Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
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Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
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Researchers at Northwestern University led by Theresa Pape are testing if familiar voices can facilitate brain repair and improve coma recovery. The study found that subjects responded more to family voices compared to non-familiar ones, with activated brain areas appearing on MRI scans.
A recent trial in Ghana found that vitamin A supplementation did not reduce maternal mortality, contradicting previous findings from a Nepalese trial. The study showed similar rates of pregnancy-related and all-cause female mortality between the intervention and control groups.
The ObaapaVitA study in Ghana found that vitamin A supplementation had no significant impact on pregnancy-related mortality or female mortality rates. This result contradicts the earlier Nepal trial which showed a 44% decrease in maternal mortality with vitamin A supplementation.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) will present exciting data on the treatment and research of GI disorders during Digestive Disease Week. The late-breaking clinical abstracts include promising findings on gut microbiota, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and more.
A new meta-analysis reports that hyperfractionated and accelerated radiotherapy regimens improve overall survival in non-small-cell lung cancer patients by 3% after 5 years. Modified fractionation of radiotherapy also shows benefits for small-cell lung cancer patients, although the difference is not statistically significant.
A multicenter NIH trial led by the University of South Florida found combination antibiotics to be effective in treating Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis. The study showed significant improvement in patients treated with combination antibiotics, with 22% experiencing complete remission and no adverse side effects.
A single sigmoidoscopy examination between ages 55 and 64 significantly reduced colorectal cancer mortality by 43% and incidence by one-third in those screened. The study found a lasting protective effect of screening, with 59% of cases detected during screening and only a few post-screening detections.
The article warns that overly restrictive regulations in clinical trials are stifling innovation and hindering patient safety. The authors advocate for the development of study-specific standards to address these issues, ensuring a balance between protection and progress.
Researchers found that individuals with high competitiveness and sensitivity to rewards perform better without a monetary incentive, relying on 'proactive cognitive control' to guide their actions. Brain scans revealed changes in lateral prefrontal cortex activity linked to extra behavioral benefits.
Researchers developed a novel statistical model to guide targeted therapies based on molecular signatures in tumor biopsies, showing promising results in treating stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. The study found that four drugs targeting specific molecular pathways led to improved disease control and overall survival.
IGIV has preserved thinking abilities and significantly reduced brain atrophy and ventricular enlargement in mild- to moderate-stage Alzheimer's patients. The study also found a dose-related effect on brain ventricular enlargement, suggesting IGIV may spare brain tissue.
Chagas disease is a neglected cause of stroke, with nearly a third of patients developing severe heart problems. Screening for Trypanosoma cruzi infection and long-term oral anticoagulants may help prevent stroke recurrence.
A study found that older patients (age 80+), particularly those over 85, had higher in-hospital death rates and more complications after defibrillator or pacemaker implantation. Despite this, they were less likely to have other comorbidities or concurrent cardiac procedures.
Over 3,000 employees from Banco Santander will participate in the PESA CNIC-Santander trial, exploring the progression of early subclinical atherosclerosis and daily habits that influence its development. The project aims to improve current prevention strategies and identify risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers found that only patients with a specific genetic mutation are eligible for gene therapy, which has shown promising results in treating Leber congenital amaurosis. Genetic testing can detect changes in the genome, but accurate interpretation is crucial to ensure correct treatment.
A $3.8 million grant aims to address cultural barriers and biases limiting minority participation in cancer clinical trials. A patient navigation model is being established to provide assistance and support to patients considering or enrolled in trials.
SNM's Clinical Trials Network has gained a new member, Eli Lilly and Company, which will support the initiative to facilitate the development of therapeutic medicines. The network aims to streamline drug discovery and integrate imaging biomarkers into clinical trials, ultimately leading to personalized diagnostics and therapies.
The revised CONSORT 2010 statement provides a checklist to ensure randomised controlled trials are reported transparently and reliably. The guidelines aim to improve the quality of trial reports, making it easier for decision-makers to evaluate the soundness of trial results.
A study of nearly 100 early-stopped clinical trials found that many positive treatment effects were exaggerated. Researchers recommend continuing trials for longer periods to ensure accurate estimates of treatment effects.
