Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that biochemical failure is not a reliable surrogate endpoint for overall survival in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. The researchers recommend considering metastasis-free survival (MFS) as the best surrogate endpoint for overall survival in this population.
A Phase 1 clinical trial of a novel influenza vaccine, BPL-1357, has begun at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. The study aims to test the safety and immune response of the vaccine in healthy adult volunteers.
A phase III clinical trial found that taxane maintenance therapy did not significantly improve overall survival for women with advanced ovarian, peritoneal, and tubal cancers. The treatment resulted in significant gastrointestinal and neurological adverse events.
A $5.3 million grant will support a Proteogenomic Translational Research Center analyzing lung tumors from clinical trial patients to identify biomarkers for cancer recurrence. The study aims to predict which tumors are likely to return after surgery and chemotherapy, with the goal of developing new therapeutic strategies.
The study found that autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was underutilized in community settings, but maintenance therapy after standard therapy improved outcomes for patients over 65. Maintenance rituximab after bendamustine and chemotherapy regimens also significantly extended times to disease progression and overall survival.
Updated long-term results from Phase III trials demonstrate significant benefits from combining procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine chemotherapy with radiation therapy for patients with anaplastic oligodendrogliomas. Patients with chromosome 1p19q codeleted tumors experienced improved overall survival and progression-free survival.
A clinical trial found that interrupting treatment with methotrexate, a common immune-suppressing drug, doubles the antibody response to COVID-19 booster vaccinations in vulnerable individuals. This improvement is maintained over a 3-month period and has no adverse impact on quality of life.
Researchers from Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found a significant rate of new TB infections among Tanzanian adolescents. The study used serial testing and identified transient, persistent, and irregular conversions between positive and negative IGRA test results.
A new study presents a protein-reduced, Nordic-style diet that increases fruit, berry, and vegetable consumption in infants, establishing a preferable eating pattern. The diet was well-tolerated and did not negatively affect growth or breastfeeding duration.
Researchers found that aerobic exercise improves autonomic regulation of the heart and contributes to proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Walking for 45 minutes three times a week increased heart rate variability, a scientifically validated parameter to assess the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.
A population-based study found that patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who experienced hot flashes while on adjuvant hormone therapy had worse outcomes and a higher risk of early treatment discontinuation. The study suggests that managing side effects may not be enough to prevent treatment discontinuation, highlight...
New technology measures peak velocity of blood flow in the heart accurately, helping doctors diagnose and monitor patients with heart failure. The 4D heart MRI scan provides precise imaging of the heart valves and flow inside the heart, enabling better treatment planning.
The integrated tool allows tracking of clinical trial enrollment and cost effectiveness, enabling study teams to ensure trials are the best fit for the enterprise. It also enables standardization of data collection and reporting, giving the institution a competitive edge.
A new pediatric obesity program, Guided Self-Help (GSH), was developed to provide a less intensive and more accessible way to treat childhood obesity. The study found that GSH was similarly effective as traditional Family-Based Treatment (FBT) in supporting pediatric weight loss, but with higher attendance rates.
Researchers identified a three-gene signature in multiple myeloma tumors that predicts a positive response to selinexor-based therapy. The discovery could improve patient selection for targeted agents and expand the use of the drug into patients who haven't failed other therapies.
A novel study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology demonstrates that Nordic walking provides greater long-term improvements in functional capacity compared to high-intensity interval training and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training. Nordic walking engages core, upper, and lower body muscles, resulting in a sig...
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted patient accruals in oncology clinical trials, with a 46% decline early on. However, the recovery has been progressive, with newly activated clinical trials increasing by 467 from 2019 to June 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a substantial disruption to cancer clinical trials in the US, with a 46% decrease in new patient accruals and a 24% decrease in newly activated trials between March and May 2020. However, both patient accruals and trial activations have gradually recovered since then.
A novel AI-empowered robotic device successfully assisted in percutaneous nephrolithotomy—surgery for removing large kidney stones. The trial showed improved precision and reduced complications, with a significant reduction in needle punctures and puncture duration.
A study found that automated text messaging was comparable to direct phone calls in getting unvaccinated patients to seek COVID-19 shots, with higher response rates among Black patients and those with lower incomes. The study suggests using text messaging as a low-cost alternative to traditional patient outreach.
