A new trial combining ibrutinib with personalized cellular therapy CTL119 achieved complete remission in nine out of ten high-risk CLL patients. The treatment showed limited toxicity and improved disease outcomes compared to existing therapies.
Researchers found that combining pembrolizumab with epacadostat improved pathological complete response rates in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The treatment also showed promising responses in other cancers, such as non-small cell lung cancer and squamous cell head and neck cancer.
A new study at Penn Medicine identified several barriers to discussing cost transparency in cancer care, including patient fear of being 'profiled' based on socioeconomic status. Strong doctor-patient relationships, availability of financial expertise, and scalability are potential facilitators for improving cost transparency discussions.
Researchers discovered that gray matter density in the brain increases during adolescence, which may explain improved cognitive performance despite decreased brain volume and cortical thickness. The study found higher gray matter density in females compared to males, potentially contributing to comparable cognitive performance.
A new study finds that accepting a kidney from a deceased diabetic donor can improve survival rates for sicker patients, with a nearly 10% improvement in long-term survival. Patients over 40 or with existing diabetes may benefit most from transplantation with diabetic donor kidneys.
A study published in Current Biology reveals that brain networks become increasingly divided into distinct modules during adolescence, which influences improvements in executive function. The findings suggest that modular sub-networks are critical for complex cognition and behavior, and may predict risks for mental illnesses.
Researchers found that blocking ANGPTL3 activity with an injectable antibody reduced triglycerides by up to 76 percent and lowered LDL cholesterol 23 percent in human study participants. Carriers of mutations disabling ANGPTL3 had nearly 40 percent fewer incidents of coronary artery disease compared to non-carriers.
Researchers have discovered 15 new genetic risk factors for coronary artery disease, linking them to blood vessel cell functions. The findings aim to improve understanding of the disease and inform the development of new therapies.
A new Penn study found that ICU doctors are better at predicting patients' survival rates than their cognitive function, with confidence levels improving accuracy. Nurses' predictions were less accurate but still informative for guiding family decisions.
A team of researchers, led by Drs. Meaney and Smith, will investigate the cellular mechanisms of concussions and their impact on brain recovery. They aim to decipher how the brain re-routes signals after a concussion and develop new clinical interventions.
Medical errors are a leading cause of death in the US, with psychological factors like fear, shame, and guilt hindering error disclosure. Researchers call for better education and training focused on overcoming cognitive biases, such as Fundamental Attribution Error and Forecasting Error, to improve outcomes and reduce medical errors.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that the likelihood of receiving CPR at home decreases significantly with age, affecting older Americans who are most likely to be struck by sudden cardiac arrest. Low CPR training rates among older adults have been identified, highlighting a need for targeted training in this population.
A Penn study found that even small quantities of opioids prescribed for minor injuries increase the risk of long-term use. The research suggests that laws limiting opioid prescription pill amounts may help address the opioid epidemic.
Researchers identified biomarkers that correlate with cognitive decline in early Parkinson's disease, including dopamine deficiency, brain atrophy, and genetic mutations. The study may improve clinical care and develop new treatments for cognitive impairments in Parkinson's disease.
Penn Medicine's Pennsylvania Hospital and HUP receive a three-year grant to develop an innovative safe sleep program addressing newborn deaths in Philadelphia. The program aims to promote and evaluate safe sleep practices through nurse, parent, and community education, with the goal of reducing Sudden Unexpected Infant Death rates.
Patients with double-hit lymphoma who undergo autologous stem-cell transplantation (autoSCT) after achieving remission do not experience a clear benefit in terms of remaining in remission or living longer. However, patients receiving standard front-line chemotherapy may see improved outcomes.
The National Institute on Aging has renewed Penn Medicine's Alzheimer's disease genetics data repository, providing $7.7 million in funding over five years. The site gathers and organizes genetic data to aid researchers in understanding the disease's origins and potential prevention and cure strategies.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that CHD patients can safely undergo AF ablation, with similar success rates as those with normal hearts. The multicenter study showed 53% complete success and improved outcomes compared to non-CHD patients.
A Penn expert is investigating the neurological basis of loss of smell, which can be an early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The researcher found evidence suggesting damage to neurotransmitter and neuromodulator receptors in the forebrain may be a common factor behind smell loss.
Researchers found that altering the gut microbiome may be an effective therapy for CCMs, a cerebrovascular disease causing stroke and seizures. Genetic variations affecting TLR4 signaling linked to higher numbers of CCM lesions.
Dr. Anil K. Rustgi has received the 2017 Julius Friedenwald Medal from the American Gastroenterological Association for his significant contributions to all aspects of gastroenterology, including research and clinical medicine. He is a leading expert in GI cancers and pre-cancerous changes.
A Penn study has identified a new molecular chain of events that highlights novel targets to treat prostate cancer, which also shows promise in treating lung cancer. The research found that PKCε overexpression can cause cancer progression and that blocking CXCL13-CXCR5 molecules may be a new cancer treatment.
A new study reveals pregnant women are nearly twice as likely to experience a traumatic injury resulting from violent assault and die from their injuries compared to non-pregnant women. The research highlights the need for universal screening in Ob/Gyn clinics.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that obese women are less than half as likely to experience strokes, seizures, and other serious complications of preeclampsia. The studies also identified risk factors for persistent high blood pressure after delivery among women with preeclampsia.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that obese women are less likely to experience severe complications from preeclampsia, such as stroke and seizures. The studies also identified risk factors for persistent high blood pressure after delivery among women with preeclampsia.
