Research on therapies used across medicine and how they perform. Covers weight-loss injections, hormone therapy, stem-cell approaches, pain relief, and drug targets.
Zhen Xu, U-M Engineering professor, wins Golden Goose Award for development of histotripsy, a noninvasive cancer treatment. The technology has been used to treat over 5,000 patients worldwide and has the potential to treat various diseases, including brain diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
A regulator-mandated study found no link between semaglutide use and pancreatic cancer using nationwide registry data from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. The study, funded by Novo, included over 97,000 semaglutide users and compared them to users of other non-incretin antidiabetic drugs.
A Chinese registry report presents real-world perioperative and survival outcomes for surgically treated pancreatic cancer patients, achieving high overall survival rates and encouraging surgical safety metrics. The study emphasizes the need for national-level benchmarks and standardized clinical protocols for pancreatic surgery in China.
A digital therapeutic intervention CT-155 has shown promising results in improving motivation and pleasure negative symptoms of schizophrenia with a small-to-moderate effect size comparable to psychosocial interventions and pharmacologic treatment. CT-155 is a scalable and accessible option for improving schizophrenia negative symptoms.
A study of 955 adults with diagnosed eye conditions found that nearly 19% reported receiving or encountering treatments they believed to be 'bogus'. The survey highlights the importance of clear and evidence-based communication between clinicians and patients in navigating the complex environment of health information and commercial tr...
A novel autologous gene therapy for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome has demonstrated durable clinical benefits in a phase 3 study, with 96% survival at 1 and 5 years. The treatment, etu-cel, has also reduced severe infections and moderate-to-severe bleeding events.
A new, incisionless liver cancer treatment called histotripsy was associated with low rates of laboratory toxicity and procedural complications in a real-world review of 972 patients. However, the study found that 11% of patients died within 30 days, suggesting that advanced cancer and overall disease burden may be contributing factors.
A study found that adding intravenous tenecteplase before thrombectomy in patients with moderate to severe basilar artery occlusion did not improve functional outcomes. The addition of tenecteplase before thrombectomy did not result in improved functional outcomes compared to thrombectomy alone.
Researchers developed a gene-delivery system that converts reactive astrocytes into functional neurons, improving motor recovery in mice and rats. The system, TRANsCre-DIONE, selectively targets scar-forming cells and reprograms them into neurons, which generate nerve impulses and receive signals from other neurons.
A new drug, Kamuvudine K-9, has been shown to preserve nerve fibers and halt neurological damage in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The drug, derived from HIV drugs, has been found to be more effective than existing treatments in restoring function and reducing inflammation.
A randomized clinical trial found that 200-mg/d DNL343 did not slow disease progression in ALS patients, suggesting the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. The study highlights the importance of exploring new treatment options for ALS, a devastating neurological disease.
The guideline establishes a framework for personalized phage therapy, including standardized procedures for selecting and testing phages, infrastructure development, and quality control. Clinical research indicates a favorable safety profile, but efficacy has yet to be fully demonstrated.
The new guidelines, developed by leading experts, focus on improving sepsis care by strengthening systems for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and quality improvement. Emerging technologies, such as next-generation diagnostics and artificial intelligence, are also being explored to enhance sepsis care.
A multicenter randomized clinical trial of 370 nulliparous individuals found that intrauterine mepivacaine instillation significantly reduced pain and improved tolerability during IUD placement compared to placebo saline. The study supports mepivacaine instillation as a simple approach to improve the IUD placement experience.
Young people with HIV who receive injections every eight weeks manage their condition better than those taking daily tablets, according to a study published in The Lancet. The injections suppressed the virus more effectively, with only 1% of participants experiencing viral rebound, compared to 6% on daily tablets.
A recent study found semaglutide to be effective in improving various clinical outcomes in patients with frailty, with greater benefits observed in those with higher frailty indices. The medication demonstrated a positive impact on health-related quality of life, highlighting its potential as a treatment option for this population.
Researchers found that post-transplant cirrhosis cases often reflected recurrence of the original disease, with lower long-term survival rates. The study highlights the need for lifelong surveillance of fibrosis progression after transplantation to improve outcomes.
UCLA researchers are launching a phase 1/2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of JAK inhibitors in preventing immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced type 1 diabetes. The trial aims to test whether these drugs can protect insulin-producing cells in patients who develop diabetes after cancer immunotherapy.
The study confirms the durability of benefit for pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy as a first-line standard-of-care option for recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer. This treatment regimen has been shown to provide a significant advantage over traditional chemotherapy in patients with this type of cancer.
