Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the genetic diversity of Onchocerca volvulus, the parasite that causes river blindness. The study reveals gene flow between savanna and forest strains, with genes from the savanna strain flowing into the forest strain due to differences in climate and black fly behavior.
A large study found that thiazide diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, are associated with a lower risk of hip and pelvic fractures. The analysis included 22,180 participants followed for up to eight years and reported a 21% lower risk of fractures in the chlorthalidone group compared to other treatments.
A Case Western Reserve University researcher has found that addiction treatment results improved when teens in a residential program stopped smoking. Teens who quit smoking showed lower cravings for alcohol and drugs, similar to their peers who smoked, but with better treatment duration and global functioning.
Adoption of targeted therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) could raise treatment costs in the US by almost 600 percent, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital-led research team. The average annual cancer treatment cost has increased from below $10,000 to over $100,000.
Researchers investigated resistance to antiangiogenic therapies using animal models, finding inconsistent definitions of treatment failure. The study emphasizes the need for improved methodology to accurately predict alternative strategies that benefit patients.
A five-year project is building on longstanding partnerships with Flint community collaborators to boost stroke awareness and get treatment to more stroke patients. The 'Stroke Ready' program will address barriers to timely evaluation and treatment, helping to reduce the risk of disability by over 30 percent.
Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy is as effective as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for reducing breast tumor size, but with significantly fewer toxic side effects. Aromatase inhibitors were found to be more effective than tamoxifen-like drugs in treating ER-positive breast cancer.
A new clinical trial at UTHealth aims to develop more effective treatment strategies tailored to individual responses for patients overcoming cocaine addiction. The study combines motivational incentives with mindfulness skills training to boost abstinence rates and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers from Duke University have identified two specific receptors, CXCR2 and LTBR, that play a key role in the development of drug-resistant multiple sclerosis. The study found that targeting these receptors may lead to successful treatment for patients who do not respond to interferon-beta treatment.
The journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research published a special issue on ocular drug delivery, highlighting the need for sustainable release of therapeutics to target tissues in the posterior segment. The market opportunity is significant, with the global pharmaceutical market projected to grow to $23 billion by 2018.
Researchers found a combination of immunotherapy options improves overall survival and lowers the risk of life-threatening events in late-stage melanoma patients. PD-1 inhibitors were associated with the lowest risk of life-threatening events, making them a promising first-line therapy option.
A new study reports that soldiers with higher blood pressure before starting prazosin treatment experience better symptom reduction. The study identifies blood pressure as a biomarker that can predict individual response to the medication, potentially leading to personalized medicine approaches for PTSD treatment.
A study has discovered a crucial part of the genetic machinery that switches on the Neuroglobin gene, which is associated with protecting the brain and reducing severity of damage due to stroke and Alzheimer's disease. The research opens up new opportunities for treating AD using gene therapy.
Researchers are investigating DNA sequences from ancient viruses that become active in NF2 tumour cells, and found that certain drugs can block their action and slow down tumour growth. The goal is to develop a new non-invasive drug treatment for people with NF2.
A recent study by Bangor University found that pharmaceutical companies marketing orphan drugs for rare diseases can be up to 15% more profitable than other drug companies. This is due to the lucrative market for these treatments, with some costing as much as £340,000 per patient per year.
The study demonstrates the effectiveness of activity-based probes in detecting early signs of atherosclerosis. By targeting cysteine cathepsins, the probes image activated macrophage populations using optical and PET/CT methods, providing real-time monitoring of disease progression and therapeutic responses.
Researchers used genomic testing and data analysis to predict patient response to psoriasis treatment. The approach identified gene-expression profiles that can be used to forecast treatment success with over 95% accuracy.
PharmaMar announces completion of Phase 3 pivotal study CORAIL with lurbinectedin (PM1183) for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The study demonstrates potential therapeutic alternative for patients who relapse after standard treatment. PharmaMar has successfully recruited 443 patients from over 100 hospitals in Europe and the USA.
Limited awareness and physician concerns about patient reactions contribute to the continuation of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) at the end of life. Emphasizing the benefits of stopping PIMs, such as reduced pill burden, may increase their discontinuation.
