Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
A new study suggests that varying virus dynamics among patients may contribute to inconsistent clinical trial results for COVID-19 drugs. Recruiting participants shortly after symptom onset could reduce the number of participants needed to detect significant antiviral drug effects.
A clinical trial found that casts are not more effective than removable braces for treating broken ankles, with patients reporting similar levels of pain and functionality. The choice between the two should be down to cost and patient preference.
Researchers found that a single targeted message didn't affect the return to in-person visits within a month, but resulted in a small increase in re-engagement through telemedicine and rescheduling of future visits. The study suggests that alternative communication strategies may be more effective for promoting in-person care.
Scientists at UCL GOS ICH and Great Ormond Street Hospital have developed a precision gene therapy that has been shown to relieve defects in DTDS brain cells, potentially offering a cure for the condition. The therapy was tested on laboratory models and mice, showing promising results and paving the way for a clinical trial.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that the BCG vaccine significantly lowers blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetics, with faster response times and greater changes in HbA1c for younger patients. The vaccine also restores gene expression in regulatory T cells over three years.
Scientists have developed a pioneering material that can turn plastic sheets into powerful noise-cancelling panels, weighing four to six times less than traditional solutions. The technology is set to be trialled in hospitals and other noisy locations to reduce stress caused by excessive noise.
Researchers successfully replicated traditional clinical trials using virtual patient populations, speeding up the trial process by months. The in-silico approach shows huge potential for optimizing medical device design and reducing risks associated with treatment.
The Prevent COVID U study has expanded to enroll young adults ages 18-29, including those who choose not to receive a vaccine. The trial aims to test the effectiveness of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine in preventing infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
A smartphone-based eye screening and referral system improved access to care for people with eye problems, tripling attendance rates at primary care. The system also increased appropriate hospital services uptake, while reducing unnecessary hospital visits.
Researchers at UTHealth are investigating pairing patients with PTSD undergoing treatment for peer support and exposure therapy to improve treatment completion rates. The study aims to reduce the high dropout rate of 25-50% by providing a supportive network for patients to overcome triggers and work towards recovery.
A decade-long study found that personalized medicine, considering patient needs and environment, is more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches. The research team recommended a tailored approach for distal radius fractures, taking into account the patient's social environment and risk tolerance.
Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio developed a new tool to stop hiccups, FISST, which showed nearly 92% success rate in relieving symptoms. Users reported high degrees of effectiveness and ease of use, with most finding it easy to use and very happy with results.
A new study shows that personalized online coaching can help women improve their lifestyle behaviors before and after pregnancy, particularly in overweight women. The coaching program resulted in significant reductions in smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as increased odds of becoming pregnant.
A clinical trial conducted at the University of Louisville showed that cell therapy using cells derived from a patient's own bone marrow and heart improved quality of life and reduced major adverse cardiac events. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in hospitalizations and improved outcomes for patients with heart failure.
Two studies demonstrate the impact of gender-neutral HPV vaccination on overall protection against HRHPV infections, even with low vaccination coverage. In Finland, communities with both boys and girls vaccinated saw a significant decrease in cervical HPV16/18 infections, including among unvaccinated women due to the herd effect.
The Murdoch Children's Research Institute is conducting a global study to better understand COVID-19 variants and the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing their spread. The BRACE trial, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, investigates biomarkers that indicate protection against COVID-19 infection.
A new study reveals that malicious bots are the primary pathogen of COVID-19 misinformation on social media, amplifying false claims and conspiracies. Bots were found to spread misinformation at a rate far greater than ordinary users, leading to widespread harm to public health.
A large clinical trial has shown that pembrolizumab after surgery significantly lowers the risk of disease recurrence in patients with high-risk melanoma. This treatment also results in fewer serious side effects compared to standard therapies like ipilimumab or high-dose interferon.
A nationwide clinical trial found no benefit from antibiotics in preventing hospitalization or death for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study collected biological samples that will advance the understanding and treatment of the disease.
A new study found that clinical trials often neglect to report sociodemographic characteristics like income, literacy, and education level, limiting their applicability. The study analyzed 10% of randomized clinical trials published between 2014 and 2020, revealing that only 14.3% reported education level or literacy.
Moffitt Cancer Center experts present phase 2 results from several clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy, ixazomib maintenance therapy, and immunotherapies for various types of cancer, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer.
