A new treatment combining a novel drug with traditional chemotherapy has been shown to increase the survival of patients with malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. The ATOMIC-meso trial found that this treatment quadrupled the survival at 36 months compared to placebo-chemotherapy.
A new study has found that routinely changing surgical gloves and instruments is cost-effective and safer, reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) by 13% in seven low- and middle-income countries. The economic evaluation, funded by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research, compared the costs and SSIs associated with ro...
A new clinical trial demonstrates a small reduction in the latent reservoir of HIV-infected cells using a combination of vorinostat and immunotherapy. While the results are promising, further research is needed to create more effective approaches to flush out the virus and attack it when it emerges from latency.
An experimental mRNA vaccine against CMV elicited promising immune responses, outperforming a previous vaccine candidate in preventing the virus from infecting epithelial cells. The new vaccine may protect adults against CMV, potentially preventing women from passing the infection to their babies during pregnancy.
Researchers found that injecting a substance to block an artery and combining it with surgery significantly reduced the risk of repeat surgery for patients with subdural hematomas. The study, published at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference, showed a nearly 3-fold reduction in re-operation rates.
Parents who received nutritional epigenetics education reduced ultra-processed food consumption and increased whole organic foods intake, leading to improved behavior and cognition in their children. The education intervention also reduced heavy metal exposures and dietary deficits that disrupt gene function.
A randomized clinical trial of 1,680 patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion found no significant improvement in disability with adjunctive methylprednisolone. The study suggests that methylprednisolone may not be effective as an adjunct therapy after endovascular thrombectomy for this patient population.
A randomized clinical trial of 336 patients with extensive ischemic stroke found that endovascular thrombectomy improved clinical outcomes across a range of infarct volumes. However, the treatment's effectiveness was limited by low enrollment rates among patients with minimal penumbra volume.
A randomized clinical trial of 1,015 participants found that apixaban did not significantly reduce recurrent stroke risk compared to aspirin in patients with cryptogenic stroke and atrial cardiopathy. The study suggests that alternative treatments may be more effective for preventing stroke recurrence in these patients.
Researchers found that positioning stroke patients with large vessel ischemic strokes at 0-degrees resulted in significant improvements in neurological function compared to those with 30-degree head positioning. This approach optimized blood flow through the narrowed artery and improved collateral arteries, leading to better outcomes.
A real-world study published in Pain Practice found that patients with neuropathic back pain, postoperative/posttraumatic pain, or shingles experienced reduced pain intensity after multiple high-concentration capsaicin patch applications. The study also showed a significant reduction in opioid use among participants.
A new set of guidelines for reporting clinical trials of biofield therapies has been introduced, providing a 15-item intervention checklist to include detailed information on intervention protocols. The goal is to expedite peer review, facilitate trial replication, and inform decision-making in the clinical practice of biofield therapies.
Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) plus thrombectomy demonstrates significant benefits over thrombectomy alone when administered within a short timeframe after symptom onset. This study, based on individual participant data from six randomized clinical trials, found IVT before thrombectomy to be time-dependent and statistically significant.
The study found that only 67.5% of trial publications reported patient-reported outcomes data, with a median time between publication and analysis of 10.5 months. The quality score of the data was low, with a mean score of 11.10 out of 24 points.
A Phase I first-in-human clinical trial has demonstrated the safety and anti-tumor activity of OMO-103, a novel MYC inhibitor. The study showed favorable safety profile with only mild side effects, and notable clinical benefits in patients, including disease stabilization and tumor shrinkage.
A clinical trial is underway to help patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stick with medication treatment. The trial uses a patient-administered wearable device that delivers mild electrical stimulation to alleviate symptoms of both conditions.
A global study has identified evidence-based approaches to prevent breast cancer-related arm lymphoedema (BCRAL) by addressing risk factors and implementing surveillance programs. The research provides a clinical guide for healthcare teams worldwide to adopt a proactive approach in preventing this irreversible complication.
A meta-analysis of New Jersey clinical trials from 2017 to 2022 reveals an uptick in diversity among trial participants, with 97% reporting on race and/or ethnicity. Despite this progress, there is still work to be done to match U.S. Census demographics, but the study suggests recent efforts are having a positive impact.
