Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
A new study by Saint Louis University researchers found approximately 7.8 million Americans living with hyperhidrosis, which can cause anxiety, depression, isolation, and reduced quality of life. The study also revealed that axillary hyperhidrosis affects 4 million Americans, leading to feelings of less confidence and frustration.
A new gene expression profile test could identify which breast cancer patients are likely to respond to chemotherapy, helping reduce unproductive treatment and toxicity. The test uses biopsy samples from primary tumors before treatment and measures the tumor's response to docetaxel.
A new study published in American Journal of Hypertension found that the Resperate device significantly reduced blood pressure in patients with hard-to-control refractory hypertension. The 8-week study demonstrated that daily self-treatment with the device reduced blood pressure, even in those taking multiple antihypertensive medications.
A new DNA array technology test has identified differences in gene patterns that predict which breast cancer patients will respond to chemotherapy. The study, led by Dr. Jenny Chang at Baylor College of Medicine, found that 88% of genes were correctly classified, allowing for personalized treatment strategies.
Researchers discovered a lignin-carbohydrate compound from Prunella vulgaris with potent activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections. The compound showed significant reduction in skin lesions and increase in survival rate in guinea pigs and mice, respectively.
In a clinical trial, patients taking oral topiramate were six times more likely to be continuously abstinent for at least one month. The study also showed significant reductions in plasma GGT levels, indicating improved liver health.
The RESPeRATE TM device is gaining acceptance for its non-drug treatment of hypertension, with a new chapter in the American Heart Association's textbook supporting its therapeutic effect. The device works by reducing sympathetic outflow and peripheral resistance, leading to blood pressure reductions.
A Vanderbilt University study found that mental health carveouts can lead to disruptions in care for the most fragile patients. The study, which analyzed 8,000 patients with schizophrenia, showed that those who received carved-out services missed more days of antipsychotic therapy and saw fewer doctors.
The US has a higher prevalence and lower treatment rate of serious mental illness than many other developed countries. Despite differences in treatment, researchers found similar high proportions of the population with mental disorders across countries.
The American Academy of Neurology identifies five categories of reasons for treatment failure in headache patients. Incomplete or incorrect diagnoses are the most common reason, followed by unaddressed factors that exacerbate the headache. The experts also highlight inadequate medication regimens and lack of non-drug treatment options ...
A study showed that ARICEPT, a leading Alzheimer's treatment, is also effective in treating vascular dementia (VaD). Patients with VaD who received ARICEPT demonstrated significant improvements in cognition and daily living activities. The study suggests that ARICEPT may be an important measure of treatment success for VaD patients.
More than 80% of traumatic brain injury patients surveyed believe alternative medicine (CAM) therapies like massage, meditation, and herbal medicine are effective. However, only half have discussed their use with physicians, raising concerns about the lack of transparency.
A review of 176 patients found that the addition of Keppra led to complete seizure control in 22.3% of patients who had at least 12 months of treatment, with some also experiencing reduction or discontinuation of other anti-epileptic drugs.
A study of over 7200 patients found that budesonide decreased the risk of severe asthma attacks by 44% and reduced the need for systemic steroids. The drug also improved lung function and was well-tolerated, but had a negative effect on growth in children under 11.
Researchers have found that scopolamine and donezepil may be effective in treating nerve agent toxicity by blocking acetylcholine levels. These findings could provide a protective effect against nerve agents like sarin and VX, which cause seizures and death.
Patients with recurring migraines recorded non-headache symptoms in an electronic diary for three months, revealing a consistent pattern of symptoms leading up to the headache. The study suggests that learning to recognize these symptoms can help patients prevent or minimize their migraines, providing a new treatment option.
A comprehensive review of 73 randomized trials on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depressive illness reveals significant efficacy improvements over sham ECT, pharmacotherapy, and unipolar ECT. The study underscores the importance of ECT as a treatment option for managing severe depression.
A study of chronic drug users in Miami-Dade County found that 67% of women reported having a serious injury or traumatic event sometime in their life. The prevalence of such events was higher among women who abused drugs than those who did not, although treatment rates were similar.
Reider's innovative method of integrating drug discovery and development led to the rapid approval of life-saving treatments, including indinavir and Singulair. His approach prioritized getting effective drugs to patients faster, despite acknowledging the risks involved.
