Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
Researchers at Scripps Research and the University of Pennsylvania have received an $8.2 million grant to develop novel compounds that could become drug candidates for treating tobacco addiction. The project focuses on enhancing nicotinic receptors in the brain to reduce nicotine's positive impact on reward centers.
A new study has identified over 30 breast cancer gene targets involved in drug resistance to chemotherapy, including several novel genes. The findings may aid in the development of a more personalized approach to therapy and early screening for those who may become resistant to treatment.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio found that resveratrol stimulates the expression of adiponectin, a hormone with wide-ranging benefits for obesity-related medical complications. This discovery provides important information on the development of novel therapeutic drugs for these diseases.
Therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to reduce neurologic complications and improve outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injury. The optimal approach to administering the treatment depends on individual patient clinical conditions.
The IOF and IFCC have identified research priorities and recommended specific bone turnover markers (s-PINP and s-CTX) as reference analytes for clinical and observational studies. Standardized protocols would greatly increase the clinical and research potential of BTMs, improving patient management and treatment adherence.
Phase III trials should aim to find clinically important differences in survival outcomes, rather than just statistically significant ones. Pharmaceutical companies often prioritize minimal but detectable differences that are feasible within trial constraints.
A recent study from Université de Montréal found that using alternative therapies for asthma can result in a two-fold higher rate of poor asthma control in children. The study assessed over 2000 families with children and found that use of alternative therapy was associated with reduced effectiveness of conventional asthma treatment.
A new anti-cancer drug, inecalcitol, has shown encouraging responses in men with hormone-resistant prostate cancer. In a phase II(a) clinical trial, 83% of patients responded to the treatment with a drop in PSA levels of 30% or more within three months.
A randomized phase 2 study found that combining sorafenib with doxorubicin improved median overall and progression-free survival in patients with advanced liver cancer. The study showed a significant reduction in the risk of death and progression, with median overall survival increasing to 13.7 months
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that stroke patients who show improvement within one hour of receiving rt-PA are more likely to have a favorable outcome three months later. Researchers followed 120 patients and found that 68.2% had a favorable outcome, compared to 29.6% for those who did not show early improvement.
A randomized trial found that mycophenolate mofetil was less effective than azathioprine in preventing relapses of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. The study involved 156 patients with newly diagnosed AAV and followed them for a median of 39 months.
A recent clinical trial found that artesunate reduces deaths from severe malaria by 22.5% compared to quinine, and is associated with fewer complications such as seizures and low blood sugar in children. The findings have prompted a call for change to treatment guidelines worldwide.
Researchers have identified a promising medical therapy to help overcome the brain's limited capacity for recovery after a stroke. By studying tonic inhibition in mice, they found that blocking this inhibitory brain chemical can improve behavioral recovery after stroke.
A new study suggests that bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, reduces disease severity and inflammation in an animal model of inflammatory arthritis. The drug promotes bone healing and displays favorable effects in targeting critical cell populations involved in the development of RA.
The VITAL study found that paricalcitol reduced residual albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy, particularly those with high dietary sodium intake. The study suggests that paricalcitol could be an important adjunctive treatment for kidney protection in resistant diabetes patients.
Researchers have found that a cholesterol-lowering drug can reduce enlarged prostates in hamsters to the same extent as a commonly used BPH treatment, working even better when combined. The study suggests lowering cholesterol may reduce BPH in men, potentially preventing its development through exercise and diet.
Researchers have identified a gene that enables malaria parasites to resist artemisinin treatment, leading to potential development of new drugs and control strategies.
The number of retinal procedures nearly doubled between 1997 and 2007, driven by new treatments for neovascular AMD. Vitrectomy, a surgical removal of the eye's gel, increased significantly, while injections of drugs into the eye also rose substantially.
A new study found that both high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant and conventional treatment with lenalidomide achieved positive responses in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The study showed improved quality of response compared to induction alone.
Stroke prevention in developing countries is crucial due to rising rates of the condition, which accounts for around 10% of global deaths. Implementing preventative screenings and treatments could save millions of lives and contribute to poverty reduction.
Researchers found that adding rituximab to chemotherapy significantly prolongs lives of CLL patients. Chemoimmunotherapy showed improved response rates and disease progression rates compared to standard chemotherapy alone.
