Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
A groundbreaking clinical study demonstrates the potential of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to improve symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. After 12 months, participants who received healthy donor stool transplants showed significant improvement in motor symptoms and reduced constipation.
Patients with post-COVID condition exhibit lower aerobic capacity and muscle strength compared to control groups, indicating potential benefits of cautious exercise regimens. The study highlights the need for personalized exercise recommendations to mitigate further skeletal muscle deconditioning in PCC patients.
A new study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that 21.9% of people with cancer participate in some form of clinical research, including treatment trials and biorepository studies. Enrollment in treatment trials was particularly high at National Cancer Institute-designated centers.
Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl's groundbreaking research has shed light on the mechanisms underlying sex differences in MS, highlighting a gene on female sex chromosomes that promotes inflammation and brain-protective effects of estrogen. Her work may lead to new treatment approaches for MS.
The study reveals that smartphone-based cognitive assessments can provide reliable and valid results for diagnosing frontotemporal lobar degeneration. These findings suggest a scalable solution for remote evaluations, which may enhance early detection.
The latest issues of APA journals focus on treatment options for youth with irritability, exploring collaborative psychopharmacology approaches. Additionally, the studies examine disparities in the use of restraint among psychiatric patients.
Researchers developed a smartphone cognitive testing app that detects early signs of FTD in gene carriers before symptoms appear. The app was found to be comparable to gold-standard methods and may enable greater participation in clinical trials.
Researchers from Penn Medicine will share data on the latest advances in cancer science and medicine, including novel targets in the tumor microenvironment and the influence of the microbiome on cancer therapy. The presentation is part of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024.
A second-generation melanoma vaccine has shown improved survival rates for male patients compared to female patients, particularly those who are younger and have earlier-stage cancer. The vaccine targets helper T cells to recognize melanoma proteins, leading to boosted patient survival and reduced cancer reoccurrences.
Researchers assessed the feasibility of dual PD-L1/CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibition in Stage II or III hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Eight patients received upfront durvalumab and tremelimumab prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, showing mixed responses and limited benefit.
The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center team has opened a Phase 2 clinical trial to test a new combination treatment for glioblastomas, a deadly form of brain tumors. The treatment uses letrozole, a drug that targets an enzyme present in breast cancer cells, and temozolomide, a chemotherapy drug already approved as a GBM treatment.
A randomized clinical trial has shown that delaying surgical repair of inguinal hernias in preterm infants until after discharge from the NICU reduces serious adverse events. The study found a high likelihood of hernia resolution with late repair, allowing for quicker hospital discharge.
Dr. Chana Sacks is the new Editor-in-Chief of NEJM Evidence, focusing on providing high-quality, practice-changing evidence for medical professionals. The journal aims to change how medical professionals think about generating evidence while making clinical learning engaging and fun.
Researchers found a 32% vaccine uptake among patients asked about receiving the flu shot and a 41% uptake for those who received a pamphlet, watched a video, and were told about benefits. The study suggests a systematic approach to increase vaccine uptake among underserved populations.
A new series of essays explores the ethics and social issues raised by brain research, including post-trial obligations for human participants in neural-device trials. The studies reveal that injury and illness rob individuals of personal identity, while neuromodulation can restore it.
A new study found significant reductions in total symptom score and faster return to physical activity among concussed adolescents and young adults treated with branched chain amino acid supplementation. The study's findings provide important preliminary data for a larger trial of BCAA therapy.
Researchers are evaluating two prototype placebo rings in a study to determine their safety and usability for women. The goal is to inform the final design of a dual-purpose ring that can prevent both HIV and unplanned pregnancy for a month at a time.
Researchers have developed a new tool to help clinics recruit patients from more communities by analyzing nearby hospitals serving diverse populations. The approach aims to increase accessibility and diversity in cancer trials, with the potential to improve patient outcomes.
A new AI tool can predict which breast cancer patients are at risk of chronic arm swelling after surgery and radiotherapy. The tool, developed by international researchers, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze patient data and provides easily understandable explanations for doctors and patients.
Adding ribociclib to hormone therapy improves invasive disease-free survival by 90.4% at three years, distant disease-free survival by 90.8%, and recurrence-free survival by 91.7%. The study found a 25% relative reduction in recurrence rate for patients with stage 2 or 3 HR-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer.
