Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
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.
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.
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 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.
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...
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that liver transplant recipients with limited literacy struggle to understand and adhere to their medication regimens, resulting in higher rates of organ rejection and graft loss. The study suggests that improving treatment knowledge and regimen use can reduce post-transplant re-hospital...
A new study using PET scans reveals that these tests can accurately predict which TB treatment drugs are likely to be effective in human trials. The findings could lead to the development of more effective treatments for patients with multi-drug resistant TB.
A large study by UC Davis researchers found that patients of different racial and ethnic backgrounds reported experiencing differing treatment approaches from medical providers, including referrals to mental-health care and medications. Asian-Americans were the least likely to be assessed or counseled for mental-health problems, while ...
A systematic review of 12 studies found that lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 40% in both men and women. Men and women also experienced greater weight reductions with lifestyle interventions.
Researchers found high-dose interleukin-2 to be effective in metastatic renal cell cancer patients pre-treated with VEGF-targeted agents, achieving durable complete responses in a selected population. The therapy's efficacy and safety were confirmed, offering an alternative treatment option for carefully selected patients.
A systematic review found that reminder systems, including pre-appointment prompts and contact with missed appointments, can significantly improve treatment completion rates. The review's findings suggest these policies have important benefits and can contribute to improving TB treatment outcomes.
Researchers have designed peptides to target Ebola's N-trimer protein, allowing for universal inhibition across all known and future strains. This approach enables the selection of effective drugs that block virus entry into cells.
Researchers at UC Davis and Northwestern University have found an investigational medication to effectively treat children with life-threatening seizures, resolving symptoms without adverse effects. The medication, a formulation of allopregnanolone, showed promising results in two clinical cases, where patients were weaned off general ...
A study found that an endothelin-A antagonist can enhance renal recovery in patients with renovascular disease. The medication, already used for pulmonary hypertension, promotes kidney function and improves responses after renal angioplasty.
Researchers have identified genetic markers that may help in identifying individuals who could benefit from acamprosate, a commonly prescribed drug used to aid patients in recovery from alcoholism. Patients carrying specific genetic variants stay sober longer during acamprosate treatment.
The American College of Physicians recommends increasing fluid intake to at least two liters per day to prevent kidney stone recurrence. A new guideline also suggests dietary changes, including reducing oxalate and animal protein consumption, to help prevent stone formation. Sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir has shown promise in re-treating H...
The project aims to make personalized medicine a reality for patients by using genetic information to guide drug therapy decisions. The UBC team will develop operating procedures for sample collection, processing, and sequencing, as well as training tools for patient awareness.
Rapid lowering of body temperature after a heart attack can minimize damage to the heart muscle. New research highlights the need for faster and more effective cooling techniques to realize the full potential of therapeutic hypothermia.
A large international clinical trial has shown that current hospital protocols for managing blood pressure in stroke patients may not be effective. The ENOS trial found that early treatment with glyceryl trinitrate patches improved outcomes in patients who received treatment within 6 hours of symptom onset.
Researchers found concentrated levels of ANK3, a gene linked to bipolar disorder risk, in nanodomain structures within brain synapses. This discovery could provide insight into the biology of bipolar disorder and potentially lead to new treatments.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has launched a free menopause mobile app, MenoPro, that uses an algorithm to help clinicians and patients make personalized treatment decisions. The app offers two modes, including one for healthcare providers and one for patients, and provides access to NAMS resources and a cardiovascular di...
The study found that patients with schizophrenia who took antipsychotic medication had higher triglycerides, insulin, and insulin resistance. Obesity was also linked to longer duration of psychiatric illness and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Higher body mass index and waist circumference were associated with worse outcomes.
A study found that approximately 50% of hospitalized patients were receiving antimicrobial drugs, with half of those receiving 2 or more. The most commonly used drugs were vancomycin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ceftriaxone, primarily for treating infections.
Researchers found that the brain's limited ability to repair itself after trauma can be enhanced when treated with tPA, a clot-buster commonly used for acute ischemic stroke. The study suggests that tPA administered through a nasal spray may have potential as a noninvasive treatment for subacute traumatic brain injury.
Researchers have identified the interleukin-13 receptor ¬ chain variant 2 (IL13R¢) as a potential target for therapy in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Early successes of clinical trials with targeted therapies against IL13R¢ suggest increased survival time for GBM patients.
The new guidelines from the American Thyroid Association reaffirm levothyroxine as the gold standard treatment for hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine has been thoroughly tested and found to be very effective in reversing symptoms of hypothyroidism in most individuals.
Scientists at LA BioMed have discovered a way to bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver an enzyme replacement therapy to treat MPS IIIB, a devastating genetic disease. The treatment has shown promising results by reducing the accumulation of waste products in brain cells.
Researchers report that crizotinib effectively halted tumor growth in 36 of 50 study participants and suppressed it in another 9. The study confirmed that ROS1 is a viable therapeutic target for ROS1-positive lung cancer patients.