All articles tagged with #treatment breakthrough
Three scientists, including researchers from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and the University of Iowa, received the prestigious Lasker Award for their groundbreaking work that significantly improved cystic fibrosis treatment and extended patient lifespans.
The FDA has approved the first drug, iloprost (Aurlumyn), to treat severe frostbite, marking a significant breakthrough as there were previously no approved therapies for this condition. Iloprost, originally used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs, has shown promising results in a clinical trial, with 0% of patients receiving the drug requiring amputation compared to 60% of those who did not. The drug works by expanding blood vessels and reducing oxidative stress, potentially preventing life-altering amputations for patients with severe frostbite.
A 13-year-old Belgian boy, Lucas, has become the first child in the world to be cured of a deadly brainstem glioma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Lucas responded remarkably well to a cancer drug, causing his tumor to completely disappear. Researchers are now studying the genetic abnormalities of his tumor and creating tumor "organoids" in the lab to potentially develop a new treatment. While this breakthrough offers hope, the development of a new treatment is still a long way off.
Scientists have made a major breakthrough in treating cervical cancer by using a course of existing, inexpensive drugs before radiotherapy treatment. The approach, which involved an intensive six-week course of chemotherapy followed by the standard treatment of radiotherapy, reduced the risk of death or cancer recurrence by 35%. The study, funded by Cancer Research UK, showed the biggest improvement in cervical cancer outcomes in over 20 years. The drugs used are cheap, accessible, and already approved for use, potentially making them a new standard of care. However, the treatment's effectiveness for women with more advanced disease is still uncertain, and side effects such as sickness, nausea, and hair loss can occur.
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in cervical cancer treatment by conducting an international trial led by University College London. The trial found that administering a six-week course of chemotherapy before starting the standard chemoradiation treatment can reduce the risk of premature death from cervical cancer by 35%. This breakthrough could potentially save the lives of hundreds of women affected by the disease, which currently affects 3,200 women annually in the UK and causes 850 deaths each year.
Researchers have announced that the drug donanemab shows promise in significantly slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease by clearing toxic amyloid proteins from the brain. While this represents an important breakthrough in dementia research, experts caution that the benefits may be smaller than initially reported, with an average rate of mental decline slowing by around 35%. The drug does not stop the progression of Alzheimer's or improve patients' conditions, but it may provide a few extra months of stability. Donanemab has shown some side effects, including brain swellings and bleeds, and further research is needed to understand the risks and long-term effects. The drug has not yet been approved for use and will undergo further evaluation before becoming available.
Researchers have discovered an imbalance in brain chemicals, specifically glutamate and Gaba, in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The study found that OCD patients had increased levels of glutamate and lower levels of Gaba in certain brain regions, potentially making those areas hyperactive. The severity of compulsive symptoms correlated with glutamate levels, suggesting a potential target for treatment. Future treatments could focus on re-balancing glutamate and Gaba levels, such as using drugs that reduce glutamate release or deep brain stimulation. Early diagnosis and detection of the chemical imbalance could lead to improved treatments and quality of life for OCD patients.