Researchers found that bystanders correctly administered the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) directions 96% of the time, detecting key symptoms like arm weakness and slurred speech. This ability can allow untrained adults to act as 'eyes and ears' for emergency dispatchers, potentially improving stroke diagnosis and treatment.
Researcher Tammy Chung highlights findings from four studies tracking adolescents with alcohol problems after treatment. These studies found that at least half of treated teens showed reductions in alcohol use and problems, while some continued to experience issues through young adulthood.
Researchers describe groundbreaking cognitive therapy approach that helps people with schizophrenia identify and challenge negative thoughts, leading to significant symptom reductions. The therapy, combined with medication, offers hope for those who have not responded to traditional treatments.
A recent study conducted at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that weekly injections of the hormone 17-alpha-hydroxprogesterone caproate reduced pre-term birth risk by 34% in high-risk women. The treatment was also shown to be effective in African American and non-African American women.
Dutch researchers found a possible link between IVF and eye cancer in children. The study suggests that IVF children are 5-7 times more likely to develop retinoblastoma, a rare form of childhood eye cancer. Researchers are now calling for closer follow-up and monitoring of IVF-conceived children.
Researchers have successfully treated a patient with TTP, a rare blood disorder affecting 3,000 Americans annually, by suppressing the immune system. The treatment involves using immunosuppressive drugs, which target the underlying problem of the immune system attacking its own tissues.
A 12-week study shows candesartan cilexetil significantly reduces headache days and sick leave in patients with migraines. The medication's benefits are associated with good tolerability, making it an exciting alternative to current therapies.
The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) revealed that diuretic chlorthalidone is more effective in controlling hypertension than other drugs. The study, involving over 33,000 participants, showed that patients require multiple medications to manage blood pressure effectively.
Researchers have developed a light-sensitive polymer switch that enables the reversible control of endoglucanase enzyme activity. The technique utilizes two light-sensitive polymers, DMAA and DMMAm, to block or unblock active sites on proteins.
A new definition of transient ischemic attack (TIA) is proposed to improve stroke treatment, focusing on brain injury rather than arbitrary time limits. The revised definition aims to increase the use of clot-busting medication and reduce delays in treatment.
A study found that Advair Diskus can reduce inhaled corticosteroid doses by 60% without compromising asthma control. The treatment, which combines an inhaled long-acting bronchodilator and corticosteroid, was shown to improve pulmonary function, symptom-free days, and albuterol use in patients requiring higher doses of corticosteroids.
Researchers aim to make substance abuse treatment more accessible and effective in community settings by adapting existing therapies. The NIDA initiative tests innovative approaches, including brief family therapy, computer-based training, and community reinforcement methods.
A new research network aims to develop and test integrated approaches to treating incarcerated individuals with drug abuse disorders. The National Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Study (CJ-DATS) will forge partnerships among NIDA, researchers, and practitioners to provide evidence-based treatment services.
A study found that patients with less severe drug problems at the start of treatment achieved better outcomes, regardless of treatment type or duration. Patients who remained in treatment had improved results compared to those who relapsed.
Researchers found that the average economic cost of residential treatment was $4,912, while the average benefit was $21,329. This suggests a net benefit of $16,418, supporting the economic value of residential addiction treatment.
Research suggests that low-grade glioma patients treated with early radiotherapy have impaired cognitive abilities, particularly memory. High doses of radiotherapy (over 2 Gy) exacerbate this effect. The study's findings imply that radiation therapy should be cautiously applied to asymptomatic patients and used in moderation.
A study involving 83 elderly women found that patients with depression, limited autonomy, and institutional living are at risk of toxicity and reduced treatment effectiveness. Dr. Gilles Freyer's research aims to evaluate risks and benefits for elderly patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Physicians must consider ethical obligations when treating patients using alternative medicine, including risks and benefits of therapies. A list of factors to aid risk-benefit analysis has been provided by authors, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and in-depth discussions with patients.
Otitis media is a common childhood infection with rising antibiotic resistance; the Lancet Infectious Diseases review calls for targeted larval mosquito strategies. A systematic review of over 5000 women also finds that cheap spermicide gels are ineffective in reducing HIV-1 and other STIs.
A U.S.-Russian team has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis, with a new compound showing marked decreases in lung presence and symptoms. The SciClone Pharmaceuticals-Verta project is a milestone for scientific collaboration between U.S. industry and former Soviet researchers.
