Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
A modeling study estimates that treatments with ICERs above $100,000 to $150,000 per QALY are unlikely to be considered cost-effective for the US healthcare system. The study suggests that spending less on low-effectiveness treatments could allow more funding for treatments with larger health gains.
A new study examines local attitudes towards Chagas disease and its transmission, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive campaigns. The findings suggest that social and cultural factors play a significant role in shaping public perception, particularly regarding preventive measures and treatment options.
A new study at Boston Medical Center found that the common treatment bevacizumab for diabetic macular edema is less effective for Black patients compared to white and Hispanic individuals. This disparity underscores the importance of increasing diversity in clinical trials to develop treatments tailored to all patient groups.
A randomized trial comparing a nano-coated coronary stent with shorter dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) to a drug-eluting stent (DES) with guideline-recommended DAPT duration found no reduction in bleeding or thrombotic events. The study included 996 patients and found the rate of bleeding in the test group was 7.5% compared to 8.9% i...
A key blood marker of cancer could be used to select the most effective treatment for melanoma, according to an Edith Cowan University study. The discovery has the potential to improve melanoma survival rates by identifying patients who may benefit from more aggressive treatments.
A new molecular concept dubbed 'range selectivity' allows for targeted drug delivery to diseased cells with high specificity, reducing side effects. By identifying specific receptor densities, researchers can develop nano-sized drug carriers that attach only to diseased cells.
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation decreased pain and reduced motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients by an average of 59% and 12%, respectively. The therapy also showed promise in improving functional mobility and balance.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed soft robots that can be controlled by magnetic fields, allowing for faster and less invasive delivery of medications. The 'soft' component of the robot is crucial, as it eliminates the need for motors, controllers, and tethers.
A European survey found that a majority of men and women aged 20-70 do not know what erectile dysfunction (ED) is, with one in four having never heard of ED treatments. The study emphasizes the need for open communication about ED to break the taboo and improve treatment outcomes.
Research from Aarhus University shows that systematic parental training can significantly improve the quality of life for preschool children with ADHD. The study found that treatment without medication led to improved psychosocial scores and increased self-confidence among parents, resulting in better social skills for the children.
Researchers at Yale have identified a possible treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by targeting the 'undruggable' enzyme MKP5. The team found that a compound blocking the enzyme's activity in muscle cells suggests a promising new therapeutic strategy for treating DMD.
A systematic review of published evidence found that treating hypertension reduces the risk of orthostatic hypotension. Lowering blood pressure targets can mitigate this condition in adults with hypertension, regardless of age or health status.
Researchers developed a combination treatment using gas embolization and chemotherapy, achieving tumor regression and reducing regrowth in hepatocellular carcinoma models. The method is less invasive and more precise than traditional treatments.
Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) using an acne drug. A single mutation in the RBM20 gene was found to cause the disease, and increasing expression of this protein may overcome the insufficient expression seen in patients with DCM.
Capmatinib shows high response rate (68%) in first-line treatment for NSCLC patients with MET exon 14 skipping mutations. Patients with lower MET amplification levels have limited effectiveness with the drug.
A new study found that a fully automated digital version of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia was effective in improving sleep quality and reducing the need for sleeping pills. The treatment helped approximately 58% of participants experience substantial improvement, compared to 20% in the control group.
Researchers have developed novel Selenium-based compounds that can stabilize the SOD1 protein, which causes ALS. These compounds show improved in vitro therapeutic effects and demonstrate disease onset delay in an ALS mouse model. The findings hold promise for a new class of drug candidates for ALS treatment.
Researchers found that exposure-based therapy was more effective in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while stress-reduction therapy showed better results for those with lower brain activation in certain areas. The study aims to develop a personalized treatment approach for OCD, which may help improve therapy ou...
A Yale University study finds that the brain takes time to normalize after abstaining from alcohol, making 'one day at a time' an effective recovery strategy. The study also suggests potential medications to aid in long-term abstinence.
Women with catamenial epilepsy experience nearly four times more frequent seizures during menstrual cycle and are more likely to have drug-resistant epilepsy. The study may lead to tailored treatments for this group.
