A phase Ib/II trial evaluated the triple combination of famitinib, dalpiciclib, and fulvestrant in HR+/HER2− breast cancer, meeting initial efficacy targets with a confirmed objective response rate of 51.9%. However, the regimen showed no superiority over standard first-line treatments and was terminated early due to safety concerns.
A recent USC-led study reveals that over 1 in 5 older adults are at risk for major drug interactions, despite a decline in their prevalence. Polypharmacy and dietary supplement polypharmacy have increased, with antidepressants, statins, and antiplatelet therapies being the most commonly used medications involved in these regimens.
A new Ontario-wide study identifies potentially harmful drug combinations prescribed to older adults, revealing common medication interactions that can lead to unnecessary prescriptions and harm. The research highlights the need for clinicians to consider medication history and potential prescribing cascades to ensure safer care.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed new drug combinations for liver cancer using mini-tumors, which retained key characteristics of the original tumor. The study identified several potent anti-tumor effects and combination therapies that could be effective despite significant biological differences between tumors.
A new preclinical study shows that combining HER3-DXd with olaparib significantly improves treatment responses in lung cancer models. The combination therapy induces irreparable DNA damage in cancer cells and stimulates the immune system to combat the disease.
Researchers found that targeting the 4EBP1/HSP90β/Nrf2 axis sensitizes β-catenin-mutant hepatocellular carcinoma to mTOR inhibitors by inducing ferroptosis. The combination therapy of MLN0128 and PD901 showed the strongest effect in suppressing tumor growth.
Researchers have identified a promising strategy to improve the effectiveness of targeted therapies in advanced prostate cancer. By combining ADCs with a drug that blocks BCL-XL, they triggered greater cancer cell death and slowed tumor growth. The approach could offer a new strategy for improving antibody-drug conjugates against metas...
A study published in Nature Medicine found that a single daily dose of a polypill significantly enhances cardiac function and reduces hospitalizations for patients with heart failure. The treatment, which combines three types of medications, shows promise as a simplified approach to optimal therapy.
Researchers at the German Center for Infection Research have developed a promising single-dose malaria treatment called SPAP, which targets the malaria parasite through multiple mechanisms. The four-drug combination therapy has shown significant promise in improving malaria treatment and could be a major advancement in sub-Saharan Africa.
A cohort study of over 1.8 million Canadian adults found that shorter prescription courses, single medication, and short-acting agents are associated with lower rates of long-term benzodiazepine use. This study provides valuable insights for informing prescribing practices to reduce reliance on these medications.
Researchers found that over-the-counter probiotics contain only 36 unique species of bacteria, with most common species being forms of Lactobacillus. The analysis suggests a lack of consistency in the combination of species used to support gut health and vaginal health claims.
A recent clinical trial demonstrated that an all-oral drug combination of decitabine-cedazuridine and venetoclax is effective in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older patients. The regimen showed strong response rates and survival outcomes, with nearly half of patients achieving complete response.
Researchers have found a widely available drug combination to be an effective treatment for patients with systemically active Sjögren's disease. The combination of leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine reduced disease activity while maintaining a favorable safety profile.
A new study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that combining phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors with selective oestrogen receptor modulators may slow or stop disease progression when given early. This combination resulted in improved penile curvature and reduced pain during erections compared to standard care.
Researchers have developed a new combination therapy that shows promising results in treating patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The treatment, which combines two mechanisms of action, has been shown to improve clinical remission rates by more than 20 percentage points compared to existing therapies.
A new study by University College London found that gabapentinoids, prescribed for chronic pain, double the risk of hospitalization for drug poisoning when combined with benzodiazepines or opioids. The risk persists even after starting gabapentinoid treatment, suggesting they may not be an effective solution to reduce poisoning risks.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.
A new study introduces CoPISA, a high-throughput proteomics workflow that uncovers how drug combinations reshape the soluble proteome. The research team applied CoPISA to two AML drug combinations, revealing conjunctional targeting and vulnerabilities in critical proteins.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
Researchers analyzed 15-year data from a clinical trial, finding that 70% of patients remained alive and 42% were considered cured after treatment. Cure modeling estimated the overall cure rate at 42% of treated patients.
