Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
A new trial by Cancer Research UK has shown that omitting doxorubicin from treatment for children with stage II-III, intermediate-risk Wilms' tumour can be done safely without affecting survival chances. This reduces the risk of irreversible heart problems in later life.
A new study reveals wide geographic variation in use of clotbuster treatment for stroke, with some regions providing treatment to nearly all patients and others giving none. This disparity can lead to unnecessary disability and higher costs for stroke survivors.
A small pilot study found an experimental treatment approach can send deadly leukemia into remission in patients who have failed standard therapy. The combination of immunotherapy and gene manipulation buys critical time for patients to receive a potentially life-saving stem cell transplant.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a potent seizure inhibitor in mice using D-leucine, an amino acid found in many foods and certain bacteria. The amino acid interrupts prolonged seizures effectively without sedative side effects, paving the way for new treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy.
Children with lower vitamin D levels had higher blood markers related to kidney dysfunction and greater kidney function loss over time. Maintaining normal vitamin D levels helps preserve kidney function in children with CKD.
The combination treatment induced objective responses in 67% of patients with small cell lung cancer, including 10% complete responses. Durable responses were observed, with an overall progression-free survival of 4.6 months.
Researchers at Penn's Abramson Cancer Center have made significant advancements in treating advanced BRCA-related ovarian cancer, with over a third of patients responding to olaparib. Additionally, targeted therapy everolimus shows promise in stabilizing disease for advanced thyroid cancer patients who stop responding to sorafenib, and...
Nivolumab has shown promise as a therapeutic agent for improving survival rates in melanoma patients. The most common adverse events were fatigue, pruritus, diarrhea, and rash, which were primarily low-grade and manageable with immunomodulatory agents.
The rapidly emerging field of precision medicine is characterized by its use of genetic, biomarker, and psychosocial characteristics to tailor treatments for individual patients. While it holds great promise, precision medicine also raises concerns about the balance between patient needs and fiscal management.
Researchers have identified molecules associated with Alzheimer's disease as crucial players in long-term depression, a process that weakens synapse connections. These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The dominant approach to hip fracture prevention is neither viable nor cost-effective, according to experts. The focus on drug treatment overlooks feasible alternative strategies like physical activity, which can have little to do with osteoporosis but are often overlooked.
Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment for Ebola by screening compounds from existing malaria and flu drugs. The treatment showed a high success rate of up to 90% in treating infected mice with no observable side effects.
Scientists at Northwestern University have synthesized four new chemical compounds with antipsychotic properties using natural products from plant species used in traditional healing practices in Nigeria. These compounds show promise in improving cognitive impairment in animal models, a partially effective treatment for schizophrenia.
Scientists at the University of Montreal discover that a protein in the Rift Valley fever virus mimics human DNA repair factors, making it vulnerable to drug therapy. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for deadly tropical infections such as Ebola.
Researchers successfully restored bilirubin levels to those found in healthy animals using gene therapy, offering new hope for the treatment of Crigler-Najjar syndrome. The therapy involved transferring a copy of the UGT1A1 gene into liver cells using an AAV vector, resulting in long-term correction without immunosuppression.
Researchers develop a mathematical platform to compute optimal diagnostic-guided vs. pro-active treatment strategies, showing that pro-active strategies may be worthwhile in resource-constrained settings. The study challenges current treatment paradigms and provides a framework for future research.
A new study has discovered specific genetic variants associated with higher risks of increased disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis. Certain amino acid positions in the HLA-DRB1 gene were found to be strong predictors of radiological damage, enabling early identification and potential treatment optimization.
A new targeted therapy drug rociletinib demonstrates significant activity against treatment-resistant EGFR-mutant lung tumors, improving outcomes for patients with advanced tumors. The drug showed promising results in patients with T790M-driven resistance, resulting in tumor shrinkage and symptom relief.
Researchers at James Cook University are conducting a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of intravenous Levetiracetam in treating Convulsive Status Epilepticus (CSE) in children. The study aims to determine if this new treatment can work faster and have fewer serious side effects than current medications.
A randomized controlled trial demonstrated liraglutide met the primary endpoint of histological clearance of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and a reduction in fibrosis progression. The study also showed significant weight loss, BMI reduction, and fasting glucose decrease with liraglutide treatment.
