Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
Studies found underrepresentation of American Indian, Asian, Black, and Latinx groups in obstetrics and gynecology research. The disparity varies by race, ethnicity, subspecialty, and funder, with some subspecialties having more diverse trials than others.
A study suggests that increasing the inefficiency of physical activity, like walking in the style of Monty Python's Mr. Teabag, can have important public health benefits. Adults could achieve global physical activity targets by doing just a few minutes of teabag-style walking per day.
The use of 3D-patient tumor avatars (3D-PTAs) is crucial for guiding treatment decisions in precision oncology. These avatars, including patient-derived organoids, 3D bioprinting, and microscale models, can accurately depict a tumor with its microenvironment, enabling the testing and prediction of therapeutic drug efficacy.
A pooled data analysis of 7 clinical trials found that probiotics, including Lactobacillus salivarius and Streptococcus salivarius, reduced OLP scores and volatile sulphuric compound levels in the mouth. However, the effects were relatively short-lived and more high-quality research is needed to verify these findings.
The study estimated that the NCI-funded NCTN trials have added at least 14.2 million life-years to cancer patients in the US, representing a cost of $326 per year. The trials have had a significant impact on clinical care, with 87.7% of their findings cited as evidence in guidelines and package inserts.
A new multidrug treatment combining pembrolizumab and all-trans retinoic acid has proven effective in treating stage IV melanoma, with an overall response rate of 71% and a one-year overall survival rate of 80%. The study's results are promising for patients who have failed traditional immunotherapy.
A recent analysis of Psychiatric Genomics Consortium datasets found genetic correlations between psychiatric disorders differ between European and East Asian populations. Japanese psychiatrists tend to diagnose bipolar disorder less frequently in patients with psychotic features.
Researchers investigate how lung cancers evade the immune system to develop more effective immunotherapy treatments. The study aims to uncover a new way lung cancers disguise themselves from the immune system, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.
A large-scale randomized clinical trial confirms the safety of three Ebola vaccine regimens, inducing an immune response that persists for up to 12 months. The study suggests that vaccines can be a crucial tool in fighting the spread of the disease in sub-Saharan African countries.
A large VA clinical trial found that chlorthalidone (CTD) was not superior to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) for preventing cardiovascular disease or non-cancer death. The study enrolled over 13,500 Veterans with high blood pressure and showed no difference between the two drugs in terms of effectiveness.
The Ebola vaccine trials found all three regimens safe in both age groups, with antibody responses detectable for one year. The study enrolled over 3,100 volunteers in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali.
The updated guidelines aim to increase impact and improve research integrity by defining and measuring outcomes in clinical trials. The new extensions include nine outcome-specific items that should be defined in all trial protocols and 17 additional items to address in published reports, ensuring transparency and relevance for patients.
A new clinical trial has found that chemotherapy before surgery significantly improves 1-year survival rates for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The study, led by the University of Liverpool, compared immediate surgery with short-course neoadjuvant therapy and found a significant survival benefit.
Researchers from Japan have developed an RNA interference method using antisense oligonucleotides to correct a genetic defect in Fukuyama Muscular Dystrophy. This approach has shown promise in treating patients with the disease, which is characterized by generalized muscle weakness and intellectual disability.
A unique clinical trial has achieved a remarkable 97% induction survival rate in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) by providing a simplified treatment regimen and 24/7 support from APL experts. This collaborative care model, known as EA9131, significantly reduced early deaths and improved overall survival rates.
Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital found that talquetamab, a bispecific antibody, was successful in killing multiple myeloma cells in over 70% of patients. This therapy directs the immune system to target cancer cells and has shown promise even for those who have resisted all other treatments.
Researchers have demonstrated successful re-treatment with CAR T cell therapy for patients whose cancers relapsed after previous treatment. The novel fourth-generation CAR T therapy, huCART19-IL18, showed safe and potent antitumor efficacy in a Phase I clinical trial.
The University of Birmingham has developed a validated symptom burden questionnaire for Long COVID, which can now be translated into hundreds of languages. The questionnaire, called SBQ-Long COVID, aims to capture the complexities of Long COVID and develop or test new treatments.
Dr. Keith Chan joins Houston Methodist to enhance chemoimmunotherapy responses in bladder cancer, while also expanding research into pancreatic and skin cancers. He will lead translational research and mentor next-generation cancer researchers.
