Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
A randomized treatment trial found that amblyopia treatment improved visual acuity in 53% of seven- to 12-year-olds and 25% of 13- to 17-year-olds. However, the authors note that sustained improvement is unknown after treatment discontinuation.
The American Cancer Society no longer recommends testing for early lung cancer detection, citing reduced risks after quitting smoking. However, a new position statement strongly advocates for asymptomatic screening in clinical trials or informed discussion of options.
A new vaccine targeting HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts, has shown significant effectiveness in reducing persistent infection and disease. The vaccine was 100% effective against precancerous lesions and genital warts associated with these four HPV types.
A multicenter trial found that alpha-tocopherol supplementation increased the rate of developing a second primary cancer during treatment but reduced the risk after treatment ended. After 8 years, the proportion of participants free of a second primary cancer was similar in both groups.
Two trials found that menopausal hormone therapy may increase breast cancer recurrence risk, but a new trial suggests no association. Researchers call for further study on safe treatment regimens.
The NASH Clinical Research Network is launching two trials to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a leading cause of cirrhosis in the US. The trials will test the efficacy of insulin-sensitizing agents and antioxidants, such as vitamin E, in slowing or reversing disease progression.
Participation in cancer clinical trials improves survival, with significant benefits for Kaposi Sarcoma patients. Young adults with sarcomas face limited treatment options and low clinical trial participation rates, contributing to poor survival rates.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that a new vaccine against childhood pneumonia reduced the first episode of pneumonia diagnosed by chest x-ray by 37% and overall child mortality by 16%. The vaccine also lowered disease caused by pneumococcus bacteria types by 77%, providing promising results for global health.
The study found that LC16m8, an attenuated smallpox vaccine, had a 100% take rate and was well-tolerated with no cardiac toxicity detected. This breakthrough offers hope for introducing a safer and more effective smallpox vaccine to the US market.
A study found that long-term vitamin E supplementation had no clear impact on fatal and nonfatal cancers, major cardiovascular events, or deaths. However, the daily administration of natural source vitamin E increased the risk of heart failure.
A study found that most patients would be interested in learning aggregate results of trials they participated in, regardless of future care impact. Participants who received results by mail were generally comfortable with this method, and 90% were glad to have been offered the results.
The Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT) found that a new treatment strategy for hypertension reduced the risk of strokes and heart attacks by 25% and 15%, respectively. The new strategy, combining calcium channel blocker amlodipine with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor perindopril, outperformed traditional therapy ...
A Phase IIb trial found that VEGF-2 therapy led to significant improvements in exercise tolerance time and reduction in angina symptoms. The study suggests that the therapy may be associated with prolonged clinical benefits for patients with severe angina.
The University of Manchester has been awarded grants totaling £826,000 for brain science and mental health research projects. The awards recognize the university's excellence in neuroscience and mental health research, with a focus on developing novel ideas for laboratory and population-based studies.
A recent study found that stroke warning signs, such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often occur several hours or days before the actual stroke. In most cases, TIAs occurred within seven days of the stroke, highlighting the importance of timely assessment and preventive treatment.
Researchers found that training designed to eliminate racial biases in police interactions can be effective in reducing biased reactions. The study used a simulation to test the impact of different approaches on officer behavior, and the results suggest that such training could lead to improved outcomes for all parties involved.
A clinical trial found that a device used to clear debris in arteries during PCI did not provide benefits for patients. Despite successful retrieval of embolic debris, the device failed to enhance myocardial reperfusion success, reduce infarct size, or improve clinical outcomes.
Researchers at U-M Health System found that disease severity in patients with ulcerative colitis can be accurately evaluated without frequent lower endoscopies. The study suggests using non-invasive indices, such as patient-reported symptoms, to monitor disease activity and spare patients the discomfort of regular endoscopies.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is soliciting applications for Clinical Trials Units to lead in the development and evaluation of treatments, prevention strategies, and vaccines for HIV/AIDS. The selected units will focus on interventions that can be employed in resource-limited settings.
A new study of 5,887 middle-aged smokers found that those who quit smoking had a significantly lower death rate than those who continued to smoke. The annual death rates for quitters were 6.0 per 1000 patients compared to 11.0 in non-quitters, showing a 46% reduction.
