NICE guidelines ration affordable osteoporosis drugs
Current UK guidelines limit postmenopausal women's treatment options due to bone mass T-score criteria. Alternative therapies are available but often require stricter conditions.
Drug Therapy
Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
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Treating cluster headaches with high-flow oxygen appears effective
A randomized controlled trial found that high-flow oxygen was more effective in treating cluster headache pain than a placebo, with 78% of patients reporting pain-free relief within 15 minutes. The treatment was also superior for other outcomes up to 60 minutes, with no serious adverse events reported.
Second-line CML drugs evoke faster response than front-line therapy
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have found that second-line CML drugs, such as nilotinib and dasatinib, provide quicker and better responses compared to traditional front-line therapy, imatinib. The studies show improved complete cytogenetic response rates and major molecular response rates in patient...
Defibrotide improves response rate in patients with severe veno-occlusive disease of the liver
A phase III trial showed that defibrotide was markedly more effective than standard treatment in post-stem cell transplant patients with hepatic veno-occlusive disease. The mortality rate 100 days after transplant was reduced to 62 percent for patients receiving defibrotide.
Europe's device therapy use for heart failure doubles 2004-2008, some countries have low uptake
The use of implantable devices for treating heart failure increased substantially in Europe between 2004-2008, but disparities in device adoption remain. Device therapy, including ICDs and CRT, has gained acceptance as an adjunct to traditional drug treatment, with significant benefits in reducing mortality and morbidity.
Some prescription meds can harm fetus
A Université de Montréal investigation found that over six percent of expectant mothers in Quebec use prescription drugs known to be harmful to their fetuses. The study also revealed that the abortion rate among these women is 11 percent higher than in the rest of the population.
When East meets West: Why consumers turn to alternative medicine
A new study explores how consumers choose among health remedies and the consequences for a healthy lifestyle. Consumers prefer Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) when uncertain about an illness's cause or seeking an underlying cure, as it tolerates uncertainty better than Western medicine.
When seconds count: Interventional radiology treatment for pulmonary embolism saves lives
A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that catheter-directed therapy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for acute massive pulmonary embolism. The treatment was lifesaving in 86.5% of cases studied and had only a 2.4% chance of major complications.
Researchers find new way to attack inflammation in Graves' eye disease
A small group of patients with severe Graves' eye disease showed rapid improvement after treatment with rituximab, reducing inflammation and optic nerve damage. The study suggests that rituximab may offer sustained benefits as an alternative to high-dose steroids.
Canadian cardiology team clears the way for lifesaving breast cancer treatment
A study by Canadian cardiologists found that patients with herceptin-related heart complications can be taken off the medication and treated for the condition, allowing them to resume cancer treatment unaffected. The research suggests that heart damage from trastuzumab is largely reversible.
AMD drug and IOP; getting good eyeglasses to those in need
A study found that anti-VEGF treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration can lead to increased intraocular pressure in patients without a family history of glaucoma. A new low-cost vision screening method, using an auto-refractor and pre-made eyeglasses, has shown promise in improving vision for millions in developing countries.
UC San Diego researchers reverse pulmonary arterial hypertension in mouse models
Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a key protein promoting pulmonary arterial hypertension and developed a drug therapy to block its effects. The treatment, using γ-secretase inhibitor, reversed the disease in mice, offering new hope for patients with this debilitating condition.
Further evidence to back extension of treatment window for stroke to 4.5 hours
New research confirms the effectiveness of alteplase in treating strokes up to 4.5 hours after symptoms appear, regardless of age, gender, or underlying health conditions. The study's findings suggest that extending the treatment window could improve outcomes for stroke patients.
ACP issues guideline on benefits and risks of PDE-5 inhibitor drugs used to treat patients with ED
The American College of Physicians recommends initiating therapy with a PDE-5 inhibitor in men with ED unless there's a contraindication. Treatment with PDE-5 inhibitors results in statistically significant improvements in sexual intercourse and erectile function, regardless of cause or baseline severity.
Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease increases the risk of infection-related cancers
A cohort study of 19,486 patients with inflammatory bowel disease found a significant increased risk of lymphoma associated with thiopurine use. The absolute cumulative risk remains low in young patients, but elderly patients and prolonged treatment periods warrant further investigation.
