Articles tagged with Drug Studies
The journal highlights several notable research findings, including the benefits of quitting smoking abruptly, low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular prevention, and statins in rheumatoid arthritis. These updates aim to promote excellence in medicine and improve patient outcomes.
A new study found that combining nivolumab and bevacizumab resulted in a 53% complete or partial response rate for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The combination therapy showed promising clinical activities and measured immunological changes, suggesting potential for improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine have made significant advancements in liquid biopsies, a non-invasive method for detecting cancer. Studies focus on using fluid in the lungs to test immunotherapy treatments and circulating tumor cells in prostate cancer patients.
Researchers have developed effective Zika virus nucleic acid amplification technology assays to screen donated blood supplies. The methods demonstrated excellent sensitivities and were substantially more sensitive than most other laboratory-developed and diagnostic Zika virus assays.
Research at Mayo Clinic found that patients using gastric acid suppression medications are at a higher risk for developing recurrent C-diff infections. The study suggests these medications may increase the risk, and caution is advised when prescribing them to patients with a prior C-diff episode.
Researchers at UNC are developing an injectable drug delivery system that forms a long-lasting implant to steadily release anti-HIV medication. The goal is to provide durable, sustained protection from HIV transmission while improving adherence and allowing for easy removal.
A study found that midazolam was more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines and was adopted by ambulances across the country, increasing from 26.1% to 61.7% between 2010 and 2014. The rate of adoption accelerated after a clinical trial's publication, with EMS agencies adopting midazolam at a rate of 8.9% per year.
A new, inhaled form of oxytocin has shown promising results in preventing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), a leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide. The inhalable medication could potentially be accessible to mothers sooner, thanks to a streamlined registration pathway.
A Phase 2 clinical trial of trofinetide in girls with Rett syndrome aged 5-15 showed statistically significant clinical benefits, including improvements in the Rett Syndrome Behavior Questionnaire and Clinical Global Impression of Improvement. The high dose of trofinetide was well-tolerated with no dose-limiting effects observed.
Researchers are exploring whether two over-the-counter medications can diminish alcohol abuse in diagnosed bipolar patients. A five-year clinical trial is currently underway to assess the effectiveness of citicoline and pregnenolone in treating alcohol-use disorders in people with bipolar disorder.
A review of 13 studies found that mixing energy drinks with alcohol increases the risk of injury due to masked intoxication effects. Researchers warn that this practice poses a serious public health concern, and more research is needed to confirm findings.
A Stanford-led study analyzed over 3,000 meta analyses to identify the most common sources of scientific bias across 22 disciplines. Small studies consistently overestimate effect size, while factors like early career status and isolation from other researchers increase bias risk.
A new study found that genotyping and personalized warfarin dosing can lower the risk of certain adverse events, such as bleeding and blood clots. The Genetic InFormatics Trial showed a 27% reduction in adverse events with genotype-guided dosing compared to clinically guided dosing.
A large study found that levosimendan did not significantly reduce rates of death, heart attack, kidney dialysis, or mechanical assist device use among patients at high risk for low cardiac output syndrome. However, the drug reduced low cardiac output syndrome and required less use of other inotropes.
A new study found that patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) taking digoxin are at a higher risk of death, regardless of heart failure status. The risk increases with higher levels of digoxin in the bloodstream.
A new study found that closing the left atrial appendage during cardiac surgery significantly reduces thromboembolism risk, a leading cause of stroke, by 40%. The procedure also shows promise for patients who cannot take anticoagulant medications.
Patients receiving Absorb stent showed outcomes similar to those of Xience metal stents between years one and two, but elevated risk of adverse outcomes at two years in smaller vessels. The study highlights the importance of using appropriately sized vessels and refined procedural techniques for optimal results.
A new study published by the American College of Cardiology found that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not needed in all cases of fully blocked arteries. Treatment with medications alone was shown to be equal to PCI in terms of major adverse events over three years.
The EBBINGHAUS study, the largest and most rigorous study on the topic, found no significant cognitive effects from adding evolocumab to statin therapy. The study enrolled 1,974 patients and used validated neurocognitive tests to assess executive function, working memory, and reaction time.
