Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
A malaria vaccine trial has begun in Mali with support from NIAID, aiming to prevent the deadliest form of malaria. The FMP-1 vaccine, developed by WRAIR and GSK Biologicals, will be tested on 40 adults for one year to assess its safety and efficacy.
The CHARM Programme demonstrates clear benefits of Atacand in treating heart failure, reducing risk by 23% in ACE-inhibitor intolerant patients and 15% in those taking conventional therapy. Additionally, Atacand shows a trend towards reduced cardiovascular death and hospitalizations in patients with preserved left ventricular function.
Researchers found that a combination of low-dose spiral CT and selective use of PET can effectively detect early-stage lung cancer in high-risk individuals. The study showed that lesions up to 5mm can be safely followed up after 12 months without major risks of progression.
The ADOPT-A trial demonstrates the effectiveness of the AF Suppression algorithm in reducing symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) burden. The study found a significant 25% reduction in symptomatic AF episodes in patients using the algorithm compared to those with standard pacemaker indications.
A recent study tested pentosan polysulfate sodium and hydroxyzine hydrochloride on patients with interstitial cystitis, a debilitating condition affecting millions. The trial found that neither drug provided statistically significant relief for patients, but gained valuable information for future clinical trials.
NC State statisticians Drs. Anastasios Tsiatis, Marie Davidian and Marc Genton have won a $1.125 million NIH MERIT Award for their work on statistical methodology in designing complex HIV clinical trials. Their research aims to develop sophisticated designs that can handle the variability of patients' responses to treatment.
A one-year study is being conducted at the University of Illinois Chicago to explore the effectiveness of botanicals in treating menopause symptoms. The research aims to determine whether these alternatives can provide relief from hot flashes and other symptoms, while also examining potential risks.
A clinical trial found that early treatment with Atacand significantly reduced 12-month mortality and vascular events in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. The study also showed a comparable tolerability profile to placebo.
A study published in The Lancet found that carvedilol significantly reduces mortality and improves average life-expectancy by eight years compared to metoprolol. Additionally, carvedilol shows promise in improving ventricular function for patients with heart failure due to coronary artery disease.
CA4P, a vascular targeting agent, is being tested in humans for the first time to prevent and regress choroidal neovascularization, a major cause of vision loss in age-related macular degeneration. The trial is led by Johns Hopkins' Wilmer Eye Institute and funded by The Foundation Fighting Blindness, Inc.
A low-intensity CQI intervention successfully increased the use of preoperative beta-blocker therapy and IMA grafting in elderly patients, achieving significant overall effect and positive trends. The study demonstrates a Medical Specialty Society CQI Platform as a model for rapid translation of evidence into practice.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that a generalized rash on some smallpox vaccine recipients was not due to the virus, but rather a benign reaction called folliculitis. The study aimed to clarify this previously unwell-documented phenomenon and reassure physicians about accurate diagnosis.
The US patient underwent the second procedure in the revised Phase I human clinical trials at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. The Arrow LionHeart device has shown promising results in lengthening and improving the lives of patients with end-stage heart failure.
A recent meta-analysis has found that vitamin E and beta carotene supplements do not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease or death. The analysis analyzed data from seven trials involving over 1000 participants, concluding that these supplements may even increase mortality rates.
A new report emphasizes the importance of subgroup analysis in clinical trials to detect sex differences, which could impact drug efficacy. The study highlights cases where inadequate dosing for women led to ineffective treatment outcomes, underscoring the need for better trial design and statistical analysis.
The study shows that aspirin is likely a better choice than ticlopidine for recurrent stroke prevention in African Americans, who face higher stroke risks. Aspirin is readily available and inexpensive, while ticlopidine has serious side effects and is more difficult to use.
A new blend of cooking oil made from medium chain triglycerides (MCT) has been shown to heighten metabolism, lower cholesterol levels, and promote weight loss. In two clinical trials, participants who consumed the oil for 27 days experienced significant reductions in body fat and upper body fat, as well as improved blood lipid profiles.
The ITN multicenter islet transplant trial has confirmed that the procedure can be of great benefit to patients with serious and unstable type 1 diabetes. However, differences in success rates between individual clinical centers were noted, highlighting the need for expertise in islet preparation procedures.
