A phase 1 clinical trial showed that PLX4032 significantly shrinks tumors in over 80% of patients with metastatic melanoma and the mutated BRAF gene. The drug has also improved quality of life by reducing symptoms such as pain and fatigue within a week.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved symptom control in adult ADHD patients taking medication. The skills-based approach taught patients how to cope with attention problems and manage symptoms more effectively.
Palliative care significantly improved the lives of lung cancer patients, extending their survival by an average of 11.6 months compared to those receiving standard care alone. Quality-of-life assessments also showed substantial improvement in the palliative care group.
The merlin protein controls adult liver stem cell activity and prevents the overproliferation of these cells. This can lead to the development of liver cancer in mice.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that brain-wave patterns predict the ease of disruption by noise, with participants maintaining consistent spindle rates during sleep. The study aims to develop solutions to help patients stay asleep in noisy environments, such as hospitals.
Icatibant blocks bradykinin, a protein that dilates blood vessels and produces HAE symptoms. The drug produced faster symptom relief than the comparison drug in two phase 3 trials.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital identified a microRNA molecule that increases the number of hematopoietic stem cells, which can give rise to all blood and immune system cells. This discovery may lead to improved cancer treatment by expanding stem cell populations.
Researchers at MGH Center for Regenerative Medicine found that reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) retain some characteristics of their cell of origin, which can both assist and complicate future uses. Cellular memories fade with successive generations.
A survey of over 1,900 physicians found that more than one-third did not agree that reporting incompetent colleagues is always necessary. Many physicians feel unprepared to deal with impaired or incompetent colleagues, citing reasons such as lack of knowledge about reporting obligations and fear of retribution.
A study finds that universal HIV testing and immediate treatment could reduce new HIV infections by 15 percent, but would not halt the epidemic. The test-and-treat strategy could extend life expectancy of HIV-infected patients by one to two years.
A large study found that men using erectile dysfunction drugs had significantly higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases than non-users, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to counsel patients on safer sex practices. The study suggests that ED drug use is associated with higher-risk behaviors and increased STD rates.
Researchers found that SIRT1 enzyme helps turn off body's generation of fats and cholesterol under fasting conditions. The study suggests that targeting SIRT1 could lead to new treatments for conditions involving elevated cholesterol and lipid levels.
The Phase I trial found low-dose, multi-dosing regimens of BCG vaccination safe in individuals with type 1 diabetes, with no severe reactions reported. A Phase II clinical trial is planned to investigate the safety and efficacy of BCG vaccination as a therapeutic agent for type 1 diabetes prevention or reversal.
Research shows that public housing residents are exposed to toxins from tobacco smoke, even if they don't smoke themselves. The authors argue that a ban on smoking in public housing units is necessary to protect the health of all residents, particularly children, who are more vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke.
Researchers found rare variants in the SIAE gene that occur almost nine times more frequently in individuals with autoimmune disorders. These variants interfere with the enzyme's activity or secretion, potentially leading to an increased risk of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a technique to grow transplantable replacement livers using the structural tissue of rat livers. The approach involves decellularizing the liver and reseeding it with liver cells, resulting in normal liver function for up to 10 days in culture.
A genome-wide study has identified four common gene variants associated with blood levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Individuals inheriting multiple risk-associated variants had more than twice the risk of vitamin D deficiency as those without these variants.
The study reveals that Wilms tumor cells share epigenetic characteristics with normal kidney stem cells, highlighting the critical role of chromatin in tumor development. This discovery may provide new avenues for therapy and shed light on other pediatric cancers.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital describe mathematical patterns underlying human preference, potentially guiding psychiatric disorder diagnosis and treatment. The study's findings meet criteria for scientific laws, showing predictable patterns in preference behavior.
Researchers developed a detailed metabolic profile of exercise effects, revealing changes in over 20 metabolites reflecting sugar, fat, and amino acid processing as fuels. These findings have implications for optimal training programs, nutritional supplements, and potential treatments for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
A study found that almost three-quarters of homeless adults had at least one type of unmet health care need, with rates for specific services six to ten times higher than the general population. Uninsurance was a consistent predictor of inability to get needed care.
Researchers identified microRNA-33 as a crucial regulator of cholesterol pathways, suppressing the production of HDL and clearing cholesterol from peripheral tissues. The study suggests that targeting this pathway could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
A recent study reveals that seven out of ten pregnant women in the United States have insufficient vitamin D levels. Prenatal vitamins may not be enough to meet the needs of all women, particularly those with darker skin or living in regions with limited sunlight during winter months.
Researchers at MGH-CRM and HSCI discovered that a key gene cluster is silenced in most iPSCs, limiting their developmental potential. However, some iPSC lines with the normal activation of this cluster were able to generate live animals, offering a promising approach for improving iPSC reprogramming.
A new artificial pancreas system has been developed to mimic the body's natural glucose control mechanism, using insulin and glucagon hormones. The system was tested in a clinical trial with 11 adults with type 1 diabetes, showing that it can maintain near-normal glucose levels without causing hypoglycemia.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that electronic health record systems have limited ability to improve measures such as patient mortality and surgical complications. The study suggests that hospitals need to pay special attention to how they implement these systems to achieve significant improvements.