Researchers aim to create personalized brain signatures for effective PTSD treatment using biomarkers and functional MRI scans. The study will track 160 veterans receiving psychotherapy to evaluate the predictive value of cognitive biomarkers.
Researchers explore using human pluripotent stem cells to identify cardiotoxicity risks in patients taking chemotherapy agents and other drugs. This approach may boost the number of successful clinical trials for cardiovascular disease treatments.
CVT-301, an inhaled form of levodopa, is being studied for its potential to restore motor function in people with Parkinson's disease experiencing OFF periods. The Phase 3 clinical program aims to confirm the efficacy and safety profile of CVT-301.
Researchers have developed a new platform using whole animal models that can speed up scientific research and accurately assess the effectiveness of new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases. The platform, which uses roundworms, can analyze thousands of live animals simultaneously and at high speeds.
A new study by the NIH found that even partial steroid treatment can have significant benefits for extremely premature infants. The research showed that infants exposed to partial treatment in the womb had better outcomes than those not exposed, with lower rates of brain and nervous system impairment.
A pooled analysis of 16 prospective multicenter trials found financial difficulties associated with a 35% greater risk of worse global quality-of-life response and a 20% increase in risk of death. Financial burden was present in 26% of patients at baseline, and worsening financial problems during treatment increased mortality risk.
A study found that juvenile offenders with PTSD are at a 67% greater risk of entering substance abuse treatment within seven years. The research suggests that clinicians can expect most young offenders who need treatment to have experienced serious emotional or physical trauma.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified a unique 'constrained motion' pattern in which Rad4, a repair protein, scans DNA for structural faults. This discovery could lead to therapies that enhance existing treatments and counter drug-resistance, particularly in cancer.
A clinical trial found that ruxolitinib, a JAK inhibitor, significantly restored hair growth in 75% of patients with moderate to severe alopecia areata. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed promise for treating other forms of hair loss.
A new study found that patient-centered care was associated with improvements in physical and mental quality of life, as well as some aspects of diabetes self-management. However, the study did not show a significant effect on glycemic control.
Researchers have identified two key symptoms that make it harder for depressed smokers to quit: low positive affect and cognitive impairment. A new treatment approach, combining Chantix with behavioral activation therapy, is being tested to target these challenges.
A three-armed clinical trial found that spinal manipulation therapy reduced migraine days, but the effect was likely attributed to a placebo response. Migraine treatment with usual drug therapy failed to show sustained benefits.
A new study found that working memory dysfunctions and depression are predictors of non-adherence to oral cancer therapies. The research highlights the importance of assessing cognitive functions before initiating treatment to identify patient profiles at risk of non-adherence.
A new study has found that adalimumab (Humira) is an effective, non-steroid alternative for treating eye inflammation in patients with non-infectious uveitis. The medication targets a protein that promotes inflammation, delaying treatment failure and reducing symptoms.
Researchers found that a simple saline solution twice daily was just as effective as three medications in reducing the frequency and severity of chronic nosebleeds. The study's results suggest that simple hydration may be enough to prevent nosebleeds, making saline nasal spray a potential treatment option.
Two studies found that nasal sprays containing bevacizumab, estriol, or tranexamic acid failed to significantly reduce the frequency and duration of nosebleeds in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. The treatment also had no measurable effect on quality of life, hemoglobin levels, or red blood cell transfusions.
The use of glutathione for skin bleaching is on the rise in the UK despite potential risks and lack of regulation. The practice has been linked to serious side effects such as Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, as well as transmission of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
Researchers have discovered a nanotech-based delivery system that can carry the new drug into cells more effectively, improving its efficacy and allowing lower doses. This treatment shows promise for treating 50+ genetic disorders requiring brain targeting.
Researchers found a mixture of HER2-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer cells in patients' blood samples, which can lead to tumor progression and resistance to treatment. Combining therapies targeting both populations may be effective in eliminating these cells.
A systematic review of existing research suggests that physical activity could divert attention away from addiction, build confidence, and improve mood. The study aims to provide practical information on the effectiveness of physical activity as an alternative approach to treating alcohol and substance use disorders.