A randomized clinical trial involving 16,000 participants found that receiving text messages had no significant impact on COVID-19 vaccination rates compared to telephone calls. The study suggests that alternative communication methods may be more effective in promoting vaccine uptake.
A new European-African partnership aims to develop a safe, effective, and affordable vaccine against placental malaria. The €10 million ADVANCE-VAC4PM project will advance the clinical development of two promising vaccine candidates, PRIMVAC and PAMVAC, using a novel capside-Virus-Like Particle (cVLP) platform.
A Phase 3 study found fezolinetant to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. The treatment also improved sleep disturbances, supporting its use for treating moderate-to-severe hot flashes.
Researchers have reported encouraging early-stage data for the Phase 1 clinical trial of INB-200, a gamma-delta T cell-based immunotherapy. All patients enrolled in the trial have exceeded their expected progression-free survival, with two patients exceeding overall survival as well. The treatment shows promising activity against gliob...
A small study found that an experimental hydrogel injection into spinal discs significantly reduced chronic low back pain and improved physical function. The gel, known as Hydrafil, is easy to administer with no open surgery required, offering a promising treatment for degenerative disc disease.
Researchers assessed the protection against symptomatic COVID-19 among Moderna vaccine trial participants and found a significant durability of protection over time. The study showed that the vaccine remained effective in preventing severe symptoms even after multiple doses were administered.
A phase 2 clinical trial conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering showed a 100% clinical complete response to dostarlimab for advanced rectal cancer. Swim Across America's early-stage grant funding supported the trial, which also received funding from other partners.
Researchers at Emory University treated eight patients with chronic nerve pain using a technique called interventional cryoneurolysis, which uses imaging guidance to freeze damaged nerves and promote regeneration. The study found significant improvements in pain symptoms, with six patients experiencing dramatic reductions in pain scores.
A phase 3 randomized study showed that momelotinib significantly improved outcomes for patients with myelofibrosis, a rare and fatal bone marrow cancer. The oral pill met all primary and secondary endpoints, showing a trend toward overall survival benefit within six months.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can lower blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. After a single session or ten sessions, the treatment reduced peripheral and central blood pressure in some patients by up to 15 mmHg.
A new study found significant racial disparities in receiving immunotherapy for advanced liver cancer, with Black and Hispanic patients having lower access to the treatment. The analysis showed that immunotherapy was more effective than chemotherapy in improving survival rates.
A study published in the Clinical Kidney Journal found that ketogenic dietary interventions improved overall health, reduced ADPKD-related issues, and promoted weight loss in 90% of participants. Safety concerns were raised in 22 cases, mostly due to increased cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that a bridge therapy approach prior to consolidation therapy can improve event-free survival in patients with stable metastatic cancer after induction therapy. Patients who received this treatment had significantly better outcomes compared to those who underwent direct consolidation or post-induction therapy alone.
A secondary analysis of the MOVe-OUT trial found molnupiravir-treated participants had a decreased need for respiratory interventions and fewer COVID-19-related acute care visits. Additionally, they showed faster normalization of biomarkers and were discharged earlier than placebo-treated patients.
A review of 25 trials found that synthetic cannabis products with high THC-to-CBD ratios improved chronic pain, but were associated with higher risks of adverse events. In contrast, products with comparable THC-to-CBD ratios showed few benefits in overall functioning.
A multi-state study found that patients with advanced cancer who reported symptoms weekly using an electronic survey had better physical function and symptom control compared to those evaluated less frequently. The study showed a 35% better ability to function physically, a 16.1% better control of symptoms, and a 41% better overall hea...
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dostarlimab was effective in treating a subtype of rectal cancer, showing remarkable responses and resolving difficult symptoms. The treatment offers a more effective and less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy and radiation.
A customized WeightWatchers program has been shown to effectively manage Type 2 diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels and promoting significant weight loss. Participants in the six-month clinical trial experienced improved glycemic control and overall well-being, with clinically meaningful and statistically significant results.
A Phase 3 clinical trial is investigating the effectiveness of a combination of two immunotherapy drugs, nemvaluekin alfa and pembrolizumab, compared to standard chemotherapy for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The trial aims to provide a novel treatment option with better efficacy and safety profiles.
A Phase II study found that immunotherapy before surgery improved median progression-free survival and overall survival for undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and recurrent dedifferentiated liposarcoma patients. The treatment also showed an association between intratumoral B-cell receptor repertoire and survival.
