Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
Researchers found that clinicians missed about half of symptoms reported by patients, and patients also missed about half of the symptoms recorded by physicians. The study suggests that new patient reporting tools should be developed for use in chemotherapy clinical trials to improve accuracy.
A study of 192 patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) found that Glivec(R) interruption was associated with a high risk of re-progression. In contrast, continuous treatment showed no signs of re-progression within a year. Continuous Glivec(R) treatment is recommended for patients with advanced GIST.
The study confirmed that islet transplantation works for patients with serious and unstable type 1 diabetes, allowing them to be free from daily insulin injections for up to one year. Few treatment-related complications were noted, with minor side effects such as mouth ulcers and diarrhea.
A recent study found that lung cancer patients in Japan had a longer median survival time (12 months) compared to US patients (9 months), despite receiving a lower dose of the same chemotherapy regimen. However, Japanese patients experienced more side effects, such as neutropenia and neuropathy.
Loyola Medicine is conducting a clinical trial testing a new oxygen-carrying blood substitute for trauma patients. The study aims to compare the survival rate of patients receiving the blood substitute with those receiving saline solution. Community outreach efforts have been made to inform the public about the trial.
Researchers have developed a second-generation targeted antibody, 806, which shows potent anti-tumor activity in animal models of human cancers that overexpress EGFR. The antibody binds specifically to activated EGFR on cancer cells, avoiding normal tissues.
A statistical model predicts rapid increase in spinal fractures over time if left untreated, highlighting the importance of intervention before first fracture occurs. The study emphasizes the need for therapy that reduces risk of first fracture within one year to substantially reduce future fracture risk.
A study found that off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) had similar graft patency and clinical outcomes as conventional CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass. OPCAB also resulted in lower hospitalization costs, with a mean savings of $2,272 at discharge and $1,955 at 1 year.
A new study found that sacral nerve stimulation significantly reduces the number of weekly episodes of incontinence, from 16 to 3-2 per week after one-two years. The technique also shows an improvement in quality-of-life scores and is a safe option for patients with intact or repaired anal sphincters.
Researchers have identified SSX-2, a promising target for cancer vaccines, and found that patients mount their own immunological responses against cancer cells expressing the protein. A new early-phase clinical trial is underway to assess the safety and efficacy of an SSX-2-based vaccine.
A new study will compare patients who receive dialysis six times a week to those on the standard three-times-a-week plan. The researchers aim to determine if more frequent dialysis can prevent urea buildup, improve blood pressure, and enhance quality of life.
Researchers are testing CaHA, a calcium phosphate material, to treat vocal fold disorders such as paralysis and atrophy. The study aims to improve upon existing injection materials with better efficacy and longevity.
A Canadian study found that breast cancer patients who participated in clinical trials had a 60% lower risk of dying, compared to those who did not. Larger treatment centers also showed better survival rates, attributed to participation in research.
A new large-scale trial will test the efficacy of a genetically personalised treatment for breast cancer, using microarrays to identify specific molecular signatures. The MINDACT trial aims to spare patients at low risk of relapse from unnecessary chemotherapy, resulting in reduced side effects and healthcare costs.
A study published in The Lancet found that timely surgery significantly reduces the risk of stroke in individuals with carotid stenosis. Benefit from surgery is greatest when performed within two weeks after a warning stroke, but rapidly declines with increasing delay. Early treatment is crucial due to the high risk of major stroke in ...
Recent breast cancer trials using aromatase inhibitors (AIs) reported results early due to significant advantages over tamoxifen. However, Dr. Martine Piccart argues that this can lead to unanswered questions about long-term efficacy and side effects. She proposes new guidelines for better data collection and risk-benefit analysis.
A new study shows that preoperative anastrozole treatment can downstage tumors and allow more patients to undergo less extensive breast-conserving surgery, reducing the need for mastectomy. The treatment has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Older women with breast cancer often lose out on effective treatments, with prognosis not linked to tumour factor. Health policymakers need to develop strategies for elderly patients, while doctors must find suitable treatments tailored to their needs.
A new clip device has shown promising results in repairing faulty heart valves through a less invasive cath lab procedure. The device, developed by Evalve Inc., uses the edge-to-edge technique to repair or replace the mitral valve without open-heart surgery.