The study found that sustained quitters had nearly half the overall death rate of those who continued to smoke. Death rates were also lower for coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease, and less than half for lung cancer compared to smokers.
A study combining data from 11 trials found that early supported discharge services reduced deaths, dependency, and hospital stays by 8 days. The service, which provides rehabilitation and support in a community setting, is especially beneficial for patients with mild to moderate disability.
A one-year study found that local steroid injection is as effective as surgery in alleviating CTS symptoms, with improved results in the short term. The study suggested a preference for conservative therapies over surgery.
A new vaccine has been developed using a pathogen-mimicking approach, combining CpG 7909 adjuvant and synthetic peptide from melanoma antigen Melan-A/MART-1. The vaccine induced strong T cell responses in all eight patients, with one order of magnitude higher than previous studies.
Hermes A. Kontos and John R. Marler receive prestigious awards, while Hong Li and Shelagh Coutts win research accolades for their work on stroke mechanisms and treatment.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo are conducting a 12-week study to evaluate the effectiveness of an amino acid supplement in reducing hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The trial will compare the active treatment with a placebo, and results may offer an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.
Researchers have found that cooling can significantly reduce brain damage in newborn babies who suffer from oxygen deprivation at birth. The treatment involves lowering the body temperature of the baby for 72 hours after birth using a water-filled cap. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to bring routine treatment to babies s...
Reviparin significantly reduced the composite outcome of death, heart attack, and stroke at 7 and 30 days. Its benefits persisted even when initiated very early after symptom onset, with a 13% lowered risk. Reviparin is considered a moderate but important advance in managing patients with acute myocardial infarction.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that calcium supplementation significantly increased bone mass development during a critical childhood growth spurt in pre-adolescent girls. The findings suggest that elevated calcium use during this period may help prevent fractures and osteoporosis later in life.
Researchers at Brenner Children's Hospital will conduct four clinical trials to find the best treatments for children with heart conditions. The hospital hopes to renew its participation in the network after two years, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatment advances and better health outcomes.
Research found that estrogen therapy significantly increases the risk of gallbladder disease and surgery in postmenopausal women, with CEE showing a 67% increased risk. The study also revealed higher risks for cholecystitis and cholelithiasis among estrogen users.
Researchers can submit study information to a new patient website, www.PDtrials.org, designed to improve access to Parkinson's clinical trial information. The site currently lists over 30 studies recruiting patients in the US and aims to educate patient communities on the value of clinical research.
A new device study shows spinal cord injury patients experiencing some degree of functional recovery after six months, with improved sensation and motor function recorded at one year. The oscillating field stimulator device has been shown to promote nerve fiber regeneration, offering a potential treatment option for severe injuries.
The article discusses limitations of trial data generalizability and proposes recommendations to improve reporting and external validity. It emphasizes the need for increased consideration of external validity in guidelines and primary reports of RCTs and systematic reviews.
A multicenter study found women attempting vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) face increased risk of maternal morbidity and serious obstetric complications. Conversely, elective repeat cesarean delivery shows lower risks for these complications.
The NIAID human clinical vaccine trial tests an experimental vaccine composed of a small circular piece of DNA encoding the viral spike protein. The trial aims to assess the vaccine's safety and immune-stimulating effects in people, with results expected to inform future vaccine development.
A NIAID-sponsored clinical trial is enrolling healthy adults to assess the immune response and safety of the Fluarix vaccine, which has been distributed in over 70 countries. The trial will provide valuable information on the vaccine's efficacy before it can be licensed for use in the US.
A validation study has shown that a 70-gene signature is more effective than current standard criteria in predicting the time to distant metastasis and overall survival in breast cancer patients. The results have the potential to reduce chemotherapy prescriptions by up to 20% and improve quality of life for many women with breast cancer.
A long-term study found that women had a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease and lung cancer after stopping beta-carotene supplements, while the excess risk in men disappeared. The results suggest careful monitoring is needed to document long-term safety and efficacy.
The study found that raloxifene reduced invasive breast cancer incidence by 59% and ER-positive invasive breast cancer by 66%, leading to a 66% and 76% reduction in these cancers after 8 years. No effect on ER-negative or non-invasive cancers was observed.
