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77 interesting medical research topics for 2024

Last updated

25 November 2023

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Medical research is the gateway to improved patient care and expanding our available treatment options. However, finding a relevant and compelling research topic can be challenging.

Use this article as a jumping-off point to select an interesting medical research topic for your next paper or clinical study.

• How to choose a medical research topic

When choosing a research topic , it’s essential to consider a couple of things. What topics interest you? What unanswered questions do you want to address? 

During the decision-making and brainstorming process, here are a few helpful tips to help you pick the right medical research topic:

Focus on a particular field of study

The best medical research is specific to a particular area. Generalized studies are often too broad to produce meaningful results, so we advise picking a specific niche early in the process. 

Maybe a certain topic interests you, or your industry knowledge reveals areas of need.

Look into commonly researched topics

Once you’ve chosen your research field, do some preliminary research. What have other academics done in their papers and projects? 

From this list, you can focus on specific topics that interest you without accidentally creating a copycat project. This groundwork will also help you uncover any literature gaps—those may be beneficial areas for research.

Get curious and ask questions

Now you can get curious. Ask questions that start with why, how, or what. These questions are the starting point of your project design and will act as your guiding light throughout the process. 

For example: 

What impact does pollution have on children’s lung function in inner-city neighborhoods? 

Why is pollution-based asthma on the rise? 

How can we address pollution-induced asthma in young children? 

• 77 medical research topics worth exploring in 2023

Need some research inspiration for your upcoming paper or clinical study? We’ve compiled a list of 77 topical and in-demand medical research ideas. Let’s take a look. 

• Exciting new medical research topics

If you want to study cutting-edge topics, here are some exciting options:

COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms

Since 2020, COVID-19 has been a hot-button topic in medicine, along with the long-term symptoms in those with a history of COVID-19. 

Examples of COVID-19-related research topics worth exploring include:

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiac and respiratory health

COVID-19 vaccination rates

The evolution of COVID-19 symptoms over time

New variants and strains of the COVID-19 virus

Changes in social behavior and public health regulations amid COVID-19

Vaccinations

Finding ways to cure or reduce the disease burden of chronic infectious diseases is a crucial research area. Vaccination is a powerful option and a great topic to research. 

Examples of vaccination-related research topics include:

mRNA vaccines for viral infections

Biomaterial vaccination capabilities

Vaccination rates based on location, ethnicity, or age

Public opinion about vaccination safety 

Artificial tissues fabrication

With the need for donor organs increasing, finding ways to fabricate artificial bioactive tissues (and possibly organs) is a popular research area. 

Examples of artificial tissue-related research topics you can study include:

The viability of artificially printed tissues

Tissue substrate and building block material studies

The ethics and efficacy of artificial tissue creation

• Medical research topics for medical students

For many medical students, research is a big driver for entering healthcare. If you’re a medical student looking for a research topic, here are some great ideas to work from:

Sleep disorders

Poor sleep quality is a growing problem, and it can significantly impact a person’s overall health. 

Examples of sleep disorder-related research topics include:

How stress affects sleep quality

The prevalence and impact of insomnia on patients with mental health conditions

Possible triggers for sleep disorder development

The impact of poor sleep quality on psychological and physical health

How melatonin supplements impact sleep quality

Alzheimer’s and dementia 

Cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise worldwide. They currently have no cure. As a result, research about these topics is in high demand. 

Examples of dementia-related research topics you could explore include:

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a chosen population

Early onset symptoms of dementia

Possible triggers or causes of cognitive decline with age

Treatment options for dementia-like conditions

The mental and physical burden of caregiving for patients with dementia

• Lifestyle habits and public health

Modern lifestyles have profoundly impacted the average person’s daily habits, and plenty of interesting topics explore its effects. 

Examples of lifestyle and public health-related research topics include:

The nutritional intake of college students

The impact of chronic work stress on overall health

The rise of upper back and neck pain from laptop use

Prevalence and cause of repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

• Controversial medical research paper topics

Medical research is a hotbed of controversial topics, content, and areas of study. 

If you want to explore a more niche (and attention-grabbing) concept, here are some controversial medical research topics worth looking into:

The benefits and risks of medical cannabis

Depending on where you live, the legalization and use of cannabis for medical conditions is controversial for the general public and healthcare providers.

Examples of medical cannabis-related research topics that might grab your attention include:

The legalization process of medical cannabis

The impact of cannabis use on developmental milestones in youth users

Cannabis and mental health diagnoses

CBD’s impact on chronic pain

Prevalence of cannabis use in young people

The impact of maternal cannabis use on fetal development 

Understanding how THC impacts cognitive function

Human genetics

The Human Genome Project identified, mapped, and sequenced all human DNA genes. Its completion in 2003 opened up a world of exciting and controversial studies in human genetics.

