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Medical University of Vienna


Kidney transplant despite poor initial conditions: New drug sustainably reduces immune response against donor organ

Researchers developed a new treatment strategy using the cancer medicine Teclistamab to reduce antibodies against potential transplants, improving transplant prospects for patients with unfavorable immunological profiles. The study successfully performed a kidney transplant in a patient who had been on the waiting list for over a decade.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 30, 2026

Virtual reality combined with nerve stimulation improves arm and hand function following a stroke

Researchers developed a multimodal rehabilitation platform combining virtual reality with targeted sensory nerve stimulation to improve arm and hand function in stroke patients. The platform showed greater improvements in motor impairment, sense of touch, and perception of the affected arm compared to conventional rehabilitation.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 26, 2026

Living longer with less burden of cancer treatment: new endpoints defined for cancer trials

A new paradigm shift in cancer research defines valid primary study endpoints for oligometastatic disease, focusing on treatment-free time and minimal side effects. The consensus paper establishes two new metrics: STFS (Start or Switch of Systemic Therapy–Free Survival) and pPFS (polymetastatic Progression–Free Survival), which capture...

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 28, 2026

New approach to drug development

Researchers from MedUni Vienna have developed a new approach to drug discovery by targeting intracellular signalling proteins, such as β-arrestins, to control disease-relevant signalling pathways. This approach holds promise for personalized therapies, particularly for the treatment of neurological diseases.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·DateMar 6, 2026

Alcohol abstinence enables regeneration even in advanced liver cirrhosis

A study by MedUni Vienna found that up to one-third of patients with advanced alcohol-related cirrhosis can achieve complete regression of liver-related complications through consistent abstinence from alcohol. This 're-compensation' also leads to simultaneous recovery of liver function and a significant reduction in mortality rates.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 4, 2026

Gestational diabetes: Continuous glucose monitoring reduces risk of excessive birth weight

A multicenter randomized controlled trial demonstrates the advantages of continuous real-time glucose monitoring over finger-prick testing in managing gestational diabetes. The study found that only four percent of women with rt-CGM gave birth to above-average weight children, compared to ten percent in the control group.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateDec 4, 2025

New approach to prostate cancer treatment

A study led by Olaf Merkel and colleagues identified thyroid hormone receptor TRβ as a key driver of prostate cancer growth, with blocking the receptor inhibiting tumour development. The findings offer new perspectives for treating castration-resistant prostate cancer and provide a potential target for new drugs.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateOct 21, 2025

Progress and challenges in brain implants

Researchers call for special ethical care as neural implants improve mobility and alleviate pain for patients with neurological disorders. However, concerns over data protection, psychological privacy and hacker risks pose significant challenges to the development of these technologies.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateJan 24, 2025

Milestone in the field of lung transplantation: improvement in rejection and infection rate thanks to extracorporeal photopheresis

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that extracorporeal photopheresis significantly reduces acute rejection episodes and chronic rejection risk in lung transplant patients. The treatment involves exposure to UV light, leading to apoptosis of immune cells and minimizing side effects.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJan 9, 2025

New option for treating prostate cancer

A new strategy for treating prostate cancer has been developed by blocking the GP130 signalling pathway, contrary to current medical understanding. The study found that activating GP130 in prostate cells reduces tumour growth and stimulates the immune system to fight cancer cells.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateNov 8, 2024