Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
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A small pilot study suggests that early administration of ivermectin can reduce viral loads and symptom duration in patients with mild COVID-19. The treatment also showed a reduced duration of certain symptoms, including loss of smell and taste.
The NRG Oncology phase II clinical trial determined that the combination of total neoadjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab and chemoradiotherapy is safe for patients with locally-advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, it may not offer any statistically significant improvement in downstaging of the cancer at the time of surgery.
A Phase 2 clinical trial has demonstrated the efficacy of cabozantinib in reducing tumor volume and pain in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. The treatment showed a partial response in 42% of patients, with significant reductions in tumor pain intensity.
Researchers are expanding a Phase II clinical trial of vadadustat, an investigational oral drug, to investigate its potential to prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 patients. The trial aims to improve oxygen delivery to tissues and reduce alveolar inflammation.
Stroke survivors regained clinically significant arm movement and control using a brain-machine interface coupled with a robotic device. The therapy showed potential for long-term benefits, suggesting a novel approach to rehabilitation.
A rapid review of nine studies concludes that cloth masks are associated with significantly higher viral infections than exclusive use of medical masks. The review also found that cloth masks provide an inferior fit and are less effective at filtering viral particles compared to standard medical or N95 masks.
A randomized clinical trial evaluated two antibiotic strategies for adults with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. The study found that one strategy resulted in lower rates of hospital discharge without surgery and recurrent appendicitis over a year.
A new approach involving specially trained nurses increased ACP discussions with patients, documenting it in 42% of visits compared to 3.7% in normal care groups. The nurse-led group used an electronic health record tool to guide the conversation and document patient goals.
A clinical trial evaluated the safety and effectiveness of two cell therapies for treating angiitis-induced critical limb ischemia, yielding satisfactory results. The study found that both therapies provided evidence for precise application under different conditions.
A study found that a retracted clinical trial report continues to be cited 11 years after its retraction, and citations actually increased after it was retracted. The number of articles retracted is tiny compared to publications, but retractions are often hard to find, and notices may not mention the reason for retraction.
The mRNA-1273 vaccine demonstrated effectiveness in preventing severe COVID-19, with no safety concerns or evidence of enhanced respiratory disease. The trial enrolled over 30,000 participants and showed a significant reduction in symptomatic cases among those who received the vaccine.
The Phase 3 trial of Novavax's NVX-CoV2373 vaccine is being conducted in the US and Mexico, enrolling up to 30,000 adults in two cohorts. The trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine candidate, which has shown promise in animal tests.
A new liquid bandage sensor measures the amount of oxygen reaching transplanted tissue, a crucial measure of its viability, and detected tissue oxygenation as well as the gold standard of an oximeter. The technology eliminates restrictions on patient movements and provides a major advancement over existing methods.
A collaboration of three clinical trial platforms has paused enrollment for critically ill COVID-19 patients due to the lack of improvement in outcomes with full-dose anticoagulants. Moderately ill hospitalized COVID-19 patients can still be enrolled, and the trials will continue to analyze data.
A systematic review by UC San Francisco researchers found that e-cigarette use has no appreciable effect on participants' ability to quit, regardless of frequency or motivation. However, certain e-cigarette devices treated like medicine in clinical trials showed a more significant impact on quitting smoking.
A Phase II clinical trial is being conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MultiStem cellular therapy for treating injured patients with severe hemorrhage. The study aims to mitigate complications resulting from traumatic injuries, including secondary infections and organ failure conditions.
Researchers have found a specific Alzheimer's treatment effective in male mice but not female mice, highlighting the need for sex-specific design in clinical trials. The study suggests that drugs may work differently in males and females, leading to potentially ineffective treatments for women.
A new toolkit aims to harmonize data collection of blood clotting events associated with COVID-19, enabling better comparison of findings across trials. The toolkit provides a customizable set of variables to collect high-quality data on thrombosis-related endpoints, standardizing definitions and measurement tools.
Researchers found that hospital clowns significantly reduced anxiety during medical procedures and improved psychological wellbeing in children with acute and chronic conditions. However, the study also highlighted some limitations, including risk of bias and differences in data collection.
A two-year longitudinal study measures Huntington's disease-linked proteins mHTT and NfL in controls, mutation carriers, and patients. Levels of NfL rise faster in mutation carriers, while those with high mHTT and NfL show faster progression and more severe brain atrophy.
