Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
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 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.
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.
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.
A large U.S. trial found that two common mid-urethral sling procedures are similar in their chance of cure, but each has distinct risks. Women who underwent transobturator or retropubic surgery achieved equivalent levels of treatment success, with 78-81 percent experiencing dryness.
The article highlights the growing concern of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) becoming a dominant strain worldwide. MDR TB poses a major threat to existing TB control programmes due to its association with lower cure rates and higher mortality rates than drug-susceptible TB disease.
Despite high rates of sexual dysfunction among CKD patients, little is known about effective treatments. The review found that drug treatment was helpful for male patients with erectile dysfunction but few studies evaluated safety and side effects in CKD patients.
Researchers found that only 14% of participants knew to call 9-1-1 for three common stroke symptoms, while 37% reported not calling. The study emphasizes the critical role of symptom recognition and emergency medical services in reducing delays in hospital arrival.
Treatment with alteplase until 4.5 hours from stroke onset enhances favourable outcome chances, while late treatment is associated with reduced short-term survival and increased mortality risk. Early treatment initiation is crucial to maximize benefit and minimize risks.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers highlights the need for culturally competent health-care providers and information dissemination about treatment options. The study found that minorities are less likely to consider combining medication and counseling for their children due to barriers such as financial hurdles and l...
Researchers have discovered high-activity mutants of human butyrylcholinesterase that could be used to develop anti-cocaine medication. Additionally, a microbiocide-based HIV prevention measure holds promise for developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that Mycobacterium tuberculosis relies on gluconeogenic substrates for growth and persistence, with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) playing a pivotal role. This finding could lead to the development of new drug therapies targeting the enzyme, potentially improving treatment outcomes fo...
Researchers found post-transplant patients off steroids have similar graft-function outcomes as those on steroids but with fewer cardiovascular events. This study contributes to a reduction in patient exposure to corticosteroids during post-transplantation treatment, improving graft survival rates and reducing early mortality.
Vancouver Island has an unusually high rate of Cryptococcus infection, a rare but deadly disease caused by inhaling toxic fungus from fir trees. Researchers at the University of Calgary have found that a class of approved therapeutic drugs could prevent brain infection by stopping the fungus from crossing the blood-brain barrier.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine published a supplement on cardiovascular molecular imaging, discussing its potential to diagnose heart diseases earlier. The publication combines various imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, MRI, and radiotracers, to improve management of cardiovascular disease.
Eliminating malaria from Hispaniola would demonstrate the feasibility of global eradication efforts. The authors recommend advanced mosquito control methods, diagnosis systems, and community education to combat the parasite. Success requires unwavering political will from both governments.
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology found that deep brain stimulation improves quality of life, mobility, and activities of daily living in advanced Parkinson's disease patients, while also reducing dyskinesia and off time. However, the procedure carried a higher risk of serious adverse events.
A nationwide study found that treating diabetic macular edema with ranibizumab eye injections, plus laser treatment if needed, results in better vision than laser treatment alone. At the one-year follow-up, nearly 50% of patients had substantial improvement in vision.
The new clinics series provides comprehensive reviews of contemporary issues in cardiac electrophysiology, including epicardial interventions, advances in arrhythmia analyses, and antiarrhythmic drug therapy. These issues help electrophysiologists make informed clinical decisions for their patients.
A comparative-effectiveness study confirms that ranibizumab eye injections in combination with laser therapy result in dramatic visual improvement for patients with diabetic macular edema. The treatment demonstrates substantial visual benefits, including a 50% improvement rate and prevention of blood vessel leakage.
A study evaluating INT-747 added to ursodeoxycholic acid found significant improvements in liver enzyme levels in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. The results suggest a potential new treatment option for this chronic disease, which damages bile ducts and leads to liver scarring.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego developed a smart delivery system capable of delivering lauric-acid-filled nano-scale bombs directly to skin-dwelling bacteria that cause common acne. This treatment has the potential to avoid undesirable side effects associated with current treatments.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease who received combination therapy with infliximab and azathioprine had a higher chance of achieving remission compared to those treated with azathioprine alone. The researchers also discovered comparable safety results ac...
