A new protocol combining patient monitoring and monoclonal antibody therapy reduced hospitalizations by half and deaths to zero for eligible patients. The study, conducted at Keck Medicine of USC, shows improved outcomes among liver and kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19.
Researchers analyzed data from over 3,200 brain metastatic tumors and discovered that different types of cancer tend to spread to specific parts of the brain. The study's findings may help predict where a particular cancer will metastasize and inform treatment strategies.
The most common form of liver cancer is on the rise in rural areas, with men aged 60-69 and non-Hispanic Blacks disproportionately affected. Urban areas, however, have seen a decline in HCC rates since 2013, including among younger individuals and certain ethnic groups.
A new study found Black liver transplant recipients have lower survival rates than white or Hispanic patients, despite interventions aimed at narrowing the gap. The biggest factors contributing to this disparity are alcohol-associated liver disease and insurance type, with Black recipients being more likely to have Medicaid coverage.
A novel treatment combining vagus nerve stimulation with rehabilitation has shown improvement in upper body motor impairment compared to sham stimulation. The study results provide new possibilities for stroke patients to reclaim more arm function.
A new study by Keck Medicine of USC found that alcohol and tobacco sales nationwide rose significantly during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales increases were highest among younger adults, ethnic minorities, those with younger children and/or large families, and those with higher incomes.
A study from Keck Medicine of USC found that a mail-in sperm testing kit can accurately analyze semen up to 52 hours after collection, surpassing the current one-hour test. This innovation allows men to provide specimens from home, improving flexibility and accessibility for fertility evaluations.
A new study from Keck Medicine of USC shows that men over 50 who undergo a vasectomy reversal achieve the same rate of pregnancy as those under 50. The study analyzed data from 3,000 men and found that age was not a factor in success rates.
Smokers have worse chemotherapy response and higher mortality rates from bladder cancer, with a higher risk of cancer recurrence. Former smokers also fare poorly in these categories.
A new study suggests that focal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation is an effective alternative to surgery or radiation for treating prostate cancer. The procedure carries a low risk of complication and helps preserve quality of life, with no significant decrease in sexual function or urinary incontinence.
A new report from the Lancet Commission identifies 12 modifiable risk factors that can delay or prevent 40% of dementia cases. These include reducing excessive alcohol intake, limiting air pollution, and promoting physical activity throughout life.
A two-year observational pilot study found that remote monitoring of post-operative lung transplant patients significantly reduced hospital stays and readmissions by 44% and 66%, respectively. The study also showed a significant reduction in hospital costs, with an average savings of $132,000 per patient per year.
A novel study by Keck Medicine of USC researchers reveals a potential new opioid medication that can slow the progression of osteoarthritis while easing pain. The medication, which activates the kappa opioid receptor, has been shown to preserve cartilage in joints and alleviate pain with reduced risk of addiction.
Researchers are launching a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. The trial aims to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression, potentially saving lives.
A new clinical trial led by Keck Medicine of USC is investigating the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Cord Neuromodulation (TESCoN) in treating overactive bladder due to neurological conditions. The trial aims to improve patients' sense of well-being by enhancing bladder control and reducing symptoms.
A new study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that Los Angeles County's traffic conditions affect consistent access to comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs), particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Nearly 20% of the population has intermittent access to CSCs, with many living in urban core areas.
A study published in Lancet Oncology reveals that online popularity of health awareness campaigns does not always lead to increased interest in related health behaviors. Researchers analyzed Google Trends data for specific keywords associated with each campaign and found that only breast cancer-related searches were influenced by the P...
Researchers at USC found that adapted AR glasses can improve patients' mobility by 50% and grasp performance by 70% for those with retinitis pigmentosa. The technology provides visual color cues to help individuals with constricted peripheral vision interpret complex environments.
Researchers at USC Center for Body Computing found that free ride programs can help older adults attend medical appointments more frequently, reducing social isolation. The study provided unlimited Lyft rides to patients with chronic diseases, resulting in improved quality-of-life experiences.
A new study by USC researchers identifies family members as the most common perpetrators of financial elder abuse, making up nearly 55% of reported cases. The study analyzed over 2,000 calls to a National Center on Elder Abuse resource line and found that family members were responsible for more than 42% of alleged abuses.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a five-year, $170 million annual funding agreement to provide patient care services and physician medical education at LAC+USC Medical Center. This historic partnership continues the institution's commitment to providing superior medical care to the Los Angeles County community.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC has received a $4.5 million NIH grant to recruit underrepresented patients in cardiac surgery clinical trials. The grant aims to translate clinical research findings into clinical practice, addressing the No. 1 cause of mortality in the US.
Researchers reviewed 50 testosterone-boosting supplements and found that only a few had data to support their claims. Many supplements contained high doses of vitamins and minerals without any proven effects on testosterone levels. The study recommends more regulation around these supplements to protect consumers.
Researchers found that identifying a patient's Consensus Molecular Subtype (CMS) could help oncologists determine the most effective course of treatment. CMS categorizes colorectal cancer into four distinct subgroups based on tumor mutations, and each subgroup is associated with different treatment outcomes.
A new study has identified several potential approaches for improving medication adherence among Latinos with diabetes, including simple measures like pillboxes and family member education. The study also highlights specific challenges faced by underserved Latino communities, such as difficulty understanding medications and managing mu...
