Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
A study has identified genetic markers that can help guide clinical trials for anti-Alzheimer drugs, potentially leading to the development of a more manageable pool of individuals at high risk. These markers may allow researchers to winnow down the general population and focus on those with relatively higher risk for Alzheimer's disease.
A U.Va. study is investigating the effectiveness of echinacea in treating colds by standardizing extracts from the plant. The researchers plan to recruit approximately 450 subjects and administer three different concentrations of echinacea constitutents to test their impact on viral replication and inflammatory responses.
Vitex's INACTINE technology demonstrated complete parasite eradication of Trypanasoma cruzi, Plasmodium falciparum, and Babesia microti parasites. The company's pathogen reduction system meets critical requirements for commercial success, with potential to improve safety of red blood cell transfusions.
A study of 53 IRB members found that while most prioritize the development of effective cancer therapies, individual approaches to weighing pros and cons vary widely. Only 12% use systematic risk-benefit calculations, with many relying on impression-based or practical considerations.
This study found that paclitaxel- and carboplatin-based regimens can prolong survival of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, with two-year survival rates similar to those achieved at one year with best supportive care. However, three-drug regimens were slightly more toxic and did not provide additional benefits.
LY333531 improves nerve function and sensory symptoms, including tingling and numbness, of diabetic neuropathy. The treatment is being studied for multiple diabetic microvascular complications, including diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy.
The U-M artificial lung has improved blood flow and reduced risk of clotting, showing encouraging results in sheep tests. The device could potentially bridge lung disease patients to transplant, reducing the average wait time from two years.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has expanded its vaccine testing network, which has been a national resource for vaccine development since 1962. The new network will test vaccines against potential agents of bioterrorism and assess emerging hypotheses about vaccine-related adverse side effects.
A study published in The Lancet found that telemedicine can reduce unnecessary follow-up tests and improve patient satisfaction. Patients who received virtual outreach consultations had a higher rate of offered follow-up appointments than those who received standard outpatient referrals.
The CYPHER Sirolimus-eluting Stent demonstrated significant reductions in angiographic in-stent restenosis (94% less than control) and late lumen loss. The stent also showed excellent safety results, with a low event-free survival rate and no cases of acute or subacute thrombosis.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that cancer patients receiving both investigational chemotherapy treatments and palliative care outperformed those who received only treatment. This approach improved quality-of-life assessments and increased completion of chemotherapy cycles.
The FDA has approved Actonel 35 mg once-a-week for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, showing a significant increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density at 12 months. The study found that once-a-week dosing is therapeutically equivalent to daily dosing.
A survey of oncologists reveals that most enroll patients in clinical trials for access to advanced treatment options rather than advancing future therapy. This challenges the conventional view that research is conducted primarily for scientific progress and improving treatments.
A recent study has challenged the long-held notion that African-Americans with prostate cancer have a poorer prognosis than their white counterparts. Researchers found that, when treated within clinical trial settings, African-American patients survived for an average of 15 months, comparable to 14-month survival rates for whites.
The study found patients who received the high-dose regimen had significantly longer overall and disease-free survival rates than those who received a lower dose. The company plans to initiate a Phase III trial of GVAX prostate cancer vaccine in the first half of 2003.
A new study by UC Davis Cancer Center found that patients need practical information about how to participate in clinical trials. Informed patients are more likely to have autonomy, be satisfied with their treatment, and stick with a clinical trial through its completion.
Emory University is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate an improved anthrax vaccine regimen with reduced injections and muscle administration. The study will enroll 1,560 volunteers across six sites and aim to simplify the existing dosing schedule while providing more data on safety.
Researchers at USC's Doheny Retina Institute have made significant progress with a permanent retinal prosthesis, designed to restore vision to patients with retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. The device has been implanted in the first patient as part of an FDA-approved trial.
A national clinical trial is comparing two treatments for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), aiming to improve survival rates and outcomes. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of laser photocoagulation and amnioreduction in reducing health complications and premature birth.
A new NIAID study found that diluting smallpox vaccine can expand the US vaccine supply fivefold, providing more protection against a potential outbreak. The trial used a freeze-dried live vaccinia virus vaccine and resulted in high take rates with minimal side effects.
A new radiotherapy technique delivered during surgery shows promising results in preventing breast cancer recurrence and improving cosmetic outcomes. The 'one stop shop' approach may be more effective and accessible than traditional treatment, especially for women in developing countries.
A recent study demonstrated that including elderly patients in clinical trials for cancer treatments can produce useful results. The research found that two chemotherapy agents were effective and well-tolerated in metastatic breast cancer patients aged 60 or older.
The International Breast Cancer Intervention Study (IBIS) found that tamoxifen reduced breast cancer incidence by 38% in healthy high-risk women. However, the benefits of tamoxifen for prevention in these women are unclear due to potential side effects and risks.
Researchers found that elderly patients are less likely to undergo invasive procedures such as bypass surgery and angioplasty after age 75. Despite a decline in procedure use among older adults, many elderly patients remain willing to consider these treatments when recommended by their physicians.
