MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'clinical trial'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:48:11 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181801&cid=t_93711_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fapixaban-finally-showing-superiority-over-warfarin-in-clinical-trial%2F2011.09.01 With the publication of “Apixaban versus Warfarin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation” (the ARISTOTLE trial) in the New England Journal of Medicine, the third drug in a series of medications designed to attack thrombin in the clotting cascade. The study was announced with quite a fanfare in Europe as cardiologists, financial analysts and reporters gushed forth with ‘mega-blockbuster’ praise this past weekend. And for good reason. This is the first trial to conclude that (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr. Wes* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181801 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0100 5181801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159670&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F22%2Fparp-inhibitor-olaparib-has-activity-in-high-grade-serous-ovarian-cancer-without-inherited-brca1-or-brca2-gene-mutations%2F Researchers affiliated with the British Columbia Cancer Agency reported Phase 2 clinical study results indicating that advanced ovarian cancer, with and without germline (inherited) BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutations, responded to treatment with the PARP inhibitor olaparib. The Phase 2 study results were published online in the August 21 edition of The Lancet [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159670 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:39:54 +0100 5159670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158863&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F21%2Fpubmeds-higher-sensitivity-than-ovid-medline-other-published-cliches%2F Is it just me, or are biomedical papers about searching for a systematic review often of low quality or just too damn obvious? I’m seldom excited about papers dealing with optimal search strategies or peculiarities of PubMed, even though it is my specialty. It is my impression, that many of the lower quality and/or less relevant papers are [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158863 Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:21:49 +0100 5158863 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139644&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F14%2Frip-statistician-paul-meier-foster-parent-not-father-of-the-rct%2F This headline in Boing Boing caught my eye today:  RIP Paul Meier, father of the randomized trial Not surprisingly, I knew that Paul Meier (with Kaplan) introduced the Kaplan-Meier estimator (1958), a very important tool for measuring how many patients survive a medical treatment. But I didn’t know he was “father of the randomized trial”…. But is he really?: [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139644 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 21:55:48 +0100 5139644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130671&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F14%2Frip-statistician-paul-meier-foster-parent-not-father-of-the-rct%2F This headline in Boing Boing caught my eye today:  RIP Paul Meier, father of the randomized trial Not surprisingly, I knew that Paul Meier (with Kaplan) introduced the Kaplan-Meier estimator (1958), a very important tool for measuring how many patients survive a medical treatment. But I didn’t know he was “father of the randomized trial”…. But is he really?: [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130671 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 21:55:48 +0100 5130671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077768&cid=t_93711_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F29%2Fdbs-for-depression-still-mixed-results%2F Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment long used for Parkinson’s disease. But in the past decade, some researchers have also examined its use for the treatment of severe clinical depression. Severe major depression is a serious problem in society, because some studies estimate that up to 30 percent of those who attempt to be treated for it find they have “treatment resistant” depression — that is, traditional treatments simply don’t work very well. Deep brain stimulation has mixed results. As we reported on back in February, a long-term followup of 20 patients found an average response rate to DBS of 64 percent. Not shabby, but also not the hopeful, guaranteed cure it was once held out to be. Maiken Scott, the behavioral health reporter for Philadelphia... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077768 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:39:07 +0100 5077768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062246&cid=t_93711_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-effective-are-antidepressants%2F2011.07.24 Antidepressant drugs have been getting a bad rap in the media. I’ll just give 3 examples: On the Today show, prominent medical expert Tom Cruise told us Brooke Shields shouldn’t have taken these drugs for her postpartum depression. In Natural News, “Health Ranger” Mike Adams accused pharmaceutical companies and the FDA of covering up negative information about antidepressants, saying it would be considered criminal activity in any other industry. And an article in Newsweek said  “Studies suggest that the popular drugs are no more effective than a placebo. In fact, they may be worse.” Yet psychiatrists are convinced that antidepressants work and are still routinely prescribing them for their patients. Is it all a Big Pharma plot? Who ya gonna believe? Inquiring minds want ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062246 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 16:00:36 +0100 5062246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028517&cid=t_93711_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FTIy93UnlV6M%2F I was doing some research on clinical trials and it is much more complex than I dreamed!  First of all, any new treatment must go through numerous stages of testing before its benefits and risks can completely be known.  New treatments are discovered in the laboratory and it can take many years of research before they are given to patients.  Why?  Because it is essential to identify that the new treatment is actually better than what is already available.  These research studies are also called clinical trials.  If a treatment has definite potential in the final stages of development, then research is carried out in patients with the particular type of illness that the treatment aims to help.  Furthermore, I always believed that clinical trials were only regarding drugs, and that is... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028517 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:37:10 +0100 5028517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976202&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FoTKlwddQleA%2F Recruiting patients for clinical trials is increasingly tricky, especially in the US, where many people remain uninterested in participation. In many cases, drugmakers are also hard-pressed to find ‘treatment naive’ patients - those who are not on other meds. The Internet, however, has opened up a new source of potentially willing participants, since so many seek health info online. But how likely are they to enroll and what might prompt them to do so? A recent survey of 179 adults, who were queried through postings in online health communities, finds that 84 percent have never participated in a trial. But of those, four of five would do so. And the reasons cited most often: 22 percent would enroll if a drug offered a cure and 21 percent if they could help find a cure. Online o... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976202 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:22:57 +0100 4976202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934740&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F11%2F2011-asco-exelixis-reports-expanded-cabozantinib-xl184-phase-ii-data-for-advanced-ovarian-cancer-six-deaths-reported%2F Exelixis, Inc. reported expanded Phase 2 study data with respect to cabozantinib (XL184) use in advanced ovarian cancer patients at the recent 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. The overall solid tumor Phase 2 safety and tolerability data reference six deaths, including two ovarian cancer patients. Exelixis, Inc. reported expanded Phase 2 study [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934740 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:10:03 +0100 4934740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921731&cid=t_93711_147_f&fid=39273&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FePharmaSummit%2F%7E3%2FJaHatnEnfUE%2Fpfizer-looks-to-mobile-to-help-with.html Pfizer is one of the first companies to look to mobile tools to help recruit and run a clinical trial that will not need their participants to step foot in a clinic. In the new trial for Detrol, Pfizer will compare the data collection and value to the traditional methods of collecting clinical trail data. According to Mobi Health News, This allows any one in the nation to participate in the trial. Pfizer sees this as one way to potentially cut costs off of the rising price to bring drugs to market. Janet Woodcock, MD, director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at FDA recently stated, “Modernization of clinical trials is a key initiative of FDA. We commend Pfizer’s progress on the REMOTE pilot and encourage all manufacturers considering other novel ideas in advancing clinical tr... ePharma Summit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921731 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:16:00 +0100 4921731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921689&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F09%2F2011-asco-additional-phase-iii-study-data-support-the-potential-role-of-avastin-in-newly-diagnosed-recurrent-ovarian-cancer%2F Positive results from two bevacizumab (Avastin®) phase III clinical studies were presented at the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting on June 4. The data reported add to the growing body of evidence in support of bevacizumab use to treat recurrent and newly-diagnosed ovarian cancer. Positive results from two bevacizumab (Avastin®) phase III [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921689 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:15:13 +0100 4921689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902643&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F05%2F2011-asco-ec145-demonstrates-85-percent-improvement-in-progression-free-survival-for-treatment-of-platinum-resistant-ovarian-cancer%2F EC145, in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil®/Caelyx®) in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, met its primary endpoint by showing an 85 percent (2.3 month) improvement in median progression-free survival in the intent-to-treat population, and a 260 percent (4.0 month) improvement in a subset of folate receptor positive patients. The final EC145 phase 2 clinical study data were presented [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902643 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 05:08:29 +0100 4902643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893809&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F03%2F2011-asco-entremed%25e2%2580%2599s-enmd-2076-demonstrates-clinical-activity-in-recurrent-platinum-resistant-ovarian-cancer-patients%2F EntreMed, Inc. announced that ENMD-2076 demonstrated clinical activity — a six-month progression free survival rate of 19% – when administered as a single agent to platinum drug-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer patients. The announcement is based upon interim phase 2 data presented today at the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.  EntreMed, Inc., a clinical-stage [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893809 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 05:10:24 +0100 4893809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893810&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F03%2F2011-asco-matching-targeted-therapies-to-specific-tumor-gene-mutations-key-to-personalized-cancer-treatment%2F Customizing targeted therapies to each tumor’s molecular characteristics, instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach by tumor type, may be more effective for some types of cancer, according to research presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting by the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. In patients with end-stage disease, matched patients achieved a 27% [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893810 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 03:36:14 +0100 4893810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872258&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Falzheimers-and-bapineuzumab-j-will-seek.html J&J Will Seek FDA Approval by 2013 for Alzheimer’s DrugBloomberg NewsBy Alex NussbaumMay 26, 2011 10:38 AM CTRead the news article (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872258 Thu, 26 May 2011 17:09:00 +0100 4872258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862926&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fq283udIKjWI%2F In another effort to shed light on untoward relationships, the FDA has just issued a draft guidance on financial conflicts of interest for clinical investigators and the drugmakers that enlist their assistance. The document is designed to revise a 10-year set of rules and address an issue that has grown increasingly contentious in recent years. “During the intervening years, interest has grown in the public disclosure of industry financial arrangements with physicians,” the agency writes. The “FDA is striving to achieve a proper balance between transparency and the right to privacy of clinical investigators with respect to their financial arrangements as expressed in the agency’s protection of privacy regulation.” The guidance would require any drugmaker to submit... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862926 Tue, 24 May 2011 15:43:46 +0100 4862926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841885&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F19%2Fasco-2011-genetic-biomarker-predicts-taxane-drug-induced-neuropathy%2F A new study has identified the first genetic biomarkers for taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy, a potentially severe complication of taxane chemotherapy that affects nerves in about one-third of patients with cancer receiving such treatment. ASCO Releases Studies From Upcoming Annual Meeting – Important Advances in Targeted Therapies, Screening, and Personalized Medicine The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) today highlighted [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841885 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:39:33 +0100 4841885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841886&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F19%2Fasco-2011-novel-multi-targeted-agent-cabozantinib-xl184-has-significant-effect-on-several-advanced-solid-tumors%2F Cabozantinib (XL184) demonstrated high rates of disease control in patients with prostate, ovarian and liver cancers. The investigators concluded that cabozantinib exhibits clinical activity in ovarian cancer patients with advanced disease, regardless of prior platinum drug status, as reflected by the high rates of response.  