Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
Valsamo Anagnostou, Jordan Berlin, and Olisaemeka Ogbue receive ECOG-ACRIN's Young Investigator Award, Remarkable Mentor in Oncology Award, and Paul Carbone, MD Fellowship Award for outstanding contributions to translational research, mentorship, and improving cancer care. The awards are funded by the ECOG Research & Education Foundation.
A new dual vaccine against Lassa fever and rabies has been shown to be safe and induce immune responses against both viruses. The vaccine could potentially streamline delivery in settings where access is limited, reducing the need for separate vaccination efforts.
In a phase 1 clinical trial, researchers found the LASSARAB vaccine to be safe and well-tolerated, inducing strong immune responses against Lassa fever and rabies. The vaccine demonstrated robust neutralizing antibody levels against the rabies virus, exceeding WHO's established threshold for protection.
The JTMF Foundation has expanded its footprint with a $3.3 million gift to fund three main initiatives: identifying early signs of Alzheimer's in adults with Down syndrome, expanding access to cutting-edge clinical research, and developing best-practice guidelines.
Researchers found dapagliflozin significantly reduces risk of heart failure hospitalization in individuals carrying a cardiomyopathy genetic variant. The study, published in Nature Medicine, highlights the potential for incorporating genetic screening into heart failure prevention strategies.
A study found that implementing earlier egg introduction guidelines resulted in measurable decreases in egg allergy cases. The updated guidelines, based on randomized trial evidence, may contribute to a reduction in food allergy prevalence when effectively implemented.
A universal Sarbeco coronavirus vaccine has shown safety and no significant side effects in a human clinical trial, providing protection against multiple viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine uses an AI-designed super-antigen to offer lasting protection against emerging virus threats.
Researchers have found a widely available drug combination to be an effective treatment for patients with systemically active Sjögren's disease. The combination of leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine reduced disease activity while maintaining a favorable safety profile.
A new leishmaniasis vaccine, developed using CRISPR gene-editing technology, is set to begin testing in healthy people for its safety and immune response. The vaccine has shown strong results in mice and has cleared a key FDA hurdle, paving the way for Phase 2 trials aiming to understand its effectiveness.
Dr. Mina Sedrak has been selected to co-lead the Cancer in the Older Adult Committee of The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, focusing on improving care and outcomes for older adults with cancer. As a leading expert on aging and cancer, Sedrak aims to expand research on this population and address their unique needs.
A randomized clinical trial found that an app-facilitated palliative care intervention maintained health-related quality of life and reduced acute care use. This digital self-management approach also boosted patient self-efficacy.
Adding fovinaciclib to first-line aromatase inhibitor therapy confers significant progression-free survival benefits and consistent improvements in efficacy outcomes. The treatment also has manageable safety profiles with no negative impact on quality of life.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows an investigational targeted therapy, daraxonrasib, significantly extends overall survival for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, reducing death risk by 60%, compared to standard chemotherapy.
A population-based screening trial evaluating a cell-free DNA multicancer early detection test found modest increases in diagnostic delay rates for head and neck, lung, and upper gastrointestinal cancers. These findings suggest that future trials may need to consider system-level spillover effects on healthcare resources.
Researchers have announced promising results of the B-Well clinical trials, showing that 20% and 19% of patients achieved a functional cure for their chronic hepatitis B infections after 24 weeks of bepirovirsen treatment. This represents a significant step towards developing a curative treatment for the disease.
Two projects, BOOST-HP and BIONIC, use machine learning to analyze large datasets of medication exposure and outcomes. The findings highlight the need for more data and cautious design of machine learning models to accurately assess potential links between medications and pregnant women.
A nationwide study has compared two surgical approaches for treating Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, finding no difference in complication rates and clinical outcomes. Patients who underwent the more invasive procedure had greater improvement in their syringomyelia symptoms.
A plasma-based staging model using eMTBR-tau243 and %p-tau217 demonstrated strong concordance with positron emission tomography-based staging and clinical severity of Alzheimer disease. This approach may provide a scalable, minimally invasive method for biological stratification and treatment selection.
