Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
A new, shorter combination treatment has been shown to be effective in treating visceral leishmaniasis in Eastern Africa. The treatment, which combines miltefosine and paromomycin, is safer and reduces hospitalization time by 18%, eliminating the need for painful daily injections.
Researchers identified a specific gut bacterium responsible for antibiotic-induced GVHD after stem cell transplants. A sugar supplement was found to improve gut health by distracting the bacteria from attacking mucin in the intestinal lining, reducing complications such as GVHD.
Alzheimer's researchers highlight the need for more diverse participation in clinical trials, citing underrepresentation of African Americans and Latinos. They offer solutions to improve recruitment, including culturally sensitive cognitive tests and partnerships with community organizations.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.
A USC-led team has found indications for an early breast cancer detection method using high-definition liquid biopsies. The test detected multiple cancer biomarkers, including 'oncosomes,' in the blood samples of most early-stage breast cancer patients.
A cohort study found that endoscopists performing colonoscopies in FIT-based screening programs should aim for markedly higher ADRs compared to primary colonoscopy screening. The study suggests that high ADRs are associated with lower colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Researchers recommend using ADR targets, including differen...
A phase 3 clinical trial showed tofersen reduces SOD1 and neurofilament light protein levels, slowing down disease progression. Longer-term use may help stabilize muscle strength and control in people with genetic ALS.
Neflamapimod, a p38α kinase inhibitor, demonstrates reversible neurodegeneration in animal models and improves clinical endpoints associated with cholinergic neuronal function in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies. The findings support the initiation of a confirmatory Phase 2b clinical trial for neflamapimod.
Lenabasum has been shown to improve skin symptoms in patients with amyopathic dermatomyositis, demonstrating significant reductions in inflammation and disease severity. The study's findings suggest that lenabasum is a well-tolerated treatment option for refractory skin disease.
A randomized clinical trial found that protein restriction diets can lead to weight loss, improved blood sugar and lipid levels, and controlled blood pressure. The study involved 21 patients with metabolic syndrome, who were given either a calorie or protein restriction diet for 27 days.
Researchers from Temple University Health System developed a device that significantly reduces blood clot size in pulmonary arteries, leading to improved heart function and shorter treatment duration. The breakthrough is based on data collected in the NIH-sponsored RESCUE trial.
A randomized trial found that a 12-week online yoga program improved knee function in participants, but did not significantly reduce knee pain during walking. The study suggests that unsupervised online yoga programs can be feasible and improve physical function, but more research is needed to sustain the effectiveness.
The PASCAL transcatheter valve repair system showed non-inferiority compared to MitraClip in treating significant symptomatic DMR. Patients experienced improvements in functional and quality-of-life outcomes.
A study using STS/ACC TVT Registry data found that most patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and cardiogenic shock who underwent TEER achieved successful MR reduction, with associated lower mortality and heart failure hospitalizations at one year. Device success was linked to improved survival rates in a high-risk population.
The September issue of CHEST journal features 40 articles on clinically relevant topics, including disparities in rural populations with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The journal also offers complementary web and multimedia activities to expand its reach.
Researchers have developed a malaria vaccine candidate that is safe and immunogenic in adults, offering improved protection against the disease. The vaccine combines FMP013 antigen with ALFQ adjuvant, which displays promising immune-enhancing effects.
A recent study published in Ear, Nose & Throat Journal found that twice-daily nasal irrigation with saline solution significantly reduced hospitalizations and deaths among patients with COVID-19, particularly those aged 55 and older. The technique is safe, effective, and inexpensive, offering a vital public health impact.
In an international clinical trial, 63.3% of patients with stage II-IV cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma saw their tumors nearly or completely disappear when treated with immunotherapy before surgery. The anti-PD1 therapy cemiplimab was well-tolerated and met its primary endpoint with a pathologic complete response rate of 50.6%.
A phase 2 study found that combining nivolumab and ipilimumab showed a high response rate with durable results for patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. The addition of stereotactic body radiation therapy did not improve efficacy in this dual checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Weekly injections of semaglutide reduce type 2 diabetes risk by over 60%, mirroring significant weight loss. Sustained treatment is necessary to maintain the benefit.