ASCO Releases Studies From Upcoming Annual Meeting – Important Advances [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841886 Thu, 19 May 2011 21:53:46 +0100 4841886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841887&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F19%2Fasco-2011-maintenance-therapy-with-parp-inhibitors-could-play-important-role-in-treatment-of-recurrent-ovarian-cancer%2F A randomized phase II clinical trial showed that the oral PARP inhibitor drug olaparib (AZD2281), given after chemotherapy, improved progression-free survival in women with the most common type of recurrent ovarian cancer. ASCO Releases Studies From Upcoming Annual Meeting – Important Advances in Targeted Therapies, Screening, and Personalized Medicine The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) today [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841887 Thu, 19 May 2011 18:03:58 +0100 4841887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841888&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F19%2F2011-asco-screening-with-ca-125-transvaginal-ultrasound-does-not-reduce-ovarian-cancer-death-rate-results-in-high-number-of-false-positives%2F Findings from a large, long-term study – the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial – showed that using a CA-125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound for early detection of ovarian cancer did not reduce the risk of dying from the disease, and resulted in a large number of false positives and related follow-up [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841888 Thu, 19 May 2011 15:56:18 +0100 4841888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4759043&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FF7d0dGHppWA%2F Top of the morning to you. Gray skies are hovering over the Pharmalot corporate campus, but our spirits remain sunny. And why not? This inspires us to trot out one of our favorite sayings, courtesy of the morning mayor: ‘Every brand new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift.’ So while you tug on the ribbon, here are a few items to get you started. Have a great day, everyone, and smile… Merck To Buy Back Up To $5 Billion In Stock (Reuters) Teva Resumes Manufacturing At California Site (Orange County Business Journal) J&J Agrees To Buy Synthes For $21.3 Billion (Bloomberg News) Supreme Court Skeptical About Vermont Data Mining Law (Bellingham Herald) Lupin May Wait To Sell Birth Control Pills In The US (Bloomberg News) Merck And Biogen Expand Facilities In North... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4759043 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:54:02 +0100 4759043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653509&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F28%2Fphenoxodiol-used-in-combination-with-platinum-or-taxane-based-chemotherapy-is-active-in-platinum-taxane-resistant-ovarian-cancer%2F Phase II clinical study results suggests phenoxodiol is active in platinum and taxane drug-resistant ovarian cancer patients when administered intravenously in combination with platinum or taxane-based chemotherapy Marshall Edwards, Inc., an oncology company focused on the clinical development of novel therapeutics targeting cancer metabolism, recently announced the publication of results from a phase II clinical [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653509 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 04:23:51 +0100 4653509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642716&cid=t_93711_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fwhat-medicine-can-teach-economists-and.html There's a lot doctors can learn from other professionals - and there's a lot doctors can teach others as well !An interesting "recent" innovation in economics is the introduction of "controlled trials" to determine the true impact of interventions to help alleviate poverty. Common sense would suggest that giving the poor loans will them help to turn around their lives - but in reality, this is not what usually happens. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and "aid" can often end up killing initiative ; fueling waste and corruption; and breeding dependence ! Handouts don't always work well - and it's easy to waste a lot of money very quickly ! The only way to find out what works and what does not work is to perform experiments in the field - something which doctors are very good ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642716 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 03:38:00 +0100 4642716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600675&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Falzheimers-current-pipeline.html FierceBiotechResearch has an article which presents a very brief overview of the current Alzheimer's disease drug pipeline:It is available at the link below:Making sense of the Alzheimer's drug pipelineFierceBiotechResearchMarch 15, 2011 — 7:53am ETBy Howard LovyRead the full articleIf this area is new to you, the article will give you the names of some candidates that you can learn about with as part of your introduction. There are many other overview articles and public resources. You might wish to cross reference the names cited here with ClinicalTrials.gov database.If you are a Brain Awareness Week visitor, you can visit the Alzheimer's Association or other national organizations in your country to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and dementia. (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600675 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:59:00 +0100 4600675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592642&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F15%2F2011-nccn-conference-new-treatment-options-lead-to-steady-progress-against-ovarian-cancer%2F Recommendations stemming from recent clinical trials highlight notable updates to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) for Ovarian Cancer at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) 16th Annual Conference. Although finding effective screening tools remains a priority, new treatment options for women with ovarian cancer, such as the ones outlined in the [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592642 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 01:20:30 +0100 4592642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566339&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FP09cTmu9FyE%2F In recent years, the meta-analysis has taken on new prominence. These are, of course, not new studies, but detailed reviews combining results of several studies in order to address a hypothesis. Perhaps one of the most high-profile examples was published in 2007 in The New England Journal of Medicine and determined the Avandia diabetes pill led to a greater chance of cardiovascular risk. However, the meta-analysis has also been criticized as an imperfect beast, since sources of bias are not controlled by method, which is considered a weakness. A new study, though, has found another reason to take issue - most meta-analysis authors are not examining whether the authors of the underlying randomized, controlled clinical trials have disclosed conflicts of interest. Specifically, of 29 meta-ana... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566339 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:59:53 +0100 4566339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560519&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F07%2F2011-sgo-annual-meeting-ovarian-cancer-abstracts-selected-for-presentation%2F The March 2011 supplemental issue of Gynecologic Oncology sets forth the ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer-related medical abstracts selected by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists for presentation at its 42nd Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer™, which is being held in Orlando, Florida from March 6-9, 2011. The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) is hosting its 42nd Annual [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560519 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:39:54 +0100 4560519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507580&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F-Jr6GgyKRVI%2F What if patients believed a drug will not work? Or expected that a med will work? Can such notions actually have an affect on efficacy? Well, a new study suggests patient views can, indeed, alter outcomes. A brain imaging study of patients at Oxford University demonstrated that altering patient views could enhance or diminish the efficacy of strong painkillers, PharmaTimes writes. In reaching this conclusion, the researchers put 22 healthy adult volunteers in an MRI scanner, administered an intravenous line containing Ultiva, an opioid-based painkiller, and applied heat to a leg at a level where pain was felt. And guess what? An initial control pain rating of 66 (out of 100) fell to 55 when the painkiller was given secretly, but then dropped to 39 after patients were told they received tre... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507580 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:59:27 +0100 4507580 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183538&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FyBd3vLakqQw%2F First, some drugmakers caught the transparency bug. Now, a big regulator has been infected. As of next week, the European Medicines Agency will provide clinical trial data on request for every drug that has been reviewed, and hopes to publish reports on its web site within five years, according to Bloomberg News. The move came in response to a long-standing request from researchers at the Nordic Cochrane Centre for trial reports on three obesity drugs - Roche’s Xenical, Abbott Lab’s Meridia and Sanofi-Aventis’ Acomplia - in hopes of determining whether published data corresponded with the detailed reports submitted to the EMA, the news service continues. The researchers sought the reports in June 2007, just after an FDA panel rejected Acomplia over suicide concerns (see this). Th... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183538 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:01:16 +0100 4183538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179467&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F18%2Fexelixis-reports-promising-interim-data-from-ovarian-cancer-patients-treated-with-xl184%2F Exelixis reports promising interim data from ovarian cancer patients treated with XL184, including:  a  32% confirmed response rate per RECIST in patients with platinum-resistant or platinum-sensitive disease, and a 64% overall week-12 disease control rate. Exelixis, Inc.  today reported interim data from the cohort of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179467 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:03:41 +0100 4179467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179468&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F17%2Fparp-inhibitor-mk-4827-shows-anti-tumor-activity-in-first-human-clinical-study%2F MK-4827, a new drug that targets proteins responsible for helping cancer cells repair their damaged DNA, has shown promising anti-tumor activity in its first human clinical trial. MK-4827, a new drug that targets proteins responsible for helping cancer cells repair their damaged DNA, has shown promising anti-tumour activity in its first human clinical trial. Some patients with [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179468 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 06:34:33 +0100 4179468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164583&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Ftop-10-phase-iii-failures-of-2010.html From FierceBiotech, an interesting report:Full article: Top 10 Phase III Failures of 2010 (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164583 Sat, 13 Nov 2010 21:23:00 +0100 4164583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134253&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FQOHWDa0KH9k%2F Will this be a big step back for MannKind? A former MannKind exec has filed a lawsuit charging the drugmaker fired him in retaliation for alleging that scientific misconduct involving clinical trial data for the fledgling Afrezza diabetes drug was withheld from the FDA. The charges, which concern clinical trial sites in Russia and Bulgaria, were made by John Artidi, a former senior director for regulatory affairs, TheStreet writes. In the lawsuit, which was filed in a New Jersey state court two months ago, Arditi claimed he uncovered evidence of potential scientific misconduct at the sites and informed MannKind execs. At a site in Russia, for instance, he charged patients enrolled in the study had the same blood pressure readings at each visit for several months, but and so the finding cou... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134253 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 22:05:33 +0100 4134253 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4036590&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F06%2Fhow-will-we-ever-keep-up-with-75-trials-and-11-systematic-reviews-a-day%2F An interesting paper was published in PLOS Medicine [1]. As an information specialist and working part time for the Cochrane Collaboration* (see below), this topic is close to my heart. The paper, published in PLOS Medicine is written by Hilda Bastian and two of my favorite EBM devotees ànd critics, Paul Glasziou and Iain Chalmers. Their article gives [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4036590 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:45:04 +0100 4036590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3729869&cid=t_93711_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2Fxb8dZCXYPVw%2F By Glenna Crooks. Rittenhouse Square in Philly, a holiday weekend and great weather made for the perfect place for light reading this weekend. I got magazines with the intention of doing just that – and did. It was great to be outside on warm, breezy days. However, my mood soured about half way into Spirituality&Health, reading an article about a possible new cancer therapy. It describes the observations of Mamdooh Ghoneum, PhD: cancer cells are attracted to, ‘eat’ heat-killed baker’s yeast and then die. That’s good news. It happens in labs and in mice, who apparently suffer no side effects. That’s good news, too. Approval for testing in other animals is pending. I hope he gets it. We need progress in the healing of people with cancer. Why the sour mood? Dr. Ghoneum is hero... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3729869 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:39:29 +0100 3729869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3726594&cid=t_93711_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2Fxb8dZCXYPVw%2F Rittenhouse Square in Philly, a holiday weekend and great weather made for the perfect place for light reading this weekend. I got magazines with the intention of doing just that – and did. It was great to be outside on warm, breezy days.  However, my mood soured about half way into Spirituality&Health, reading an article about a possible new cancer therapy. It describes the observations of Mamdooh Ghoneum, PhD: cancer cells are attracted to, ‘eat’ heat-killed baker’s yeast and then die. That’s good news. It happens in labs and in mice, who apparently suffer no side effects. That’s good news, too. Approval for testing in other animals is pending. I hope he gets it. We need progress in the healing of people with cancer. Why the sour mood? Dr. Ghoneum is hero enough for maki... