Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
A randomized trial halted after patients in the control arm reached a record high two-year progression-free survival rate of 98%. Deintensified treatments involving lower radiation dose and immunotherapy did not perform as well as standard chemoradiation.
A multi-center phase III trial found photon- and proton-based radiation therapies to be similarly safe and effective in treating low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Patients treated with either IMRT or proton therapy reported no significant differences in quality of life, tumor control, or progression-free survival.
A survey found that spiritual beliefs and distrust of clinical research contribute to Black patients' hesitation to enroll in cancer trials. Despite trusting their medical teams, some patients express concerns about the purpose of research and its potential impact on their health and community.
A new study found that the IOTA ADNEX ultrasound model can detect up to 96% of ovarian cancers in postmenopausal women, outperforming the current standard test. The research team recommends replacing the risk of malignancy (RMI1) test with the IOTA ADNEX model.
A new study found that hypofractionation does not increase complications for patients with breast cancer who undergo mastectomy and plan breast reconstruction. The trial enrolled 898 patients and showed that reducing treatment time by nearly half is safe and effective, saving patients time and money.
A recent study found that limiting food consumption within a 10-hour window per day improved key indicators of heart health in adults with metabolic syndrome. The study demonstrated significant reductions in blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well as lower levels of hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar management.
A new trial suggests that adding immunotherapy to chemoradiation can extend survival in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer. However, the findings also indicate that delivering the treatments at different times yields varying results, with concurrent treatment not offering improved survival benefits.
A clinical trial found time-restricted eating improved blood sugar regulation and reduced markers of metabolic dysfunction in adults with metabolic syndrome. Participants who followed a customized eight-to-ten-hour eating window saw significant improvements compared to standard treatments.
A pooled analysis of three large, phase III clinical trials found that more than 40% of brain metastases patients can fully reverse cognitive losses with conformal radiation techniques. Recovery was more likely for those treated with highly targeted radiation compared to standard whole-brain treatment.
A phase II clinical trial found that radiopharmaceuticals, specifically 177Lu-Dotatate, can extend progression-free survival for patients with refractory meningioma by nearly 80% after six months. The therapy offers a safe and effective treatment option for those with aggressive tumor growth.
Leading researchers from Penn Medicine will showcase clinical trial results and new data on FLASH radiation therapy. The institution is one of the world’s leading academic medical centers, with a proud history of groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.
Long-term treatment with the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone is estimated to extend event-free survival by up to 3 years among people with heart failure. The FINEARTS-HF randomized clinical trial found this benefit in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction.
A recent study reveals that pharmaceutical industry sponsors dominate US cancer research, with a substantial increase in industry-sponsored clinical trials over the past decade. Federally funded studies have been underinvested and have missed opportunities for scientific advancements.
Recent randomized trials confirm the benefit of endovascular therapy over medical management in reducing disability in selected patients. Patient selection criteria based on clinical and imaging criteria can be used to determine eligibility for endovascular therapy up to 24 hours after symptom onset.
A single-dose gene therapy has been shown to significantly reduce bleeding episodes in adults with hemophilia B, with an average reduction of 71% compared to standard treatment. The therapy, which enables the liver to produce clotting factor IX, has been FDA-approved for use in patients with this genetic disorder.
A study suggests that semaglutide may have therapeutic value in preventing opioid overdoses by reducing the associated risk. The results require further validation, but the findings indicate a potential benefit for patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes and opioid use disorder.
A randomized clinical trial found home-based phototherapy to be as effective as office-based treatment for plaque and guttate psoriasis, while reducing patient burden. The study suggests that this approach could become a viable option for everyday clinical practice.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that patients with ETV6::RUNX1 and high-hyperdiploid B-ALL can achieve positive outcomes with low-intensity chemotherapy, tailoring treatment based on genetic subtypes and early treatment response. This approach reduces side effects and improves event-free survival rates.
The #HOPE4LIVER trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of histotripsy as a treatment for primary and metastatic liver tumors, achieving a 95% technical success rate. The procedure's non-invasive nature and ability to spare critical vessels and bile ducts offer promising alternatives to traditional treatments.
A randomized clinical trial found that a voice-activated cognitive behavioral therapy program improved insomnia symptoms in breast cancer survivors. The intervention, delivered in an in-home setting, demonstrated efficacy in reducing sleep disturbances and enhancing overall quality of life.
