The Southwest Oncology Group's operating grants have been renewed for six years, with a total expected to exceed $120 million over the period. The renewal supports comparative effectiveness research and will primarily fund member institutions nationwide.
A new study by the University of Michigan Health System shows that 20% of Americans born between 1966-1985 were obese by age 20-29, a significant increase from previous generations. This trend is expected to worsen racial disparities in health, with black Americans already experiencing a higher burden of obesity-related diseases.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that doctors who own a surgery center operate on average twice as many patients as those without such financial ties. This increased caseload may be due to lowered treatment thresholds, suggesting potential conflicts of interest among physician owners.
A study of 3,746 elderly Americans found that over one-fourth lacked the capacity to make end-of-life medical decisions. Those with advance directives, however, received care in line with their wishes most of the time. The study emphasizes the importance of preparing oneself and family for complex medical decisions at the end of life.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that mastectomy patients are less likely to receive radiation therapy than those who had lumpectomy. Despite medical guidelines recommending radiation after mastectomy for certain patients, only 78% received it, compared to 95% of lumpectomy patients.
Researchers have identified BanLec, a lectin in bananas, as an effective anti-HIV agent that can inhibit HIV infection by binding to the sugar-rich HIV-1 envelope protein. This discovery could lead to the development of new microcides to prevent sexual transmission of HIV.
A University of Michigan study found that nearly 16.8% of eligible emergency visits from 2000-2006 involved potentially inappropriate medications for patients aged 65 and older. The top five most common PIMs were promethazine, ketorolac, propoxyphene, meperidine, and diphenhydramine.
Researchers identify a new reservoir for hidden HIV-infected cells in bone marrow, which can serve as a factory for new infections. The discovery opens up new possibilities for treating HIV, particularly for individuals who have been taking anti-viral drugs for their entire life.
A new study published in Medical Care found that high hospital occupancy is associated with a 5.6% increased risk of patient death, while nurse staffing levels can decrease this risk by 6%. Weekend admissions also increase the risk of death by 7.5%, while seasonal flu raises it by 11.7%.
Jennifer C. Hirsch, M.D., M.S., receives the Nina Starr Braunwald award for her work developing an assessment tool for infants' sensory and motor skills following congenital heart defects surgery. The award supports research and education for women in cardiac surgery.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that freezing breast tumors using cryoablation kills the cancer and generates an immune response that helps stop its spread, leading to improved survival rates. The rapid freezing technique appears to be more effective than slower techniques in killing metastases and improving survival.
A University of Michigan study found that untreated visual disorders in the elderly are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Early treatment of these problems may delay the onset of dementia, but many elderly individuals lack adequate vision coverage.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center found a third protein, TIN2, that overrides Fbx4 by binding to TRF1, stabilizing it and keeping telomere length in control. This finding could lead to developing a drug to block Fbx4, impacting all cancer types.
Current tobacco users with HPV-positive tumors are five times more likely to experience cancer recurrence than non-users. Researchers suggest that current or former tobacco users may need a more aggressive treatment regimen.
Heart specialists at Michigan Medicine call for clarity on beta blocker prescribing before surgery. Previous studies have differing methods and results, making it hard to determine who should get beta blockers and at what dosage.
A survey by the University of Michigan Medical School found that 28% of doctors and their diabetic patients do not agree on the most important health conditions to manage. Diabetics were more likely to prioritize symptoms such as pain and depression, while doctors focused on diabetes and hypertension.
Researchers found that the benefits of diagnosing MCAD-related disorders early outweigh the costs of false positives, including stress and dietary restrictions. The study concluded that newborn screening remains cost-effective even after accounting for quality-of-life losses associated with false positives.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that increased body fat in boys is associated with a later onset of puberty. The study examined 401 boys from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and found that higher BMI trajectories were linked to delayed puberty.
A new study finds that fibrocytes, a type of immune cell, are present at higher frequencies in patients with Graves' disease, leading to scarring and inflammation in the orbit. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting scarring or fibrosis.
Researchers identified a biomarker called elafin that can be measured in a blood test to diagnose bone marrow transplant patients' skin rashes and predict GVHD risk. The test enables doctors to adjust therapy based on patient risk levels, potentially reducing side effects.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that most breast cancer surgeons' practices do not meet quality care standards. Only about one-third of surgeons reported offering patient education resources and connecting patients with peers.
A U-M study reveals that a specific receptor, CXCR1, triggers growth of breast cancer stem cells in response to inflammation and tissue damage. Researchers found that blocking this receptor using an existing anti-inflammatory drug repertaxin kills breast cancer stem cells and prevents metastasis in mice.
A new study found that 25% of Arab Americans in Greater Detroit experienced abuse due to race or religion since 9/11, leading to increased psychological distress and poorer perceptions of health. The study highlights the need for partnerships with community organizations to encourage mental health services among this population.
A recent study by Michigan Medicine has found that dendritic cells, a type of immune cell, are more active in patients with severe COPD, leading to increased inflammation and disease progression. This research suggests that targeting dendritic cells may be a potential strategy for preventing COPD from worsening.
A new study suggests that combining celebrex with low-dose aspirin may reduce the effectiveness of aspirin in preventing heart attack and stroke. Researchers found that celebrex interferes with aspirin's ability to block blood clots, particularly when taken in low doses.
