Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
A Phase II trial led by researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated that adding ipilimumab to a neoadjuvant combination of nivolumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy resulted in a major pathologic response in half of all treated patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment also...
A secondary analysis of a randomized trial found that even a small reduction in sleep time per night can significantly affect health-related quality of life in children. The study suggests ensuring sufficient good-quality sleep is crucial for child health.
A multicenter study found that patients with cystic fibrosis can safely take a dual combination of CF modulator drugs for four years while maintaining previously achieved clinical improvement. This breakthrough therapy has improved the quality and length of patients' lives, with some even seeing a 15% increase in lung function.
A study of US newspaper articles found that lung cancer screening was generally positively covered between 2010 and 2022. However, crucial aspects such as enrollment criteria and cost issues were frequently omitted, highlighting a need for radiologists to take an active role in media coverage.
Researchers from China conducted a comprehensive review of dual therapy (DT) for H. pylori eradication, highlighting its high efficacy and patient compliance with minimal adverse events. High-dose DT administered over 14 days has emerged as the most effective treatment option.
UVA researchers discovered a metabolic pathway that can modulate COVID-19 inflammation, lung recovery, and host metabolic health. They suggest a potentially viable therapeutic agent that may be combined with existing anti-viral agents to treat severe COVID-19 in patients with underlying metabolic disease.
The ProtecT trial found that active monitoring of prostate cancer has the same high survival rates after 15 years as radiotherapy or surgery. Men on active monitoring were more likely to see their cancer progress, but this didn't reduce their likelihood of survival.
A new technique involving a small flap in the peritoneum can reduce postoperative complications in prostate cancer surgery by allowing lymphatic fluid to escape and be absorbed. The study found that this technique significantly reduced the incidence of lymphocele, a common complication where lymphatic fluid collects in the pelvis.
A new urine gene test can detect genetic mutations in urine that predict bladder cancer up to 12 years in advance of clinical symptoms. The test was trialled on over 50,000 participants and showed promising results, suggesting its potential for early detection and reduced unnecessary invasive procedures.
A trial using PSMA-PET/CT scans has shown that clinicians changed their treatment plans for patients with clinically significant prostate cancer in 19% of cases, helping to detect more cancers. The technique was found to be beneficial in high-risk patients but also led to false positives requiring further investigations.
A global study involving McMaster University researchers has trialled a potential new treatment for hemophilia A, a life-threatening genetic blood disorder. Once-weekly injections of efanesoctocog alfa can prevent bleeding and promote near-normal activity by the clotting agent factor VIII.
The magrolimab plus azacitidine regimen resulted in a complete response rate of 33% and partial response rate of 75%. Patients with TP53 mutations showed improved overall survival rates compared to previous studies.
A new clinical trial has shown promising results for nirogacestat, a targeted drug that blocks the Notch protein. In the Phase 3 trial, 41% of patients' tumors significantly shrank after taking nirogacestat, with no growth in over 75%. The most common side effects were fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and skin rashes.
A new approach by the Medical University of South Carolina aims to increase clinical trial participation, especially from diverse populations. By making patients eligible for research opportunities by default, while allowing opt-out, the team saw a significant increase in potential participants.
A team of POSTECH researchers has developed a deep learning-based multimodal fusion network for segmentation and classification of breast cancers using B-mode and strain elastography ultrasound images. The method achieved high accuracy in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions, outperforming conventional methods.
A new study suggests that digital rectal examination (DRE) is not a reliable screening tool for early prostate cancer detection. Researchers found that DRE missed many cancers in their early stages, with only 3 out of 57 suspicious cases detected. This method was compared to PSA testing, which detected four times more prostate cancers.
Researchers have identified a biomarker that can select breast cancer patients who may benefit from denosumab treatment. The study found that tumors with high RANK protein expression are associated with poor prognosis and response to chemotherapy, suggesting that denosumab may be effective in hormone-receptor negative tumors.
A new cutaquig study found that increasing infusion volume per site resulted in a reduction of injection sites, while increasing infusion rates decreased infusion duration. The research also showed that dosing every other week demonstrated equivalency to trough levels with weekly dosing.
A Phase 1 clinical trial of AAHI's thermostable, freeze-dried single-vial ID93 + GLA-SE vaccine candidate showed higher levels of antibodies and favorable cellular immune responses compared to the two-vial presentation. The results represent significant progress in global efforts to combat TB.
