Research on the trials that test new treatments in patients. Covers trial design, respiratory and cancer trials, screening tools, and treatment breakthroughs.
A large phase III trial found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) preserves quality of life, with fewer declines in bowel and urinary functioning. However, SBRT does not outperform standard radiation therapy for disease-free survival, with higher rates of biochemical failure and rising PSA after treatment.
A phase III trial comparing proton and photon radiation therapy for breast cancer found that patients report equally strong health-related quality of life with either treatment. Patients treated with protons were more likely to say they would recommend or choose it again, but overall patient-reported outcomes were similar.
A new clinical trial report finds that stereotactic radiation therapy offers long-term survival outcomes comparable to surgery for patients with small, early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. The study included a larger patient population than previously published randomized studies and followed these patients for much longer.
A new clinical trial found that adding a PSMA-targeting agent to stereotactic radiation therapy doubled progression-free survival in patients with limited metastatic prostate cancer. The study also showed that the treatment delayed hormone therapy by 24 months and improved local control.
A new randomized study validates a predictive gene expression test that identifies patients with recurrent prostate cancer who will benefit from adding hormone therapy to radiation. The test, PAM50, groups tumors into molecular subtypes and predicts treatment outcomes.
A new clinical trial found that patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis reported significant reductions in pain and improved physical function after receiving low-dose radiation therapy. The study showed a 70% response rate in the high-dose group, compared to 42% in the placebo group.
A large-scale study revealed that SEEG improves decision-making in temporal lobe epilepsy by identifying specific patterns like LFPS that predict better outcomes. This enhancement enables clinicians to make more precise surgical plans, particularly for patients with non-concordant imaging or suspected bilateral epilepsy.
A large prospective volumetric study evaluates the immediate and long-term effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers on facial volume and patient-reported outcomes. The study showed significant improvements in facial appearance and quality of life, with volume maintenance varying by age, smoking history, and body mass index.
A new study decodes the mechanism of glioblastoma's resistance to chemotherapy by identifying a HIF-independent circuit built around the epigenetic enzyme PRMT2. Researchers found that combining an existing orphan drug with standard chemotherapy can overcome this resistance, doubling survival without added toxicity.
Researchers have designed a novel quintuple agonist combining GLP-1R, GIPR, and PPAR agonism to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. The molecule, lanifibranor, shows potent effects in reducing body weight and improving hyperglycaemia in mice with obesity and insulin resistance.
Researchers are testing whether low-concentrate atropine drops can delay the onset of myopia in children. The study aims to reduce the risk of sight-threatening complications later in life by decreasing how nearsighted someone becomes.
The NRG Oncology PREDICT-RT study has completed patient accrual, evaluating intensified and de-intensified concurrent radiation regimens for high-risk prostate cancer patients. The study aims to improve quality of life and outcomes by tailoring treatments based on genomic risk scores.
A daily pill of baricitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, preserves insulin-producing beta cell function and slows type 1 diabetes progression in people recently diagnosed with the condition. The treatment's therapeutic effect is lost when it's stopped, justifying its testing in earlier stages to prevent or delay clinical diagnosis.
Researchers are conducting a national study to test the effectiveness of daily atropine drops in delaying and reducing nearsightedness in young children. The study aims to enroll over 600 children aged 6-11 who will receive either atropine or a placebo, with results comparing the timing of onset and progression of myopia.
The Ver-A-T1D trial suggests that verapamil could preserve beta-cell function in adults with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. The study demonstrated encouraging trends towards beta-cell preservation and well-established safety profile, but narrowly missed statistical significance.
A new trial has shown that a lower dose of the immunomodulatory drug ATG is safe and effective in preventing the progression of type 1 diabetes in young people. The study found that the drug was able to arrest or delay the progression of T1D at a dose as low as 0.5mg/kg, with a good safety profile.
Stem cell transplantation has been shown to reverse stroke damage in mice by regenerating neurons and restoring motor functions. The treatment also improved blood-brain barrier integrity, reduced inflammation, and promoted new blood vessel formation.
A phase 3 trial of once-daily orforglipron found substantial weight loss in people with obesity but not type 2 diabetes. The medication improved cardiometabolic levels and was associated with significant reductions in body weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and non-HDL cholesterol.
A randomized trial shows that implanting a brain shunt in older patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus significantly improves symptoms, including gait speed, cognition, and bladder control. The study resolves controversy surrounding the condition's existence and treatment effectiveness.