A study by Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation found that elderly patients experienced decreased pain intensity and improved sleep disturbances with once-daily Kadian dosing. The trial, KRONUS-MSP, showed a lower incidence of side effects compared to other opioids, making it an ideal option for managing chronic pain in older adults.
The Phase I study demonstrated a clear dose-response relationship between the amount of rPA102 administered and the subsequent immune response, with antibody titers continuing to increase after the second and third administration. The vaccine was well-tolerated, with no evidence of dose-limiting toxicity or reactogenicity at any dose.
Researchers at the NIH's National Eye Institute have developed a new therapy, daclizumab, that controls uveitis inflammation in seven of 10 patients over a four-year period. The therapy is well-tolerated and may allow patients to administer it to themselves at home.
A UK MP emphasizes the need to increase teenage participation in cancer clinical trials to improve survival rates. Currently, many teenagers face lengthy travel distances for treatment at specialized units, often exceeding 200 miles from their homes.
A new TB vaccine, rBCG30, is being tested in a human clinical trial to assess its safety and immune response. The vaccine, developed by Dr. Marcus Horwitz and his team at UCLA, has shown promise in preclinical trials and could potentially reduce the TB disease burden worldwide.
A study of over 50,000 patients found consistently low rates of early discharge in Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, and Poland. Despite this, the number of potentially unnecessary hospital days varied greatly between countries, with Germany having the highest rate.
The editorial highlights concerns about government over-regulation of science, highlighting the need for transparency and clarity in research funding. It emphasizes that strong and sustainable research cultures are crucial for addressing global health threats.
Researchers have identified the optimal dosage of a bat-derived clot-buster for acute ischemic stroke treatment, finding a dose of 125 micrograms per kilogram to improve neurological function scores. Carotid artery screenings in seniors may also help prevent strokes and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs.
A four-year study published by Ohio State University researchers found that attempting a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is associated with increased risk of maternal morbidity and serious obstetric complications. Despite this, many women continue to opt for VBAC due to the relatively low level of risk involved.
The HABITS trial was terminated after an unacceptably high risk of recurrent breast cancer was found in women with previous breast cancer who received hormone therapy, compared to those without hormones. Women on active treatment have been advised to discontinue use.
The decline in hormone therapy (HT) use was attributed to the release of data from two long-term studies showing that HT did not protect against heart disease and may even increase the risk. The study found that women who took HT had a higher risk for heart disease and breast cancer compared to those who did not take HT.
Therapy-based rehabilitation services for stroke patients living at home reduced the odds of deteriorating in personal activities of daily living (eg. walking, dressing) by 28% and increased the ability of patients to undertake activities of daily living by 14%. These findings suggest that a therapy-based rehabilitation service could b...
A study found that half of parents did not understand randomization, with minority and less-educated parents being more likely to be confused. However, the presence of a nurse and longer conference duration were associated with improved understanding.
A new recombinant tuberculosis vaccine is being tested in a Phase I clinical trial in the United States, combining two proteins known to stimulate strong immune responses in humans. The vaccine aims to offer protection against pulmonary TB, the most contagious form of the disease.
A review of 26 studies found that cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials did not have significantly better health outcomes compared to those not participating. The studies highlighted the importance of clinical trials in advancing treatment and improving options for patients with cancer.
A review of 26 studies found some evidence that cancer trial participants had better outcomes, with three studies suggesting improved outcomes. However, the limitations of the data made it difficult to establish a definitive link between trial participation and improved outcome.
A new vaccine for genital herpes is being tested in a clinical trial, aiming to protect women against this sexually transmitted infection. The vaccine has passed preliminary safety and effectiveness testing and is now enrolling approximately 7,550 healthy female volunteers between 18-30 years old.
A Phase II trial of Herceptin combined with chemotherapy found no significant difference in survival times between the treatment and control arms. However, a small subgroup of patients with extremely high levels of HER2 over-expression showed improved response rates and longer disease progression-free periods.
Recent evidence from randomized trials on hormone therapy and hypertension treatment led to a decline in hormone therapy prescriptions following publication of trial results. Alpha-blocker prescriptions also declined after the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) early termination.
The first human trial of a DNA Ebola vaccine opened at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda. Twenty-seven volunteers will receive either the investigational vaccine or a placebo injection over two months and be followed for one year.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have identified protein biomarkers that accurately diagnose ALS with near 100% specificity and sensitivity. The findings may lead to a new test for early-stage ALS, enabling faster diagnosis and monitoring of treatment efficacy.
