Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
A global trial found that people with heart failure who received an annual flu shot had lower rates of pneumonia and hospitalization on a year-round basis. The study also revealed significant reductions in major cardiovascular events during peak flu season.
Researchers found that SLN360, an experimental siRNA therapy, significantly reduced blood levels of lipoprotein(a), a lesser-known driver of heart disease risk. Participants who received higher doses saw their lipoprotein(a) levels drop by up to 98% and remained lower even after five months.
A study of 806 patients with heart failure found that reducing sodium intake improved symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, and coughing. However, it had no effect on rates of death, hospitalization, or emergency department visits. The researchers recommend a lower sodium intake limit for heart failure patients.
The COVID-19 Variant Immunologic Landscape (COVAIL) trial aims to understand the immune responses to various additional COVID-19 booster shots and prototype vaccines. The study is being conducted to inform booster shot recommendations and protect against future variants.
The ATHENA-MONO trial shows significant improvements in progression-free survival for patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated with Rubraca as maintenance therapy. Benefit was observed across all patients, including those with homologous recombination deficiency and BRCA mutant tumors.
The NCCN Annual Conference focuses on the cancer patient journey, featuring state-of-the-art practice algorithms, updates to clinical guidelines, and new therapies. Leading experts present treatment recommendations for various cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.
A team of researchers identifies common biases in epidemic research, including the Grue Paradox, Simpson's Paradox, and confirmation bias. They offer a game-theory approach and a new simulation tool, Episimmer, to guide future work and improve methodological decision-making.
A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that astegolimab reduced exacerbation rates by 22% and improved quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Benefits were seen in those with specific inflammatory signals and genetic markers.
Researchers collected hundreds of cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with Diffuse Midline Glioma, tracking changes in cell-free tumor DNA over time. The findings suggest that this method could provide data about tumors sooner than MRIs alone, allowing clinicians to address aggressive brain cancer more effectively.
A study found that female principal investigators led fewer trials and those funded by industry sponsors, but more trials led by women were associated with higher enrollment of female subjects. This highlights the need for increased female representation in clinical trial leadership.
A trial found that prone positioning can reduce the risk of death and respiratory failure in patients with moderate hypoxaemia due to covid-19. However, poor adherence to time spent prone was a significant issue, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to encourage patients to adopt a prone position.
Treatment with an antiplatelet agent had a low likelihood of providing improvement in the number of organ support-free days within 21 days in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The study found no significant benefit from using antiplatelet therapy in this population.
Researchers report promising results from a phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with two-thirds of participants no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria. The therapy showed better effect sizes than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and was equally effective in treatm...
The proportion of US pediatric clinical trials reporting participant race and ethnicity increased from 2011 to 2020, with significant disparities still present according to this analysis. Despite the improvement, underreporting of racial and ethnic diversity remained a concern in published pediatric clinical trials.
A randomized clinical trial found that acquiring a medical marijuana card led to a higher incidence of cannabis use disorder but no significant improvement in symptoms of pain, anxiety, or depression. Immediate access to medical marijuana resulted in improved sleep.
Researchers found that adding atezolizumab to chemoradiation treatment was safe and demonstrated immune activation in women with node-positive, locally advanced cervical cancer. The study also showed increased peripheral blood T-cell receptor clonal expansion and tumor-associated T-cell clones.
A new study found that making hepatitis C screenings a default order for patients who meet guidelines doubled the rate of screenings among those recommended. The no-click system resulted in an 80% screening rate, compared to 42% under a previous alert system.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group has opened a new treatment arm in the NCI-MATCH trial for patients with DNA mismatch repair deficiency and LAG-3 expression. The trial is evaluating two immunotherapy combinations: relatlimab plus nivolumab and dabrafenib plus trametinib, both targeting BRAF mutations.
Intermittent fasting produces mild to moderate weight loss and improves cardiometabolic risk factors, comparable to traditional calorie-restricted diets. The review also dispels myths about intermittent fasting, including the misconception that it leads to weakness and decreased concentration.
A clinical trial found that genomic sequencing enabled 107 patients to receive matched therapy, increasing treatment options for those experiencing cancer relapse. The study identified previously unknown mutations and showed promise for using circulating tumor DNA to identify targetable alterations.