A new study found that the California law SB 37 has eliminated a major barrier to cancer clinical trial participation, with no patients citing insurance limitations as a reason. Participation rates have increased from 51% to 69%, but further awareness campaigns are needed to raise rates more dramatically.
A six-year study found that lung volume reduction surgery improves quality of life and survival rates for patients with upper lobe emphysema who are unable to exercise. The procedure did not show overall survival benefits, but identifying non-beneficial candidates is crucial.
A national multicenter trial confirms that lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) significantly improves the quality of life and life expectancy for patients with severe emphysema. The procedure, which involves removing diseased sections of lung tissue, allows patients to resume routine activities without breathing difficulties.
Researchers have successfully completed the first phase of a clinical trial using a microelectronic retinal prosthesis, which is intended to restore vision in patients with severe eye diseases. The device, developed by Second Sight, LLC, has shown promising results, including the ability to detect light and distinguish between objects.
African American participants may resist behavior changes due to cultural discomfort. Researchers must consider socioeconomic status and acculturation levels when designing clinical trials. Culturally sensitive models can improve outcomes and build trust within the community.
A study evaluated online resources for breast cancer clinical trials in Canada, finding that only 29% were listed. The US National Cancer Institute's PDQ Clinical Trials Database identified 86% of trials globally.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a mathematical model predicting lung cancer risk based on age, sex, and smoking history. The tool helps balance the risks and benefits of screening for high-risk individuals.
A recent pilot study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that high-dose vitamins can reduce homocysteine levels in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The multicenter trial, known as Vital, aims to determine if these vitamins can slow the progression of the disease. Researchers are optimis...
A study found that less than 20% of patients read the information sheet before giving consent, highlighting the need for verbal communication supported by written information. Patients with limited educational background had difficulty understanding the information sheet.
BufferGel, a vaginal microbicide, maintains normal vaginal acidity to kill sperm and germs, preventing pregnancy. The compound is currently in advanced clinical trials for its ability to block HIV transmission.
A new trial found that routine electronic fetal monitoring, known as admission cardiotocography, has no impact on infant death or moderate to severe illness rates. The practice may also increase the risk of unnecessary interventions during childbirth.
A new AIDS vaccine strategy has been developed by Emory University researchers and is now moving to human clinical trials. The vaccine, which employs two different components, aims to induce the immune system to recognize HIV's distinguishing features, providing a safer alternative for HIV prevention.
A team led by Professor Ram Sasisekharan at MIT has created designer drugs for preventing blood clots that can cause strokes and heart disease during surgery. The new formulations are more potent and effective than conventional forms of the drug, offering a potential alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers found that hormone therapy (HRT) significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease and impaired fasting glucose. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests HRT may have metabolic benefits that outweigh the risks for certain high-risk groups.
A comprehensive analysis of 23 trials involving 7700 patients found primary angioplasty to be superior to thrombolytic therapy in reducing short-term death, non-fatal heart attacks, and strokes. The benefits were sustained over longer-term follow-up.
A Phase II study published in NEJM found that natalizumab significantly reduced new gadolinium-enhancing lesions by up to 93% and the number of patients experiencing relapses by 50%. The treatment was well-tolerated, with common adverse events including infection and rash.
A survey of 1,120 cancer physicians reveals substantial differences in views about the purpose of clinical trials. Pediatric oncologists are more likely to enroll patients in trials for state-of-the-art treatment, while other specialties prioritize scientific advancement and future patient care.
The Wistar Institute's MAb425 antibody has shown promising results in a Drexel University trial, with three high-grade tumor patients alive after five years and eight lower-grade tumor patients surviving for 56 months or longer.
A Phase II clinical trial has shown that an hemoglobin raffimer may be effective in reducing the need for transfused blood during heart surgery. The study found that patients treated with the agent experienced no significant negative side effects, except for elevated blood pressures, which were manageable.
The SCORE trial shows that sigmoidoscopy screening can reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, with a high yield of advanced lesions and early cancers. The procedure is relatively safe, with low rates of perforation and hemorrhage.
A long-term study of Enbrel found that it effectively treated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for up to five years, with 71% of patients achieving the ACR 20 response. The medication was also well-tolerated, with no increased rate of serious adverse events or infections compared to placebo.