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3726594 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:39:29 +0100 3726594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718645&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F01%2Fclinical-conundrums-choosing-the-best-management-approaches-in-patients-with-ovarian-cancer%2F On June 16, 2010, Clinical Care Options Oncology released a Microsoft Powerpoint Presentation entitled, “Clinical Conundrums:  Choosing the Best Management Approaches in Patients With Ovarian Cancer.” The presentation provides the most recent data on managing patients with ovarian cancer in the frontline and recurrent setting and in specific clinical scenarios. On June 16, 2010, Clinical Care [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718645 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:53:12 +0100 3718645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706670&cid=t_93711_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FNf6GszCZ5So%2F By Phyllis Greenberger. I just love this—it happens every time. Leave it to the news media to decide whether something is a real health issue or not. That they know little or nothing about the medical condition doesn’t stop them. The latest example is Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a condition that affects as many as 20% of women. It is a loss of desire or libido without any other concurrent medical condition. But, if these journalists (and I use that term loosely) haven’t heard of a condition, especially this one because it has to do with female sexual dysfunction, they are sure a drug company made it up. I heard this with PMDD, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome. The media and a few doctors said there was no such thing in each of these situatio... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706670 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:57:55 +0100 3706670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3666227&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FRGDjRXl_eDU%2F Between 2004 and 2007, the number of clinical trial investigators who are regulated by the FDA fell 5.2 percent in the US and 6.1 percent in Europe, while increasing 16 percent in Eastern Europe, 12 percent in Asia and 10 percent in Latin America, according to a new survey from the Association of Clinical Research Organizations. Why are investigators in the US and Western Europe dropping out? We know that pharma can runs trials more cheaply overseas. But what do investigators say? Well, 70 percent of respondents believe current regulations make trials difficult to manage. They cited such issues as medical liability (42 percent in the US vs. 20 percent in Western Europe), conflict of interest rules and mandates that docs disclose financial relationships with pharma. File this under backlash... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3666227 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:50:05 +0100 3666227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662738&cid=t_93711_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F06%2F15%2Fpsychologist-says-antidepressants-are-just-placebos%2F I will dutifully report on yet another professional’s opinion about the research literature on antidepressants. This time the “antidepressant is just a placebo effect” argument comes from a psychologist. Irving Kirsch, a professor of psychology at the University of Hull in the U.K., says that antidepressants are nothing more than fancy and expensive placebos. He, of course, does not say this in a vacuum. No, of course not. He’s saying this in promoting his new book, The Emperor’s New Drugs (which, you know, is a “funny” play on the phrase “the emperor’s new clothes”). Read on for a quick deconstruction of his argument (his argument as presented in an interview online, anyways). The crux of the issue for me comes down to a question s... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662738 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:55:54 +0100 3662738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3625773&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fs5ATp06PrMM%2F As part of its get-tough posture on patient safety and industry conduct, the FDA has issued a new guidance for disqualifying clinical trial investigators. The 10-page document, which the agency notes does not establish a “legally enforceable” set of responsbiliites, nonetheless, spells out the possible consequences for messing with a clinical trial. Basically, this reads like the primer it’s intended to be on agency thinking. Take a look to learn about disqualification proceedings, consent agreements and even the possibility of criminal prosecutions. Who should read this? Lots of folks - drugmakers, doctors and, of course, institutional review boards, which will likely have their hands full understanding regulations (see this). (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3625773 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:23:14 +0100 3625773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3590475&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F21%2Fasco-releases-studies-from-upcoming-2010-annual-meeting%2F Yesterday, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) made available more than 4,000 medical abstracts which are publicly posted online at www.abstract.asco.org. A hyperlink to the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting ovarian cancer abstracts is provided below.  The ASCO Annual Meeting will be held June 4-8, 2010 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Yesterday, the American [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3590475 Sat, 22 May 2010 00:08:58 +0100 3590475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538230&cid=t_93711_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fivf-and-alternative-medicine-best-of.html Many IVF patients these days use acupuncture and will often ask me whether it's fine to do so or not . I advise patients to explore additional alternative medicines options such as yoga as well. Some of my patients think that the fact I am advising this stuff means I must be a quack. Others are happy that I have an open mind and am willing to explore alternatives with them.I never want my patients to feel they have left any stone unturned. The truth is that many patients will explore alternative medicine without telling their doctor. I prefer taking a proactive approach, so they know I am on their side, and that they do not need to hide anything from me !I am quite happy with this approach if the intervention is simple , harmless and inexpensive. I then feel that it's worth trying, even if... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538230 Thu, 06 May 2010 10:01:00 +0100 3538230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501683&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F23%2Fparp-inhibitor-olaparib-benefits-women-with-inherited-ovarian-cancer-based-upon-platinum-drug-sensitivity%2F Olaparib (AZD2281), a new type of cancer drug known as a “PARP inhibitor,” produced promising results in patients with platinum-refractory, platinum-resistant, and platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer linked to an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. A new type of cancer drug — known as a “PARP inhibitor” — produced promising results in patients with ovarian cancer linked [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501683 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:38:57 +0100 3501683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3433033&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day.html CONCLUSION: There are spontaneous recovery of post-stroke aphasia within 3 months. Donepezil may facilitate the recovery in spontaneous speech, comprehension, repetition, and naming functions.PMID: 20356506 [PubMed - in process] (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3433033 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:58:00 +0100 3433033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416176&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-ms-surpass-clinical.html Study Evaluating Rebif, Copaxone, and Tysabri for Active Multiple Sclerosis (SURPASS):ClinicalTrials.gov Description===Corporate press release=== (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416176 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:32:00 +0100 3416176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3403979&cid=t_93711_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Felectronic-health-records-and-clinical-trials-incentive-integrate As we wait for the federal government to finalize important sections of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), there is a lot of talk about the financial incentives for implementing electronic health records (EHR). And understandably so. Practices that implement an EHR under the federal government’s guidelines stand to gain nearly $50,000 in incentives over the next five years. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3403979 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:18:36 +0100 3403979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3390867&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day_20.html Santoro A, Siviero P, Minicuci N, Bellavista E, Mishto M, Olivieri F, Marchegiani F, Chiamenti AM, Benussi L, Ghidoni R,Nacmias B, Bagnoli S, Ginestroni A, Scarpino O, Feraco E, Gianni W, Cruciani G, Paganelli R, Di Iorio A, ScognamiglioM, Grimaldi LM, Gabelli C, Sorbi S, Binetti G, Crepaldi G, & Franceschi C. Effects of donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine in 938 italian patients with Alzheimer's disease: A prospective, observational study. CNS Drugs. 2010 Feb 1; 24(2): 163-176. doi: 10.2165/11310960-000000000-00000.Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Bologna, Via S. Giacomo 12, Bologna, Italy.Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) have been used to improve cognitive status and disability in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, while the e... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3390867 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:49:00 +0100 3390867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346414&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F09%2Fthe-placebo-homeopathy-effects%2F Ben Goldacre is the man behind the book “Bad Science“, the blog “Bad Science” (http://www.badscience.net/) and the weekly Bad Science column in the Guardian. He is a medical doctor who specializes in “unpicking dodgy scientific claims made by scaremongering journalists, dodgy government reports, evil pharmaceutical corporations, PR companies and quacks.“ One of Ben’s favorite subjects [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346414 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:15:08 +0100 3346414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3331440&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Falzheimer-disease-alzheimers.html A press release from earlier today by Pfizer:Pfizer And Medivation Announce Results From Two Phase 3 Studies In Dimebon (latrepirdine) Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Development Program[snip] "About the CONNECTION Study"CONNECTION is a Phase 3, multi-national, double-blind, placebo-controlled safety and efficacy trial involving 598 patients with mild-to-moderate AD at 63 sites in North America, Europe, and South America. Patients had a mean age of 74.4 years and a mean score of 17.7 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) upon entry into the study. More than 40 percent of the patients enrolled were in the United States. In the study, patients were randomized to one of three treatment groups, receiving dimebon 20 mg three times a day (TID), dimebon 5 mg TID, or placebo TID for six month... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3331440 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:22:00 +0100 3331440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3311889&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F25%2Fgenentech-announces-positive-results-of-avastin-phase-iii-study-in-women-with-advanced-ovarian-cancer%2F Genentech announces positive results of Avastin Phase III study (GOG 218) in women with advanced ovarian cancer. The study showed that women who continued maintenance use of Avastin alone, after receiving Avastin in combination with chemotherapy, lived longer without the disease worsening compared to those who received chemotherapy alone. This is the first Phase [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3311889 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:40:30 +0100 3311889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3290893&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fneurodegenerative-disease-drug.html From Fierce Biotech:UCSF enters drug discovery agreement with GenentechPosted February 19, 2010"The University of California, San Francisco has signed a partnership agreement with Genentech, Inc., a wholly owned member of the Roche Group, to discover and develop drug candidates for neurodegenerative diseases."Through the agreement, Genentech will provide funding and its research acumen in neuroscience and will collaborate with UCSF to identify small molecules."Read the full article (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3290893 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 09:24:00 +0100 3290893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3290894&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Ftraumatic-brain-injury-progesterone.html From The Guardian:Sex hormone progesterone may save lives after brain injuryA major clinical trial will test whether the female sex hormone can minimise damage and improve recovery after brain injuryIan Sample, San Diegoguardian.co.ukFriday 19 February 2010 21.30 GMTAn article about the proTECT III clinical trial.Read the article===Here is the ClinicalTrials.gov entry for this study: proTECT III === (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3290894 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:31:00 +0100 3290894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3269661&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F01%2Fnotsofunny-ridiculing-rcts-and-ebm%2F I remember it well. As a young researcher I presented my findings in one of my first talks, at the end of which the chair killed my work with a remark, that made the whole room of scientists laugh, but was really beside the point. My supervisor, a truly original and very wise scientist, suppressed [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3269661 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:28:37 +0100 3269661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3227701&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F01%2Fnotsofunny-ridiculing-rcts-and-ebm%2F I remember it well. As a young researcher I presented my findings in one of my first talks, at the end of which the chair killed my work with a remark, that made the whole room of scientists laugh, but was really beside the point. My supervisor, a truly original and very wise scientist, suppressed [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3227701 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:28:37 +0100 3227701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3220485&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F29%2Ffriday-foolery-15-the-man-who-pioneered-the-rct%2F This BMJ video certainly belongs on a blog like this, focussing on EBM. This video shows “John Crofton who pioneered the randomised controlled trial in a 1948 BMJ paper which looked at the antibiotic streptomycin to treat TB. Now in his 90s, Dr Crofton talks to Colin Blakemore about the importance of randomisation and blinding, [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3220485 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:34:51 +0100 3220485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3205006&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-clinical-trials.html Novartis, Merck KGaA Pills Bring ‘New Horizon’ for MS (Update1)By Naomi KresgeBloomberg20 January 2010"Jan. 20 (Bloomberg) -- The first oral medicines for multiple sclerosis from Novartis AG and Merck KGaA may offer patients who are willing to run the risk of infections and other side effects an easier route toward treating the debilitating neurological disease, according to three studies."