The SWOG S1712 trial found that adding ruxolitinib to standard tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment significantly increased the percentage of patients with deep molecular responses, warranting treatment discontinuation. This combination may lead to improved health-related quality of life and reduced healthcare costs.
A new risk prediction model identifies patients with advanced cancer who are at highest risk for unplanned emergency room visits and hospital stays. The model, developed by researchers from the SWOG Cancer Research Network, considers factors such as performance status, comorbidities, and cancer type.
A nonrandomized clinical trial found that wearable devices can increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and reduce dyspnea at 6 months post-lung cancer surgery. This suggests a promising role for wearable devices in personalizing perioperative rehabilitation strategies.
A phase 1b/2 clinical trial found a combination of immunotherapy and FGFR inhibitor to be safe and tolerable in patients with locally advanced or metastatic bladder cancer. The treatment showed increased response rates, including 54% for patients with high FGFR mRNA expression.
A new prostate biopsy technique, transperineal biopsy, has been shown to lower the risk of infection compared to traditional biopsies. The PREVENT trial found no infections among men who underwent the transperineal procedure, while those with traditional transrectal biopsies had a 1.6% infection rate despite receiving antibiotics.
Researchers discovered ponsegromab, a monoclonal antibody, improves symptoms of cachexia by blocking the GDF-15 hormone. The treatment shows minimal side effects and boosts weight gain and patient activity in cancer patients.
The Cancer Cooperative Group System is being re-engineered to bring new money to correlative science research through public-private partnerships, aiming to remove barriers for researchers to access biological samples. This will facilitate the integration of innovative science into cancer clinical trials.
A recent clinical trial found that an IV iron treatment called ferric carboxymaltose works faster and better than oral iron tablets in treating anaemia during pregnancy. The study showed improved haemoglobin levels and iron correction with the IV treatment, with comparable side effects.
Researchers found pomalidomide to be safe and effective in reducing nosebleed severity, improving quality of life, and decreasing the need for blood transfusions in adults with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. The trial stopped early due to successful findings, offering a promising treatment option for this rare bleeding disorder.
A clinical trial found that an oral cancer drug reduced nosebleed severity and improved quality of life in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The PATH-HHT study showed significant improvements in disease manifestations, including severe nosebleeds and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding.
A randomized clinical trial shows that transitioning insomnia care away from long-term sedatives to cognitive behavioral therapy can be achieved through a mailed, direct-to-patient approach. This method reduces sedative use and improves sleep outcomes in older adults.
The CABINET trial demonstrates that cabozantinib significantly improves median progression-free survival (PFS) for patients with advanced pancreatic and extra-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The treatment also shows promise across all clinical subgroups, including primary tumor site and grade.
A double-blind randomized phase 3 clinical trial found no additional benefits from high-dose vitamin D3 when added to standard chemotherapy for patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer. However, a potential benefit was observed for left-sided disease patients.
Researchers tested tivozanib with nivolumab in patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma and found no benefit from combining the two treatments. Repeat ICI therapy should be discouraged due to lack of improvement in overall survival or response rates.
The RESILIENCE clinical trial explores the effectiveness of remote ischemic conditioning to prevent cardiotoxicity in lymphoma patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy. The trial aims to reduce heart failure prevalence and improve quality of life for cancer survivors.
A global increase in testing for lipoprotein(a) is recommended due to one in five people being at risk of cardiovascular diseases. The test can help identify individuals who would benefit from medication that lowers the lipid particle significantly.
A study published in the journal Brain shows that increases in protein levels with new Alzheimer's drugs can explain the slowing of cognitive impairment at least as well as the reduction in amyloid plaques. The researchers found that higher levels of a critical brain protein correlate equally well with cognitive benefits.
A new trial revealed that a lifestyle-intervention program failed to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in US South Asians, but showed promising improvements in health behaviors. The study underscores the need for culturally tailored interventions to address the unique health needs of this growing ethnic group.
A clinical trial found that sulthiame, a drug used for epilepsy, reduces pauses in breathing and improves oxygen levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment also alleviates daytime fatigue, suggesting it could be an effective alternative to existing mechanical treatments.
A study by University of East Anglia found that over a third of quitters who received free vapes in hospital emergency departments went on to experiment with different devices. Satisfaction with vaping and personal motivation were key factors for success with quitting smoking.
