A new study challenges the traditional efficacy trial model by using real-world patients and GP practices to test COPD treatments. The Salford Lung Study found that a once-daily treatment regimen was associated with lower rates of exacerbations without increased risk of serious adverse events.
Researchers found that whole brain radiotherapy had no beneficial effect on survival or quality of life compared to best supportive care and steroids. The trial included 538 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who had spread to the brain, and showed that WBRT did not extend survival or improve quality of life.
A cardioprotective drug, dexrazoxane, has been found to prevent long-term heart damage in children receiving chemotherapy. The use of dexrazoxane can allow anthracyclines to be given more safely and at higher doses without risking damage to the heart.
Four out of six great apes are listed as Critically Endangered due to illegal hunting and habitat loss. The Eastern Gorilla population has declined by over 70% in 20 years, while the Plains Zebra is threatened by hunting for bushmeat and skins. Invasive species are also destroying native Hawaiian plants, with 87% of endemic species thr...
A Cancer Research UK-funded clinical trial found that whole brain radiotherapy makes little difference in survival and quality of life for lung cancer patients with brain metastases. Patients who received radiotherapy lived five days longer but experienced only small improvements in quality of life.
Research suggests that antenatal factors contribute to life-long respiratory wellbeing of children, with larger fetuses having a reduced risk for asthma and better lung function. The study found an association between reduced fetal size and increased asthma risk, as well as reduced lung function in children aged 5-15 years.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who engage in high levels of physical activity are less likely to develop anxiety or depression, with a 15% reduced risk. Mental disorders are common in COPD patients, affecting approximately 40% of the population.
A small study found that smoking decreases dietary intake by reducing ghrelin levels, a hunger hormone. This effect can help explain why current smokers are less likely to be obese than non-smokers.
Overweight women and underweight boys are at higher risk of asthma hospital admissions in early adulthood. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 schoolchildren and found a significant link between childhood BMI and adult asthma admissions.