Scientists developed a modern intelligent drug that inhibits platelet activity at cool temperatures, preventing blood clots during therapeutic hypothermia. The new drug loses its function when the body is rewarmed, minimizing bleeding problems.
A recent study published in JAMA found that withdrawing methotrexate treatment after 12 months of remission does not reduce the risk of relapse in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The study also identified a biomarker, MRP8/14, that can predict flares and suggests adjusting treatment intensity to individual patient needs.
A double-blind randomized trial found no benefit of lithium in slowing ALS progression, contrary to initial promising results from a small pilot study. The trial involved 84 patients with ALS and showed that lithium plus riluzole did not slow disease progression more than riluzole alone.
Spinal cord injuries affect approximately 12,000 people annually and 259,000 Americans currently live with long-lasting SCI. A new study suggests that a multidisciplinary approach is most likely to achieve results in treating spinal cord injuries, leveraging expertise from several fields.
Researchers at MGH Cancer Center found reversible drug tolerance in some cancer cells, associated with changes in chromatin structure. This nongenetic mechanism may be a fundamental property of many tumor cell populations, and potential therapeutic strategies are being explored.
Experiments in China have shown that changing the incentive system for healthcare providers can lead to improved basic primary health care and reduced costs. Primary-care providers are incentivized to cover more citizens with vaccinations and health education, improving access to cost-effective care.
A study published in Respiratory Research reveals that older people and those infected with HIV are at higher risk of contracting and dying from tuberculosis. The research identified factors linked to treatment abandonment and deaths, including lack of understanding, injection drug use, and age over 50 or HIV infection.
Researchers developed a strategy to overcome the issue, highlighting the importance of communication between healthcare providers. The study showed that changing drug therapy at an early stage can help patients get the full benefit of tamoxifen treatment, leading to improved breast cancer efficacy.
Members of the Society of Interventional Radiology have filed over 2,400 patents and patent applications, pioneering modern medicine with devices and drugs. These innovations continue to shape and change the medical landscape, enabling interventional radiologists to treat patients without invasive surgery.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review suggests that stomach wrap operations are more effective in reducing symptoms of severe acid reflux than acid suppression tablets. The study found significant improvement in symptoms shortly after surgery compared to drug treatment.
The use of intravitreal injections has grown significantly in Canada, but only a small proportion of ophthalmologists perform the procedure. The majority of injections are performed by a small group of providers, highlighting concerns about access to treatment.
A randomized controlled trial found heat therapy to be as effective as intravenous sodium stibogluconate in treating Leishmania major skin lesions. The study suggests that a rugged, battery-operated device like the ThermoMed could effectively treat cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Enobia Pharma and McGill University partner to develop innovative treatments for rare genetic disorder hypophosphatasia, which affects calcium-phosphate mineralization. The treatment, enzyme replacement therapy, is currently undergoing clinical testing in several countries.
In a study of 1,056 severe stroke patients, researchers found that intracranial stenting and intra-arterial tPA were effective in restoring blood flow, with success rates of 76% and 72%, respectively. Other treatment techniques showed lower restoration rates.
The American Academy of Neurology has released a new guideline evaluating the treatment options for muscle cramps. Quinine is no longer recommended for routine muscle cramps due to potential serious side effects, while naftidrofuryl and diltiazem may be considered as alternative treatments. More research is needed on these options.
A Stanford University School of Medicine review confirms FDA concerns about quinine's effectiveness and safety for treating muscle cramps. The study suggests alternative therapies like vitamin B complex, calcium-channel blocking agents, and anti-epileptic drugs may be effective but require further research.
A new multi-targeted treatment regimen combining chemotherapy and targeted drugs improves progression-free survival and tumour response in patients with metastatic renal-cell carcinoma. The study found a clinical benefit rate of over 90% with manageable side effects.
The Tuberculosis Trials Consortium (TBTC) brings together researchers from Barcelona, the US CDC and international partners to develop new treatments and diagnostic tests for TB. With over 12,000 patients enrolled, the consortium aims to improve TB control and prevention globally.