Articles tagged with Clinical 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.
Researchers at Imperial College London are conducting a new trial with patients and healthy volunteers to test the digital 'plaster', a disposable device that monitors vital signs in real-time. The technology has the potential to free up doctors' time, improve patient health, and enable early detection of complications.
The 'Red Alert for Women's Hearts' conference aims to address the need for gender-specific research in cardiovascular health. Key findings include low representation of women in clinical trials and a lack of data on their specific cardiovascular pathology, leading to incorrect application of male data.
A study of 2332 patients with chronic heart failure found that participation in clinical trials was associated with improved survival rates. The study suggests that being prepared to take part in a trial may be a marker for better compliance and acceptance of treatment.
The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) aims to determine whether maintaining blood pressure levels below current recommendations reduces cardiovascular and kidney disease risk. The nine-year trial will enroll over 7,500 participants aged 55+ with high systolic blood pressure.
LX211 controls inflammation in non-infectious uveitis, significantly reducing its recurrence rate by 50% at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg twice daily. The treatment also preserves visual acuity and reduces corticosteroid use to minimize vision loss risk.
Uloric (febuxostat) has been shown to effectively manage hyperuricemia in patients with gout, achieving normal serum urate levels in 45-67% of patients. The treatment also reduced the risk of future gout flares and was superior to allopurinol in lowering serum urate levels.
A new randomized controlled trial found that copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps are ineffective in relieving arthritis pain. The study, led by University of York researcher Stewart Richmond, suggests that any perceived benefits from these devices can be attributed to psychological placebo effects.
A $4 million NCI grant will fund comparative effectiveness research on cancer at the Southwest Oncology Group. The Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research in Cancer Genomics will evaluate emerging genomics technologies to identify promising treatments.
A recent study published in the American Heart Journal found that more than half of randomized clinical trials for cardiovascular disease fail to report vital information about patient race or ethnicity. Only 15% of trials had sufficient diversity, highlighting the need for better representation of minority groups in RCTs.
A new study found that patients who underwent less-invasive endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms had a lower risk of death in the first 30 days after surgery compared to those who received open repair. The procedure also resulted in reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications.
Researchers confirm association between higher blood urate levels and slower disease progression in Parkinson's patients. The study suggests that elevated urate levels may have a protective influence on brain cells, but the exact mechanism is unclear.
Scientists found that Parkinson's disease progresses more slowly in participants with the highest levels of urate. This discovery supports the idea that patients and doctors may be able to better predict the course of the illness.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that personalized, proactive telephone counseling significantly increased 6-month prolonged abstinence from smoking among teens. The intervention combined motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral skills training.
A Cochrane review found limited benefits of TENS for osteoarthritis pain and physical disability. Only small trials with poor quality data were available, casting doubt on the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
A 12,500-person trial will assess daily low-dose aspirin on health in Australian and US seniors. The study aims to inform health guidelines for older adults, considering aspirin's potential benefits and side effects.
A study published in PLoS Medicine discusses the challenges of designing clinical trials when there is no consensus on usual medical care. The authors recommend specific criteria for assessing proposed study designs and highlight the importance of comparing management of conditions to standard care.