Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
Scientists have discovered a novel gold nanocluster that can inhibit Aβ monomer formation, dissolve preformed fibrils and restore conformation of peptides. The nanocluster also has good biocompatibility and infiltration ability across the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center present a case study of an adaptive treatment approach based on evolutionary principles in prostate cancer, suggesting it as a promising alternative to traditional treatments. The approach involves forcing tumors into repeatable treatment cycles, which may limit the development of uncontrollable dru...
A Stony Brook University-led study finds that early intervention in schizophrenia does not improve long-term outcomes, contradicting common views. Comprehensive care has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve mental health, but treatment effects may be overstated due to lead-time bias.
Researchers found that a new stimulation treatment increased blood flow to the brain and improved hand strength in patients with minor strokes. The treatment also showed promise in decreasing disability in patients with severe stroke, regardless of age, sex, or severity of symptoms.
Eternygen presents preclinical study data demonstrating INDY inhibition reverses nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a diet-induced mouse model. The treatment also reduces liver injury and inflammation.
Scientists have made an important discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that drugs targeting the IL-17 molecule may not need to get across the blood-brain-barrier to be effective in treating MS.
Recent clinical trials of Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy show limited effectiveness in treating active duty military personnel and veterans with PTSD. The studies suggest that emotionally demanding therapies may not be beneficial for all patients, and more personalized treatment approaches are needed to acc...
The guideline provides a framework for diagnosing and treating complex ADHD in children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of psychosocial interventions to improve function. Key action statements include comprehensive assessment, behavioral and educational interventions, and monitoring throughout life.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients respond differently to ibrutinib treatment due to individual genetic and epigenetic profiles. The study reveals a shared genetic program in CLL cells responding to ibrutinib, but with patient-specific execution, leading to varying disease progression rates.
Scientists have obtained a high-resolution view of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors (GLP1R), which play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. The study provides new insights into GLP1R function and its potential as a target for treating conditions like type 2 diabetes.
A novel pharmacological chaperone has been shown to restore levels of the sorting molecule VPS35 and prevent the accumulation of abnormal proteins in mice with Alzheimer's disease. This treatment approach has been proven to improve memory and learning, reducing tau tangles and amyloid-beta plaques.
Researchers found that psychedelic drug users experience increased positive mood, social connectedness, and transformative experiences at mass gatherings. The study validates previous findings in laboratory and clinical settings, suggesting potential therapeutic effects of psychedelic use.
A UCLA-led study found that family-focused therapy can delay new and recurring bipolar symptoms in children and teens. The treatment, which involves teaching patients and families better communication skills, resulted in 77% of adolescents recovering from initial symptoms within four years.
Antimalarial drugs are found to work against each other when combined, a phenomenon known as antagonistic cooperation. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments for malaria, a disease that killed 435,000 people in 2017.
Researchers at the University of Dundee are working on a new effort to tackle tuberculosis, identifying new treatment options for the disease. With a $3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, they aim to improve drug discovery and develop new candidate drugs to treat TB.
Researchers at Uppsala University used a computer algorithm to identify a promising new treatment for neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer. The new treatment targets the CNR2 receptor protein, which was discovered using massive amounts of genetic and pharmacological data.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found insufficient evidence to determine whether serotonin reuptake inhibitors or trauma-focused psychotherapy are more effective in treating PTSD. The study concludes that clinicians should make shared decisions with patients based on patient preferences regarding treatment characteristics.
A new drug trial by Monash University Professor Eric Morand shows a statistically-significant reduction in disease activity versus placebo in lupus patients. The TULIP 2 trial found a significant effect in global disease activity measures, including improved skin disease and reduced steroid doses.
A new study found that varenicline tartrate is effective in quitting smoking among adolescents, with a higher rate of long-term success compared to the placebo group. However, it did not prevent relapse. The researchers suggest pairing medication with therapy and behavioral treatments for better results.
A Baylor University researcher has developed a new tool, the Treatment Adherence Perception Questionnaire (TAPQ), to help patients adhere to their treatment plans. The TAPQ assesses two key attitudes: perceived benefit and perceived burden, which are strongly associated with motivation to adhere to treatment.
