Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
A 3-month gap between doses significantly increases vaccine efficacy, with a single dose providing 76% protection. This extended interval supports current vaccination policies and is consistent with WHO's new advice.
A new report highlights disparities in vaccine clinical trials, showing that certain racial/ethnic groups and older people are not adequately represented. The study emphasizes the need for increased diversity and inclusion to ensure equitable representation of all populations, particularly those disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
The new guidelines recommend broadening eligibility criteria and requiring diversity study plans to increase African American participation. Gathering clinical trial data post-approval can also identify differences in safety and efficacy among racial subpopulations.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego will investigate psilocybin's safety and efficacy in treating chronic phantom limb pain. The study aims to elucidate brain mechanisms involved, including possible alterations in brain circuitry.
A new analysis published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that current psychological therapies for treating anorexia nervosa do not significantly differ from expert treatment as usual. This highlights the need for further research into more targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
A virtual reality app called Easyheights has been shown to improve ability to handle real height situations, with participants able to ascend further towards the top than before training. The app uses 360° images and gradually increases perceived distance without increasing fear levels.
The Human Genome Project has enabled millions to access their personal genomic information, but diversity gaps persist in clinical trials. Experts call for increased Indigenous participation, open data sharing, and multidisciplinary approaches to address biases and develop polygenic risk scores for diverse communities.
Pharmacologist Namandje Bumpus outlines a four-part plan to improve the equity of drug development, emphasizing the need for increased diversity in clinical trials. The plan includes implementing diversity requirements for funding agencies and research institutions, as well as genetic engineering of animal models to reflect ethnic vari...
A $5 million grant will support studies on scalable, low-cost, and noninvasive approaches to identify Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to improve the quality of life for patients and families by providing validated tools for early detection.
A two-dose regimen of the adenovirus-based vaccine offers high efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19, with no serious adverse events reported. The vaccine is well-tolerated across different age groups, including older adults.
The Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry has facilitated over 125 research projects and secured funding for patients across Canada. With data from over 4,000 patients, the registry provides valuable insights into neuromuscular disease outcomes and care.
Patients with non-small cell lung cancer who enrolled in a phase III early-stage trial showed a high rate of smoking reduction and cessation following study entry. Smoking rates were significantly lower among never-smokers, leading to improved overall survival compared to smokers.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that the Radar COVID app can detect close contacts of infected individuals twice as accurately as manual tracing systems. The trial on La Gomera island detected an average of 6.3 close contacts per infected individual, compared to 3.5 using only manual tracing.
A nationwide lung cancer LDCT screening study found the effectiveness of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening in a pre-defined, never-smoker population. The study revealed that family history significantly increased lung cancer risk, and most participants had stage 0 or 1 disease.
Researchers presented two radiation oncology trials that aimed to improve local tumor control in NSCLC patients. One trial found no significant difference in 2-year local-regional tumor progression-free rates between adaptive and standard radiation therapy arms, while another study demonstrated excellent local control rates with dose e...
A combination of reduced-dose radiotherapy using IMRT combined with concurrent cisplatin met the threshold for disease control and quality of life in good-risk patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. This approach yields improved outcomes compared to standard treatment, with lower rates of acute toxicities.
The NRG Oncology trial shows improved in-field tumor control with adaptive radiotherapy, increasing local-regional tumor control by 11% and primary tumor control by 17%. The study's results suggest individualizing radiotherapy dose prescriptions according to patient's intrinsic sensitivity for better survival outcomes.
In the phase II CodeBreak 100 trial, sotorasib demonstrated a confirmed response rate of 32.2%, a median duration of response of 10.9 months, and a median progression-free survival of 6.3 months in patients with pretreated NSCLC and KRAS p.G12C mutations.
Researchers evaluated the initiation of oncology clinical trials during COVID-19 pandemic to assess its impact on research and development. The study found that many trials were accelerated or started earlier due to increased emphasis on remote patient monitoring.
A new 90-day dual-purpose vaginal ring containing dapivirine and levonorgestrel has shown promising results in preventing both HIV and unintended pregnancy. The study found that the ring delivered sustained levels of each drug, likely sufficient for protection against both, with minimal bleeding concerns.
Close adherence to low-dose aspirin therapy resulted in 8 more pregnancies, 6 fewer pregnancy losses, and 15 more live births per 100 women. Starting aspirin before or early pregnancy showed stronger benefits than starting after the 6th week.
A new study published in Clinical Trials proposes staging cluster randomized trials to clarify uncertainties around school reopening policies. The trial design would create a rigorous evidence base for policymakers to make informed decisions, considering factors such as community transmission and health system capacity.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive framework to classify small-cell lung cancer into four unique subtypes based on gene expression. The study identifies potential therapeutic targets for each type, including an inflamed group that tends to be more responsive to immunotherapy.
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.