Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
A phase I clinical trial has found a new combination therapy to be well-tolerated in patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas, a disease historically under-funded. The treatment combines ADI-PEG20, pemetrexed and cisplatin, showing encouraging efficacy and paving the way for further research.
A new study evaluates the effectiveness of three home-based assessment methods to monitor cognitive function and decline in participants over 75. The results show that all approaches are feasible but with varying degrees of success, and suggest potential improvements in participant retention rates and reduced costs.
A systematic review suggests that vitamin C administration can decrease ICU length of stay by an average of 7.8%, with higher doses reducing duration by up to 8.6%. Vitamin C's role in energy metabolism and cardiovascular system makes it a promising intervention for critically ill patients.
A team of researchers has developed self-sustaining, bioengineered blood vessels that can safely integrate into the native circulatory systems of patients. The vessels, currently being tested in phase 3 clinical trials, offer a promising alternative to replacing damaged vessels with those from human donors or animals.
A large multicenter trial found that standard intermittent positive pressure ventilation did not reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death at 36 weeks postmenstrual age for extremely preterm infants. In contrast, sustained inflations did not appear beneficial in reducing BPD risk and mortality in this vulnerable popu...
The Annovera vaginal ring, approved by the FDA last August, is a self-inserted system that provides contraceptive efficacy for up to 13 cycles (1 year) of use. It has a Pearl index of 2.98, indicating only about three unintended pregnancies per 100 women in a year.
The I-ACQUIRE trial evaluates an intensive pediatric therapy to increase upper extremity skills, gross motor development, and cognition in infants with strokes under four weeks old. The study aims to transform clinical rehabilitation for thousands of newly diagnosed infant stroke victims annually.
A PLOS Special Collection explores new steps in clinical research for optimal TB treatment, driven by WHO and IRD-France sponsorship. Experts outline best practices for future clinical trials to inform policy guidance.
The collaboration identifies leadership, patient engagement, and community engagement as crucial factors in increasing accrual of racial and ethnic minorities in cancer trials. High-recruiting centers like Henry Ford Cancer Institute excel in engaging providers, building trust, and seeking input from minority patients and caregivers.
A study examining calcium intake found that higher intake was associated with a lower risk of progression to late AMD. However, the association between calcium intake and different stages of AMD was inconsistent.
Researchers at OHSU test video chat to stave off dementia in seniors, showing promise in improved cognitive tests. Social isolation is a major problem for seniors, and this study aims to identify healthy but isolated individuals and see if regular conversation can prevent age-related cognitive decline.
In patients without STEMI, immediate coronary angiography did not improve survival at 90 days compared to waiting a few days before undergoing the procedure. Clearing arteries with PCI sooner after cardiac arrest may not necessarily reduce long-term brain damage and its key factor in survival.
The NRG-RTOG 0214 trial found that prophylactic cranial irradiation improved disease-free survival, decreased brain metastasis rates, but did not improve overall survival in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This suggests PCI may prolong OS in a subgroup without primary tumor surgery.
Results from the PARTNER 3 trial demonstrate that low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis can significantly benefit from minimally invasive TAVR, leading to shorter recovery times and lower complication rates. This groundbreaking procedure has the potential to transform treatment options for patients with heart disease.
The final results of MOMENTUM 3 show that the HeartMate 3 left-ventricular assist device markedly reduced re-operation due to pump malfunctions, lowering risk of bleeding events and strokes. The study found significant reductions in pump-related thrombosis, strokes and mucosal bleeding compared to the previous generation of cardiac pumps.
A Cleveland Clinic-led study found that an absorbable antibiotic envelope can significantly reduce major infections in cardiac device implantations. The envelope was shown to cut the rate of infections by 40% compared to standard care.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) significantly reduces the primary endpoint of death, stroke, and re-hospitalizations in patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis at low surgical risk. TAVR also shows lower rates of mortality, stroke, and repeat hospitalizations compared to surgery.
In the multicenter clinical trial, TAVR showed superiority to open-heart surgery in low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. One-year mortality rates were significantly lower with TAVR, with 42 deaths vs 68 in the surgical group. The study also found shorter hospital stays and fewer strokes for TAVR patients.
A new study found that 40% of large-scale randomised controlled trials in the UK and US failed to produce any evidence on whether an educational intervention boosts academic attainment. The researchers evaluated 141 trials involving over one million students, which tested various schemes.
Research from the Cardiovascular Research Foundation will present latest data on PCI, imaging technologies, and TAVR at ACC.19. The study found that treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or receptor blockers affects revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention.
