Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
Patients taking ASA plus dipyridamole had increased rates of myocardial infarction, but the addition of dipyridamole is rarely justified for stroke prevention. ASA remains the gold standard treatment for preventing stroke in high-risk patients.
A clinical trial alert system significantly increased physicians' participation in patient recruitment, doubling the enrollment rate from 2.9 to 6.0 participants per month. The system alerted physicians about ongoing trials when a patient's records met selected criteria, leading to a 10-fold increase in referrals.
A new study found that drug-eluting stents like CYPHER are cheaper than open-heart surgery, saving patients and the healthcare system $6,487 on average over a year. The research also shows improved patient outcomes with stent treatment.
The Mayo Clinic report reveals that trastuzumab is the most effective treatment for women with HER2-positive breast cancer. With a disease-free rate of 90.4% at three years, this breakthrough offers new hope to millions of women worldwide affected by this type of cancer.
The SAPPHIRE and US carotid feasibility trials demonstrated the durability of carotid stenting, showing low incidence of stroke and comparable target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates between CAS and CEA. Emboli protection with ANGIOGUARD also showed effectiveness in preventing major strokes during carotid stenting.
The PRISON II trial found that CYPHER Stent patients experienced lower rates of in-stent restenosis and target vessel failure compared to bare metal stents. This study provides new clinical evidence for the use of CYPHER Stent in complex patient cases.
Researchers have found that combining the monoclonal antibody C225 with photodynamic therapy in a mouse model of ovarian cancer resulted in substantial tumor reduction and improved survival rates compared to single-agent treatments. This innovative approach may provide new hope for women diagnosed with this aggressive form of cancer.
A joint project between Cyberkinetics, Case Western Reserve University, and the Cleveland FES Center aims to develop a neuroprosthetic system capable of restoring partial arm and hand function. The proposed system combines limb movement technology with brain-interface technology to enable human users to control devices through thought ...
Researchers analyzed data from a large trial and found no safety concerns for patients with very low LDL levels. The study suggests that intensive statin therapy may be beneficial even when LDL levels drop below targeted levels.
A moderate exercise regimen, equivalent to 12 miles of brisk walking per week, can significantly improve fitness levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risks. The study found that even slight increases in intensity or duration yield greater health benefits.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have shown that IL-1ra protects brain cells from injury and death in laboratory studies. The first small trial of IL-1ra in patients has demonstrated promising results, which may lead to a full trial next year to test its effectiveness.
Researchers found that ICDs provide value in appropriate patients, but more research is needed to identify high-risk patients who would benefit most from the therapy. The study suggests that ICD use could be more cost-effective with lower implantation costs or extended device lifespan.
A randomized controlled trial found that therapy guided by pulmonary artery catheter monitoring did not improve survival or reduce hospital stays for patients with severe heart failure. However, the study suggests that PAC monitoring may be beneficial for patients who do not respond to initial therapy.
The updated data show that 51% of patients originally assigned to the Betaseron 250 mcg group can walk with or without assistance, compared to 45% in the placebo group. Additionally, 95% of patients in the Betaseron 250 mcg group are still alive after 16 years, compared to 83% in the placebo group.
The Phase I trial demonstrated the treatment's safety and efficacy in advanced Parkinson's disease, with statistically significant improvements in motor function and activities of daily living. The gene therapy approach offers a simpler alternative to deep brain stimulation, avoiding devices and requiring local anesthesia.
A UCSF team recommends amending current practices to ensure the safety of patients participating in clinical trials involving embryonic stem cells. The guidelines aim to protect donors' privacy by recontacting them over the years to update their medical records.
A landmark breast cancer screening trial conducted by UVa Health System found no significant difference between digital and standard x-ray mammography in detecting breast cancer. The trial, DMIST, enrolled nearly 50,000 women and used both digital and film mammograms.
CK-1827452 selectively activates cardiac myosin, increasing contractility without changes in cellular calcium transient. The drug demonstrates improvement in cardiac function and output in a dog model of heart failure, supporting its therapeutic hypothesis.
The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial found that digital mammography improves breast cancer detection in high-risk populations. The study's results corroborate NCI's commitment to exploring advanced technologies to detect cancer earlier and improve outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that visceral fat buildup is a major consequence of inactivity. The researchers discovered that increasing exercise amounts can significantly reduce visceral fat, while even moderate exercise can prevent accumulation and reverse it in some cases.
