Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
Researchers have found that a new FOLFOX4 regimen significantly improves outcomes for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, leading to longer survival times and reduced side effects. The regimen has been shown to extend median patient survival by four months and reduce tumor progression time.
A 12-week study found that Viagra improved erections for 71% of men, compared to 18% on placebo. The medication was well-tolerated with mild side effects, making it a good option for men who need to treat both high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction.
Researchers explore the role of dopamine in the placebo effect, which shows promise for treating Parkinson's disease, depression, and pain. Meanwhile, preclinical studies on bone-marrow stromal cells suggest potential therapeutic benefits for neural injury treatments like stroke.
The LODO study investigates whether low-dose theophylline can improve asthma symptoms and reduce airway inflammation. The therapy may also be more affordable, costing as little as one-fifth of popular asthma medications.
A systematic review found pentoxifylline to be around 50% more effective than placebo in treating venous leg ulcers. The drug's addition to standard compression therapy showed a 30% increase in complete healing rates.
A recent study found that smoking cessation success rates are equally good with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). OTC NRT had higher abstinence rates at six weeks and six months compared to prescription NRT. The study suggests that removing the prescription status of NRT products may promote saf...
The RDCC facilitates collaboration between researchers to develop new diagnostic tests and innovative therapies. Researchers aim to translate scientific discoveries into patient treatment within five years.
A new study shows that VNS Therapy is more effective in treating epilepsy patients when used earlier in their treatment course, resulting in a three-fold improvement in seizure control. The therapy also improves quality of life indicators such as alertness, mood, and verbal communications.
Researchers identified three barriers to adequate dialysis: inadequate prescriptions, catheter use, and shortened treatment time. Interventions addressed these barriers, resulting in higher quality treatment and improved patient outcomes. The study aims to re-examine the federal reimbursement system to encourage high-quality care.
A study led by Kenneth Marek found that pramipexole slows dopaminergic neuronal degeneration compared to levodopa in early Parkinson's patients. Most patients will be treated with both medications, and further research is needed to assess the clinical impact of these findings.
A genetic variant in the adducin gene has been found to be associated with a significant reduction in heart attack and stroke risk when patients take low-dose diuretics. The study found that individuals with this variant were twice as likely to avoid cardiovascular events when treated with diuretics.
A new intracoronary gene therapy has shown promising results in treating stable angina, a condition affecting nearly 7 million people nationwide. The study, led by the University of Vermont, involved 79 patients and demonstrated improved exercise ability compared to placebo groups.
A study by physicians at 10 hospitals in the US and Canada found that continuous doxorubicin infusion for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia does not prevent heart damage, contrary to previous assumptions. The treatment resulted in increased hospitalizations and higher medical costs.
Researchers found that atropine eye drops work as well as patching in treating amblyopia, a condition affecting two to three out of every 100 children. The treatment improved vision in the affected eye, strengthening it and improving overall quality of life.
Researchers found that atropine drops can work just as effectively as patching in treating amblyopia, a condition of poor vision in one eye. Compliance is key, and the drops offer a convenient and stigma-free option for children and older patients.
A study presented at Nutrition Week showed that patients taking weight loss medication Xenical who enrolled in a support programme lost twice as much weight as those who did not (8.5kg vs 4kg). The two-way support improved patient satisfaction, with over 90% of patients worldwide satisfied with their treatment and level of weight loss.
Researchers suggest scopolamine could prevent many deaths from nerve agent attacks by reversing physostigmine toxicity in the brain and central nervous system. Studies show improved survival rates with scopolamine compared to atropine, a standard treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
Certain patient groups continue to experience delays in seeking emergency care, despite public education efforts and improved treatment times. Researchers found elderly patients (over 64), women (35%), black patients (6%), and diabetic patients (25%) are disproportionately affected by late hospital arrivals.
Langer's groundbreaking research in controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering has paved the way for a multi-billion dollar industry. His work has led to the development of novel biodegradable polymers with medical applications, including a FDA-approved treatment for brain cancer that extends patient lives.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy using human blood outgrowth endothelial cells to treat hemophilia A. The treatment, which has shown long-term attainment of robust levels of factor VIII, is promising and may pave the way for testing in humans.