The UMass Center for Clinical and Translational Science has received a seven-year, $50 million grant from the NIH. The funding supports collaboration among researchers at multiple UMass campuses and clinical partners.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute presented various studies on cancer treatments, including the efficacy of lung cancer drug neladalkib and a psychosocial digital app for patients with multiple myeloma. An electronic frailty index was also used to identify high-risk older adults receiving CAR-T cell therapy.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that burosumab safely restored normal phosphate levels and improved physical function in patients with severe fibrous dysplasia. Key findings include reduced pain, fatigue, and mobility impairment, as well as significant improvements in children's mobility and independence.
Interleukin 6 is investigated as a treatment target for depression in this randomized clinical trial. The study highlights the therapeutic potential of IL-6 or IL-6 receptor inhibition and proposes suitable patient selection methods.
A University of Bristol-led pilot trial found that tocilizumab reduced symptoms of depression, fatigue and anxiety in people who had not responded to standard treatments. The study provides early evidence for a new treatment option for patients with inflammation-related depression.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
A clinical trial found that a remote multicomponent rehabilitation programme can improve quality of life for patients recovering from intensive care, particularly those ventilated for shorter periods. The online intervention combined symptom management, exercise, psychological support, and peer information, offering hope for better rec...
A new study presents tezepelumab as a safe and effective treatment for severe asthma in underrepresented populations. The therapy reduces exacerbations by 70% and improves lung function, quality of life scores, and asthma control. It is particularly effective in patients with Type 2 asthma and those with comorbid COPD.
A post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial found high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation in pregnancy to be positively associated with visual memory, verbal memory, and flexibility among offspring at age 10. This strengthens evidence on the association between prenatal vitamin D exposure and childhood cognition.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that creatine supplementation does not significantly reduce inflammatory markers in the body. Despite its ergogenic effects on physical performance, creatine's anti-inflammatory properties are limited to specific contexts, such as intense exercise.
A nationwide trial found that giving whole blood or its component parts to patients with severe bleeding before arriving at the hospital is equally effective. The study, which included over 1,000 patients, also showed no difference in outcomes between newer and older blood within a certain time frame.
Researchers found that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) improved progression-free survival by 15.6 months, compared to 20.6 months without targeted therapy. The treatment also showed no significant impact on quality-of-life measures.
A single dose of psilocybin was associated with rapid antidepressant effects, persisting for more than 3 months. The study suggests that psilocybin may provide a rapid and relatively long-lasting antidepressant effect on major depressive disorder.
A Phase 2 trial found that combining opaganib with abiraterone and enzalutamide showed promising results in slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes. The treatment's tolerability was also well-tolerated, with most side effects mild to moderate.
Screening with a PSA blood test reduces prostate cancer deaths by approximately 2 for every 1,000 men screened. The review found that 500 men would need to be invited to screening to prevent one prostate cancer death.
A new study found that a pediatric surgery program reduced opioid use during hospitalization by 56%. The program, which includes 21 best practices, also improved recovery outcomes for children, including faster eating, shorter hospital stays, and lower complication rates.
Researchers at Winship Cancer Institute have administered the first investigational in vivo CAR-T cell therapy in the US for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, marking a significant milestone in next-generation cellular therapies. The therapy aims to streamline treatment processes and eliminate delays in care.
A widely used depression screening questionnaire is accurate for both people with and without chronic pain, according to a new study. The study debunks the myth that screening inflates depression scores for those with chronic pain, which can be masked by fatigue and sleep disturbances.
A cohort study found a potential association between GLP-1 RA use and improved survival rates among obese breast cancer patients with related metabolic conditions. Further evaluation of GLP-1 RA therapy in randomized clinical trials is warranted based on these findings.
A new national clinical trial investigates whether fewer invasive bladder exams can safely reduce discomfort and improve quality of life for patients with bladder cancer. Led by Dartmouth Cancer Center, the study aims to show that fewer procedures are just as effective at keeping patients healthy.
A new post-hoc analysis examined daily oral orforglipron treatment for obesity, with or without diabetes, in users aged 65 years and over. The study found that orforglipron significantly reduced body weight and improved blood sugar markers compared to placebo, with a similar safety profile to the overall ATTAIN clinical trial population.
A pooled analysis of trials reveals semaglutide's safety and efficacy in individuals aged 65 years and older with obesity. The study found significant reductions in body weight and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, with a lower proportion of adverse events compared to placebo.
