Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
A UK study found that less than one per cent of children born with congenital heart disease participate in clinical trials, highlighting a need for improved treatment options. Researchers suggest establishing a congenital heart disease research network to conduct well-designed clinical trials and improve surgical outcomes.
Experts recommend restrictive blood transfusion practices for stable patients with hemoglobin levels of 7 g/dL or higher, reducing mortality and blood clot risks. The study found significant reductions in blood use by 40-65% in largest randomized trials.
Researchers launch PLAT-05 trial to develop a more robust defense against cancer cells, aiming to cut the rate of relapse by almost half. The new therapy will target both CD19 and CD22 proteins on cancer cells, providing long-term remission for patients.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using the medication pimozide, which was found to stabilize progression and alleviate symptoms in animal models. A limited clinical trial on human subjects suggests that pimozide may be effective in improving patients' quality of life.
A phase 1 clinical trial has opened enrollment for children aged 12 and above, leveraging a re-engineered polio virus to treat high-grade brain tumors. Dramatic responses have been seen in adult trial participants, paving the way for this innovative therapy to be tested in pediatric patients.
A preclinical study demonstrates the effectiveness of PRO 140, a humanized anti-CCR5 monoclonal antibody, in preventing graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in bone marrow stem cell transplantation. The study shows that PRO 140 successfully blocked GvHD development without affecting hematopoietic cell engraftment.
A study of 1,000 patients with chest pain found that adding noninvasive cardiac testing did not improve clinical outcomes, but rather prolonged hospital stays and increased costs. The test also resulted in more radiation exposure and repeated emergency department visits without a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events.
A randomised trial found that keyhole repair is more effective than traditional open surgery for repairing ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. The study showed lower mortality rates and reduced hospital stays in the keyhole group, leading to improved quality-adjusted life years.
Researchers developed and grew modified Cavendish bananas resistant to Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4), a devastating soil-borne fungus. One line remained TR4-free for three years, while three others showed strong resistance.
The DAWN trial demonstrated the efficacy of thrombectomy in reducing disability among stroke patients presenting within 6-24 hours, with a 48.6% independence rate at 90 days compared to 13.1%. Thrombectomy also showed benefits across various subgroups and time windows.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that clot removal up to 24 hours after stroke can significantly reduce disability for properly selected patients. Almost half of those who underwent thrombectomy showed considerable improvement in activities of daily living.
Researchers studied wild-born bonobos at a sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The results showed that bonobos will help strangers get food even when there is no immediate payback. This behavior is linked to a basic form of empathy called emotional contagion, which suggests that bonobos are also contagious with yawning.
A new study found that treatment with tranexamic acid must be given within minutes of severe bleeding to improve survival by 70%. The World Health Organization has updated its recommendations for the use of tranexamic acid, calling for it to be made readily available in all health systems to reduce global deaths from severe bleeding.
A phase 4 randomized clinical trial found that self-administered treatment for latent tuberculosis infection had a high rate of treatment completion in the United States, Spain, and Hong Kong. The findings suggest that once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine by self-administration is noninferior to direct observation in completing treatm...
A Phase 1 clinical trial has demonstrated encouraging data for gene replacement therapy in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1). The study found that high-dose gene therapy improved motor function and reduced the need for supportive care in patients treated with a single intravenous infusion.
The CULPRIT-SHOCK trial found that culprit lesion only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces the composite of 30-day mortality and/or severe renal failure in patients with multivessel disease and cardiogenic shock. Immediate multivessel PCI was associated with higher rates of adverse outcomes.
Researchers found TAVR to be highly cost-effective compared to SAVR in intermediate surgical risk patients with aortic stenosis. Over two years, follow-up costs were substantially lower with TAVR than SAVR, resulting in lifetime cost savings and improved quality-adjusted life expectancy.
A new mapping reveals trends in G protein-coupled receptor-targeted drugs, indicating more precise effects and reduced side effects. The study also identifies potential for further research into untargeted receptors related to genetic and immune disorders.
The DKCRUSH-V trial found that the double kissing crush two-stent technique resulted in a lower rate of target lesion failure compared to provisional stenting at one year. The study also showed improved outcomes for patients with true distal left main bifurcation lesions.
A clinical trial involving 311 patients with prodromal Alzheimer's found significant advantages in nutrient-treated patients, including 45% less worsening in Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Box. The study also showed less brain atrophy in the active group, with notable benefits for hippocampal damage and everyday tasks.
Patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) showed similar quality of life improvements at three years. PCI demonstrated a greater early benefit, with improved health status measures that were sustained over time.
A systematic review of 18 trials found that delayed clamping reduced hospital mortality by a third and increased neonatal hematocrit, confirming placental transfusion. Delayed clamping can save up to 100 additional lives per thousand very preterm babies born prematurely.
A new federally funded program aims to strengthen development of innovative pediatric medicines and devices by incorporating best practices and novel approaches. The Institute for Advanced Clinical Trials for Children will lead the initiative, which includes several other organizations committed to children's health.
A £1.1 million trial led by the University of Stirling will investigate whether a self-management programme can help women with pelvic organ prolapse manage their symptoms more effectively. The trial will compare standard care with self-management, focusing on women's quality of life and cost implications.
Researchers found that some γ-secretase inhibitors, like semagacestat, cause accumulation of toxic intraneuronal Aβ instead of inhibiting its production. This discovery sheds light on the discrepancy between preclinical and clinical trial findings for Alzheimer's disease treatments.
The US FDA has awarded a grant to I-ACT for Children to establish an alliance among leading institutions and health systems to address gaps in pediatric clinical trials. The network aims to improve the efficiency of trials through innovative design, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement.
Tufts Medical Center joins a new initiative to advance critical emergency medicine research with the Strategies to Innovate EmeRgENcy Care Clinical Trials Network (SIREN) Network. The SIREN Network will conduct large-scale clinical trials to test new treatments in cardiology and neurology.
Research examines the benefits of palliative care in heart failure treatment, showing improved patient-centered outcomes. Palliative care can address symptoms like pain and depression to enhance treatment effectiveness.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that first-time mothers with an epidural who adopt a lying down position during the second stage of labor are more likely to deliver their baby without any medical intervention. The study involved 3,093 women and found a 5.9% increase in the chance of spontaneous birth in the lying down group.
A portable 3D scanner has been developed to measure swollen limbs in patients with elephantiasis, a parasitic disease causing major swelling and deformity of the legs. The device provides highly accurate results in just a fraction of the time required by traditional methods, making it easier to assess treatment effectiveness.
Neuren Pharmaceuticals will conduct a Phase 3 clinical trial for trofinetide, showing promise in treating Rett syndrome symptoms in children and adults. The trial aims to provide a treatment that addresses the underlying biology of the disease.
Two Ebola vaccine candidates elicited strong and long-lasting immune responses in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The study found that 71% of one vaccine and 84% of another developed antibodies to the Ebola virus within a month, with antibody responses maintained for at least a year.
PharmaMar's Phase I/II trial combining PM1183 with doxorubicin shows a progression-free survival of 5.3 months, surpassing historical data for topotecan. The study also reveals manageable adverse events with no mucositis or neuropathy, paving the way for the pivotal Phase III Atlantis trial.
TBA-7371 and sutezolid have entered phase 1 clinical trials after early preclinical development. These novel drugs show promise in treating TB with no pre-existing resistance, addressing a growing concern in the disease's increasing resistance to older treatments.
Indiana University will establish a network of sites to study early-onset Alzheimer's disease, a rare variant that affects people under 65. The Longitudinal Early-onset AD Study (LEADS) aims to bridge the gap in clinical trials for this population by collecting robust longitudinal data on genetic risk factors and treatment options.
The SIREN network pools resources to boost patient numbers for emergency medicine clinical trials, targeting vulnerable populations and life-threatening emergencies like heart attacks, lung disease, trauma, and more. The network aims to improve treatments and outcomes for patients in critical care situations.
A new analysis highlights the importance of considering pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects in establishing drug doses. The study found that more trials used pharmacology endpoints in 2015 compared to 2007, but some still escalated without documented assessment.
A clinical trial found that virtual reality tours of operating rooms reduced preoperative anxiety in children. The study used a 4-minute video showing Pororo the penguin visiting the OR, explaining its contents in a friendly manner.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that game-based interventions can increase physical activity among adults. In a 12-week clinical trial, participants who engaged with gamification elements showed significant improvements in step goal achievements and average daily steps compared to those in the control group.
