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Promising results from psilocybin trial for treatment-resistant depression

Researchers conducted the largest clinical trial to date of psilocybin, finding a statistically significant rapid reduction in symptoms of depression. The study suggests that COMP360 psilocybin with psychological support could be an effective treatment strategy for people with treatment-resistant depression.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 7, 2022

Clinical trial finds novel therapy markedly reduced lipoprotein(a) levels in people with cardiovascular disease

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that olpasiran, a small interfering RNA drug, significantly reduces lipoprotein(a) levels in patients with established cardiovascular disease. The treatment was associated with minimal serious side effects apart from injection site reactions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 6, 2022

Bivalirudin found to be safer and more effective than heparin for treating heart attack patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

A new study has shown that bivalirudin is a safer and more effective anticoagulant than heparin for treating heart attack patients. The trial found that bivalirudin significantly reduced death, major bleeding, and thrombosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 6, 2022

Cleveland Clinic study identifies blood pressure drug as potential treatment for Black patients with Alzheimer’s disease

A new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that telmisartan, a blood pressure medication, is associated with lower risk of Alzheimer's specifically in Black patients over 60. The study analyzed data from over 5 million patients and suggests that future clinical trials should prioritize minority populations to find or reinfor...

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateNov 4, 2022

Adding stratification factors can reduce a small trial’s statistical power

A computational study found that adding more than two stratification factors to a phase 2 trial can significantly reduce its statistical power, making it harder to detect a positive result. For modestly sized trials with 84 participants, using four or six stratification factors resulted in power decreases of 13% and 25%, respectively.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2022

Many middle-aged adults wary of taking part in studies of dementia prevention drugs

A new study found that only 12% of middle-aged adults are willing to participate in dementia prevention drug trials, citing concerns over the risks involved. The study suggests prioritizing those with a family history or perceived personal risk for dementia and communicating about trial safety could increase participation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer s Disease·TypeSurvey·DateNov 2, 2022

Preliminary data suggest that ROS1 inhibitor, NVL-520, is well-tolerated and active in non-small cell lung cancer: first results from ARROS-1 phase I clinical trial

In the ARROS-1 trial, 48% of patients achieved partial responses to NVL-520, with responses seen across all dose levels and in heavily pre-treated patients. The treatment also showed promise for brain metastases, with three out of three patients experiencing measurable response or no emergence of new metastases.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2022

Targeted lung cancer drug shows promise in phase I/II clinical trial

The TRIDENT-1 trial suggests that repotrectinib could be effective for treating ROS1 positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients who have received other targeted treatments and those who have not. The drug showed promising results, with an objective response rate of 79% in patients not previously treated with a ROS TKI.

Crossword puzzles beat computer video games in slowing memory loss

A new study published in NEJM Evidence found that crossword puzzle training significantly improved cognitive function and daily activities, reducing brain shrinkage in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The findings suggest that engaging with familiar activities like crossword puzzles may be more effective than computerized co...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2022

Experimental drug to treat liver cancer shows evidence of activity with manageable side effects

A new experimental drug has shown promising results in treating liver cancer, with two patients experiencing a partial response to the treatment. The drug, NMS-01940153E, targets an enzyme that plays a critical role in cell division and growth, and its side effects are manageable.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2022

Anti-cancer drugs, olaparib and adavosertib, work best when given sequentially in patients with advanced tumours driven by DNA damage response mutations: results from Phase Ib STAR clinical trial

A Phase Ib clinical trial found that sequential administration of PARP inhibitor olaparib and WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib is safe and well-tolerated, with promising signs of anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced cancers driven by DNA damage response mutations. The combination showed durable responses in patients with resistant c...

