New study reveals that only about two-thirds of phase I clinical trial data were published within 7.5 years, highlighting the need for improvement in data dissemination. Lack of time and author relocation were cited as major obstacles to publication.
A $1.84 million NHMRC grant will enable the development of a secure, efficient national online database for cancer clinical trials. This system aims to revolutionize data management and increase patient access to trials, ultimately saving lives by accelerating evidence-based treatments.
Researchers found that insomnia prolongs bouts of sadness and hopelessness, making recovery less likely. Elderly patients with insomnia are nearly 11 times more likely to still be depressed at six months than those sleeping well.
A multidisciplinary team found that early-stage romantic love is associated with subcortical reward regions rich in dopamine and brain systems involved in motivation to acquire a reward. The study suggests that romantic love may be linked to mammalian drive behaviors, such as pursuing preferred mates.
The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) has updated its requirements for clinical trials registries, emphasizing the need for electronic searchability and public accessibility. The new guidelines also require registration of all phase 3 trials, which are designed to affect clinical practice.
A recent study at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that doctors and patients have differing perceptions of clinical trial participation. While both groups agree that clinical trials are crucial for improving cancer treatment, patients are more likely to cite fear of side effects as a barrier to participation.
Researchers found that morphine increased mortality rates by 6.8% compared to nitroglycerin, even after adjusting for clinical risk. The study calls for a randomized clinical trial to confirm the findings and advises cardiologists to prioritize nitroglycerin treatment.
The NASH Clinical Research Network is launching two trials to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a leading cause of cirrhosis in the US. The trials will test the efficacy of insulin-sensitizing agents and antioxidants, such as vitamin E, in slowing or reversing disease progression.
Participation in cancer clinical trials improves survival, with significant benefits for Kaposi Sarcoma patients. Young adults with sarcomas face limited treatment options and low clinical trial participation rates, contributing to poor survival rates.
Dr. Moore's distinguished career has led to evidence-based frameworks for clinical dentistry, with notable contributions in pediatric sedation guidelines and diabetes research. His work has provided a foundation for optimal pain control and minimal adverse effects in clinical analgesics and anesthetics.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is soliciting applications for Clinical Trials Units to lead in the development and evaluation of treatments, prevention strategies, and vaccines for HIV/AIDS. The selected units will focus on interventions that can be employed in resource-limited settings.
A large-scale study of 39,462 members found that electronic medical records can reduce hospitalizations by 19% and annual paid claims by $817. The CareEngine system improved patient outcomes while reducing costs, highlighting the potential of clinical decision support tools.
A study of 61,688 women found that adding clinical breast examination to mammography screening detected an additional 25 cancers, but also led to false positive reports and increased biopsies in women with dense breasts
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a way to restore bladder control in people with spinal cord injury using electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve. This technology, known as a 'bladder pacemaker,' could significantly improve quality of life for over 200,000 Americans affected by SCI.
A study found that clinicians reported missing clinical information in 13.6% of patient visits, including laboratory results and medications. Missing information was more likely in recent immigrants, new patients, or those with multiple medical problems.
Researchers can submit study information to a new patient website, www.PDtrials.org, designed to improve access to Parkinson's clinical trial information. The site currently lists over 30 studies recruiting patients in the US and aims to educate patient communities on the value of clinical research.
A study published by Imperial College London researchers suggests that around 70 future cases of vCJD may arise from consuming BSE-infected beef, with a total of up to 600 deaths. However, the team believes this is unlikely due to low reported clinical cases in other genetic groups.
OHSU researcher recommends increasing public access to FDA's clinical trials registry and results database. This would provide a comprehensive view of drug efficacy and safety, benefiting healthcare providers, researchers, and the public. The FDA could make its reviews more user-friendly with minimal staffing increases.
Researchers at UCLA have found that children with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) share similar brain responses to breathlessness. The study suggests that the irregular brain mechanisms provoking CCHS may also underlie SIDS.
Research reveals elderly patients are significantly under-represented in cancer clinical trials, with only 36% of trial participants aged 65 and older compared to 60% of the U.S. cancer population. This underrepresentation may be due to concerns about treatment effectiveness and side effects.
