Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
Researchers at UTHealth Houston are investigating the role of fibrin and fibrinogen in traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock. The four-year grant will fund Phase II of a stem cell clinical trial evaluating whether mesenchymal stem cells reduce chronic neuroinflammatory response to traumatic brain injury.
The Alzheimer's disease development pipeline has seen an increase in promising therapies and pharma investment, driving momentum in clinical trials. The pipeline currently has 187 clinical trials, with recent FDA approvals for two disease-modifying therapies, and more on the way.
A clinical trial found that a telephone-based weight loss program can help breast cancer patients with overweight or obesity lower their weight by a significant degree. Women who received the program lost an average of 4.8% of their baseline body weight, compared to a 0.9% increase in the control group.
Penn Medicine researchers will present results from clinical trials for recurrent glioblastoma and metastatic breast cancer. Experts will also present studies on serious illness conversations, Medicaid expansion impact, and infertility among female oncologists.
The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, shows robust T-cell responses in volunteers participating in a phase 1 clinical trial of a self-assembling nanoparticle HIV vaccine. The antigen used stimulates VRC01-class B cells, an immune response considered promising for boosting in further studies.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that plant-based diets can play a significant role in reducing blocked arteries and lowering the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases. The analysis of 30 randomised trials with over 2,300 participants showed a 14% reduction in artery-clogging lipoproteins.
A clinical trial of 403 patients found that ketamine treatment was non-inferior to ECT for treating non-psychotic treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine showed fewer side effects than ECT, with improved depressive symptoms and quality of life.
A study led by Brown University researchers found that qigong practice significantly improved cancer-related fatigue in participants. The program was as effective as a more standard exercise program in reducing fatigue levels.
A new vaccine against meningococcal disease has shown safety and efficacy in a phase 3 trial, generating higher immune responses than existing vaccines across five strains. The vaccine, NmCV-5, also induces a strong response to the emerging meningococcal X strain, providing potential protection against epidemics.
Researchers found that focusing on satiety and satiation through the consumption of fruits and vegetables can lead to better weight loss outcomes. Both diet programs increased levels of satiation and satiety among participants, as well as promoting better quality of life and emotional well-being.
A new international clinical trial is evaluating new antibiotic combinations for newborn babies with sepsis, which affects up to 3 million babies globally. The NeoSep1 trial will assess the safety and efficacy of three new antibiotic treatments against existing standard regimens.
A clinical trial combining TVB-2640 and bevacizumab showed a six-month progression-free survival improvement in patients with recurrent high-grade glioblastoma, warranting further study. The treatment's side effects were mild, but the overall survival of participants was not statistically significant compared to historic controls.
A new treatment has been developed to help people stop needing opioid painkillers for chronic pain, with promising results in a clinical trial. The intervention programme combines one-to-one and group support to guide individuals in coming off opioids, teaching them alternative techniques to manage their pain.
Researchers from the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting findings on combination therapies for breast cancer and a potential new treatment for patients with recurrent glioma. A phase 3 study evaluating vorasidenib versus placebo in patients with residual or recurrent grade 2 glioma with an IDH1/2 mutation is also be...
An international consortium led by Amsterdam UMC has developed an improved version of the wireless pacemaker, enabling placement in both the atrium and ventricle of the heart. This innovation expands treatment options for patients with slow heart rhythms, improving contraction and reducing the need for multiple mini pacemakers.
Researchers have developed a pharmacological treatment that improves cardiac function in patients with stiff-heart syndrome, a condition caused by amyloid protein deposition. The new drug reduces amyloid protein deposits and shows promise in reversing established disease symptoms.
The TWILIGHT trial found ticagrelor monotherapy after PCI to have a similar risk of repeat revascularization and MACCE compared to dual antiplatelet therapy. Ticagrelor monotherapy was also associated with lower NACE and clinically-driven revascularization risk.
A study found that expert mammogram radiologists exhibit visual hindsight bias, leading to improved performance on blurry images after prior clear images were viewed. This bias can impact the detection of lesions and has implications for negligence lawsuits and patient outcomes.
A novel low-profile pVAD system demonstrated 100% procedural success and no device-related adverse events in a first-in-human trial. The device supports cardiovascular hemodynamics with minimal hemolysis and low risk of vascular complications, aiming to minimize morbidity and improve patient outcomes
A large-scale clinical trial has found that spironolactone is an effective treatment for persistent acne in women, offering an alternative to antibiotics. The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, recruited over 400 women with acne that had persisted for more than six months.