(The drugs are immunosuppressive.)Read full article (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3205006 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 07:09:00 +0100 3205006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092651&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F16%2Fnot-one-rct-on-swine-flu-or-h1n1-outrageous%2F Last week doctorblogs (Annabel Bentley) tweeted: “Outrageous- there isn’t ONE randomised trial on swine flu or #H1N1“ Annabel referred to an article at Trust the Evidence, the excellent blog of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) in Oxford, UK. In the article “Is swine flu the most over-published and over-hyped disease ever?” Carl Heneghan first showed [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092651 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:46:49 +0100 3092651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039740&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F30%2Fcomplementary-medicine-pharmacists%2F I don’t know if the situation is the same in other countries, but in the Netherlands we can only get prescribed medications in pharmacies. Drugstores are only allowed to sell over-the counter (OTC) medicines. Most Pharmacies have a small shop of 5 square meters (besides a large storage room). What surprises me is that the counter [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039740 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:05:54 +0100 3039740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963293&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F04%2F%25c3%25a6terna-zentaris-lhrh-receptor-targeted-therapy-aezs-108-produces-positive-preliminary-results-in-advanced-stage-ovarian-cancer%2F Preliminary Phase II clinical study evaluation shows that primary efficacy endpoint has been met for patients with advanced-stage, platinum-resistant, taxane-pretreated ovarian cancer who were treated with the targeted therapy AEZS-108. Æterna Zentaris Inc. , a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology, today announced positive efficacy data from a Phase II study with its [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963293 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:39:09 +0100 2963293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916403&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F21%2Fendocytes-ec145-produces-significant-anti-tumor-activity-in-advanced-stage-chemoresistant-ovarian-cancer-patients%2F Endocyte, Inc., … presented data from a Phase 2a clinical trial for EC145, … In 49 women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer, EC145 was shown to have anti-tumor activity in a significant percentage of participants in the trial. …[T]he overall disease control rate, defined as stable disease, partial or complete response to therapy, was 40.8 [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916403 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:00:40 +0100 2916403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862145&cid=t_93711_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV052.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Scott Hammer, MD On episode #52 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent and Dr. Scott Hammer talk about different types of AIDS vaccines and how they are tested in clinical trials. Download TWiV #52 (51 MB .mp3, 71 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: PAVE 100 trial cancelled HIV vaccine shows promise for the first time Description of the Thailand AIDS program NEJM review on why AIDS vaccine is difficult (pdf) Arguments for the AIDS vaccine trial in Thailand International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) Send your virology questions and comments (email or mp3 file) to twiv@twiv.tv or leave voicemail at Skype: twivpodcast. You can also send articles that you would like us to discuss to d... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862145 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:49:40 +0100 2862145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832371&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F24%2Fmodified-chemo-regime-increases-survival-in-advanced-ovarian-cancer-patients-but-adds-toxicity%2F Women with advanced ovarian cancer lived longer and without their tumors growing after receiving a modified regimen of a standard chemotherapy drug combination, Japanese researchers reported last week. In a large phase III clinical trial, women who received carboplatin every 3 weeks and a reduced dose of paclitaxel (Taxol®) once a week for 3 weeks [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832371 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:44:57 +0100 2832371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757938&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Facadias-pimavanserin-and-parkinson.html FierceBiotech reported today about a failed Phase III trial of Acadia's Pimavanserin in a study of Parkinson's Disease Psychosis (sometimes abbreviated as "PDP"):ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Announces Results from Phase III Trial of Pimavanserin in Parkinson's Disease Psychosis Pimavanserin Misses Primary Endpoint of Antipsychotic Efficacy; Meets Key Secondary Endpoint of Motoric Tolerability[snip]SAN DIEGO -- Sep. 1, 2009-- ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD) today announced top-line results from the first pivotal Phase III trial with pimavanserin in patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis, or PDP. The study did not meet its primary endpoint of antipsychotic efficacy as measured using the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, or SAPS. Pimavanserin met the key secondary endpo... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757938 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:20:00 +0100 2757938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2703843&cid=t_93711_107_f&fid=36698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fminingdrugs.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fweb-for-patients-pets-and-scientics.html (via Jean-Claude Bradley) The panel discussion from Jimmy Wales (founder of Wikipedia), John Wilbanks (VP Creative Commons), and Stephen Friend (founder of sage) highlights a few examples of the web for scientists, pets, and patients.Army of women for breast cancer trials (driven by Susan Love)Post-clinical trials, or patients sharing treatment details with each other - PatientsLikeMePetDiabetes WikiJohn Wilbanks made some really nice statements reflecting a deep understanding in the web and scientific world out thereActually, the scientific process is not so different from Wikis, in one you publish paper-by-paper, in Wikis you publish edit-by-edit. Though it might be a little slow and top-down.In life sciences we have to be aware that we are talking about an evolved system (life), not a d... Mining Drug Space blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2703843 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:49:00 +0100 2703843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699735&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fc-span-3-airing-alzheimers-disease.html C-SPAN-3 is currently airing an earlier session by the subcommittee on aging on the topic of Alzheimer's Disease. All C-SPAN channels can be streamed online.Information about the program can be found here. (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699735 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:07:00 +0100 2699735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2695491&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Ffda-datscan-radiopharmaceutical-and_12.html Following up on a posting earlier this week:From a General Electrics press release11 August 2009FDA ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS DaTSCAN™ (Ioflupane I 123 Injection) PRINCETON, NJ--GE Healthcare announced today that the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs advisory committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has voted to recommend DaTSCAN (Ioflupane I 123 Injection) to the FDA. The panel determined DaTSCAN has a favorable risk to benefit profile, voting 11 to two with one abstention.The proposed indication for DaTSCAN is for the visualization of the dopamine transporter (DaT) distribution within the striata by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging in patients presenting with symptoms or signs suggestive of dopaminergic neurodegeneration.In May 20... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2695491 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:45:00 +0100 2695491 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667554&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day.html Lu PH, Edland SD, Teng E, Tingus K, Petersen RC, Cummings JL & Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Group. (2009) Donepezil delays progression to AD in MCI subjects with depressive symptoms. Neurology, 72(24):, 2115-2121.Departments of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the presence of depression predicts higher rate of progression to Alzheimer disease (AD) in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and whether donepezil treatment beneficially affect this relationship. METHODS: The study sample was composed of 756 participants with aMCI from the 3-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study drug trial of donepezil and vitamin E. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667554 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:14:00 +0100 2667554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2630234&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Falzheimers-disease-amyloid-jitteriness.html A Bloomberg News report about the state of clinical trials of those Alzheimer's disease candidates in the processes/stages in amyloid levels and amyloid deposition: read article here (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2630234 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:21:00 +0100 2630234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2630236&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Falphavax-prepares-for-clinical-trials.html Alphavax, of Research Triangle Park, reported completing preclinical work and is developing product for clinical trials of its H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine, per company press release (click here).GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) tasks order for 195 million doses of vaccineThe Times (UK) click here (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2630236 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:57:00 +0100 2630236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2615417&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fhbos-alzheimers-project.html The HBO series The Alzheimer's Project can be viewed online at the HBO website: Click here (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2615417 Sat, 18 Jul 2009 21:41:00 +0100 2615417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576505&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F07%2Fdoes-the-insulin-lantus-glargine-cause-cancer%2F Last week my eyes were caught by a post of Kevin MD at his blog entitled “Does insulin cause cancer, and should you stop taking Lantus?”. Kevin linked to the blog of Dr. Mintz, a board-certified internist, who had a strong opinion on this. Dr. Mintz  posted 3 blog articles on the matter, entitled: [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576505 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:05:00 +0100 2576505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510204&cid=t_93711_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amplifypublicaffairs.net%2Fharkin-society-letter-on-ce.pdf With all the chatter and perhaps now “ twitter” about health care reform, one area has gotten a lot of attention and it is an issue that is near and dear to the Society for Women’s Health Research—that is comparative effectiveness research (CER). Since it is accepted knowledge that women and minorities were not, and are still not, to the degree they should be, included in clinical trials, there is much we are learning and still do not know about sex and ethnic differences in terms of prevention, diagnosis and treatment. My concern with CER, therefore, is how differences in effectiveness and treatment will be determined. Several genetic, hormonal, environmental factors influence health and disease in particularly different ways in women and men. Because of that, CER must study both ... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510204 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:52:48 +0100 2510204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512799&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F18%2F2009-asco-annual-meeting-highlights-ovarian-cancer-select-general-issues%2F The 2009 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting was held in Orlando, Florida from May 29 through June 2, 2009.  We provide below select highlights from the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting that relate to ovarian cancer and other general issues. The 2009 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting was held in Orlando, [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512799 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:11:35 +0100 2512799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2408700&cid=t_93711_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FJRv2GdngmoI%2Fmental-activity-and-exercise-trial-for.html This study indirectly addresses an issue that is on the mind of many on this list, and the growing number of people related to someone suffering from Alzheimer's -- what can I do to ward off dementia or Alzheimer's.The test are designed to see if exercise and mental activity improve memory in older people. Right now, the only testing location is in San Francisco, Ca (University of California, San Francisco).The researchers are seeking additional funds to lengthen the research period and expand the study. Detailed Description:SPECIFIC AIMS AND HYPOTHESESAim 1: To determine whether a 12-week, computer-based mental activity program improves cognitive function in non-demented, inactive elders.We hypothesize that this mental activity program will improve cognitive function—especially visuosp... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2408700 Fri, 15 May 2009 14:13:25 +0100 2408700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405977&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F12%2Fupci-launches-clinical-trial-for-patients-with-hereditary-breast-and-ovarian-cancers%2F “The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) will be the primary site for a clinical trial of ABT-888, a drug previously proven in combination treatments to improve chemotherapy’s effectiveness by lowering cancer cells’ resistance to treatment. This trial will, for the first time, examine ABT-888 as a single agent for patients with cancers related to [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405977 Wed, 13 May 2009 01:59:01 +0100 2405977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390260&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F06%2Fpattern-of-genetic-faults-could-predict-whether-an-ovarian-cancer-patient-will-respond-to-common-chemo-drugs%2F “… A pattern of genetic defects in tumours could indicate whether ovarian cancer patients will respond to common chemotherapy drugs before treatment starts, reveals a Cancer Research UK study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences … The researchers studied patterns of gene expression that indicate high levels of abnormal chromosomes or [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390260 Thu, 07 May 2009 01:16:10 +0100 2390260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2389931&cid=t_93711_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F06%2Fthe-problem-with-phase-iii-clinical-trials%2F Phase III clinical trials are the final phase of research needed before a drug receives U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Two fairly large-scale studies are needed and they need to show the drug is both safe and effective on the subjects tested. There’s been a long-standing problem with such clinical studies, however, one that the FDA has long been aware of but powerless to fix. They are purposely designed to employ stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria that may exclude a substantial portion of the population. In other words, the people the drugs are studied on are not representative of the people that will actually be receiving the drugs once approved. In other words, Phase III clinical studies are stacked in favor of finding positive results for the medicatio... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2389931 Wed, 06 May 2009 09:06:31 +0100 2389931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390343&cid=t_93711_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2F1VhEabPH_kE%2Fwhat-is-clinical-trial.html Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate and test new drugs, medical devices, medical procedures, or combinations of treatments.Most people believe that clinical trials are limited to testing drugs. This is not the case.A good example is the Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Study which is designed to identify the genes that are responsible for causing Alzheimer's Disease. This clinical trial started in 2002 and is still recruiting participants.You might be surprised to learn that there are ongoing clinical trials for new dental products, back pain, headaches, sleeping disorders, and just about anything you can imagine.Most clinical trials pay for out of pocket costs like travel, and some pay a fee for participation. The drug or product is supplied free of charge to study participants... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390343 Tue, 05 May 2009 17:26:53 +0100 2390343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2381446&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F30%2Fa-weekly-combination-of-topotecan-docetaxel-produces-clinical-benefit-in-heavily-pretreated-ovarian-cancer-patients%2F Recurrent and metastatic endometrial and ovarian cancers can be notoriously difficult to treat. … Physicians at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University showed that a combination of two chemotherapy drugs not only produced clinical benefit for such patients but were also well tolerated.  The results of this phase II study were published [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2381446 Fri, 01 May 2009 04:42:16 +0100 2381446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2375785&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F27%2Fsome-sugars-worse-than-others-the-bittersweet-fructoseglucose-debate%2F Excessive consumption of sugar has been associated with increased incidences of type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, obesity and tooth decay. There are many sugars around. Natural sugars and refined sugars. The refined table sugar and sugar cubes would be called “sucrose” by a chemist. Sucrose consists of two simple sugars (monosaccharides): 1 fructose and [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2375785 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:11:40 +0100 2375785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349510&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F20%2Fpersonalized-medicine-helps-breast-colorectal-ovarian-cancer-patients-survive%2F “Cancer patients can survive longer under treatments based on their individual genetic profiles, according to a nationwide study released jointly today by Phoenix-area healthcare organizations. The study shows that molecular profiling of patients can identify specific treatments for individuals, helping keep their cancer in check for significantly longer periods, and in some cases even shrinking [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349510 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:33:00 +0100 2349510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349591&cid=t_93711_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FirwkWfECNiM%2Fdimebon-added-to-donepezil-in-patients.html --New 12-month study broadens Phase 3 clinical program to further evaluate the benefits of Dimebon in Alzheimer's Disease--The CONCERT study is part of a broad, Phase 3 clinical development program for Dimebon. The study builds on data from a small-scale safety and tolerability trial of Dimebon added to donepezil, which found the combination to be well tolerated. CONCERT is designed to complement previous and ongoing studies by further evaluating the efficacy of Dimebon. The Phase 3 program also includes the confirmatory 6-month CONNECTION study, which is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Dimebon monotherapy in patients with mild-to-moderate AD and builds on results of the first pivotal trial of Dimebon in AD. "Due to the complexity of Alzheimer's disease, the condition often... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349591 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:59:55 +0100 2349591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349597&cid=t_93711_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FhMQVzl3E4N8%2Fstatins-do-not-protect-against-dementia.html Bernadette McGuinness and her colleagues analyzed the findings of two large clinical trials probing the health effects of statins: one study investigated the effects over five years of simvastatin (Zocor) in 20,536 patients; a second study followed 5,804 patients taking pravastatin (Pravachol) for an average of 3.2 years. Participants in these trials ranged in age from 40 to 82. In both studies, the odds of developing Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia were about the same among patients taking statins and not taking statins.Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via EmailStatins do not protect against dementiaCholesterol-busting statins may lower the odds of suffering from a heart attack or stroke, but they don't appear to ward off dementia as researchers had hoped, a new review o... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349597 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:47:00 +0100 2349597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347669&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F13%2Fstill-confusion-about-the-usefulness-of-psa-screening%2F Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer affecting older men and second-biggest cancer killer. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), a protein mainly produced by the prostate gland, is often elevated in prostate cancer - and often proportional to the prostate cancer volume. Since more men are diagnosed with prostate cancer by using PSA screening, middle-aged [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347669 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 23:53:03 +0100 2347669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326616&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F07%2Fcnto-328-shows-promise-for-ovarian-cancer-in-small-clinical-trial-say-uk-scientists%2F British scientists have developed and clinically tested a drug that could prolong the lives of ovarian cancer patients. A clinical trial of the drug, codenamed CNTO328, has been carried out at the Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine, which is part of Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. … The drug is an [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326616 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 03:04:22 +0100 2326616 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326617&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F07%2Fgog-reports-on-evaluation-of-pemetrexed-in-treatment-of-recurrent-platinum-resistant-ovarian-cancer%2F A phase II Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) clinical study found that pemetrexed (Altima®)-an antifolate antineoplastic agent that disrupts folate-dependent cell replication metabolic processes-is sufficiently active in the treatment of recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer to warrant further investigation.  “Thus [pemetrexed] should be considered for combination with other agents, especially carboplatin, in first-line therapy,” said David Miller, [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326617 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:48:07 +0100 2326617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2270132&cid=t_93711_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F16%2Fan-antibiotic-past-may-save-lives-at-the-icu%2F Respiratory tract infections acquired in the intensive care unit (ICU) are important causes of morbidity and mortality, the most significant risk factor being mechanical ventilation. It is thought that hospital pneumonia commonly originates from flora colonized in the patient’s oropharynx (the area of the throat at the back of the mouth). Therefore, reduction of [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2270132 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 03:35:44 +0100 2270132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2268015&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F15%2Fsmall-phase-ii-study-tests-the-use-of-fulvestrant-in-the-treatment-of-multiply-recurrent-epithelial-ovarian-cancer%2F … University of Minnesota researchers evaluated the use of fulvestrant [Faslodex®] in women with recurrent ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer. …Using modified-RECIST criteria 13 patients (50%) achieved SD …[T]he University of Minnesota researchers concluded that fulvestrant is well-tolerated and efficacious. The researchers also noted that objective response rates are low, but disease stabilization was common. It [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2268015 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:12:22 +0100 2268015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260414&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F10%2Fpreliminary-findings-of-a-large-british-study-indicate-that-ca-125-blood-test-transvaginal-ultrasound-test-can-detect-early-ovarian-cancer%2F This report summarises the outcome of the prevalence (initial) screen in [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260414 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:18:27 +0100 2260414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260415&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F10%2Fhigh-dose-stereotactic-body-radiation-therapy-effective-treatment-for-patients-with-low-volume-lung-or-liver-metastases%2F Libby’s H*O*P*E*™ previously reported on potential treatments for “oligometastasis,” which is defined as cancer that spreads to a few distant body sites, on June 23, 2008 and August 17, 2008.  Two related U.S. multi-institutional, phase I/II clinical studies and one Canadian Phase I clinical study reported recently results from an evaluation of the efficacy and [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260415 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:30:22 +0100 2260415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260416&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F09%2Fmd-anderson-researchers-find-gm-csf-and-rifn-gamma1b-plus-carboplatin-effective-for-the-treatment-of-recurrent-platinum-sensitive-ovarian-cancer%2F Researchers working in the Gynecologic Oncology Department of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, reported Phase II clinical study results from their evaluation of the use of carboplatin, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and recombinant interferon gamma 1b (rIFN-gamma1b) in women with recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer. … Researchers working in [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260416 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:35:16 +0100 2260416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2242975&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F05%2Fprolindac-produces-66-disease-stabilization-in-heavily-pretreated-patients-within-phase-ii-study-high-dose-groups%2F “… ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. … , announced today positive safety and efficacy results from its Phase 2 monotherapy clinical study of ProLindac(TM) in late-stage, heavily pretreated ovarian cancer patients. In this monotherapy study 66% of patients who received the highest dose achieved clinically meaningful disease stabilization according to RECIST [Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors] [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2242975 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:51:38 +0100 2242975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2235722&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F05%2Fevaluation-of-neoadjuvant-chemotherapy-and-debulking-followed-by-intraperitoneal-chemotherapy-in-women-with-stage-iii-and-iv-epithelial-ovarian-fallopian-tube-or-primary-peritoneal-cancer%2F It is well known that intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy prolongs survival in optimally cytoreduced (or debulked) ovarian cancer patients.  For patients who can not be optimally debulked, it is possible to administer neoadjuvant chemotherapy to place that patient in a position to be optimally debulked (i.e., 1 cm or less of residual disease post surgery) , [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2235722 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:43:55 +0100 2235722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2218537&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F25%2Fsometimes-more-is-less-evaluation-of-experimental-platinum-based-treatment-regimens-in-advanced-stage-ovarian-cancer-a-phase-iii-trial-of-the-gynecologic-cancer-intergroup%2F “… Compared with standard paclitaxel and carboplatin, addition of a third cytotoxic agent [gemcitibine, liposomal doxorubicin or topotecan] provided no benefit in PFS [progression-free survival] or OS [overall survival] after optimal or suboptimal cytoreduction. Dual-stage, multiarm, phase III trials can efficiently evaluate multiple experimental regimens against a single reference arm. The development of new interventions [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2218537 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:36:44 +0100 2218537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2205988&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F22%2Flibbys-hopetm-adds-new-cancer-video-archive-courtesy-of-vodpodcom%2F Yesterday, Libby’s H*O*P*E* added a new cancer video archive to the weblog courtesy of Vodpod.com.  