Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
Researchers found no significant improvement in primary composite outcomes, including organ support-free days and hospital survival, among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who received intravenous vitamin C. The study suggests that vitamin C treatment may not be effective in improving patient outcomes for this population.
A global platform study has released results on the use of simvastatin to treat severely ill patients with COVID-19, showing a high probability of improving outcomes. In contrast, high-dose vitamin C was found to be ineffective and potentially harmful in critically ill patients, suggesting its use should be discontinued.
Tongxinluo significantly improved 30-day and 1-year clinical outcomes in STEMI patients, according to a randomized clinical trial. Further research is needed to understand its mechanism of action.
A new multitarget stool RNA test, ColoSense, has been shown to detect colorectal neoplasia with high sensitivity and comparable specificity to existing molecular diagnostic tests. The test also demonstrated significant improvement in sensitivity relative to the fecal immunochemical test.
Researchers saw a major pathologic response in over half of surgical specimens from patients treated with neoadjuvant pembrolizumab. The treatment shrank over half of advanced melanomas, according to exploratory analyses presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2023.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have received a $10 million grant to develop a new strategy for preventing breast cancer recurrence by targeting dormant tumor cells. In a phase II clinical trial, the team successfully cleared dormant cells from over 80% of patients, offering a promising proof-of-concept for this approach.
A clinical trial has shown that combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy nivolumab significantly improved outcomes in patients with advanced bladder cancer. The study found nearly twice as many patients with no evidence of disease after treatment, and a median complete response of 37.1 months.
A phase III pivotal trial evaluating cabozantinib in advanced neuroendocrine tumors demonstrated significant improvements in median progression-free survival (PFS) compared to placebo. The study met its primary objective for both cohorts of patients, providing encouraging news for those with progressive disease.
A Phase III trial found that combining durvalumab and olaparib with chemotherapy reduces disease progression in advanced endometrial cancer patients by 45%, compared to 29% with durvalumab alone. The combination also shows benefits in MMR-proficient subgroups, offering new treatment options for these patients.
A secondary analysis of the SWOG S0931 trial found that patients with very-high risk clear-cell renal cell carcinoma who received adjuvant everolimus after surgery had a statistically significant improvement in recurrence-free survival. The results suggest that everolimus may be beneficial for this high-risk patient population, but als...
A randomized clinical trial found that high-frequency electrical stimulation device reduced opioid use and prescribed opioids after cesarean delivery, suggesting a potential adjunct to decrease opioid use without compromising pain control.
A new hormone replacement therapy, Pulsatility, has shown promising results in improving symptoms and quality of life for patients with adrenal insufficiency conditions. The treatment, which delivers hydrocortisone in a pulsatile pattern, decreased fatigue by 10% and improved mood and energy levels by 30%.
A retrospective study found that research staff of the same race or ethnicity as patients increased consent rates by 65.1% compared to those of a different race or ethnicity. Employing diverse research teams can improve trust and engagement among potential study participants, according to researchers.
A new cancer immunotherapy that targets two immune-evading tumor tactics has shown promising results in an early clinical trial. The drug, tebotelimab, blocks both PD-1 and LAG-3 proteins, leading to a double-digit response rate in patients with advanced solid tumors or blood cancers.
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that the widely prescribed sedative alprazolam XR may be less effective than believed, with publication bias inflating its efficacy by over 40%. This suggests caution for patients and clinicians starting a prescription for panic disorder.
In a phase I trial, an oncolytic virus treatment designed by Brigham researchers extended survival among patients with recurrent glioblastoma, especially those with pre-existing viral antibodies. The therapy reshaped the tumor's surrounding environment to stimulate an anti-tumor immune response.
A randomized clinical trial found that cefepime increased neurological dysfunction in adults hospitalized with acute infection, while piperacillin-tazobactam did not. The study involved 2,511 participants and suggested that cefepime may be associated with adverse outcomes.
A new technique to control severe bleeding in injured patients has been found to increase the risk of death. The REBOA treatment was tested in a clinical trial involving 90 adult trauma patients, but it did not show the expected benefits.
A Monash University study found that methotrexate, a low-cost and effective treatment for inflammatory joint conditions, can reduce pain and stiffness in patients with symptomatic hand OA. The study's results suggest that methotrexate may be a viable treatment option for people with hand osteoarthritis and inflammation.
Researchers conducted a randomized trial in Canadian ICUs, finding that switching to small-volume blood collection tubes lowered red blood cell transfusion rates. The study suggests this change may improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for transfusions.