A global clinical trial found that bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) are nearly as safe and effective as conventional metal stents in treating coronary artery disease. The study, led by a researcher from the Mount Sinai Hospital, showed improved outcomes for patients when properly implanted.
A study by Newcastle University found that tonsillectomy reduces sore throat episodes in adults by 50%, improving quality of life. The procedure is also cost-effective compared to painkillers and antibiotics for eligible patients, aged 16 and over.
A phase IIb trial found brepocitinib superior to placebo in reducing signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis after 16 weeks. Response rates were maintained or improved through week 52, with mostly mild or moderate side effects.
The use of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) in coronary angioplasty is gaining importance, particularly for treating in-stent restenosis. Newer devices are being developed, and upcoming trials aim to enhance the evidence base for DCB treatment, especially in patients with de novo disease.
Researchers from China explore the mechanisms of action and clinical data of bispecific antibodies, which have shown promise in increasing cytotoxicity against cancerous cells and enhancing immune response towards tumor clearance. Several bsAbs are being evaluated in phase I-III clinical trials for lung cancer treatment.
Gene therapy is being tested for rare skeletal dysplasia, affecting 1 in 200,000. Patients will receive a one-time infusion of viral vector containing correct gene sequence.
A clinical trial has started enrolling volunteers to test the experimental H1ssF-3928 mRNA-LNP vaccine, developed by NIAID's Vaccine Research Center, for its safety and ability to induce an immune response. The trial aims to find an optimal dosage and compare it with a current seasonal flu vaccine.
Researchers at Dartmouth Cancer Center found that alternating estrogen stimulation and anti-estrogen therapy is an effective treatment for patients with metastatic or advanced ER+ breast cancer. The POLLY trial showed that 42% of patients experienced tumor stabilization, while no patients discontinued treatment due to side effects.
Researchers developed a novel combination therapy that eradicates tumors in select patients, with prolonged survival rates. The therapy has shown promise in treating glioblastoma, a notoriously difficult-to-treat primary brain cancer.
A recent clinical trial, PLATO, demonstrated that lowering the dose and duration of radiotherapy treatments for anal cancer reduces side effects without compromising cancer cure rates. The treatment involves intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), which allows for personalized doses to be applied to visible tumors.
A Phase 1 clinical trial has started to test the safety and tolerability of an experimental oral drug called HOPO 14-1 in healthy adults. The study aims to determine how the drug removes radioactive contaminants from the body, which can occur after nuclear accidents or exposure to dirty bombs.
A Phase I/II clinical trial combining intratumoral delivery of an engineered oncolytic virus with subsequent immunotherapy improved survival outcomes in a subset of patients with recurrent glioblastoma. The study demonstrated the combination was well-tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities.
A new commentary from infectious disease experts emphasizes the importance of continued masking in healthcare settings due to low evidence of efficacy and high transmission risks. Despite recent conflicting views, the authors argue that mask-wearing remains a crucial strategy for infection prevention.
TVT 2023 will feature 15 Late-Breaking Clinical Science studies highlighting advances in transcatheter aortic valve replacement and mitral, tricuspid, and left atrial appendage occlusion therapies. The meeting aims to guide the selection of patients who will benefit from these procedures and define optimal treatment strategies.
Clinical studies with children as participants often require more time, people, and resources than initially budgeted. The study found that pediatric clinical studies cost 59% more on average than the initial proposal, highlighting a need for accurate budgeting.
Researchers found mailing HPV self-collection tests and offering assistance improved cervical cancer screening nearly two-fold among low-income women. Screening uptake increased to 72% among women who received mailed HPV kits, compared to 37% for those with scheduling assistance alone.
A study by UMC Utrecht shows that corona patients can measure their blood oxygen levels at home using a pulse oximeter, feeling safe and experiencing more control. This method does not increase GP visits or hospitalization but contributes to relieving caregivers and keeping healthcare affordable.
Researchers at McMaster University have found that solriamfetol is the most effective treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A systematic review of 14 clinical trials and analysis of data from various databases revealed solriamfetol to be the best option.
Researchers have engineered a new CRISPR-based drug candidate targeting E. coli directly while preserving the microbiome. The innovative treatment has shown promise in reducing E. coli burden in mice and is now in phase 1 clinical trials to treat blood cancer patients and prevent deadly infections.
A specialized weight loss program for Deaf people, designed and led by Deaf individuals, resulted in significant weight loss among participants. The Deaf Weight Wise program focused on lifestyle changes, social support, and cultural relevance, leading to a higher retention rate and better outcomes compared to mainstream programs.