Researchers at MGH Cancer Center found reversible drug tolerance in some cancer cells, associated with changes in chromatin structure. This nongenetic mechanism may be a fundamental property of many tumor cell populations, and potential therapeutic strategies are being explored.
A new microchip-based device enhances rapid and comprehensive analysis of circulating tumor cells, revealing key biological properties. The improved system allows for better monitoring of prostate cancer treatment responses.
A study by the Mongan Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital found that women conducting research in life sciences receive lower levels of compensation than their male counterparts, even after controlling for professional activities and academic accomplishments. Women also take on more administrative tasks, leading to a pay gap of...
A study found that increasing the radiation dose for prostate cancer treatment did not lead to increased long-term side effects. Patients reported minimal distress from chronic symptoms, with many considering their quality of life 'normal' despite experiencing symptoms. The results suggest that patients may adapt to treatment and exper...
Research suggests that amyloid-beta protein, a primary component of Alzheimer's plaques, is an antimicrobial peptide part of the innate immune system. A-beta inhibits the growth of certain pathogens and its accumulation may be triggered by chronic activation of the innate immune system.
A new study found that adding electrocardiogram testing to standard medical history and physical examinations for young athletes can better identify key cardiovascular abnormalities responsible for sports-related sudden deaths. However, the study also showed a significant rate of false positive results.
A common gene variant has been associated with an increased risk of lone atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat that affects younger individuals without known heart disease. The genetic variation affects a protein involved in controlling the heart's electrical activity and may provide new drug targets for treatment.
A new study confirms rising rates of childhood obesity and chronic health problems in American children. However, the study also shows that many children's conditions will improve or resolve over six years.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified several FDA-approved agents that can shift cellular energy metabolism processes, including an over-the-counter anti-nausea drug, meclizine. This approach may offer new therapeutic strategies for treating heart attack and stroke.
A new study finds that children are more likely to visit the dentist if their parents do too. The research, published in Pediatrics, analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of over 6,100 households and found that 86% of children whose parents visited the dentist had also done so.
Researchers found that participants who attended AA meetings more frequently had fewer depression symptoms and less drinking compared to those with less AA participation. The study suggests that the social aspects of AA may contribute to improved mental well-being and abstinence.
Researchers used MR spectroscopy to analyze the biochemical makeup of prostate glands and accurately identified the location of tissue confirmed to be malignant. The approach achieved an accuracy of over 90% in detecting stage II tumors and could potentially guide treatment planning.
A study reveals that the absence of SIRT6 triggers a switch from cellular respiration to glycolysis, leading to increased glucose uptake and reduced mitochondrial energy production. This switch may contribute to tumor growth and provide new insights into treating type 2 diabetes.
A major international study has identified 10 new gene variants associated with blood sugar or insulin levels, including two that increase type 2 diabetes risk. The study provides additional information on glucose regulation and potential therapeutic targets for the disease.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that using words like 'abuser' to describe substance-use patients can lead to punitive attitudes and decreased likelihood of treatment. Changing the terminology may help reduce shame and guilt, making it easier for individuals to seek help.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found significantly more coronary atherosclerotic plaques and obstructive coronary artery disease in HIV-infected men with minimal cardiac risk factors. The research highlights the importance of addressing cardiovascular risk factors early in HIV disease.
Postmenopausal women taking antidepressants may be at higher risk of stroke and death compared to those not taking the medication. Researchers emphasize the need for individualized risk assessment and further study to determine the exact association.
A genetic signature associated with poor patient outcomes could lead to improved therapies for ovarian cancer. The study found that MAGP2, a previously unknown cancer gene, was overexpressed in tumors of patients who died more quickly.
Researchers found that patients who watched a video illustrating options for end-of-life care were significantly more likely to prefer comfort measures only and decline CPR compared to those in the control group. The study showed that videos can help surmount communication barriers and reinforce patient/doctor discussions.
A survey of patients who experienced adverse events during hospitalization found that those disclosed to were twice as likely to rank their care as good or excellent. Disclosure was associated with improved patient perceptions of higher-quality care, even when the event was preventable.
A recent study found that head injuries can amplify the psychological impact of torture on survivors, with structural brain changes and more severe depression symptoms reported in those who experienced both. The research suggests that physical effects may help explain why standard therapies often don't work for torture survivors.
Fewer investigators report industry connections, but companies still seek out highly productive researchers. Industry-funded scientists were more likely to report trade secrets and delayed publications, yet patenting and trade secrecy rates doubled among those without corporate sponsorship.
Cancer survivors often struggle with sexual dysfunction due to side effects from treatment. Internists rarely discuss these issues with patients, leaving them without proper care and support. Training is needed to prepare primary care physicians to address these concerns effectively.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found no evidence of deep venous thrombosis in most trauma patients with pulmonary embolism, questioning the current understanding of the condition's origin. The researchers suggest that clots may form independently in the lungs, potentially revolutionizing the way PE is prevented and treated.