The NIA is concerned about the growing use of testosterone replacement therapy without sufficient scientific information. Short-term studies are recommended to determine potential risks and benefits for symptomatic older men with low testosterone levels. Longer term trials will assess risks and benefits for these conditions, such as fr...
A randomized clinical trial found that endoscopic fetal treatment increased survival to 73 percent for infants with severe CDH, while a comparison group with standard care reached 77 percent. The strongest predictor of survival was the size of the fetus' lungs at diagnosis.
The study, which took place from October 1999 to December 2002, showed a lower sepsis and device infection rate compared to the REMATCH trial. Patients lived an average of nine months with the device, with three still living as of November 1, 2003.
A recent clinical trial study suggests that patients are more concerned with factors such as interest in a new medication and potential health benefits than conflicts of interest. Despite efforts to minimize conflicts of interest, patients showed varying levels of trust in different sponsors.
A new implantable device called OPTIMIZER II has shown promise in treating heart failure by strengthening the heart's contraction using an electrical signal. The study enrolled 25 patients with moderately severe heart failure and found a statistically significant improvement in ejection fraction and quality of life.
The panel concludes that researchers should establish a 'bank' with the fewest number of cell lines that reflect the most Americans, prioritizing white Americans but including HLA types common in other ancestral groups. This would enable faster clinical research and ensure fair access to therapies.
A triple therapy study using ZADAXIN in combination with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin showed a 61% response rate for patients with hepatitis C who were non-responders to previous treatment. The study found that ZADAXIN improved response rates for these patients.
A recent study found that practice type and patient race are significant predictors of enrollment in clinical trials. Academic settings and white patients showed higher rates of trial participation, while non-academic sites and African-Americans had lower rates.
A study analyzed patterns of SNB use in academic comprehensive cancer centers and found that its use was associated with breast-conserving surgery. The procedure's popularity increased over time, from 8% in 1997 to 58% in the last half of 2000.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers demonstrates that training research coordinators on a human simulator prior to a complex clinical trial can significantly improve their confidence in their abilities. The training improved the coordinators' confidence levels, with an average increase from 5.7 to 8.12, and also led t...
A study found that physicians have distinct approaches to explaining clinical trials, which can impact patient enrollment. The research suggests that understanding these differences is crucial for improving doctor-patient interactions and overall care.
A recent study reveals that African American and Hispanic children are disproportionately represented in clinical trials, with 26% of participants being African American. Despite lower representation among the overall U.S. population, these groups are overrepresented in potentially stigmatizing research studies.
The ACRN, a partnership of NHLBI and eight clinical centers across the US, conducts well-designed clinical trials for asthma treatments. Penn State's Data Coordinating Center leads expertise in biostatistical design and analysis.
The NIH has awarded $51 million to fund the Autoimmunity Centers of Excellence program, which aims to develop new immune-based therapies for autoimmune diseases. This expansion will enhance interactions between scientists and clinicians to accelerate translation of research findings into medical applications.
A new study examined lipid data from the DASH-Sodium Trial and found no notable increases in blood lipid levels among participants on low, intermediate, or high sodium intake levels. The findings are significant for public health recommendations to reduce sodium intake and lower high blood pressure.
The European CanCer Organisation warns that the definition of a trial sponsor may lead to the collapse of independent clinical trials, particularly in children's cancers and rare adult cancers. Publicly funded clinical trials will be forced to stop due to financial and administrative burdens.
A meta-analysis of 14 trials showed no survival benefit with chemotherapy, but adjuvant radiotherapy resulted in a 7% higher mortality rate. Professor Thatcher suggests further research is needed to confirm the result.
Two studies presented at the Heart Failure Society of America annual conference show that an experimental respiratory-pacing device, inTone TM, significantly improves heart failure patients' ejection fraction, pulmonary artery pressure, and quality of life. The device's non-invasive therapy is delivered through a 15-minute session twic...
A new trial has shown that faster radiotherapy can improve head and neck cancer treatment outcomes, with a 60-70% benefit in tumour control and better voice conservation. The study found that accelerated treatment was linked to high EGFR expression and good tumour differentiation.
Victoria Hale, Institute for OneWorld Health leader, joins Leadership Foundation Fellows Program to develop skills and share insights with women leaders worldwide. She aims to leverage powerful connections and partnerships to drive institutional change.