A Phase 1/2 clinical trial has begun at the NIH to assess the safety and immunogenicity of different COVID-19 vaccine booster regimens. Participants will receive a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, followed by telephone check-ins and in-person follow-up visits for one year.
A clinical trial found an implantable device is more than three times more effective in detecting atrial fibrillation in ischemic stroke patients. The device could prevent disabling strokes by almost 70% if detected early.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin developed tools for designing vitamin D clinical trials that capture seasonal and population-wide differences. The study found many trials were underpowered, failing to detect a benefit of vitamin D supplementation due to individual differences and seasonal fluctuations.
A survey study explores associations between race/ethnicity, medical mistrust and willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines. The study found that racial/ethnic group-based medical mistrust is a significant factor in vaccine hesitancy.
The 58th ERA-EDTA Congress features presentations on groundbreaking studies for C3 glomerulopathy, primary IGA nephropathy, focal segmental glomerosclerosis, and end-stage kidney disease. Expert insights into treatment strategies will be shared during the virtual press conference.
A clinical trial found that nearly half of patients treated with nivolumab and ipilimumab were alive six-and-a-half years after treatment, outperforming those who received either drug alone. The combination therapy demonstrated a durable benefit for advanced melanoma patients.
Researchers compared reporting practices for race, sex, and socioeconomic status in randomized clinical trials published in 2015 and 2019. The study found improvements in reporting these factors over time.
The EuroPCR 2021 digital platform hosted 8,091 physicians from over 126 countries, offering a prime learning experience through real-time exchange and interactivity. The event featured 67 late-breaking trials, live chats, and practical Training Workshops, with 3-months access to the replayed Programme.
A new imaging technique using fluorothymidine (FLT) is being tested to predict the success of bone marrow transplants. The trial aims to reduce waiting time for patients and improve survival rates, currently 30% over three years after failure.
The University of Minnesota Medical School is launching a new clinical trial to study the effectiveness of ivermectin, metformin, and fluvoxamine as potential treatments for COVID-19. The multi-site trial aims to prevent hospitalization and 'long COVID' in patients with COVID-19.
The C-Path Virtual Workshop will focus on implementing endpoints and outcome measures for clinical trials in new-onset type 1 diabetes. Over 300 attendees, including researchers, pharmaceutical representatives, and regulatory experts, are expected to participate in the two-day virtual event.
The University of Illinois Chicago is leading a multi-center collaborative to improve community vaccinations, testing, and engagement in clinical research. The Chicagoland COVID Collaborative aims to bolster COVID-19 vaccine confidence and access among Black and Latino communities.
A community health worker intervention has been shown to reduce hospital readmissions among patients discharged to short-term rehabilitation. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found a 32.3% reduction in readmissions for this population compared to those discharged home.
A randomized clinical trial examined the association between tocilizumab treatment and C-reactive protein levels in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The study found a positive correlation between tocilizumab treatment and improved survival rates for patients with high C-reactive protein levels.
A dental school researcher has received FDA approval to begin clinical trials for a new cancer therapy using a protein found in an oral bacterium. The treatment, Leukothera, rapidly kills cancer cells without compromising the immune system, offering a potential alternative to existing treatments.
A clinical trial by Trinity College Dublin researchers has shown upadacitinib to be the most effective treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The study involved 1,600 patients and found that the drug provides a substantial unmet need in treating this chronic inflammatory condition.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has doubled the percentage of Black participants in cancer clinical trials through community outreach and engagement efforts. The initiative improved access and treatment for historically underrepresented groups, with significant increases observed in non-therapeutic interventional and ...
Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc reports initial data from its Phase 2 SPEARHEAD-1 trial showing a high response rate of 41.4% for patients with synovial sarcoma, including two complete responses and encouraging initial safety and durability. The trial's results support the company's BLA submission next year.
The EBC MAIN trial found no significant difference in one-year clinical outcomes between planned single stenting and upfront two-stent techniques for true bifurcation distal left main disease. The primary composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization occurred at a rate of 14.7% in the provision...
A study analyzing 105 glaucoma trials reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in clinical trial participation. Minority groups are underrepresented in these trials, which could impact the development of effective treatments for diverse populations.