New data show that adding pembrolizumab to chemotherapy before and after surgery for breast cancer leads to better outcomes, with significant increases in pathological complete response rates across all age groups. The study also found similar rates of breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy, as well as lower residual cancer burdens.
The ALEXANDRA/IMpassion030 phase 3 trial found that adding atezolizumab to chemotherapy after surgery did not improve survival for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer patients. Researchers also found no benefit in different sub-groups, such as those with lymph node spread and PD-L1 positive cancer.
A recent study found that digital reminders for flu vaccination increased vaccination rates among older adults in Denmark by one percentage point. However, it did not improve clinical outcomes, including hospitalization and death rates.
A combination of short-course hormonal therapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy has been shown to be safe and effective in treating metastatic prostate cancer. In a preliminary study, 50% of patients remained recurrence-free six months after treatment, with less than a quarter experiencing severe side effects.
A new acceptable practice standard for hypofractionated post-prostatectomy radiotherapy has been established based on the NRG Oncology trial findings. The study showed that HYPORT was non-inferior to COPORT in terms of late GI or GU toxicity, with greater short-term GI toxicity associated with HYPORT but resolving at 6 months following...
The RUBY Part 2 trial shows significant improvement in progression-free survival for patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer treated with dostarlimab. Dostarlimab plus niraparib plus carboplatin/paclitaxel demonstrates a role for PARP inhibitor maintenance in improving patient outcomes.
A study published in Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that not placing a drain during distal pancreatectomy surgery improves patient outcomes. The study, involving 282 patients across ten Dutch and two Italian hospitals, demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative pancreatic leaks and overall morbidity.
Researchers at Mass General Cancer Center have achieved dramatic tumor regression in glioblastoma patients after receiving next generation CAR-T therapy. The treatment, known as INCIPIENT, combines two forms of therapy to target mixed cell populations within tumors.
Early trial results from six patients with recurrent glioblastoma show reduced tumor sizes after administering dual-target CAR T cells targeting EGFR and IL13Rα2 intrathecally. This 'dual-target' approach may outsmart the defense systems of GBM, leading to more effective therapies.
A randomized clinical trial of 345 patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 found that viral load and symptom rebound were common after a standard 5-day course of antiviral treatment. Prolonging treatment duration may help reduce COVID-19 rebound
Researchers used generative AI to design a lead molecule for treating fibrosis, a biological process associated with aging. The compound, INS018_055, demonstrated significant efficacy in preclinical studies and showed promising results in clinical trials, accelerating drug discovery and providing new therapeutic options.
A multicenter randomized trial showed a paclitaxel-coated balloon to be superior to an uncoated balloon in preventing target lesion failure in patients with coronary in-stent restenosis. The study included 600 patients and demonstrated the effectiveness of paclitaxel-coated balloons as a treatment option.
A randomized clinical trial found that linkage case management intervention did not improve 12-month mortality outcomes for hospitalized people with HIV. The study involved 500 participants and sheds light on the potential role of this intervention among hospitalized individuals with HIV.
A new study combines virtual reality exposure with transcranial direct current stimulation to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans. The innovative approach shows significant reductions in PTSD symptom severity and accelerates psychological adjustment, offering hope for an effective treatment.
Researchers have developed an injectable hydrogel that mitigates damage to the right ventricle of the heart in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The treatment, made from cardiac extracellular matrix, improves heart function and slows tissue scarring, potentially increasing patient survival time.
A pilot study has confirmed the feasibility and acceptability of a bowel symptom intervention for rectal cancer survivors. The intervention, which included dietary changes and phone-based support, showed some benefits in reducing symptoms such as frequent bowel movements and bloating.
A UTEP clinical trial will enroll local school district employees in a program challenging them to walk at least 50K steps per week. The study aims to improve health equity and measure the effectiveness of group fitness challenges in Hispanic populations.
The latest American Psychiatric Association journals feature new treatments across the lifespan for anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. The March issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry highlights several studies with these findings.
Seven high-impact studies will be showcased, exploring novel therapies and improving treatment outcomes for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. These findings highlight advancements in immunotherapy, risk-directed adjuvant therapy, and FDG-PET-based selective de-escalation of radiotherapy.
A team of scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children developed an innovative statistical approach to demonstrate the effectiveness of a medication in reducing disease progression and liver transplants in children with Alagille syndrome. Using data from an international real-world cohort, they found a 70% improvement in event-free sur...