A nationwide Danish trial found that emphasizing cardiovascular benefits and a repeat-letter strategy increased vaccinations by 0.89% and 0.73%, respectively. These low-cost interventions have the potential to overcome vaccine hesitancy in high-risk populations, preventing illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths.
High-dose anticoagulation reduces intubations and deaths by 30% in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially those with ARDS. The study found a significant reduction in mortality and need for ICU care among patients treated with therapeutic anticoagulation.
A virtual care team consisting of physicians and pharmacists improved the adoption of life-saving therapies in patients with heart failure, leading to increased use of evidence-based treatments and better patient outcomes. The strategy was safe and effective, with comparable length of stay and safety events between the groups.
A Phase 1 trial of a thermostable tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate found it to be safe and stimulated both antibodies and cellular responses. The vaccine, ID93+GLA-SE, was well-tolerated and produced higher levels of antibodies in recipients compared to a non-thermostable formulation.
The study found that transcatheter edge-to-edge repair achieved a successful repair for nearly 9 out of 10 patients and reduced valve leakage from severe to moderate or less in almost 90% of patients. Patients who underwent the procedure were half as likely to die within one year compared with those in whom the procedure was unsuccessful.
A new study shows that transcatheter mitral valve repair significantly reduces hospitalizations by almost 50 percent and death by nearly 30 percent in heart failure patients with severe mitral regurgitation. The procedure, using Abbott's MitraClip system, improves symptoms, reduces hospitalizations, and leads to longer survival.
Researchers have developed a microfluidic squeezing technology that stimulates anti-tumor activity in a subtype of HPV16-positive head and neck, cervical, and anal cancers. The treatment uses peripheral blood mononuclear cells trained to recognize and attack cancer cells without genetic modifications.
Researchers at University of Birmingham develop AI diagnostic tool to predict ulcerative colitis flare-ups with 89% accuracy. The system identifies markers of inflammation and healing, providing analytical support for clinicians in managing the disease.
Researchers discovered a new personalized immunotherapy combination that treats aggressive forms of advanced prostate cancer. By blocking PD-1-expressing macrophages and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation, the therapy significantly improves response rates in PTEN-deficient cancers.
A retrospective cohort study found that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) significantly reduced the risk of end-stage renal disease, obstructive airway disease, and pneumonia in patients with type 2 diabetes. SGLT2i may be a better alternative to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for extra-glycaemic protection.
A recent study found that public investment in critical research contributed significantly to the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The US government invested at least $337 million in research over 35 years, including basic science and vaccine development.
A systematic review of Cognitive Functional Therapy found it to be no better than traditional therapies in reducing pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain. The researchers call for future trials featuring blinded participants and larger sample sizes to improve current evidence.
A new dietary approach has been identified to treat eosinophilic esophagitis by eliminating only dairy products, showing similar effectiveness to the standard six-food elimination diet. This breakthrough study led by CU School of Medicine researchers offers a more patient-friendly treatment option with fewer drawbacks.
A new study finds that a combination of chemotherapy drugs performs better than BCG in preventing high-grade cancer recurrence in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. This alternative treatment has shown excellent safety and efficacy outcomes, providing a viable option for patients facing a shortage of standard care treatm...
A decade-long analysis reveals that most clinical trials are never cited by the time they reach point-of-care, with less than one in two Phase III trials being cited across 9 out of 18 medical specialties. The study found that NIH funding correlates strongly with citation rates, with costs ranging from $48,086 to $874 per new citation.
A new cell therapy has demonstrated significant benefits in improving the heart's pumping ability and reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke in patients with chronic heart failure. The therapy, using mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs), also showed a strong signal in reducing inflammation and improving microv...
A new study found that eliminating animal milk alone from the diet of adults with eosinophilic esophagitis is just as effective as eliminating six common foods, including animal milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and nuts. The one-food elimination diet may be a more manageable option for people with EoE.
Researchers re-examine molecular characteristics of WNT-subgroup patients to identify optimal treatment strategies for low-risk medulloblastoma. Key findings suggest that therapy-related late toxicity remains a concern, despite comparable survival rates between children and adolescents with this disease subtype.
Researchers found that IVC filters were effective in preventing pulmonary embolisms (PE) in patients with deep vein blood clots, even when used prophylactically. Approximately half of the patients had their filters removed without complication or recurrence of DVT or PE.
The ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies Congress 2023 features presentations on drug discovery and development for various targets, precision medicine, and early clinical trial methodology. Keynote lectures highlight novel insights in mutational signatures and epigenetic therapies.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that oral empagliflozin provided clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in glycemic control in young people with type 2 diabetes. The study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of empagliflozin in this population, while linagliptin did not show significant effects.