A meta-analysis of six trials involving 31,400 patients found that anti-clotting drugs reduced death risk by 9% overall, but men showed a significant 19% reduction, while women saw no benefit. The treatment effect was greatest in high-risk patients.
The American Academy of Neurology has reviewed new drugs for treating Parkinson's disease, but found that they do not offer significant advantages over existing treatments. Current treatment guidelines remain unchanged, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment decisions.
Research suggests that trauma survivors often underestimate their sleep quality and overestimate their sleep time. Studies have found that with proper treatments like progressive muscle relaxation and stimulus control, traumatic memories can be left behind without impacting sleep., Timely treatment of sleep disorders may prevent PTSD o...
A new study contradicts European clinical trials that excluded stroke patients with early ischemic changes from thrombolytic treatment. After analyzing CT scans, the study found no association between t-PA treatment and increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with early ischemic changes.
The US FDA has approved Tracleer (bosentan) tablets as the first oral treatment for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The medication works by blocking the effects of endothelin on blood vessels, improving exercise capacity and reducing symptoms. Regulatory reviews are ongoing in several countries.
The study found that prehospital administration of the clot-dissolving drug reteplase decreased treatment time by more than 30 minutes at hospitals with average transport times and in-hospital treatment times. The savings exceeded 45 minutes at slower treatment time hospitals, highlighting the potential to improve patient outcomes.
A survey of 310 pregnant women in Zambia found that 74% prefer targeted therapy with resources available, while 60% support mass drug administration if only half the population is targeted. The results suggest that most women would prioritize access to nevirapine over testing.
Paul Roman will investigate how scientific orientations and attitudes impact treatment centers and therapeutic communities, with a focus on retention and resource attraction. His research aims to improve substance abuse treatment systems' quality and stability in dynamic environments.
The US FDA's priority review process for cancer drugs is significantly faster than its European counterpart, EMEA. In contrast to the EMEA's average approval time of over two years, the FDA approves cancer drugs on average within six months.
A study published in The Lancet found that prescription-drug advertisements rarely quantify a medication's expected benefit and instead rely on emotional appeals. This lack of clear information can lead to consumer misinformedness about treatment options and potential side effects.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins report sustained, treatment-free remissions in aplastic anemia patients treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide. After two years or more, 14 of 19 patients remained disease-free, while nearly 65% were in complete remission four years post-treatment.
Combination therapy of perindopril and indapamide significantly lowers blood pressure and reduces recurrent stroke risk. The study found that treatment should be considered routinely for patients with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, regardless of their blood pressure level.
Researchers at UCSD will team up with Celera Genomics to identify and genotypic genetic variations in patients with hypertension, aiming to develop individualized treatment plans based on genetic profiles. The goal is to predict therapeutic drug responses and minimize side effects.
A nationwide survey of over 800 adults found that patients who use both traditional and CAM therapies view their healthcare providers as part of a larger team. More than half of respondents believed CAM therapies were more helpful for certain conditions, but had equal trust in physicians as practitioners.
Robert S. Langer will deliver a presentation on biomaterials and their impact on medicine, revolutionizing drug delivery and tissue engineering. His research has led to groundbreaking treatments for brain cancer, including an FDA-approved treatment that extends patient lives with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that antioxidant treatment produced scattered blistering, lower inflammation, and extensive healing compared to no treatment or acid suppressants. Oxidative damage was a major cause of reflux oesophagitis, suggesting antioxidants should be considered primary treatment alongside acid suppressants.
The Annals series examines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), classifying hundreds of therapies into a new taxonomy. CAM modalities like herbs, acupuncture, and homeopathy are studied, as well as the social context and effectiveness of these practices.
A study assessing guideline quality found 64.6% needed modification, while drug company sponsorship negatively impacted quality. Efforts to promote well-developed guidelines in Ontario are underway.
A new report reveals that bipolar disorder costs the UK over £2 billion annually, with up to 85% associated with lost productivity. The study suggests Risperdal as an effective treatment for acute bipolar mania, improving symptoms by at least 50% in patients.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute propose a new therapeutic target to prevent tissue damage caused by stroke, complementing current clot-dissolving treatments. Administering a Src kinase inhibitor within hours of stroke may reduce brain injury and potentially prevent long-term neurological damage.