Researchers found that starting pembrolizumab before surgery significantly improves the outlook for patients with stage III-IV melanoma. The study showed a 42% lower event rate in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy compared to those receiving adjuvant therapy.
The DeFi trial shows targeting the Notch pathway with nirogacestat improves progression-free survival and reduces symptoms in patients with desmoid tumours. Patients reported a statistically significant benefit in reduced pain, symptom burden, and improved quality of life.
Scientists have discovered a link between air pollution and lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) has been shown to promote cancerous changes in airway cells with EGFR and KRAS gene mutations, driving them towards a cancer stem cell-like state.
A Phase 3 clinical trial is enrolling adults and children with monkeypox infection in the US to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tecovirimat (TPOXX). The trial aims to gather data on lesion healing, pain scores, disease progression, and safety.
A randomized phase III trial found that combination hormonal therapy, delivered for a finite treatment interval of 12 months, more durably suppresses PSA levels compared to hormone injections alone. The treatment approach improved disease progression in patients with high-risk biochemically relapsed prostate cancer.
The PROSPER RCC trial showed no difference in recurrence-free survival between arms, with higher adverse events reported in the nivolumab arm. The trial's results inform future research on neoadjuvant trials in high-risk renal cell carcinoma.
A clinical trial evaluating alternative strategies for administering the JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine has begun enrolling adult volunteers. The trial aims to expand the vaccine supply and provide important information on immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability of alternative dosing approaches.
Two large clinical trials found that vitamin D supplements did not reduce the risk of covid-19 or acute respiratory infections, contradicting previous studies' mixed results. The trials involved over 30,000 adults and showed no effect of vitamin D supplementation on infection rates or side effects.
A new study published in The Lancet shows that telemedicine can provide safe and effective abortion services without routine ultrasound exams. Women who received telemedicine care had treatment results similar to those who received standard care, and preferred the option.
A targeted kinase inhibitor added to a two-drug immunotherapy combination slowed the progression of advanced kidney cancer in previously untreated patients. The three-drug combination showed a 27% lower risk of progression or death compared to the two-drug control, with a median progression-free survival of 11.3 months.
Researchers are exploring the use of electrical spinal cord stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries regain some movement. The study will investigate how the central nervous system changes in response to stimulation and exercise, with the goal of developing more effective rehabilitation strategies.
A randomized controlled trial found that both BVLR and surgery lead to significant improvements in lung function, breathlessness, and exercise capacity. The study suggests that less invasive BVLR may be a good therapeutic option for suitable patients, offering a similar outcome to traditional surgery.
A phase II study found that treating late-stage, treatment-resistant melanoma patients with a combination of Azacitidine and Carboplatin significantly increases their survival times. The treatment re-sensitized cancer cells to immunotherapy, allowing the body's immune system to fight the cancer.
A novel stem cell-gene therapy has been shown to be safe in humans, with no serious side effects reported in the first trial. The treatment targets motor neurons that die in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disorder.
A study led by the University of Pittsburgh found that the TV drama 'This Is Us' reduced stigma around Alzheimer's disease and encouraged family discussions about aging plans. The narrative was developed in consultation with experts and met with the show's writers to ensure accuracy.
A new study from the Smidt Heart Institute shows that when height is accounted for, women are 50% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AFib) than men. The study's findings suggest that medical practitioners must remain vigilant in promoting AFib prevention and early interventions among both female and male patients.
A clinical trial found that long-term use of evolocumab led to further reductions in cardiovascular events compared to shorter treatment. Participants who received evolocumab for over 5 years had lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization.
Higher SARS-CoV-2 antigen levels in hospitalized patients correlate with worse pulmonary function and longer hospital stays. Antigen levels also predict disease severity and outcomes, suggesting their potential as a biomarker for COVID-19 treatment.
A large cross-sectional study found that baseline plasma antigen levels are highly associated with both the severity of pulmonary illness and clinically important patient outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Higher antigen levels were linked to increased risk of pulmonary worsening and delayed hospital discharge.
A clinical trial has shown that full-dose anticoagulation therapy is more effective than standard-dose prophylactic anticoagulation in preventing blood clotting complications in COVID-19 patients. The study found a significant reduction in venous or arterial clotting complications among patients who received full-dose treatment.
A new drug has proven effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, with results at least as good as the current 'gold standard' treatment. The medication targets a specific messenger molecule involved in inflammation and joint damage, offering a new approach to managing autoimmune disease.
