A phase II study found that adding cetuximab to chemotherapy improves response rates in head and neck cancer patients, with 86% of patients responding to induction treatment. The addition also led to significant tumor reduction and improved cancer-free survival rates over two years.
Researchers at UPMC Cancer Institute have developed a new treatment combination that combines chemotherapy, biotherapy, and radiotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer. The study found that this regimen is safe and may be beneficial for patients, with significant tumor shrinkage before surgery.
Researchers combined two biotherapies to induce an anti-tumor response, showing a 19% overall response rate in stage 4 melanoma patients. The treatment was found to be tolerable in terms of toxicity.
The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute has established a groundbreaking BRCA cancer research program focusing on genetic mutations that significantly increase breast, prostate, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer risks. The program aims to identify innovative ways to reduce the risk for high-risk patients.
Research finds genetic links between bipolar disorder and comorbid conditions like anxiety disorders, ADHD, and autoimmune disorders. Comorbidities can complicate treatment and lead to poor health and decreased life expectancy.
Two studies presented at the Seventh International Conference on Bipolar Disorder have identified novel pathways and markers for diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder. The findings suggest a new avenue for treating the underlying cause of the disease, rather than just treating symptoms.
UPMC has started a study using the VentrAssist LVAD, a mechanical blood pump to assist the heart in pumping blood around the body. The study aims to enroll 30 patients for a multi-center feasibility trial to explore its safety and effectiveness as a bridge to transplantation.
A 47-year-old man with congestive heart failure underwent the historic surgery at UPMC, where a beating heart supported by the OCS was successfully transplanted. The patient is doing well after discharge on April 30.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that effective postoperative pain control using continuous peripheral nerve block reduced average hospital stay length by nearly a day. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 patients and showed a significant economic benefit in reducing hospital-acquired infections and complications.
A recent study found that women conceiving in spring are most vulnerable to preterm birth, with rates increasing from summer (8.4%) to winter and fall. The research analyzed data from over 75,000 deliveries and suggests that seasonal variations in immune system exposure may play a role in preterm birth risk.
An international group of eating disorders researchers states that families do not cause anorexia nervosa, contradicting Gisele Bundchen's claim. The data suggest a strong genetic component may be the root cause of this illness.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have demonstrated that low-dose carbon monoxide can significantly inhibit oxygen-induced damage to lung cells. The study's findings suggest that CO may expand therapeutic options for treating ARDS, a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates.
The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a five-year, $13 million NIH grant to study chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and develop novel treatment options. Researchers will investigate the molecular and cellular characteristics of COPD to better understand its progression and potential treatments.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh successfully prevented type 1 diabetes in mice treated with an anti-CD137 antibody. The therapy significantly suppressed the development of diabetes, but did not appear to cure it.
A study published in Nature found that mice lacking a critical gene for repairing damaged DNA grow old rapidly and exhibit physical and genetic changes similar to those of normal-aged mice. The researchers discovered a new type of human progeria, a rare inherited disease characterized by accelerated aging.
Researchers found that individuals with a preference for immediate rewards had more active ventral striatum regions, which may indicate risk for addictions and gambling problems. The study suggests that understanding individual differences in ventral striatal sensitivity could aid efforts to treat impulsive behavior.
A recent Danish study highlights the risks of postpartum psychiatric episodes, emphasizing the need for effective screening, education, and treatment. The US has not prioritized postpartum illness as a major public health concern until recently, but efforts are underway to implement universal screening programs.
A 12-year study by University of Pittsburgh researchers suggests that marijuana use at a young age is not a predictor of substance abuse. Instead, environmental factors such as neighborhood exposure and parental involvement play a stronger role in determining drug use patterns.
A multicenter study found that medium-sized colon polyps (0.6-0.9 cm) are associated with a significant number of advanced adenomas and cancers. This raises questions about the effectiveness of observational screening methods, which do not remove polyps.
A tailored intervention addressing five areas of caregiving challenges improved quality of life and reduced clinical depression among caregivers. Hispanic and white participants saw the greatest benefits, while African-American spouse-caregivers also showed improvement in specific areas.
A multicenter pilot study found that structured physical activity improved physical functioning in sedentary elderly individuals. Participants who exercised regularly showed significant improvements in walking distance and reduced risk of major mobility disability.
A study found that African-American women, particularly younger ones, have a significantly higher incidence of breast cancer and die at a younger age than white women. Environmental factors such as hormone-mimicking compounds are suggested to contribute to these disparities.
A study evaluating extended-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for cervical cancer found that it resulted in significantly reduced side effects and comparable outcomes to standard radiotherapy. The treatment enabled patients to receive full therapeutic doses with less debilitating side effects.
A study found that intravenous gene therapy protects normal tissue during whole-body radiation, leading to higher survival rates in mice. The therapy, administered before exposure, appeared to prevent the damaging effects of radiation, suggesting it is a viable delivery method for public protection in nuclear emergencies.
A University of Pittsburgh study demonstrates that intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can be uniformly delivered in a large health care system through centralized planning and treatment. This approach enables patients to receive consistent quality of care despite geographic distances.