Home high-intensity aerobic training outperforms home balance training in improving ataxia symptoms, fatigue, and aerobic fitness among those with cerebellar ataxias. Regular training maintained benefits at 1 year.
Two large-scale clinical trials found that a higher dose of semaglutide significantly improves weight loss and related health outcomes in adults with obesity. The study revealed an average weight loss of nearly 19% in those receiving the higher dose, compared to 10% with the standard dose or placebo.
A randomized clinical trial found that acupuncture provided greater improvements in back pain-related disability compared to usual medical care alone. The study suggests that acupuncture needling is an effective and safe treatment option for older adults with chronic low back pain.
A 12-week high-intensity interval training intervention did not improve hippocampal integrity or cognitive/mental health impairments, but reduced cannabis craving. Regular physical exercise may be a potential strategy for managing cannabis use disorder.
DZ-002 is an innovative cancer treatment developed through a collaborative effort among Georgia State University, Emory University and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The technology harnesses targeted radiation to destroy tumors with precision, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.
The new model simplifies trial openings and streamlines patient enrollment, enabling rapid expansion across multiple locations. City of Hope operates a single centralized hub with diverse research locations, reducing patient enrollment times and increasing access to leading-edge treatment options.
A clinical trial found that patients with mesothelioma who received combination immunotherapy drugs before surgery had successful surgeries and improved early outcomes. The study showed that tracking tumor DNA in the blood could help predict treatment benefit.
Researchers found that individuals from African American, Hispanic and Asian groups were less likely to have elevated amyloid in the brain based on blood levels of p-tau217. This finding suggests that these groups may have a lower prevalence of amyloid and are not at sufficient risk to qualify for amyloid-lowering trials.
A single dose of MM120 (lysergide) produced a dose-dependent reduction in anxiety in participants with moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder. The study supports the efficacy of MM120 and informs dose selection for phase 3 pivotal trials.
Systematic review highlights the challenges of nonregistration, premature discontinuation, and nonpublication of randomized clinical trials, affecting non-industry-sponsored trials. Funders' requirements and ethics committee oversight can mitigate these issues.
The TARGET statement aims to improve reporting transparency and peer review in observational studies, enabling better interpretation and application of results. By following the guideline recommendations, researchers can provide more reliable information for clinicians and readers.
The study found that detection rates of congenital heart disease have improved due to advances in ultrasound screening practices, with added specific views helping detect more defects before birth. However, detection rates still vary by region and type of defect, highlighting the need for continued improvements in prenatal care.
Scientists at Saarland University have developed a pioneering robot-assisted procedure for joint replacement surgery, eliminating the need for bone pins and external infrared cameras. The new approach uses the robot's built-in sensors to precisely scan the surgical field and create an accurate 3D model.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine and the European Heart Journal finds that beta blockers, commonly prescribed after a heart attack, provide no clinical benefit for patients with preserved heart function. Women treated with beta blockers had a higher risk of death, heart attack, or hospitalization for heart f...
A clinical trial led by Tohoku University has found that lubiprostone can prevent the decline of renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study evaluated the effects of lubiprostone on kidney function and found that it improves mitochondrial function, which exerts a renoprotective effect.
A new class of targeted therapy showed promise in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in pet cats, with 35% of patients experiencing controlled disease. The drug, which targets the transcription factor STAT3, also raised levels of PD-1, a protein associated with an immune response to cancer.
Researchers discovered that GLP-2 analogs reshape the intestinal environment by expanding villi and crypts, increasing regulatory T cells, and improving nutrient absorption. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with short bowel syndrome and potentially benefits immunocompromised individuals.
A cardiac device trial published in eClinicalMedicine found that improving enrollment of females in such trials can better guide care for all patients. One-year interim study results revealed that participants assigned male at birth were twice as likely to die or experience life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities, while females sho...
Researchers achieved global-first using Brain Perioperative platform to learn how new drug suppresses tumour activity in low-grade gliomas, a slow-growing type of brain cancer. The trial involved patients who took the drug prior to any other cancer treatment and showed promising results.
A modest gift card significantly increased enrollment of low-income individuals in a patient registry designed to accelerate Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials. Targeted outreach may be more cost-effective than offering larger prizes.
A telephone-based weight loss intervention significantly reduced weight in breast cancer patients with overweight and obesity. The study suggests that this intervention may improve disease outcomes, warranting further investigation in future trials.