The Multicenter UnSustained Tachycardia Trial found significant differences in characteristics, treatment, and outcome between men and women with coronary artery disease. Women were more likely to have experienced angina and had lower rates of atrial fibrillation than men.
Research reveals elderly patients are significantly under-represented in cancer clinical trials, with only 36% of trial participants aged 65 and older compared to 60% of the U.S. cancer population. This underrepresentation may be due to concerns about treatment effectiveness and side effects.
A randomized trial has demonstrated that a HPV vaccine is effective in preventing persistent HPV infections, abnormal Pap tests, and precancerous lesions. The vaccine's efficacy rate is up to 95%, suggesting a substantial reduction in cervical cancer rates globally.
The CorCap Cardiac Support Device has been found to significantly improve heart function and reduce the likelihood of needing a heart transplant in patients with moderate to severe heart failure. The device is an investigational mesh-like 'heart jacket' that prevents further enlargement during chest surgery.
Research suggests that high doses of vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of death from any cause, with no benefit found at doses of 200 IU per day or less. The analysis, which included findings from 14 studies, found that taking greater than 400 IU of vitamin E per day increases mortality risk by about 10 percent.
This study found that different health state value measures produced varying estimates of utilities and QALYs in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The use of SF-6D generated lower utilities compared to HUI3, which may impact the conclusions about treatment value.
Research found that African-Americans had higher blood pressure and heart rates, but also better artery response to treatment, leading to worse overall outcomes. The disparity in long-term mortality remains even when adjusting for patient characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers have developed a new device that can repair severe mitral valve regurgitation through a minimally invasive procedure, reducing symptoms and improving heart function. Preliminary results show favorable outcomes, with patients experiencing significant reductions in hospital stay and complications.
The seven-year contract will target non-HIV STIs and include microbicides, vaccines, STI treatments and diagnostic products. Students from international partners can participate in a yearlong program at UCSF for certification and mentoring.
A large UK trial found no significant improvements in survival, hospital admissions, or quality of life from comprehensive assessment and management of elderly patients. However, social functioning showed a small benefit from hospital-based outpatient geriatric care.
Loyola is conducting a clinical trial using a blood substitute in trauma patients to increase oxygen delivery and improve survival rates. The study aims to compare the survival rate of patients receiving the blood substitute to those receiving saline solution.
A study analyzing phase 1 cancer trials from 1991-2002 found a significant decrease in treatment-related deaths and serious toxicity, with adjusted odds of death being less than one-tenth those of patients participating in earlier trials. Targeted therapies and improved supportive care are likely contributing factors.
A new esophageal capsule has been found to be as effective as traditional endoscopy in detecting Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition. The study showed a high sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 100% in identifying esophageal abnormalities.
A new radiotherapy regime has been shown to significantly reduce local disease recurrence rates in young women with breast cancer. The treatment involves adding a boost dose of radiation to the tumour bed, resulting in a 5-year local recurrence rate of 8.5% in women under 35 years old.
A randomised clinical trial found that post-operative radiotherapy significantly improved biological and clinical progression-free survival in men with high-risk prostate cancer. The study showed a clear benefit in terms of biological progression-free survival for men who received radiotherapy treatment in addition to surgery.
A new malaria vaccine trial found only 10% vaccine efficacy in Gambian adults, but the DNA/MVA vaccine group showed a significantly stronger immune response than the rabies vaccine group. The researchers are planning further trials to address this issue and develop a more effective malaria vaccine.
The study confirms that patients benefit from two years of treatment with Macugen for wet AMD, demonstrating a statistically significant 45% treatment benefit. Longer-term use may be beneficial for patients suffering from this chronic disease.
Researchers tested electrical stimulation's influence on stroke recovery, showing participants experienced meaningful motor recovery gains. The study aims to validate these findings and potentially reverse paralysis, restoring patients' function and normal lifestyle.
The MRC CRASH* trial found that giving patients corticosteroids after a head injury increased the risk of death within two weeks, with 21% of those treated dying compared to 18% on placebo. The trial involved over 10,000 patients from nearly 50 countries and challenges previous studies' findings.
A study by University of Washington researchers finds that press coverage of lawsuits often portrays plaintiffs winning far more frequently than they do in reality. The distortion is attributed to a combination of factors, including corporate public relations campaigns and the tendency of news media to skim on scientific evidence.