Research on therapies used across medicine and how they perform. Covers weight-loss injections, hormone therapy, stem-cell approaches, pain relief, and drug targets.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has launched a critical care APP education and certification program, covering 11 topic areas including patient-centered care and pharmacology. The CCAPP Certification Exam is now available, with an August 5 deadline to apply for the 2025 exam.
UVA Health received two anonymous $25 million estate gifts to support the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. The institute will develop new treatments for hard-to-treat diseases with a state-of-the-art biomedical research facility expected to drive economic growth in Central Virginia.
Most opioid treatment programs still do not offer all three forms of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as of 2023. Government-operated programs and those accepting Medicare are more likely to provide comprehensive MAT offerings.
A new approach enables hospital pharmacists to rapidly create bespoke medicine cartridges for rare disease patients, boosting access to personalized treatment. The NANOSPRESSO platform could open up treatments for underfunded and underserved rare conditions worldwide.
Researchers developed a multispectral terahertz optoacoustic system to measure blood sodium levels in real time, non-invasively and accurately. The system overcomes challenges of detecting molecules and penetrating tissue layers using optoacoustic detection.
A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found serious quality defects in a significant number of cancer medications from sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers evaluated 251 samples and discovered that one in six medications contained the incorrect quantity of active pharmaceutical ingredient, posing patient safety risks.
A dual-protective approach using Botox and an anti-nausea patch significantly reduces salivary gland toxicity in prostate cancer patients undergoing PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy. This strategy led to a 30% decrease in PSMA uptake by the salivary glands without affecting the treatment's cancer-fighting efficacy.
The new NCCN Guidelines Navigator tool offers an interactive platform for accessing evidence-based guidelines, facilitating easier searching and navigation. The initiative aims to improve patient care and outcomes by providing healthcare professionals with up-to-date recommendations.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have turned a deadly fungus into a potent cancer-fighting compound. The new compound, called asperigimycins, has shown promising results against leukemia cells, rivaling FDA-approved drugs.
A new risk calculator, Clue Post-Surgery VTE Risk Instrument, has been developed to reduce unnecessary overtreatment and undertreatment of postoperative venous thromboembolism and bleeding risks. The tool uses just four inputs and provides evidence-based decisions for clinicians and patients.
Researchers at University of Cologne have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that explains why many patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma don't respond to CAR-T cell therapy. Combining this innovative treatment with CSF1R inhibitors improves its effectiveness, according to the study published in Cancer Cell.
Researchers developed a novel amine-functionalized graphene oxide (NGO) membrane reactor for ultrafast synthesis of propranolol, achieving nearly 100% conversion and selectivity in under 4.63 seconds at 23°C. The NGO membrane exhibited higher catalytic flux and turnover frequency compared to the acidic graphene oxide (GO) membrane.
Physicians from Ruhr-University Bochum used CAR T-cell therapy to treat two patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare autoimmune disease causing paralysis and loss of sensation. The treatment showed rapid and long-lasting effects, with significant improvements in symptoms and functional abilities.
A meta-analysis of over 10,000 patients found that knee braces, hydrotherapy, and exercise are the most effective non-drug therapies for reducing pain and improving mobility in knee osteoarthritis. These treatments offer a safer alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks.
A new international study identified two distinct genetic signatures for complex forms of Alzheimer's disease, with one primarily driven by apolipoprotein E and the other involving a combination of 75 additional genetic variants. This shared biological mechanism is largely consistent across global populations.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant progress in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by combining chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. They found that pre-surgical combination therapy showed promising results, with high rates of pathological complete response and major pathological response.
The BathMat clinical trial evaluates an innovative inflatable pillow designed to make moving intensive care unit patients safer, faster, and less labour-intensive for NHS staff. The trials aim to reduce staff time required for repositioning proned patients and improve patient healthcare outcomes.
A team of scientists from Colorado State University and the University of São Paulo have developed a seismological solution to improve the resolution of ultrasound images for lung monitoring. This breakthrough could lead to improved critical care for patients, including continuous lung monitoring at the bedside. The technique uses seis...
A Cleveland Clinic study found that patients taking injectable GLP-1 medications for obesity lost an average of 3.6% body weight, significantly lower than the 11.9% seen in non-discontinuers. Treatment discontinuation negatively impacted blood sugar control in those with prediabetes.
