Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
The NETT trial found that advanced emphysema patients with severe lung obstruction or evenly distributed damage should not undergo Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS). Instead, high-risk patients had a 30-day mortality rate of 16% and only slightly improved functional outcomes six months after surgery.
The CorCap Cardiac Support Device is a potential innovative treatment for heart failure that supports the heart and prevents further enlargement. Researchers have found that the device can slow or even halt the progression of heart failure by stopping the enlargement of the cardiac muscle.
The Phase II trial treating women with early-stage breast cancer has shown significant cell kill without damage to the skin. The technology uses adaptively focused microwave radiation that selectively heats and kills cancer cells, potentially reducing or eliminating breast surgery.
Recruitment to breast cancer chemotherapy trials for women at high risk of the disease remains a concern in the UK. A recent study found that only 10% of eligible women opted for these trials, highlighting the need for increased recruitment efforts.
A new trial found that warming patients before short duration, clean surgery significantly reduced wound infection rates. The study compared warmed and non-warmed groups and found a substantial reduction in infections in the warmed group, with only 5% of patients developing wound infections.
A new study has found that the rate of clots forming inside stents is three times higher than generally appreciated, with a 3.5% risk for patients with acute coronary syndromes. This finding may prompt cardiologists to rethink their approach to stent placement and consider alternative treatments to lower this risk.
Researchers have identified scientifically based selection criteria for patients seeking lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) as a potential treatment for advanced emphysema. High-risk patients with severe lung damage and poor outcomes after surgery are no longer being enrolled in the study, but will continue to receive medical treatment.
A large-scale clinical trial tested two investigational drugs, remacemide and Coenzyme Q10, to slow the progression of Huntington's disease. While Coenzyme Q10 seemed to improve the condition after one year, the overall results are inconclusive as to its effectiveness in slowing down the disease.
A recent trial found that WHO short-course chemotherapy was as effective as traditional Russian treatments in curing patients with tuberculosis. However, the results highlight the challenges of implementing changes in a healthcare system with entrenched cultural and structural barriers.
A 2-year study found that brief counseling by health professionals significantly increased physical fitness and activity levels in inactive adults, particularly women. The interventions were equally effective for men and women, with a 5% improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness.
A recent Duke University Medical Center study found that women and the elderly remain underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials, with only 25% of trials including women and 9% including patients over 75 years old. This underrepresentation undermines evidence-based care for all cardiac patients.
A clinical trial found that marimastat produced comparable one-year survival rates to chemotherapy drug gemcitabine in patients with localized pancreatic cancer. Fewer toxic side effects were reported in patients taking marimastat compared to gemcitabine.
A statistical analysis of 47 randomized trials involving 18,000 women found that chemotherapy improves survival time adjusted for quality of life for both younger and older women. Younger women treated with chemotherapy gained an average of 10.3 months of relapse-free survival within 10 years.
A one-year pilot study will examine the effects of smoked cannabis on chronic neuropathic pain, with a focus on dosing and side effects. The trial will recruit 32 patients and use four strains of cannabis to assess pain intensity and quality of life.
Researchers found that survival rates for primary eye cancer treatments are essentially the same, with a five-year survival rate of 82% for both radiation therapy and eye removal. The study's findings expand the capability of doctors to provide accurate diagnoses and state-of-the-art treatments.
Jefferson researchers successfully introduced 90 billion copies of a healthy gene into the brains of three children with Canavan disease. The goal is to increase enzyme production and reduce toxic compound buildup, potentially improving brain development and function.
A US study found that women with a prior Caesarean delivery are at increased risk of uterine rupture during labor, especially if induced. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 births and found associations between induction methods and uterine rupture risk.
A retrospective analysis found that Risedronate reduced nonvertebral fracture risk by 69% at six months, compared to a 54% reduction in risk for patients taking Alendronate. This study suggests that Risedronate is an effective treatment option for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
Phase II studies indicate that Mylovenge causes regression or stabilization in over 30% of patients with multiple myeloma and amyloidosis, with some benefits lasting up to 18 months. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Early results from 19 patients treated in the Boston clinical trial show that Endostatin is safe and well-tolerated in high doses without any evidence of toxicity. Extended periods of stable disease and minor responses have been demonstrated, but further study is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness.