Researchers have discovered a new drug that targets the root cause of painful menstrual cramps, called dysmenorrhea. The compound, VA111913, has shown promise in Phase II clinical trials and could be available to patients in four years if studies continue to show positive results.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 19%. Increasing polyunsaturated fat consumption as a replacement for saturated fats may significantly reduce the rate of heart attacks and cardiac deaths in the population.
A recent study found that deep brain stimulation significantly reduced seizure frequency in patients with refractory partial and secondarily generalized seizures, with a 56% reduction in seizure frequency by 2 years. The benefits of stimulation persisted long-term, with improved responder rates.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that 15% of clinical trials using terms like erectile dysfunction and hypoactive had exclusionary language for lesbians and gay men. Industry-sponsored trials were more likely to exclude these groups, often due to requiring patients in heterosexual relationships.
Researchers developed a 'Braccio di Ferro' robot to assist patients in learning arm movements again. The interactive robot helps patients perform correct movements, promoting motor system learning and improving movement ability.
A recent NIH panel has questioned 'VBAC bans' and advocated for expanded delivery options for women. The panel suggests that a trial of labor is a reasonable option for many women with a prior cesarean delivery, citing success rates of nearly 75 percent.
A second dose of gene therapy has proven safe and effective in animal studies, suggesting that patients who benefit from treatment in one eye may experience similar benefits in the other. The study found no signs of toxic side effects or interference from unwanted immune reactions.
Only 25 US states have enacted legislation covering cancer clinical trial costs, with varying requirements for scientific and ethical review. The study highlights the need for closer communication between lawmakers and oncology experts to improve research and patient care.
A study of 141 parents whose children died of cancer found that 13% considered hastening their child's death, especially in cases of pain. The study suggests that education and discussion about intensive symptom management may mitigate consideration of hastened death among parents.
The CREST trial found that traditional surgery and stenting are roughly equal in safety and efficacy for clearing dangerous carotid artery blockages. Patients' age and medical condition should influence treatment choice.
Researchers found that younger patients (age 69 and younger) benefit from stenting, while older patients (over 70) are more suited to surgery. This study provides valuable risk/benefit information to help physicians choose the best carotid procedure based on individual health history.
A new non-neurotoxic treatment for head lice has been found to be safe and effective in children from six months of age and up, with an average treatment success rate of 91.2% after one week. The treatment, benzyl alcohol lotion 5% (Ulesfia), works by suffocating lice, a method previously attempted with household items.
The Cochrane Systematic Review found that the evidence for influenza vaccine effectiveness in adults aged 65 and over is limited, with most studies being of low quality and open to bias. The review suggests that vaccination has modest benefits at best.
New research reveals statin therapy increases type 2 diabetes risk by 9% in trials, yet the absolute risk is low compared to coronary event reduction. The study found higher diabetes risk among older participants and no influence of LDL cholesterol levels.
The development of guidelines for better reporting of health research is crucial for understanding study importance and accuracy. The authors, key developers of several important guidelines, have created a substantial new resource to promote better reporting.
Researchers found that patients who walked at least two bouts of 1500 steps each on three days a week reported significantly less arthritis pain and improved physical function. Glucosamine sulphate supplementation also showed benefits, with both groups achieving significant improvement in symptoms.
A clinical trial is underway to determine if infusing stem cells from umbilical cord blood can improve the lives of children with cerebral palsy. The study will include 40 children aged 2-12, who will receive either a real or placebo infusion of cord blood.
US PSA screening detected fewer prostate cancers compared to a European randomized trial, with lower sensitivity being the main cause. The estimated sensitivity of PSA testing followed by biopsy was significantly lower in the US (0.26) than in the European trial (0.94).
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that hypofractionated radiotherapy schedules do not increase adverse symptoms or worsen body image compared to the international standard treatment. Patients reported moderate or striking concerns about body image, but these did not differ between radiotherapy schedules.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging's Clinical Trials Network Workshop explored the integration of imaging biomarkers into clinical trials, emphasizing quality and standardization. Experts shared insights on overcoming challenges and harmonizing data across multiple sites.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that the type of food eaten after exercise can significantly impact metabolic health. Eating low-carbohydrate meals after exercise enhanced insulin sensitivity more than eating balanced or low-calorie meals. The study suggests that people can still reap important health benef...