Researchers outline a five-step approach to increase racial representation in cancer clinical trials through DRIVE: Diversity officer, Ranking of clinical studies, Individual diversity plan, Verification, and Training. This can lead to more inclusive and individualized treatment for diverse patient populations.
A new study has partly restored the function of retina's cone receptors in two completely colorblind children using gene therapy. The treatment has been shown to activate previously dormant communication pathways between the retina and brain, drawing on the plastic nature of the developing adolescent brain.
Observational research suggests that 7-MX inhibits excessive eye lengthening and slows myopia progression in Danish children. The study found that higher doses of 7-MX were more effective in slowing myopia growth.
Researchers at Texas Biomed have developed a modified tuberculosis vaccine that can treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer without strong side effects. The delipidated vaccine triggers well-regulated immune responses and reduces inflammation, making it more effective than traditional treatments.
Researchers have developed a new compound, afimetoran, that prevents lupus-like symptoms and reverses organ damage in mice. The compound works by blocking toll-like receptors 7 and 8, which are involved in the immune system's response to viral RNA. Phase 2 clinical trials are underway to test its effectiveness in humans.
The study found that metformin lowers the odds of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or death due to COVID-19 by over 40 percent. Metformin also showed a significant reduction in serious outcomes when prescribed early in the onset of symptoms.
Using standing desks alongside other measures reduced office workers' sitting time by about an hour a day over one year, leading to small improvements in stress, well-being, and energy levels. A height-adjustable desk was three times more effective than the standard SWAL intervention in reducing sitting time.
Most COVID-19 therapeutics clinical trials were publicly funded, with 58% of trials receiving public funding, followed by industry (27%) and partnerships (15%). Clinical trials focused primarily on COVID-19 therapeutics rather than vaccines.
The expert panel identified actionable and inclusive solutions to accelerate the development of novel therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. The panel suggested strategies such as increasing diverse population representation, addressing logistical, financial, and trust barriers to participate in trials.
A double-blind study found that 12.5% of placebo-treated individuals and 1% of BCG-treated individuals met criteria for confirmed COVID-19, indicating a 92% vaccine effectiveness. The BCG-vaccinated group also displayed protective effects against other infectious diseases, including fewer symptoms and reduced disease events.
A small clinical trial found that OP-101 substantially reduced the risk of death and need for a ventilator in severely ill adults hospitalized with COVID-19. The treatment also showed significant benefits in decreasing biomarkers of inflammation and brain injury, suggesting potential for treating long COVID-related symptoms.
Researchers at Duke University have created a lab-made cartilage substitute that is stronger and more durable than natural cartilage. The hydrogel material can withstand even more stress from pulling and squishing, with improved strength and durability compared to previous methods.
A monoclonal antibody, mepolizumab, decreased asthma attacks in Black and Hispanic children and adolescents living in low-income urban neighborhoods. The study identified three networks of genes associated with airway inflammation and asthma attacks that were reduced by the drug.
A new study led by MIT economist Amy Finkelstein found that for every nine adults who gained access to Medicaid in Oregon, one previously eligible child was added to the Medicaid rolls. The effect is modest but economically meaningful, with children costing four times less to cover than adults.
A pooled data analysis of 21 international clinical trials involving nearly 30,000 people found that salt substitutes lowered blood pressure and reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and early death. The benefits were consistent across different geography, age, sex, and health conditions.
A new combination drug therapy addressing the disorder's underlying defects has been found to be beneficial for primary school-aged children with cystic fibrosis. The study, conducted at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, confirmed that earlier treatment can slow disease progression and improve lung function and quality of life.
A Phase 1 clinical trial found a monoclonal antibody to be highly protective against malaria in US adults. L9LS was administered subcutaneously and fully protected 88% of participants from infection.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a new imaging tool that uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) and machine learning to detect and classify cancerous tissue samples with high accuracy. The technique, which was tested on patients in a trial, showed a 93% diagnostic accuracy rate.
The new tuberculosis vaccine candidate VPM1002 shows its safety and efficacy in a study of HIV-exposed and non-HIV-exposed newborns. The vaccine has fewer side effects compared to the existing BCG vaccine, and elicits a similar immune response.