A study published in JAMA found that intravenous loberamisal increased the proportion of patients with acute ischemic stroke achieving full functional outcomes at 90 days. The treatment resulted in a higher proportion of patients regaining full functional abilities compared to placebo.
Weight loss injections can impact reproductive health, and a new study provides evidence-based guidelines for families and health professionals. The guidelines recommend that incretin-based medication therapy should not be deliberately continued throughout pregnancy, but women who used the injections without realizing they were pregnan...
A US study of 20 years of health data found that hormone therapy initiated during peri- or early postmenopause reduces cardiovascular disease risk by 22% compared to those who did not use hormone therapy. The protective effect was strongest among Black women and those who initiated therapy within 10 years of menopause onset.
Researchers have discovered a stem cell that contributes to lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by enlarged ligaments and nerve compression. The stem cell's hyperactivity may lead to the development of new treatment options, including drugs used to manage high blood pressure.
Drexel researchers found converging evidence for three mechanisms that contribute to music-based interventions' effectiveness, including selecting personal music and engaging with it. The study emphasizes the need for more research into music's effects on pain, particularly in individuals with chronic pain.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that bright light therapy lamps can improve sleep, activity levels, and circadian rhythms in older adults with diminished natural light exposure. Higher baseline natural light exposure was associated with better sleep quality, daytime activity levels, and reduced rest-activity fragmentation.
Researchers have created a detailed map of childhood Crohn's disease before and after treatment, identifying specific cell signatures that predict disease severity and treatment outcomes. The study suggests that anti-TNF therapy may push the pediatric cell ecosystem towards more resistant disease.
Rice University bioengineer Michael King joins the Texas Cancer Institute's AI advisory panel to explore AI's potential in cancer research and prevention. The panel aims to ensure responsible and ethical use of AI in biomedical research, with King's expertise in cancer bioengineering playing a key role.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have created a mobile drug delivery platform using polyrotaxanes to simplify targeting the liver. The platform achieves cellular uptake efficiency comparable to conventional systems, while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men, with 60% diagnosed in men 65 and older. Clinical trials like Alliance's help improve early detection and treatment, reducing mortality rates by half since 1993. These trials also explore new treatments and survivorship strategies.
A new theranostic pair, 68Ga/177Lu-NYM096, shows excellent tumor uptake in clear cell renal cell carcinoma lesions and demonstrates early evidence of tumor response in patients. The radiotracer can identify tumors and deliver targeted radiotherapy, mitigating toxicity issues common with treatment.
Researchers developed new guidelines to study molecular biomarkers associated with stroke recovery. The recommendations aim to identify biological signals that can help clinicians determine the most effective therapies for each patient at the right moment. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of creating national biomarker cent...
A large UK study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce the risk of dementia, particularly for women who have undergone surgical menopause. The study, which followed over 180,000 postmenopausal women, found that HRT was associated with a 16% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to non-users.
A review suggests targeting LRG1 could provide a new approach to cancer therapy, with extracellular blockade and intracellular degradation potentially addressing different components of LRG1 biology. This could complement established anti-angiogenic treatments and enhance apoptosis in cancer cells.
UCSF's new center aims to train 1,000 health care providers annually and develop screening tools to identify eating disorders. The center will also serve as a national hub for eating disorders research, connecting investigators across institutions and disciplines.
Researchers found that radiation to the thymus during NSCLC treatment increased cancer spread and mortality risk in patients with relatively healthy thymus. Thymic health scores were associated with T-cell diversity, longevity, and cancer outcomes.
A new blood-based approach developed by Kumamoto University researchers detects breast cancer recurrence by analyzing nucleosome structure in circulating DNA. The study identified genomic regions associated with treatment resistance and recurrence, promising a low-invasive monitoring method for patients.
A nationwide cohort study found that continued ICS use during early pregnancy was not associated with increased risks of maternal or neonatal outcomes. The study highlights the importance of individualized risk assessment while maintaining asthma control, providing reassuring evidence for current guideline recommendations.
Researchers developed a bioinspired lipid nanoparticle that delivered gene-editing machinery to the liver, reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by over 20% and showing fewer signs of inflammation and toxicity. The nanoparticles also demonstrated positive effects on inflammation and healthy blood flow in cell experiments.
A telemedicine-supported home-injection model for patients with breast cancer has shown to reduce treatment burden by improving convenience and saving time. Most patients who completed home injections chose to continue this approach beyond the pilot, but barriers such as insurance denials and higher copayments may limit its broader imp...
