatic and bladder cancer, preventing gonorrhea, a promising new therapy for adolescent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and a review of antiretroviral treatment for HIV. We also follow a striking case of vision loss that led to an unexpected diagnosis and discuss Perspectives on vaccine evidence, hepatitis C elimination, the endorsements of prescription drugs on social media, and the enduring intersection of love and loss in medicine.

This week, we present advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and coronary artery disease, alongside new national data on health care–associated infections. We also review fibromyalgia and the emerging Bundibugyo virus outbreak, follow a surprising diagnostic case of alpha-gal syndrome, and explore Perspectives on caring for vulnerable patients, trustworthy health information, pharmacotherapeutic decisions in autism care, and the experience of caring for a parent with dementia.

This week, we present advances in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hypothalamic obesity, and lung cancer. We review nutrition in critical illness and follow a diagnostic case involving a patient who had a lung transplant. The Editors warn about the politicization of science. We discuss the dead donor rule in an era of voluntary euthanasia. Perspectives explore the forthcoming crisis in long-term care, reproductive medicine, and the realities of caring for loved ones at the end of life.

This week, we discuss less-invasive approaches to guiding coronary intervention, new strategies for preventing kidney cancer recurrence, and head-to-head treatment data in multiple sclerosis. We review advances in multiple sclerosis, follow a diagnostic journey involving gait instability, and discuss correcting false narratives. Perspectives examine physicians and the body politic, chronic pain and OUD, and the often-overlooked burden of cognitive symptoms.