A new agreement between NIDA and SAMHSA will facilitate the dissemination of research findings from NIDA's treatment research to practitioners across the US, enhancing treatment practices. The initiative aims to reduce the time between discovering an effective treatment and its adoption in community-based care.
A researcher has reviewed over 350 clinical studies to find evidence-based therapies for stroke prevention, highlighting the underutilization of anti-coagulation therapy in high-risk patients. The study aims to make this evidence accessible to clinicians to improve healthcare outcomes.
As patients access health information online, doctors may take on advisory roles, helping patients make informed decisions. Despite internet accessibility, patients trust doctors more than online sources, ensuring the profession's continued relevance in society.
A study found that emotional outbursts are linked to a higher risk of dropping out of treatment, while seeking alternative rewards can help. Participants who engaged in rewarding activities not involving chemical use had lower risk of relapse and longer stay in treatment.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the transmission rate of drug-resistant HIV had more than doubled among patients in North America. The study, which analyzed over 300 patients, revealed a significant increase in the prevalence of viral mutations associated with resistance.
Cornell researchers have found that a longer infusion time of boronophenylalanine is needed to effectively target cancer cells in brain tumors. The new finding has the potential to improve the success of boron neutron capture therapy, which has shown moderate success in treating tumors but struggles with aggressive cell clusters.
A new genetic screening method has been developed to predict the behaviour of Wilms' tumour in children. Genes on chromosome 1q are overexpressed in tumours that relapse, suggesting that identifying subgroups at presentation could improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing an innovative drug delivery device using liposomes to target damaged areas of arteries in cardiovascular disease. The device aims to improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates associated with cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that more frequent ivermectin treatment reduced the number of female worms responsible for the disease by one third. Higher doses or frequency did not provide additional benefits, but were associated with some visual disturbances in patients.
A study of 50 healthy postmenopausal women found that a specific exercise program reduced the risk of vertebral fractures and retained benefits for eight years after completion. The exercise group had lower bone density loss and better back strength than the control group.
A study by NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse found that integrated medical and substance abuse treatment significantly increased patient continuation rates. Over half of patients who received comprehensive care entered outpatient substance abuse programs, compared to just 2.4% of those receiving standard care.
Kytril was found to be significantly more effective than dolasetron in controlling acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The study, led by Dr. Marianne Tan, showed that 69.2% of patients treated with Kytril experienced total control of nausea and vomiting, compared to 23.1% for dolasetron.
A study found that Actonel significantly slows deterioration in trabecular bone microarchitecture after just one year, while a placebo had no such effect. This suggests that protection of bone microarchitecture may play an important role in bone health.
A new analysis shows that Actonel reduced the risk of nonvertebral osteoporotic fractures by 74 percent within one year in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The effect was observed as early as six months, and the study included 1172 patients who received either placebo or Actonel 5 mg daily.
A new analysis reveals that early intervention with Actonel significantly reduces the risk of first vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. The study found a 75% decrease in fracture risk among women treated with Actonel, compared to those on placebo.
A study of Chinese in-patients with first-time schizophrenia reveals a genetic alteration associated with increased bodyweight and drug-induced weight gain. The research suggests a predictive test could determine a patient's likelihood of developing this side effect, allowing for personalized treatment.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that cardiac resynchronisation therapy systems improved NYHA functional class, six-minute walk distance, and quality of life for patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure. The treatment also reduced hospitalisations by 50% and hospital days by 77%.
Researchers found that most articles reporting new treatment results only used the most favorable statistic. Only 18 out of 359 articles reported 'absolute-risk reduction', and none reported 'number needed to treat'. Complete reporting is crucial for informed patient decisions.
Researchers developed a test to predict which patients with locally advanced breast cancer are likely to respond to chemotherapy, and found it was accurate 100% of the time. The test used radiotracer uptake and washout rates to identify patients who would benefit from specific drugs to boost their response.
A six-week study of 246 black men found that Viagra significantly improved erections and sexual intercourse ability compared to placebo. ED was a common problem among black men, affecting 24% of those aged 40 and above. Treatment with Viagra was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects observed.
The FDA has approved Actonel 35 mg once-a-week for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, showing a significant increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density at 12 months. The study found that once-a-week dosing is therapeutically equivalent to daily dosing.