Outdated laws hinder pharmacists from providing timely treatment to displaced people in disaster-affected regions. The current model focuses on high-acuity patients, but vulnerable groups require longer-term assistance.
A new study found that Class I drug treatment showed increased rates of AFib reoccurrence in obese patients compared to non-obese patients. The study suggests that obesity hinders the effectiveness of these medications, which could impact ethnic minority populations who are more likely to experience obesity and have poorer outcomes.
Researchers have developed 'combo' nanoplatforms using graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide to enhance chemotherapy therapy. These nanocarriers can target tumors and improve drug delivery, reducing side effects on normal cells/tissues.
A new study found that ketamine decreases alcohol consumption in high-consuming male rats, but has no effect on females. The drug may be a viable treatment option for male patients with an alcohol use disorder.
The American Thoracic Society has published a new clinical guideline for the treatment and prevention of drug-resistant tuberculosis, emphasizing the use of all-oral regimens. The guideline also recommends treatment for all contacts of MDR-TB patients and provides evidence-based guidance for pregnant women with MDR-TB.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have identified an antibody that can potentially become a new treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Treatment with this specific antibody was found to reverse the process behind PAH development, showing promise for clinical development.
A new economic study by USC researchers suggests that breakthrough treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) offer significant patient benefits and societal value. The treatments generate $5.1 to $8.2 billion in patient benefits, translating to $0.9 to $3.0 billion in societal value over three years.
A study by Mount Sinai researchers found that more than half of patients taking ruxolitinib gained over 5% in body weight, associated with increased systolic blood pressure and liver enzymes. The study highlights the need for physicians to counsel patients about potential metabolic effects.
A study of over 24,000 Swedish adults found that those with a family history of schizophrenia and lower IQ are more likely to experience treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The condition is associated with higher risk for suicide and significant health costs.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered that a higher dose of rituximab is more likely to put patients with pemphigus into complete remission compared to the standard treatment regimen. The study found that patients over 65 had a nearly 10-fold greater chance of achieving complete remission, while those with moderate to severe obe...
Researchers found that patients with cardiogenic shock developed malignant arrhythmias, and intense cooling may increase MA incidence. Risk factors included faster temperature decline and lower serum potassium levels during the cooling period.
Researchers identified therapy-induced mutations that cause drug resistance in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who relapse. Thiopurine treatment may prime patients for relapse, and precision medicine approaches, such as immunotherapies, are being explored.
Researchers at Temple University have discovered that an existing HIV drug can suppress Zika virus infection by targeting a common enzyme. The study opens the door to developing a broad-spectrum treatment strategy for multiple RNA virus infections using the same approach.
A study by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group found that lenalidomide delayed disease progression and improved overall survival in high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma patients. The treatment reduced serious adverse events, but it is unclear if it affects overall survival.
AcuraStem has secured a $3 million Phase II funding for its AS-1 Program, a lead small molecule program targeting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The award allows the company to accelerate the AS-1 program and expand its iNeuroRx technology platform.
Quinacrine repurposed with cisplatin synergizes to reduce cancer growth, increasing median time to tumor volume by 12 days; enhances apoptosis and inhibits autophagy in HNSCC cells.
The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine has been awarded a five-year, $24 million grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services to advance its lung-on-a-chip technology. The funding will be used to model the effects of chlorine gas on human lungs and develop treatments for resulting injuries.
A study found that nearly a third of patients with severe asthma are taking harmful doses of oral steroids. Improving adherence to inhaled therapies and inhaler technique can help avoid this. However, only half of eligible patients receive biologic asthma drugs, which could reduce exposure to harmful oral steroids.
A doctor, who is also the father of a child with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), offers a personal perspective on the benefits of the new treatment nusinersen. The medication has shown significant improvement in his son's condition, allowing him to regain motor skills and autonomy.
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine published a series of papers on cystic fibrosis treatment, including new CFTR modulator drugs showing promise and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, a three-in-one inhaler therapy was found to improve lung function and reduce asthma attacks in patients with severe asthma.
Researchers found anticholinergic drugs like glycopyrrolate significantly reduced drooling, but caused adverse effects such as behavioral changes and dehydration. The study suggests choosing a medication with fewer side effects for those with severe motor impairment.