Two clinical trials will report groundbreaking data on adjuvant olaparib for germline BRCA1/2 associated breast cancer and pembrolizumab for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. These treatments aim to improve survival rates and reduce recurrence.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new consensus recommendations to improve the safety and efficiency of research studies involving investigational drugs. The recommendations focus on seven areas, including pharmacy workflows and collaboration with sponsors.
The Southeastern Consortium for Lung Cancer Health Equity aims to address disparities in lung cancer screening among racially and ethnically diverse populations. Researchers will develop more precise methods for identifying those at highest risk of lung cancer diagnoses.
A study of insurance claims data found that state laws governing opioid prescribing had a negligible effect on opioid prescribing trends. The authors suggest that shifting clinical guidelines, professional norms, or other factors may be driving the decline in opioid prescribing. In contrast, a post-hoc analysis of an ASPREE trial found...
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating three experimental HIV vaccines based on messenger RNA technology. The study aims to examine the safety and ability of the vaccines to induce an immune response in adults aged 18-55 years.
A clinical trial conducted by RCSI researchers found that administering alpha-1 antitrypsin to critically ill COVID-19 patients reduced inflammation after one week. The study's results are promising and may form the basis for a larger trial.
The collaboration aims to accelerate addressing unmet needs in the neonatal population by applying quantitative modeling, biomarkers, and regulatory science. Patients and families will benefit from improved understanding of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and better patient enrollment for trials.
A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that depression is associated with more severe dry eye disease symptoms and overall signs. The analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial revealed this significant connection among 535 participants.
The investigational vaccine targets both the spike and nucleocapsid proteins, producing neutralizing antibodies and inducing T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2. COH04S1 is being studied in Phase 2 trials for immunocompromised patients and as a booster for healthy adult volunteers.
A CHOP-led study found bortezomib significantly improved overall survival in children and young adults with newly diagnosed T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. The trial also showed that intensifying the chemotherapy regimen allowed for elimination of radiation in nearly all patients, resulting in excellent outcomes.
A new peer-reviewed study confirms MiSight 1 day contact lenses slow eye growth and halt myopia progression in 90% of children, with no loss of effectiveness over time. The longest-running soft contact lens study among children demonstrates sustained efficacy for nearly all children, regardless of age or initial refractive error.
A clinical trial at UC Davis Health showed that cellular therapy offers promise for patients with late-stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy, stopping deterioration of upper limb and heart functions. The therapy appears to be safe and effective in improving skeletal muscle and cardiac function.
The NIH is conducting a clinical trial to investigate rare but serious systemic allergic reactions to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Participants will receive a second dose of vaccine under controlled conditions to determine safe dosing, while breathing tests and blood draws monitor their response. The study aims to provide insights into mech...
Fosfomycin, a long-dormant antibiotic, has been revived as a potential treatment for multidrug-resistant E. coli infections. The study involved 143 patients with invasive urinary tract infections and found effective results, offering an alternative to last-resort antibiotics.
A new study found that music and auditory beat stimulation can significantly reduce state anxiety in people with moderate trait anxiety. The treatment was more effective than music alone or pink noise for reducing somatic anxiety, while music alone was more effective for reducing cognitive state anxiety.
Researchers found that four-month treatment is as effective as six months in non-severe TB cases, allowing for savings on screening and training healthcare workers. The study's results led to a change in the World Health Organisation's global guidelines, recommending a shorter treatment course for children with non-severe TB.
A randomized clinical trial found that low-cost letters encouraging individuals to complete the enrollment process resulted in a significant increase in health insurance enrollment. The study suggests that such letters could be an effective tool for promoting health insurance coverage, particularly among underserved populations.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open finds that a combination treatment of nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline is more effective for smoking cessation in heavy drinkers, resulting in 44.3% abstinence rate. Participants also showed significant reductions in drinking rates, with 25% decrease in weekly drinking days.
Researchers found that a community-based approach to reporting APOL1 genetic test results resulted in lower blood pressure readings among hypertensive patients. This trial suggests that involving communities in genetic testing could be beneficial for reducing the risks of chronic kidney disease.
The Phase 1b/2a clinical trial found that AB-2004 lowered blood and urinary levels of gut-derived metabolites and improved irritability and anxiety in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study's results support the potential of AB-2004 as a novel therapeutic approach for treating co-occurring conditions associated with ASD.
