The study confirmed that islet transplantation works for patients with serious and unstable type 1 diabetes, allowing them to be free from daily insulin injections for up to one year. Few treatment-related complications were noted, with minor side effects such as mouth ulcers and diarrhea.
Lapatinib, a new breast cancer drug, has shown promising results in shrinking tumors or slowing growth in 46% of patients. The medication targets both Her-2 and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGFR) receptors, which blocks cell signaling and inhibits tumor growth
A study of 3,140 patients found pioglitazone to lower blood pressure in both Stage I and Stage II hypertension cases. This effect could reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A study of 192 patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) found that Glivec(R) interruption was associated with a high risk of re-progression. In contrast, continuous treatment showed no signs of re-progression within a year. Continuous Glivec(R) treatment is recommended for patients with advanced GIST.
The CARDS trial found that a daily 10mg dose of atorvastatin reduced the risk of serious heart problems by 36% and strokes by 48%. The benefits were observed even in patients with already low LDL-cholesterol levels. This study has significant implications for the cardiovascular health of people with Type 2 diabetes.
A new study finds that estrogen therapy significantly improves verbal memory performance in men with advanced prostate cancer, while hormone deprivation impairs it. Estrogen also reduces depression and confusion in these patients.
ACTOS therapy has favorable effects on dyslipidemia, including reductions in triglycerides and increases in HDL cholesterol. Additionally, ACTOS was found to have beneficial effects on non-HDL cholesterol and A1C levels.
A new study suggests that men who take statins, common cholesterol-lowering drugs, have a significantly reduced risk of prostate cancer. Statin use was associated with a 58% lower risk of prostate cancer and a 55% lower risk of elevated PSA levels.
In a Phase III trial, over 65% of early-stage HER-2 positive breast cancer patients achieved a complete response rate when treated with Herceptin and chemotherapy. The results were so striking that the trial was halted early after accruing 42 patients.
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...