The new guidelines recommend a more restrictive approach to determine optimal treatment for patients who may not need red blood cell transfusions. The panel took into account the clinical context, co-morbidities, symptoms, and signs of each patient to ensure personalized care.
A world-first clinical trial published in JAMA found that using small-volume tubes reduced the need for almost one blood transfusion for every 10 patients. The study saved about 1,500 units of blood and may provide an easy way to save tens of thousands of units worldwide.
A clinical trial led by Western Sydney University's NICM Health Research Institute has revealed that Sailuotong, a novel herbal extract, shows promise as a potential treatment for mild cognitive impairment. The study found improvements in memory and executive function in participants taking SLT compared to those on a placebo.
A new clinical trial has shown that infusing immune cells from living donors into recipients before transplantation may reduce the need for lifelong immunosuppressant medication. The treatment involves infusing donor-derived regulatory dendritic cells, which help the recipient's immune system distinguish between foreign and self-cells.
A large multi-state study found that mupirocin ointment is highly effective at preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections in critically ill patients, outperforming an antiseptic solution. The study involved over 800,000 ICU patients in 137 hospitals and showed a durable benefit from mupirocin.
Researchers discovered the STAT3 signaling pathway as a potential target for treating H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), a uniformly lethal central nervous system malignancy. The current standard of care, including palliative radiation and chemotherapy, remains ineffective in this disease.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that serial blood tests can identify patients who benefit from additional immunotherapies, suggesting a potential early marker of treatment response. The study also showed that ctDNA analyses correlated with tumor size and survival, making it a promising strategy for guiding therapy.
Researchers discuss lurbinectedin as a method to treat neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with encouraging results from phase II basket studies demonstrating activity in platinum-sensitive relapsed SCLC and other malignancies. Lurbinectedin's mechanism of action involves inhibiting oncogenic transcription, promoting apoptosis and cell death.
A new study reveals that esketamine nasal spray is effective in treating treatment-resistant depression, with 27.1% of patients achieving remission after 8 weeks compared to 17.6% on quetiapine XR. Long-term data shows sustained remission rates at 21.7% for esketamine NS and 14.1% for quetiapine XR.
A post hoc analysis of 10,678 participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease found no significant difference in heart attack, stroke, or death risk between enteric-coated and uncoated aspirin. Enteric-coated aspirin may offer reduced bleeding risk, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.
A randomized clinical trial found that early metformin treatment did not improve insulin initiation or fasting glucose levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Further investigation into larger trials is warranted based on prespecified secondary outcome data.
In a randomized clinical trial, weekly tirzepatide showed greater reductions in HbA1c levels and body weight compared to prandial insulin as an additional treatment in people with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes. The study also found less hypoglycemia with tirzepatide.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed Lattice, a device that simulates human disease in multiple organs to analyze interactions and test new drugs. The technology can replicate complex disease processes, allowing scientists to study the effects of obesity on endometrial cancer, for example.
A phase 1/2 study shows that a stem cell-derived islet therapy has improved blood sugar control in all six adult patients with type 1 diabetes. Three patients achieved insulin independence and showed sustained improvements in blood glucose levels.
A new clinical trial has found that administering metformin to pregnant women with gestational diabetes does not increase adverse neonatal outcomes or maternal health risks. The study provides hope for expectant mothers and healthcare providers seeking a safe alternative to traditional insulin-based treatments.
Researchers have developed a new approach to treating invasive bladder cancer, combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which may preserve quality of life. In a phase 2 clinical trial, approximately 43% of patients achieved complete response without surgical removal of the bladder.
A randomized study shows that shorter radiation therapy courses are just as effective in preventing cancer return and reducing side effects for patients with breast reconstruction. The accelerated treatment regimen saved patients time, money, and experienced fewer treatment breaks.
A multi-center study found that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SABR) can achieve 100% local control and cancer-specific survival for longer than three years among patients with inoperable kidney cancer. The treatment was effective in preserving kidney function, with only one patient requiring dialysis.
Researchers found a shorter course of radiation therapy provides equivalent protection against breast cancer recurrence and physical side-effects, but reduces life disruption and financial burden. Patients reported less burden on their time and finances, with improved quality of life.
A phase III trial suggests that fewer and higher doses of radiation therapy delivered over five sessions are as effective as lower doses delivered over several weeks for patients with locally advanced disease. The treatment achieved a 96% five-year disease control rate, comparable to 95% for conventional radiation.