Currently, the archive contains approximately 90 videos that address many general cancer and ovarian cancer issues, as well as the personal voices of those affected by cancer. The new video archive is located on the homepage right sidebar.  All you [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2205988 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:41:59 +0100 2205988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2205989&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F21%2F2009-society-of-gynecologic-oncologists-annual-meeting-ovarian-cancer-highlights%2F From February 5th through 8th, 2009, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists’ (SGO) held its 40th Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer in San Antonio, Texas. The meeting, viewed as the preeminent scientific and educational conference for women’s cancer care specialists, featured more than 350 scientific oral and poster presentations as well as educational sessions [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2205989 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 01:22:59 +0100 2205989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2167777&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=36168&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmargaret.healthblogs.org%2F2009%2F02%2F06%2Facronym-games-dmaptlc-1%2F I have had a Google Alert for DMAPT, the parthenolide analogue (see my page on this topic), for ages, now. Whenever I receive a Google Alert on DMAPT, I get all excited, only to discover that it frequently is about a meeting of the Detroit Metropolitan Area Physics Teachers. Aaargh! I am also on a [...] (Source: Margaret's Corner) Margaret's Corner blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2167777 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:04:18 +0100 2167777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2092494&cid=t_93711_97_f&fid=34618&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmHouse%2F%7E3%2FDhNC8d-Yu6I%2Fclinical-research-outsourcing-india.html Recent report of RNCOS projects a huge growth for clinical trial outsourcing business in India. Their new report titled 'Booming clinical trials market in India' is very optimistic about India to emerge as the dominant destination in coming years.According to our analysis, India is one of the most economical destinations for conducting global clinical trials. Companies can save a substantial amount in India on both staff and utilities. For instance, the salary of a clinical research associate is only 13% of that in the US and 17% and 19% as that in the UK and Germany respectively. Similarly, the cost of a biostatistician in India is only 15%, 18% and 17% as that in the US, UK and Germany respectively. Companies also save substantially on utilities and land while setting up their operations... Pharm House blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2092494 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:58:00 +0100 2092494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2090026&cid=t_93711_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FtyqENga6kx8%2F Welcome to the new year and the first edition of Genetics and Health for 2009. Let’s get down to business and talk shop. The first genome wide association study of ADHD was published this week. Led by Stephen V. Faraone, the International ADHD Multicenter Genetics (IMAGE) project found one genetic marker (out of 600K) may be association with the ADHD symptoms. As usually is the case, there may other genes involved in ADHD but these have small effects that can not be seen with GWAS, the study suggests. *** “Researchers have identified nine genes that might make people more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.” In the study, genetic differences in about 500 people with Alzheimer’s were compared to 500 people without the disease. Lowered levels of Vitamin D ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2090026 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:23:22 +0100 2090026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2040535&cid=t_93711_107_f&fid=36698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fminingdrugs.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fmining-clinical-trials.html "This (clinical data mining) application enables rapid extraction of information about institutions, diseases, clinical approaches, clinical trials dates, predominant cancer types in the trials, clinical opportunities and pharmaceutical market coverage." [10.1186/1745-7580-4-7](via open access news)In 2007 more than seven million people died from cancer. This means there is still a lot to do for helping patients and for reducing this number. This is also the reason why each new treatment option has to follow good design criteria and sufficient testing, called clinical trial design. Typical design criteria could be: assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device on a specific kind of patient (e.g., patients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease)assess the safet... Mining Drug Space blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2040535 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:06:00 +0100 2040535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1968753&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fgem-study.html From an NIH press release earlier today:Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study Fails To Show Benefit in Preventing Dementia in the ElderlyThe dietary supplement Ginkgo biloba was found to be ineffective in reducing the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older people, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association1. Researchers led by Stephen T. DeKosky, M.D., formerly of the University of Pittsburgh, vice president and dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, conducted the trial known as the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study at four clinical sites over the course of 8 years. GEM is the largest clinical trial ever to evaluate ginkgo's effect on the occurrence of dementia.This research was co-fu... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1968753 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:59:00 +0100 1968753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1975919&cid=t_93711_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fnatural-remedies-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs%2F It’s not often that I recommend natural remedies because there’s rarely any scientific evidence that they work better than a placebo. But when there’s data supporting their use I’m all for it. Such is now the case in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as shown by a review of research recently published in the British Medical Journal. Turns out that two of the best treatments for IBS, peppermint oil and fiber, are old-fashioned, inexpensive and widely available over-the-counter (OTC). And I don’t mean that these are just two of the best natural remedies or two of the best OTC remedies, they are two of the best remedies period. The research review found three IBS treatments to be consistently better than placebo. In addition to peppermint oil and fi... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1975919 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:01:55 +0100 1975919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1895043&cid=t_93711_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fq27N3Quhfbc%2F Medications that have been slowing the mental decline in Alzheimer’s patients are showing promise as drugs that can boost the mental skills of children with Down Syndrome. Two of those promising drugs are Aricept and Exelon, which were found to increase skill levels of Down syndrome children in small clinical trials. Aricept and Exelon are FDA-approved drugs for treating Alzheimer’s. Doctors had observed that adults with Down Syndrome were developing Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier age than the general population. The drugs were given to children, in appropriate doses, to test if they could delay the development of the illness. The results surprised the physicians. In a very short period of time, the children’s communication skills and understanding improved. Dr... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1895043 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:24:32 +0100 1895043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1856099&cid=t_93711_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FrWxVQ4HP7fU%2F Last month, three more patients treated with an experimental gene therapy reported improved vision. Add this to the first successful gene therapy for inherited blindness earlier this year and the science gets instant boost. Despite years of work and resources devoted to it, experimental gene therapy had very little proven success in clinical trials. Some of the factors preventing it from effectively treating disease are the problem with viral vectors and the host’s reaction to the foreign object, in this case a virus. In 1999, a young patient participating in an experimental therapy for ornithine transcarboxylase deficiency (OTCD) died when his immune response rejected the virus. Four years later, a patient developed leukemia-like conditions. This year’s clinical trials on the ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1856099 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:30:01 +0100 1856099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812684&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fquality-assurance-in-clinical-trials.html This study shows that this improved the overall quality of the clinical trial and its potential outcomes."Clinical trials are one the most important tools that the cancer research community has to evaluate treatments and protocols in an effort to cure cancer" T.J. FitzGerald, M.D., a study author and a radiation oncologist at QARC, said. "This study shows that a quality assurance program, like ours at QARC, can help cancer researchers conduct better clinical trials. This in turn helps patients get the best treatments possible, while recording the data in a way to help other cancer patients and further help the cancer community better understand what treatments work best." (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812684 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:34:00 +0100 1812684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1811274&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day-pain.html Jensen MP, Mardekian J, Lakshminarayanan M, & Boye ME. Validity of 24-h recall ratings of pain severity: Biasing effects of "Peak" and "End" pain. Pain. 2008 Jul 15; 137(2): 422-427. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Box 356490, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-6490, USA.Despite the frequent use of pain recall ratings in clinical research, there remains doubt about the ability of individuals to accurately recall their pain. In particular, previous research indicates the possibility that the most pain experienced during a recall period and the most recent pain experienced (known as peak and end effects, respectively) might bias recall ratings. The current study used data from a published clinical trial to determine the relative validity of a 24-h recall ra... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1811274 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:35:00 +0100 1811274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1727796&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F08%2F21%2Fimatinib-docetaxel-produce-modest-response-against-recurrent-platinum-resistantrefractory-ovarian-cancer%2F A combination of imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®) and docetaxel (Taxotere®) produced only a modest response in patients with recurrent, platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian cancer, according to the results of a Phase II clinical trial conducted by the Hoosier Oncology Group at Indiana University Cancer Center. Background A combination of imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®) and docetaxel (Taxotere®) produced only a [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1727796 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:58:19 +0100 1727796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1723654&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F370942133%2F The ‘T’ word is all the rage among big pharma execs these days. Now, Glaxo has caught the transparency bug. Beginning in February 2009, the drugmaker says it will “proactively” report educational and charitable grants provided to US health-related organizations. Its report will be updated on a quarterly basis and will include grants provided to various organizations including hospitals, teaching institutions, managed care organizations, professional associations, patient advocacy groups, and continuing medical education companies. “By publishing information about our grants, we transparently identify the support we offer for independent and quality education to improve the delivery of health care for patients,” Chris Viehbacher, who heads Glaxo’s N... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1723654 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:44:07 +0100 1723654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1720558&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F369914483%2F Attorneys for a Minnesota family suing to gain access to an experimental muscular dystrophy drug for their 16-year-old son argued yesterday that PTC Therapeutics led them to believe they could participate in a clinical trial but then went back on its word, the Associated Press reports. Jacob Gunvalson and his parents want the New Jersey drugmaker to provide him with the drug, PTC124. The teenager suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and deadly condition that mainly strikes young boys and causes steady deterioration of muscle tissue. Typically, those who suffer from it die in their 20s because of weakness in their heart and lung muscles, the AP notes. The dispute centers hinges on a clinical trial of PTC124 that included a 28-day preliminary phase in 2005 and a 96-week phase t... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1720558 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:00:15 +0100 1720558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1727798&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F08%2F18%2Fworking-smarter-not-harder-anti-estrogen-therapy-to-battle-recurrent-ovarian-cancer%2F The Gynecologic Oncology department of the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center took a page out of the breast cancer treatment “playbook,” and conducted a single institution Phase II clinical trial using letrozole (Femara®) to treat recurrent, platinum and taxane resistant, high-grade cancer of the ovary and peritoneum. …The trial investigators concluded that 26% [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1727798 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:28:31 +0100 1727798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523007&cid=t_93711_97_f&fid=34618&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmHouse%2F%7E3%2FQ1PHBdMJJ40%2Firresponsible-media-and-route-to-5.html Times of India, leading daily, flashed one front page news today. “49 babies die during clinical trials at AIIMS”. My first response was of complete shock. What the hell ! Any unsuspected person who is unaware of the mortality, demographics and current statistics of India will jump to the conclusion that AIIMS doctors killed 49 babies overnight for the sake of clinical trials. It was evident when I reached workplace in the morning. Many people were talking about this news. TOI made some quick bucks at the expense of a sensational headline and story.Only when you go through the news article, you will understand that1. This data is of last 2.5 years.2. Out of 4142 babies enrolled in trials 49 died. (comes to 1.18% mortality or 11.8 per thousand)3. Only half of them are infants (and the r... Pharm House blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523007 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:04:00 +0100 2523007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1689062&cid=t_93711_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FJzBXAL59iA8%2F We started our son Charlie on the gluten-free casein-free diet over nine years ago, when he was two years old. After several years of faithfully adhering to it, with the rationalization that “since Charlie can’t say how he feels when eats wheat and dairy, we’d best just keep him off them,” wheat (not dairy—-milk products remain to be avoided) is slowly reappearing in Charlie’s diet and it’s been no big deal. Especially after Jenny McCarthy made claims of seemingly miraculous improvements for her son Evan on the diet, people have been wondering, and debating, its effectiveness. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has begun one of the first double-blind, clinical studies to determine whether the gluten-free casein-free diet indee... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1689062 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:35:43 +0100 1689062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1727802&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F08%2F03%2Fcombination-targeted-therapy-with-sorafenib-bevacizumab-shows-antitumor-activity%2F The results from a recent Phase I solid tumor clinical trial indicate that combination targeted therapy with sorafenib and bevacizumab produces anti-tumor activity (and enhanced toxicity) with respect to 43% of the ovarian cancer patients enrolled in that trial. Sorafenib (Nexavar®) inhibits the Raf kinase and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor. Bevacizumab (Avastin®) is [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1727802 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:36:13 +0100 1727802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1727804&cid=t_93711_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F07%2F29%2Fnon-platinum-topotecan-drug-combination-therapy-provides-no-survival-advantage-over-topotecan-monotherapy%2F “In women with recurrent ovarian cancer, treatment with topotecan along with etoposide or gemcitabine offers no survival advantage over topotecan monotherapy, German and Austrian researchers report in the July 1st issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.” “In women with recurrent ovarian cancer, treatment with topotecan along with etoposide or gemcitabine offers no survival advantage over [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1727804 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:33:33 +0100 1727804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1657148&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fcrrent-event-international-conference.html The Alzheimer's Association ICAD 2008 conference begins today and continues through the 31st of July. The conference takes place in Chicago at McCormick Place.Details available at the conference website: ICAD website. (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1657148 Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:35:00 +0100 1657148 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1467822&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fanalysis-of-neurotechnology-industry.html The Ultimate Cureby David Ewing Duncan CondeNast PortfolioMay 2008"The neurotech industry is engaged in a $2 trillion race to fix your brain. Many players will fail, but the payoff will be huge for those who succeed."[snip]"Neurotech’s returns are already enormous. In 2006, the industry brought in more than $120 billion—about $101 billion from drugs and the rest from neurodevices ($4.5 billion) and neurodiagnostics ($15 billion)—up 10 percent from the previous year, reports NeuroInsights, a market research and investment advisory firm. But industry analysts insist that this figure hardly begins to suggest the potential. For Alzheimer’s, a disease currently without an effective treatment for about 4.5 million sufferers in the U.S., 40 companies—including behemoths like Eli Lilly,... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1467822 Sun, 25 May 2008 18:53:00 +0100 1467822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1443169&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F290416803%2F Could this be a trend? The drugmaker has posted a list of grants and charitable contributions made in this year’s first quarter to medical, scientific and patient organizations in the US. The move comes one day after Lilly agreed to support a watered-down version of the Physician Payments Sunshine Act and two months after AstraZeneca agreed to post info on its US web site about contributions to state and federal political candidates. In a statement, Pfizer ceo Jeff Kindler utters the ‘T’ word twice. “We want to bring greater transparency to the way we partner with leading medical, scientific and patient organizations,” he says. “Detailing these grants and charitable contributions is an important part of our ongoing transparency drive.” Our thought: Why not lis... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1443169 Thu, 15 May 2008 04:33:21 +0100 1443169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1407331&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F280112804%2F Back in 2001, an infamous study was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry that declared Glaxo’s Paxil antidepressant - called Seroxat in the UK - was “generally well tolerated and effective for major depression in adolescents.” Known as study 329, the findings were used to widely promote the drug, which became a huge seller. Of course, the study was later held in disrepute after it was learned the results didn’t tell the whole story. In fact, 329 was one of three studies cited by former New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, who filed a suit charging Glaxo with “repeated and persistent fraud,” alleging the drugmaker had promoted positive findings, but hadn’t publicized unfavorable data (back story). As it tur... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1407331 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:10:22 +0100 1407331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523010&cid=t_93711_97_f&fid=34618&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmHouse%2F%7E3%2FxNyeJCkfZWs%2Flocal-central-lab-model-clinical-trials.html To overcome the problem with biologic sample logistics in multicentric clinical trials, a new model of 'local central lab' is coming up.The local lab will conduct the trial in its region. In addition to the sample analysis, it will support the clinical sites and take care of the inbound and outbound samples and kit logistics. The data will be transferred to the global data manager according to the global central lab's specificationsThe recent issue of 'Applied Clinical Trials' has an article on this upcoming model. (Source: Pharm House) Pharm House blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523010 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:21:00 +0100 2523010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1300628&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F250759037%2F The ‘T’ word is a hot-button issue in pharma these days. We mean ‘transparency.’ After all, drugmakers are regularly criticized for failing to disclose info about clinical trials, research grants, political contributions and clinical trials. So AstraZeneca is trying to remedy this by expanding its disclosure policy. Specifically, the drugmaker plans to post info on its US web site about contributions to state and federal political candidates through its political action committee, including names of recipients and the amounts contributed. Beginning with 2008 contributions, this info will be updated in connection with filings to the Federal Election Commission. Our thought: Why not post contributions for the past few years? By this fall, AstraZeneca plans to publish... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1300628 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:26:18 +0100 1300628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1274968&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F244985962%2F Drugmakers are going to be ’shamed’ into handing over their clinical-trial data on the effects of antidepressants, amid growing concern that the pills may not work as well as originally promised, The Guardian reports. A government minister has taken the unprecedented step of calling on pharma to give the data to the body that will review the current depression guidelines, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, or NICE. Ivan Lewis, the minister with responsibility for mental health, says that ‘a failure to do so would leave the inevitable impression they had something to hide,’ the paper writes. You may recall that NICE, which looks at the effectiveness of all treatments and recommends to the UK’s National Health Service how meds should be u... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1274968 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:52:29 +0100 1274968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1265296&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F242759673%2F Although marketing is generally thought of as money spent to promote a medication already available, we all know that marketing teams also budget some of their dollars for various phases of drug development. A recent study by Best Practices notes that market research is used as early as the stage where clinical trials are designed. No surprise, right? But here’s a nugget: Overall, drugmakers spend between $13 million and $38 million to prepare a high-potential med product for launch. The investment is equal to about 15 percent of the marketing expenditure for the launch. (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1265296 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:10:47 +0100 1265296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1256389&cid=t_93711_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fthe-multiple-sclerosis-guinea-pig-for-the-greater-good%2F I’m pretty sure I mentioned an upcoming neurologist appointment in the past couple of weeks. That meeting went well and it appears that I still have MS (dang, and I was hoping…). My doctor and I spoke of all the things one speaks of in the exam room and then in his office, we started chatting about research. My guy is a respected investigator in the research field and I always learn from him during these meetings. He told me of a couple of studies for which he is recruiting and I thought, “What the hell?” I got all the paperwork and had a couple of interviews with research staff. There were two studies, one stage III, one stage II which interested me. Both are investigating oral MS therapy; yes, the MS pill! I was pretty psyched about the idea, but I am no longer alone when it ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1256389 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:17:47 +0100 1256389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1255022&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fdrug-development-glutamate-and.html From Sunday's New York Times:Daring to Think Differently About SchizophreniaBy ALEX BERENSONPublished: February 24, 2008"A new drug aimed at treating schizophrenia turns its focus away from dopamine and instead on the effects of glutamate, another powerful neurotransmitter."[ ... Read the article ... ] (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1255022 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:28:00 +0100 1255022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1252415&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day.html Hill SK, Sweeney JA, Hamer RM, Keefe RS, Perkins DO, Gu H, McEvoy JP, & Lieberman JA. Efficiency of the CATIE and BACS neuropsychological batteries in assessing cognitive effects of antipsychotic treatments in schizophrenia. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. 2008 Mar; 14(2): 209-221.Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.Efficient and reliable assessments of cognitive treatment effects are essential for the comparative evaluation of procognitive effects of pharmacologic therapies. Yet, no studies have addressed the sensitivity and efficiency with which neurocognitive batteries evaluate cognitive abilities before and after treatment. Participants were primarily first episode schizophrenia patients ... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1252415 Sun, 24 Feb 2008 02:11:00 +0100 1252415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1173129&cid=t_93711_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F01%2F23%2Fan-analysis-of-not-publishing-negative-drug-studies%2F We examined the study after its publication and agreed that there are significant issues that must be addressed in the disclosure and publication of drug studies. Some steps have already been undertaken individually by drug companies, but they should all be required to ensure all negative study data is as readily available as the positive study data. CL Psych has gone one step further if you’re interested in an even more in-depth analysis of the study (and its critics) in an entry entitled, Defending the Hiding of Negative Clinical Trial Data. It’s a long but thorough analysis (even though it goes off on a tangent about Vioxx). Leave it to CL Psych to tell it like it is! (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1173129 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:23:21 +0100 1173129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523013&cid=t_93711_97_f&fid=34618&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmHouse%2F%7E3%2FJGD6t51CCvI%2Fracial-disparities-in-clinical-research.html Lack of minority physician clinical investigators in Industry funded clinical trials.........9.3% of all white physicians actively participate as principal investigators in industry-funded clinical trials, only 3.7% of minority physicians do.Read more at Tackling Racial Disparities in ResearchSubscribe for RSS / E-mail for regular updatesRelated:Racial/Ethnic disparities in health careScientists & Racism (Source: Pharm House) Pharm House blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523013 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 06:47:00 +0100 2523013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1156938&cid=t_93711_107_f&fid=36585&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHighlightHealth%2F%7E3%2F218040975%2F This article was published on Highlight HEALTH. Related articlesLack of Health Insurance Increases Risk of Cancer DeathDecrease in US Cancer DeathsThe Best of Highlight HEALTH 2007 - The Year in ReviewQuitWinLive - The Great American SmokeoutSmoking Duration vs. Intensity and the Impact on Lung Cancer Risk (Source: Highlight HEALTH) Highlight HEALTH blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1156938 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 05:48:00 +0100 1156938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1152475&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day-stroke.html Salter KL, Teasell RW, Foley NC, & Jutai JW. Outcome assessment in randomized controlled trials of stroke rehabilitation. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2007 Dec ;86(12): 1007-1012.Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Joseph's Healthcare London, London, Canada.The lack of a unified approach to outcome assessment in stroke rehabilitation limits our ability to interpret evidence provided by randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The purpose of this review was to identify outcomes and assessment tools reported in RCTs of stroke rehabilitation interventions as a first step toward consistent assessment of outcomes. Given that the validity of research is linked to reliability and validity of measurement, the relationship between the use of previously d... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1152475 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:37:00 +0100 1152475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1142929&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F214647734%2F Neuroscientists at Columbia University Medical Center (see our previous interview with Yaakov Stern on the Cognitive Reserve) have asked for help in recruiting volunteers for an exciting clinical trial. If you are based in New York City, and between the ages of 60 and 75, please consider joining this study. More information below: --------------------------- Use it or Lose it? Train your Brain! Healthy adults between the ages of 60 and 75 living in NYC are invited to join a study of mental fitness training. Qualified individuals will play a scientifically-based video game in our laboratory, and will be tested to determine the effects on attention, memory, and cognitive performance. You will earn up to $600 plus transportation costs if you complete the 3-month program. This exciting study i... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1142929 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:50:45 +0100 1142929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1096682&cid=t_93711_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F200731286%2F   My team and I at Opaldia are reeling with the amazing world-wide press we have received for partnering and supporting the development and distribution of DiaGenic’s  breast cancer early detection test, through our national network of breast clinics. The Scientific Team at DiaGenic, headed up by MD Erik Christensen, are developing a number of disease specific gene signatures, the first of which to become commercially available  is an expression array for the early detection of breast cancer from a blood sample. The simplest explanation of the DiaGenic test is that it works by ‘tapping’ into the body’s own genetic based alarm system for breast cancer.  When the body detects cancerous cells it will switch on genes to defend itself against the cancer.  By ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1096682 Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:40:36 +0100 1096682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1081510&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Falzheimers-disease-ad-dementia.html Tomorrow's Sunday New York Times Magazine is its annual new ideas of the past year issue. Among the many shiny ideas presented is telephone screening for dementia:Alzheimer’s Telephone ScreeningBy RON FEEMSTERThe New York TimesPublished: December 9, 2007This year, researchers completed work on a 50-question telephone quiz to help them identify Alzheimer’s patients long before they exhibit typical symptoms. Such a quiz may soon become part of regular medical care.This new tool measures what the researchers call “cognitive vital signs” like short-term memory loss, which is the most important early sign of Alzheimer’s, and detects declines in everyday abilities like using a telephone, preparing meals or managing finances. The quiz also picks up behavioral warning signs including apa... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1081510 Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:18:00 +0100 1081510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1060044&cid=t_93711_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F192686005%2Frecruiting_patients_for_clinic.html A while back I ran across an article that was commenting on how pharma companies weren't using the internet to its fullest potential and were missing opportunities to fill the roles of their clinical trials. I was contacted by Libby Kearney and I asked her if she could provide an article that would explain the situation. Fortunately she obliged and here is what she has to say on the subject.Recruiting Patients for Clinical Trials on the Internetby Linny Kearney The Internet is one of the last places pharmaceutical companies utilize when recruiting patients for clinical trials studies. But, according to Experian Research Services, the most competitive recruitment tool available today is the Internet. Find how and why. Download free whitepaper from Experian Research Services. C... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1060044 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:00:12 +0100 1060044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=958991&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F171287598%2F Last week, we wrote about Lilly’s approach to its policy concerning clinical trial disclosures. The impetus was a recent speech by the drugmaker’s ceo, Sid Taurel, who maintained that all trial results are posted on a registry on the Lilly web site. And we pointed out an inconsistency regarding the Cialis erectile dysfunction med - Lilly boasts about results of 22 trials, but has so far posted just two and plans to, ultimately, post 15. And the others? Those won’t be posted because the trials were conducted by ICOS, a company Lilly bought this year. Now, it appears we have another inconsistency - Phase IV trials completed before July 1, 2004 aren’t posted. Why that date? That’s when Lilly implemented its policy, which says the drugmaker “discloses public... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=958991 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:33:29 +0100 958991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=948418&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day.html CONCLUSIONS: In this 12-week trial, donepezil was not more effective than placebo in treating agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00142324 [ClinicalTrials.gov].). Copyright 2007 Massachusetts Medical Society.PMID: 17914039 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Comment in: New England Journal of Medicine. 2007 Oct 4; 357(14): 1441-1443. (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=948418 Sun, 14 Oct 2007 00:30:09 +0100 948418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=944710&cid=t_93711_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F168440413%2F In a speech last week, Lilly ceo Sid Taurel spoke about an information revolution in healthcare and, as part of that, how health professionals and drugmakers could contribute to patient needs by making better use of data at their disposal. Toward that end, he made a point of noting how Lilly discloses clinical trial results, a hot-button issue given that the industry has been accused of failing to release unfavorable data. “Three years ago, Lilly became the first pharmaceutical company to publicly disclose the results of all (emphasis added) of our clinical trials – on the Internet. Far from harming our business in some way, I’m convinced that the increased transparency helped to improve our partnerships with researchers and to boost the confidence of doctors and patients who us... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=944710 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 13:37:44 +0100 944710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=917968&cid=t_93711_137_f&fid=35350&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tangledneuron.info%2Fthe_tangled_neuron%2F2007%2F10%2Fkeep-byrd-insti.html My father had dementia. His illness and death made me feel helpless, and left me with a lot of questions. In the two years since Dad died, I’ve been talking with Alzheimer’s researchers, looking for answers. I’m especially interested in the research in my home state of Florida. An estimated 450,000 Floridians have Alzheimer’s disease, more than any other state except California. And because the population is older, we have a high prevalence of Alzheimer’s here in the Sunshine State. With the large number of Alzheimer’s cases here, what better place for research on prevention and treatment of the disease? When I went to the grand opening of the new Byrd Alzheimer’s Center and Research Institute here in Tampa Bay a couple of weeks ago, I was pleased to ... The Tangled Neuron blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=917968 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:21:15 +0100 917968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=911901&cid=t_93711_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F162637593%2Ffda_faulted_on_oversight_of_cl.html In a report to be released today, the FDA was found to do very little to ensure the safety of people who help test drugs in clinical trials.An article in the New York Times quotes Daniel Levison,  Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services as saying that FDA officials are not aware of how many clinical trials are being conducted and have audited fewer than 1 percent of trials.The New York Times reports that the FDA has 200 inspectors that are required to monitor over 350,000 testing sites and that top drug officials downgraded negative findings their reports 68% of the time.Levinson recommended that the FDA create a registry of all clinical trials so that these trials may be better monitored. (Source: PharmaGazette) PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=911901 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:10:13 +0100 911901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=911826&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Foffice-of-inspector-general-report-on.html Available in a .pdf document from the "What's New" page of the OIG website here: Link for OIG webpage. (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=911826 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:58:00 +0100 911826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=906030&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day_26.html CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between functional MRI (fMRI) activation and standardized memory measures supports the potential use of fMRI to investigate regional mechanisms of treatment response in clinical trials of novel therapies for Alzheimer disease. GLOSSARY: AD = Alzheimer disease; ADAS-Cog = AD Assessment Scale; EPI = echoplanar imaging sequence; FA = flip angle; FCSRT = Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test; FLAME = FMRIB's Local Analysis of Mixed Effects; fMRI = Functional MRI; FOV = field of view; GLM = general linear model; HRF = hemodynamic response function; LFG = left fusiform gyrus; LPFC = left prefrontal cortex; LSTG = left superior temporal gyrus; MMSE = Mini-Mental State Examination; MTL = medial temporal lobe; NvR = novel-vs-repeated; ROI = region of interest; TE = ec... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=906030 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 17:03:00 +0100 906030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=915357&cid=t_93711_137_f&fid=35350&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tangledneuron.info%2Fthe_tangled_neuron%2F2007%2F09%2Fthe-alzheimers-.html Summary: Alzheimer’s researchers say it’s difficult to recruit participants for clinical trials. Whether or not you have memory problems, joining the Alzheimer’s Research Registry is one way you can help move research forward. In a post about Alzheimer’s research at Sun Health Research Institute, I wrote about the difficulties researchers face in recruiting participants for clinical trials. This can delay a study by months or even years. To address this problem, the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, a group of Arizona research institutions, has set up a clinical trial registry to recruit and screen participants for current and future studies. The Alzheimer’s Research Registry was launched in March of this year to screen people with and without memory problems ... The Tangled Neuron blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=915357 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:42:33 +0100 915357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=865523&cid=t_93711_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F155405476%2F A genetic variant (SNP) of the CYP2B6 gene present in almost half of Americans of European descent is linked to greater effectiveness of the stop smoking medication ‘Zyban’ (bupropion). According to research by scientists supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people with this variant were less likely than those without it to have resumed smoking six months after treatment with bupropion. Once more is understood about this genetic variant it should start to pave the way for personalised smoking cessation programs based on genetics. Penny Harrington b5 media Genetics and Health correspondent Share This (Source: Genetics and Health) Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=865523 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:42:33 +0100 865523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=858388&cid=t_93711_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F154670017%2F The subtle imprint left on children’s faces by rare genetic disorders could soon be spotted by computer to aid diagnosis.  Scientists at University College London have developed software that is designed to spot slight variations in eye position and the shape of the head, nose, ears and jaw.  By comparing the features with those of an average child of the same age, the program can make a diagnosis with 90% accuracy. A trial will soon be underway at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, London. Of the 5,000 known genetic disorders, about 700 affect the face.  Some disorders are so rare that a physician might see them only once in a lifetime which may complicate an early diagnosis. An example is Williams syndrome which affects internal organs.  Children with this complaint... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=858388 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:30:21 +0100 858388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=832535&cid=t_93711_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fnew-position-openings-board-provided-by.html Zack Lynch has posted a message on his Brain Waves blog about his NIO's new job-postings page. Please read the posting for an introduction and take a look at the cool new board:Brain Waves postingNeurotech Job Board (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=832535 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:12:00 +0100 832535