A major herpes vaccine trial is underway for women to prevent genital herpes, with over 70% of HSV-1 and HSV-2 negative women showing protection against the disease. The trial aims to recruit thousands of HSV-negative women to test the efficacy of a subunit vaccine containing a piece of the virus outer coat.
A large clinical trial will be conducted at 16 US sites, with Saint Louis University leading as the national coordinating site. The study aims to prevent genital herpes in women using an investigational vaccine.
Researchers are studying the effects of Bacopa monniera on cognitive function in people over 65. The 50-participant clinical trial aims to maximize cognitive function and assess the supplement's impact on short-term memory, attention, and reaction time.
A randomized trial of 1000 patients with a history of CAD found that a Mediterranean-style diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid significantly reduced cardiac events and mortality. The study demonstrated improved metabolic profiles without increased non-cardiac deaths.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that a high-fiber diet did not affect the recurrence rate of adenomatous polyps in participants. The researchers separated the participants into four groups based on their baseline fiber consumption and calculated the risk of polyp recurrence in each group.
A clinical trial using fMRI found that secretin activates the amygdala, a brain region involved in social integration and implicated in autism. The study suggests that secretin may have a role in modulating certain social behaviors in humans.
The Foundation has agreed to fund a physician-sponsored Phase I/II human clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CA4P as a treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration. The study aims to inhibit the growth of proliferating blood vessels linked to retinal conditions such as wet AMD.
The University of Wisconsin will lead a research network to develop and test immune-based treatments for asthma in inner-city children, building on successful NCICAS interventions that have reduced asthma severity.
The International Subacrachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) found that inserting platinum coils via an artery reduced dependency or death by nearly a quarter and absolute risk by seven percent compared to surgery. The study involved over 2,000 patients in 43 centers across Europe, North America, and Australia.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that agreements between academic medical centers and industry sponsors rarely include provisions to protect researchers' independence, access to data, and editorial control. This can lead to compromised scientific integrity and a lack of transparency in clinical trials.
A patient's view on clinical trials highlights the importance of thorough explanations, confidentiality, and compassionate communication. Sylvia Achin emphasizes that patients risk losing their priorities, relationships, and even support when faced with a life-threatening disease like cancer. Effective communication can help alleviate ...
Key findings from the ESMO Congress emphasize the need for better care and communication in cancer treatment. Patients must be informed and involved in their treatment decisions, while healthcare professionals should prioritize empathy and understanding. A European cancer patient coalition is proposed to amplify patients' voices.
A randomized, double-blind trial found that magnesium supplementation had no effect on 30-day mortality in patients with acute STEMI. The study's results support current coronary care practice and suggest that routine administration of intravenous magnesium is not indicated.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy technique that integrates DNA without using viral vectors, inserting the DNA at known locations. The technique successfully integrated a gene coding for Factor IX into mouse DNA, making 12 times more protein than control mice.
A new study using gene therapy has shown promise in treating Parkinson's disease by 'resetting' overactive brain cells. The therapy may arrest or delay disease progression, offering a safer and more powerful alternative to current treatments.
The ASCOT trial found that atorvastatin significantly reduced heart attacks and strokes among patients with hypertension and low cholesterol. Patients given atorvastatin suffered less heart attacks and strokes compared to those receiving a placebo treatment.
A focused microwave heat therapy technique shows promise in killing tumor cells before surgery and radiation, with a majority of patients experiencing significant tumor kill. The technology was invented by MIT researchers and is being developed into a clinical thermotherapy system by Celsion Corporation.
A new UCSD study found that counseling services provided through state-funded quitlines significantly increase abstinence rates at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The research suggests that these programs can help a higher number of long-term quitters compared to those who do not use such services.
A U.S.-Russian team has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis, with a new compound showing marked decreases in lung presence and symptoms. The SciClone Pharmaceuticals-Verta project is a milestone for scientific collaboration between U.S. industry and former Soviet researchers.
A team-based approach to care significantly reduces hospital stays and the risk of blood clots in patients with stroke. The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found a $2.1 million annual savings per 1000 patients treated.
A recent clinical trial found that tamoxifen reduces the frequency of breast cancer by a third in women at increased risk. However, tamoxifen use also increases the risk of blood-clotting complications, which may contribute to higher death rates.