Researchers investigating long-term effects of Covid-19, dubbed 'long Covid', are testing a tailored online exercise and support programme to improve quality of life. The REGAIN trial aims to recruit 535 participants and compare the benefits of an eight-week programme versus a single session of advice and support.
The COVID-19 pandemic is diverting funding and expertise away from other dangerous diseases, putting clinical trials on indefinite hold. Global health experts warn of a long-term harm to the field due to budget constraints and talent redirection.
A new treatment approach called 'organ preservation' uses radiotherapy followed by local keyhole surgery to remove only the part of the rectum affected by cancer. Patients who received this treatment reported fewer side effects, such as diarrhoea and the need for a permanent colostomy bag, compared to those who underwent major surgery.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified a potential therapy for calcific aortic valve disease, which affects millions of Americans. The new drug candidate has shown promise in correcting the underlying network that leads to calcification and hardening of the valves.
A clinical trial found that combining Verinurad and Febuxostat reduces albuminuria in Type 2 diabetes patients by 39.4%, a significant reduction in protein leakage through the kidney. The treatment combination also lowers uric acid levels by 57%.
The Oxford Covid-19 vaccine has shown a 70.4% overall efficacy rate in phase 3 human trials, with the standard dose regimen showing 62.1% efficacy and the low dose regimen demonstrating 90.0% efficacy. No hospitalizations or severe disease were observed in vaccinated groups.
The University of Louisville is developing a nasal spray to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection using the Q-Griffithsin compound, which has shown promise against multiple coronaviruses and other viruses. The project aims to deliver the antiviral agent directly to the upper respiratory tract.
Researchers found that higher baseline NT1 levels in blood samples predicted the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease dementia. The study used a cohort of cognitively normal older adults and showed that NT1 levels could be measured before enrollment in AD prevention trials.
Researchers and ethicists debate the risks and benefits of human challenge trials, which involve deliberately exposing healthy volunteers to coronavirus to test vaccine effectiveness. Despite potential risks, the expert argues that the massive benefits outweigh the concerns, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Oxford COVID-19 vaccine has been found to be safe and effective in preventing symptomatic disease, with a 70% protection rate based on pooled analysis of phase 3 trials. The vaccine also showed efficacy against asymptomatic infection, and its safety profile was monitored for a median of 3.4 months in all participants.
A randomized control trial of 16 weeks showed that a low-fat, plant-based diet increased metabolism and reduced body weight in overweight participants regardless of their ABO blood type. The study found no association between blood type and the effects of the diet on body fat, plasma lipids, or glycemic control.
A new clinical trial has found that donor stem cell transplantation nearly doubles the survival rate of older patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), aged 50-75. The study suggests that transplant should be considered for all eligible patients, ideally referred early to increase chances of finding a suitable donor.
A $2.1 million federal grant will enhance clinical trial access in five areas, including care before birth and obesity, with the goal of improving health outcomes for all Louisiana children and potentially slowing or preventing chronic diseases like asthma.
Researchers propose guidelines to continue placebo-controlled trials of COVID-19 vaccine candidates even after an effective vaccine is found. This approach aims to address the global pandemic while ensuring valuable data collection from low-risk participants.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have found that combining exercise and mindfulness training can significantly reduce fatigue in breast cancer survivors. The study used a feasibility trial with 40 women, who reported a drop in fatigue levels after participating in a combination of both interventions.
The UC San Diego-led Collaborative Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) will investigate therapeutic strategies for a cure and functional cure of HIV. The CTU will also evaluate viral persistence and latent reservoirs, as well as new antiretroviral drugs and treatments for co-infections.
A new approach to guiding heart bypass surgery is being tested on patients for the first time, using non-invasive CT scans. The FAST TRACK CABG study aims to simplify treatment for coronary artery disease patients.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas are working on a new brain implant that aims to restore vision to people with blindness. The device uses small electrodes to stimulate neurons, producing phosphenes that can help individuals recognize objects and navigate their surroundings.
A widely used tuberculosis vaccine is associated with reduced likelihood of contracting COVID-19, according to a new study by Cedars-Sinai. The BCG vaccine was found to be effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and the risk of coronavirus infections or severity of the disease.
A research team led by Susan Bergeson has developed a new medication to treat alcohol use disorder, receiving a $7.25 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to begin testing the drug. The treatment targets neuroinflammation as a major pathway in AUD.
