Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
Researchers found that hands-on instruction and retention testing are critical to proper bleeding control. In-person training resulted in an 88% correct tourniquet application rate, compared to 16% for those with no training.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that vertebroplasty, a surgical procedure to repair spinal fractures, does not provide significant pain relief for patients with osteoporosis. The trial involved 180 adults and showed no difference in pain scores between those who received vertebroplasty and those who underwent a sham procedure.
A Phase 2 clinical trial has started in the US to test an experimental universal influenza vaccine, M-001, for its safety and ability to produce broad protective immune responses. The trial aims to provide durable protection against multiple influenza strains, including those that might cause a pandemic.
A new University of Guelph study found that intense exercise is a major cause of death in racehorses, with thoroughbreds facing the highest risk. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 cases and found that musculoskeletal injuries were the leading cause of mortality.
A trial found that emollient bath additives provide no meaningful benefit when used in addition to standard eczema care in children. The study included 482 children and found no statistically significant difference in eczema control between the two groups. This may help guide decisions around effective prescribing in this area.
Researchers are testing a neurostimulation technique using a vagus nerve stimulator to boost motor recovery in stroke patients with poor arm function. The study has shown promising results, with approximately 85% of participants benefiting from the treatment.
A recent study found that many academic institutions in the US are unprepared to comply with stricter requirements for clinical trial registration and reporting. The institutions face challenges in allocating staff time and resources to meet these new regulations. As a result, some organizations have not implemented policies to punish ...
A contemporary real-world analysis of culprit vessel-only intervention (CVI) versus multivessel intervention (MVI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiogenic shock (CS) found lower mortality rates for CVI. The study, presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions 2018 Scientific Sessio...
The Preserve clinical trial has revealed significant benefits of oral acetylcysteine and sodium bicarbonate in reducing cardiovascular complications. Researchers analyzed data from a large cohort of high-risk patients who underwent PCI, demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment approach.
The PERSPECTIVE trial presents a comprehensive review of the safety, efficacy, and durability of Zotarolimus-Eluting Stents in treating chronic total occlusion. Treatment with second-generation drug-eluting stents resulted in lower occurrence of adverse events compared to previous DES trials.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has released new guidelines for selecting specific categories of devices in endovascular therapy. The guidelines provide device-focused recommendations based on a review of comparative effectiveness data, including safety and efficacy of femoral-popliteal devices.
Treating leg ulcers within two weeks improves healing rates by 12% compared to standard treatment, with a success rate of 85.6%. Early intervention helps patients recover quicker and reduces the risk of complications such as amputation.
Researchers at UTHealth will investigate a stem cell therapy using MultiStem in severely injured trauma patients to prevent post-injury organ failure and improve recovery rates. The Phase 2 clinical trial aims to enroll approximately 150 patients and is subject to FDA review and approval.
A study found that elderly patients with locally advanced lung cancer who received simultaneous radiotherapy and chemotherapy had worse survival rates compared to younger patients. In contrast, those treated with sequential chemo-radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone had similar survival rates.
The USPSTF recommends exercise interventions to prevent falls in adults 65 years and older, with moderate evidence supporting this approach. Multi-factorial interventions targeting balance, gait, vision, medication use, and other risk factors are also recommended.
Two cluster-randomized trials in Africa found that conditional day 3 follow-up for children with uncomplicated fever is non-inferior to universal follow-up, allowing caregivers to return only when symptoms persist. The studies suggest that current WHO guidance may be reconsidered and could lead to more efficient use of resources.
A randomized clinical trial found that a program combining education and exercise training reduced pain and improved thoughts of pain compared to usual care. The treatment targets fear of movement and pain catastrophizing, common problems with chronic spinal pain.
The phase III ALEX trial showed that alectinib improved progression-free survival and prolonged time to CNS progression compared to crizotinib. Patients treated with alectinib also experienced longer symptom improvement in terms of health-related quality of life and lung cancer-related symptoms.
Houston Methodist is leading an international research effort for spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), a rare inherited neurodegenerative disorder. The $6 million, five-year study aims to bring promising investigational therapies to patients with SCA1 and SCA3.
A recent study published in Annals of Family Medicine found that interventions to decrease cardiovascular disease are not one-size-fits-all. Community-based approaches, such as the Boot Camp Translation method, can elicit unique contextual messages and materials that may be more effective for specific primary care practices.
