Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
A six-month study found that teens who completed a comprehensive intervention program significantly reduced their substance abuse and depression, and increased their social stability. The program offered 12 individual therapy sessions and four HIV education/skills practice sessions, adapted for teens living on the streets.
Researchers found that antihypertensive agents ARBs and ACE inhibitors are the least associated with incident diabetes, followed by calcium-channel blockers and placebo. The study provides a systematic review of clinical trials and finds highly coherent estimates that are robust to sensitivity analyses.
Inadequate treatment of mental illness and addiction in the community contributes to rising incarceration rates. Effective therapy like mental health services and substance abuse programs can reduce recidivism. Physicians are urged to campaign for humane treatment alternatives.
Researchers found that a common diabetes drug prevents memory and learning problems caused by whole-brain radiation treatments in animal studies. The study suggests the drug may improve the quality of life for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.
A phase 3 trial found that pexelizumab did not significantly reduce the risk of death from STEMI when used with primary PCI. The study, which included over 5,700 patients, suggests that new treatments targeting inflammation may be needed for this patient population.
A genetic mutation in a single amino acid change in the beta1-adrenergic receptor affects its response to certain beta blockers. The Arg389 variant of the receptor is more sensitive to carvedilol, leading to reduced cAMP signaling and potentially poorer treatment outcomes for black patients.
A recent double-blind study found that long-acting octreotide did not improve outcomes for patients with liver cancer compared to a placebo. The study enrolled 119 patients and followed them for over 30 months, but showed no significant difference in survival rates between the two groups.
A new study found that postmenopausal women who stop taking the osteoporosis drug alendronate after 5 years do not increase their risk of nonvertebral fractures, suggesting a lasting effect. The research also shows that BMD and bone marker levels remain at or above pretreatment levels 10 years after discontinuation.
A large-scale study found that prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increases the risk of hip fractures by 44%. Long-term users of high-dose PPIs face a significantly higher risk, highlighting the need for further research into the underlying mechanism.
Researchers suggest that mental training and physical activity can protect against declines in cognition, including memory, language, and abstract reasoning. A recent study involving over 3,000 participants found immediate improvements in memory and sustained benefits after five years.
A new study suggests that hyaluronate application may reverse skin atrophy, which is more common in older individuals due to the gradual loss of epidermis and dermis. The study found that hyaluronate fragments restore skin thickness and suggest a potential therapeutic approach for this condition.
Researchers found that nearly 20% of women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer had inconsistent access to anastrozole prescriptions due to non-adherence. The study highlights the complex issues surrounding treatment adherence in cancer patients.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a persistent and common condition characterized by unfocused worry and anxiety. Psychological therapies are preferable to drug treatments but often not readily available due to time constraints and limited resources.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that women with rheumatoid arthritis have a significantly lower chance of entering remission compared to men. After two and five years, approximately 32% and 31% of women were in remission respectively, compared to 48% and 52% of men.
Researchers found that seven commonly prescribed hypertension medications can prevent beta-amyloid build-up and slow cognitive decline in animal models. The study identifies Propranololo-HCL as a potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's prevention, but further human trials are needed to confirm these findings.
A phase II study found that lenalidomide significantly improves clinical outcomes in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), achieving a major response in 47% of patients. The medication's predictable safety profile and manageable side effects make it an attractive alternative for treatment.
A clinical trial of gene transfer therapy for erectile dysfunction found significant and sustained improvements in patients who received a transfer gene called hMaxi-K. The therapy works by creating additional potassium channels in smooth muscle cells, relaxing the muscle and allowing blood flow required for an erection.
Researchers have improved understanding of a new malaria treatment using artesunate suppositories, which show potential as a first-line treatment for moderately severe malaria. However, patients vary in how well they process the drug, highlighting the need for further clinical studies.
A new study confirms that chemotherapy can lead to a decline in memory and cognitive functions, known as chemobrain. The effects are relatively mild and potentially manageable.
Two editorials in the American Journal of Hypertension argue that the TROPHY study is flawed due to its unusual definition of incident hypertension. The studies caution that the treatment may not be effective in preventing the development of hypertension, and instead suggest that it could cause a slow unmasking of high blood pressure.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University identified a new mechanism of action for FTY720, an immunosuppressant drug that also inhibits the activity of key enzyme cPLA2, driving inflammatory disorders. The inhibition may shut down the entire inflammatory pathway without side effects.
Two large clinical trials show ranibizumab's effectiveness in treating neovascular macular degeneration, but its high cost raises questions about the value of comparing it to bevacizumab, a cheaper alternative. Bevacizumab, originally designed for cancer treatment, also appears to be effective in treating this eye disease.
In a head-to-head trial comparing vardenafil and sildenafil, men with ED favored vardenafil for its superiority in erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. The study found that 38.9% preferred vardenafil over sildenafil.
Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have determined the precise structure of the VEE virus protein required for replication. This achievement marks an important step toward developing effective drug therapies against the virus, which can cause widespread infections and death in Central and South America.
A critical review found that repeated administration of antiepileptic drug therapy leads to diminishing results in preventing seizures. Acquired tolerance is responsible for this effect, with some patients developing cross-tolerance to similar medication, posing a significant concern for medically intractable epilepsy
NDRI has received a starter grant from the Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation to develop and implement a training program on hepatitis C for clinical and non-clinical staff in New York City outpatient drug treatment programs. The program aims to enhance services delivered in these programs and promote effective public health responses.
A commercial progesterone therapy appears to prevent some premature births, with a 33% reduction in preterm birth rate for women who had a previous premature baby. The March of Dimes estimates that if all eligible women received the therapy, nearly 10,000 premature births might have been prevented.
The new guidelines offer 13 principles for rehabilitating drug offenders, aiming to reduce recidivism and crime rates. Implementing evidence-based treatment programs can lead to significant financial savings, with every dollar spent on addiction treatment resulting in a four to seven dollar reduction in community spending.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that drug users who were coerced into treatment had a higher risk of dropping out. The proportion of individuals who completed treatment decreased from 5.8% to 3.5% between 1998 and 2002, while the number of re-presentations increased by 48.6%
A low-fat vegan diet has been shown to treat type 2 diabetes more effectively than a standard diabetes diet, with significant improvements in blood sugar control and weight loss. The diet also appears to have favorable effects on cholesterol levels and kidney function.
Dental patients taking oral bisphosphonates should be aware of potential risks during procedures involving the jaw bone. The American Dental Association recommends a comprehensive oral evaluation and education on maintaining oral hygiene to prevent oral diseases.
A new study found that shorter tuberculosis therapies could produce dramatic benefits at the population level by reducing transmission and improving patient outcomes. The research suggests that a two-month regimen could double or triple current rates of decline in new cases and deaths, leading to total reductions of up to 40%.
A review of 70 studies found insufficient evidence to support complementary and alternative therapies for menopause-related symptoms. The studies showed mixed results, with some individual treatments suggesting benefits but overall quality and quantity of data was not sufficient to recommend any treatment.
A study by family doctors found that women taking a monthly tablet of ibandronate and receiving telephone support showed a 47% greater persistence with their medication than those on weekly alendronate. This improved compliance is crucial in treating osteoporosis, which affects one in three women over 50 worldwide.
A study of female nurses found that a higher body mass index at age 18 was associated with greater risk for death than a normal BMI. Meanwhile, severely obese adolescents who received diet drug sibutramine along with behavior therapy lost an average of 14 pounds and improved heart risk factors.
Researchers used modeling to predict cost-effectiveness of treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Peru. Individualized treatment was found to be the most cost-effective approach, despite increased costs.
A new study has found that gabapentin is as effective as estrogen in reducing hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The medication was tested against estrogen and a placebo in a randomized, double-blind trial over 12 weeks, with significant reductions in symptom severity reported.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm affects 78.8 million baby boomers, with over half at risk by age 50; researchers seek pharmacological solution with $8.5M NIH funding.
A recent study published by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has shown that a targeted therapy called sunitinib is effective in treating patients with advanced kidney cancer. The study found that sunitinib significantly improved progression-free survival and tumor shrinkage compared to standard treatment with interferon-alpha.
Research suggests strontium ranelate strengthens bone architecture for at least five years, reducing fracture risk. Bisphosphonates remain effective for extended periods, but may pose risks to young patients with osteoporosis.
A study led by Michael C. Heinrich, M.D., found that patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) responded differently to Sunitinib depending on their tumor's genetic abnormality. The research highlights the importance of personalized medicine in cancer treatment.
A new study found that Enablex, a prescription medication for overactive bladder (OAB), did not cause significant memory impairment in healthy adults aged 60 and older. In contrast, the alternative treatment Ditropan XL caused noticeable memory deterioration, despite the patients being unaware of this change.
Research suggests that initiating MS therapy with an immunomodulating drug as soon as possible following a diagnosis can significantly reduce future disease activity and progression of disability. Studies have shown that delaying treatment is associated with more progression of disability and larger volumes of disease damage.
A study comparing therapeutic communities in the US, China, and Thailand will examine client and program characteristics to understand treatment effectiveness. The research aims to advance substance abuse treatment services globally by developing a standardized model.
A study published in JAMA found that medical management with naltrexone significantly improved drinking rates and days abstinent. The researchers also discovered that combining behavioral therapy with medical management showed better results than treatment with placebos alone.
Patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy who don't respond to treatment have increased mortality compared to the general population. In contrast, those who become seizure-free at follow-up do not experience a rise in mortality rates.
A new study examining 911 babies treated with either letrozole or clomiphene citrate found no statistically significant difference in major and minor malformations or chromosomal abnormalities between the two groups. The findings confirm concerns about a link between letrozole and birth defects are unfounded.
Scientists have discovered that agrin controls nerve cell excitability by regulating sodium pump activity in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments for epilepsy. Agrin also regulates potassium levels in heart tissue, raising the possibility of its use in treating congestive heart failure.
Plexxikon's V600E B-Raf inhibitor demonstrated robust efficacy in xenograft models using a once-daily low oral dose, showing tumor shrinkage and prolonged delay of tumor growth. The company intends to file an IND application and initiate Phase 1 clinical trials for the oncogenic B-Raf inhibitor.
Researchers found that individuals with depression who exhibit increased activity in certain brain regions are more likely to respond to CBT. The study used fMRI to identify these regions, which included the subgenual cingulate cortex and amygdala.
Renowned clinicians call for collaborative effort to revive clinical pharmacology in the UK. The Lancet experts advocate for joint action by medical schools, government bodies, and industry partners to bolster this crucial field.
Experts warn that non-compliance with treatment is a major issue among teenage cancer patients, who are at high risk due to poorer prognosis rates. Improving communication skills and addressing barriers such as family support and information overload can help increase adherence.
The Clinton Foundation, Yale University, and the Ethiopian Ministry of Health have partnered to expand access to HIV/AIDS treatment in Ethiopia. A team of mentors from Yale will work with Ethiopian health officials to identify systemic changes that can improve healthcare services for 76 million people.
A four-year study of over 800 patients with pre-hypertension found that treatment with candesartan cilexetil significantly reduced the risk of developing hypertension. The study suggests that early intervention may be an effective way to prevent the disease's progression.
A multicenter randomized trial found that paclitaxel-eluting stents significantly reduce ischemic target vessel revascularization by 40 percent and angiographic restenosis at 9 months compared to VBT. Drug-eluting stents are now considered the treatment of choice for most patients with ISR of previously implanted bare-metal stents.
A new study suggests a calcium phosphate-based supplement improves bone strength and thickness in rats with mineral deficiency-induced osteoporosis. The Mg/Zn/F-CaP supplement showed substantial improvement in bone properties without the side effects of current pharmaceutical treatments.
A clinical trial found that acupuncture reduced migraine days equally to standard therapy, with no difference between real and sham acupuncture. The study's results are surprising, as the underlying mechanisms are unknown, but suggest that efficacy is more important than understanding treatment mechanisms.
A study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that angioplasty with drug-eluting stents resulted in outcomes equivalent to bypass surgery for patients with left main coronary artery disease. The treatment was shown to have similar short- and intermediate-term clinical outcomes, despite higher risk patient demographics.
A study found that older adults in North Carolina predominantly use food home remedies and other home remedies for health management, often as a form of self-care. The study also revealed significant differences in CAM therapy use among ethnic groups, with African-Americans and Native Americans showing higher rates of use.
A study of 79 patients found that renewed methotrexate treatment was effective in 53.2% of patients who had previously failed the drug. Lower initial doses were more likely to be successful than higher doses.