The STEEPLE study examines the safety and efficacy of enoxaparin in percutaneous coronary intervention patients, comparing it to UFH regimens. The results confirm earlier findings that enoxaparin is simple and effective, with minimal bleeding risk, and suggest its use as a standard treatment option.
The ELISA II trial found that triple antiplatelet (AP) therapy reduced enzymatic infarct size and improved epicardial coronary artery flow in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS). Triple AP therapy also showed a trend towards better event-free survival at 96 hours and 30 days after randomization.
The study reported a 10.6% rate of stent-related MACE for the control Tecnic group, while the Janus group had a 6.4% rate, with a significant reduction in TLR, and no stent thrombosis occurred
Researchers from Norway found that treating patients with high doses of B vitamins after a heart attack does not prevent recurrent heart disease or stroke. In fact, high doses of B vitamins may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly among those with impaired renal function.
The Cribier-Edwards Percutaneous valve offers a less invasive solution for patients with fibro-calcific native aortic valves, reducing mortality rates associated with untreated disease. Recent developments include custom retrograde delivery systems and larger valve sizes, improving procedure success rates.
Resynchronization therapy has shown efficacy in a specific subgroup of patients with heart failure, improving hemodynamic benefits, exercise tolerance, quality of life, and mortality. However, controversies surround its role in narrow QRS, atrial fibrillation, or right ventricular failure, as well as patient selection, due to high costs.
A European multi-centre study found that eating fish oil did little to reduce the risk of heart rhythm problems, cardiac arrest or arrhythmia in patients with an increased risk. The Study on Omega-3 Fatty acids and ventricular Arrhythmia (SOFA) investigated the effect of taking fish oil capsules on life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia i...
A study published in The Lancet found that minimally invasive coil treatment is more effective than neurosurgical clipping for ruptured brain aneurysms, resulting in a 24% reduction in mortality and disability. Long-term follow-up data showed that the early survival advantage was maintained up to 7 years.
A Canadian-led study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that amnioinfusion does not reduce the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome. Meconium aspiration syndrome is a rare but serious neonatal lung condition caused by inhaling a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid during labor.
The study found that Rev/Dex reduced myeloma cancer protein levels by over half in 91% of patients, with manageable side effects and a rapid response time. This oral treatment offers an attractive alternative to traditional intravenous therapies.
Researchers at Max Planck have developed a new vaccine that effectively protects against pulmonary tuberculosis, a major killer of adults worldwide. The genetically engineered BCG vaccine stimulates stronger protection by dendritic cells and offers protection against drug-resistant Beijing family isolates.
A study of 110 homoeopathy trials and 110 conventional medicine trials found that smaller, lower-quality trials showed more beneficial treatment effects for homoeopathy. However, larger, higher-quality trials revealed no significant evidence that homoeopathy was superior to placebo.
New study reveals that only about two-thirds of phase I clinical trial data were published within 7.5 years, highlighting the need for improvement in data dissemination. Lack of time and author relocation were cited as major obstacles to publication.
The new partnership between NIAID and IPM aims to accelerate the development of effective microbicides, with a focus on enhancing formulation optimization, process development, and scale-up for manufacture. Large-scale effectiveness trials of five candidate microbicides are currently underway.
Researchers halt Phase IIB/IIIA clinical trial of heparinase I due to higher incidences of negative side effects, including bleeding and infections. The study's lead author emphasizes the need for further research to develop an effective alternative to protamine.
Researchers found that participants who reduced their drinking had better outcomes and were more likely to remain in treatment, suggesting that psychosocial therapies' effectiveness is linked to patient characteristics rather than attendance. The study's findings challenge the current assumption that therapy is key to treating alcoholism.
A $1.84 million NHMRC grant will enable the development of a secure, efficient national online database for cancer clinical trials. This system aims to revolutionize data management and increase patient access to trials, ultimately saving lives by accelerating evidence-based treatments.
Researchers at MIT have created an Anklebot to aid stroke patients in regaining ankle movement. The device is one part of a larger robotic gym targeting different limbs, building on previous success with arm rehabilitation.
A large randomized clinical trial found that vitamin E supplementation did not reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events or cancer in healthy women. The study followed 39,876 women aged at least 45 years for an average of 10.1 years and found a 24% reduction in cardiovascular death, but no significant effect on other outcomes.
Richard Horton argues that the GMC is not equipped to handle complex medical-law cases and advocates for a Royal Commission to improve judicial processes and strengthen child protection services. The causes of Sally Clark's sons' deaths remain unascertained, highlighting the need for a broader approach to learning from the Clark case.