Researchers at the University of Washington extended the lives of middle-aged mice by up to 60% with a brief rapamycin treatment. The study also highlights the need to understand how dose and gender influence side effects, revealing potential benefits for humans, particularly older adults.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that few studies included men and women equally, with wide variation in inclusion and matching of the sexes among specialties and journals. This sex bias can lead to different postoperative outcomes, complication rates, and readmission rates for males and females.
Researchers at Aarhus University Hospital found a molecule associated with Oxaliplatin treatment resistance, where patients with high levels have a six times higher risk of not responding to the drug. Eliminating this microRNA biomarker from tumors may restore sensitivity to Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.
A new study reveals that physician and nurse collaboration is vital for referring patients to integrative therapies, such as massage and acupuncture, while hospitalized. The research found that nurses play a key role in recommending these services.
A long-term study found that starting medication for multiple sclerosis at the earliest sign of the disease can prolong the time before a definitive diagnosis is made. Participants who received early treatment had 33% fewer diagnoses of MS, more time between relapses, and lower yearly relapse rates compared to those on delayed treatment.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have successfully treated two patients with rare genetic disorders causing severe hyperphagia. The new drug treatment, which targets the satiety center in the brain, resulted in significant weight loss and normalization of hunger feelings in both patients.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology found that adults with slow-growing kidney cancer can live for months or even years without worsening disease progression through active surveillance. The approach was most successful in patients with limited metastatic disease and fewer risk factors.
A new study examines Zika virus' effect on neuronal cells and its link to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Researchers highlight the need for further research on mechanisms underlying neurological complications and diagnostic criteria for microcephaly.
A University of Illinois research project is examining the effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) in helping young adults stay sober after substance use treatment. MBRP targets negative emotions and cravings, fostering greater tolerance of stress and reducing relapse.
A new study found that immunosuppressive drugs can alter visual performance in rats, which are commonly used for translational stem cell research. The findings have important implications for interpreting results of studies using these models.
Researchers at ANU have found that changes in the protein enable the parasite to evade some drugs but make it vulnerable to others. This discovery could prolong the use of anti-malarial drugs, including chloroquine, and improve cure rates for people with malaria.
Recent studies support the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as a safe and effective treatment for chronic back and limb pain. SCS uses low-voltage electrical stimulation to block pain signals via a small device implanted in the body.
The study found that both aripiprazole and quetiapine were effective in improving symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly positive symptoms. However, aripiprazole demonstrated slightly better efficacy in general psychopathology and insight. No significant increase in extrapyramidal adverse effects was observed in either group.
Researchers reviewed polypharmacological drugs for their role in treating epilepsy, highlighting their potential as broad-spectrum anticonvulsants. These medications have been shown to reduce seizure episodes and improve quality of life by targeting multiple pathways involved in the disorder.
Autoinflammatory diseases are characterized by recurrent acute inflammatory episodes due to deregulation of the inflammatory process. Researchers have identified epigenetic alterations in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), which could lead to the development of novel biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
A study by Jennifer Estall and Aurèle Besse-Patin explores how female mice respond to FGF21, a hormone that improves metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The researchers aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effect of sex on drug treatment for metabolic diseases.
Researchers propose a novel combination therapy using resveratrol, antioxidants and iron chelators to slow down Alzheimer's disease progression. The addition of resveratrol may enhance cell viability and longevity by activating AMPK and sirtuin pathways.
Researchers at the University of Iceland have developed several new formulations for topical treatments of oral mucosal conditions. Topical application of doxycycline was effective in promoting healing of mucosal lesions, while monocaprin reduced counts of Candida rapidly and significantly.
Researchers developed mini-gut organoids from cystic fibrosis patient cells to screen drugs and personalize treatment. The mini-guts responded to CFTR-targeting therapies in vitro, correlating with clinical trial data and paving the way for tailored treatments.
The study found that patients who received the LINKAGE intervention had greater involvement in managing their health and healthcare than those receiving standard care. Participants showed significant increases in patient portal use and rates of abstinence from alcohol and drugs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new blood test to measure levels of hematoma-derived growth factor (HDGF), which rise predict survival in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. Higher levels of HDGF are linked to more extensive heart failure and poorer outcomes.