The Butantan-DV vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing dengue development in 79.6% of vaccinated individuals, regardless of age group or prior exposure history. The vaccine also demonstrated safety for all participants, with mild to moderate side effects reported.
New research finds that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals experience greater negative impacts on their health status, activity levels, and ability to work after COVID-19 infection compared to white participants. The study highlights the need for equitable health interventions for underserved populations.
A new study found that structured telephone-based psychological care can significantly reduce depression levels and combat loneliness. The trial, which lasted eight weeks, showed benefits even after the phone calls ceased.
A phase II clinical trial found Muse cell-based product CL2020 to be highly tolerated and improved ALS symptoms, but may not halt disease progression. The treatment's efficacy depends on combining it with other drugs for future treatments.
A large multicenter clinical trial found that an antiseptic containing iodine resulted in about one-quarter fewer post-surgical infections in patients with limb fractures compared to another frequently used skin antiseptic. The study included nearly 8,500 patients across the US and Canada.
A new study has shown promising results for the use of enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ) as an anti-aging ingredient in cosmetics. EMIQ was found to reduce facial trans-epidermal water loss and skin roughness, while improving skin elasticity in a 28-day clinical trial.
A randomized clinical trial compared the outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in 1,735 patients. The study found no clinically significant differences between the two procedures in terms of perioperative risk.
A new study led by University of Bristol researchers found that weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes can alter levels of cancer-related chemicals circulating in the blood. Nine cancer-related proteins were changed by the weight loss intervention, suggesting a potential reduction in cancer risk.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical aim to investigate the effects of intermittent fasting and calorie counting on healthspan. Participants in the DiAL-Health study will be compensated up to $2,500 for their involvement.
In a randomized clinical trial of 1,068 smokers, electronic cigarettes were shown to be as effective as varenicline in aiding smoking cessation, while being more effective than nicotine chewing gum. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may offer a viable alternative for quitting smoking with minimal behavioral support.
A new study funded by NIHR has led to the UK government approving digital pathology for cancer screening samples. This technology enables faster reporting and improved care for patients with bowel, breast, lung, and cervical cancers. The use of digital pathology will help reduce risk of sample loss or damage and allow pathologists to r...
Researchers assess vamorolone's promise in treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy, finding similar efficacy to prednisone but some reduced adverse side effects. However, further investigation is needed on its cost and mechanisms of action.
A novel gene therapy has been shown to restore hearing function in six children with DFNB9, a form of autosomal recessive deafness. The treatment, which uses an adeno-associated virus carrying a version of the human OTOF gene, demonstrated significant improvements in speech perception and ability to conduct normal conversation.
A new exhalation delivery system using fluticasone directly targets the sinuses, reducing symptoms and inflammation in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The system showed significant improvements compared to a placebo, providing hope for non-invasive treatment options.
A meta-analysis of 5,000 participants found that daily multivitamins showed benefits for memory and global cognition. The study suggests that taking a daily multivitamin can help prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive aging by the equivalent of two years compared to placebo.
Researchers found that bone marrow mononuclear cell infusion in children within 48 hours of severe traumatic brain injury reduced intensive care needs and preserved white matter. The treatment also enhanced connectivity in the corpus callosum, a midline structure in the brain.
A new MRI technique has shown that patients with severe depression can experience substantial improvements in symptoms and quality of life for at least six months. The technique uses functional MRI to guide the delivery of magnetic stimulation to specific areas of the brain, reducing variability and increasing effectiveness.
A multisite clinical trial will evaluate repurposed FDA-approved drugs as treatment options for patients with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder affecting brain development. The study aims to find new therapies to improve the lives of individuals with Rett syndrome, potentially providing multiple treatment options.
A phase 3 trial has shown that the novel drug acoramidis achieves near-complete stabilization of TTR proteins, slowing or halting disease progression. The treatment reduced hospitalizations for heart-related events and increased distance walked over six minutes.
Researchers developed a drinkable foam infused with carbon monoxide to enhance the effectiveness of autophagy inhibition in treating various cancers. The study showed significant reductions in tumor growth and progression in mice and human cancer cells, opening a promising new approach for therapies.
Researchers found that reducing stimulant use was associated with significant improvement in measures of health and recovery among people with stimulant use disorder. This suggests that a more nuanced perspective on measuring treatment success may be beneficial.