Researchers found that invasive treatment with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) resulted in smaller infarct size and lower risk of death or stroke compared to conventional conservative treatment. This suggests that reperfusion therapy may be beneficial for patients presenting late after symptom onset.
Researchers found that women with high intakes of vitamin D and calcium from food sources had a significantly lower risk of developing PMS. The study suggests that a high intake of these nutrients may reduce the risk of PMS and could be beneficial for younger women as well.
Researchers successfully introduced a gene that blocks joint inflammation, reducing IL-1 and IL-6 production. The study's nine patients showed no clinical side effects after five years, paving the way for new gene-based therapies.
The CRASH trial found that corticosteroids increased the risk of death at two weeks compared to a placebo. The study also showed higher risks of death or severe disability in the corticosteroid group than in the placebo group. Corticosteroids are widely used to treat head injuries, but this practice may be harmful.
The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) has updated its requirements for clinical trials registries, emphasizing the need for electronic searchability and public accessibility. The new guidelines also require registration of all phase 3 trials, which are designed to affect clinical practice.
Medical schools have inconsistent standards for allowing industry sponsors to control research, including revising manuscripts, limiting investigator roles, and reviewing data. Some institutions prioritize public interest over sponsor interests, while others are more permissive, raising concerns about researchers' autonomy.
A study examining Seroquel treatment for bipolar depression found significant improvements in quality of life measures, with the most common adverse events including dry mouth and sedation. The results are promising for managing depressive symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
Researchers have found promising results from an early clinical trial of a novel treatment for uveal melanoma that has spread to the liver. The two-pronged treatment cuts off oxygen supply to tumors and stimulates the immune system, leading to tumor shrinkage and prolonged survival in patients.
Panitumumab demonstrated a median survival time of 37.6 weeks and tumor response for 29% of patients with mCRC. The study confirmed safety and efficacy findings previously reported, suggesting panitumumab as an additional treatment option for managing the disease.
Recent clinical trials have shown promising results for biologic therapies in treating Crohn's disease, with Alequel achieving high clinical remission rates. Additionally, a study on adalimumab has demonstrated increased efficacy over time, while maintaining a strong safety profile.
A recent study at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that doctors and patients have differing perceptions of clinical trial participation. While both groups agree that clinical trials are crucial for improving cancer treatment, patients are more likely to cite fear of side effects as a barrier to participation.
A clinical trial involving over 730 colorectal cancer patients suggests that keyhole surgery may be the new gold standard for colon cancer treatment, offering rapid recovery rates, less pain, and fewer complications. The study found similar cancer-related survival and quality of life outcomes between keyhole and open surgery groups.
Researchers found that patients who mounted an immune response against beta amyloid experienced improved memory performance and reduced brain size, suggesting the removal of built-up protein. The new trial aims to stimulate an immune attack without raising brain inflammation risk.
A new study suggests that ICD therapy can be beneficial for patients with recently diagnosed cardiomyopathy, reducing overall mortality risk. The findings support earlier implantation of ICDs in this patient population.
An observational study found that drug-releasing stents have a higher incidence of stent thrombosis beyond 30 days compared to clinical trials. The study identified premature antiplatelet therapy discontinuation, kidney failure, and diabetes as independent predictors of stent thrombosis.
Researchers found that induced moderate hypothermia (32–33°C) is a safe therapeutic intervention for children with severe traumatic brain injury, reducing mortality and intracranial hypertension. The treatment protocol also showed potential to improve functional outcomes in young patients.
A new gene therapy approach has shown promising results in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease by reducing cognitive decline. The therapy, which involves delivering nerve growth factor to the brain, demonstrated significant improvements in patients' mental status and brain activity.
A new meta-analysis shows patients treated with nesiritide had an 80% increased risk of death compared to traditional drugs, highlighting the need for a randomized clinical trial. The study's authors argue that nesiritide is likely associated with important risks and suggest diuretics and vasodilators as safer alternatives.
The experimental DNA vaccine is composed of a small piece of DNA that contains genes coding for two key surface proteins of the West Nile virus. In the study, 15 healthy volunteers will receive three injections of the vaccine into the upper arm to monitor their immune response.
Leishmaniasis, a fatal disease affecting 1.5 million people worldwide, will be controlled through paromomycin with the goal of delivering treatment for under $10. The Institute for OneWorld Health aims to change generations of families devastated by VL.