A special issue of Neurologic Clinics details latest advances in treating neurologic disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. The issue includes treatments for Parkinson's disease and headaches, as well as new medications for epilepsy.
A team of UNC scientists has received a $2,308,800 grant to develop targeted nano-particle technology for early detection and more effective treatments of pancreatic cancer. The goal is to design nanoscale metal-organic frameworks capable of carrying imaging and therapeutic cargoes or multiple drugs.
Brown University has granted an exclusive license to Tivorsan Pharmaceuticals for a potential treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, slowing muscle damage in mice by 50 percent. The treatment, based on biglycan protein, aims to prolong boys' ability to walk without assistance and perform daily activities.
HIV-1 virus uses ATP to remove AZT, a widely used AIDS treatment, allowing it to replicate itself. This discovery helps researchers understand why anti-AIDS treatments can fail, enabling the development of more effective treatments for HIV patients.
A new study found that taking a placebo improved symptoms in about one-third of women with low sexual arousal, with the most improvement occurring during the first four weeks. The key predictor of symptom change was an increase in satisfying sexual encounters, suggesting a need to investigate behavioral factors more closely.
A recent study found that opening a new line of communication about sex can have a positive effect on many women with low libidos. Fifty women were given a placebo instead of a drug treatment for low sexual arousal, and on average, one in three showed an overall improvement.
The Journal will provide a strong multidisciplinary forum to advance the understanding of therapeutic hypothermia. Novel findings from translational preclinical investigations as well as clinical studies and trials will be featured in original articles.
A study by BC-CfE found that supervised injection facilities like Insite connect clients with addiction treatment, increasing the likelihood of stopping injection drug use for at least six months. The study also highlights the importance of engaging Aboriginal people who use drugs in addiction services.
The 23rd ECNP Congress highlighted the latest discoveries and perspectives in mental health, including gene-environment interactions, circadian rhythms, and brain disease mechanisms. Key take-home messages focused on improving pharmacological and non-drug treatments for mental disorders.
A European Union version of the US 'priority review voucher' system could incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments for neglected diseases. The system would offer accelerated regulatory review, pricing, and reimbursement decisions in exchange for developing a treatment for a neglected disease.
Researchers are uncovering the molecular basis of Parkinson's disease by studying alpha-synuclein in yeast cells, which could lead to new therapeutic drugs. Small compounds found effective in preventing Parkinson's disease in worms and blocking toxic effects in rat neurons may form the basis of future treatments.
Acamprosate reduces the number of patients returning to drinking and increases abstinence days by an average of three days a month. The drug has been shown to be safe and effective as an additional treatment for alcoholism, offering moderate benefits in trials.
Kaj Blennow receives the 2010 ECNP Neuropsychopharmacology Award for his influential contributions to Alzheimer's disease research. His work focuses on developing laboratory measures for clinical diagnosis and therapy monitoring, holding significant implications for drug development and patient care.
A review suggests that many cases of treatment-resistant severe asthma in children are due to poor management, including adherence issues and environmental triggers. The authors recommend a multidisciplinary approach to confirm diagnosis, address comorbidities, and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Moussa B.H. Youdim, a renowned neuroscientist, receives the 2010 ECNP Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking work on neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. His research focuses on the role of monoamine oxidase enzymes in neurotransmitter metabolism and brain iron metabolism.
A new study by Elizabeth Seng and Dr. Kenneth Holroyd found that psychological treatments significantly increase confidence in self-management abilities among severe migraine sufferers. Behavioral management programs alongside drug therapy led to increased confidence, especially among those with low control over their condition.
The SHIFT study found that ivabradine significantly reduced cardiovascular death and hospitalization for worsening heart failure when added to standard treatment in patients with a high heart rate. Lowering heart rates with ivabradine was also associated with improved clinical outcomes, including an average reduction of 15 bpm.
A study found that genetic variation in ABCB1 affects clopidogrel metabolism, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. The variation, which is common in half the population, can render standard clopidogrel treatment less effective, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine approaches.
A less intensive bortezomib-based regimen is as effective as the standard treatment for elderly patients with multiple myeloma, but with fewer serious side effects. The regimen resulted in a reduction in peripheral neuropathy and gastrointestinal symptoms while maintaining efficacy.
