Studies presented at the American Diabetes Association annual meeting showed ACTOS to be effective in reducing fasting insulin levels and improving A1C levels, with significant benefits seen when used alone or in combination with other oral antidiabetic medications.
A new biologic drug, Lipo-ATRA, offers long-term disease-free survival to patients with rare acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) without traditional chemotherapy. In a small trial, approximately one-third of patients remained in remission for over five years after treatment.
The CAMPTOSAR plus cisplatin regimen demonstrated improved one-year survival rates (59.2%) and response rates (31%) compared to current standard treatments. Patient toxicities were also significantly reduced, with fewer grade 3-4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia cases.
A landmark UK study sponsored by Diabetes UK, Department of Health, and Pfizer UK showed that 10mg atorvastatin reduced cardiovascular events by 37% in patients with diabetes without existing CVD. Stroke was substantially reduced by 48% in these patients.
Researchers found tumor disappearance and shrinking in four out of nine patients with advanced melanoma treated with CP-675,206. The antibody works by blocking a negative regulator of the immune system, allowing it to attack cancer cells. A Phase II study is now underway to further investigate the treatment.
Researchers found four distinct risk groups and seven independent risk factors for prostate cancer detection, including abnormal exam findings, age, family history, and PSA density. Men with high-risk features remain at risk despite multiple negative biopsies, emphasizing the need for vigilant follow-up.
Researchers have discovered a new clinical treatment, SU11248, that overcomes resistance to Gleevec in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The drug has shown striking clinical benefits, stabilizing the disease in 65% of patients and inducing partial responses in 13%.
A new study found that hormone deprivation therapy is less effective for younger men with higher grade tumors, suggesting it needs further investigation as an alternative treatment for localized prostate cancer. The study also revealed a higher risk of bone fractures in men on hormone therapy due to osteoporosis.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that protects bone marrow cells from chemotherapy's debilitating effects. The study found up to 41% transfer of the protective gene to blood stem cells in patients with advanced cancer, offering new hope for improved treatments.
Scientists identify LARGE protein as a key player in restoring alpha-dystroglycan function, which is critical for normal muscle function. The discovery may lead to new treatments for muscular dystrophies and other muscle diseases.
A new study demonstrates that Xeloda reduces the risk of colon cancer recurrence (relapse-free survival) by 14% compared to i.v. 5-FU/LV after surgery. The global trial, X-ACT, met its primary endpoint and offers new hope for patients with early stage colon cancer.
A study has identified a biomarker that can predict which colon cancer patients are most likely to respond to a specific chemotherapy regimen. The enzyme thymidine phosphorylase (TP) is found in some, but not all, cancers and is believed to activate the drug capecitabine.
A Phase II trial has shown SU11248 benefits more than half of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that have developed resistance to Gleevec, a widely used drug in treating the disease. The drug was found to be effective in shrinking tumors and stabilizing disease for extended periods.
A phase II multicenter study evaluated a multiepitope CD8 T-cell vaccine for metastatic melanoma patients, demonstrating an immune response associated with longer survival. The vaccine showed promising results in stimulating an immune response, but no correlation was found with clinical tumor responses.
A Phase III trial found that CAMPTOSAR combinations with select targeted agents improve survival for MCRC patients. The combination of Avastin and IFL yields an average survival of 25.1 months compared to 15.8 months with IFL alone. A Phase II trial also shows the efficacy of Erbitux plus CAMPTOSAR and infusional FOLFIRI in EGFR-expres...
A Phase III trial found Velcade to be more effective than dexamethasone in treating relapsed multiple myeloma, with a 58% increase in efficacy. The study showed improved survival and reduced time to disease progression for patients receiving Velcade.
A recent study found that lung cancer patients in Japan had a longer median survival time (12 months) compared to US patients (9 months), despite receiving a lower dose of the same chemotherapy regimen. However, Japanese patients experienced more side effects, such as neutropenia and neuropathy.
Researchers have found a novel agent, SU11248, to be highly effective in treating advanced renal cell carcinoma. The treatment has shown significant activity in patients whose cancer had failed to respond to standard therapy.
A multicenter trial demonstrated that Taxotere in combination with cisplatin and 5-FU prolonged progression-free survival by 12.7 months compared to the standard treatment. Patients also showed significantly improved overall response rates, indicating a potential new paradigm for treating head and neck cancer.