A new study introduces a sequential model to treat TMJ disc displacement, prioritizing joint stability over teeth alignment. This approach aims to prevent relapse and promote healthy jaw growth in growing patients and adults alike.
The study found that Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Team (START) was a cost-effective approach for addressing opioid use disorder in the inpatient setting, increasing medication initiation and linkage to care after discharge. Additionally, START improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
A randomized clinical trial suggests psilocybin is safe and efficacious for treating cocaine use disorder. The study found psilocybin to be effective in reducing substance use and improving mental health outcomes.
A new five-year study led by UC San Diego Health is seeking to improve sleep and reduce delirium among adults in the ICU through evidence-based strategies. The research team will investigate which sleep-promotion methods are most effective in this setting, engaging patients, families, and clinicians throughout the process.
A randomized clinical trial found that genotype-guided prescribing of SSRIs did not improve depression symptoms at 3 months but showed higher remission rates at 6 months. Future studies should focus on the long-term impact of this approach.
The ERASur clinical trial is investigating whether total ablative therapy can improve overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed, limited metastatic colorectal cancer. The study has reached one-third patient accrual milestone, signaling strong momentum.
A phase 1/2 trial of daraxonrasib, a RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor, demonstrated safety and broad activity against RAS-mutant metastatic pancreatic cancer. The drug showed promising signs of activity, with approximately 30% of patients experiencing an objective response and 90% experiencing disease control.
The International Progressive MS Alliance has launched the MS Clinical and Imaging Data Resource (MS CIDR) to accelerate understanding of MS progression. The resource contains anonymized data from 14 pharmaceutical industry clinical trials, including MRI scans and clinical visits data from over 13,000 people with progressive MS.
Recent shifts in federal policy and funding have impacted hundreds of clinical trials designed to study disease burdens in underrepresented populations. The report highlights a systemic crisis in medical research, citing a disruption at scale that has affected over 74,000 participants across 383 trials.
The ASPIRE trial aims to enroll 1,200 participants with advanced prostate cancer and assess the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival and disease progression. Genetic profiling is included to identify patients who benefit most from intensified treatment.
The Blanke Veterans Access to Cancer Trials Initiative aims to increase veteran participation in NCI-supported clinical trials. With more than a decade of progress, the initiative builds on grants and federal investments to strengthen Veterans Affairs Medical Center participation.
The INS001-055 inhalation solution is the world's first AI-driven candidate to receive IND clearance. It targets Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) with a novel molecule structure and demonstrates good tolerability, PK profiles, and dose-dependent efficacy trend.
EGFR-TKIs have significantly improved OS and quality of life for EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients. However, ongoing research is needed to refine therapies for precise individualized treatment, addressing resistance mechanisms and optimal combination strategies.
Independent academic clinical trials are essential for improving patient outcomes, reducing inequalities in care, and strengthening healthcare systems. The Lancet Oncology Commission aims to deliver actionable recommendations to ensure these trials continue to benefit patients and society worldwide.
A randomized clinical trial found that proactive outreach for care coordination did not lead to better outcomes compared to usual care post-hospitalization coordination. Many participants declined the offer. The study suggests that current strategies may need to be reassessed.
A UK-led trial found that a procedure to reopen blocked heart arteries can reduce chest pain and improve quality of life. Patients who received the treatment had more angina-free days and better quality-of-life scores than those in the placebo group.
A randomized clinical trial found symptom-based dosing decreases discharge time compared to scheduled opioid taper approaches among infants with opioid withdrawal. This approach, using Eat, Sleep, Console, led to faster recovery and improved outcomes.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC and Tempus are creating a system-wide framework to integrate clinical care, clinical trials, and research through AI-powered precision medicine tools. The goal is to enhance patient care and accelerate research and innovation.
A phase 1 clinical trial has started enrolling patients with symptoms of prion disease, evaluating the safety and tolerability of a small interfering RNA targeting the prion protein. The trial aims to slow disease progression and is supported by NeuroNEXT, a program of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Recent studies have explored tumor vaccine platforms, including peptide, dendritic cell, and nucleic acid-based vaccines. Personalized neoantigen vaccines are refining precision in HCC treatment, but challenges persist due to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and heterogeneity.