A controlled trial of a warfarin therapy control program demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing major bleeding and maintaining acceptable blood clotting levels in elderly patients. The study also found that immediate treatment for mild chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) would increase survival and reduce costs.
A review of patients treated with NIPPV found mortality rates were 28.6% higher in the clinical setting compared to randomized trials. The authors recommend developing practice guidelines to optimize NIPPV use. Dr. Sheldon Magder comments on the limitations of relying heavily on randomized trial findings in clinical settings.
A study by researchers compared colonoscopy to fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and sigmoidoscopy in screening for colorectal cancer. The findings show that colonoscopy is the most cost-effective option, reducing death rates at relatively low costs by removing precancerous polyps and detecting cancer at early stages.
The year 2000 marks a significant turning point in cancer research, driven by advances in genetic knowledge and increased international cooperation. This collaboration enables large-scale trials to be conducted more quickly, leading to potential breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment.
A major international trial found that giving extra radiotherapy to patients with early breast cancer substantially reduces the risk of cancer recurring in the breast. The study, involving 5,569 patients from nine countries, showed a significant benefit in younger women, particularly those under 40.
A new trial will compare the effectiveness of three colon cancer detection methods: air contrast barium enema, traditional colonoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy. The study aims to determine which method is most accurate, tolerable and cost-effective for detecting polyps and lesions in the colon.
A study found that six months of care for patients in phase II clinical trials costs $57,542, similar to $63,721 for those receiving standard treatment. This research suggests insurers can improve healthcare without financial risk.
A plant-based vaccine has successfully triggered human immunity to the Norwalk virus, causing widespread food-borne illness in the US. Researchers at Cornell University and the University of Maryland have developed a transgenic potato vaccine that shows promising results in clinical trials.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center are conducting a clinical trial using a genetically engineered protein fragment to stimulate the immune system to recognize and kill breast cancer cells. The goal is to treat advanced breast cancer, where the disease has spread beyond the breast.
Researchers at UCSD develop a new drug-combination therapy using tamoxifen and cisplatin, significantly improving survival rates for patients with metastatic melanoma. The treatment results in a 62% reduction in tumor recurrence after five years.
The Immune Tolerance Network will fund a multicenter clinical trial of the Edmonton Protocol, aiming to assess its effectiveness and long-term risks in treating type 1 diabetes. The trial will involve up to 32 new transplants at eight clinical centers across North America and Europe.
Researchers are testing two vaccines, using vaccinia and fowlpox viruses, to treat prostate cancer that has spread beyond the gland. The goal is to boost the patient's immune system and eliminate cancer cells before they become symptomatic.
A study published at ASCO suggests that treating cancer patients on clinical trials is not more expensive than standard treatment. The research found average charges of $57,542 for trial patients and $63,721 for control patients, highlighting the potential for increased access to high-quality care.
The Prosorba® Column is a device that removes harmful antibodies and immune complexes from the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patient trials are expected to evaluate its effectiveness and safety in treating this chronic inflammatory condition affecting over 250,000 Canadians.
A systematic analysis of clinical trials on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for treating osteoarthritis has shown mixed results, with potential benefits for symptom relief but methodological flaws and biases. The study recommends additional rigorous independent studies to determine true efficacy and usefulness.
A phase II clinical trial of ENBREL (etanercept) in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has shown promising results. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved ENBREL to treat moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a new indication for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University has been approved to participate in a national breast cancer study evaluating the effects of sentinel node biopsy versus standard axillary dissection. The trial aims to determine if removing only the sentinel node impacts cancer control and survival.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are testing whether an extract from the leaves of the ginkgo tree can slow memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. The six-year clinical trial will enroll 2,000 participants and evaluate the effect of 240 milligrams of ginkgo daily on memory function.
The Interstitial Cystitis Clinical Trials Group is conducting a clinical trial using pentosan polysulfate sodium (ElmironR) and hydroxyzine hydrochloride (AtaraxR) to treat IC. The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these oral drugs in relieving symptoms in patients with IC.