A Danish trial found that wearing masks outside the home weakly supports lesser degrees of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection, but cannot definitively exclude no effect. The study showed similar infection rates between mask and control groups despite public health measures in place.
The PCR Valves e-Course will unite global experts in valvular heart disease for a 3-day digital initiative. Key findings include virtual LIVE demonstrations and classroom environment workshops offering simulation-based learning on cardiac anatomy and pathophysiology.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that pod e-cigarettes are significantly safer than combustible cigarettes, with reduced levels of carcinogens and respiratory symptoms. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may be a viable harm-reduction option for smokers who struggle to quit or reduce their smoking habit.
A phase 1/2 randomised controlled trial of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate CoronaVac involved over 700 healthy volunteers aged 18-59 years recruited in China. The study found that CoronaVac is safe and induces a robust antibody response within four weeks after two doses, with optimal dosing identified as 3μg.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming dairy foods did not directly affect blood sugar levels in people with metabolic syndrome. However, participants on a full-fat dairy diet gained weight and those on low-fat or full-fat diets experienced reduced insulin sensitivity.
A randomized trial investigated carboxylic acid formulation of EPA and DHA, reducing cardiovascular outcomes in patients with atherogenic dyslipidemia. The study found omega-3 CA to be more effective than corn oil in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk patients.
A clinical trial found that fluvoxamine prevented COVID-19 infections from worsening and kept patients out of the hospital. The antidepressant drug reduced inflammation and protected against serious breathing difficulties, suggesting it may be a promising treatment for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.
A study found that diagnostic imaging studies with positive conclusions were associated with a shorter time from study completion to publication, contributing to an overrepresentation of positive results in the test accuracy literature. Studies with positive titles showed no significant association with faster publication times.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that providing support for small lifestyle changes can almost halve the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The Norfolk Diabetes Prevention Study found that modest weight loss and increased physical activity reduced the risk by 40-47% for those with prediabetes.
A national study published in JAMA found that hydroxychloroquine did not improve clinical outcomes for adult patients hospitalized with respiratory illness related to COVID-19. The study, which enrolled 479 patients, showed no evidence that the drug prevented death or helped patients recover more quickly.
A recent study published in JAMA found that fluvoxamine may prevent serious breathing problems in people with mild COVID-19 illness. The results show that fluvoxamine has the potential to reduce the risk of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients.
A randomized trial found fluvoxamine significantly reduces the risk of worsening symptoms like pneumonia and oxygen desaturation in adult outpatients with mild COVID-19. The study also suggests fluvoxamine's potential as a treatment for COVID-19, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.
A recent survey by the American Cancer Society found that nearly 1 in 5 cancer patients are less likely to enroll in clinical trials during the pandemic. The top reason cited is fear of COVID-19 exposure. This could lead to reduced enrollment in trials already struggling to find patients.
A recent survey of cancer survivors found that many are hesitant to participate in clinical trials due to concerns about COVID-19 safety protocols. The study's authors aim to understand these attitudes and promote patient enrollment in trials.
A randomized clinical trial found that vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, and strength-training exercise program improved blood pressure and cognitive function in older adults. The study also investigated the combination of these interventions, which showed even greater benefits.
The VA Integration Support Program provides $50,000 grants to VA medical centers to facilitate veteran enrollment in SWOG and NCTN trials. This initiative aims to increase access to targeted treatments and immunotherapies for veterans with cancer.
A randomized clinical trial found that e-cigarette use combined with individual counseling significantly increased quit rates compared to counseling alone. The study concluded that e-cigarette assistance can be an effective complement to traditional counseling services for smokers trying to quit.
Researchers found that adding tree nuts to a Western-style diet improves sperm count, viability, motility, and morphology. Nut consumption also alters specific sperm DNA methylation patterns, with 97.2% of regions displaying hypermethylation.
A randomized trial found that hydroxychloroquine improved the clinical status of adults hospitalized with COVID-19. The study compared the effects of hydroxychloroquine versus placebo on patients' clinical status at 14 days.
Dr. Anne B. Newman will receive the American Heart Association's 2020 Clinical Research Prize for her work on aging and cardiovascular disease. She is being recognized for her extensive research career, including long-term cohort studies and clinical trials on aging and physical functioning.