Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
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.
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...