Therapy | Page 157 of 190 | SpiritIndia.com

Osteoarthritis :: Acupuncture show improvements in osteoarthritis patients

Osteoarthritis (OA) has a major impact on patients’ mobility and quality of life but the anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat it are associated with a number of side effects. In recent years, patients have turned increasingly to acupuncture to relieve the chronic pain associated with OA. A new study published in the November 2006 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism examined the use of acupuncture as an extension of routine medical care and whether the effects of treatment last after therapy is discontinued.

Crohn’s Disease :: Gene found for crohn’s disease – hope for better therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases

A consortium of American and Canadian researchers report in Science Express, a rapid online publication by the journal Science, the discovery of a new genetic link to Crohn’s disease. While most of the mutations in the gene, which codes for a receptor in a major inflammatory pathway, are strongly associated with Crohn?s, surprisingly, one type of mutation appears to confer significant protection. The finding, say the researchers, points to a crucial target for drugs that might better manage Crohn?s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Hepatitis :: PEG-INTRON, peginterferon and REBETOL, ribavirin in Hepatitis C — Schering-Plough

Schering-Plough reported data from EPIC3, a large ongoing clinical study, showing that retreatment with PEG-INTRON(R) (peginterferon alfa-2b) and REBETOL(R) (ribavirin, USP) combination therapy can result in sustained virologic response(1) (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C who failed previous treatment with any alpha interferon-based combination therapy, including peginterferon regimens. In this study, 56 percent of patients who had undetectable virus (HCV-RNA) after 12 weeks went on to achieve SVR with a 48-week course of therapy. Of the first 1,354 patients retreated, approximately 38 percent had undetectable virus at week 12. Importantly, patients who did not have undetectable virus at 12 weeks had little chance of achieving SVR. Overall, 23 percent of patients achieved SVR.

Cancer :: Saving salivary glands from the collateral damage of radiation therapy

Researchers have shown that targeted overexpression of heat shock protein 25 prevents radiation-induced damage to salivary glands, a common consequence of treatment for head and neck cancer. The related report by Lee et al., “Radioprotective effect of HSP25 on submandibular glands of rats,” appears in the November issue of The American Journal of Pathology.

Asthma :: Bronchial thermoplasty reduces asthma attacks

The removal of muscle tissue in the hyperactive airways of asthma patients by exposing the tissue to heat reduces disease exacerbations and significantly improves the patients’ quality of life.

Gene Therapy :: IICB scientists achieve breakthrough in gene therapy

In a significant breakthrough in gene therapy, scientists of the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB) here claimed to have isolated a protein molecule from a parasite that could provide better treatment in some inherited disorders.

Breast Cancer :: Exercise helps breast cancer patients avoid anemia

Women undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer benefit from moderate intensity, regular aerobic activity, according to a new study. A peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study found that exercise improved the oxygen capacity of patients and maintained levels of red blood cells during radiation treatment. In contrast, women who did not exercise experienced significant declines in their oxygen capacity. This is the first study to investigate the effect of exercise during treatment.

Anthrax :: Newly Identified Antibody May Neutralize Inhalation Anthrax Toxin

A newly identified antibody capable of neutralizing the inhalation anthrax toxin in rabbits and monkeys may offer an alternative method of preventing and treating infection in humans say US researchers. Their findings appear in the October 2006 issue of the journal Infection and Immunity.

Candidiasis :: Schering-Plough’s NOXAFIL, Posaconazole for Treatment of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis OPC

Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved NOXAFIL(R) (posaconazole) Oral Suspension for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), including infections refractory to itraconazole and/or fluconazole. OPC is a fungal infection of the mouth and throat caused by the yeast Candida. NOXAFIL is a novel triazole antifungal agent discovered and developed by Schering-Plough Research Institute.

Ulcerative Colitis :: Adherence to ulcerative colitis medications is not affected by drug formulation or dosing regimen

Poor adherence to medication is a recognized medical problem, costing an estimated $100 billion a year in the United States.(i) New data show that while there is a steady decline in adherence to medications for ulcerative colitis (UC), drug formulation and the number of pills taken each day do not affect long-term adherence. The data were presented today at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology by University of Chicago researcher Sunanda Kane, M.D.