Clinical Trial News
Lyme Disease Treatment Trials: Generalizability Concerns Highlighted
• A review questions the broad applicability of chronic Lyme disease treatment trials due to patient selection criteria.
• The original study's population had long-term illness and multiple prior treatments, unlike many typical Lyme patients.
• Exclusion of patients with early-stage chronic Lyme or those never treated limits the trial's generalizability.
• The analysis suggests caution in applying trial results to all chronic Lyme disease patients, especially regarding antibiotic treatment.
FDA Approves First Fully Implantable Artificial Heart for End-Stage Patients
• The FDA has approved the AbioCor Implantable Replacement Heart, the first completely implantable artificial heart, for patients with severe heart failure who are ineligible for a heart transplant.
• The device is intended for individuals with acute heart failure who are not candidates for heart transplantation and have a life expectancy of less than a month.
• Clinical trials demonstrated that the AbioCor extended survival by an average of 4.5 months, providing patients with valuable time with family and friends.
• Abiomed Inc. developed the artificial heart, which replaces the patient's own heart and includes a power transfer coil, internal battery, and controller.
New Insights into Bladder Cancer Screening and Awareness Campaign Launch
Recent studies have provided new insights into bladder cancer screening, showing the benefits of early detection. Additionally, a new awareness campaign has been launched by the AUA Foundation and BCAN, with actor Tate Donovan as the national spokesperson.
HonorHealth's Cancer Research Program: A Leader in Clinical Trials and Treatment Innovation
HonorHealth's cancer research program at the HonorHealth Research Institute is at the forefront of cancer treatment innovation, offering patients access to clinical trials from phase I to IV. The program emphasizes early drug development, providing patients with new medications and treatment approaches before they are widely available. With a comprehensive support system, including navigators and concierge services, HonorHealth is dedicated to advancing medical care and improving patient outcomes.
Ceftriaxone Shows Promise in Alleviating Fatigue in Post-Lyme Disease Syndrome
• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed the efficacy of ceftriaxone in treating post-Lyme disease syndrome (PLS) patients with persistent fatigue.
• Ceftriaxone therapy demonstrated a significant improvement in fatigue compared to placebo in PLS patients, as measured by a fatigue questionnaire.
• The study found no beneficial effect of ceftriaxone on cognitive function or experimental measures of persistent infection in PLS patients.
• Due to adverse events and the improvement of only fatigue, the study does not support routine antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone for PLS patients.
FDA Approves Expanded Use of MED-EL Cochlear Implant System
The FDA has approved the MED-EL Cochlear Implant System for a broader range of patients, including adults with bilateral moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss who benefit minimally from hearing aids.
Home-Based Exercise Program Significantly Reduces Knee Pain, Study Finds
A two-year study involving 786 participants with knee pain found that a simple home-based exercise program significantly reduces knee pain and improves physical function. The study highlights the importance of exercise adherence for pain reduction and suggests that social support alone does not improve health outcomes.
Culturally Tailored Interventions Boost Cervical Cancer Screening Among Chinese Women in North America
A randomized controlled trial demonstrates that culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions significantly increase Pap testing rates among Chinese women in North America, highlighting the effectiveness of outreach worker visits and direct mail strategies.
Intensive Chemo Shows Promise in Relapsed Ovarian Cancer
• A new intensive chemotherapy regimen demonstrates high effectiveness in treating women with relapsed ovarian cancer after initial chemotherapy failure.
• The treatment, combining cisplatin and etoposide, achieved an 80% tumor shrinkage rate, with 43% of patients showing complete remission.
• The intensive regimen, involving weekly cisplatin administration, proved more effective than standard therapies, offering new hope for patients with limited options.
• Researchers noted the treatment was well-tolerated, with manageable side effects, and the drugs are readily available for immediate patient benefit.
Early Antithymocyte Globulin Therapy Enhances Survival in Steroid-Resistant Acute GVHD Patients
A study reviewing the treatment of 79 hematopoetic stem cell transplant patients with steroid-resistant acute GVHD using equine antithymocyte globulin (ATG) showed a 32% survival rate at one year. The therapy was particularly effective in patients with skin GVHD and early signs of steroid resistance.