A recent study has found that treating an infected hip replacement in a single stage procedure may be as effective or better than the widely used two-stage procedure. The one-stage revision strategy is shown to have advantages for patients, including shorter hospital stays and reduced functional impairment. However, further research is...
A team of researchers at UCSB has developed a retinal implant to replace support cells damaged by dry AMD. The phase 1/2A trial showed improvement in one patient's vision while maintaining the condition of others.
A randomized clinical trial found that higher protein intake did not increase lean body mass, muscle performance, or physical function in older men. The results suggest that the recommended daily allowance for protein may be sufficient for promoting muscle growth and well-being in this population.
New results from IMPORT LOW trial show women treated with partial or reduced breast radiotherapy report fewer side-effects, including less change in breast appearance. The study found that over half of patients did not experience moderate or marked side-effects at any point.
Women with small, low-grade tumors and a genetic profile at low risk of metastasis have only a 1.4% chance of locoregional recurrence within five years. Breast conservation surgery is as effective as mastectomy in reducing the risk of recurrence.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are conducting trials to test the safety and efficacy of an H7N9 influenza vaccine. The vaccine, developed by Sanofi Pasteur, will be evaluated in healthy volunteers and elderly adults, with different dosages and adjuvant combinations tested.
A new analysis has found that the PIVOT study's patient population was not representative of real-world patients, with those in the trial being older and sicker. This raises significant questions about the validity of the study's findings and potential treatment recommendations.
A clinical trial found that HRD-positive triple negative breast cancer patients respond well to standard AC chemotherapy, with better disease-free survival rates. The study used preserved tissue samples from nearly two decades ago and demonstrated the value of banking tissue for future research.
A new study casts doubt on the use of ketamine nasal sprays for treating severe depression. The pilot trial found that the dosage of ketamine through an intranasal device can vary greatly between individuals and within a day, leading to unpredictable side effects such as high blood pressure and psychotic-like symptoms.
Two new clinical trials are enrolling volunteers to test an experimental H7N9 influenza vaccine candidate in the US. The Phase 2 studies will evaluate different dosages and vaccination schedules of the inactivated vaccine, as well as an adjuvant to boost immune responses.
A Delphi Panel established 17 core outcomes for multimorbidity research, including health-related quality of life, mental health outcomes, and mortality. Researchers suggest considering a full range of outcomes based on study aims and interventions.
The MOMENTUM 3 clinical trial found that advanced heart-failure patients who received a centrifugal-flow circulatory pump had significantly lower rates of pump-related blood clots and stroke compared to those receiving an axial flow pump. Patients who received the centrifugal-flow pump also had fewer re-operations due to device malfunc...
Patients with advanced heart failure who received a novel heart pump experienced no malfunctions requiring replacement, and their risk of stroke was halved compared to those who received the established version. The new device uses fully magnetic levitation technology to push blood through the device and into the aorta.
A study found that 16.2% of dual-registered clinical trials had discrepant completion statuses, with 33.9% listed as 'completed' on ClinicalTrials.gov despite being 'ongoing' on EUCTR. This discrepancy may affect publication bias and systematic reviews.
A recent trial found that a one-off PSA test does not save lives in asymptomatic men, highlighting the need for more accurate ways to diagnose aggressive prostate cancers. The study of over 400,000 men aged 50-69 showed no significant difference in mortality rates between those who were screened and those who were not.
A single PSA test increased detection of low-risk prostate cancer, but made no significant difference in prostate cancer deaths after 10 years. This study suggests that current policy against prostate cancer screening may be justified, as potential benefits are outweighed by harms from overdetection and overtreatment.
Research at the TAT International Congress 2018 found that patients participate in phase 1 clinical trials for access to innovative cancer treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The studies suggest that this increased participation is driven by a growing awareness of treatment options beyond traditional chemotherapy.
The Alzheimer Prevention Trials Webstudy allows people 50+ to monitor cognitive health and join clinical trials aimed at preventing dementia. The free online platform addresses the major obstacle of delayed enrollment in Alzheimer's treatments.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is supporting clinical trials testing monoclonal antibodies as preventive therapies for antibiotic-resistant infections. The trials aim to prevent pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, two bacteria posing a significant threat to human health.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that up to 37 percent of studies on clinical trials show grossly exaggerated early results. The researchers emphasized the need for physicians and patients to be cautious when considering new or early trial evidence, as it may not accurately reflect real-world outcomes.
