Two recent studies by University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center have identified potential new treatments for small cell lung cancer, including a link between the RET mutation and sensitivity to targeted therapies.
A new study demonstrates the power of data in improving care transitions by increasing clinical information sharing, hospital clinician contact information exchange, and notification of hospitalization rates. As a result, Rhode Island's overall readmission rate decreased significantly.
Renal artery stenting may benefit patients with kidney artery blockages who were excluded from clinical trials. Expert panel recommendations suggest patients with cardiac disturbance or severe high blood pressure are good candidates for the procedure, while others may not be suitable due to mild or moderate blockages.
Researchers found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) resulted in significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. MBSR was more effective than progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in reducing blood pressure levels, suggesting it could be a valuable adjunct to traditional treatment plans for hypertension.
A study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that hour-long home coaching sessions and follow-up phone calls reduced re-admission odds by 39% among Medicare patients. The average cost of care was also reduced by $3,700 per patient.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a three-year, $4.7 million grant to University Hospitals Case Medical Center Seidman Cancer Center to test a new national model aimed at improving care for adult cancer patients with late-stage disease. The project will enhance care through individualized interventions, inclu...
A large retrospective study published in JAMA found that 3D mammography significantly increases detection of invasive cancers (41% increase) while reducing unnecessary recalls for false alarms. The technology also improves detection of all breast cancers by 29%.
The Phase 3 trial demonstrated positive trends in lung function, as measured by relative change in % predicted FEV1, with a 2.5% average difference between ataluren and placebo in favor of ataluren. Additionally, there were 23% fewer pulmonary exacerbations in the ataluren group compared to placebo.
Deep brain electrode implantation may be a suitable alternative to the traditional WADA test for identifying speech dominance, especially in patients with uncertain side of speech dominance or small children who cannot cooperate. The 'Electric WADA' procedure was successful in four patients without adverse events.
Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center presented data showing that the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes before treatment can predict a positive response to platinum-based therapy in women with triple-negative breast cancer. This discovery could lead to more personalized treatment decisions and improved p...
A significant increase in acute pancreatitis cases was found in hospitalized children in the US, with a 51% rise from 2000 to 2009. Hospitalized children with AP had longer hospital stays and higher charges, with older children over 5 years of age more likely to develop the condition.
Researchers developed a new biomarker for detecting Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma through non-invasive brushing technique. The biomarker, vimentin methylation, has potential to improve screening and decrease mortality from this deadly disease.
Researchers at UH Rainbow will evaluate treatment guidelines for African American children and young adults with asthma, exploring differences in response to asthma therapies compared to Caucasians. The study aims to identify the best add-on therapy based on patient age.
A new national analysis of trends and outcomes reveals that pancreatic cancer surgery remains under-utilized for patients with the deadly disease. Researchers identified factors associated with not receiving surgery in patients with localized pancreatic cancer, including age, race, and location.
A new study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery finds that diaphragm pacing stimulation is effective in weaning patients with spinal cord injuries from mechanical ventilators. The treatment can also bridge patients to independent respiration, allowing them to breathe on their own without assistance.
A study found that routine screening mammography in women aged 40-49 leads to earlier diagnosis of smaller tumors and reduced chemotherapy use. The researchers concluded that annual screenings starting at age 40 saves lives by identifying breast cancers in initial stages.
The landmark DCCT and EDIC studies are marking their 30th anniversary, with a new focus on refining self-monitoring and exploring the effects of glucose control on cognition. Intensive management is critical for preventing complications of type 1 diabetes.
Researchers found that mild electronic stimulation therapy to the upper airway during sleep is effective in reducing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by restoring muscle tone and preventing tongue collapse. The study's results showed significant improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and daytime sleepiness.
Researchers used deep genome sequencing to study changes in breast cancer tumors after brief exposure to therapy, finding a reduction in mutated genes that can predict future clinical outcomes. The study's findings have the potential to personalize treatment plans for individual patients and improve patient outcomes.
A recent study by University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital found that children aged 1 to 3 years accounted for one-fifth of all emergency department visits caused by asthma complications. Additionally, the study revealed that nearly half of all ED visits due to asthma occurred in boys, and fall months had a higher prop...
The article discusses new recommendations for overcoming issues related to cancer clinical trial accrual. Strategies include involving patient advocates and improving communication with patients, developing evidence-based training initiatives for providers, and promoting accrual through leadership best practices at the site level.
PET scans can identify patients with more aggressive tumors, enabling intensified treatment for locally advanced lung cancer. The study found a strong correlation between radiation dose intensity and local control of the cancer.
A new tool called the HARM score reliably measures quality and clinical outcomes for colon and rectal surgery patients. The score is calculated from routinely captured data elements and has a strong correlation with the quality of clinical outcomes.
A new form of imaging technology, PET/MRI, is being explored for its potential to improve diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning for various types of cancer. Researchers found that PET/MRI enhanced the ability to detect malignant areas and diagnose several types of cancers more accurately.
Researchers have found that a mother's genes can influence an individual's aging process. The study suggests that mild DNA damage transferred from the mother contributes to the aging process and that reducing mutations may help extend lifespan.
A recent study by University Hospitals Case Medical Center found that poor sleep quality accelerates signs of skin aging and weakens the skin's ability to repair itself. The study involved 60 pre-menopausal women and showed increased fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and reduced elasticity in poor quality sleepers.