A study led by Penn and Columbia researchers found a link between the production of an enzyme called ADAMTS7 and smoking-related heart disease. The team discovered that smoking boosts ADAMTS7 production, which can lead to clogged blood vessels and CHD.
Researchers sequenced the golden orb-weaver spider's genome and identified over 14,000 genes, including those encoding spider silk proteins. The study revealed novel patterns and motifs in these genes that may explain the unique properties of different types of silk.
Ten patients at Penn Medicine have been cured of Hepatitis C following kidney transplants from HCV-infected donors. The study demonstrates the potential for increasing organ supply and may open up new transplant options for hundreds more patients.
A new algorithm, CYCLOPS, can detect and characterize molecular rhythms in human cells. The tool has the potential to improve dosing for many existing medications by identifying optimal times for administration.
Researchers found that price transparency alone was not enough to change clinician behavior, but specific patient groups showed promising results. The study suggests that future interventions need to be better designed and framed relative pricing.
Researchers identified over 1,300 genes completely knocked out in at least one individual, including the APOC3 gene, which regulates triglyceride metabolism. These individuals had low triglyceride levels and were protected from post-meal rise in plasma triglycerides.
A new study published in Nature reveals that matching tumor size to the strength of the immune response can enhance treatment outcomes for melanoma patients. The research found that larger tumors require a stronger immune response to shrink, providing insights into why some patients don't respond to immunotherapy.
A clinical trial found that twice-weekly yoga led to better physical, sexual, emotional, and social health in men with prostate cancer. Patients who practiced yoga reported lower fatigue and improved urinary function compared to those without yoga.
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has increased the limit on work shifts for first-year physicians from 16 to 24 hours, allowing additional hours beyond that. This change reflects a higher standard in evidence-based medical education.
Researchers have developed a new imaging test that can measure Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase 1 (PARP-1) levels in ovarian cancer patients, helping doctors identify those most likely to benefit from emerging PARP inhibitor therapy. The study used a novel radiotracer technology and PET scans to confirm findings in patients.
Researchers Michael Farwell and Gregory L. Beatty will receive $750,000 to develop a new tracking system for CAR T cells using PET imaging, improving the effectiveness of cancer treatments. They aim to make immunotherapies more effective in metastatic liver disease.
A new study analyzing over 50,000 patients with prostate cancer reveals a significant link between androgen deprivation therapy and dementia risk, suggesting that long-term use of this therapy may impact brain function. The findings also hint at a possible association between the treatment and Alzheimer's disease.
Carl June, a renowned immunotherapy pioneer, has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research Academy. He designed chimeric antigen receptor T cell immunotherapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment. June's work has had a significant impact on cancer research and treatment.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine have made significant advancements in liquid biopsies, a non-invasive method for detecting cancer. Studies focus on using fluid in the lungs to test immunotherapy treatments and circulating tumor cells in prostate cancer patients.
A new Penn study reveals that women who experience multiple traumatic events during childhood or adolescence are more likely to develop depression during perimenopause. Women who experienced their first traumatic event in their teens are particularly susceptible, even if they had previously never had depression.
The division has achieved this milestone through its focus on breast reconstruction, head and neck surgeries, and leg surgeries, providing patients with a more natural appearance. The team's growth has also enabled them to conduct more research, publishing nearly five times as many papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Linton Whitaker, a pioneer in craniofacial reconstruction and cosmetic surgery, received the Clinician of the Year award, while Dr. Joseph Serletti was recognized as Mentor of the Year for his work in reconstructive microsurgery.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that a simple behavioral economics technique, known as 'active choice,' can increase flu vaccination rates by up to 37%. By programming electronic health records to alert care providers when a patient is eligible for a flu vaccine, clinics saw significant increases in vaccinations. ...
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine propose recrafting federal anti-kickback laws to allow more sensible health-promoting initiatives. The authors suggest laws should distinguish between inducements for high-value services with medical benefits and those that mainly benefit provider profit margins.
Researchers have found that pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, can effectively treat malignant pleural mesothelioma, a disease primarily caused by asbestos inhalation. The study, led by Evan Alley, showed promising results with tumor reduction and improved overall survival in patients.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a method to detect organ transplant rejection earlier, using a blood-based approach that targets 'transplant exosomes.' This new strategy may enable doctors to intervene sooner and reduce the risk of long-term side effects from immunosuppressive drugs.
Researchers found that only 2% of PE patients receive advanced treatments, despite being potential candidates. The study highlights the need for better real-world data on these therapies to improve patient outcomes.
A Penn study reveals new patterns of coordinated brain development during adolescence, relating structural patterns to functional networks. This finding may open opportunities for future research into preventing psychiatric disorders that begin during this age.
Researchers found that patients with persistent AF who are successfully treated with ablation may no longer need blood thinners. In fact, 174 participants discontinued blood thinner use at some point in the three years, and 174 remained off blood thinners at their last follow-up.
A new study by Penn researchers found that Medicare patients with chronic illnesses, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, paid an average of $6,322 per year in out-of-pocket costs under Medicare Part D. The study proposes policy changes to cap annual out-of-pocket costs and spread them more evenly throughout the year.