Researchers identified messenger cells that promote bone regeneration and called into question an existing dogma in biology textbooks. The discovery may lead to better strategies for boosting bone repair in other parts of the body.
Experts developed a standardized framework to document physical findings on older patients, which includes diagrams and a questionnaire. The Geriatric Injury Documentation Tool aims to improve documentation of geriatric injuries and ultimately result in better medical care for older adults.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC develop a new laboratory tool, the Topanga assay, to improve cancer therapy effectiveness. The assay uses bioluminescent marine organisms' enzymes to measure chimeric antigen receptors on cancer-fighting white blood cells.
A recent USC-Stanford study reveals that successfully transplanted stem cells exhibit 'extreme behavior' due to radiation and chemotherapy, whereas healthy cells produce blood and immune cells more evenly. The research also shows that certain stem cells become dormant or biased towards producing specific immune cells.
A new study by USC researchers reveals that a fatty diet can trigger changes in the immune system leading to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study identified a novel type of reparative macrophage that counteracts inflammation, offering potential pathways for future therapies.
Scientists developed zebrafish with genetic mutations to study Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, a common form of craniosynostosis. The study revealed abnormal stem cell development leading to premature suture fusion and disrupted skull growth.
A new study published by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that an online care delivery model is equivalent to in-person care for improving psoriasis symptoms. Patients with chronic skin diseases need ongoing care, and depending on where they live, their access to dermatological care can be variable.
USC Stem Cell scientist Andy McMahon and collaborators aim to identify key proteins enabling organs to communicate with each other. By using a tiny molecule as a tag, the team hopes to develop a new tool to enhance knowledge of normal physiology and disease.
Experts outperformed novices in robotic radical prostatectomy by completing the procedure faster, with fewer needle-driving attempts and less tissue trauma. A new training tutorial uses automated performance metrics to break down complex surgical steps into smaller, discrete parts.
Researchers identified unique cell populations in human joint cartilage, crucial for cushioning and often lost in arthritis. Stem cell-derived cartilage can be transplanted into arthritic rats to regenerate the superficial zone, potentially leading to better treatments.
The RESPOND study, funded by $26.5 million grants, aims to understand why African-American men are at higher risk for developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Researchers will assess social stressors and genetics to identify genetic markers for the disease.
A study by Keck School of Medicine found that robotic partial nephrectomy significantly reduces complications, mortality, and readmission compared to open or laparoscopic techniques. The technique offers superior patient outcomes while preserving kidney function.
Researchers discovered that Fox genes play a crucial role in directing stem cells to form cartilage and teeth during facial development. The study found that mutations in these genes can cause diseases such as cancer and language disorders.
A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC shows that African-Americans and Latinos who are diagnosed with diabetes after age 50 are at increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Late-onset diabetes may be an early sign of pancreatic cancer, providing a potential opportunity for screening.
Researchers discovered that blood stem cells with a genetic mutation can be compensated by normal stem cells producing specific types of immune cells. Key findings suggest these highly productive stem cells proliferate dramatically and maintain a balanced immune system when transplanted into mice.
USC researchers have identified a remedy to prevent lung metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer, which is the deadliest form of breast cancer. A novel solution uses a nanoparticle to deliver a medication directly to tumors, reducing toxic side effects.
A new study from USC Keck School of Medicine finds that exposure to loud noises damages hearing by killing sensory hair cells and filling the inner ear with fluid. Injecting a salt- or sugar-based solution into the middle ear can prevent up to 64% of neuron loss, offering hope for preserving hearing function.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC has received $4 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health and US Department of Defense to support basic and pre-clinical research on osteoarthritis. Researchers hope to translate foundational knowledge into clinical therapies that can improve millions of lives.
USC Roski Eye Institute researchers develop a stem cell-based retinal implant to treat advanced dry age-related macular degeneration. The treatment shows promise in improving visual function and stopping disease progression.
A new study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC reveals that 67% of neurosurgery residents experience burnout during training, with factors including inadequate exposure to the operating room and hostile faculty contributing to the issue. The study's findings highlight the need for improved mentorship support to reduce burnout and pr...
Scientists at USC have discovered a new molecule, RCGD 423, that enhances cartilage regeneration and decreases inflammation. The molecule amplifies the body's natural signals to stimulate cartilage development while blocking inflammatory signals.
Researchers discovered that a mutation in the C9ORF72 gene causes toxicity in nerve cells, leading to ALS and FTD. By reprogramming blood cells into motor nerve cells, they found that adding supplemental protein could stop degeneration, highlighting potential new drug targets.
Researchers identified two related genes, Nr2f2 and Nr2f5, that pattern the jaw by regulating stem cell generation of skeletal cells. This study offers clues for understanding craniofacial anomalies in humans, where equivalent gene mutations are present.
Scientists at the Keck School of Medicine of USC developed a test using marine animal luciferases to measure cell death in response to cancer immunotherapies. The Matador assay detected cell death in as little as 30 minutes, exceeding existing assays and offering a fast, inexpensive alternative.
Researchers at Keck Medicine of USC used a custom recording tool to evaluate surgeon proficiency in robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery. The 'black box' recorder captured data on time, distance, and camera movements, allowing experts to identify novice and expert surgeons with high accuracy.