Bococizumab significantly reduces cardiovascular events in high-risk patients with high LDL cholesterol levels. However, the drug's cholesterol-lowering effect tends to diminish over time in some patients.
Bococizumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, significantly reduced cardiovascular events by 21% in high-risk patients with high LDL cholesterol levels. However, it showed no benefit in patients with lower LDL levels, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that highly trained workers in certain occupations are more likely to make errors when interrupted due to faster task completion. Experienced workers' ability to recall procedural steps is impaired by the proximity of actions in time, leading to increased mistakes.
The FOURIER trial shows evolocumab reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, by 15% compared to placebo. The treatment also lowers LDL cholesterol levels, translating to healthier arteries over time.
In the FOURIER trial, evolocumab reduced LDL cholesterol by 59 percent and major cardiovascular events by 15 percent. The therapy showed greater benefit over time, with a 25% reduction in risk after one year.
A new study found denosumab safe for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis over an extended period. The monoclonal antibody showed no increased risk of adverse events after 6 years of treatment, confirming its excellent safety and tolerability profile.
A new class of cholesterol-lowering medication has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by nearly 60% in patients taking statins, resulting in a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. The study found that this potent drug could provide added benefit for those already on optimal doses of statins.
A review of 270 studies found that supported self-management helps people with asthma take control of their own illness, reducing symptoms and hospital admissions. Tailored support can improve quality of life and prevent deaths, experts say.
A pilot study published in British Medical Journal Open found that pharmacist medicines reconciliation significantly reduced medicine discrepancies and potential hospital readmissions. The study involved 200 patients, with nearly all medication discrepancies identified at both transfer points being addressed in the intervention arm.
Three Harvard experts discuss the economics of precision medicine, highlighting factors such as innovative incentives, higher prices due to biologic drugs, and limited competition. The authors propose potential solutions to increase patient access to these medicines, including financial instruments and price competition.
A clinical trial shows that combining chemotherapy drug temozolomide with radiation therapy extends survival by two months in older patients with glioblastoma. The treatment also improves survival for 45% of participants, linked to a molecular marker indicating active DNA repair mechanisms.
A study of over 25,600 patients found that long-term dual antiplatelet therapy increases mortality risk, especially after bleeding events. Ischemic events also pose a significant threat to patient lives.
A new study found that intensive medical treatment using oral medications, insulin, and lifestyle therapies can reverse type 2 diabetes in up to 40% of participants. The study's findings support the notion that type 2 diabetes can be reversed, at least in the short term, with medical approaches.
A study at Kern Health Systems found that pharmacists with expanded roles can reduce readmission rates for high-risk patients by up to 28% and 32%. The program, which included post-discharge counseling and medication management, also showed promise in reducing long-term hospital readmissions.
A Johns Hopkins study found lower allopregnanolone levels in the second trimester predict increased risk of postpartum depression. The research may lead to diagnostic markers and preventive strategies for the condition affecting up to 20% of American women who give birth.
A study found that taking opioids with benzodiazepines increases the risk of opioid overdose by substantially. Researchers call for cautious prescribing and education programs to warn prescribers and patients about the risks of concurrent use.
A recent study following over 500 children with ADHD into adulthood found that extended stimulant medication use is associated with suppressed adult height but not reduced symptoms of ADHD. The findings suggest a trade-off between symptom-related benefits and growth-related costs of long-term treatment.
Research from the University at Buffalo and the University of Michigan found that e-cigarette use is not linked to an increase in smoking among teenagers. In fact, overall smoking rates have decreased as e-cigarette use has increased.
A new study suggests that ER visits can be effective 'teachable moments' for reducing drug use, with brief chats with counselors or virtual therapists showing promise. Participants who received the intervention had 21% fewer days of drug use compared to those in the control group.
Prolonged exposure to finasteride and dutasteride increases the risk of persistent erectile dysfunction (PED) in young men. The study found that men with longer exposure had a 4.9-fold higher risk of PED than those with shorter exposure.
Researchers at University of Utah Health Sciences found that a common yeast species exacerbates Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) symptoms in mice. Allopurinol, a generic drug, showed promise in reducing inflammation and potentially offering relief to patients with high yeast antibodies.