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine has published a comprehensive guideline on lifestyle interventions for treating and remitting type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. The guideline offers evidence-based strategies for optimizing lifestyle behaviors, sustaining changes, and reducing medication needs.
Researchers discover iguratimod, a rheumatoid arthritis drug, effectively treats excessive COVID-19 inflammation in mice by maintaining antiviral immune responses. The study provides hope for patients with severe COVID-19-related cytokine storms.
The small intestine's epithelial cells and immune cells work together to maintain gut integrity and regulate immune responses. Dysfunction in these cellular networks is linked to systemic diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, and autoimmune conditions.
A cross-sectional study found significant differences in poor mental health among US workers by sociodemographic categories and industry/occupation groups. The findings suggest that work-related factors may contribute to mental health outcomes, underscoring the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers developed a patient-derived organoid library to study chemotherapy resistance in esophageal cancer. Lab-grown mini-tumors showed increased activity in the NRF2 pathway, suggesting potential biomarkers for predicting chemotherapy resistance.
A new study published by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg found that theophylline significantly improved symptoms and quality of life for patients with ADCY5-related dyskinesia. The treatment yielded impressive results, including reduced muscle twitches, improved gait, and better psychosocial well-being.
Stanford researchers have developed a machine learning approach to design proteins that can target specific genomic sites without triggering immune responses. By combining three independent algorithms, the team created zinc finger DNA-binding domains with improved functionality and lowered immunogenicity.
A comprehensive review reveals that early ECT sessions show substantial improvement, but subsequent sessions may lead to diminishing returns and cognitive side effects. The researchers propose a response-guided sequential treatment strategy, categorizing patients into three groups based on their response patterns.
The annual Alzheimer's disease drug development pipeline report, led by Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, highlights an increase in active clinical trials and promising drugs, offering reason for optimism. The report assesses 138 drugs currently being studied and notes the growing importance of biomarkers in clinical trials.
A new study has identified a way to target the viral enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase (vUNG) that helps HSV-1 evade the immune system, allowing reactivation of APOBEC1 and improving survival in infected mice. This approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for treating HSV-1 encephalitis by strengthening brain immunity.
Researchers found that histotripsy treatment reduces tumor hypoxia, triggering an anti-tumor immune response that targets distant cancer cells. This breakthrough understanding may lead to more effective treatment options with less patient side effects.
Rapid advances in cancer treatment have improved long-term survival rates, but current resources and models of care in Canada do not meet the changing needs of people with cancer. The authors propose solutions such as reducing unnecessary surveillance and establishing interdisciplinary specialty clinics.
A large clinical trial found that switching to an experimental drug after liquid biopsy detection of treatment-resistant mutations in breast cancer patients substantially extends tumor control and overall health status. The study, conducted at Weill Cornell Medicine, showed better outcomes compared to standard care.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have made new discoveries about BCG therapy, which has been shown to reprogram and amplify immune cells in the bone marrow, boosting the body's ability to fight cancer. The findings could lead to improved immunotherapies for various types of cancer.
Acupuncture was found to be an effective treatment for nocturia in survivors of prostate cancer, reducing symptoms comparable to other medications while causing fewer side effects. The study suggests acupuncture may offer a new hope for managing this common issue affecting half of prostate cancer survivors.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute developed a peptide therapy called JM2 that targets cancer cells' ability to renew and regrow. The treatment significantly slows tumor growth in animal models and disrupts the maintenance of treatment-resistant cancer cells.
Researchers discovered biomarkers in gut bacteria and metabolites that can help diagnose and treat gastrointestinal diseases. The study found that certain biomarkers could predict multiple diseases, including gastric cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers identify five distinct immunotypes in tongue squamous cell carcinoma, shedding light on why current immunotherapies fail. The study's findings highlight the need for immune-based assessments to guide treatment decisions and suggest a new approach to personalized medicine.
This novel treatment approach yields better weight loss maintenance and cardiovascular risk outcomes compared to standard-of-care treatment. Patient-delivered lifestyle intervention combined with peer support significantly improves weight loss and reduces cardiovascular risk.