A QUT-led study found that improved hospital cleaning practices reduced healthcare-associated infections by 37% and decreased overall infection rates by 5.8%. The cleaning bundle was successful in improving thoroughness and showed promise in reducing vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections.
A study recommends innovative strategies to address underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials, highlighting the need for tailored approaches. The study identifies key components such as strategic engagement with providers, community leader engagement, and dedicated input from minority patients and caregiver...
A randomized clinical trial found that daily bathing with chlorhexidine (CHG) and nasal antibiotic mupirocin significantly reduced bloodstream infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in patients with medical devices. However, no significant benefit was seen for the overall population.
A randomized clinical trial examined two nutritional strategies: multinutrient supplementation and food-related behavioral activation therapy. The combination of both strategies showed promise in preventing new episodes of major depressive disorder among overweight and obese adults over one year.
A low-calorie fasting-mimicking diet has been shown to reduce intestinal inflammation and increase intestinal stem cells, promoting the expansion of beneficial gut microbiota. The study suggests that this regimen may have potential in mitigating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathology.
A new study published in JAMA found that nutritional supplements do not prevent depression, but lifestyle coaching to improve diet and eating behavior may reduce the risk. Participants who received a healthy dietary behavioral therapy experienced a reduction in depressive episodes when attending recommended sessions.
A randomized clinical trial found that a behavioral intervention with counseling sessions improved sustained physical activity and reduced sedentary behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study compared the intervention to standard care with general physician recommendations.
A Children's Oncology Group study shows that postoperative radiation improves outcomes for children with ependymoma, achieving seven-year progression-free survival for over 75% of patients and overall survival for 85%. The findings provide evidence that radiation can improve outcomes despite age and tumor subtype.
A large multi-centre study of over 1,200 patients with REM sleep behaviour disorder found a high risk of Parkinson's disease progression and identified several strong predictors, including motor difficulties and mild cognitive impairment. The study's findings will improve clinical trial selection and therapy development.
A randomized clinical trial among over 1,300 students found that offering breakfast in the classroom increased the proportion of students with obesity. However, this effect did not translate to a combined measure of overweight and obesity after 2 ½ years.
UCSF researchers created a blockchain-based system to ensure the integrity of clinical trials data, creating an immutable audit trail that makes tampering visible. The system allows for real-time reporting of adverse events and protects data from corruption.
The partnership aims to advance genetic diagnosis and therapy for patients with muscle wasting neuromuscular diseases, including motor neurone disease and muscular dystrophy. AIIMS will launch its first patient trials, providing insight into the different genes present in India's populations.
A new oral medication targeting NF-κB, a key link between loss of dystrophin and disease progression, has been well-tolerated in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The Phase 1 clinical trial results indicate that the drug can reduce levels of NF-κB-regulated genes and serum proteins thought to originate from damaged muscles.
A clinical trial found that inducing labor at 41 weeks of pregnancy leads to a small reduction in birth complications, with an absolute risk difference of 1.4% in favor of the induction group. However, the results are not conclusive enough to change current practice, according to a linked editorial.
Cancer clinical trial patients need care plans after trials end, yet little is known about initiating advance planning discussions. Researchers emphasize the importance of engaging patients and families in conversations about end-of-life care and palliative care. They stress the need for better data on post-trial needs and expectations.
EHRA 2019 will feature a record number of late-breaking trials and scientific abstracts showcasing cutting-edge science on cardiac rhythm disorders. Original research will also be presented, including the development of a wearable ECG device.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that using bag-mask ventilation during tracheal intubation improves outcomes and reduces the rate of severely low oxygen levels in half. The procedure, which involves squeezing air from a bag into the mouth for 60 seconds, is now being routinely used at the hospital.
Researchers at NIHR Guy's and St Thomas' Biomedical Research Centre develop a treatment involving patients' modified cells, restoring healthy levels of integrin α4β7, effective in treating Crohn's disease. The proposed Tribute Trial will test the treatment's safety and effectiveness.
Researchers found that caring contacts reduced suicidal ideation and risk by lowering odds from 15% to 9%. Simple text messages can provide support during stress and transition, improving mental health outcomes.
A randomized clinical trial involving over 650 US Army soldiers and Marines found inconsistent results for a text-based suicide prevention intervention that supplemented standard care. The study suggests potential reasons for the uncertain results in the military population, but highlights the need for further research on this issue.