A recent Italian observational study reveals that hydroxychloroquine treatment reduces the risk of death for hospitalized COVID-19 patients by 30%. The study, coordinated by I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, analyzed data from 3,451 patients and found positive results despite using lower doses than those in other countries.
Researchers have developed a simple, low-cost technology for subcutaneous injection of viscous formulations, making it possible to administer high-concentration biologics. The device reduces the required injection force by up to 99%, allowing for self-administration of medication and vaccines in remote areas.
Researchers successfully inhibited the P2X4 receptor, which plays a significant role in post-stroke damage and recovery. The study shows that short-term inhibition of this receptor can regulate immune cell activation and improve both acute and chronic stroke recovery.
A new study has identified a better treatment option for arteriovenous fistulas used in hemodialysis, reducing the need for repeated hospital visits and procedures. The drug-coated balloon angioplasty treatment has shown promising results, with patients being 25% more likely to have a functioning access point after 6 months.
Research highlights the link between Alport syndrome genotype and treatment effectiveness with ACE inhibitors and RAS blockers, showing varied responses to treatment depending on mutation type and age of progression to end-stage kidney disease.
Researchers identified a small protein that mobilizes bone resorbing cells under osteoporotic conditions. Chemical inhibitors targeting this protein show promise in blocking bone resorption without disrupting normal bone turnover.
Patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms showed improved outcomes when administered Interleukin-6 (IL6ri) inhibitors, such as sarilumab or tocilizumab, earlier in the disease course. This reduced mortality rates and the need for intubation, with a higher discharge rate among those treated early.
Patients who had previously suffered a vertebral fracture experienced an increased risk of major osteoporotic fractures after longer bisphosphonate drug holidays. The study suggests that these breaks may lead to a partial loss of protective effects against fractures, highlighting the need for individualized management decisions.
A randomized clinical trial found that prescribed doses of non-intoxicating CBD reduced cannabis use and increased abstinence days. Participants treated with 400mg or 800mg CBD showed lower levels of cannabis in their urine and more days abstinent compared to placebo.
Wolfram Syndrome is a progressive degenerative disease characterized by diabetes, psychiatric symptoms, loss of vision, deafness, and incontinence. Yale researchers have discovered a potential treatment involving two existing drugs that restore calcium signaling and improve cell functions.
A single dose of the drug tocilizumab was found to reduce mortality by 45% and increase the likelihood of patients leaving the hospital or being off a ventilator within a month. However, this benefit came with an increased risk of additional infection.
A new nanoconjugate has been developed to target and kill acute myeloid leukemia tumor cells without harming healthy ones. The nanoparticle is specifically designed to bind to the CXCR4 receptor, which is overexpressed in leukemic cells, and deliver a potent toxin that kills the cancer cells.
Researchers have developed a novel immunotherapy using genetically modified natural killer cells to target and kill cancer cells in glioblastoma multiforme, a highly aggressive brain tumor. The treatment approach has shown high efficiency and is considered safer than other cell-based therapies.
Scientists have discovered a new approach to treating Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease by targeting toxic proteins that prevent myelin production. The treatment, which uses antisense oligonucleotides, reduced symptoms and extended lifespan in laboratory studies.
Researchers have developed eye drops that target caspase-9 enzyme to treat retinal vein occlusion, a common cause of blindness. The treatment has shown promise in improving retinal function and reducing swelling in a mouse model of the condition.
A five-year outcomes study of 30 patients found that early-stage deep brain stimulation (DBS) decreased the risk of disease progression and polypharmacy compared to optimal medical therapy alone. The study showed significant improvements in motor symptoms, with DBS patients requiring less medication for symptom management.
A new study reveals that the enzyme SAMHD1 protects B-ALL cells from nelarabine's anti-cancer effects, but not T-ALL cells. This discovery has crucial implications for leukaemia treatment, offering a potential biomarker to tailor therapy to individual patient needs.
The USPSTF recommends screening for unhealthy drug use in adults 18 or older to prevent fatal overdoses, injuries, and disability. The recommendation replaces the 2008 statement finding insufficient evidence, citing a significant cause of preventable death in 2017.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found that a combination therapy using SapC-DOPS nanovesicles and standard chemotherapy may improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer. The study suggests that this approach could potentially extend lives and provide hope to patients with limited treatment options.