A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that memantine showed significant benefits for patients with mild to moderate dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), with improvements in global clinical status and behavioral symptoms. However, no significant differences were found in patients with Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD).
Researchers are testing a new drug therapy, MGAWN1, to treat individuals with West Nile fever or suspected central nervous system infection. The treatment has the potential to neutralize the virus and reduce complications associated with the disease.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have created a synthetic drug for malaria treatment that is more potent than naturally derived artemisinin. The new drug's stability makes it last longer in the body, reducing the chance of parasite re-appearance and making it more cost-effective to mass produce.
A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study found that physicians are losing ground in prescribing recommended medications for treating congestive heart failure. The use of ACE-inhibitors and beta blockers has declined since the early 2000s, with only about one-third of patients receiving these life-saving treatments.
A peptide derived from bee venom can deliver liposomes bearing drugs or diagnostic dyes to specific cells or tissues, improving the effectiveness of cancer treatment. This 'smart bomb' technology may help design personalized treatment regimens that can selectively target tumors and other diseases.
Research found that adults diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 50 or later had better disease outcomes, including higher remission rates, compared to those diagnosed earlier in life. The study suggests changes in the aging immune system and environmental factors like smoking may contribute to this phenomenon.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that corticosteroid treatment can prevent or delay loss of kidney function in patients with IgA nephropathy. The addition of an immunosuppressant drug, such as azathioprine, did not provide additional benefits.
A new study found that Rituximab can effectively treat severe vasculitis, reducing the risk of infertility and cancer compared to traditional medication. The treatment was shown to be equally effective in putting patients into remission as cyclophosphamide, with a safer side effect profile.
The lack of a policy in Canada hinders treatment accessibility for rare diseases, where pharmaceutical companies may hesitate due to small markets. The authors propose defining rare diseases and developing patient registries as short-term solutions.
The Society of Interventional Radiology has issued a global statement defining interventional radiology, emphasizing its importance in medical care and outlining its identity and scope. The statement, supported by 41 international societies, provides a universal framework for IR practices worldwide.
Researchers found that individual organs' internal clocks synchronize with the external time at varying speeds, leading to discoordination of physiological processes. The adrenal gland plays a key role in this adaptation, and manipulating corticosterone production can help rodents recover from jet lag faster.
A 26-week randomized study found that once-weekly exenatide significantly improved blood sugar control, inducing a mean weight loss of 2.6kg per patient, compared to insulin glargine's lesser effect and mean weight gain of 1.4kg. The treatment also had lower rates of hypoglycemia and a progressive decrease in bodyweight.
A meta-analysis of 34 studies involving 3962 patients found that brief cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), counseling, and problem-solving therapy (PST) were equally effective in treating depression and mixed anxiety. The study suggests that brief psychological therapies can be an effective treatment for routine delivery in primary care.
Researchers found that patients treated with early combination disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy had less radiographic damage in small joints, even after 11 years. Early and aggressive treatment achieves excellent results for most patients, especially those who achieve strict remission at 1 year.
Researchers found that administering nab-paclitaxel weekly resulted in a 48% response rate and less severe side effects compared to every-three-week dosing. The study showed improved anti-tumor activity and reduced nerve damage with the novel formulation.
A new study reveals that allopurinol treatment can slow the progression of kidney disease, decrease inflammation, and lower cardiovascular risk. The analysis suggests a potential benefit for chronic kidney disease patients, but further trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Bengt Roland Långström, a professor at Uppsala University in Sweden, has been recognized for his work in nuclear medicine. He is being honored with the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award for his over 20 years of experience in synthesizing and applying radiolabeled tracers for PET.
A study published in Cancer journal found that cofilin (CFL1) levels can predict patient prognosis and identify potential non-responders to treatment. High levels of CFL1 correlate with aggressive tumor behavior and resistance to certain anticancer drugs.
A 17-year study of over 2,000 men found that surgery significantly reduces urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms compared to medication. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) showed the greatest improvement in symptom scores and incontinence rates.
Researchers used techniques similar to pharmaceutical sales reps to educate doctors on treatment guidelines, resulting in a 8.6% increase in recommended diuretic prescriptions in counties with high academic detailing activity.