A national clinical trial found that oxybutynin significantly reduced hot flash frequency and quality of life for men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer. The study showed substantial improvements in hot flash symptoms, often within the first week of treatment.
The PATINA trial demonstrates a significant progression-free survival benefit with palbociclib in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer. The study showed a median progression-free survival of 44.3 months, compared to 29.1 months in the control arm.
A recent study found that high doses of rifampicin do not improve survival rates among adults with tuberculous meningitis. The researchers are now exploring alternative treatments targeting inflammation in the brain membranes and investigating TNF inhibitors as potential therapies.
Acute sepsis alters fluid kinetics and creates a 'third space' resistant to adrenergic modulation, leading to maldistribution of crystalloid fluid. Vasoactive drugs have limited effect on fluid distribution in septic sheep compared to healthy animals.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth investigate why drugs used to treat other tumours are ineffective against NF2-related schwannoma and meningioma tumours. They explore repurposing clinically tested cancer drugs to target MDR mechanisms, which may lead to effective therapies for patients with these tumours.
The azacitidine-venetoclax combination significantly improves event-free survival and overall response rates compared to intensive chemotherapy. Patients in the aza-ven arm also experience lower symptom burdens, reduced depression, and improved quality of life.
A new trial comparing continuous and fixed-duration treatments for CLL found equivalent outcomes in terms of risk of death or disease progression. Fixed-duration treatment was non-inferior to continuous treatment, suggesting clinically equal efficacy.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a new treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, a deadly form of blood cancer. The FDA-approved medication works by disrupting cellular protein interactions that drive leukemia cell growth and survival, offering patients a potential cure.
A combination treatment of ibrutinib and ianalumab allowed some patients with CLL to discontinue daily therapy and potentially improve their quality of life. The study found that 43.6% of patients had undetectable measurable residual disease, and 17 patients were able to stop ibrutinib and remain off therapy for 12 to 24 months.
A large global study of 23,000 people found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used for indigestion and heartburn were associated with poorer overall survival and a higher risk of severe side effects in patients with breast cancer. Statins and metformin showed no significant impact on either survival or adverse events.
Researchers found a targeted immunotherapy regimen yielded promising survival outcomes for patients with B-cell ALL, outperforming historical results. The treatment was well-tolerated, with more than half completing the full course of therapy, and responded similarly in patients with complex medical histories.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge created a smarter way to activate the immune system against cancer by harnessing the STING pathway. The new two-part prodrug system triggers the immune response only in tumour tissues, reducing harm to healthy cells.
A study of 2,201 patients after heart bypass surgery showed that dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor and aspirin did not reduce cardiovascular risks but increased the risk of excessive bleeding. The results contradict current guidelines recommending dual therapy for these patients.
Researchers validated panels of antibodies targeting clinically relevant nucleic acid modifications to visualize antisense oligonucleotides in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The tools enable detection of modified nucleic acids irrespective of sequence, facilitating multiple clinical and pre-clinical workflows.
A new study from the University of Bath found that inappropriate polypharmacy is a major driver of emergency hospital admissions among adults aged 65 and over. The researchers developed a digital tool to proactively identify older adults at risk of medication-related harm, which could reduce preventable emergency hospitalisations.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine aim to reduce falls and adverse drug events among older adults by using personalized approach tailored to individual genetic profiles.
A study found that prescribing guideline-directed medical treatment to patients 90 years and older following their first heart attack can improve survival rates. The greatest benefit was observed in those who received all four recommended therapies, including beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.
Researchers developed a treatment strategy to address fentanyl-xylazine overdoses, combining naloxone with atipamezole to improve recovery outcomes in animal models. The co-administration of naloxone and atipamezole restored consciousness and physiological parameters in rats exposed to fentanyl and xylazine.
Researchers found that denosumab increases tumour-infiltrating immune cells in early-stage breast cancer patients, particularly in type B luminal tumours. This increase is associated with a potential boost to the anti-tumor immune response and offers a valuable avenue for clinical interest.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine discovered a new phenomenon where high doses of radiation cause growth in existing metastatic tumors. The 'badscopal effect' is attributed to increased production of amphiregulin, which weakens the immune system and makes cancer cells more resistant.
Dr. Rakesh Jain has received the AACR Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking theory of vascular normalization, which challenged conventional wisdom in antiangiogenic therapies. His work has directly contributed to FDA approval of several drug combinations, enhancing outcomes for patients with various cancers.