A web-based multicomponent intervention has been shown to improve blood pressure control and lower blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension. The study included 4,100 patients and found that such an intervention can provide a new, effective way to treat hypertension in the community.
A new study allows people with type 2 diabetes to choose their own medication after trying three different drugs in succession. The approach resulted in better glucose control and fewer side effects compared to other methods. Researchers conclude that patients should try before choosing a treatment for optimal results.
A new investigation from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that patients perceived important benefits from Cancer Clinical Trials (CCT) participation, which was associated with trial retention. The study suggests that understanding these perceptions is crucial for improving trial retention rates.
The Cochrane review analyzed data from 41 randomized controlled trials of 12 different COVID-19 vaccines, involving 433,838 people worldwide. The review found that most vaccines reduced the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe disease, with few reported side effects.
Researchers found that the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery is a promising option for measuring cognitive change in people with intellectual disability. The study shows that the test is sensitive to developmental changes in children, teens, and young adults, which can help guide effective interventions.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 122 US-based COVID-19 clinical trials found female participants were underrepresented in treatment trials, while Asian and Black participants were underrepresented in prevention trials. Hispanic or Latino participants were overrepresented in treatment trials.
A randomized clinical trial found that two anti-inflammatory strategies reduced disease activity and arterial inflammation in patients with moderate to high rheumatoid arthritis. The treatments had no differences in cardiovascular risk reduction, highlighting the importance of specific clinical trials for this population.
Early stage clinical studies confirm 40Hz sensory stimulation is safe, with no serious adverse effects. The therapy also showed significant neurological and behavioral benefits, including improved brain activity, reduced brain atrophy, and better sleep patterns.
A large US study found that excess oxygen during surgery is associated with a higher risk of kidney, heart, and lung injury. The study of over 350,000 patients suggests that liberal use of oxygen may be harmful to the body's cells and tissues.
A global Phase 2/3 clinical trial found that vaccination with SCB-2019 reduced the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 infection to household members. The study showed a significant reduction in symptomatic cases among vaccinated household contacts and indicated that vaccines can play an important role in controlling future outbreaks.
Researchers identify POLQ's vital role in responding to DNA replication stress and its potential as a cancer target. Inhibiting POLQ may limit mutation diversity and cancer evolution, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
A randomized clinical trial of 8,800 school-age children with high vitamin D deficiency showed no impact on growth or pubertal development after 3 years of weekly oral vitamin D administration. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with stunting and obesity in children.
A new £2.9 million trial will recruit children and adults hospitalised with severe flu from 150 UK hospitals over two years. The adaptive platform trial will test multiple treatments, including anti-viral drugs and steroids, to determine the best use of NHS resources.
A recent study found that cannabis studies are often reported in positive terms in the media regardless of their results. The analysis of 20 studies involving 1,500 individuals showed a moderate to large placebo response, where pain was rated as being significantly less intense after treatment with placebo.
A new biomarker has been identified with up to 89% accuracy for corticobasal degeneration, a primary tauopathy. The discovery could accelerate progress toward therapies for this rare brain disease, which is often misdiagnosed due to similar symptoms.
Patients with high-risk stage III-IV melanoma who received pembrolizumab after surgery reported better quality of life than those on ipilimumab or high-dose interferon. The treatment also reduced disease recurrence and improved overall survival.
Biovac has concluded a licensing agreement with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to manufacture an oral cholera vaccine, addressing the critical shortage of vaccines needed to prevent cholera globally. The partnership aims to increase production volumes, reduce supply gaps, and support Africa's indigenous vaccine industry.
Black and Hispanic men are underrepresented in prostate cancer clinical trials compared to their incidence rate. The representation of Black patients has remained consistently low over the past two decades.
A study published in Oncotarget found that APOE genotype is associated with the presence and severity of cancer treatment-related side effects and symptoms, as well as the response to exercise-based interventions in cancer survivors. ApoE4 carriers showed a lower fall rate after exercise intervention compared to non-carriers.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of ADC clinical trials found that 91.2% of patients experienced treatment-related adverse events, with serious side effects including neutropenia, hypoesthesia, and thrombocytopenia. The study highlights the need for clinicians to address these toxicities in ADCs' use.
The UC San Diego Alpha Stem Cell Clinic will receive $8 million in funding to launch new clinical trials and improve accessibility of stem cell therapies. The clinic has already launched 59 clinical trials and treated 277 patients with various diseases.
