A study by the Medical University of Vienna shows that cancer patients receiving specialised palliative care do not have a higher suicide mortality rate than a comparative group of oncology patients. The findings suggest that interdisciplinary palliative care plays an important role in managing psychosocial and existential stress. The results have recently been published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Until now, the following has been true for metastatic pancreatic cancer: Once the tumour has spread, local treatment such as surgery is usually no longer an option. In recent years, however, studies have suggested that there is a small group of patients with a limited number of metastases (oligometastases) who can benefit from a combination of drug and local therapy.

In a recently published review, a research team led by MedUni Vienna has highlighted a promising new approach to drug discovery. The focus is on the targeted modulation of certain intracellular signalling proteins as a strategy for controlling disease-relevant signalling pathways and reducing side effects. The findings were published in the journal Trends in Pharmacological Sciences and expand the range of tools available for developing personalised therapies, for example for the treatment of neurological diseases.

Consistent and permanent abstinence from alcohol can lead to the regression of existing liver-related complications, even in cases of advanced alcohol-related cirrhosis. This is shown by an international multicentre study led by MedUni Vienna, which was recently published in the Journal of Hepatology. Up to one third of patients with already decompensated alcohol-related cirrhosis were able to achieve so-called "re-compensation" through consistent abstinence from alcohol - i.e., the complete resolution of liver-related complications with simultaneous recovery of liver function. In addition, the study identifies the factors that are crucial for this recovery of liver function.

In January 2026, eight lung transplant recipients and their companions from five countries, together with a team of doctors from MedUni Vienna, climbed Aconcagua (6,961 metres) in Argentina - the highest peak in America.

An analysis by the Medical University of Vienna indicates that short-term increases in particulate matter and air pressure are associated with more diagnoses of pulmonary embolism, but not with greater clinical severity at the time of diagnosis. The results were published in the journal Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, accounting for around 37 per cent of deaths - both in Austria and worldwide. Nevertheless, the risks, symptoms and progression of the disease in women are still underestimated. The Medical University of Vienna is therefore participating in the #GoRed campaign and drawing attention to women-specific aspects of heart health.

A research team from the Medical University of Vienna and the CeMM Research Centre for Molecular Medicine has investigated how so-called AI agents could change the future of biomedical research in a recently published study. The results point to enormous potential for acceleration, but this can only be exploited if it is accompanied by reforms in the exchange and review of scientific findings, investment in shared research infrastructure and targeted support for the introduction of new tools. The study was published in Scientific Reports.

Chronic inflammation is generally considered a risk factor for the development of cancer. In psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, the link with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, has not yet been clarified. In medical practice, it has long been observed that tumours in psoriasis often do not develop directly in inflamed areas of skin. Researchers at MedUni Vienna have now confirmed this phenomenon in a study and identified the possible biological mechanism behind it. The results have recently been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

For a long time, the synovial membrane, known as the synovium, was primarily understood as the lining of the joint cavity. However, in his perspective paper currently published in Annals of Anatomy, Peter Mandl from MedUni Vienna describes it as a dynamic interface where biological processes, structural changes in the joint and the individual perception of patients converge. This concept of the "synovial interface " provides a structured framework for differentiated, individualised care for patients with inflammatory joint diseases.

People with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression or bipolar disorder die on average ten to 20 years earlier than the general population. The main causes of this are cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, which are triggered or exacerbated by a lack of exercise. Now, an international team of scientists led by MedUni Vienna is calling for physical activity to be recognised as an integral part of psychiatric treatment and is also describing specific steps for successfully integrating it into practice. The review has been published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

More than 10,000 patients with rare diseases are treated annually at the University Departments of MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna - many of them with long periods of suffering, delayed diagnoses, and limited treatment options. On Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2026, the Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna will demonstrate how the close link between clinical care, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration is continuously advancing the care of people with rare diseases.

An international research team, with significant involvement from the Medical University of Vienna, has developed a new AI-based analysis method that can accurately classify brain tumours using genetic material from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and monitor the progression of the disease. In future, the method could enable earlier diagnosis before surgery, reduce invasive procedures and improve the monitoring of treatment success. The results have recently been published in the leading journal Nature Cancer.

A research team led by Helena Niziolek and Peter Wolf from the Department of Medicine III at the Medical University of Vienna has investigated whether drug-induced reduction of cortisol production can cause metabolic changes in patients with hormonally active adrenal adenoma.

The Transplantation Research Platform at the Medical University of Vienna is awarding two start-up grants to specifically support young scientists in the field of transplantation research. Emilie Han and Laurenz Wolner will receive support for their projects on T-cell immune reconstitution after allogeneic stem cell transplantation and on hypothermic organ protection in heart transplantation.

Last year, pollen concentrations were average to below average for most major aeroallergens. However, this will change in 2026: hazel, especially Turkish hazel trees, are showing abundant catkins and thus the potential for more intense pollination.