The study highlights the need for improved decision-analytic models to capture the complexity of PD symptoms and treatment complications. Long-term effects of treatment on clinical symptoms and health-related quality of life are crucial in evaluating PD interventions.
The study demonstrates the value of clinical cutoffs in evaluating HIV drug resistance information. Clinical cutoffs based on a large outcomes database provide physicians with clinically relevant resistance information.
The winner's research explains how the nematode worm detects touch, a process that could inform studies on human reduced touch sensation. This knowledge may help develop new treatments for diabetes-related complications.
The ICMJE editors announce that major medical journals will require registration of clinical trials prior to patient enrollment, aiming for full transparency and accessibility. This policy applies to any clinical trial starting after July 1, 2005, and encourages other biomedical journals to adopt similar policies.
The guideline states that routine adjuvant chemotherapy is not recommended for medically fit, average-risk patients with Stage II colon cancer. Patients who receive adjuvant chemotherapy have a small but significant benefit in survival rates, around 4-5% more chance of survival five years after surgery.
A study found that genetic differences are the primary cause of variation in long-term average alcohol intake. Some genes affect both intake and dependence, while others influence only dependence. The research suggests that individuals can make lifestyle choices to improve their health and reduce risk, even with a family history of hea...
The UC Davis Cancer Center has a vigorous clinical trials program, with about 16% of new cancer patients participating in trials. This rate is significantly higher than the national average of less than 3%.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has released a new technology assessment recommending against the use of chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assays. The assessment found limitations in the literature, including small sample sizes and low yield of assays, cast doubt on their effectiveness in determining treatment.
A study found that state-mandated reimbursement policies were associated with an increase in phase II clinical trial enrollment, but not overall or phase III enrollment. The authors suggest that knowledge and attitudes about trials held by physicians and patients play a greater role in participation than state mandates.
The American Academy of Neurology is expanding its clinical research trial recruitment efforts to improve patient care through education and research. The association has over 80% of clinical trials experiencing recruitment issues, which can delay or even prevent completion.
The creation of the UK Clinical Research Collaboration will expand the number and range of clinical trials in the UK, particularly in children
Researchers found that clinicians missed about half of symptoms reported by patients, and patients also missed about half of the symptoms recorded by physicians. The study suggests that new patient reporting tools should be developed for use in chemotherapy clinical trials to improve accuracy.
Researchers at Tufts University are developing a flexible robot that can navigate through the human body and complex structures, inspired by the unique movement of caterpillars. The team is studying the nervous system control of caterpillar locomotion to replicate this movement and build soft-bodied robots.
Weinstein is recognized for his landmark articles on laboratory detection of bacterial and fungal infections, as well as his contributions to clinical decision-making in infectious disease medicine. He has also served on editorial boards of several journals and holds prestigious fellowships.
Betty Ann Forbes has made significant impacts in clinical microbiology and education through her extensive research, publication programs, and editorial work. Her leadership roles in the American Board of Medical Microbiology and esteemed journal publications have earned her a respected reputation among microbiologists nationwide.
Epileptic seizures result from brain dysfunction, with early diagnosis and treatment crucial to preventing irreversible damage. The stigma surrounding epilepsy exacerbates the condition's impact on daily life and quality of life.
Researchers found pergolide substantially improves PLMS measures and subjective sleep disturbance associated with RLS. The study demonstrated long-term efficacy of pergolide treatment, maintaining improvements over 12 months.
Dr. Edward R. Perl, a renowned UNC neuroscientist, has been awarded the longest-running federal grant for pain research since 1957. His federally supported exploration of pain sensation's biological basis helped him become the first to document the existence of nociceptors.
A recent editorial by Ralph Snyderman emphasizes the importance of clinical research in advancing healthcare. The key element needed to define and monitor effective health strategies is clinical research, including translating basic scientific findings into medical treatments and evaluating patient outcomes.
The grant aims to develop novel strategies for improving pediatric heart transplant outcomes by linking basic science advances to clinical protocols. The three clinical projects focus on enhancing graft acceptance, preventing post-transplant tumors and identifying genetic markers predictive of individual transplant outcomes.
