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SWOG researchers identify group of breast cancer patients who can skip chemo

A large clinical trial has found that postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer and a 21-gene recurrence score of 25 or lower can safely skip chemotherapy. In contrast, premenopausal patients with positive nodes and low RS scores benefit from chemotherapy.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2021

Which COVID-19 vaccine works better?

The study found that the Moderna vaccine offered a lower risk of documented infection (21% reduced), symptomatic COVID-19 (44% reduced), hospitalization (55% reduced), ICU admission (10% reduced), and death (2% reduced) compared to the Pfizer vaccine. The results suggest that either vaccine is effective, but Moderna may be slightly mor...

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 1, 2021

Fast-tracked stroke drug for humans shows promise, in mice, that it might also prove a powerful tool against dementia

A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine showed that a fast-tracked stroke drug, 3K3A-APC, protected mice from injury to the brain's white matter, a leading cause of dementia. The drug may also be effective in slowing down progression of cognitive impairment.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack — a review

Recent clinical trials showed promising results with cardiosphere-derived cells, improving heart parameters in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Researchers investigate using cell-derived products like exosomes to boost endogenous repair pathways, while aiming to reverse cardiomyocytes' proliferation limitations.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 29, 2021

First in-human investigator-initiated clinical trial started for refractory thyroid cancer patients: Novel targeted alpha therapy using astatine

A team at Osaka University has initiated the world's first in-human investigator-initiated clinical trial of sodium astatine ([ <sup> 211 </sup> At]NaAt) injection for refractory differentiated thyroid cancer patients. The phase I trial evaluates safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of astatine for use in alpha therapy.

SourceOsaka University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2021

Telehealth-delivered diet and exercise programs led to significant improvements in knee osteoarthritis symptoms and quality of life

Researchers found that video-based, telehealth-delivered exercise and weight loss programs improved pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity. The intervention with dietary component led to substantial weight loss and additional benefits.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2021

Deleting dysfunctional cells alleviates diabetes

Researchers at UConn Health have discovered that eliminating senescent cells in human fat tissue can alleviate signs of diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity. The study suggests that clearing away these dysfunctional cells could lead to game-changing new treatments for Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Promising treatment for Alexander disease moves from rat model to human clinical trials

A new study provides preliminary data for a human clinical trial of a treatment that targets the root cause of Alexander disease. The treatment has shown promising results in halting the progression of the disease and even reversing some symptoms in rat models, which better represent the human condition.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

AI that classifies colorectal polyps proves useful in the clinic

A new AI model has been developed to classify colorectal polyps, demonstrating accuracy and sensitivity at a level comparable to practicing pathologists. The model was tested in a clinical trial involving 15 pathologists, showing significant improvements in accuracy compared to traditional methods.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021

Brief 5:2 diet advice is as effective as traditional GP advice, but people like it better, according to new study

A clinical trial found that long-term weight loss was similar for those who received 5:2 diet or standard weight management advice, with 18% and 15% of participants losing at least five per cent of their body weight. However, the 5:2 diet group was more likely to recommend the intervention to others or continue with it.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2021

Fasting-mimicking diet is safe, may modulate metabolism and boost antitumor immunity in cancer patients

A fasting-mimicking diet was found to be safe and biologically active in cancer patients, with potential benefits for modulation of metabolism and enhancement of antitumor immunity. The study demonstrated significant reductions in blood glucose and growth factor concentrations, as well as enhancements in intratumor T-cell infiltration.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 17, 2021

Simultaneous repair of heart valves may benefit some adults

A two-year follow-up of participants found that those who had both their mitral valve and tricuspid valve repaired at the same time experienced better outcomes, including less progression to moderate or severe leakage. This study provides high-level evidence for surgeons on how to perform tricuspid valve repair in these patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 16, 2021

New evidence identified on safety of IVF embryo screening method

Researchers at the University of Kent identified strong evidence-based benefits of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in IVF. Live birth rates per embryo transferred and per treatment cycle were significantly higher with PGT-A compared to regular IVF, especially in women over 40.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2021

Common blood pressure drug does not slow down the progression of more advanced Alzheimer’s, study finds

A phase 2 clinical trial found that losartan, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, did not significantly slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease in people with mild-to-moderate symptoms. However, the drug may still be beneficial for those with early-stage disease if prescribed for longer periods.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2021

Texas Heart Institute presents paradigm-shifting, late-breaking heart failure therapy research at the American Heart Association annual meeting

Researchers at the Texas Heart Institute have made significant breakthroughs in treating persistent heart failure with a novel stem cell therapy. The phase 3 clinical trial results show that this treatment has the potential to alter the natural history of heart disease, reducing hospitalizations and improving patient outcomes.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Researchers find benefits and drawbacks to two-step surgical approach for “leaky heart valves”

A NIH-funded study found that patients with a two-step surgical approach for 'leaky heart valves' had better short-term outcomes, but were more likely to need a pacemaker. The procedure involved repairing the tricuspid valve at the time of mitral valve surgery, and results showed reduced risk of death, reoperation, or severe regurgitat...