A new study will measure the effectiveness of oral hygiene in preventing non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP) among hospitalized patients. NVHAP is the most deadly and costly type of hospital-acquired infection, affecting approximately one in 100 hospitalized patients.
Melanoma referral centers worldwide have adopted systemic therapies to treat high-risk melanoma, reducing the need for lymph node removal surgeries. The shift in treatment plans was driven by rapid adoption of effective treatments and a desire to avoid lifelong complications of surgery.
The HEALEY ALS Platform Trial is a groundbreaking approach to drug testing and treatment development for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). With over 800 patients enrolled, the trial has already shown promising results, including a favorable active-to-placebo ratio of three to one in favor of receiving an active drug.
Computer simulations reveal metformin's effectiveness in targeting diabetes and some cancers, but also its negative consequences for others. Researchers emphasize the need for precision medicine to individualize treatment based on patient profiles.
A new review highlights the need for greater gender diversity in clinical trial leadership, with women making up only 10.1% of committees. Increasing representation will help ensure medications are safe and effective for everyone, and pave the way for more women to present at scientific meetings.
A new phase II trial found that mid-treatment PET scans can help determine if patients with p16-positive oropharynx cancer can receive a lower dose of radiation therapy without compromising cancer control. The study reported fewer short-term side effects in patients who received de-escalated therapy.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) relieves PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant veterans, improving brain function and microstructure. The breakthrough study provides new hope for PTSD sufferers, offering an objective diagnostic tool and potential long-term improvements.
A 5-day course of oral ivermectin failed to reduce the risk of severe disease in high-risk patients with COVID-19. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, suggests ivermectin may not be an effective treatment for COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected biomedical research, with a significant shift in priorities towards COVID-19-related studies. Publications and clinical trials in non-COVID fields decreased by up to 25%, while COVID-19-related research saw a surge in publications and grants.
Results from the Phase III EMPOWER trial demonstrate the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor cemiplimab in improving overall survival for women with recurrent and/or metastatic cervical cancer. The study showed a 31% lower risk of death in patients receiving cemiplimab compared to chemotherapy.
Researchers will test the effectiveness of WeCAN, a group-based treatment designed to teach long-lasting management skills to individuals with traumatic brain injury and dementia. The study aims to identify behavioral, neuroimaging, and blood biomarkers that correlate with treatment efficacy.
The COXEN GC score was a significant predictor of overall survival when looking at both treatment groups combined. The study found no association between COXEN scores and progression-free survival, but the biomarker may serve as a potential tool to improve patient outcomes.
A small study found statistically significant improvements in various symptoms, including fatigue and chest discomfort, after EECP therapy in long COVID patients. Researchers believe this is the most plausible explanation for the benefits derived from EECP and its link to long COVID.
A new study on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) has found that group-level scores lack significance on an individual level. The normative study recommends a higher cut-off score for SDMT to accurately assess changes over time and predict disease progression.
The ALS Canada Research Program has awarded nine Discovery Grants to investigate critical areas of disease processes and clinical care. The grants will support fundamental laboratory research, biomarker studies, and clinical trials.
A clinical trial of niclosamide in COVID-19 patients found signals of benefit warranting further study. The medication showed potential in reducing contagiousness and symptoms, particularly in higher-risk populations.
Many pragmatic trials fail to collect patient-reported data on experience, burden of disease, and quality of life. Despite this, the authors suggest that including patient-reported outcomes can provide valuable insights into patient well-being. The study urges researchers to prioritize patient-centered approaches in clinical trials.
A new study found that increasing sleep duration by an average of 1.2 hours per night reduced participants' overall caloric intake by an average of 270 kcal per day. This translates to roughly 12 kg, or 26 lbs., of weight loss over three years if the effects were maintained.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University have engineered 3D human spinal cord tissues and implanted them in lab models with long-term chronic paralysis, resulting in an 80% success rate in restoring walking abilities. The team aims to conduct clinical trials in human patients within a few years to make the treatment commercially available.
A new 'bionic' pacemaker is being developed to restore the natural variability of the heartbeat, which has been found to improve cardiac output by 20%. This innovation could revolutionize the treatment of heart failure in New Zealand patients.