A recent study found that nearly half of military women are uncomfortable going on sick call for genitourinary infections while deployed. Women's health issues, including urinary tract infections and vaginitis, can compromise duty performance and cause significant time loss.
Columbia University researchers found that synchronizing light therapy with a person's biological clock doubles its effectiveness as a treatment for winter depression. The most effective time was 8.5 hours after melatonin onset, which can be estimated by examining the patient's sleeping pattern.
Researchers found that half of patients admitted to hospital with life-threatening symptoms of heart failure had diastolic heart failure, a previously under-studied disorder. The study emphasizes the need for further research into treatment options for this common form of heart failure.
Researchers have successfully analyzed diffusion MRI images to distinguish between dead and living brain tumor cells in animals and humans. This technique allows for the assessment of therapy effects without relying on measurable changes in tumor size, enabling earlier detection of treatment response.
A new technique called constraint-induced movement (CIM) therapy has been shown to improve motor functions in stroke patients, even after 14 days. CIM therapy encourages use of the impaired arm and has been found to improve overall arm strength and coordination.
The new guidelines recommend making both Zyban and nicotine replacement therapy available on NHS prescription to help smokers quit. The guidelines also suggest that hospitals should become totally smoke-free zones and provide training and resources for healthcare professionals to support patients in quitting smoking.
A recent study found that newborn boys, especially those born very prematurely, have a higher mortality rate and are more susceptible to complications than girls. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,500 babies up to two weeks old and found that death rates were one in four for boys compared to one in seven for girls.
A new study published in JAMA found that initiating therapy with MIRAPEX delayed the onset of motor complications and reduced their incidence compared to patients on initial treatment with levodopa. At two years, 72% of MIRAPEX-treated patients were free from motor complications.
Researchers found that pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, reduces debilitating complications in Parkinson's patients. However, it may not control disease symptoms as well as levodopa, which carries more side effects.
A study in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research examines gender-specific reasons for treatment retention in private substance abuse treatment programs. Women's staying power is linked to being unemployed, married, and having higher incomes, while men's staying power is related to receiving employer pressure and having a goal to...
Two MS clinical trials halted due to adverse effects confirm the targeted peptide plays a role in the disease. The studies suggest that lower doses are better than higher doses, and immunological tests can determine how targeted therapies work in patients.
The ECCO organisation urges a streamlined process for new cancer drugs, citing long and cumbersome procedures that hinder patient access. Experts warn of the need for harmonisation between regulatory agencies to avoid duplication and shorten the approval process.
Researchers are developing BioMEMs, implant materials and devices that integrate micro- and nanoscale features to affect cellular function. These therapeutic systems use chip technology, material science, and bioengineering to grow heart cells in culture and protect implanted cells with precision.
A study of 27,743 patients found that long-acting calcium channel blockers increased the risk of heart attacks and congestive heart failure by 26% and 27%, respectively. The findings suggest that alternative antihypertensive drugs like diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors may be more effective in preventing cardiovascular events.
A six-month study found that isoflavone-rich soy protein isolate attenuated bone loss in the lumbar spine of perimenopausal women. The treatment group showed a significant reduction in bone mineral density and content compared to the control group. This suggests that soy may be a useful adjunct therapy for preventing osteoporosis in wo...
A study of over 300 heart attack survivors found that only one in four called for help within an hour, while 12% delayed more than 24 hours. Prompt treatment can halve the risk of death from a heart attack, highlighting the importance of swift medical attention.
A new study published at the CINP meeting found that treating patients with schizophrenia with Risperdal resulted in a daily savings of $2.80 US per patient, corresponding to an annual saving of $1,022 US. This cost-effectiveness analysis may translate into significant figures given the high prevalence of schizophrenia worldwide.
Dr. Paul Janssen received the CINP-Pfizer Pioneers in Psychopharmacology Award for his work revolutionizing treatment of psychosis and introducing risperidone, a first-choice antipsychotic worldwide.
Researchers developed a computer-controlled flow delivery device that monitors tracheal pressure and varies the flow of air to prevent apnea. The new technology may lead to alternative treatments for severely affected patients, potentially reducing the need for tracheotomies.
A self-help program using patented software increases smokers' success rates when combined with nicotine replacement therapy, shows a 56% increase in quitting at 12 weeks compared to standard materials. The Committed Quitters program provides tailored behavioral materials to support individuals in their quit attempt.