A combination of two fully human monoclonal antibodies shown to reduce Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection recurrence by 72%. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in disease relapse, offering new hope for patients battling this debilitating condition.
A clinical trial at the University of Western Ontario aims to improve patient treatment for Crohn's disease by evaluating a new combination therapy approach. The REACT study will compare conventional management strategies to a newer paradigm featuring early use of immunosuppression and anti-metabolites.
The BALANCE study shows that combination therapy with lithium plus valproate is more effective in preventing relapse in people with bipolar I disorder than valproate monotherapy. The benefit is significant and maintained for up to 2 years, regardless of baseline severity of illness.
A study found that ethnic background, body mass index, and heart rate impact the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT scans. Researchers say advances in scanners can improve image quality for more accurate diagnoses.
According to a study by Dr. Khaled El Emam, approximately 41% of Canadian clinical trials have moved away from paper records, with industry-funded trials being more likely to use electronic data capture tools. Pediatric trials also showed increased adoption of technology.
A cluster randomized trial found that school playgrounds with granite sand surfacing significantly reduced the risk of arm fractures compared to wood fibre surfaces. The study concluded that updating safety standards to recommend granite sand will reduce common and severe injuries seen on modern playgrounds.
A modified blood adult stem-cell transplant regimen has effectively reversed sickle cell disease in 9 of 10 adults with severe symptoms. The trial's results show that the treatment reduced toxicity and allowed patients to achieve stable mixed donor chimerism, completely replacing their disease-causing cells.
Researchers at UT Houston are conducting a Phase II trial using adult human mesenchymal stem cells to treat acute heart attacks. The study shows promising results, with patients experiencing fewer arrhythmias and improved overall condition after receiving the treatment.
A new study reveals that research participants perceive high-paying medical trials as being associated with higher risks. This perception affects their interest in participating and influences the amount of time they spend researching trial risks.
Researchers analyzed all clinical trials of rofecoxib before its market withdrawal and found an association between the drug and increased cardiovascular risk as early as December 2000. The study provided a roadmap for assessing drug safety after product introduction, highlighting the importance of public disclosure of trial results.
A team of investigators analyzed 30 randomized trials of Vioxx and found a strong concern for cardiovascular events or death as early as December 2000. The analysis showed a 35-43% increased risk of cardiovascular events or death, highlighting the need for informed treatment decisions and public health efforts.
A study found that a nurse-led telephone care program for depression post-bypass surgery improved mental health-related quality of life and physical functioning in CABG patients. The intervention showed significant reductions in mood symptoms, with men particularly benefiting from the treatment.
UT Southwestern Medical Center has launched ResearchMatch, a national partnership to match volunteers with scientists leading medical research studies. The initiative provides access to clinical trials and studies across the country, while protecting participants' privacy.
A randomized controlled trial found that prone positioning in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) did not significantly reduce mortality rates compared to supine positioning. Despite higher complication rates in the prone group, outcomes were similar for both groups at 28 days and 6 months.
A new study suggests that progression-free survival (PFS) is a reasonable primary endpoint for clinical trials of metastatic cancer when the median survival post-progression (SPP) is less than 6 months. However, PFS benefit does not always translate to overall survival (OS) benefit in cases where SPP is longer than 12 months.
A large clinical trial testing two resuscitation strategies found both equally successful; no additional benefit from using an impedance threshold device during CPR. The study involved approximately 11,500 participants and stopped enrollment early based on preliminary data suggesting no significant improvement in survival rates.
Adding cetuximab to radiation therapy improves survival rates in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, with benefits persisting for up to 5 years. Patients who develop a prominent rash after treatment show significantly improved overall survival compared to those without the rash.
Curcumin, found in turmeric, shows promise in treating colon cancer, psoriasis, and Alzheimer's. The nano-size capsule boosts curcumin absorption, increasing antioxidant levels in the blood.
Breast cancer survivors who lifted weights regularly felt better about their bodies and had improved intimate relationships, according to a new study. The weight lifting also helped alleviate lymphedema symptoms and boosted emotional empowerment.
A clinical trial has shown that healthy pregnant women mount a robust immune response after receiving just one dose of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine. The vaccine has been well-tolerated and elicits protective immune responses in a significant majority of participants.