A study on swine farm volunteers found that levels of MRSA in nasal passages became virtually undetectable after two hours of exposure. Airborne transmission was the primary route of infection, not direct physical contact with animals. The risk of transmission to non-farm dwellers is considered negligible due to this decline.
A computer model developed by InSysBio scientists suggests that activating beta-amyloid degradation is key to preventing protein plaques in the brain. The model found that starting treatment at age 60 can lead to relative normalization of indices, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
A landmark trial found that older stored red blood cells are safe and associated with fewer side effects, including transfusion reactions. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, challenged common practice of allocating the oldest available compatible blood.
The committee's efforts focus on increasing the number of sites hosting research studies, expanding potential study volunteers, and reducing duplicated efforts. By leveraging public-private partnerships, they aim to develop effective medicines for children with kidney disease.
A study found that cancer clinical trials lack appropriate representation of ethnic minorities and the elderly, resulting in findings that may not be generalizable to all patients. The study analyzed enrollment data from 2003 to 2016 and showed a decline in African-American and Hispanic representation over time.
A phase III trial has confirmed the effectiveness of pelvic radiation as a standard treatment for high-risk stage I-II endometrial cancer. The study found that adjuvant pelvic radiation provided better pelvic control and fewer severe side effects compared to a brachytherapy-chemotherapy combination.
A phase II trial found that patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer who received half the standard radiation dose achieved equally high cure rates at two years, with 95% tumor control and 89% disease-free survival. The reduced treatment also resulted in lower side effects compared to standard therapy.
Researchers recommend expanding flu vaccine recommendation to middle-aged adults with chronic health conditions due to modest effectiveness of standard-dose vaccine. High-dose and recombinant trivalent vaccines show promise in providing better protection for high-risk patients.
A study found that a non-burdensome scientific reframing intervention improved patients' understanding of clinical research and its differences from clinical care. The 12-minute slideshow had no significant effect on participants' desire to enroll, but reduced therapeutic misconception scores by about 6 points.
A randomized trial of over 45,000 people found that frequent blood donation increased blood collected by 33% in men and 24% in women, with no major impact on quality of life or physical activity. However, some donors reported minor symptoms like tiredness and restless legs.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that HPV testing detects a higher number of precancerous cervical lesions compared to cytology-based Pap smears in women offered HPV vaccination. The study showed significant improvements in detection rates for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+) with HPV testing.
Long-term follow-up of postmenopausal women using hormone therapy found no association with overall or cause-specific mortality. The study, published in JAMA, analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative trials and included over 27,000 participants.
A recent study analyzed over 100 clinical trials and found that many were unregistered and unpublished. Prospective registration was significantly associated with subsequent publication, as well as being published with the same primary outcomes as defined in the protocol.
The KEYNOTE-040 trial found that pembrolizumab significantly improved outcomes in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, especially those with high PD-L1 expression. The study also showed a better side-effect profile for pembrolizumab compared to standard treatments.
The phase III RANGE trial showed that ramucirumab plus docetaxel significantly prolonged investigator-assessed progression-free survival compared to placebo plus docetaxel. The treatment also nearly doubled the objective response rate in patients with platinum-refractory advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer.
The KEYNOTE-045 trial demonstrates pembrolizumab's superiority in overall survival and adverse event profile compared to chemotherapy in platinum-pretreated urothelial cancer patients. The medication offers durable responses and a favorable safety profile.
A randomized trial of over 600 patients confirms chemoradiation as the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer, with no improved disease-free survival seen with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery. The findings suggest that chemoradiation should remain the standard treatment.
A nationwide study in Ireland found that most oncology patients consider clinical trials important but struggle with central concepts like chance and randomization. The study aimed to understand factors influencing patients' decisions about participating in clinical trials.
The PACIFIC trial showed that durvalumab improved progression-free survival in patients with locally advanced, unresectable stage II-III NSCLC, decreasing the probability of disease progression by 48%. Durvalumab also reduced treatment-related adverse events and improved overall response rates.
The FLOT4 trial has confirmed the superiority of docetaxel-based triplet therapy over standard care in patients with resectable oesophago-gastric cancer. The treatment improved curative resection rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival.
The Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Consortium, headquartered at CHLA, will conduct a clinical trial comparing outcomes for young patients with newly diagnosed severe aplastic anemia. The study aims to determine whether using unrelated-donor blood and marrow transplant is better than immune suppression therapy.