A new genetic link has been found for Crohn's disease, revealing a crucial target for drugs that might better manage the condition. The discovery of a specific gene variant confers significant protection against IBD, suggesting therapies targeting the IL-23 pathway may lead to more individualized treatments.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are exploring the use of fat-derived stem cells for breast reconstruction, aiming to create durable replacement soft tissue. The study, led by Dr. J. Peter Rubin, may provide a safer option for breast cancer patients, avoiding invasive surgery and potential risks.
A recent study has identified a new genetic link to Crohn's disease, revealing that mutations in the IL-23 receptor gene are strongly associated with the condition. The researchers found that one type of mutation provides significant protection, paving the way for more individualized and effective treatments.
Researchers found that internet-accessible computer activities improved cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease, even after the disease had advanced. The study showed that tasks aimed at increasing or maintaining mental function have a place in treating Alzheimer's alongside pharmacotherapy.
Nicotine exposure at a young age can alter brain development, leading to future addiction risk. The study found molecular changes in the brain that break down nerve cell membranes, especially in males.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that dopamine levels remain elevated for an hour after neurons are stimulated, suggesting new mechanisms for sustained dopamine availability. This could have important implications for treating neurological disorders related to dopamine imbalance.
A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study suggests that teens with higher media literacy scores are nearly half as likely to smoke. The results provide quantitative evidence linking media literacy to smoking and hold promise for schools and community organizations seeking to implement effective tobacco control programs.
The University of Pittsburgh is awarded a $83.5 million NIH grant to establish the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), aiming to transform clinical research and improve patient care. The CTSI will foster clinical and translational research, promote access to clinical trials, and develop novel methodologies.
A study of 438 children and adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorders found that those with short episodes of mania were similar to those meeting full diagnostic criteria, suggesting a need for revised diagnostic criteria. The study's results will inform changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV.
The University of Pittsburgh will lead a multidisciplinary consortium to investigate and determine the best methods for treating sepsis, a life-threatening disease affecting 750,000 Americans annually. The $8.4 million NIH grant aims to identify the ideal way to stop sepsis in its tracks and improve survival rates.
Researchers found that a specific serotonin receptor regulates brain emotional responses, potentially contributing to depression risk. The study suggests antidepressants may work by shifting this receptor's availability, modulating amygdala reactivity and improving depressed mood.
Researchers have successfully cloned mice using fully differentiated blood cells, disproving the need for adult stem cells in the process. The study found that these cells were more efficient than stem cells or progenitor cells, paving the way for new approaches to animal cloning.
Renowned scientist Roger D. Kornberg will deliver a lecture on chromatin and transcription at Science2006, exploring breakthroughs in gene regulation and protein synthesis. The event, which showcases the University of Pittsburgh's academic strengths in science and medicine, is free and open to the public.
A University of Pittsburgh study reveals that weight concerns can decrease a woman's motivation to remain smoke-free postpartum. Women who were confident in their ability to control their weight without smoking were more motivated to stay abstinent.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has received a $1.3 million grant to produce a promising avian flu vaccine that could protect against the deadly H5N1 virus. The vaccine, developed by Dr. Andrea Gambotto's team, has shown complete protection in mice and chickens against infection.
The University of Pittsburgh has been designated as an American Parkinson Disease Association Advanced Center for Parkinson's Disease Research. The center will focus on developing early diagnosis methods and understanding iron accumulation in the PD brain. Dr. J. Timothy Greenamyre will direct the center.
Researchers compared two commonly used antidepressants, nortriptyline and sertraline, to determine their effectiveness in treating postpartum depression. The study found that both drugs were effective in reducing depressive symptoms, with no significant differences in response rates or side effects.
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a novel therapeutic vaccine that activates killer T cells to target HIV, offering new hope for treatment. The vaccine uses dendritic cells modified with specific molecules to stimulate the immune system's response.
Researchers found that B cells expressing a special protein called DC-SIGN are necessary for HIV to infect T cells. Activating DC-SIGN on B cells allows HIV to invade T cells, highlighting a new target for future studies and drug development.
The study found that the efavirenz plus two-NRTI regimen was significantly more effective at reducing HIV viral load in the blood. A second approach, lopinavir/ritonavir, also performed well and may be a viable alternative for patients who experience intolerable side effects from NRTIs. The trial included 753 participants and showed su...
A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry identified nine genetic regions associated with successful aging, with some affecting men and women differently. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive drinking also played a significant role in successful aging.
A University of Pittsburgh-led study found that caregiving interventions for dementia can also prevent complicated grief and depression after the loved one's death. The study, which followed 1,222 caregivers, showed that reducing caregiver burden, treating depression, and providing supportive psychosocial interventions can help caregiv...
A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study found that gout is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction (heart attack) in men with no previous history of coronary artery disease. Gouty arthritis was associated with modest elevations in blood pressure, age, and body mass index.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that regular multivitamin use before and during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of preeclampsia, particularly among non-overweight women. The study showed a 72% reduction in risk for these women compared to those who didn't take multivitamins.
Researchers identify DC-SIGN on B cells as crucial for HIV's takeover of T cells, revealing a new pathway for antiviral drug development. About 8% of B cells express the protein, which allows HIV to invade T cells while sparing B cells.