Researchers at UC Davis Cancer Center discovered that sequential administration of erlotinib and docetaxel enhances effectiveness in treating non-small cell lung cancer. The study showed that giving docetaxel first, then erlotinib, was more effective than simultaneous or alternative administration.
A new sequential dose-dense chemotherapy regimen including ELLENCE significantly improves survival in high-risk breast cancer patients, with estimated 3-year relapse-free and overall survival rates of 80% and 90%, respectively. The study confirms the benefits of this optimal dose dense therapy for women at highest risk of recurrence.
The study found that Tarceva significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with advanced NSCLC, with a median survival of 6.7 months compared to 4.7 months in the placebo arm. The treatment also showed improvements in time to symptom deterioration, response rate, and patient survival at one year.
A new breast cancer treatment, gemcitabine with paclitaxel, has been shown to extend overall survival in women with advanced breast cancer. The study found that median overall survival was 18.5 months for the combination therapy, compared to 15.8 months for paclitaxel alone.
A new medication called atrasentan has shown promise in slowing the progression of prostate cancer to the bone, reducing pain and maintaining quality of life. The drug's effect on stabilizing disease progression was observed across phase II and III clinical trials.
A study of 494 cancer patients found that specific genetic variants are associated with increased fatigue and distress, suggesting a possible link between genetics and quality of life in cancer patients. The research aims to develop personalized treatments tailored to an individual's genetic profile to improve their quality of life.
A Phase I/II trial combining bevacizumab (Avastin) and erlotinib (Tarceva) achieved 85% tumor control and 12.5-month median survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, outperforming traditional therapies.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have discovered genetic markers that can predict how well patients with colorectal cancer will respond to certain chemotherapy drugs. The study found that variations in genes involved in metabolizing irinotecan may be useful predictors of response and side effects.
Researchers found that women with a specific gene mutation in the CYP2D6 gene had lower levels of endoxifen, a byproduct of tamoxifen metabolism. This suggests that the gene mutation may affect the potency of tamoxifen when combined with certain antidepressants like paroxetine and sertraline.
A novel therapeutic bortezomib combination will be tested in a phase II trial for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The regimen, combining bortezomib with gemcitabine and carboplatin, shows promise in preclinical research, where giving bortezomib last may enhance its effectiveness.
A Phase II clinical trial suggests that RAD001, targeting mTOR, can decrease uterine tumor size in recurrent endometrial cancer. The treatment offers new hope for patients with advanced and recurrent cases, which account for about 7,000 deaths annually.
Researchers found that African Americans with NSCLC were less likely to receive staging procedures, which led to fewer surgical interventions. Despite equivalent survival rates among those who underwent surgery, African Americans were more likely to decline surgery when recommended.
The BP Conservation Programme is awarding $600,000 to 29 student-led teams for critical conservation projects worldwide. Winners will attend practical workshops and learn from global experts to carry out their projects.
Cohen's team found that fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are overexpressed in over 90% of pancreatic adenocarcinomas, suggesting they may contribute to poor outcomes. However, selective inhibition of these proteins shows promise in preclinical models.
A new investigational drug has shown promise in treating kidney cancer, producing durable responses and stable disease in patients. The study found that nearly two-thirds of patients experienced stable disease after 12 weeks, and the median time to progression was nearly one year.
The largest study on the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the United States found that approximately 6.6% of premenopausal women have PCOS, surpassing previous estimates. This significant increase may be due to a more representative sample size and improved diagnostic methods.
Scientists at NIST effectively turn atoms into better frequency sensors by entangling them, allowing for faster and more accurate measurements in atomic clocks. This technique could reduce the time needed to measure atomic clock ticks from weeks to months.
The 'tango array' device can sort particles ranging from bacterial cells to DNA segments in a matter of seconds, distinguishing them by size. This breakthrough technology has the potential to greatly accelerate biological research and replace some centrifuge devices.
Researchers developed a regulatable gene therapy that can be turned on and off using doxycycline, offering potential for treating Parkinson's disease. The treatment uses the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protein to promote survival and differentiation of dopamine neurons.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that patients who broke bones in traumatic accidents often experience Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with almost 51% of civilian orthopaedic trauma patients displaying symptoms. The more severe the injury, the higher the likelihood of PTSD.
Over 60% of type 2 diabetes patients fail to meet recommended glucose treatment goals, increasing risk of complications such as heart disease and blindness. The Control to Goal initiative aims to bridge the gap between guidelines and clinical practice, promoting better diabetes management.