A new study by the NIH/NINDS found that lower doses of aspirin (81-325mg) taken before and after carotid endarterectomy surgery are more effective in preventing strokes than higher doses. The results suggest that lower doses may be better tolerated and easier to take, making them a promising option for stroke prevention.
A University at Buffalo study found that men recovering from a heart attack who are at the highest risk of a second attack are also the least likely to participate in an exercise program. These men tend to be overweight, have high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and smoke tobacco.
Abgenix's Phase II trial shows 56% of patients survived at least 100 days with high-dose ABX-CBL, outperforming low-dose cohort. The company plans a pivotal Phase III clinical trial for ABX-CBL after FDA approval.
The study found that the costs of treating patients in clinical trials were modestly higher than for those who opted for standard treatment, with an average total cost of $46,424. The authors recommend payment for patients' treatment in National Cancer Institute-approved clinical trials to improve access and patient outcomes.
A retrospective statistical analysis of patients with advanced breast cancer found no survival benefit from high dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. The study analyzed data from over 1,300 patients treated in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Dr. Daniela Santoli to develop TALL-104 regimen for effective and safe treatment of metastatic melanoma patients; trials expected to start later this year.
Researchers will test two forms of secretin on 51 children with autism, aged 3-12, to evaluate its effectiveness. The trial aims to uncover the genetic and neurobiological causes of autism and identify potential side effects.
Researchers use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study children's brain development and identify language centers. The non-invasive test shows that children as young as 7 years old rely on the left hemisphere for language, similar to adults.
A three-year exercise program significantly lowered mortality rates among men who had suffered a heart attack. The study found that increased physical work capacity during the trial period was associated with reduced risk of death at every time period.
A large clinical trial of mechanical ventilator use for intensive care patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) has been stopped early due to the success of a smaller breath strategy. This approach was found to reduce deaths by approximately 25 percent, improving the care and saving thousands of lives each year.
A clinical trial testing tin-117m DTPA, a nuclear medicine compound, may provide non-sedating pain relief and treatment for advanced-stage bone cancer. The therapy has shown promising results in easing pain for over 75% of patients, with relief lasting up to a year.
The Azithromycin and Cardiac Events Study (ACES) investigates the role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in atherosclerosis. Researchers aim to determine if antibiotics can prevent complications of coronary artery disease, enrolling approximately 4,000 volunteers.
A clinical trial testing Azithromycin's effectiveness in preventing recurrent heart attacks found a promising link between the antibiotic and reduced inflammation. Researchers aim to determine if treating patients with Azithromycin for five days after an initial heart attack can prevent future heart attacks.
Patients with congestive heart failure who exercised had higher survival rates after four years compared to those who did not, with a 92% versus 64% rate of survival. The study's findings support the potential benefits of exercise for patients with this condition and underscore the need for further research.
The US Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory is offering a new clinical trial for brain tumor patients, including those whose cancer is inoperable or has regrown. The trial aims to increase the radiation dose and expand eligibility requirements for glioblastoma multiforme patients.
A Cedars-Sinai Medical Center clinical trial may offer a permanent, non-surgical cure for patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. Correctly identifying patients and eliminating trigger areas using radiofrequency energy could eliminate the need for long-term therapy and reduce stroke risk.
A study of over 2,000 American women who underwent medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol found that the method was highly effective and satisfactory, even among those for whom it failed. Women preferred the non-invasive nature and natural experience of the method, and reported few side effects.
A nationwide clinical trial involving nearly 400 patients showed no statistically significant difference in full recovery and mortality rates between those given citicoline and a placebo. However, the drug appeared to produce an improvement in a subset of patients with moderate to severe strokes.
A national trial is underway to determine the effectiveness of removing portions of lungs in patients with severe emphysema. The study aims to find out if the procedure improves long-term outcomes and reduces complications for patients with this debilitating disease.
The BERT-1 trial found that low-dose beta radiation effectively prevents restenosis by reducing late lumen loss in coronary arteries. In a six-month follow-up, 90% of patients experienced no significant narrowing of their vessels post-angioplasty.
A new analysis of 18 clinical trials found low-dose diuretic therapy to be highly effective in reducing the risk of stroke, congestive heart failure, coronary disease, and total mortality in patients with high blood pressure. Beta blockers also showed promise in preventing these complications.