The CASTLE study investigated the role of imaging-guided percutaneous cardiac intervention (PCI) in clinical outcomes difference between ultra-thin strut biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (Orsiro) and durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (Xience). The results show no significant differences in target lesion failure rat...
The Cool AMI EU pivotal trial evaluated the safety and effectiveness of systemic mild hypothermia as an adjunctive therapy to primary PCI in patients with anterior STEMI. The trial showed significant differences between treatment groups, including longer randomization-to-balloon time and total ischemic time.
Research suggests that higher pulse rates among non-sleepy obstructive sleep apnea patients with coronary artery disease may be associated with increased risk of cardiac events. However, CPAP therapy has been shown to provide protection for these patients, particularly those with high pulse rate responses.
A randomized double-blind controlled trial of convalescent plasma for adults hospitalized with severe COVID-19 found mortality at 28 days in the treatment arm was half the rate seen in the control arm. However, treatment was not associated with other improvements in clinical status among patients.
Brigham cardiologists presented findings on IL-6 inhibitors, SGLT1/2 inhibitors and statin drugs in COVID-19 patients, highlighting potential benefits and limitations. The studies suggest new therapeutic options for preventing future cardiovascular events and improving outcomes for patients with heart failure and kidney disease.
The study found that rivaroxaban significantly reduced the occurrence of total severe events in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease who underwent lower extremity revascularization. The treatment also showed a 12.5% absolute reduction in risk for adverse events in this high-risk population.
The study analyzed over 36,000 LAAO procedures performed with the WATCHMAN device in older, higher-risk patients with atrial fibrillation. At one year, the estimated 1.53% ischemic stroke rate was lower than predicted by stroke risk scores, suggesting effective stroke prevention.
Clinical trials for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma consistently exclude minority groups, who experience poorer health outcomes. The lack of diversity in these trials hinders the development of targeted treatments due to racial differences in tumor biology and therapeutic response.
A large-scale trial of annual screening for ovarian cancer found that neither method reduced deaths from the disease, contradicting expectations. Early detection strategies detected cancers earlier, but this did not translate into saving lives.
C-Path and Tufts Medical Center collaborate to integrate patient-level clinical trial data and real-world data to generate actionable real-world evidence for neonatal drug development. The partnership aims to improve survival and outcome for preterm neonates with limited new drug development.
Researchers have successfully used a brain-computer interface to record brain signals associated with handwriting and create text on a computer in real time. The system allows individuals with severe speech or motor impairments to communicate rapidly and accurately, with a trial participant typing at a rate of 90 characters per minute.
Research from the Com-COV study shows that mixing COVID-19 vaccine doses can lead to more frequent mild-moderate symptoms, but adverse reactions are short-lived and no safety concerns were found. The study's findings suggest that mixed schedules could result in increased work absences after vaccination.
A new AI-powered ECG screening tool detected asymptomatic low ejection fraction in patients with improved diagnosis rates. The study found that the AI intervention increased the diagnosis of low ejection fraction by 32% relative to usual care.
A new study found a substantial decrease in minimally invasive surgery use for cervical cancer after the publication of a major study in 2018. The study assessed 2,437 patients and showed that surgeons changed their methods, but still saw room for improvement at non-academic medical centers.
A new digital decision-aiding tool, ASSIST, has been developed to help physicians choose between non-invasive diagnostic tests for patients with chest pain. The tool uses machine learning techniques to identify the most appropriate imaging test based on patient characteristics.
A new study reveals that only 32.3% of US patients undergoing PCI for SIHD met ISCHEMIA trial inclusion criteria, while others had high-risk features or negative functional testing. These findings suggest the trial's results may not be representative of real-world interventional practice.
A quality improvement study evaluated the length, readability, and complexity of COVID-19 vaccine phase III randomized clinical trial informed consent documents. The study found that these documents were often lengthy and complex, posing a barrier to participant understanding.
A new study from the University of Missouri School of Medicine found that people of color, those with a higher income, and younger individuals are more likely to participate in cancer clinical trials. The analysis of 20,053 respondents showed an average overall clinical trial participation rate of 6.51%, with significant differences in...
A Phase 2b trial will test Dalbavancin for safety and efficacy in treating complicated S. aureus bacteremia in hospitalized adults. The study aims to validate a dalbavancin regimen of one dose a week for two weeks, potentially leading to a shorter and less invasive treatment.