Researchers found that condensin proteins cause DNA to extend in stepwise 'clicks' like Velcro unzipping, with the process reproducing identically every time. The energy-containing molecule ATP plays a regulatory role, allowing the bound protein to recondense DNA when tension is lowered
Researchers found that older adults who pictured testing their blood sugar were 50% more likely to do so regularly compared to those using other memory techniques. The study's findings suggest that imagination may be a powerful and inexpensive technique for improving medication adherence in older adults.
A study found that men and women have distinct answers when asked about their favorite outdoor activities, with women often citing family-oriented pursuits. This suggests that traditional questionnaire structures may not account for differences in how men and women interpret questions about outdoor recreation preferences and behavior.
A study published by Temple University researchers debunks the longstanding 'Trojan Horse' model of HIV-caused dementia. They found that a large, late invasion of HIV-infected macrophages into the brain is responsible for the disease, not early latent infection as previously thought.
Dr. Bernard Levin, a colorectal cancer expert, is honored by ASCO for his significant contributions to preventing and managing cancer. He will deliver an acceptance lecture on June 6, highlighting his leadership in multidisciplinary programs in research, service, and education.
A study found that fructose consumption can lead to decreased insulin and leptin levels, increased triglycerides, and lower ghrelin levels, all contributing to weight gain and obesity. The results suggest that frequent fructose consumption may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that increased Labrador water transport due to Gulf Stream movement actually decreases primary productivity, contrary to expected outcomes. This phenomenon may be linked to nutrient supply and influence large-scale climatic effects on the carbon cycle.
Duke University Medical Center biochemists have successfully engineered a protein that can detect nerve agents like soman and sarin. The proteins could be incorporated into detectors, resembling smoke detectors, to provide early warning and monitor levels.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a groundbreaking gene therapy technique that safely delivers therapeutic DNA to muscle cells. The innovative approach, which uses a non-viral method to inject genes into limb veins, has exciting implications for treating muscle and blood vessel disorders.
A recent study has challenged the widely practiced surgical procedure of cervical cerclage to reduce premature birth. The research found that only a small decrease in premature births occurred among women who received the surgery, highlighting the limitations of this method in reducing the risk of early preterm delivery.
A study found a high level of agreement between brown bags and pharmacy records, with mismatches often caused by missing medications from the pharmacy records. The method is useful for monitoring medication adherence in low-income older adults, particularly those with worse health or certain medical conditions.
A study involving 509 active duty military personnel found that eyewitness memory is poor in highly intense and stressful situations, regardless of presentation method. Recognition was better during low-stress conditions, with some participants even confusing the gender of the interrogator or guard.
Researchers discovered a molecular marker, the HOXB13:IL17BR ratio, that accurately predicts the reoccurrence of tumors in breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen. This finding suggests that HOXB13 may contribute to tumor invasion and metastasis.
A study by Canadian scientists found high levels of pollutant films on windows in lower Manhattan six weeks after the 9/11 attacks, revealing concentrations up to 10 times greater than normal background levels. The findings suggest that urban areas like New York City have high levels of toxic organic pollutants.
A $300,000 study will examine the demand and availability of veterinarians in food supply-related disciplines. The research aims to address student recruitment, retention, and training to serve society.
Astronomers from Johns Hopkins University confirm the Cygnus Loop is closer to Earth than previously thought, with a distance of 1,860 light years. The new findings were obtained using the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite and provide an accurate starting point for understanding this important supernova remnant.
A Duke University study found that former smokers who quit for 15 years or more have no significant difference in healthy life remaining compared to non-smokers. Heavy smoking reduces years of healthy life by approximately two years for men and 1.66 years for women, highlighting the importance of quitting now.
A study found that 18% of early-onset Parkinson's disease patients have a single parkin gene mutation, raising questions about the clinical implications of this finding. The study's results challenge the long-held assumption that two mutations are required to develop Parkinson's disease.
The study found that higher doses of Concerta were associated with significantly greater symptom response and remission rates in children with ADHD, compared to immediate-release methylphenidate. Overall, 70% of subjects showed a clinically meaningful treatment response to Concerta.
Researchers from MGH and Arcturus found that the HOXB13/IL17BR gene expression ratio predicts tumor recurrence in estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen. The higher expression of HOXB13 and lower IL17BR levels indicate increased risk of recurrence.