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Corticosteroids should not be used in the treatment of head injuries

Corticosteroids should not be used in the treatment of head injuries, conclude the final results of a randomised trial published online today (Thursday May 26, 2005) by The Lancet.

25 May 2005

Cyclophosphamide may be a possible therapy for scleroderma

A drug that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation has been shown to be effective in treating lung disease associated with the devastating connective tissue disease scleroderma, according to results presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference on May 23.

24 May 2005

New drug for the treatment of premature ejaculation has great results

In new data published this week it has been shown that men taking dapoxetine hydrochloride for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) have experienced significant improvements in sexual function, including ejaculatory control, satisfaction with sexual intercourse for men and their partners, and increases in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT).

24 May 2005

Men being treated with alpha-blockers for an enlarged prostate may not have to endure sexual dysfunction

Research conducted by Hellstrom comparing the impact of two commonly prescribed medications on men's ability to ejaculate was presented today at the 100th annual meeting of the American Urological Association May 23.

23 May 2005

Risks outweigh benefits of shark cartilage as anti-cancer treatment

As a treatment for advanced cancer, shark cartilage fails to benefit patients and its adverse effects lead to poor compliance.

23 May 2005

Dextromethorphan temporarily reduces the intensity of fibromyalgia

Dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter medication that silences coughs, may help fibromyalgia patients quiet over-reacting nerves that amplify ordinary touches into agony.

20 May 2005

New drug fluticasone was just as effective as beclomethasone and budesonide at opening up constricted breathing passages

A new inhaled drug for chronic asthma may improve lung function as much as two older inhaled asthma drugs but at half the dose, a review of recent studies concludes.

19 May 2005

Older adults with insomnia report falling asleep faster with Ramelteon

Results from a Phase 3 clinical study presented at the 2005 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society showed that bedtime administration of ramelteon, an investigational compound currently under review for the treatment of insomnia, significantly reduced time to fall asleep in older adults with chronic insomnia. Additionally, no rebound insomnia or withdrawal effects were observed.

18 May 2005

Pills made from the plant kudzu may help binge drinkers lose the urge

Researchers have found that drinkers seemed to lose the urge to binge-drink when they took pills made from the plant kudzu. Experts say the groundbreaking discovery may lead to a way to attack the rising binge-drinking problem which is especially prevalent among young people.

17 May 2005

Vaccine may prevent cigarette addiction

Clinical trials on a new vaccine against smoking has given hope to those trying to quit. The vaccine could also prevent cigarette addiction.

17 May 2005

New drug combination prevents breast cancer growth pre-surgery

A new type of drug originally developed for lung cancer can reduce the size of breast cancer tumours when taken in combination with other drugs.

17 May 2005

Gefitinib (Iressa) could reduce the size of breast cancer tumours

Giving women with early breast cancer a drug called gefitinib (Iressa) before surgery could reduce the size of their tumours, suggests a randomised trial published online today by The Lancet Oncology.

17 May 2005

Vitamin D, taxotere combination promising for advanced prostate cancer

Results of a new study strongly suggest that DN-101, a new high-dose calcitriol pill designed specifically as a cancer therapy, given in combination with docetaxel (Taxotere) extends the lives of men with advanced prostate cancer.

17 May 2005

Intralesional immunotherapy for common warts is effective and safe

Injection of skin test antigens (preparations used in skin tests for immunity) into warts appears to stimulate the immune system and successfully treat the injected wart and also helps to treat distant non-injected warts, according to a study in the May issue of Archives of Dermatology.

16 May 2005

Extract of the kudzu vine may help heavy drinkers drink less

An extract of the kudzu vine may help heavy drinkers drink less, according to a new study in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

16 May 2005

Remicade shows promise in treating ulcerative colitis

Results from two Phase III, placebo-controlled clinical trials found that approximately two-thirds of patients with moderate to severe, active ulcerative colitis (UC) treated with Remicade (infliximab, 5mg/kg) demonstrated a significant improvement in symptoms.

16 May 2005

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has a beneficial impact on cardiovascular health in hypertensive postmenopausal women

Oral Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) seems to have a beneficial impact on cardiovascular health in hypertensive postmenopausal women, researchers reported at the American Society of Hypertension Twentieth Annual Meeting held in San Francisco.

16 May 2005

Erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure linked

Men with high blood pressure have a new reason to get their condition under control – they may be at risk for erectile dysfunction, medical experts announced at the American Society of Hypertension’s Twentieth Annual Scientific Meeting.

16 May 2005

Study shows the longest reported survival rate for patients with locally advanced lung cancer

Five-year data from a study evaluating the use of docetaxel (Taxotere) administered after cisplatin/etoposide chemotherapy plus radiation therapy demonstrate the best long-term survival rates reported in patients with locally advanced (Stage IIIB) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

16 May 2005