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What is the best treatment strategy for early rheumatoid arthritis?

Initial combination therapy with either prednisone or infliximab significantly reduces progression of radiographic joint damage and improves functional outcomes compared to DMARDs alone or step-up combination therapy. Patients treated with initial combination therapy also experience earlier relief from symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateOct 28, 2005

Integration of cell survival signals in PTEN-deficient tumors

A study published in Cancer Cell reveals that combining therapies targeting EGFR and Akt can improve treatment outcomes in tumor cells with PTEN mutations. The research demonstrates that BAD acts as a key switch integrating antiapoptotic effects of multiple pathways, providing new insights into combination therapy strategies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 17, 2005

Drug breakthrough for psoriasis sufferers

The European Infliximab for Psoriasis Efficacy and Safety Study (EXPRESS) found that 80% of patients achieved at least a 75% improvement in symptoms after ten weeks treatment with the drug. The study showed significant skin clearance and nail psoriasis response in moderate to severe psoriasis sufferers.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 13, 2005

Surgeons lack training in palliative surgical options

A study found significant deficiencies in education on palliative surgical care among surgeons, with 84% not receiving any training during residency and 44% lacking continuing medical education. The lack of standardization in treatment recommendations may be due to diverse sources of training and experience.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateSep 19, 2005

Recent improvements in prostate cancer outcomes may be result of shift in classification

A study found that nearly 60% of prostate cancer specimens received higher Gleason scores than original assignments, suggesting that pathologists are more likely to assign high scores to contemporary tumor samples. This 'Will Rogers phenomenon' may lead to a false sense of therapeutic accomplishment and skew mortality rates.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 6, 2005

The link between fasting and acute attacks of porphyria

A team of researchers has discovered a molecular missing link that explains why fasting brings on acute attacks of the genetic disease hepatic porphyria. Fasting increases levels of PGC-1a, which regulates the activity of an enzyme in the heme production pathway, leading to toxic buildup of precursor molecules.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 25, 2005

Study links race to risk of advanced colorectal cancer, death

Researchers found that African Americans and Native Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease and die of their disease compared to Asian Americans and non-Hispanic whites. The study highlights the importance of considering heterogeneity within broad racial/ethnic categories when evaluating cancer risks.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJun 27, 2005

Eleven gene 'signature' reliably predicts cancer prognosis

Researchers identified an 11-gene BMI-1-pathway signature that consistently predicts disease recurrence, metastasis, and death after therapy in cancer patients. The presence of this gene expression pathway is associated with a high probability of poor therapy outcome and metastasis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2005

New complicated grief treatment holds promise for millions, Pitt researchers report

A new treatment approach for complicated grief, developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers, has shown significant promise in improving symptoms and reducing emotional pain. The treatment, which combines elements of interpersonal psychotherapy with a unique two-pronged approach, was found to be more effective than a comparison th...

Cancer patients have increased risk of cognitive dysfunction, study finds

A study by Beth E. Meyerowitz and colleagues found that cancer survivors are twice as likely to experience cognitive deficits, including dementia, compared to their cancer-free twins. The authors suggest that cancer treatments may lower survivors' cognitive reserve, leading to increased risk of long-term cognitive dysfunction.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 31, 2005