A landmark study confirms that chemotherapy with tamoxifen improves survival rates for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. A second study identifies a subset of patients who may not benefit from chemotherapy despite being at higher risk, suggesting a potential need to reassess treatment guidelines.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that compounds derived from turmeric and pepper can decrease stem cells while having no effect on normal differentiated cells. This suggests a potential role for curcumin and piperine in preventing breast cancer by targeting stem cells.
According to a University of Michigan report, physicians can safely skip pre-surgery stress tests and beta blockers for patients with stable heart disease. This change could save lives and reduce costs by 50-70%. The new guidelines recommend reserving these medications for high-risk patients undergoing complicated surgeries.
A study by University of Michigan and Harvard researchers found that despite declines in smoking rates, the US population is experiencing a rise in obesity, which is overtaking the health benefits gained from quitting smoking. The study suggests that if current trends continue, nearly half of the population will be obese by 2020.
A recent study by Michigan Medicine found that only 7.6% of cardiac arrest victims survive, with factors such as restored pulse and bystander CPR significantly improving survival rates. Experts emphasize the need for increased awareness and use of devices to shock the heart to change these dismal survival rates.
A U-M study found that only 6% of high-risk women were likely to take tamoxifen, a drug proven to prevent breast cancer, due to concerns over side effects. The decision aid provided tailored information about the drug's risks and benefits, improving understanding but not changing behavior.
A study found that patients with a specific gene variant are twice as likely to develop congestive heart failure, suggesting a genetic link between vitamin D action and heart disease. The research analyzed the genetic profiles of 617 subjects and identified a critical enzyme associated with the development of congestive heart failure.
A University of Michigan study found that women researchers are less likely than men to secure major funding for their careers, with only 19% of women attaining an R01 grant within 10 years. The study suggests that family demands and pressures to contribute to clinical work may be hindering women's success in research careers.
A small group of patients with severe Graves' eye disease showed rapid improvement after treatment with rituximab, reducing inflammation and optic nerve damage. The study suggests that rituximab may offer sustained benefits as an alternative to high-dose steroids.
Research shows that patients with chronic illnesses who lose hope for a cure experience better quality of life than those holding onto hope. Without hope, patients adapt to their condition and focus on living in the present.
A U-M study found that exposure to androgen hormone relocates pieces of chromosome near each other, setting the scene for gene fusion in prostate cancer. This finding may lead to new screening tools or prevention strategies.
A University of Michigan study shows that news reports emphasizing social factors behind health issues can polarize public opinion, with Republicans becoming less supportive after reading such articles. Increasing awareness of social factors may not uniformly increase public support for action.
A $4 million NCI grant will fund comparative effectiveness research on cancer at the Southwest Oncology Group. The Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research in Cancer Genomics will evaluate emerging genomics technologies to identify promising treatments.
Researchers have found that patients with severe cases of the H1N1 virus are at risk for developing severe complications, including pulmonary embolism. Imaging studies may need to be repeated in severely ill patients to monitor disease progression.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an artificial neuromuscular junction that can relay motor and sensory electrical impulses, potentially improving fine motor control and restoring the sense of touch. The bioengineered interface was tested in laboratory rats and showed promising results.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that patients who received refurbished pacemakers donated from Detroit area funeral homes survived without complications. The pacemakers functioned normally at six months, with no device complications reported.
A new analysis from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center reveals that radiation costs can range from $1,700 for conventional techniques to over $16,000 for Cyberknife treatment. Fewer treatments have also been shown to be equally effective in relieving bone pain associated with cancer.
A new study from Michigan Medicine links nasopharyngeal cancer to human papillomavirus (HPV), a rare type of head and neck cancer affecting less than 1 in 100,000 Americans. The researchers found that HPV-positive tumors are more responsive to chemotherapy or radiation, leading to improved survival rates.
A study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that less-acculturated Latinas were less likely to undergo breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy for breast cancer. Despite having a desire for reconstruction, these women faced barriers such as lack of information and limited access to plastic surgeons.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that high-quality hospitals have medical teams proficient at rescuing patients once complications arise. Low-mortality hospitals have lower death rates from post-surgical complications compared to high-mortality hospitals.
A nationwide survey found that less than half of graduating medical students in the US feel adequately prepared for healthcare systems and economics. Medical educators argue that stronger curricula can improve this situation and lead to better patient outcomes.
University of Michigan researchers have successfully induced embryonic stem cells to differentiate into parathyroid cells producing a hormone essential for maintaining bone density. The goal is to prevent osteomalacia, a severe form of bone loss affecting tens of thousands in the US.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a combination drug that regulates the release of morphine and its antagonist, improving pain management for patients with chronic illnesses. The nanoparticle-based system uses a pro drug to sense oxygen levels and trigger the release of Naloxone, allowing for safer treatment in combat zones.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests that genetic risk of prostate cancer can be reduced by rescuing critical immune system cells. In mice with a gene called lymphotoxin alpha, these cells come back and delay tumor formation, potentially slowing cancer growth and spread.
A $10.25 million study will investigate the causes of kidney failure and the need for dialysis in patients with nephrotic syndrome. The research network will focus on understanding the mechanisms behind minimal change disease, focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, and membranous nephropathy.