Packages of care for epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries
Packages of care aim to improve epilepsy recognition and management, closing the 'treatment gap' in LMICs. Epilepsy affects 65 million people worldwide, with limited access to effective treatment.
Stress urinary incontinence: Minimally invasive operations as effective as open surgery
A systematic review of 62 trials involving 7,101 women found minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations to be just as effective as traditional open surgery for stress urinary incontinence. The procedures had shorter operating times and were more effective than a second type of open surgery.
$10.5 million in funding creates center to study OCD
A new research center exploring deep brain stimulation for OCD has been established at the University of Rochester Medical Center, thanks to a $10.5 million award from the National Institute of Mental Health. The center will link over 50 researchers studying how DBS affects people with OCD.
How should mental, neurological and substance use disorders be treated where resources are scarce?
A new series explores how to treat six major MNS disorders in settings where specialists are scarce. The series recommends 'packages of care' combining medication and psychosocial treatments for best outcomes, with non-specialist health workers playing a key role.
Where's the science? The sorry state of psychotherapy
A new report calls for reform of clinical psychology training programs and accreditation system to ensure mental health clinicians use evidence-based treatments. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective for PTSD with fewer side effects, yet many psychologists do not use it.
Wrist fracture patients less likely to be evaluated for osteoporosis
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery suggests that women over 50 with a wrist fracture are less likely to be evaluated and treated for osteoporosis compared to those with hip or spine fractures. The study highlights barriers to evaluation, including clinical inertia, cost concerns, and lack of clarity on responsib...
Longer-lived, healthier mice offer promise of drug treatments for age-related diseases
Scientists extend mice lifespan by up to a fifth and reduce age-related diseases through blocking key molecular pathway, mirroring health benefits of calorie restriction. The study suggests that drug treatments targeting the S6K1 pathway may be feasible, building on existing research on calorie restriction's potential for human longevity.
New prognostic tool could help make treatment decisions for gastrointestinal cancer patients
A new nomogram developed by Ronald DeMatteo and colleagues predicts a patient's risk of cancer recurrence after surgery to remove primary GIST. The tool uses tumour size, location, and mitotic index as established prognostic criteria.
Mount Sinai leads large multicenter study finding evidence that a drug might slow Parkinson's
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine report a promising result from the ADAGIO trial, finding that rasagiline may slow Parkinson's disease progression. The study used a novel design to examine the effect of early treatment on disease progression, and found benefits for patients starting therapy with rasagiline.
Drug-eluting stents safe, effective for treatment of chronic total occlusions
A multicenter study found drug-eluting stents to be effective in treating patients with chronic total occlusions, with low rates of major adverse cardiac events. The study also showed that certain drug-eluting stents, such as SES and EES, had a lesser rate of angiographic restenosis compared to others.
Laser treatment for BRVO is safer than corticosteroid injections and equally effective
A study found laser therapy equivalent to corticosteroid medications in treating vision loss from BRVO, with lower complication rates. Laser treatment showed no significant difference in visual improvement compared to corticosteroid injections.
The future of schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous syndrome with substantial variation in symptomatology and life history. A paradigm shift in research focuses on identifying critical domains of pathology, such as positive and negative symptoms, cognitive impairment, and impaired cognition. This shift aims to improve treatment efficacy by targeting spec...
Doctors fear asking mentally ill to quit smoking
People with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are heavy smokers, but their doctors fear asking them to quit due to concerns about worsening symptoms. However, tobacco addiction specialist Brian Hitsman says this is a myth, and treating tobacco use and dependence can improve patients' overall health.
Dexamethasone-based therapy shows improvement in survival for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
A new treatment protocol using dexamethasone instead of prednisone and less intensive chemotherapy showed similar event-free survival in non-high risk patients but better results in high-risk patients, reducing the risk of side effects. Overall, the treatment strategy improved survival rates for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
New hope for heart failure patients
A new therapy called cardiac resynchronization can significantly delay the onset of heart failure symptoms and hospitalization for up to 41% with pacing therapy. The treatment improves heart-pumping efficiency, enabling patients like Rosemary Jakubowski to engage in physical activities without fatigue.