A recent report assesses NIH-sponsored clinical research, revealing notable advancements but also areas that require improvement. The report highlights the impact of competitive loan-relief programs, increased private funding, and initiatives like the Training Curriculum in Patient-Oriented Research.
The NIH has established a network of clinical research centers focused on rare diseases, aiming to accelerate diagnosis and treatment. The RDCRCs will facilitate data sharing and collaboration among investigators and patient support groups to improve lives and potentially prevent or eliminate these diseases.
A study found that physicians have distinct approaches to explaining clinical trials, which can impact patient enrollment. The research suggests that understanding these differences is crucial for improving doctor-patient interactions and overall care.
The ACRN, a partnership of NHLBI and eight clinical centers across the US, conducts well-designed clinical trials for asthma treatments. Penn State's Data Coordinating Center leads expertise in biostatistical design and analysis.
Lab Tests Online offers a comprehensive resource for patients seeking information on lab tests, including explanations of test results and personalized responses from clinical laboratory scientists. The site also integrates with other reputable sources like NIH's Medline Plus.
Scientists found that the biological clock in mice and rats responds to temperature changes rather than light signals. This discovery has significant implications for understanding jet lag and could lead to new treatments for related conditions.
A new report emphasizes the importance of subgroup analysis in clinical trials to detect sex differences, which could impact drug efficacy. The study highlights cases where inadequate dosing for women led to ineffective treatment outcomes, underscoring the need for better trial design and statistical analysis.
A new study found that the California law SB 37 has eliminated a major barrier to cancer clinical trial participation, with no patients citing insurance limitations as a reason. Participation rates have increased from 51% to 69%, but further awareness campaigns are needed to raise rates more dramatically.
A study evaluated online resources for breast cancer clinical trials in Canada, finding that only 29% were listed. The US National Cancer Institute's PDQ Clinical Trials Database identified 86% of trials globally.
A study of 10 young children with SARS found that they exhibited milder symptoms such as cough and runny nose, unlike teenagers who showed symptoms similar to adults. The clinical course was also shorter and less aggressive among younger patients.
In the Phase II study, natalizumab demonstrated higher rates of clinical remission compared to placebo at multiple time points. The highest rate of remission was observed in the dual 3 mg/kg dose group, with a maximal response of 71%.
A survey of 1,120 cancer physicians reveals substantial differences in views about the purpose of clinical trials. Pediatric oncologists are more likely to enroll patients in trials for state-of-the-art treatment, while other specialties prioritize scientific advancement and future patient care.
Researchers used PET scans to explore brain activity while watching actors tell stories with sad and neutral tones. The study found that brain regions associated with emotional processing were activated when the story content and actor's expression matched, but suppressed when they didn't.
Studies reveal that the ventral frontal lobe and orbitofrontal cortex respond to somatosensory stimulation, while other areas show less consistent activation. The findings suggest a more modality-specific sensory process in humans compared to monkeys.
A study using MRI found that procedural learning and declarative learning activate the same neural networks, despite requiring different levels of awareness. The brain's prefrontal cortex, inferior parietal cortex, and putamen were active in both cases, suggesting a shared underlying network.
The Foundation has agreed to fund a physician-sponsored Phase I/II human clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CA4P as a treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration. The study aims to inhibit the growth of proliferating blood vessels linked to retinal conditions such as wet AMD.
A focused microwave heat therapy technique shows promise in killing tumor cells before surgery and radiation, with a majority of patients experiencing significant tumor kill. The technology was invented by MIT researchers and is being developed into a clinical thermotherapy system by Celsion Corporation.
A new UCSD study found that counseling services provided through state-funded quitlines significantly increase abstinence rates at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The research suggests that these programs can help a higher number of long-term quitters compared to those who do not use such services.
A survey of oncologists reveals that most enroll patients in clinical trials for access to advanced treatment options rather than advancing future therapy. This challenges the conventional view that research is conducted primarily for scientific progress and improving treatments.
A new study by UC Davis Cancer Center found that patients need practical information about how to participate in clinical trials. Informed patients are more likely to have autonomy, be satisfied with their treatment, and stick with a clinical trial through its completion.