The European CanCer Organisation's Dr Robin Wilson says current evidence supports breast cancer screening's effectiveness in reducing mortality, but acknowledges drawbacks such as false positives and anxiety for women. Countries with full national screening programmes have seen significant benefits, including improved quality of care.
A study by Duke University researchers found that poor patients are more than twice as likely to die of severe heart disease compared to those with higher incomes. After adjusting for differences in treatment, poverty remained associated with a worse outcome, suggesting that post-hospital factors such as smoking and non-adherence to me...
The Swedish trials indicate a significant reduction in breast cancer mortality among women given mammography screening, with the greatest benefit seen in age groups 60-69 years. The trials found no significant difference in death from all causes between screening and control groups.
Researchers have developed a hybrid vaccine that protects mice from West Nile virus infection by combining weakened dengue and West Nile viruses. The vaccine stimulates strong immune responses and has shown to be effective in mice, paving the way for human trials.
A large trial involving 593 pregnant women has shown that traditional acupuncture can significantly reduce nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. A type of acupuncture called p6 took around a week longer to have an effect.
The Aventis Pasteur statement emphasizes the continued development of its ALVAC vector as a preventive AIDS vaccine. The company remains committed to multiple trials using ALVAC-HIV (vCP1452) and supports research into its therapeutic potential, with ongoing phase I/II studies underway.
A Dartmouth study found biases in cancer screening trials that may have overestimated its benefits, suggesting a need for alternative mortality analysis methods. The research recommends using all-cause mortality alongside disease-specific mortality to ensure accurate assessment of screening's value.
A study found that two forms of bias in cause-of-death classification affect the results of randomized trials on cancer screening. Sticky-diagnosis bias biases against screening, while slippery-linkage bias biases in favor of screening. The authors suggest using all-cause mortality to accurately assess the value of screening.
A new prostate cancer vaccine developed at Duke University Medical Center has shown promising results, boosting the patient's immune system to fight cancer. The vaccine, made from the patient's own dendritic cells, causes no adverse side effects and activates T cell responses against tumor cells.
The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial, or SELECT, is the largest-ever clinical trial for prostate cancer prevention. The study aims to investigate whether taking selenium and vitamin E supplements can prevent prostate cancer in men of all races and ethnic backgrounds.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that predicting preterm birth remains challenging due to low predictive value of current tests such as ultrasound and fetal fibronectin. The study suggests that prematurity in America is on the rise, with a 23% increase in premature births since the 1980s.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center are conducting a clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of venlafaxine HCI on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study compares three treatment options: Effexor XR, Zoloft, and a placebo. Results may provide new hope for individuals suffering from PTSD after the 9/11 attacks.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are testing BufferGel, a vaginal gel that reinforces natural vaginal acidity to kill sperm and germs. The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of BufferGel in reducing pregnancy risk when combined with a diaphragm.
The largest clinical trial ever of Parkinson's disease will be conducted by Professor Karl Kieburtz, with over 3,000 patients participating from 42 sites across North America. The five-year study aims to test the effectiveness of various substances in slowing disease progression.
A study by the University of Chicago found that saw palmetto can improve urinary symptoms in men with enlarged prostates. After six months, men who received saw palmetto had a significant reduction in their urinary symptom score, while those on placebo showed only half the improvement.
A new nuclear medicine procedure has received preliminary approval for a clinical trial to diagnose inhalation anthrax in its earliest stages. The technique uses a 99mTc-labeled monoclonal antibody to detect the infection before other diagnostic tests can, enabling early treatment and reducing long-term antibiotic use.
Exanta shows comparable efficacy to warfarin in preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, with the added benefit of no dose titration or routine coagulation monitoring. The THRIVE programme also highlights Exanta's promise in treating venous thromboembolism.
A Canadian study found that only 11% of critically ill patients in ICUs have explicit directives guiding resuscitation. The study identified factors associated with DNR directives, including age and patient condition.
Researchers led by Robert E. Braun analyzed gene expression after adenovirus delivery using both in vitro and in vivo studies. The study found no infection of reproductive stem cells, supporting the safety of adenovector use in cardiovascular therapy.
A new study found that 71% of adult cancer patients knew they might not benefit directly from participating in clinical trials, while less than 40% recognized potential risks or discomfort. Despite this, patients were highly satisfied with the informed consent process and reported no pressure from physicians.
A new Stanford University study analyzed the costs and benefits of two treatments: implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and the drug amiodarone. ICDs were found to be the most effective in preventing sudden cardiac death, but also came with the highest costs. Amiodarone produced intermediate benefits and costs.
Results from two independent studies show omega interferon's antiviral effect against all HCV genotypes, reducing virus to undetectable levels. The treatment also appeared to be well-tolerated by patients, with progressive anti-hepatitis C effects reported.
The top countries in academic paper production are US, Italy, UK, Japan, and France. The study analyzed papers published between 1995-1999 and found that North America produced more phase I studies while Europe dominated phase III studies. Italy's performance was attributed to its large number of physicians involved in cancer treatment.
A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that age alone should not determine whether an older patient is offered chemotherapy after surgery for treatment of stage II and III colon cancer. The study showed a significant reduction in death risk and improved survival rates among patients over 70 with the disease.
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.