Breast cancer cells build molecular tunnels into nearby fat cells to release energy, blocking gap junctions stops tumor growth. The discovery provides a golden opportunity for developing effective strategies to treat the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.
A three-year-old girl has been successfully treated with the first-ever FDA-approved gene therapy treatment for AADC deficiency, a rare inherited neurological disorder. The treatment, Kebilidi, is expected to take 2-6 months to show measurable impact and has already shown signs of increased energy and happiness.
A new study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that over 6% of patients experienced early hemodynamic valve deterioration just one year after undergoing TAVI. Smaller implanted valve sizes were significantly associated with the development of HVD, while larger valves appeared to be protective.
In a phase 1 clinical trial, the engineered antibody improved a class of drugs that had struggled to deliver on its early promise. Six patients experienced systemic tumor reduction, including two complete responses, with minimal side effects.
A Phase 1 human clinical trial has commenced at Griffith University to test the efficacy and safety of a revolutionary new treatment using olfactory ensheathing cells. The trial aims to repair and regenerate nerves in patients with chronic spinal cord injury, with intensive rehabilitation before and after transplantation.
The BREATHE-3 clinical trial evaluates a novel bronchoscopic device to open airways and release trapped air in patients with severe emphysema. The study will assess the safety and efficacy of the Apreo BREATHE Airway Scaffold, an implantable device granted FDA Breakthrough Device Designation.
Researchers have found a way to rearrange atoms in a new generation of malaria drugs to make them more soluble, maintaining their effectiveness against drug-resistant parasites. This breakthrough could lead to an effective successor to artemisinin-based combination therapy.
A three-year follow-up study of a personalized program of cognitive functional therapy (CFT) found clinically significant improvements in pain-related activity and pain intensity compared to usual care. The treatment produced large benefits that were sustained over time, offering potential for major human and economic impact.
Local-stage colorectal cancer incidence among US adults ages 45-49 increased by 50% between 2021 and 2022, with a steep rise in 2019-2022. Screening rates also increased during this period, driven by recommendations to start screening at age 45.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a novel analgesic called ADRIANA, which targets the α2B-adrenoceptor and exerts its effect without causing cardiovascular instability. The compound has shown highly promising results in non-clinical studies and early clinical trials.
Researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial to compare low- and high-dose methylprednisolone with azithromycin for treating severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. The study found that lower dose regimen of glucocorticoids is sufficient, equally effective, and safer than the high dose regimen.
The EFFECT Trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of early fibrinogen replacement in trauma patients, with a potential to redefine resuscitation practices and save lives. The trial is a major collaboration between CU Anschutz and Octapharma, enrolling 800 participants across top-tier trauma centers nationwide.
Researchers develop machine learning models to analyze sparse digital footprints and forecast depressive relapses or manic episodes with clinical-level accuracy. The approach uses GPS-derived social withdrawal and erratic typing patterns to predict bipolar episodes 24 hours in advance.
A coordinated approach is needed to address the scientific value of trial representation of the intended use population. The study aims to provide a strategic framework to ensure scientific validity by operationalizing broad representation at all levels.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that commercially available UV-C light appliances reduced rates of viral respiratory infections by more than 12% in aged care facilities. The technology is easily installed and cost-effective, making it a transformative solution for protecting residents from emerging pathogens.
Genethon is launching a Phase 3 clinical trial in Europe for its low-dose microdystrophin gene therapy GNT0004, targeting boys aged 6 to 10 with retained walking ability. The trial aims to demonstrate efficacy and tolerance of the treatment.
The US POINTER trial found that a structured lifestyle intervention of regular exercise, adherence to the MIND diet and social engagement had greater benefits on global cognition compared to an unstructured intervention. The study showed significant cognitive benefit after two years in older adults at elevated risk of Alzheimer disease.
Researchers from FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine recommend using high-potency statins as the primary pharmacologic approach in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and a healthy diet, are also crucial in reducing cardiovascular risk.
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is the first US site to enroll patients in a global Phase 2a clinical trial of PTX-100, a small molecule inhibitor for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PTX-100 in patients with relapsed or refractory disease.
Allergic responses to tattoo ink can lead to severe symptoms like urticaria, angioedema, and granulomatous reactions. Laser therapy can worsen these conditions, leading to hypertrophic scars or keloids. Alternative treatments like corticosteroids and surgical excision are recommended.