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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

Researchers discover test to predict which patients with rare blood disease will respond to only FDA-approved treatment, and identify alternative therapy

A new precision medicine test has been developed using blood proteins to identify patients with idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) most likely to respond to siltuximab. The study also reveals Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors as a promising alternative treatment option for those who do not respond to siltuximab.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBlood Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2021

Diabetes patients with high deductible health plans experience delays in seeking care

Research found that individuals with diabetes who switched to high-deductible health plans experienced delays in seeking care for symptoms of blood vessel diseases, including cardiac chest pain and transient ischemic attacks. The study suggests that increased out-of-pocket costs lead to changes in healthcare behavior.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 19, 2018

High blood pressure linked to common heart valve disorder

A new study from The George Institute for Global Health at the University of Oxford found a strong link between high blood pressure and mitral regurgitation, a condition that makes the heart less efficient at pumping blood. Lowering blood pressure through exercise, diet or medication may reduce the risk of developing this condition.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 17, 2017

New theory may help demystify pregnancy-related condition

A new theory proposes that preeclampsia is caused by the body's response to insufficient oxygen and nutrient supply to the growing fetus, leading to high blood pressure and organ damage. The condition can have fatal complications for pregnant women and their babies if left untreated.

SourceWiley·JournalAnaesthesia·DateNov 13, 2014

New treatment strategy for blood-clotting disorder

A French study found that intravenous immunoglobulin improved platelet counts in adults with AITP. The study also showed that oral steroids and placebo had similar efficacy rates. The researchers suggest judicious observation for patients without severe bleeding and recommend specific immune-based therapies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 3, 2002

Mayo Clinic researchers develop new antibody

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new antibody test to help diagnose autonomic disorders caused by the immune system. The test detects antibodies that bind to an important protein on autonomic nerve cells, helping physicians evaluate patients with autonomic failure.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 19, 2000

Nine cancer centers share $8.9 million grant to improve treatment for neuroblastoma, a cancer that strikes children

A nationwide consortium of nine institutions aims to improve treatment outcomes for children with neuroblastoma by testing new therapies and sharing research information. The project has already shown promising results in improving disease-free survival rates and may lead to faster development of effective treatments.