Researchers found that dose escalation to 600mg of ME improved disease control in five patients, while stable disease was observed in another five patients with an average duration of 15 weeks. Additionally, patients reported overall improved quality of life via a questionnaire.
A new clinical trial has shown safety and tolerability of oral GABA and reduced serum glucagon levels in children with recent onset Type 1 diabetes. The study focused on the potential of GABA and GAD to preserve insulin-secreting beta cells and attenuate excessive glucagon release.
A new study led by University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers found that focused ultrasound treatment significantly reduced tremors and improved mobility in Parkinson's patients. Nearly 70% of treated patients showed a successful response after three months, with two-thirds continuing to respond a year later.
Researchers found dapivirine levels in breast milk to be very low, posing no safety concerns. The study supports the inclusion of breastfeeding populations in global guidelines for the use of the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV prevention.
A fast-dissolving insert containing TAF and EVG was found safe and effective in preventing HIV transmission through anal sex. The study delivered high levels of the drugs to rectal tissue and fluid, with potential protection for up to three days after use.
A new type of digestive endoscopy called Endocytoscopy can diagnose early esophageal cancers without the need for biopsies. Studies have shown that it achieves high accuracy (95%) and specificity (92%) rates, comparable to traditional pathological biopsy methods.
Researchers found that a combination of symptom and high-level viral rebound after untreated COVID-19 infection is rare, occurring in only 3 percent of study participants. This suggests that accounting for underlying rates of symptom relapse is crucial when evaluating antiviral treatment effects.
The DELIVER study found that the vaginal dapivirine ring posed no safety concerns when used in the third trimester of pregnancy. The study enrolled women at different stages of gestation and reported similar pregnancy outcomes between those using the ring and a placebo.
A groundbreaking study found that a new TB treatment strategy can shorten treatment duration while maintaining effectiveness. The TRUNCATE-TB trial showed that an initial 8-week treatment period followed by retreatment for those not cured was as effective as the standard 6-month treatment but halved the average total time on treatment.
Researchers found that an immersive virtual reality (IVR) intervention significantly improved pain and anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing a blood draw. The IVR group showed better outcomes compared to the control group.
Research found PIRI to be an independent predictor of infarct growth rate and 90-day outcomes in large-vessel occlusive stroke. The study suggests PIRI may help identify patients who could benefit from late-window endovascular thrombectomy.
The NIH is conducting a clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of S-217622, an investigational antiviral drug, in hospitalized adults with COVID-19. The trial aims to determine if S-217622 can improve recovery times compared to a placebo.
An international survey found that most health and nutrition claims on infant formula products are backed by little to no high-quality scientific evidence. The study identified 757 products with an average of two claims each, including benefits for brain development, immunity, and growth.
The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) will present 29 presentations at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) 2023. The studies focus on COVID-19, HIV cure, pathogenesis, treatment, long-term complications, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and contraception.
A new clinical trial will assess the efficacy of an AI-powered massage robot, EMMA, in managing chronic low back pain. The study aims to explore the effectiveness of robotic Tuina therapy in alleviating pain and improving health outcomes.
A new neuroprotectant medication called ApTOLL has been shown to improve survival and reduce long-term disability among patients with stroke. The study found that ApTOLL, when used in conjunction with standard treatments, reduced death and brain damage, suggesting a promising new approach to treating stroke.
New research supports the role of strawberry consumption in promoting heart health, with potential benefits including decreased cholesterol and inflammation. Studies show that eating strawberries daily may improve insulin resistance and vascular function, supporting a 'food as medicine' approach for preventing type 2 diabetes and cardi...
Researchers from the University of Colorado found that Paxlovid significantly reduced rates of hospitalization and death among non-hospitalized patients infected with recent Omicron subvariants. The study used real-world data from 28,000 patients and suggested a benefit for Paxlovid in preventing severe disease.
A large international clinical study found that patients with large strokes had significantly better recovery after endovascular thrombectomy plus medical management. The SELECT2 study showed almost 20% of patients who received thrombectomy regained functional independence, compared to 7% on medical treatment only.
A phase 2 trial found that talimogene laherparepvec combined with chemotherapy provided strong responses and immune cell activation in 45.9% of patients with early stage triple-negative breast cancer. Tumor samples showed high levels of tumor-fighting T cells, indicating a potential for improved outcomes.