Acalabrutinib improved oxygenation levels and decreased molecular markers of inflammation in most patients with severe COVID-19. The treatment showed promise in reducing the severity of the disease, particularly among those on mechanical ventilation.
Researchers estimated appropriate pediatric-specific dosing regimens for hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir to treat pediatric patients with COVID-19. The study suggests these treatments may be effective for children infected with the virus.
A study published in Oncotarget found that T-DM1 significantly improves response rates and median progression-free survival in patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer. This suggests a preferred second-line choice for T-DM1 over trastuzumab emtansine.
Scientists have developed a new treatment to reduce swelling after brain and spinal cord injuries, offering hope to 75 million victims worldwide. The breakthrough uses the already-licensed anti-psychotic medicine trifluoperazine to alter aquaporin behaviour in cells, preventing cell swelling and pressure build-up.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that women's treatment decisions during pregnancy should be tailored to their individual values and preferences. The research found that half of the women preferred tight control of blood pressure, while half preferred less-tight control, with Caucasian ethnicity, uni...
A new study found that methylene blue reduces tissue damage, inflammation, and degree of necrosis in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. The drug also improves heart rate and blood pressure in animals.
A new drug delivery method using light-activated vitamin B12 molecules could reduce whole-body side effects from rheumatoid arthritis treatments. The approach decreases arthritis symptoms while carrying and delivering much lower quantities of the medication.
Patients receiving 177Lu-DOTATATE radiation therapy may experience travel delays at U.S. ports of entry due to residual radiation activity; carrying a travel card with treatment information can help alleviate this issue.
A new study reveals an alarming treatment gap for fragility fractures in six European countries, resulting in estimated annual costs of €37.5 billion in 2017, which is expected to increase by 23% to €47.4 billion by 2030.
A new study by University of Copenhagen researchers shows that administering nimodipine, an already approved drug for high blood pressure, can prevent the development of spasticity after spinal cord injuries. The effect is long-lasting and continues even after treatment has stopped.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that forecasts patient responses to intermittent androgen deprivation therapy based on changing levels of the biomarker PSA. The model predicted 89% accuracy in developing patient resistance, enabling personalized treatment options.
A mindfulness app training program reduced physician anxiety by 57% and emotional exhaustion by 20%, suggesting its potential to treat burnout as well. The study's findings support the use of digital therapeutics like apps-based treatments for low-cost, widely disseminated interventions.
According to an analysis of patient forums, desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) is more effective than other thyroid hormone medications for improving symptoms and overall well-being. The treatment, also known as nature thyroid or Armour thyroid, has been used by 10%-25% of people with hypothyroidism.
Vericiguat, a novel guanylate cyclase stimulator agent, has shown significant benefits in reducing negative health events in patients with worsening chronic heart failure. The VICTORIA trial demonstrated an absolute reduction of 4.2% in patients already receiving optimal care.
Aarhus University researcher Ulf Simonsen is developing a treatment with Senicapoc to reduce severe lung damage and need for ventilators in COVID-19 patients. The project aims to assess the effect within two months.
A clinical trial found that electrical stimulation improved symptoms in 53% of women with constipation, with lasting benefits for at least 3 months. The treatment was well-tolerated and offered a promising alternative to laxative medications.
A new compound has been discovered that targets a pathway causing brain swelling after stroke, potentially reducing cases of brain injury and death. The compound, called ZT-1a, was tested on mice and rats with stroke or hydrocephalus and showed promise in effectively reducing brain swelling.
A study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that stepwise treatment for pediatric OCD results in excellent long-term stability of treatment gains. Most participants responded well to treatment, with significant improvements in symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and depressive symptoms.
A UK clinical trial has found an effective intervention to increase hepatitis C testing and treatment in primary care. The HepCATT study increased HCV testing by 59% and treatment assessments by five times in intervention practices compared to control.
Treating stroke patients in mobile stroke units speeds up treatment and reduces disability. The Berlin Prehospital Or Usual Delivery trial found that prehospital treatment in a mobile stroke unit improved patient outcomes compared to usual care.
Researchers identify precise receptor chain involved in atopic dermatitis, a condition marked by chronic inflammation and itchy patches of skin. A novel antibody targeting this receptor may serve as a potential therapeutic treatment for the disease.