New European guidelines on pulmonary hypertension provide new 6-group clinical definition
The new guidelines identify six different clinical groups of pulmonary hypertension, with a focus on treatment strategies and risk stratification. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (group 1) is the only group provided with specific drug therapy and an evidence-based treatment algorithm.
COPD patients should begin treatment at an earlier stage (UPLIFT study)
The UPLIFT study found that starting COPD treatment with inhaled tiotropium at an earlier stage reduces decline of lung function and risk of exacerbations. Treatment should begin in patients with moderate disease to improve health status.
New treatments offer better survival and fresh challenges in colorectal cancer
Researchers have discovered genetic biomarkers relevant to CRC, allowing for personalized medication and improved survival rates. The integration of conventional agents with novel targeted therapies has led to median overall survival exceeding two years in metastatic CRC.
American Society for Microbiology honors Nicholas J. White
Dr. Nicholas J. White receives the sanofi-aventis ICAAC Award for his work on artemisinin-based combination treatments and reduction of malaria transmissibility, leading to a significant decrease in global malaria morbidity.
Mutations in gene linked to ciliopathies
Researchers found that mutations in the INPP5E gene lead to impaired balance, mental retardation, and polycystic kidney disease. The study suggests that targeting the phosphatylinositol pathway with existing drugs may help treat ciliopathies.
Antipsychotic drugs associated with high blood sugar in older adults with diabetes
A study of 13,817 individuals with diabetes aged 66 and older found that starting antipsychotic treatment increased the risk of hospitalization for hyperglycemia. The risk was highest among those just beginning treatment, highlighting the need for enhanced glucose monitoring.
Immunotherapy linked to lower risk of Alzheimer's disease
Research published in Neurology suggests that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatments may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by targeting beta-amyloid plaques. The study analyzed data from over 847,000 patients and found a 42% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's among those who received IVIg.
Higher education level, greater disability associated with treatment timing in Parkinson's disease
Individuals with higher levels of education and significant impairment by Parkinson's disease require treatment earlier than others. Higher education is independently associated with an increased need for symptomatic treatment.
Easter Island compound extends lifespan of old mice
Researchers discovered that a compound found in Easter Island soil, called rapamycin, extended the lifespan of middle-aged mice by 28-38% when added to their diet. The findings have significant implications for understanding the aging process and developing new therapies.
Intensive management can improve blood pressure in nonadherent hypertensive patients
Researchers found that treatment intensification can improve blood pressure control in patients with varying levels of adherence, challenging a widely held assumption. The study's lead author recommends further studies to determine the most effective management strategy for uncontrolled hypertension and suboptimal adherence.
Amino acid may help treat patients with hair-pulling condition
A 12-week study found that N-acetylcysteine significantly reduced hair-pulling symptoms in patients with trichotillomania, a condition characterized by compulsive hair-pulling and significant psychosocial problems. The treatment was well-tolerated and compared favorably to existing treatment options.
Trial shows promise for arthritis drug
A clinical trial of masitinib has shown it to be well-tolerated and effective in reducing the severity of active rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment was found to significantly reduce inflammation and improve symptoms, with mild to moderate side effects.
Latin America must cut blood pressure to thrive
New research warns of increasing rates of hypertension in Latin America, which poses a mounting threat to economies if not addressed. To combat this, policymakers and healthcare providers must work together to implement core policy changes, including detection, diagnosis, treatment, and control of high blood pressure.
CPAP treatment linked to lower mortality in stroke patients with OSA
Patients with ischemic stroke and moderate to severe OSA who received CPAP treatment had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who did not comply. The study found that nearly half of the original group had died within five years, while only 28 were fully compliant with CPAP treatment.
NICE approves use of lenalidomide in patients with multiple myeloma who have received 2 or more previous therapies
The UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved the use of lenalidomide in patients with multiple myeloma who have received two or more previous therapies. The approval is based on robust data showing that lenalidomide can increase survival by over three months compared to dexamethasone.
