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Commonly prescribed medications increase fall risk and related injuries in people with COPD

A new study published in the COPD Foundation journal found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at a higher risk of falls and related injuries when taking commonly prescribed medications. The likelihood of falls increases relative to the number of fall-risk increasing drugs used.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateJan 14, 2025

Hair growth drug safe at low doses for breast cancer patients

A study suggests that low doses of the commonly prescribed hair loss treatment minoxidil are safe and effective for regrowing hair in most breast cancer patients. The researchers found that all participants who took a low dose of oral minoxidil saw improvements in hair growth or stabilization within three to six months.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2024

Genetic data from ‘biobanks’ may help improve prediction of effectiveness, side effects of common medications, study finds

A new framework developed by UCLA researchers suggests that genetic data from large libraries of sequenced human genomes can improve the predictive power of genetics in determining how well a patient will respond to commonly prescribed medications and the severity of any side effects. The study, which analyzed data from over 342,000 pe...

Patients with advanced bladder cancer with alterations in the FGFR3 gene respond well to investigational drug, TYRA-300

TYRA-300 shows promise in treating metastatic bladder cancer patients with FGFR3 gene mutations, achieving a 50% overall response rate and 100% disease control rate. The treatment also displays improved tolerability with lower side effects compared to existing pan-FGFR inhibitors.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 24, 2024

Study helps predict how long it will take for testosterone to return to normal after prostate cancer treatment

A new study has found that baseline testosterone, age, and duration of ADT are key predictors of testosterone recovery. The researchers developed a nomogram to estimate recovery times based on patient-specific characteristics, providing valuable insights for improving patient outcomes.

Iron given through the vein corrects iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women faster and better than iron taken by mouth

A recent clinical trial found that an IV iron treatment called ferric carboxymaltose works faster and better than oral iron tablets in treating anaemia during pregnancy. The study showed improved haemoglobin levels and iron correction with the IV treatment, with comparable side effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2024

Solving the side effect problem of siRNA drugs for genetic disease treatment using formamide

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a method to chemically alter siRNAs, reducing off-target effects and improving the safety of siRNA drugs for genetic therapy. By modifying the seed region of siRNAs with formamide, they achieved suppression of off-target effects with higher efficiency than existing chemical modifications.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 6, 2024

Center for BrainHealth investigates the relationship between cannabis use, sleep and memory

A recent study by the Center for BrainHealth found that long-term cannabis use is associated with poorer sleep quality, which in turn affects memory performance. The research, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, involved 141 adults with cannabis use disorder and 87 non-users.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

New study in JNCCN supports chemotherapy option that reduces side effects for people with gastrointestinal cancers

Researchers found that omitting the bolus-specific 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) portion from common chemotherapy regimens improves tolerability without sacrificing treatment effectiveness. The study of 11,765 patients shows no decrease in overall survival but a notable reduction in cytopenias.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateSep 5, 2024

Risks faced by women using anabolic steroids in Australia

A new study reveals critical insights into the challenges faced by women who use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in Australia, highlighting a significant knowledge gap in sports medicine. The research emphasizes the need for tailored harm-reduction interventions and education on AAS use to mitigate risks associated with counterfeit ...

SourceGriffith University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeCase study·DateAug 27, 2024

Distinct pattern in protein production can predict severe side effects from skin cancer treatment

Researchers found that a specific pattern of gene activity can predict which melanoma patients are likely to experience severe side effects from immunotherapy. The study identified a heightened gene signature, known as the spleen tyrosine kinase pathway, as the key indicator of increased risk.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 8, 2024

Recurrent wheezing in children linked to 'silent' viral infections

Research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that nearly a quarter of children with recurrent wheezing have undetected lung infections that do not respond to commonly prescribed steroids. The study suggests that antiviral medications such as azithromycin may be a more effective treatment for these cases.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 8, 2024

Controlling lipid levels with less side effects possible with new drug

Scientists have developed a new compound, ZTA-261, which selectively binds to the thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) to treat lipid disorders. Mice administered the drug showed decreased lipid levels in the liver and blood with fewer side effects compared to existing compounds.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

Lancet Oncology publication establishes imaging guidelines for head and neck cancers, a step toward practice change

The study establishes criteria for identifying extranodal extension on imaging, allowing radiologists to make accurate calls and provide patients with less invasive treatments. This shift towards practice change has the potential to reduce side effects and improve outcomes for patients with HPV-associated head and neck cancers.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 16, 2024

Research shows GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are effective but come with complex concerns

Research shows that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are highly effective for weight management and Type 2 diabetes treatment, but they come with complex considerations such as dosages, side effects, and comparisons between specific drugs. Experts caution against overusing these drugs or viewing them as a universal cure-all for obesity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·DateJun 5, 2024

BTK inhibitor-related cardiotoxicity: the quest for predictive biomarkers and improved risk stratification

Researchers discuss Ibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor approved for chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment, noting 20-25% of patients experience dose-limiting cardiovascular toxicities. A recent study identifies genetic biomarkers, such as KCNQ1 and GATA4, associated with cardiotoxic events, which may improve risk stratification.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 4, 2024