China Bans Experimental Alzheimer's Surgery Amid Safety Concerns

The top health authority in China has decided to ban the practice of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that is still undergoing clinical trials, aimed at treating Alzheimer's disease. This decision stems from concerns about the method, which connects lymphatic vessels in the neck to nearby veins to potentially improve the brain's ability to clear waste, following the National Health Commission's discovery that some healthcare facilities were already performing the surgery on Alzheimer's patients without adequate evidence supporting its efficacy.

The commission released a statement indicating that their assessments found insufficient preclinical evidence supporting the use of LVA for Alzheimer's treatment. It highlighted that the procedure is still in early clinical research stages, lacking clear indications and contraindications, and inadequate medical evidence regarding its safety or cost-effectiveness. Local health authorities were instructed to ensure that medical institutions stop using LVA for Alzheimer’s and ensure proper ongoing care for the patients involved.

LVA surgery is primarily designed to address lymphedema, a condition characterized by fluid accumulation and swelling in the limbs. The rationale behind investigating this technique for Alzheimer's treatment is based on the theory that establishing a connection between a lymphatic channel and a vein could enhance the brain's clearance of toxic proteins. The Chinese PLA General Hospital in Beijing reported successful outcomes for an 80-year-old woman following LVA surgery, who demonstrated significant improvements in her cognitive abilities and quality of life post-operation.

However, reports indicate that a hospital in Anhui province has already conducted more than 50 LVA surgeries for Alzheimer's sufferers, with costs ranging dramatically. Some institutions even charge upwards of 200,000 yuan for the procedure, creating concern over the proliferation of a treatment that lacks formal validation. Researchers from Renji Hospital noted in a publication that no other countries have conducted clinical trials or used LVA in clinical practice for Alzheimer's, emphasizing the urgent need for verified treatments as the demand from patients and families grows.

In China, around 17 million people currently live with dementia, with Alzheimer's being the most common form. Projections suggest that this number could rise to 19.1 million by 2030, driven by an aging population, which further underscores the importance of finding effective treatments for this debilitating condition.