Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
Dexamethasone treatment disrupts sleep and causes profound fatigue in children with ALL, according to a new St. Jude study. The research suggests that altering timing or dosing of the drug could lessen these side effects and improve quality of life.
A Buck Institute study found that lithium increases lifespan in nematode worms by reducing the activity of a gene that modulates chromosome structure. The research highlights the potential for using C. elegans as a model organism to study drug toxicity and genetic impacts of compounds.
Researchers identified 7 anti-hypertensive drugs that significantly prevent beta-amyloid production, a key mechanism in Alzheimer's disease. These drugs, including Valsartan and Propranolol HCI, showed promise in preventing cognitive deterioration and memory loss in mice with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have discovered blood plasma proteins that rise and fall after treatment with antiangiogenic drugs, which may be used as surrogate biomarkers to predict the optimal dose. The study also found molecular changes in normal mice, suggesting that the body's response is not solely tumor-dependent.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has partnered with Housey Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories to develop small molecule compounds promoting beta cell growth and survival. This research aims to identify new therapeutics targeting key scientific pathways, accelerating drug discovery and development.
A new study suggests that a long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agent variant of epoetin could be an effective alternative to conventional therapy for treating anaemia in haemodialysis patients. The treatment involves giving the drug every 2 or 4 weeks, which may reduce errors and improve patient quality of life.
A new study by Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center researchers found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy improved spatial learning and memory in a model of chronic traumatic brain injury. The therapy increased vascular density in the brain and was associated with an improvement in cognitive function.
A study found that individuals with a specific genetic variant (CYP2B6*6 allele) benefit from bupropion treatment and maintain abstinence longer than those without the variant. The study provides insight into personalized medicine for smoking cessation.
A study found tadalafil improved erectile function in men with spinal cord injuries, with average scores indicating mild to moderate dysfunction. The medication was safe and well-tolerated, with common side effects including headache and urinary tract infection.
A study found that UK children with asthma are being treated inappropriately, with over 121,000 prescriptions for bronchodilator syrups still issued in 2006 despite guidance discouraging their use. The number of combination inhaler prescriptions also increased significantly.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reveals the loss of Arf gene and BCR-ABL mutation leaves cells vulnerable to growth-enhancing environment of bone marrow, promoting immunity to anti-leukemia drug imatinib.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a naturally occurring protein preventing 57 genes from operating normally in Huntington's sufferers' brains. Cancer drugs targeting this protein could halt its destructive nature.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that all eukaryotic kinases share a common set of substrates, suggesting that despite their diversity, these enzymes have similar functions. This discovery may improve the testing of drugs targeting protein kinases for various diseases.
A new oral treatment, EN101 antisense, has been shown to significantly reduce muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. The study found that patients experienced improved muscle function, swallowing time, and disappearance of symptoms such as drooping eyelids.
The Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET) found that lowering blood pressure significantly reduces both stroke and mortality in patients aged 80 and over. The trial, which began in 2001, involved 3,845 patients from across the world and stopped early due to significant reductions in overall mortality.
A study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that emergency angioplasty use has increased, but 10% of eligible patients are still going untreated for life-saving treatment after a heart attack. Patients without typical symptoms or from underrepresented groups are most likely to miss out on this critical care.
A study at the University of Granada found that daily stress exacerbates lupus symptoms, but controlling stress reduces negative effects, including weight loss and joint pain. Psychological therapy significantly improved patients' quality of life and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.
The clinical effectiveness of topical negative pressure therapy for wound healing is unclear, according to a review by the BMJ Specialty Journals. The technique has been used to treat various types of wounds, but many studies have been flawed, casting doubt on its validity and reliability.
Biologics may be a valuable treatment option for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), offering new hope for patients. However, gastroenterologists must carefully weigh the potential benefits against significant side effects and costs. Research is ongoing to better understand the role of biologics in IBD treatment.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that TB patients often take their medications under difficult conditions, highlighting the need for support systems tailored to their needs. Patient involvement in decision-making is crucial to improve treatment adherence and reduce the global disease burden of tuberculosis.
Researchers found that adherence to TB treatment is influenced by structural factors such as poverty and gender discrimination, highlighting the need for tailored support systems. A separate study on ventilatory control reveals evidence of central plasticity in humans, providing insight into the complexities of human physiology.
