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New study in JNCCN finds disturbing lack of key leukemia medication

A recent study published in JNCCN found that only 31% of hospitals have immediate availability of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a crucial blood cancer medication. This medication is essential for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia, which has a better prognosis when treated appropriately. The lack of ATRA availability poses a signi...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeSurvey·DateNov 16, 2021

Staying on long-term antidepressants reduces risk of relapse

A new study by UCL researchers has found that staying on long-term antidepressants reduces the risk of relapse by 39% compared to those who stop taking them. The study involved 478 primary care patients and found that 56% experienced a relapse within a year if they discontinued their medication, while only 26% did so after a full year.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2021

Only a minority of those with alcohol use disorders receives medication

A study found that only about 2-2.5% of individuals with alcohol dependence in Sweden receive alcohol medication, highlighting unequal provision of treatment across sociodemographic factors and co-morbid conditions. The research suggests low knowledge among physicians and patients, as well as preference for psychological treatment over...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2021

OU-MRU: A berry vine found in Asia proves useful in combating lung cancer

A research team from Okayama University has reported the potential of a berry-producing vine, Vitis coignetiae Pulliat (Yamabudo), against lung cancer in mice. The study found that extracts from Yamabudo and its chemical compounds display tumor-suppressing properties by repairing DNA damage and suppressing growth signaling pathways.

SourceOkayama University·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

New 10-year patient safety analysis highlights areas for improvement in acute medical units

A new study analyzes 377 severe harm and death incidents in acute medical units across England and Wales between 2005-2015. The most common incident types were diagnostic errors, medication-related errors, and failures in monitoring patients. Implementing electronic prescribing systems and checklists can reduce diagnostic errors, while...

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2021