A survey of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes found that many long-time patients downplay medical and social factors in favor of more aggressive treatment. The study's findings suggest that patients' perceptions of their care diverge from professional recommendations, highlighting the need for better physician-patient communications.
A recent study analyzed deaths associated with ibrutinib and identified several cardiovascular toxicities, including supraventricular arrhythmias and heart failure. The study highlights the need to improve management of patients taking this drug, which has a higher death rate compared to chemotherapy.
A novel initiative called the Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN) is testing six potential new stroke therapies, including compressing the arm with a blood pressure-like cuff. This approach, known as remote ischemic conditioning, may reduce stroke size and improve patient recovery.
A unique partnership between an engineer and a scientist challenged prevailing wisdom about Toxoplasma gondii's behavior, revealing potential targets for treatment. The team's work showed that parasites are actively replicating with complex patterns, forcing a reconsideration of the parasite's life cycle.
The Rare Disease Cures Accelerator-Data and Analytics Platform (RDCA-DAP) aims to accelerate the development of treatments for rare diseases by providing data and analytics. The platform, launched by C-Path and NORD, will facilitate collaboration among key stakeholders, including patients, industry, and regulatory agencies.
A large cohort study confirms that adding transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to sorafenib improves survival rates in patients with advanced liver cancer, with median overall survival increasing by up to 26%. The treatment combination also shows similar tolerability compared to sorafenib alone.
Frostbite can be prevented by wearing proper clothing, avoiding wind-chill, and addressing pre-existing conditions that may affect circulation. Early treatment with thrombolytic therapies like iloprost can help prevent tissue loss and promote recovery.
A new study comparing heart attack care in Sweden and the UK found that patients in Sweden had lower mortality rates for both STEMI and NSTEMI forms of heart attacks. The results suggest improved outcomes due to increased use of invasive treatments and recommended medications in Sweden.
Scientists developed a novel nanotechnology-based approach that successfully delivered checkpoint inhibitors directly to brain tumors, triggering a local immune response and inducing tumor cell death. The treatment has shown promising results in laboratory mice, providing hope for longer survival rates for patients with glioblastoma
A new chip has been developed that can replicate the effects of osteoarthritis, allowing for the testing of pharmacological treatments. The chip uses mechanical stress to induce inflammation and degenerative processes, making it a more realistic model for disease development.
This special issue in the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care in managing cerebral palsy. The articles cover various topics, including scoliosis care, goal setting, exercise programs and nutritional care, to improve outcomes for individuals with CP.
A recent study published in Pain Medicine found that self-administered acupressure can improve symptoms of chronic low back pain. Researchers compared three groups: relaxing acupressure, stimulating acupressure, and usual care, with the acupressure groups experiencing pain and fatigue improvement after six weeks.
Researchers at Ohio State University have made significant breakthroughs in gene replacement therapy for Niemann-Pick type A disease, demonstrating its safety and therapeutic effects in nonhuman primates and mouse models. The treatment has shown a 'bystander effect', preventing motor and memory impairment and increasing survival rates.
Researchers identify various disease mechanisms underlying progressive MS, highlighting the need for precise therapy approaches targeting different pathomechanisms. Financial obstacles, including patent expirations, also hinder the development of new drugs.
Severe malaria cases in the US are increasing, with limited access to IV treatment. Malaria expert Mark Travassos calls for improved access to intravenous quinidine gluconate, a critical medication for serious cases.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for patients with Castleman disease who do not respond to the currently approved drug siltuximab. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, when inhibited, shows promise in sending patients into remission.
The Rare Disease Cures Accelerator-Data and Analytics Platform (RDCA-DAP) aims to reduce barriers for rare disease treatment development. The platform will provide a centralized infrastructure to support accelerated therapy development, leveraging integrated data from various sources and advanced analytics expertise.
Conversion therapy practices cause significant harm, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and economic burdens. Physicians advocate for education reform to better identify patients who underwent or may be undergoing conversion therapy.
A new treatment could protect brain cells affected by Parkinson's disease, potentially slowing or stopping its progression. Dr Heather Mortiboys and her team will modify drug compounds that boost cell function in people living with Parkinson's.