A new study has shown that women are underrepresented in late-breaking cardiovascular clinical trials (LBCT) presented at national meetings. LBCT can have an impact on novel drug and device approvals, intervention indications, and patient management.
A recent clinical trial showed that cemiplimab plus platinum chemotherapy can prolong survival in patients with advanced lung cancer, improving their quality of life. The treatment also reduced symptoms such as pain and cough, and delayed clinically meaningful deterioration.
A multi-institutional phase 3 clinical trial found that a cancer stem cell test can accurately decide more effective treatments and lead to increased survival for patients with recurrent glioblastoma. ChemoID, a CLIA-accredited diagnostic test, was used to select chemotherapy treatments, resulting in significantly lower risk of death a...
Researchers review current treatment updates for systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and effective maintenance therapy. The article discusses the relationship between AL amyloidosis and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring.
A study found that clinical trial eligibility criteria may be a barrier to enrollment of patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Black patients were most likely to be deemed ineligible due to blood cell counts or lack of prior treatments, while Asian patients had the lowest rate of ineligibility.
A phase 2 clinical trial testing a treatment combining standard chemotherapy with azacitidine showed nearly 90% of patients with aggressive T-cell lymphoma achieved complete remission. The treatment, which targets gene-silencing marks on DNA, has an estimated two-year progression-free survival rate of 69.2%.
A study of 371,159 individuals aged 50 to 71 years found that a healthy low-fat diet was associated with fewer deaths from all causes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. In contrast, unhealthy low-carbohydrate diets were linked to significantly higher mortality rates.
A clinical trial of 406 patients found that a fluorescent agent allowed surgeons to identify and remove residual tumor tissue with favorable results. The technique showed promising results in detecting tumor tissue missed by standard lumpectomy procedures, potentially avoiding second surgeries for positive margins.
The program guide for TVT 2023 showcases over 200 world-renowned faculty experts, with a focus on clinical decision-making and strategies for treating valvular heart disease. The summit highlights the latest advances in transcatheter valve therapy and nonsurgical procedures.
A new study published by Edith Cowan University found that boxing programs can improve symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, including fatigue and sleep, in early-stage patients. The program combined elements of exercise, computerized cognitive training, and socialization into a single activity.
Scientists successfully opened the blood-brain barrier using a novel ultrasound device, delivering chemotherapy to treat glioblastoma patients. The treatment increased drug concentrations by 4-6 times and was safe and well-tolerated.
A randomized controlled trial shows that a best endovascular treatment first revascularisation strategy is more effective in preventing major amputation and death than a vein bypass first strategy for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia. The study, BASIL-2, recruited 345 patients from the UK, Sweden, and Denmark and found ...
Researchers found that the 'Eat, Sleep, Console' (ESC) care approach is more effective than Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool (FNAST) in assessing and managing opioid-exposed newborns. Newborns cared for with ESC were medically ready for discharge approximately 6.7 days earlier and 63% less likely to receive medication.
A randomized clinical trial found that community health workers in early childhood well-child care teams improved receipt of preventive care services compared to usual care. The intervention resulted in better outcomes for Medicaid-insured children, highlighting the potential benefits of team-based approaches to healthcare.
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers used EEGs on elderly dogs to determine whether brain-wave readings during sleep correlated with signs of cognitive decline. The study found that dogs with more advanced dementia suffered from more sleep disruptions and slept less overall than dogs with normal cognitive function.
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has started clinical development of DuoChol, a new oral cholera vaccine in capsule form. This innovation offers improved thermostability, reducing storage challenges, while making vaccines more accessible to those who need them most.
The NRG Oncology study found that stereotactic radiosurgery was not superior to conventional external beam radiotherapy in terms of pain response, and even showed worse pain response at 3 months. Conventional radiotherapy remained effective with a 50-60% pain relief rate, but only lasting four months.
The ATS 2023 International Conference is highlighting recent advancements in COPD and asthma treatment through its Breaking News: Clinical Trial Results in Pulmonary Medicine session. Emerging biologics will be discussed alongside existing COPD treatment options.
A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that dose-escalated radiotherapy with short-term androgen deprivation therapy showed no significant impact on urinary or bowel quality of life for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. However, the treatment did significantly decrease hormone and sexual quality of lif...
The study found that dose-escalated radiotherapy with short-term androgen deprivation therapy improved rates of biochemical failure, distant metastases, and prostate cancer-specific mortality. However, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint of improving overall survival for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer.