Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
A cancer drug has been found to control levels of a hormone receptor protein in the womb, which is linked with giving birth. The study, funded by Action Medical Research, aims to assess whether the drug can be used to prevent premature birth.
A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that early treatment with antiepileptic drugs may not provide significant long-term benefits for patients with infrequent seizures. In fact, the trial found that delayed medication did not increase the risk of chronic epilepsy or improve quality of life.
A study of 1400 patients with single or infrequent seizures found that delaying antiepileptic drug treatment reduced short-term seizure recurrence. However, there was no significant difference in long-term outcomes, suggesting that immediate treatment may not offer long-term benefits.
California continues to experience cases of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which requires prolonged treatment and poses significant public health risks. The majority of MDR-TB cases are foreign-born, highlighting the need for international TB control measures.
The US needs more effective treatments for active TB and latent TB infection, with a focus on improving diagnostic tools and directly observed therapy. Effective treatment of active TB requires at least six months of multi-drug therapy, while improved diagnostics and treatments are needed for latent TB infection.
A study found that ramelteon demonstrated no abuse potential, unlike triazolam, with no dose-related effect on task performance. Ramelteon targets the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain's suprachiasmatic nuclei, providing a new mechanism of action for insomnia treatment.
Patients with both conditions adhere to medication regimens at rates of 44.7%, 35.9% and 35.8% respectively over three months, six months and one year, according to the study. The strongest predictor of adherence was the number of other prescribed medications taken in the year before treatment initiation.
Researchers found that most imaging scans are unnecessary and can be avoided by confirming medication delivery within 24 hours of indium 111-labeled Zevalin injection. This simplifies treatment and improves patient compliance.
The study found that the newest drug therapy – adefovir – was not cost-effective when taken alone but became very cost-effective when reserved as a second-line agent in people who develop viral resistance for lamivudine. The hybrid treatment strategy of lamivudine and adefovir is also a viable option.
A study of adolescent patients in private, managed-care chemical-dependency treatment found that those receiving needed psychiatric services were more likely to be abstinent from alcohol and drugs. The results highlight the importance of providing psychiatric assessment and treatment in CD programs.
Researchers identify TRPC6 gene as novel mechanism for FSGS, a leading cause of kidney damage. The discovery raises hope for new treatments targeting ion channels, which are amenable to drug therapy.
The FDA approved clofarabine for pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory ALL, built on years of effective use of pre-1980 drugs and adaptable for adult use later. Researchers say this approval is crucial for giving children access to new anti-cancer drugs.
A new study found that administering anti-malarial drugs to infants just three times can reduce the incidence of malaria by 59% in the first year of life. The treatment, known as intermittent preventative malarial treatment (IPT), was also shown to provide long-term protection against malaria episodes in children up to two years old.
Researchers identified 45 genes linked to leukemic cells' ability to resist treatment by at least two of the most widely used antileukemic drugs. The study found a poor prognosis for patients with cross-resistant ALL cells.
A recent study identified specific genetic signatures associated with treatment failure and chemotherapeutic cross-resistance in pediatric leukemia. The researchers found that expression of certain genes was linked to inferior treatment outcomes, providing new targets for overcoming de novo multiple-drug resistance.
A Mayo Clinic study showed that donepezil treatment may slow the progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. Patients with a specific genotype had a longer response to the treatment, which could lead to new horizons in early treatment and prevention.
A new long-acting injectable naltrexone formulation has been shown to reduce heavy drinking by 25% and is well-tolerated, indicating a potential improvement in intervention strategies for alcohol dependence. The study featured one of the largest samples ever treated with a medication for alcohol dependence.
A study found that TNF-alpha blocking agents, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, can trigger skin conditions in 25% of patients. The most common conditions were skin infections, eczema, and drug eruptions, with 26% of affected patients stopping treatment due to the condition.
A five-year study in Mexico found that the Directly Observed Therapy (DOTS) strategy significantly reduced drug-resistant TB transmission. The results showed a decline from 22% to 7.8% of new patients carrying drug-resistant strains, with no cases of multiple-drug resistance.
A study by Mark Hall found that care coordination does not increase liability and may even lower risks for primary care physicians. Care coordination involves comprehensive treatment plans and resolving conflicts among specialists to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
A comprehensive treatment approach for all schizophrenia symptoms is possible, enabling patients to recover and lead fuller lives. Atypical antipsychotics have shown promise in improving cognition and addressing depressive symptoms, but individual side effects and preferences must be considered.
A study of six European countries found significant variations in end-of-life nontreatment decisions, with medication being the most frequently forgone treatment. Low-technology interventions were also common, particularly among older patients outside hospital settings.
The study found no benefit for women's health-related quality of life from post-menopausal hormone therapy, but increased risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular events, and stroke. This has led to a dilemma among stakeholders, including physicians and pharmaceutical companies.
Hermes A. Kontos and John R. Marler receive prestigious awards, while Hong Li and Shelagh Coutts win research accolades for their work on stroke mechanisms and treatment.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial showed etanercept was ineffective in preventing disease flares for patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. The study found that most patients experienced disease remissions at a high cost due to treatment-associated adverse effects.
The IBDchip is an open tool that includes polymorphisms associated with the disease, predisposition, and evolution. Progenika has developed similar products, including the Lipochip for hypercholesterolemia diagnosis and the Bloodchip for genotyping blood donors.
Research reveals that cancer cells can become resistant to treatment by acquiring P-glycoprotein from neighboring cells, rendering chemotherapy ineffective. This phenomenon has significant implications for tumor behavior and genomic analysis, highlighting the potential benefits of studying protein transfer between cells in tumors.
A study at University College London found that macrophage inflammatory protein-1a plays a crucial role in allergic responses. Drugs blocking MIP-1a's binding to its receptors could help treat ocular allergy and other diseases.
The study demonstrates a statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit of pegaptanib in treating wet AMD. Treatment with pegaptanib reduces the risk of visual-acuity loss, promotes stability of vision, and may lead to more visual improvement in some patients.
A study found that patients with moderate or severe hand dermatitis responded significantly to oral alitretinoin treatment, with up to 53% of patients achieving clear skin. The highest dose of alitretinoin showed the most substantial response rates, making it a potential treatment option for these patients.
A study found that home-based treatment for moderate to severe chronic hand dermatitis was as effective as hospital-based treatment in improving symptoms. Patients treating themselves at home had a similar decrease in hand eczema scores and maintained the effect during an eight-week follow-up period.
Researchers found that brief treatment with rolipram improved memory and cognitive function in both young and older mice, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits. The study also showed that the effects of treatment lasted for at least two months after treatment ended.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a new treatment that improves memory in mice with Alzheimer's disease. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram was found to modify gene expression and make brain synapses more resistant to beta-amyloid accumulation.
A study by UCLA found that Proposition 36 clients were more likely to receive outpatient care rather than intensive residential care, leading to higher re-arrest rates. The research suggests that undetreatment is a key factor in recidivism among drug abusers with severe problems.
Researchers found that extended-release carbamazepine capsules improved symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder, including those experiencing mania and mixed episodes. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with few adverse events reported.
Researchers at UCSD have discovered an effective treatment for FCAS, a rare disorder that causes fever, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms after exposure to cold conditions. The treatment, anakinra, inhibits an abnormal immune response that leads to symptoms in FCAS-affected patients.
Researchers found that Hispanic Americans were 36% less likely than non-Hispanic whites to have properly controlled cholesterol, while Chinese Americans showed no difference. Treatment was often insufficient to meet recommended goals, with only 22% of patients who qualified for medication having their LDL cholesterol under control.
A study found that people with multiple sclerosis who took an Alzheimer's medication showed significant improvements in memory and cognitive function compared to those taking a placebo. The treatment had no serious side effects, but its long-term effectiveness remains unknown.
A St. Jude clinical trial has shown promising results in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a new chemotherapy regimen that eliminates irradiation, achieving high event-free survival rates of over 80% and overall survival rates of around 86%. The trial's stringent risk classification and early intensification of chemotherapy le...
Cryptosporidium hominis is a highly contagious parasite that causes watery diarrhea and can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and stomach cramps. The decoded genome sequence holds promise for developing preventive vaccines and pharmaceutical treatments.
A growing epidemic of wet AMD is expected to double diagnoses by 2020, with new treatments in late-phase clinical trials or pending FDA approval showing promise for stabilizing the disease and preserving vision. Innovations in biotechnology offer new options for patients, including anti-VEGF, anti-angiogenic, and angiostatic treatments.
A randomized trial found that physicians who received periodic letters recommending evidence-based drug therapy were more likely to prescribe those drugs. The study, which involved 499 physicians in British Columbia, showed a 30% increase in prescribing of recommended drugs over the preceding 3 months.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that most US malaria deaths are preventable, with human error and inadequate medical care contributing to nearly two-thirds of cases. The CDC has expanded resources available to provide critical information on prevention and treatment of malaria.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective than sleeping pills in treating insomnia. CBT yielded better short and long-term results, including improved sleep efficiency and number of normal sleepers, compared to pharmacological therapies.
A recent study found that over half of patients with COPD are incorrectly diagnosed with asthma, leading to delayed treatment. The study suggests that simple symptom-based diagnostic questions can improve diagnosis rates and improve patient outcomes.
Research finds that many adolescent substance abuse treatment programs in the US are not addressing crucial components, with only 3% fulfilling four-fifths of required elements. However, individual program high scores suggest existing capacity for effective implementation.
A study by Texas A&M University researchers suggests that women using nicotine therapy (NRT) may struggle to quit smoking due to various factors. NRT proved effective in the short term for both men and women, but long-term follow-up revealed that only men benefited from the treatment.
Yale researchers found strong clinical evidence to support treating systolic blood pressure of at least 160 mm Hg in older adults. Treatment decisions should prioritize patient preferences and tolerance of therapy due to limited evidence on benefits.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that patients with minimal or no disability after 10 years of multiple sclerosis (MS) are unlikely to progress and may not need medication. However, those with higher disability scores may still experience worsening symptoms over time.
Researchers identified a key mechanism of trastuzumab resistance, highlighting the importance of PTEN activation and PI3K pathway activity. PTEN-deficient breast cancers show poorer responses to trastuzumab, while inactivation of PI3K rescues cells from resistance.
A study of 2,220 patients with acute coronary artery disease found that early invasive treatment showed a benefit in preventing heart attack or death, especially for older patients. A survey also revealed significant salary disparities between female and male medical faculty members in the US.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has released a new technology assessment recommending against the use of chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assays. The assessment found limitations in the literature, including small sample sizes and low yield of assays, cast doubt on their effectiveness in determining treatment.
Osteoporosis patients in US saw a four-fold rise in doctor visits from 1994 to 2003, driven by new medication availability. This trend shows improved treatment options for osteoporosis, but highlights the need for prevention strategies such as calcium use and physical activity.
A study of 154 hospitalized stroke patients found that antihypertensive therapy was used more frequently than recommended by clinical guidelines. The majority of patients experienced relative hypotension, and one in 20 developed frank hypotension.
A Stanford study estimates that fewer than half of people with osteoporosis have been diagnosed, highlighting the need for better screening and treatment. The study found that new prescription medications have improved diagnosis and treatment rates, but more work is needed to catch cases early.
Research reveals that women are 25% more likely to experience migraines before menstruation and that severe attacks often occur during pre- and post-menstruation intervals. Medication frovatriptan shows promise in preventing menstrually-related migraines, with over half of patients experiencing no migraine attacks.
A study published in Cancer Cell reveals that mouse cells lacking LKB1 and PJS mouse polyps show activation of molecules downstream of the mTOR protein. Researchers suggest that using mTOR inhibitors like rapamycin may be useful for treating PJS patients' polyps and potentially other tumors resulting from LKB1 loss.
The study found that pramipexole and levodopa both significantly reduced motor complications and improved functional outcomes. However, pramipexole had a lower risk of dyskinesias and wearing off compared to levodopa. Both treatments provided similar quality of life, but long-term follow-up is needed to determine superiority.
A study found that intensive management of rheumatoid arthritis patients, involving monthly disease activity score assessment and tailored treatment, led to better outcomes compared to standard routine care. This approach resulted in higher response rates (82% vs 44%) and remission rates (65% vs 16%), without increased costs.
A multi-site trial found that naltrexone injections significantly reduced drinking days and increased abstinence rates compared to placebo. The depot/injection form of naltrexone offered greater medication compliance, efficacy, and fewer adverse effects.