Researchers from UTMB and Tekmira Pharmaceuticals have developed a post-exposure treatment effective against a specific strain of Ebola. The treatment uses siRNA to target and neutralize the virus, demonstrating potential benefits beyond improved survival rates.
Researchers discover that artemisinin treatment can be effective against resistant malaria parasites by extending treatment duration or using proteasome inhibitors, which cause cellular stress and damage protein degradation. The study provides new hope for preventing the spread of drug resistance in Southeast Asia.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers found that an insulin-like hormone, IGF-1, increases lithium sensitivity in blood cells of patients who do not respond to traditional treatment. This breakthrough may pave the way for improving the efficacy of lithium in treating bipolar disorder.
A major study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treatments for alcoholic hepatitis, including prednisolone and pentoxifylline, are ineffective at increasing patient survival. The study involved over 1,000 patients and found that mortality rates remained high despite treatment.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of discussing treatment options with patients after a first seizure, weighing individual risks and benefits. Immediate treatment with an epilepsy drug may reduce recurrent seizures within two years, but its effectiveness decreases after three years.
A new endovascular therapy procedure for ischemic stroke has been shown to improve patient outcomes, increasing positive results from 35% to 60%. The study, SWIFT-PRIME, randomized 196 patients and found a significant reduction in mortality rates, with an overall decrease of 50% compared to standard treatment.
Randomized clinical trials demonstrate endovascular therapy is highly beneficial in treating acute ischemic strokes. The new studies, published simultaneously in NEJM, attribute the improved results to superior surgical technology and improved neuroimaging criteria.
A study found that socially anxious youth in treatment who participated in low-intensity service activities during AA meetings had better outcomes and higher abstinence rates. This approach helped them tolerate interpersonal differences and uncomfortable feelings, developing emotional maturity and self-acceptance.
A recent study found that a good therapeutic alliance is crucial for improving wellbeing, while poor relationships can harm treatment outcomes. The researchers discovered that patients who received effective therapy benefited from the therapist-patient connection, regardless of the therapy type.
A new clinical trial results show that ibrutinib continues to control Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia, with a median overall response rate of 91% after 19 months of treatment. The disease shows sustained benefit in patients who survived for two years.
The TOAST classification system is widely employed in stroke studies worldwide, categorizing ischemic strokes into five broad causes. While useful for real-world research, it has limitations when determining treatment for individual patients.
Researchers at UCSF identified a biological escape hatch that explains resistance to targeted drug treatment in lung cancer patients. Combining two compounds, erlotinib and PBS-1086, effectively wipes out cancer cells in mice implanted with cells from drug-resistant tumors.
A Canadian study found a significant treatment gap among high-risk patients with prior hip fractures or osteoporosis. The study suggests that those with prior hip fractures are least likely to receive osteoporosis therapy, emphasizing the need for better guidelines and knowledge transfer strategies.
A new study reveals a blood test that measures circulating tumour cells can predict which men are benefitting least from prostate cancer drug treatment after just 12 weeks. The test may allow doctors to switch patients to alternative treatments earlier, speeding up clinical trials and improving survival rates.
Research from the University of Waterloo and Perimeter Institute demonstrates that quantum mechanics can distinguish between cause-effect relations and common causes, unlike classical physics. This breakthrough enables a new approach to causal inference, potentially solving long-standing problems in science.
The International Journal of Infectious Diseases publishes a special issue to mark World TB Day, highlighting recent successes and future challenges in eliminating TB. The issue presents new vaccine candidates, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options for drug-resistant strains.
A protein called MG53 is necessary for the repair of injured kidney cells, according to a study published in Science Translational Medicine. The discovery could lead to new preventive or therapeutic treatments for acute kidney failure, which affects over 30 million Americans.
The American College of Physicians recommends against routine cardiac screening for low-risk adults, citing insufficient evidence and potential harms. Instead, physicians should focus on mitigating cardiovascular risk through treating modifiable factors like smoking and hypertension.
A study of 12,000 TAVR patients found a one-year mortality rate of nearly 24% and rehospitalization rates at 47%. The results provide insight into the outcomes of this less invasive procedure for severe aortic stenosis patients.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that abaloparatide reduces the rate of new spinal fractures by 86 percent and also significantly lowers the fracture rate at other parts of the body. The treatment also delays the time to the first nonvertebral fracture and increases bone mineral density.
