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BU conducts first experimental evaluation of pharmaceutical industry-led access program

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health evaluates the Novartis Access program in Kenya, demonstrating that robust, 'gold standard' methods can be used to assess major pharmaceutical companies' access programs. The study found that the program significantly increased availability of two medicines in health facilities bu...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateMar 5, 2019

New compound could help treat ovarian cancer

Researchers from the University of Sheffield discovered a compound that kills cancer cells without triggering apoptosis, making it resistant to treatment. The new drug lead is highly active against treatment-resistant cancers and may be particularly effective against ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 20, 2019

CNIC researchers identify a very early marker of cardiac damage triggered by cancer treatment

Researchers at CNIC identified a very early marker of cardiac damage in patients undergoing anthracycline therapy, allowing for early diagnosis and potential prevention of irreversible damage. The discovery has implications for patient prognosis and may lead to new therapies based on mitochondrial transplantation.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 18, 2019

Drug combination may become new standard treatment for advanced kidney cancer

A phase 3 clinical trial found that a combination of two drugs, including an immunotherapy agent, significantly improved progression-free survival and response rates compared to a standard treatment. The results suggest that the new treatment may become a new standard for first-line treatment for patients with metastatic kidney cancer.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2019

New therapeutic target found for aggressive pediatric cancers with few treatment options

A new therapeutic target has been identified for aggressive pediatric cancers with few treatment options. The researchers discovered that malignant rhabdoid tumors may be sensitive to drugs that block the cancer cell's ability to dispose of misfolded proteins, and a Phase II clinical trial is underway to investigate this approach.

No overall increased risk of cancer in children born after fertility treatment

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that children born after fertility treatment do not have an increased risk of developing cancer compared to those conceived naturally. However, some cancers, such as lymphoblastic leukemia and melanoma, were slightly more common in ART-conceived children, although the findings are st...

New leukemia drug is more effective and easier to use

A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that ibrutinib is significantly more effective than standard therapy in treating CLL, causing fewer side effects and requiring less frequent patient visits. Ibrutinib was shown to improve survival rates by 13% compared to standard treatment.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 11, 2019

How drugs can minimize the side effects of chemotherapy

A team of researchers at the University of Zurich has determined the three-dimensional structure of the receptor that causes nausea and vomiting as a result of cancer chemotherapy. They found that effective drugs like EmendTM and AkynzeoTM alter the receptor's structure, allowing for long-lasting attachment and effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2019