A study of patients with high-risk renal cell carcinoma found that those taking everolimus daily after surgery lived longer without disease recurrence. The results, although narrowly missed statistical significance, showed improvement primarily in very high-risk disease, with a 21% improvement in RFS for those with the highest risk.
A Phase II clinical trial found that an immunotherapy drug combination extended the lives of patients with non-small cell lung cancer, improving survival by 14.5 months compared to standard care therapy. The treatment also reduced chemotherapy use and side effects.
A phase 2 trial of the experimental drug adagrasib showed a 42.9% objective response rate and median overall survival of 12.6 months in patients with KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment also achieved a 33.3% response rate in patients with stable brain metastases.
A randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study found that NB-UVB phototherapy decreased mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with no adverse events reported. The treatment was effective in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients, with reduced pathologic inflammation and improved intracellular killing of pathogens.
A new drug combination of ramucirumab and pembrolizumab significantly extended overall survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients who had progressed on prior immunotherapy. The study found a 31% reduction in risk of death compared to standard therapy, with median overall survival times of 14.5 months.
A systematic review of 155 head and neck cancer clinical trials from 2010 to 2020 revealed that only 57% of studies reported race or ethnicity. Black and Asian or Pacific Islander patients were disproportionately underrepresented in these trials, highlighting a significant issue in the field.
The NIH has launched a clinical trial testing dupilumab, an approved treatment for moderate-to-severe asthma, in children with poorly controlled allergic asthma living in low-income urban neighborhoods. The study aims to define the activity levels of gene networks associated with asthma attacks and improve lung function.
Researchers found a significant rise in proportion of patients in SWOG cancer trials insured by Medicaid after ACA's Medicaid expansion. The proportion increased by 20% each year following the expansion, resulting in a threefold increase over expected levels.
Researchers found that the effectiveness of exercise depends on the time of day, with morning exercise reducing belly fat and blood pressure in women, while evening exercise increasing muscular performance. For men, evening exercise lowers blood pressure, burns more fat, and improves heart disease risk.
A cohort study found that moderate coffee consumption, especially unsweetened coffee, is associated with a lower risk of death. The results suggest that adults who drink 1.5 to 3.5 cups of coffee per day may be less likely to die during a 7-year follow-up period compared to non-coffee drinkers.
A new game called QuitBet is being tested to help people quit smoking by providing a fun and engaging way to adopt healthy habits. Players commit to quitting smoking over four weeks and bet $30, with winners typically doubling their money.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group presented promising trial results at ASCO 2022, including an 8-year survival rate in the CHAARTED prostate trial. The research also explored outcomes by tobacco use in head and neck studies, shedding light on cancer treatment effectiveness.
A new study from researchers at Dell Medical School found that providing caregivers with four weeks of free tastings of produce and grocery gift cards can lead to improvements in kids' diets. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that children ate healthier foods two additional times per day compared to the control group.
Children from marginalized groups and those with public insurance had poorer five-year survival rates, even when receiving standardized treatment. The study highlights the need for healthcare delivery and supportive care interventions to mitigate racial and ethnic disparities in childhood cancer.
MD Anderson research highlights new treatments for skin cancers, including novel therapies. The institution also showcased improved goals of care programs, which demonstrated significant reductions in ICU mortality and improved patient outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers used cell-free DNA methylation patterns to identify patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who would benefit from chemotherapy before surgery. The approach showed promise in accurately predicting tumor response, with a correct prediction rate of 79%.
Researchers found that neoadjuvant immunotherapy with pembrolizumab significantly shrunk tumors in patients with desmoplastic melanoma, potentially allowing for less extensive surgery and radiation. The study showed a high response rate to treatment, with over half of patients achieving a pathologic complete response.
A large Japanese trial found that daily vitamin D supplements had no clinically meaningful effect on preventing type 2 diabetes in people at high risk of the condition. However, results suggested a potential benefit for those with insufficient insulin secretion, warranting further research.
New data analyses from RedHill's Talicia H. pylori eradication clinical trials program showed high eradication rates and favorable safety and efficacy profiles in patients with diabetes. The study found that Talicia maintained high eradication rates of 91.7% and 84.1% in patients with and without diabetes, respectively.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC are testing the efficacy of 3K3A-APC as a cerebroprotectant to reduce brain bleeds in acute ischemic stroke patients. The experimental drug has shown promising results in Phase 2 clinical trials, reducing incidence of brain hemorrhage by nearly 20%.