A study published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences found that cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon activates receptors controlling medication clearance, raising concerns about potential interactions. Researchers recommend consulting a doctor before using cinnamon as a dietary supplement to avoid rapid clearance of prescription medicines.
A new study estimates that 2.7% of NYC electronic dance music-nightclub attending adults used Tusi in the past year, with risks of adverse or unexpected effects due to its often adulterated nature. The use of Tusi has been reported in Latin America and Europe since the past decade.
Researchers from the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting new findings on combination therapies for liver and pancreatic cancers, including a new organoid model for personalized head and neck cancer treatment. Additionally, they are discussing the potential of liquid biopsies for cancer detection and monitoring.
Researchers have identified a combination of drugs that prevents enteroviruses from replicating, which could lead to an effective treatment for global health problem. The combination includes pleconaril, AG7404, and mindeudesivir, which shows great potential for finding broad-spectrum treatment methods against enteroviruses.
A new clinical trial at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is testing a novel combination of immunotherapy drugs and an oncolytic virus to treat high-grade neuroendocrine cancer. The trial aims to find safe combination doses and compare effectiveness with standard-of-care treatment.
Researchers found that combining imipridones with radiation therapy and temozolomide slowed glioblastoma growth and prolonged survival in mice. The treatment also boosted immune responses and suppressed MGMT protein expression, making it more effective.
Researchers created a thromboinflammation-on-a-chip model that can sustain blood clots for several months and track treatment options. This model reveals critical information on clot resolution and suggests new drug combinations to protect endothelial function in patients with sickle cell disease.
A natural citrus oil, when combined with a lipid formulation, may effectively relieve dry mouth in cancer patients. The new formula has demonstrated improved solubility and bioavailability compared to pure limonene.
A large study suggests that patients at high risk of heart attacks and strokes should be treated immediately with a combination of a statin and ezetimibe, rather than statins alone. This combination therapy significantly reduces the risk of death from any cause and major adverse cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) have discovered a non-genetic adaptation mechanism that allows melanoma cells to evade BRAF inhibitors within hours. By blocking this early response with a combination therapy approach, the study aims to improve treatment outcomes and prolong the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Researchers found that curcumin enhances the effectiveness of bedaquiline in combating M. abscessus infections, with the combination showing synergistic enhancement of antibacterial activity. The study suggests potential new treatment pathways for resistant infections, particularly in immunocompromised populations.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a technology to test 25 antibodies simultaneously in a single mouse, greatly reducing the number of laboratory animals required. The method uses protein fragments as barcodes for analysis, allowing for high-quality preclinical data on multiple antibody candidates.
Researchers at University of North Carolina Health Care found that combination immunotherapy before surgery increased survival rates in people with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. The treatment regimen doubled or tripled the response rate versus single immunotherapy, leading to a survival benefit for up to a third of patients.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating thymic carcinoma by combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with platinum-based chemotherapy. The MARBLE study found that atezolizumab combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel achieved an objective response rate of 56% and median progression-free survival of 9.6 months.
A new study by researchers at UCSF has found that long-acting injectable treatments can be transformative for patients who struggle to take daily HIV pills, resulting in undetectable viral loads and improved health outcomes. The treatment approach could help stop the spread of HIV by keeping more patients from being infectious.
Researchers at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified an innovative combination treatment strategy that collaborates to kill AML cells. The new approach targets the SRC gene and MCL-1 protein, leading to increased cell death in leukemia cells. This discovery offers a promising new direction for leukemia treatment.
The ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies Congress 2025 features state-of-the-art presentations on new targets, tumour-agnostic drug development, and the role of artificial intelligence in cancer treatment. The congress also highlights recent study results and their potential impact on precision medicine.
A study analyzing millions of U.S. prescriptions over 10 years found that co-prescribed stimulants and opioids are associated with escalating opioid intake. Patients taking both stimulants and opioids had a higher average monthly intake of morphine milligram equivalents (MME) compared to those taking only opioids.
Researchers at Mount Sinai developed iDOMO, a computational tool that predicts effective drug pairings using gene expression data. The study successfully identified a promising combination for triple-negative breast cancer, validating its prediction.