Core Viewpoint - The National Health Commission of China has banned the use of "Lymphatic-Venous Anastomosis (LVA)" for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease due to a lack of long-term, statistically significant safety and efficacy data [1][2][15]. Group 1: Background of LVA Surgery - LVA surgery is not a new procedure; it was originally developed in the late 20th century for treating lymphatic diseases like lymphedema [2][12]. - The application of LVA for Alzheimer's treatment began in 2018 by Dr. Xie Qingping, leading to its widespread adoption in various medical institutions [2][12]. - Prior to the ban, over a hundred hospitals had been performing LVA surgeries, with total cases exceeding a thousand [7][12]. Group 2: Financial Aspects and Demand - The cost of LVA surgery ranges from tens of thousands to over 210,000 yuan, with many hospitals charging between 20,000 to 50,000 yuan [12][9]. - The financial burden of long-term care for Alzheimer's patients often makes LVA surgery an attractive option for families, as it can be more cost-effective compared to ongoing care [12][9]. - Hospitals have been motivated to promote LVA surgery due to the potential for significant revenue generation, especially in light of financial struggles faced by many medical institutions [12][13]. Group 3: Regulatory and Clinical Concerns - The rapid promotion of LVA surgery occurred in a regulatory vacuum, with many institutions conducting the procedure without sufficient clinical trial data to support its safety and efficacy [14][15]. - The National Health Commission's ban highlights the need for rigorous clinical trials and ethical guidelines for new treatments, as many hospitals had been charging for a procedure that lacked proper validation [15][16]. - There are currently only 12 registered clinical trials for LVA surgery in Alzheimer's treatment, indicating a significant gap in clinical research [15][16].

Core Viewpoint - The National Health Commission has banned the use of lymphatic-venous anastomosis (LVA) for treating Alzheimer's disease due to a lack of clinical evidence supporting its safety and efficacy [1][2][4] Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The National Health Commission issued notifications prohibiting the use of LVA for Alzheimer's treatment and also banned the use of jejunoileal anastomosis for type 2 diabetes [1] - The decision was based on evaluations that found insufficient clinical evidence and a lack of clear indications and contraindications for the LVA procedure [2] Group 2: Medical Innovation Concerns - The application of LVA for Alzheimer's treatment is considered an off-label use, lacking theoretical and clinical trial support, which raises concerns about the safety of patients [3] - There is a growing trend of medical institutions promoting unverified technologies as innovative treatments, which can mislead patients and exploit their desperation for effective therapies [3][4] Group 3: Ethical and Research Standards - The use of unproven techniques in clinical settings blurs the line between clinical research and clinical application, leading to potential patient exploitation [2] - Ethical guidelines require that clinical research undergoes proper design and informed consent, which many institutions have failed to adhere to in the case of LVA [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - The National Health Commission of China has suspended the use of "Cervical Deep Lymphatic-Venous Anastomosis (LVA)" for Alzheimer's disease treatment due to concerns over its safety, efficacy, and lack of high-quality evidence supporting its clinical application [1][9][10] Group 1: Treatment Overview - Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by cognitive impairment and emotional disturbances, leading to significant declines in daily functioning [2] - Traditional treatments primarily involve medication, but drug development for Alzheimer's has been slow, with only a few new drugs approved in the last two decades [2][3] - LVA surgery aims to connect lymphatic vessels to nearby veins to facilitate the drainage of harmful proteins from the brain, potentially improving cognitive function [3][8] Group 2: Clinical Application and Controversy - The LVA procedure has been performed in over 130 hospitals across 28 provinces in China, with more than 200 Alzheimer's patients treated at one hospital alone [3][4] - Despite its growing popularity, the LVA treatment remains controversial and is considered to be in the early exploratory stage of clinical research [4][9] - Patient feedback on the effectiveness of the LVA surgery is polarized, with some reporting improvements while others see no significant benefits [5][6][7] Group 3: Regulatory Response - The National Health Commission's decision to halt the procedure reflects a commitment to patient safety and the need for rigorous evidence before clinical application [1][10] - The Commission has mandated local health authorities to investigate the use of LVA and ensure that medical institutions cease its application until further evidence is available [9][10] - Future clinical research on LVA will be guided by the availability of sufficient preclinical evidence and ethical review [9][10]