Researchers from the SWOG Cancer Research Network presented several abstracts at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Two trials found that adding one year of everolimus to adjuvant endocrine therapy did not improve IDFS or OS for HR+, HER2- breast cancer patients, but premenopausal patients showed statistically significant lo...
Outreach messages via electronic health record patient portals increased well child care visit scheduling and COVID-19 vaccine receipt in a randomized clinical trial of 945 patients. This tool may help restore delayed well child care in populations affected by the pandemic.
Researchers from Kessler Foundation are enrolling participants in a national trial testing a breakthrough device for improving recovery after stroke. The EMAGINE Stroke Recovery Trial pairs therapeutic exercise with electromagnetic stimulation to enhance brain and spinal cord function.
A new study analyzed tumor biopsies from patients with newly-diagnosed germinal center B cell lymphoma and found that CREBBP mutations were associated with lower disease-free survival rates. The researchers identified CLMA as a practical tool to translate experimental findings into clinical applications.
A 30-year follow-up study of patients with early breast cancer found that radiotherapy does not improve overall survival rates after 10 years but reduces the risk of recurrence in the same breast. The study's findings challenge traditional concepts of long-term anti-cancer benefits of radiotherapy.
The USC+CHLA Alpha Clinic will advance clinical trials of new cell and gene therapies, engaging underserved communities and training the workforce that conducts them. This program complements existing efforts to translate discoveries into new therapies for better health outcomes.
Researchers found that raw honey from single floral sources lowers fasting blood glucose, total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation. Honey's health benefits depend on processing, floral source, and quantity.
The FDA's investigation into its own oversight of clinical trials reveals a concerning lack of surveillance, leaving room for scientific misconduct. Experts argue that the agency should inspect sites more frequently to ensure data quality and integrity.
A new prodrug called DRP-104 targets cancer cells' high demand for glutamine, eliminating them while sparing healthy tissues. The drug is in early-stage clinical trials for advanced solid tumors and shows promise as a safer alternative to existing treatments.
Research on interventions to mitigate housing insecurity found low-certainty evidence of positive health outcomes, primarily for emergency rent assistance and homeownership assistance. However, existing interventions may need to be paired with other efforts to address structural determinants of health.
A new study has shown that total ankle replacement and ankle fusion surgeries equally improve quality of life for patients with advanced ankle osteoarthritis. However, a fixed bearing joint replacement showed significant improvement over ankle fusion in clinical scores.
A recent clinical trial shows that genicular nerve blocks provide short-term pain relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients who received the blocks reported significant improvement in pain scores, particularly at weeks 2 and 4.
A phase 2 clinical trial has generated promising results for deucravacitinib, an oral inhibitor of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), in patients with active lupus. The study found that patients treated with deucravacitinib experienced significant improvements in disease activity, with response rates ranging from 34% to 58% compared to placebo.
Researchers report positive results from the first placebo-controlled trial of anifrolumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting type I interferon receptor in patients with lupus. Treatment with anifrolumab was well-tolerated and sustained reduction in lupus disease activity.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that teaching fall prevention using home floor plans reduced falls in older hospital patients by 97% compared to a control group. The intervention group had no falls within two months of discharge, while the control group experienced 7.7% falls.
The study aims to assess the effectiveness of recombinant Factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in decreasing bleeding in the brain of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). ICH is a deadly stroke type with no effective treatment, and this trial seeks to improve outcomes.
A new study from the University of Bath has found that clinical trials on heated tobacco products (HTPs) are often biased, with many being funded or affiliated with the tobacco industry. This raises concerns about the validity of HTPs as a safer alternative to cigarettes.
The West Texas Pharmacology Core laboratory at TTUHSC will focus on two primary areas: drug development and pediatric cancer. The core aims to address obstacles in drug development, including limited pharmacology expertise for small biotech companies and low profitability for pediatric cancer drugs.
The Wyss Center's ABILITY system, a fully implantable brain-computer interface, records neural activity in sheep with high accuracy, decoding fine movement intention from small brain areas. The device is designed to improve quality of life and independence for people with severe paralysis.
Researchers developed a 'leapfrog design' to efficiently test new psychological interventions. This method allows for the quick identification of ineffective interventions and rapid integration of new findings, leading to faster optimization of existing treatments.