Researchers found a 65% increase in IBD hospital discharges from 2000 to 2009, with specific increases seen in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study suggests an unclear reason behind the trend, with potential contributors including increased disease severity and co-existing conditions.
Physicians at UH Case Medical Center are enrolling patients in the ROADSTER Study, a global clinical trial testing the Silk Road System, a minimally invasive procedure to clear carotid artery blockages. The trial aims to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this innovative treatment option for high-risk patients.
A novel clinical trial is evaluating the use of patient-derived stem cells to improve blood flow and prevent major amputations in patients with severe peripheral arterial disease. The trial aims to reduce mortality rates associated with limb loss, which affects over 160,000 people annually.
A clinical study has found electronic stimulation therapy to reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) safe and effective. The therapy, called Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation, was shown to significantly improve symptoms by restoring tone to key airway muscles and preventing airway collapse.
The American Thoracic Society has released new clinical practice guidelines on sleep apnea and driving risk, highlighting the significant role of obstructive sleep apnea in daytime sleepiness and crashes. The guidelines recommend assessing patients for sleepy driving and providing treatment to reduce the risk of accidents.
Researchers at University Hospitals Case Medical Center Seidman Cancer Center present findings from two studies on new technologies designed to improve patient enrollment in clinical trials. A web-based intervention and an automated matching program showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and efficiency for oncologists.
A new MRI-guided laser treatment has been found to be safe and effective in treating recurrent glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor. The procedure uses a minimally invasive approach to destroy tumors, with nine out of ten patients showing improved response and survival rates.
A recent study found that preterm infants with low-grade brain bleeding have similar neurodevelopmental outcomes as those with no bleeding. The study analyzed 1472 extremely preterm infants and found that those with grade 1 or 2 PIVH did not have an increased incidence of poor outcomes compared to infants without PIVH.
Socrates Analytics provides a cloud-based software program that collects, standardizes, analyzes, and reports on disparate hospital billing, administrative, and operating room data. This enables hospitals to interpret complex administrative data, view trends, outliers, and variability in care processes, ultimately improving efficiency ...
A Phase 1 clinical trial has shown encouraging results for stereotactic radiosurgery in treating localized primary renal cancer, with 94% of patients experiencing decreased or stable disease and limited side effects. The non-invasive treatment technique may represent a potential new option for patients who have limited treatment options.
Physicians from UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital will present on combating minority obesity, improving perinatal health in Ohio, and treating rare testicular cancer in adolescents. The presentations aim to address the magnitude of the obesity crisis and its impact on minority populations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourages home trampoline use due to significant injury risk, particularly among children under five. The new policy statement provides guidelines on patterns of injury and safety measures.
Researchers have developed a novel oral antiseptic spray, Halo, effective in killing 99.9% of infectious airborne germs, including influenza and rhinovirus. The spray prevents germs from entering the system and kills them, providing sustained protection for up to six hours.
A recent study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found a strong correlation between short sleep duration and worse recurrence scores in post-menopausal breast cancer patients. The research suggests that insufficient sleep may cause more aggressive tumors, but further research is needed to verify this association.
Researchers developed a more effective way to treat gynecologic cancers using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), which targets well-defined tumors and limits the effect of radiation on healthy tissues. The new method significantly reduces treatment time, from five weeks to three days.
A novel pancreatic cancer vaccine, Algenpantucel-L, has shown promising results in a Phase 2 study, improving 12-month disease-free and overall survival rates. The vaccine is designed to trigger the patient's own immune system to destroy cancer cells.
Results from the first-in-human studies show meaningful and sustained low clinical events after treatment with the Parachute system, demonstrating a near-full New York Heart Association (NYHA) class improvement at two years.
A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that routine screening mammography benefits women between 40-49 years by detecting smaller tumors and high-risk lesions at earlier stages. This practice can lead to improved survival rates and reduced need for chemotherapy or extensive surgery.
Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found cochlear implantation provides robust and long-term hearing restoration for patients with advanced otosclerosis. The study used newer surgical techniques to minimize complications, demonstrating an effective treatment option for this challenging group of patients.
Researchers have identified protein biomarkers that can help determine which GBM patients may benefit from standard treatment, enabling personalized medicine. A 'systems' approach also found networks of genes that characterize short-term survivors from long-term GBM survivors.
A new non-invasive technology, stool DNA (sDNA) testing, is being studied in a five-year clinical trial to detect colon cancer in its earliest stages. The test aims to improve colon cancer screening rates and decrease mortality from the deadly disease by complementing colonoscopy.
A new international multi-site randomized study found that a catheter procedure to close a hole in patients' hearts was not more effective than medical therapy in preventing recurrent strokes. The study, led by Anthony Furlan, M.D., of University Hospitals Case Medical Center, enrolled 909 patients and showed no statistically significa...
Researchers found gene mutations in DNMT3A and NPM1, as well as translocations, associated with improved patient outcomes when treated with higher doses of daunorubicin chemotherapy. This discovery could help physicians tailor treatment plans for individual patients.
The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation has donated $5 million to the University Hospitals Eye Institute to support various programs, including the Center for Retina and Macular Disease. The gift will help launch a new phase of expansion and enhancement of facilities and equipment across the UH system.