New vaccines are being explored as a promising approach to treating glioblastoma, a highly lethal brain cancer with limited treatment options. These vaccines have been generally well-tolerated and have shown promise in improving survival rates for GBM patients.
The FDA Letter of Support recognizes the potential of αSyn-SAA to accelerate clinical trial design in Parkinson's and related disorders. This biomarker can objectively detect early biology related to these diseases, enabling research toward tailored therapies and potentially delaying or preventing disease onset.
A new library of healthy participants' neuroimaging data has been created to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Normative Neuroimaging Library consists of data from approximately 1900 individuals, providing a comprehensive dataset for clinicians and researchers.
A Phase 1/2 clinical trial found significant vision improvements in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare inherited condition causing early childhood blindness. The gene therapy, ATSN-101, demonstrated efficacy in correcting genetic mutations and restoring vision for up to 12 months.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that restored useful vision to most patients with Leber congenital amaurosis type I, a rare inherited blindness. The treatment showed a 10,000-fold improvement in light sensitivity and improved navigation abilities in patients who received the highest dose.
A study found that RSV vaccination significantly reduced hospitalization risk among adults 60+ in the US, offering protection against severe RSV disease. The vaccine demonstrated effectiveness in high-risk populations, including those over 75 and with immunocompromising conditions.
A team at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine leveraged an artificial intelligence-derived platform, CURATE.AI, to guide treatment for a patient with Waldenström macroglobulinemia, a rare blood disorder. The trial demonstrated substantial improvement in red blood cell levels and minimised side effects.
A global therapeutics development coalition is proposed to invigorate the pipeline and drive advocacy for increased investment. The coalition aims to develop two Phase-2 ready therapeutics for virus families of pandemic potential, with a focus on equitable access.
A clinical trial led by Washington University School of Medicine found that two anti-coagulant drugs did not improve outcomes for patients who received vessel-clearing interventions after a blood clot in the brain. The study aimed to test whether adding these medications could prevent further clots, but results showed no benefit.
A clinical trial led by UC San Francisco aims to develop new therapies for progressive supranuclear palsy, with a focus on reducing time to find effective treatments and increasing diverse participant enrollment. The five-year grant could lead to the first effective drugs for this incurable neurodegenerative disorder.
The FINEARTS-HF trial demonstrates finerenone's benefits in reducing worsening heart failure events and mortality in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Finerenone significantly reduces total worsening HF events compared to placebo, but shows non-significant reductions in cardiovascular death.
Researchers at Flinders University and University of South Australia have discovered a potential breakthrough in treating the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer using CDKI-73, a novel drug inhibitor. The study found that CDKI-73 effectively blocks the growth of prostate cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found finerenone improved outcomes in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. The drug also showed benefits regardless of the ejection fraction and even in patients on other approved therapies.
The NOTION-3 trial demonstrates that PCI plus TAVI is beneficial for patients with CAD, reducing MI and urgent revascularisation. The study suggests that performing PCI should be recommended for patients undergoing TAVI with CAD.
Treatment with prehospital pulse-dose glucocorticoid improved acute parameters, but did not reduce final infarct size after 3 months. The trial was likely underpowered due to smaller-than-anticipated final infarct sizes.
Sacubitril/valsartan significantly reduced hospitalization for any reason, particularly in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction below normal. Lower rates of cardiac and pulmonary hospitalizations were also observed in this patient population.
Researchers at the University of Calgary are conducting a clinical trial using probenecid, an anti-gout medication, to treat debilitating opioid withdrawal symptoms. The study's lead authors aim to develop a potential treatment for the disabling symptoms of opioid withdrawal, which can be crippling.
A study emulated a clinical trial using real-world UK healthcare data to explore treatment effects in patients with atrial fibrillation. The method found similar outcomes between apixaban and warfarin, but with differences linked to ethnicity and medication use.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $15.5 million to establish a national network structure to include more nursing home residents in clinical trials. The NEXT STEPs initiative aims to remove barriers to participation and increase the quality of clinical trials conducted in nursing homes.
A new non-hormonal hot flash treatment has been shown to significantly reduce symptom frequency and severity within weeks, while also improving sleep quality and overall well-being. The investigational drug elinzanetant was found to have a favorable safety profile with mild side effects.