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.
A new technique for reconstructing the palate after tonsil cancer surgery has been shown to maintain patients' ability to speak clearly and eat most foods. The technique, developed at Michigan Medicine, separates the mouth from the nasal cavity and closes during swallowing, allowing patients to recover their complex throat functions.
A study found that black patients have lower survival rates after in-hospital cardiac arrests compared to white patients. The racial difference was largely associated with the quality of hospitals where black patients received care.
Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a nanoemulsion lotion that sharples curbs bacterial growth and reduces inflammation in second-degree burns. The treatment shows promise in overcoming current creams' limitations, reducing bacterial growth one-thousand-fold compared to control animals.
A recent study by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center found that only half of eligible patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation underwent surgery, despite meeting at least one indication for treatment. The study suggests that cardiologists may overestimate surgical risks and underestimate potential benefits.
University of Michigan scientists have identified a fundamental mechanism regulating immune T-cell activity, with implications for conditions like autoimmune diseases, cancer, and organ transplants. The discovery reveals that regulatory T cells influence aggressive immune cells through redox chemistry.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women's decisions on breast cancer surgery are often influenced by family and friends. The study discovered that when patients take a more active role in decision-making, they are more likely to choose mastectomy over breast-conserving surgery.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a novel gene and enzyme that may hold the key to treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a life-threatening lung disease. The discovery could lead to new treatments for not only pulmonary fibrosis but also other organ-based diseases such as cardiac and kidney fibrosis.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that hospitals treating more black cancer patients have lower survival rates for breast and colon cancer, regardless of race. The researchers suggest that factors such as hospital resources and quality of care are key contributors to these disparities.
Researchers at the University of Michigan used brain imaging to study the effects of acupuncture on chronic pain. They found that traditional Chinese acupuncture increases binding availability of mu-opoid receptors in regions processing and dampening pain signals, leading to reduced pain levels.
A three-protein DNA repair complex called MRN is crucial for a normal gene-shuffling process to proceed properly. The study found that Mre11 plays a critical role in preventing cancer by repairing double strand breaks in B cells.
A study developed an animal model revealing why imatinib (Gleevec) helps patients with chronic myeloid leukemia survive longer but not prevent disease recurrence. Researchers are now testing combinations of imatinib and other drugs to enhance its power.
A study found that nearly two-thirds of parents reported needing to watch over their child's care to prevent medical errors, with parents who speak non-English languages being more concerned. Parents' confidence in communicating with physicians was linked to lower levels of concern about medical mistakes.
A University of Michigan research suggests that using body mass index (BMI) to detect high cholesterol in children may not be effective. The study found that approximately 50% of children with abnormal cholesterol levels would be identified, but also up to 30% of healthy-weight kids would be tested unnecessarily.
A University of Michigan survey reveals that most parents would allow researchers to use their children's newborn screening samples for research purposes if permission is obtained beforehand. However, over half of the parents surveyed said they would be very unwilling to permit use of their child's sample without granting or denying pe...
A study of nearly 20,000 patient records found that African-American breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer patients die earlier than others with similar treatment, suggesting biological or host genetic factors as the cause. The survival gap persists even after controlling for socioeconomic factors.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a single round of chemotherapy can identify patients most likely to benefit from preserving their speech. After three years, 78% of T4 study participants were still alive and 58% had an intact larynx.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that two types of antibiotics can cause moderate to wide-ranging changes in the ranks of helpful guardians in the gut. The armada of good bacteria did not recover its former diversity even many weeks after a course of antibiotics was over.
Researchers at University of Michigan and University of Utah are conducting a multi-center trial to investigate whether lowering body temperature can prevent or reduce brain damage in children who suffer cardiac arrest. The Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Cardiac Arrest (THAPCA) Trials will randomize children into two therapy g...
A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women are under-represented in clinical cancer research, with only 37% of studies including adequate numbers of female participants. The study analyzed 661 prospective clinical studies with over 1 million total participants and found that st...
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that dysfunctional telomeres can trigger cancer mutations, even in the absence of shortening. The study used mice prone to develop cancer and found that deprotection alone is enough to trigger cancer.
Researchers found that a deficiency in tumor suppressor gene p53 leads to glioblastoma, a highly aggressive type of brain cancer. The study suggests that targeting the subventricular zone, where neural stem cells reside, may improve treatment outcomes and enable early detection.
A study conducted by Michigan Medicine scientists found that a deficiency in the p53 gene in the brain leads to glioblastoma, a type of adult brain cancer. The researchers discovered that neural stem cells in the subventricular zone may be the origin of this aggressive cancer, suggesting a new target for treatment and early screening.
A study has identified a breast cancer gene called AGTR1 that is overexpressed in up to 20% of breast cancers and can be blocked by the blood pressure drug losartan. The researchers found that treatment with losartan shrunk tumors by 30% in mice, suggesting a potential new treatment option for women with AGTR1-positive breast tumors.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center found that PTEN pathway affects growth of breast cancer stem cells and discovered a 90% reduction in stem cell population with perifosine treatment. This study suggests that targeting this pathway may improve current therapies for breast cancer
Researchers found that elevated triglycerides are significantly more likely to result in worsening neuropathy over a year. Doctors can use this predictor to address lowering lipid counts with their diabetes patients with neuropathy, similar to pursuing glucose control.
A recent study found that nearly one-third of cancer research published in high-impact journals disclosed a conflict of interest, with industry funding being the most frequent type. This suggests that researchers may be biased towards positive findings, and that public funding is necessary to minimize this bias.
A University of Michigan study found that grapes lowered blood pressure and reduced signs of heart damage by altering cellular activity. The researchers suggest that the phytochemicals in grapes turned on protective genes that reduce damage to the heart muscle.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a method to analyze changes in a tumor's blood flow and volume, allowing for early prediction of patient survival. The 'parametric response map' approach showed promising results in predicting treatment response earlier than traditional methods.
A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that higher doses of radiation combined with chemotherapy improve survival in patients with stage III lung cancer. Concurrent chemotherapy increases treatment effectiveness and overall survival rates.
Researchers found no correlation between aggressive treatment and improved survival rates for early stage bladder cancer patients. Aggressively treated patients were more likely to undergo major surgery, resulting in higher treatment costs.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that health choices at diagnosis play a major role in head and neck cancer survival. Patients with better habits such as not smoking, exercising regularly, eating enough fruits, and limiting alcohol use had longer survival times.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a gene called ATDC that is overexpressed in 90% of pancreatic cancers, making cells resistant to chemotherapy. The study found that targeting this gene may make cancer cells more sensitive to existing therapies.
A panel of small molecules, including sarcosine, has been identified as potential markers for aggressive prostate cancer. Sarcosine was found in higher levels in advanced prostate cancer samples and was a better indicator than traditional PSA test.