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2022

Researchers identify specific alterations in the BRAF gene that may affect response to treatment and survival in adult brain cancers

The study found that BRAF alterations, particularly Class I mutations like v600E, are associated with improved overall survival in adults with glioma. However, the effectiveness of targeted therapies depends on the specific type and combination of genetic alterations driving the cancer.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2022

At risk for diabetes? Cut the carbs, says new study

Researchers at Tulane University have discovered that following a low-carbohydrate diet can lead to reduced hemoglobin A1c levels and improved fasting glucose levels among individuals with unmedicated diabetes and prediabetes. The study suggests that a low-carb diet may be a useful approach for preventing and treating Type 2 diabetes.

SourceTulane University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2022

Effects of low-carbohydrate dietary intervention on A1C

A 6-month randomized clinical trial found that a low-carbohydrate diet intervention resulted in larger reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels compared to usual diet among adults with elevated untreated HbA1c. The study suggests that this dietary approach may be useful for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 26, 2022

Controlling gut flora can reduce mortality in critically ill patients on life support

A randomized clinical trial found that applying topical antibiotics to the upper digestive tract can improve survival rates in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients. The study, published in JAMA, also showed a significant reduction in new hospital-acquired infections.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2022

Results revealed from phase I clinical trial of the first drug to successfully inhibit the MYC gene, which drives many common cancers

Researchers have found a drug that targets the key, cancer-causing gene MYC has been able to inhibit its function safely and effectively. Eight out of 12 patients showed stabilisation of disease after treatment with OMO-103, with one patient experiencing a reduction in tumour-derived DNA circulating in the blood stream.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2022

Vitamin D deficiency linked to premature death

A new study from the University of South Australia found that severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of mortality. The research evaluated 307,601 records from the UK Biobank and found that individuals with low vitamin D levels had a significantly decreased risk of death over a 14-year follow-up period.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2022

Three week hypo-fractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) with concurrent boost is not inferior to conventional WBI with a sequential boost following lumpectomy for patients with high-risk, early-stage breast cancer

A Phase III trial found that hypo-fractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) with concurrent boost is not inferior to conventional WBI with a sequential boost following lumpectomy in patients with high-risk, early-stage breast cancer. The study showed comparable effectiveness and toxicity outcomes between the two treatment options.

Three-week course of radiation safe and effective for patients with early-stage breast cancer and elevated risk of recurrence

A randomized phase III trial found that hypofractionated whole-breast radiation with concurrent boost is comparable to six weeks of treatment for patients with higher-risk disease, reducing tumor recurrence by 20-30%. The three-week course was non-inferior to the longer treatment in terms of tumor recurrence and cosmetic outcomes.

NRG Oncology trial NRG-HN004 shows addition of durvalumab to radiation does not improve outcomes over cetuximab for head & neck squamous cell carcinoma patients with a contraindication to cisplatin, highlights need for further research

The NRG-HN004 trial found that radiotherapy with durvalumab did not improve progression-free survival or overall survival compared to cetuximab in patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have a contraindication to cisplatin. The study highlighted the need for further research in this population.

Radiation therapy for high-risk, asymptomatic bone metastases may prevent pain and prolong life

A phase II trial suggests that radiation can reduce painful complications and hospitalizations, and possibly extend overall survival in patients with advanced cancers. The study found that treating asymptomatic lesions with radiation reduced skeletal-related events and extended overall survival compared to those who received no radiation.

Head and neck cancer researchers demonstrate the capability of a deep learning algorithm in the post-surgery setting to assess the stage of disease more accurately using standard CT scans

Researchers have developed a deep learning algorithm that can accurately assess the stage of head and neck cancer using standard CT scans, outperforming expert radiologists. The algorithm demonstrated superior accuracy in measuring the extent of cancer spread, especially for patients with high-risk disease.

Single stranded suture threads could prevent pregnancy infection complications, C-STICH trial finds

The C-STICH clinical trial found that single-stranded suture threads may improve outcomes for mothers at risk of preterm birth by reducing the risk of infection. Researchers tested whether using single stranded sutures could decrease miscarriage or stillbirth rates due to an increased risk of infection.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 2022