China halts Alzheimer’s surgery as questions remain over overseas trials

Chinese authorities have banned a controversial surgical procedure promoted as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, while the surgeon who developed the operation has reportedly been detained. Despite the action taken in China, clinical trials of the procedure continue in several other countries, prompting renewed scrutiny from researchers and regulators.

The procedure, known as deep cervical lymphaticovenous anastomosis (dcLVA), involves connecting lymphatic vessels in the neck to nearby veins. Supporters believe the operation may improve the drainage of waste products from the brain, including proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. However, experts say there is currently insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to demonstrate that the procedure is safe or effective.

China’s National Health Commission has prohibited the use of dcLVA for treating Alzheimer’s disease outside approved research settings, stating that the evidence base remains inadequate. The move followed the rapid uptake of the procedure across hundreds of hospitals despite the absence of robust clinical trial data.

An investigation published by the BMJ also reports that the surgeon who pioneered the procedure has been detained by Chinese authorities. While the reasons for the detention have not been fully disclosed publicly, the BMJ notes that international clinical trials continue to recruit participants, raising questions about how experimental procedures are assessed and regulated across different countries.

Alzheimer’s disease remains the most common cause of dementia worldwide, affecting millions of people. Researchers continue to investigate a wide range of potential treatments, but experts stress that any new intervention should be supported by rigorous clinical evidence before being adopted into routine practice.

The BMJ investigation highlights the challenges regulators face when promising but unproven treatments gain international attention, particularly in areas of medicine where there is significant unmet clinical need and strong demand from patients and families.

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