A new e-Health platform has been developed to support healthy aging and prevent cardiovascular disease and dementia in the elderly. The HATICE trial involves over 2,500 participants aged 65 or older and aims to reduce risk factors through lifestyle changes and interactive guidance.
A Phase 2 clinical trial in South Africa found that revaccination with the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine significantly reduced sustained TB infections in adolescents. An experimental subunit vaccine candidate, H4:IC31, also showed promise in preventing TB infection or disease.
A new systematic review of eleven clinical trials involving nearly 500 participants found that cupping therapy has a high risk of bias and inconsistent results. The authors concluded that no conclusive recommendations for or against the use of cupping in sports performance can be made until further trials are carried out.
Researchers have successfully transplanted human lung stem cells into damaged lungs, regenerating bronchial and alveolar structures. The study shows promising results in treating chronic pulmonary diseases such as bronchiectasis.
A recent study found that nearly half of all prostate cancer randomized clinical trials use lab results that disproportionately exclude black patients. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, highlights the need for researchers to adjust entry criteria to prevent racial biases.
Researchers recommend changes to international guidelines to collect more patient-reported outcomes, improving understanding of treatment impacts on patients' health and quality of life. The updated guidance aims to facilitate high-quality data analysis and reporting, ultimately enhancing patient-centered care.
A randomized trial found that induced labor at 39 weeks significantly reduced cesarean birth rates compared to expectant management. Healthy, first-time mothers who underwent elective induction had lower rates of preeclampsia and respiratory support for their newborns.
A recent study found that changes between interim and final publications of randomized trials can be significant, affecting clinicians' and the public's understanding of treatment benefits. The study analyzed 613 interim publications and compared them with their final versions.
Researchers at Westmead Institute for Medical Research are conducting a new clinical trial using water to treat polycystic kidney disease. The PREVENT-ADPKD trial aims to investigate whether drinking the right amount of water can prevent adult polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) from progressing to kidney failure.
The COMPASS trial found that the ADAPT technique is at least as good as stent retrievers for treating large-vessel occlusions, with 52% of patients achieving functional independence. Aspiration also showed a non-significant trend in favor of reperfusion success.
A two-year FINGER trial found that enhanced lifestyle counselling prevented cognitive decline despite the presence of the APOE4 gene. The intervention model is now being adapted and tested globally for global dementia prevention strategies.
Yale Cancer Center investigators developed a new statistical model to assess patient risk for cancer, which can result in more efficient and effective clinical trials. This approach can guarantee that the statistical power of the study is adequate to demonstrate if a new treatment is effective.
A new study found that direct aspiration first pass (ADAPT) approach is clinically equivalent to stent retriever first-line (SRFL) approach for treating large vessel occlusion strokes. Patients treated with ADAPT achieved functional independence at 90 days similar to those treated with SRFL.
Researchers developed a one-step process to enable peak BCI performance within three minutes, allowing users to control computer cursors just by imagining movement. The new approach streamlines calibration and reduces expert intervention, bringing the system closer to clinical availability.
A new report by Dr. Nav Persaud at St. Michael's Hospital suggests that the widely prescribed nausea medication Diclectin may not be effective in reducing symptoms for pregnant women. The report reanalyzes previously unpublished clinical trial data, which found a small symptom reduction of 0.7 points on a 13-point scale.
A 24-month clinical trial found that regular e-cigarette use does not have negative health effects on smokers. The study showed reduced nicotine withdrawal symptoms, lower exposure to cigarette smoke constituents, and no increase in body weight.
A recent review of US Food and Drug Administration registration data reveals that the proportion of women participating in clinical trials gradually increases from phase 1 to phase 2/3 trials. The analysis of 38 drugs with over 185,000 trial participants shows no systemic significant under-representation of women.
Researchers found that short-term treatment interruptions do not lead to permanent expansion of the HIV reservoir or irreversible immune damage. Upon resuming ART, participants' immune systems returned to normal levels.
A clinical trial investigates whether dietary and exercise interventions can decrease AGEs, which have been linked to cancer, in prostate cancer survivors. Preliminary data suggest that AGEs may be a better biomarker for lifestyle changes than previously used markers.
An investigation by The BMJ found that researchers misrepresented the results of animal studies to gain funding and approval for human trials. Experts call for urgent action to tackle poor practice and make animal research more transparent and reliable.