A new drug called vorasidenib has been shown to significantly slow tumor growth and extend the average time until tumor growth in patients with grade 2 IDH-mutant gliomas. This breakthrough could offer a first early treatment option for these cancer patients, potentially improving their quality of life.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that reattribution of pain to mind or brain processes can lead to significant reductions in chronic back pain intensity. Participants who received pain reprocessing therapy reported being pain-free or nearly so after treatment, compared to those receiving placebo controls.
A new editorial paper highlights the importance of including older patients in lung cancer clinical trials, where they are often undertreated due to age-related factors. The paper emphasizes the need for increased collaboration among stakeholders to enhance enrollment and retention of older cancer patients.
A Michigan Medicine-led report found that adding a mobile health application to wearable devices did not significantly improve physical activity levels in patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation. However, some short-term outcomes showed an increase in walking distance over six minutes for Fitbit users.
The Massive Transfusion in Children-II (MATIC-II) clinical trial will test multiple interventions for life-threatening bleeding in children. The trial aims to determine the most effective and safe bundle of care for pediatric trauma patients, with a focus on precision transfusion medicine.
A study comparing PI-RADS 2.0 and 2.1 found no significant differences in upgrade (29% vs. 22%) or downgrade (19% vs. 21%) rates from targeted biopsy to radical prostatectomy, suggesting no improvement in prostate cancer grade assessment with the latest PI-RADS update.
A recent clinical trial found that creatine supplementation significantly reduced post-COVID-19 fatigue and improved related symptoms such as loss of taste and breathing difficulties. Creatine levels in leg muscles and the brain also increased after 6 months of intake.
A randomized clinical trial shows cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) reduces fibromyalgia pain and improves daily living. CBT alters brain connectivity to reduce catastrophizing, a key contributor to fibromyalgia symptoms.
A clinical trial has shown that methotrexate is a useful and safe treatment for children with severe atopic dermatitis, offering better objective disease control compared to ciclosporin. The study found no concerning safety signals, making methotrexate an attractive alternative for patients in settings where healthcare resources are li...
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 195 clinical trials found that cell therapy can reduce the risk of death from COVID-19 by 60%. The studies, conducted in 30 countries between January 2020 and December 2021, used various types of cells, including mesenchymal stem cells and natural killer cells.
Researchers developed a personalized combination treatment that turned on an immunometabolic switch to effectively control aggressive prostate cancer. The treatment showed complete tumor control and long-lasting survival without side effects in a mouse model of advanced prostate cancer.
A Phase 1 trial of FluMos-v2 has begun at the NIH's Clinical Center, evaluating its safety and immune response. The vaccine aims to provide protection against multiple flu strains, with the potential for less frequent dosing than traditional seasonal vaccines.
Philip Low, a Purdue University researcher, is working on validating a previously successful malaria treatment by reducing the number of days required for therapy. His goal is to prevent drug-resistant strains from proliferating and save lives in developing countries.
A study of 805,000 patients found that receiving physical therapy after dizziness was associated with a significant reduction in fall risk over the next 12 months. The findings suggest that timely physical therapy referral for dizziness may be beneficial for these patients.
A phase 2 study of idrevloride in hypertonic saline has shown significant improvement in lung function for individuals with primary ciliary dyskinesia. The treatment, an epithelial sodium channel blocker, is safe and well-tolerated, offering hope for newly developed treatments for the rare disease.
The Buck Institute is leading a clinical trial to determine the effects of ketone ester supplementation on frailty, a condition that develops following age-related decline in multiple physiological systems. The trial aims to recruit 180 people at risk for frailty and will measure muscle strength as its primary outcome.
A dose-response meta-analysis of nine randomized trials found gefapixant to improve cough frequency, severity, and quality of life. However, it also led to increased taste-related adverse events compared to placebo.
A phase I clinical trial shows that transplanting P63+ lung progenitor cells can repair damaged lung tissue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), improving breathing and quality of life. The treatment increased lung function, reduced symptoms, and even repaired mild emphysema in some patients.
In a randomized clinical trial, lorundrostat effectively lowered blood pressure in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension compared to placebo. The study included 200 participants and will require further confirmation.
A recent study has successfully predicted potential drug outcomes and side effects by analyzing the discrepancy in gene perturbation effects between cells and humans. Researchers used machine learning to forecast drug approvals, improving reliability over conventional methods that only consider chemical properties.