A new study found that high-dose inhaled nitric oxide improves oxygenation and reduces mortality risk among critically ill Black patients with COVID-19. The treatment was more effective for Black patients, who have a suppressed nitric oxide system at baseline.
PandaOmics uses advanced AI algorithms to process vast quantities of diverse data, performing gene and pathway analysis and target predictions. The platform has been extensively validated in multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, inflammation, and immunology.
The MUSC Florence Research Center is one of four community-based clinical research sites selected to participate in the EQBMED Initiative, aiming to attract more people of color to clinical research. The program seeks to provide easy access to clinical trials in local communities and adapt trial designs to suit regional hospitals' needs.
A large clinical trial found that an intervention for pregnant women in Pakistan significantly reduced the likelihood of developing moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression after birth. The intervention, led by Dr. Pamela J. Surkan, was administered by non-specialized providers and showed promising results.
A combination of CS1002 and CS1003 showed promising anti-tumor activity and a manageable safety profile across various dosing ranges in patients with advanced solid tumors. The treatment was found to be effective in certain types of cancers, including melanoma and skin cancer.
A new off-the-shelf vaccine has shown promise in treating pancreatic and colorectal cancers in patients with KRAS mutations. The study found that the vaccine significantly decreased tumor biomarkers and produced strong T-cell responses, leading to a reduced risk of relapse and death.
The REHAB-HFpEF study, led by Dalane Kitzman, aims to reduce rehospitalizations and mortality in older patients with HFpEF. A novel physical rehabilitation intervention is being tested at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Chicago.
Three Virginia health systems are part of a new NIH research network studying emerging cancer screening technologies, aiming to reduce cancer-related illnesses and deaths. The network will evaluate the benefits and harms of multi-cancer detection tests, which screen for multiple types of cancers simultaneously.
Researchers created Elenagen, a novel DNA immunotherapy for deadly ovarian cancer, which significantly enhances standard chemotherapy and provides clinical benefits. The study shows that Elenagen delays disease progression in patients with stage III and IV platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Researchers identified a putative paclitaxel response predictive biomarker for glioblastoma and breast cancer using the whole genome CRISPR knockout screen. The biomarker candidate was validated in two independent breast cancer patient cohorts that received taxane treatment.
Using intravascular imaging to guide stent implantation significantly improves survival and reduces adverse cardiovascular events compared to angiography-guided PCI. The study found a 25% reduction in all-cause death, 45% reduction in cardiac death, and improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease.
A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo demonstrated that a drug, valemetostat, reduces tumor growth in blood cancer by targeting H3K27me3, a protein modification silencing tumor suppressor genes. The treatment restores expression of many tumor suppressor genes and sustains inhibiting tumor cell growth.
A randomized clinical trial found acupuncture to be clinically efficacious and favorably affect PTSD symptoms in combat veterans. The study suggests that further research is needed to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of acupuncture for PTSD treatment.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) as a safe and effective treatment for most patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. FMT offers hope to patients suffering from debilitating C. diff, enabling them to lead happy and healthy lives.
A fasting-mimicking diet has been shown to reduce signs of immune system aging, insulin resistance, and liver fat in humans, resulting in a lower biological age. The study found that patients who followed the diet had lower disease risk factors and improved immune function.
In a phase 2 clinical trial, zilebesiran significantly reduced 24-hour mean ambulatory systolic blood pressure in adults with mild to moderate hypertension. The treatment was administered subcutaneously at varying doses and intervals, demonstrating its potential as an RNA interference therapeutic for managing hypertension.
A study co-led by Prof. Kelly Metcalfe finds risk-reducing mastectomies significantly reduce breast cancer risk and death probability in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic variant. The procedure reduces the risk of breast cancer by 80% and decreases mortality to less than 1%.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified the protein TYRP1 as a promising target for CAR T-cell therapy. The study demonstrates potent antitumor responses against cutaneous and rare melanoma types, offering new hope for treating these challenging-to-treat cancers.
The Phase 2 SMART trial demonstrates that ablative stereotactic magnetic resonance-guided adaptive radiation therapy improves local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) in patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreas cancer. Long-term outcomes show encouraging OS and limited toxicity.
The D-CARE Study successfully enrolled 2,176 racially/ethnically diverse persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and their caregivers, highlighting the importance of adaptable recruitment strategies. The study provides valuable insights into how to better support patients with dementia and their caregivers.