Muscular dystrophy: New drug promises benefit without risk of infection
Researchers have discovered a new drug, Debio 025, which is as effective as current treatment options but without the risk of infection and immunosuppression. The study found that Debio 025 protects mice from muscle-wasting diseases similar to human muscular dystrophy.
New Jefferson study may redefine how a chronic autoimmune disease is diagnosed
A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers suggests that a minimum of three demyelinating features can be used to positively identify Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). This finding may help doctors diagnose CIDP more effectively and treat patients earlier, potentially preventing further disability.
Death rates same for diabetes and heart disease patients receiving drug therapy or surgery
A landmark study found that prompt bypass surgery has the same five-year survival rate as drug therapy alone for patients with type 2 diabetes and stable heart disease. In contrast, bypass surgery lowered the risk of subsequent major cardiac events, particularly in those with severe heart disease.
Fatigue common after myocardial infarction
Half of myocardial infarction patients report onerous fatigue four months after the event, with depression symptoms also common. Patients' perceptions of their illness play a crucial role in determining prognosis and treatment effectiveness.
Versartis publishes 2 preclinical abstracts at American Diabetes Association meeting
Versartis announces preclinical abstracts on its two product candidates VRS-859 and VRS-808, which utilize Amunix's rPEG technology to extend biologics' half-life. The compounds aim to reduce dosing frequency and side effects in type 2 diabetes and prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes.
Data on investigational drug TMC207 for MDR-TB published in New England Journal of Medicine
A phase 2 trial of TMC207 for MDR-TB found a significant increase in sputum culture negativity and reduced time to conversion compared to the background regimen. The results validate ATP synthase as a potential treatment target.
ChemGenex's omacetaxine may provide first viable treatment option for highly resistant form of CML
ChemGenex's omacetaxine shows durable hematological and cytogenetic responses in patients with highly resistant CML. The Phase 2/3 study demonstrated a complete hematologic response rate of 85% in chronic phase patients, suggesting a promising treatment option for this difficult-to-treat population.
Computer-based programs provide help for smokers trying to quit
Researchers analyzed 22 trials of web- and computer-based smoking cessation programs, finding a significant improvement in success rates compared to quitting alone. The studies involved nearly 30,000 participants and showed that these programs can be an effective, cost-effective way to help smokers overcome tobacco dependence.
Groundbreaking 'reorganizational healing' model puts emphasis on self-awareness and personal will
Reorganizational Healing (ROH) is a new concept for wellness, healing, and personal growth that focuses on self-assessment and harnessing the body's innate ability to reorganize. By understanding the relationship between lifestyle choices and disease symptoms, individuals can achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives.
IMPAKT -- Breast cancer conference highlights
Researchers have identified a genetic signature that can predict which breast cancer patients will respond well to treatment with epirubicin, a widely used form of chemotherapy. This signature may help ensure fewer women are exposed to severe side effects by identifying those most likely to benefit from treatment.
UCLA scientists reveal how deadly pediatric disorder develops in brain
Researchers have found a connection between Sanfilippo syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that new Alzheimer's drugs may provide therapy for the currently untreatable metabolic disorder. The study identified key proteins involved in the development of the disease, which could lead to effective treatment options.
Georgetown University's Howard J. Federoff, M.D., Ph.D., receives Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award
Howard J. Federoff has received the Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award from the American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR) for his significant contributions to the field of neural therapy and repair. The award recognizes his research on gene therapy and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Risk of leukemia with multiple sclerosis drug higher than thought
A retrospective study of 2,854 Italian patients with MS found leukemia occurred in .74% of those treated with mitoxantrone, significantly higher than previously reported rates. The study highlights the need for careful hematological follow-up to check for acute leukemia.
New therapy based on magnetic stimulation shows promise for nondrug treatment for migraine
Researchers at UCSF have developed a novel therapy using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that blocks the abnormal brain waves believed to cause migraine aura. The study found that TMS therapy is effective in treating migraine sufferers who cannot tolerate medication, offering a potential new treatment option.
Study finds higher drug co-pays discourage patients from starting treatment
A recent study by the RAND Corporation found that higher out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications deter patients with chronic illnesses from initiating recommended treatments. The delay in treatment is particularly pronounced among those who have not previously used medication, highlighting a potential barrier to care.