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 13, 2021

Immunotherapy may yield longer treatment-free survival than targeted therapy in advanced renal cell carcinoma patients

Patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma treated with checkpoint inhibitor combination nivolumab plus ipilimumab experienced longer treatment-free survival compared to those receiving targeted therapy sunitinib. The analysis revealed significant differences in how patients spent their overall survival time between the two treatments.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 10, 2021

Nature Medicine publishes phase 2 trial data showing durvalumab immunotherapy with standard chemotherapy improved survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma

A phase 2 clinical trial shows durvalumab immunotherapy combined with standard chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival for patients with previously untreated malignant pleural mesothlioma. The study's findings provide insights into patient selection methods for this novel chemo-immunotherapy regimen.

SourcePrECOG, LLC·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2021

Immunotherapy-chemotherapy treatment coupled with in-depth genomic analyses leads to improved survival for patients with mesothelioma

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found a new treatment option for inoperable pleural mesothelioma using immunotherapy agent durvalumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with epithelioid tumors experienced higher survival rates, including some who remained tumor-free after completing the trial.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 8, 2021

Ketamine rapidly improves cognitive function making those in suicidal crisis less likely to harm themselves

A five-year study from Columbia University found that a single dose of ketamine improved thinking and reasoning, independent of depressive symptoms, making those in suicidal crisis less likely to harm themselves. The study also showed greater cognitive improvements in those given ketamine compared to midazolam.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2021

Hollings collaborates on two studies showing how to boost immunotherapy effectiveness for patients with oral-cavity squamous cell carcinoma

Researchers from MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Winship Cancer Institute discovered that pre-surgical anti-PD-1 immunotherapy is safe and effective for OCSCC patients. The studies identified potential molecular biomarkers in blood and tumors to predict treatment response.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 29, 2021

Heparin dose capable of preventing COVID-19 deaths is four times higher than the dose recommended by WHO

A clinical trial of 465 patients found that administering heparin in therapeutic doses reduced mortality from COVID-19 by 78%, with benefits only observed when administered between seven and 14 days after symptom onset. The study suggests that timing is crucial for treatment efficacy.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 29, 2021

AI-powered glaucoma screening test delivers rapid results

A new rapid screening test for glaucoma uses infra-red sensors to monitor eye movement, providing accurate results within seconds. The test could help advance early detection of the disease, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and make it more accessible for national screening programs.

SourceRMIT University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2021

Total androgen suppression with dose-escalated radiotherapy does not improve overall survival in men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer: Results highlight need for biomarker studies

The NRG-RTOG 0815 trial found that adding androgen suppression to dose-escalated radiotherapy did not improve overall survival, but reduced rates of biochemical failure and distant metastases. Future studies are needed to identify subsets of patients who may benefit from this intervention.

Shortened course of radiation therapy offers similar long-term side effects following prostate removal surgery

A recent clinical trial found that a shortened course of radiation therapy after prostate removal surgery does not increase long-term side effects or lower quality of life compared to conventional treatment. Patients who underwent hypofractionated, post-operative radiation therapy experienced comparable genitourinary and gastrointestin...

Immunotherapy may benefit patients with cancer that has spread to tissues around the brain

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that immune checkpoint inhibitors can generate promising results in patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMD), a rare complication of cancer. The treatment showed increased activity in cancer-killing immune cells and expression of particular genes within cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 2021

ImCheck publishes comprehensive overview of the development results of its first-in-class cancer immunotherapeutic targeting BTN3A to activate Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in Science Translational Medicine

ImCheck's ICT01 selectively activates Vγ9Vδ2 T cells through all three isoforms of BTN3A, overcoming prior limitations. The therapy demonstrates anti-tumor activity in solid and hematologic cancer models.

SourceTrophic Communications·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 2021