FLINDERS UNIVERSITY

Patient-Reported Physical Function Predicts Daratumumab Efficacy in Multiple Myeloma Patients

2 months ago

• New research reveals patient-reported physical function serves as a superior prognostic indicator for multiple myeloma treatment outcomes compared to traditional physician assessments. • Patients with lower self-reported physical function experienced the most significant survival benefits from daratumumab therapy, with a 47% reduction in mortality risk and 66% lower disease progression risk. • The findings from three major clinical trials involving 1,804 participants challenge current assessment practices and advocate for integrating patient-reported outcomes into routine clinical decision-making for personalized treatment.

Accessibility of Clinical Trial Data for Top-Selling Medicines Shows Improvement, But Challenges Remain

6 months ago

• A recent audit reveals that 64% of clinical trials supporting FDA approval for top-selling medicines in 2021 are eligible for independent data access, marking progress in transparency. • Data sharing rates are higher among pharmaceutical companies utilizing independent platforms, suggesting third-party management enhances transparency and reduces potential conflicts of interest. • Despite progress, 32% of trials were ineligible for data sharing, and 4% required a full research proposal, highlighting ongoing challenges in data accessibility. • Researchers emphasize the need for pharmaceutical companies to improve data accessibility, especially for trials pivotal to product approval, to foster trust and benefit researchers and patients.

Study Finds No Increased Vulnerability to Criminals Among Adults with Autism

7 months ago

• A new study challenges the assumption that adults with autism are inherently more susceptible to criminal manipulation due to difficulties in interpreting others' intentions. • Researchers found that autistic and non-autistic adults responded similarly to suspicious behavior in role-playing scenarios, with no significant difference in recognizing criminal intent. • The study emphasizes that individual mind-reading abilities, rather than an autism diagnosis, are the critical factor influencing vulnerability to crime. • Experts suggest formally assessing mind-reading difficulties in autistic individuals involved in criminal cases, rather than assuming vulnerability based solely on diagnosis.