A Phase I trial demonstrated that a vaccine targeting KRAS mutations delayed relapse in patients with high-risk pancreatic and colorectal cancer. The vaccine induced significant T cell responses, which correlated with reduced risk of relapse.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are testing a new tongue exercise approach to improve swallowing function in stroke patients. The trial aims to provide concrete evidence-based recommendations for treating dysphagia, a common post-stroke complication that can have significant impacts on patients' health and quality of life.
A research team developed a novel blood test called desNIPT to screen pregnant women for genetic diseases in their unborn children. The test has demonstrated effectiveness in identifying alterations in fetal genes, similar to invasive procedures like chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis.
A large-scale German-wide randomized controlled trial found that high-dose therapy with glucocorticoids is not more effective than standard treatment for sudden hearing loss. However, it was associated with a higher risk of side effects. Several hundred thousand people worldwide suffer from sudden hearing loss each year.
Researchers found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood plasma were associated with better lung function and longer survival without needing a lung transplant. This was consistent regardless of smoking history or cardiovascular disease.
A systematic review of 120 studies with 14,000 participants revealed underrepresentation of Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous groups in neonatal clinical trials. Geographic representation was also unevenly distributed, with some US regions underrepresented.
A recent study found that doxycycline prophylaxis did not prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among cisgender women, despite being prescribed to 18% of participants. The study also revealed high rates of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea, which may be due to low adherence and limited treatment options.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati's Lindner Center of HOPE have developed a novel approach to treating depression using spinal cord stimulation. The study found that electrical stimulation of the spinal cord decreased depressive symptoms and showed therapeutic potential.
A phase-one human clinical trial shows that Omadacycline causes a distinctly different effect on the gut microbiome than Vancomycin, making it a safe drug option for patients at high risk for C diff infection. The antibiotic achieves high concentrations in the gut quickly, reducing the risk of long-term colonization.
A monoclonal antibody treatment increased food-allergic children and adolescents' tolerance to common foods, reducing allergic reactions. Omalizumab, approved for other indications, is being reviewed for a new indication based on the trial's interim analysis.
Researchers found that colon cancer screenings reduce cancer rates by about 0.5 percent, doubling previous estimates of a quarter of a percentage point. This effect is twice the impact of just being invited to screen, suggesting that actual screening rather than just the offer makes a difference.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 clinical trials found daily tooth brushing may reduce hospital-acquired pneumonia rates by up to 50% in high-risk patients. This study suggests that widespread toothbrushing policies could save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
A phase II clinical trial found that psilocybin-assisted therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adults with cancer and major depression. Participants who received the therapy experienced a decrease in depression severity scores, with 80% showing sustained responses to treatment.
A new study found that daily toothbrushing among hospitalized patients is associated with lower rates of hospital-acquired pneumonia and ICU mortality. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,700 patients, also showed that toothbrushing was linked to shorter durations of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.
A clinical trial found that an experimental drug, BI 690517, reduced albuminuria in 70% of patients when paired with a standard-care medication. The study also showed that the combination of the two drugs mitigated the risk of hyperkalemia.
Researchers will compare two healthcare delivery models focusing on early detection and control of postpartum hypertension and social/mental health factors. The study aims to improve birth outcomes for women and children in underserved communities through a patient-centered approach.
A comprehensive review of targeted therapies for lupus nephritis discusses the challenges of current treatments and proposes strategies to overcome obstacles. Recent advancements in B-cell targeting and alternative approaches such as CAR-T cells are highlighted.
A joint study by Medical University of South Carolina and Clemson University found that teleconsent, a remote consenting method, is the preferred approach for clinical trial participation. This method eliminates travel costs and improves real-time communication between researchers and participants, increasing trust and understanding.
A clinical trial found that stem cell-based therapy reduced daily hardship and improved physical and emotional health in patients with advanced heart failure. Patients who received the treatment had lower death and hospitalization rates compared to those on standard care.
Two Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated strong boosting capabilities against SARS-CoV-2 variants in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The vaccines focus the immune response on the receptor binding domain, potentially providing a more efficient approach to boost immunity.
Using metformin plus insulin to treat preexisting type 2 or gestational diabetes diagnosed early in pregnancy did not show a reduction in composite neonatal adverse outcomes. The study suggests that the effect of reducing large-for-gestational-age infant risk after adding metformin to insulin warrants further investigation.