A new pharmacological agent, Thymosin beta-4, has shown promise in treating neurological diseases by increasing protective myelin around nerve fibers. Current standard drug therapy, like tPA, is limited and often ineffective, prompting a shift towards restorative therapies.
Researchers have created a new method to monitor the effect of anti-cancer drugs on rare leukaemia stem cells, enabling personalized treatment and potential cure. The approach involves testing small samples of cells with a novel technology platform.
A clinical trial found that all three anti-VEGF drugs were effective in improving vision and preventing vision loss in patients with diabetic macular edema. Aflibercept showed more significant visual gains in patients with worse vision at the start of the trial, providing robust data for clinicians to guide treatment decisions.
A new treatment shows promise in reducing muscle cramp intensity by three times, taking effect within minutes and lasting up to six hours.
A new study shows that a door-to-door campaign in a medically underserved area of Philadelphia was able to help vulnerable patients overcome hurdles and access specialized treatment for hepatitis C. The effort involved a comprehensive approach to nonclinical testing, immediate access to confirmatory testing, and patient navigation to e...
The Strategic Pharma-Academic Research Consortium (SPARC) has awarded over $1.9 million to advance research on autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and Crohn's disease. The funded projects will focus on understanding the root causes of these conditions and developing new treatments.
Patients with chronic kidney disease who consume high acid diets are 3-times more likely to develop kidney failure than those on low acid diets. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect kidneys.
A new method has been developed to deliver promising treatments to stroke patients quickly, thanks to the work of paramedics. By working with paramedics in the field, intravenous medications can be given to patients within the 'golden hour,' the window in which brain damage is minimized.
A new project called Spark aims to develop a first-in-class drug targeting cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. The project has received a 500,000 euro grant and is led by biotech Iproteos, with partners including Ascil-Biopharm, IRB Barcelona, and the University of the Basque Country.
Researchers developed a paper clip-sized implant called the Coupler, which significantly lowered blood pressure among patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. The treatment reduced hypertensive complications and hospital admissions for high blood pressure crises, providing an immediate and pain-free solution.
The EORTC PAMM Group discusses the importance of considering individual patient characteristics and tumor genetics in cancer treatment. Pharmacogenetics can help prescribe efficacious treatment and lower toxicity, improving patient outcomes.
A public health program promoting EPT increased treatment use, reducing chlamydia and gonorrhea rates, while also contributing to a state-wide reduction in both diseases.
A survey of 1,465 Asian physicians found that most reported withholding life-sustaining treatment for patients with little chance of meaningful recovery. Attitudes towards end-of-life care varied widely across countries and regions, influenced by economic, cultural, religious, and legal factors.
Researchers found that 'normal' metabolizers had better quit rates with varenicline versus the nicotine patch, while slow metabolizers could benefit from the patch. The study suggests tailoring treatment to an individual's nicotine breakdown speed may be a viable strategy to improve quit rates.
A significant portion of state and federal prisoners are not receiving treatment for mental health conditions, with 26% reporting a diagnosis compared to 18% in the general population. The lack of access to adequate mental health services can lead to higher recidivism rates after release.
A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that smokers who metabolize nicotine quickly have better quit rates with varenicline, a non-nicotine replacement therapy drug. In contrast, slow metabolizers have similar success with the nicotine patch but without side effects.
Researchers found that 'normal' metabolizers had better quit rates with varenicline versus the nicotine patch, while slow metabolizers benefited from the nicotine patch. The study suggests treating normal metabolizers with varenicline and slow metabolizers with the nicotine patch could improve quit rates.
A study by Concordia University marketing professor Lea Prevel Katsanis and her co-author found that knowledge of the benefits and risks of personalized medicine (PM) is crucial for patient acceptance. The research also highlights the importance of doctor-patient communication in PM adoption.
A recent study found that only 32.5% of practices prescribed urate-lowering therapy within five years of diagnosis, highlighting the need for better knowledge and patient engagement on gout treatment.
Parkinson's patients, medics, and carers identified top 10 research priorities for managing the condition. The list includes balancing treatments for falls and improving sleep quality, as well as addressing stress, anxiety, and dyskinesias.