The study aimed to determine the proportion of eligible patients consenting to either thyroid lobectomy or total thyroidectomy. It found that 93.5% of patients who would consent to randomization completed the assigned surgery. The results provide valuable insights for targeting enrollment in future multicenter trials.
A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is associated with worsening symptoms of depression. The study examined individual participant data from over 13,000 participants, providing evidence for the potential negative effects of this therapy on depression.
A comparative study of 11,681 US cancer clinical trials reveals that industry-sponsored trials focus on single-agent drug therapies, while federally sponsored trials evaluate nontreatment interventions and rare cancer therapies. The study highlights the differences in trial design and objectives between industry and federal funding.
This randomized clinical trial found spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets reduced myopia progression and axial elongation in children over 24 months. The study supports the use of these lenses as a safe and effective myopia control intervention.
A new app, WeCareAdvisor, has shown promise in improving the quality of life for dementia caregivers by providing a systematic approach to manage behavioral symptoms. Caregivers who used the app reported significant reductions in distress and behavioral symptoms, as well as improved well-being.
Researchers review evidence on potential transmission of amyloid-beta and CAA through blood transfusions, citing a 2023 study that found recipients of contaminated blood had a higher risk of brain bleeds. The authors argue for additional safety measures, citing a cautionary tale from the Infected Blood Inquiry.
A multisite cohort study of 346 adults receiving psilocybin services in Oregon found significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, as well as enhanced well-being and life satisfaction. The study suggests that Oregon's regulated psilocybin services are generally safe and effective for mental health treatment
A cohort study of pregnant females with opioid use disorder found higher discontinuation rates for Black females compared to White females, with less disparity for methadone treatment. Persistent racial and ethnic inequities in treatment retention were observed during and after pregnancy.
Clínica Ruiz / Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna has become the first program accredited through the FACT-JACIE Accreditation Program in Latin America for hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy. The accreditation recognizes 33 years of experience in HCT conducted in unique circumstances, including in a middle-in...
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology emphasizes the significance of clinical trials in advancing breast cancer treatments and early detection. The organization's work has led to a 44% decline in breast cancer mortality rates among women since 1989.
Surzen Biotherapeutics aims to develop effective pain relief without severe side effects by targeting opioid receptor pathways differently. The company plans to use peptides to block dimerization, reducing tolerance and improving efficacy.
A new book by University of Virginia Health System expert Daniel J. Cox outlines a practical alternative to medication for managing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The GEM program emphasizes smart eating, physical activity, and listening to the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
The inclusion of benzodiazepines in airline emergency medical kits is crucial for treating seizures that may occur during flights. Benzodiazepines can effectively manage seizure symptoms and prevent complications.
A new study published in JAMA found that there is significant variation in the time it takes to initiate inpatient management for patients admitted to general medical services. This delays their access to care and potentially affects patient outcomes.
Researchers create engineered extracellular vesicles from red blood cell lipids, evading immune cells and targeting cancer cells. The technology offers flexibility in cargo loading and packaging, enabling delivery of genetic material, proteins, and whole viruses.
Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a wearable microneedle patch called the iNal patch that can detect fentanyl in the body and automatically release naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. The patch uses porous silica nanoparticles loaded with naloxone, which is released when fentanyl levels are detected.
The RadiCaL study, the first randomized trial of a radiopharmaceutical in kidney cancer, found that adding radium-223 to the standard of care does not improve skeletal event-free survival. Patients who received the combination treatment lived a median of 28.3 months, compared with 19.7 months for those who received cabozantinib alone.
Researchers analyzed EBRAINS-hosted brain data to determine that whole-brain activity patterns predict stimulation outcomes better than local recordings. Targeting specific sensorimotor and visual networks reduces response variability by up to 24%. This study highlights the value of open datasets for enabling large-scale analyses.
MIT researchers found that inhibiting caspase-1, an enzyme involved in lung inflammation, reduces the risk of developing tumors. The drug has already gone into clinical trials for other diseases and may be tested as a preventative measure for people at high risk for lung cancer.
Researchers developed a new therapeutic that targets cancer cells without harming healthy ones, significantly shrinking tumors in mice. The treatment, Pro-LYTAC, is activated within tumor cells and directed to lysosomes for degradation, restoring immune recognition of cancer cells.
This retrospective study examines patterns and trends of focal therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer in US cancer centers. Focal therapy procedures remained uncommon, occurring mostly in low-, high-, or very-high-risk disease settings.