The University of Oldenburg has secured funding for three research clusters: Hearing4all, Ocean Floor, and NaviSense. These clusters aim to improve hearing loss prediction, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as animal navigation research. The funding enables the continuation of high-quality research with social relevance.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has released the latest version of the ESMO-MCBS scale, which measures the clinical benefit of cancer treatments. The new version incorporates 13 critical amendments to improve evaluation and accuracy, with a focus on patient preferences and toxicity annotations.
A new combination therapy pairing radiopharmaceutical 177Lu-DOTATATE with DNA-repair blocker olaparib has been deemed feasible and tolerable for neuroendocrine cancer patients. Eighteen patients received the combined therapy, resulting in a 69% disease control rate at six months.
A new smartphone app, ECHAS, can help people determine if they are suffering from a heart attack or stroke and need medical attention. The app, developed by experts at UVA Health and other leading institutions, proved effective in identifying patients with cardiac and neurological emergencies.
A $2.4 million grant will fund the development of an optical imaging technology to image nerve endings in cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The goal is to identify potential biomarkers for the disease, enabling early detection and prevention.
Researchers successfully created over 1000 new biological tools, known as enhancer AAV vectors, that can target specific brain cell types. These tools offer unprecedented access to brain cells and hold promise for targeted gene therapies to correct genetic defects in specific cells contributing to disease.
Scientists have identified a brain molecule called NEAT1 that appears to play a central role in triggering light sensitivity (photophobia) during migraines. By disrupting the normal balance of nerve signaling and pain regulation, NEAT1 makes nerves more sensitive to light.
A retrospective study found that patients with ALS who used REM-suppressing antidepressants had a significantly higher two-year survival rate compared to those without such medications. This breakthrough suggests that inhibiting REM sleep may be a viable treatment option for ALS.
A new study published in Blood Cancer Discovery found that certain gene mutations and the maturity of leukemia cells affect how patients respond to venetoclax and hypomethylating agents. Researchers identified a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia with worse outcomes, particularly those without the NPM1 mutation.
Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism explaining how neurons survive botulinum neurotoxin type A exposure. The research found that specific tRNA fragments interact with key proteins and RNA molecules involved in regulating ferroptosis, supporting neuronal survival by blocking cell death pathways.
A new study published in Neurology Open Access found that an MRI scan can accurately diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) in just 8 minutes, eliminating the need for a painful spinal tap. The study's findings support the use of a T2*-weighted MRI and a 'rule of six' to confirm a diagnosis without lumbar puncture.
A large cohort study found that early antibiotic treatment did not significantly improve outcomes for patients with nonsevere COVID-19. The results argue against routine antibiotic use in this population due to associated risks.
UT Dallas bioengineers have created an enhanced light-activated immunotherapy approach to target advanced stomach cancer. Lab-designed molecules are primed with far-red or near-infrared light to activate the immune system against stubborn cancer cells, reducing side effects.
A new technique using focused sound waves and microbubbles has shown great promise in treating debilitating brain lesions called cerebral cavernous malformations. The approach has halted the growth of lesions almost entirely, offering a potential paradigm shift in treatment.
Researchers found that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is as safe as conventional treatment, with similar side effects and quality of life. SBRT shortens treatment time and may have biological advantages in targeting prostate cancer.
The new international doctoral programme, RAMP-UP, aims to improve regenerative medicine and ATMPs in Europe by training 55 doctoral students from academia, healthcare, and industry. The programme has the potential to revolutionise healthcare with advanced therapies for genetic diseases and cancers.
A recent study found that the average duration of ADHD medication for children and adolescents is more than three years. Long-term effects in children have not been sufficiently studied due to limited data on the safety of marketed ADHD medicines.
GLP1-RA treatment is associated with improvements in quality of life, restrained eating, and emotional eating behavior. The treatment also provides reassurance regarding its psychiatric safety profile.
Researchers have identified conditions under which ultra-high dose rate carbon ion beams can spare normal cells while maintaining tumor control, opening new possibilities for safer radiotherapy. The study reveals a cell-sparing effect under normoxic conditions using higher linear energy transfer values.
A breakthrough all-oral treatment for a rare but deadly strain of sleeping sickness is now available, revolutionizing care for patients in endemic countries. Fexinidazole Winthrop has been approved for use in several African countries and is being distributed by WHO, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.
A 72-week clinical trial found tirzepatide to be more effective than semaglutide in reducing body weight and waist circumference. The study demonstrated that tirzepatide's dual mechanism of action, mimicking both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, is key to its superior performance.