Researchers found that a drug originally developed to fight tuberculosis can help people with OCD make more progress in therapy, with participants reporting less distress and anxiety. The drug, D-Cycloserine, is believed to accelerate extinction learning and will be studied on smokers who want to quit.
Non-compliance with dermatologic treatment is a widespread issue, and physicians can improve compliance by establishing strong patient-physician relations, choosing suitable medications, and using effective education materials. Research shows that addressing non-adherence can lead to better success for patients with psoriasis and other...
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that young adults who want to quit smoking are less likely to use evidence-based behavioral treatment. Only 4-5% of young adult smokers use any form of treatment, compared to 32% of older smokers.
Nepalese researchers have identified Gatifloxacin as a more effective and affordable treatment option for drug-resistant typhoid fever. The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, has significant implications for treating enteric fever in areas with high levels of drug resistance.
Researchers in Nepal have found a cost-effective treatment for drug-resistant typhoid fever using Gatifloxacin, a fluoroquinolone drug. The study shows that Gatifloxacin is effective against two common bacteria causing enteric fever and is relatively inexpensive at $1 per seven-day course.
Two new vaccines have been designed to combat cocaine and methamphetamine dependencies, stimulating the body to produce antibodies that attack the drugs. These therapeutic vaccines minimize withdrawal symptoms and relieve addiction, but do not necessarily curb relapse.
A retrospective study found that trabectedin response rates were significantly higher than previous studies, with an overall response rate of 51% and a progression-free survival rate of 88%. This suggests that myxoid sarcoma may be a uniquely sensitive subgroup to trabectedin treatment.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found no association between the UGT1A1*28 gene variation and neutropenia or diarrhea in children treated with low-dose irinotecan. This allows clinicians to begin treatment sooner and eliminate costly genetic testing.
A preliminary study suggests that administering a blood clot-dissolving medication within 24 hours of severe frostbite injury can significantly reduce the risk of amputation. The treatment, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), has been shown to improve blood flow and prevent cell death in affected limbs.
Motor neurone disease is a degenerative disorder that causes loss of basic motor functions, with symptoms including bulbar-onset, cervical-onset, and lumbar-onset patients. The disease has been reported in certain populations, such as the Chamorro population on Guam, and may be linked to genetic and environmental factors.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have defined the difference between near-cognate and non-cognate codons in messenger RNA, enabling more accurate design of drug therapies. This discovery could lead to improved treatment options for diseases caused by mutations in genes.
Two research teams developed models to predict NSCLC patient outcomes based on protein patterns. The new models, validated in independent groups, could help physicians decide treatment options for patients with NSCLC. Researchers identified a 25-signature proteomic signature associated with increased survival among NSCLC patients.
A multi-center team has discovered a 'signature' of proteins in the blood that predicts which non-small-cell lung cancer patients will live longer when treated with targeted therapies. The findings could help physicians decide which patients to treat with drugs known as EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
The study demonstrated that genotyping can optimize Quinamed dosing for improved tolerance and antitumor activity. Patients with slow acetylator genotypes showed evidence of anticancer activity in various tumor types, including prostate, ovarian, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
A University of Michigan study found that 86% of patients with follicular lymphoma survived after 8 years of treatment with Bexxar, a radioimmunotherapy drug. This success rate compares favorably to state-of-the-art chemotherapy regimens, making Bexxar an attractive option for patients.
A Phase II clinical trial at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found dasatinib achieves complete cytogenetic response in 77-95% of newly diagnosed CML patients, compared to historical data on imatinib. The rapid response rate suggests dasatinib may be more effective as a first-line treatment for CML.
A clinical trial evaluated three leading combination therapies for uncomplicated falciparum malaria and found artemether-lumefantrine to be the most effective. The study included 601 healthy children from Uganda and demonstrated significant reductions in treatment failure, anemia, and asymptomatic parasitemia.
A study of 149 patients with low-grade gliomas found that temozolomide reduced tumor size in 53% and stabilized it in 37%, while increasing it in 10%. Genetic testing revealed that missing the 1p/19q gene was associated with better treatment outcomes.
UC scientists developed a model to combine current clot-busting medication with below-normal body temperatures to improve ischemic stroke patient treatment. The study found that tPA, an enzyme used in standard stroke treatment, is less effective at lower temperatures, but a higher dosage may be needed.
The AGA Institute's Obesity Task Force Report highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing obesity, considering its impact on healthcare budgets and societal practices. The report emphasizes the role of gastroenterology in treating obesity, with novel therapies and policies being developed.
Scientists have found an enzyme called Pak 1 that acts on the heart's pacemaker to slow the rapid beating of the heart's 'fight-or-flight' reaction to adrenaline. This discovery opens up new avenues for diagnosis, drug design and treatment of common heart diseases.
A Phase III clinical study involving over 7,700 women found that Reclast reduced the frequency of all types of osteoporotic bone fractures by 70%, including a significant reduction in spine fractures. Bone mineral density also increased significantly in women on Reclast compared to placebo.
A new study by UCLA researchers found significant changes in treatment patterns and quality-of-care indicators that paralleled improvements in clinical outcomes and mortality rates for heart failure patients. The study reported a 29% reduction in in-hospital mortality and a 36% reduction in the need for mechanical ventilation.
A recent study reveals that mice lacking OCT1 have reduced metformin effects on AMPK phosphorylation and glucose control. Genetic variations in OCT1 in humans also impact metformin uptake, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches.
A study published in JAMA Network found that levosimendan did not improve survival rates for patients with decompensated heart failure compared to dobutamine. The researchers analyzed data from 1,327 patients who received either intravenous levosimendan or dobutamine and found no significant difference in long-term survival outcomes.
Researchers have found that mice lacking organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) exhibit reduced metformin effects on AMPK phosphorylation and glucose control. Additionally, seven mutations in OCT1 were identified in humans, which reduce metformin uptake, indicating the importance of OCT1 in mediating metformin's therapeutic effects.
A new treatment, micafungin, has been shown to be equally effective as existing treatments in treating Candida-related infections. With fewer side effects, micafungin is a promising alternative for first-line therapy of candidemia and invasive candidosis.
A new certification, CCDP, has been introduced to treat patients with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This change aims to integrate addiction and mental health treatment, addressing the interactive relationship between the two disorders.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that immunomodulatory agents can slow multiple sclerosis progression but are only prescribed to a minority of cases. Women and Caucasians were more likely to receive these treatments, highlighting disparities in care.
A study found that most first-time DWI offenders have high rates of other substance-use disorders and psychiatric disorders, requiring enhanced services in intervention programs. The research suggests that treatment approaches may need to be modified to better serve this more severe subtype of DWI offenders.
A cross-sectional study of 460 Pakistani patients found that 77% were adherent to their medications, with social and family structures playing a key role in high adherence rates. Younger age, poor awareness, and symptomatic treatment negatively affected adherence, whereas mono-therapy and psychosocial factors showed no association.
A recent study published in Neurology suggests that men are more likely than women to achieve functional independence after receiving clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) following a stroke. The study found that despite lower survival rates, men had better outcomes at three months post-treatment.
The CATIE study found that treatment needs to be targeted and individualized for patients with schizophrenia. More intensive psychosocial therapies are needed to make meaningful gains in work, home, and community functioning.
Two new studies from the CATIE trial provide more insights into comparing treatment options and their impact on people with schizophrenia. The trials found that newer antipsychotic medications like quetiapine and olanzapine may be more effective than older medications, but patient responses varied significantly.
A study suggests that the majority of drug-resistant TB cases among patients undergoing treatment are caused by new infections, not acquired resistance. This finding could drive a major shift in strategy for controlling TB.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a genetic signature that identifies cases of lymphoma susceptible to new molecular targeted therapy. The study found that tumors with this signature are killed by the new therapy, while those without it are resistant.
A new study reveals that breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen who switch to an aromatase inhibitor within three years experience significant improvements in survival rates. The treatment demonstrates a clear survival benefit without an increased risk of death from other causes.
Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology are developing a micropump to administer drugs and gene-based therapy treatments for auditory dysfunction. The goal is to improve treatment and cure hearing loss, surpassing the limitations of existing hearing aids and cochlear implants.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that 20% of Ethiopian patients with TB fail to complete treatment due to factors such as public transport costs and age. The researchers recommend expanding access to treatment centers to improve adherence rates.