A Rutgers study found that facial trauma lawsuits generally favor physicians, with nearly three-fourths of cases being dismissed before trial. The study also found that patients are most successful in jury trials and in the Midwest, with outcomes favoring plaintiffs in Midwestern courts.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that higher sodium intake increases lightheadedness in the DASH-Sodium trial, challenging traditional guidelines. The study's findings suggest that concerns about reducing sodium causing lightheadedness may not be scientifically based.
A nationwide clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of lifestyle interventions on brain health and cognitive function in older adults. The U.S. POINTER study, funded by a $35 million grant, will compare two lifestyle interventions focusing on healthy diet, physical activity, and social challenges.
Patrick D. Lyden, MD, is recognized for his contributions to stroke treatment and management through the development of tPA and refinement of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. He continues to advance stroke care through clinical trials and research on neuroprotection.
A new position paper published in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases emphasizes the importance of patient-centered approach in neuromuscular disease research. The paper advocates for shared decision-making and patient involvement in research activities, including clinical trials, biobanks, and regulatory processes.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that an educational intervention trained rural Chinese primary care doctors to prescribe antibiotics more appropriately, reducing unnecessary prescriptions for childhood upper respiratory tract infections by 36%. The intervention's long-term benefits were sustained even a year after its conclusion.
A Lancet study found that statin therapy reduced the risk of a major vascular event by about a quarter for each millimole per litre reduction in LDL cholesterol, even in older people. Statins also did not increase the risk of deaths from non-cardiovascular disease or cancer at any age.
A clinical trial has shown promise in using stem cells from donors to repair the surface of the eye in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency, a significant cause of sight loss. The trial also sheds light on the causes of sight disorders and offers clues about how eye tissue loss could be repaired.
The SPRINT MIND trial found that intensive lowering of systolic blood pressure did not significantly reduce dementia risk, but had a measurable impact on mild cognitive impairment. The study demonstrated that intensive blood pressure control is safe for the brain and may offer avenues for prevention.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is underway at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to test two experimental Ebola vaccines, ChAd3-EBO-Z and MVA-BN-Filo, for their safety and ability to produce an immune response. The trial aims to enroll up to 60 healthy volunteers between 18-45 years of age.
A personalized decision aid failed to help surrogate decision makers and clinicians agree on treatment goals for critically ill patients. Nearly all surrogates chose a more aggressive treatment goal despite the aid being based on their patient's values.
A clinical trial led by Wake Forest School of Medicine found that intensive control of blood pressure significantly reduced the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older people. MCI is a precursor to early dementia and increases the risk of dementia progression, but reversion to normal cognition is possible.
An investigational monoclonal antibody, mAb114, has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in an early-stage clinical trial involving adults. The treatment, which targets the Ebola virus's surface protein, demonstrated promising results, with all participants experiencing mild side effects.
Shapiro's comprehensive program in early cancer drug development has provided scientific and clinical direction for multiple investigational agents. His work has contributed to the advancement of several approved drugs, including CDK4/6 inhibitors.
A Phase 1 human clinical trial has begun testing a freeze-dried, temperature-stable formulation of the experimental tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate ID93. The trial aims to determine if the single-vial formulation of ID93 and adjuvant GLA-SE is as effective as previously tested two-vial combination in inducing an immune response.
A multi-site randomized controlled trial is enrolling patients with critical limb ischemia to compare treatment efficacy, functional outcomes, cost effectiveness, and quality of life. The BEST-CLI Trial seeks to overcome treatment bias by involving multidisciplinary CLI teams at participating sites.
Russian scientists developed advanced implants for the Ilizarov orthopedic system, which form part of the system's variation applied for lengthening and correcting deformities in children. The new implants reduced treatment terms by two times, accelerating bone regeneration and improving tissue density.
Researchers found that super-donors have stool rich in bacteria that enhance metabolism and can provide the necessary chemicals to restore gut balance. Fecal transplants from these 'super-donors' achieve clinical remission rates double those of other donors, offering new hope for treating a range of conditions.
Researchers in Leicester are investigating the use of antibiotics to treat certain types of severe asthma, a condition affecting 1 in 20 people with asthma. The study aims to identify patients with specific subtypes of severe asthma and test new oral treatments, including doxycycline and dexpramipexole.
A promising compound TTP399 targets glucokinase protein implicated in type 2 diabetes, improving glycemic control and reducing liver fat. Phase 2 clinical trial of 190 participants shows no adverse effects, paving way for potential new treatment options.