The European Society of Cardiology calls for rewritten clinical trial rules to protect patients and ensure reliable results. The current ICH Good Clinical Practice guidelines need to be based on principles rather than operational details.
Three experts from the University of Sydney argue that deregulating the FDA's regulatory system will subject patients to potentially toxic drugs. They highlight examples of successful drugs that were identified through well-controlled studies, and contrast these with unregulated markets that struggle to sift out ineffective treatments.
A study by Ravi Bansal and Bradley S. Peterson found structural differences in the cerebral cortex of patients with depression, which normalize with medication. The cerebral cortex thickeness is a compensatory response that helps reduce depressive symptoms.
The US Preventive Services Task Force found inadequate evidence on screening pelvic examinations for gynecologic conditions, including ovarian cancer and other benign conditions. The examination's accuracy, benefits, and potential harms were not well-established.
Researchers found mindfulness therapy to be effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and rumination in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nei Yang Gong therapy also showed positive effects on self-control in children with ASD. The review of 16 studies highlights the potential for mind-body therapies in treating ASD symptoms.
A recent study found that older adults who suffered a hip fracture were more likely to use antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications. The analysis measured drug levels in blood samples, revealing a surprising number of patients took the drugs despite no medical record evidence.
Research reveals that only one in five patients with resistant hypertension are taking all their prescribed medications, while 20% are not taking any. The study found that adherence to medication greatly affects the ability to assess the value of another treatment, and patients can take steps to prevent high blood pressure from remaini...
A study found that the drug everolimus protects ovaries from cyclophosphamide, a common chemotherapy used against breast cancer, which depletes egg cells needed to achieve pregnancy. Female mice treated with everolimus and chemotherapy had more than twice as many offspring as those treated with chemotherapy alone.
A meta-analysis of 186 studies found that patients are more likely to refuse treatment with only psychotropic drugs compared to psychotherapy. The rates of premature termination were also higher for pharmacotherapy alone, particularly for anorexia/bulimia and depressive disorders.
Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center found that high-performance chess players can enhance cognitive functions with stimulants without compromising creative thinking. The study revealed that methylphenidate and modafinil improve chess performance in short, timed matches but not in longer games.
A new wireless patch has shown significant results in reducing migraine pain, with 64% of participants experiencing a 50% or greater reduction in pain after using the device. The study found that starting stimulation within 20 minutes of a migraine's onset was more effective in reducing pain.
Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine identified critical errors in inhaler use, leading to reduced medicine delivery. The most common mistakes include not shaking the device or holding breath for sufficient time, resulting in medication stuck in the mouth or throat.
A preliminary meta-analysis of studies on adults and children with primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures found positive results in both groups, suggesting a similar effectiveness of medicines.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that cholesterol-lowering statins have no benefits for patients with small cell lung cancer. The largest randomized trial of its kind showed no improvement in treatment outcomes, contradicting previous claims about statin's potential role in preventing cancer development.
Research from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that inactivity and excess weight are strongly associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, which has a poor five-year survival rate of around 30-40%. Increasing physical activity levels and reducing weight may be crucial for combating this growing disease.
Researchers at UCLA School of Nursing found that donepezil, a medication approved for Alzheimer's disease, can accelerate cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment who carry the K-variant of butyrylcholinesterase. Genetic testing is advised to determine if the drug is safe for these patients.
A systematic review of PDE-5 inhibitor use in pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension found improvements in oxygenation, hemodynamics, and clinical outcomes. The evidence suggests that low- and moderate-dose sildenafil are safe regimens for children, outweighing the risks associated with long-term use.
A new drug, letermovir, has shown significant promise in preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in stem cell transplant patients, with only mild side effects and improved survival rates. The study found that 61% of patients receiving a placebo developed CMV infection, compared to 38% of those treated with letermovir.
A new study has found that men with higher cognitive ability are more likely to take statins prescribed after a heart attack, reducing the risk of another heart attack or premature death. The study used data from over 2,500 patients and found an association between low general cognitive ability and non-compliance with medication.
The study provides evidence that a new investigational drug (SCY-078) may help to cure Candida auris infections. The fungus is multidrug-resistant and has been linked to invasive infections with high death rates globally.