Examples of human genetics-related research topics worth delving into include:

Medical genetics and the incidence of genetic-based health disorders

Behavioral genetics differences between identical twins

Genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders

Machine learning technologies for genetic research

Sexual health studies

Human sexuality and sexual health are important (yet often stigmatized) medical topics that need new research and analysis.

As a diverse field ranging from sexual orientation studies to sexual pathophysiology, examples of sexual health-related research topics include:

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections within a chosen population

Mental health conditions within the LGBTQIA+ community

The impact of untreated sexually transmitted infections

Access to safe sex resources (condoms, dental dams, etc.) in rural areas

• Health and wellness research topics

Human wellness and health are trendy topics in modern medicine as more people are interested in finding natural ways to live healthier lifestyles. 

If this field of study interests you, here are some big topics in the wellness space:

Gluten sensitivity

Gluten allergies and intolerances have risen over the past few decades. If you’re interested in exploring this topic, your options range in severity from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to full-blown anaphylaxis. 

Some examples of gluten sensitivity-related research topics include:

The pathophysiology and incidence of Celiac disease

Early onset symptoms of gluten intolerance

The prevalence of gluten allergies within a set population

Gluten allergies and the incidence of other gastrointestinal health conditions

Pollution and lung health

Living in large urban cities means regular exposure to high levels of pollutants. 

As more people become interested in protecting their lung health, examples of impactful lung health and pollution-related research topics include:

The extent of pollution in densely packed urban areas

The prevalence of pollution-based asthma in a set population

Lung capacity and function in young people

The benefits and risks of steroid therapy for asthma

Pollution risks based on geographical location

Plant-based diets

Plant-based diets like vegan and paleo diets are emerging trends in healthcare due to their limited supporting research. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the potential benefits or risks of holistic, diet-based medicine, examples of plant-based diet research topics to explore include:

Vegan and plant-based diets as part of disease management

Potential risks and benefits of specific plant-based diets

Plant-based diets and their impact on body mass index

The effect of diet and lifestyle on chronic disease management

Health supplements

Supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry. Many health-conscious people take supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbal medicine, and more. 

Examples of health supplement-related research topics worth investigating include:

Omega-3 fish oil safety and efficacy for cardiac patients

The benefits and risks of regular vitamin D supplementation

Health supplementation regulation and product quality

The impact of social influencer marketing on consumer supplement practices

Analyzing added ingredients in protein powders

• Healthcare research topics

Working within the healthcare industry means you have insider knowledge and opportunity. Maybe you’d like to research the overall system, administration, and inherent biases that disrupt access to quality care. 

While these topics are essential to explore, it is important to note that these studies usually require approval and oversight from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This ensures the study is ethical and does not harm any subjects. 

For this reason, the IRB sets protocols that require additional planning, so consider this when mapping out your study’s timeline. 

Here are some examples of trending healthcare research areas worth pursuing:

The pros and cons of electronic health records

The rise of electronic healthcare charting and records has forever changed how medical professionals and patients interact with their health data. 

Examples of electronic health record-related research topics include:

The number of medication errors reported during a software switch

Nurse sentiment analysis of electronic charting practices

Ethical and legal studies into encrypting and storing personal health data

Inequities within healthcare access

Many barriers inhibit people from accessing the quality medical care they need. These issues result in health disparities and injustices. 

Examples of research topics about health inequities include:

The impact of social determinants of health in a set population

Early and late-stage cancer stage diagnosis in urban vs. rural populations

Affordability of life-saving medications

Health insurance limitations and their impact on overall health

Diagnostic and treatment rates across ethnicities

People who belong to an ethnic minority are more likely to experience barriers and restrictions when trying to receive quality medical care. This is due to systemic healthcare racism and bias. 

As a result, diagnostic and treatment rates in minority populations are a hot-button field of research. Examples of ethnicity-based research topics include:

Cancer biopsy rates in BIPOC women

The prevalence of diabetes in Indigenous communities

Access inequalities in women’s health preventative screenings

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Black populations

• Pharmaceutical research topics

Large pharmaceutical companies are incredibly interested in investing in research to learn more about potential cures and treatments for diseases. 

If you’re interested in building a career in pharmaceutical research, here are a few examples of in-demand research topics:

Cancer treatment options

Clinical research is in high demand as pharmaceutical companies explore novel cancer treatment options outside of chemotherapy and radiation. 

Examples of cancer treatment-related research topics include:

Stem cell therapy for cancer

Oncogenic gene dysregulation and its impact on disease

Cancer-causing viral agents and their risks

Treatment efficacy based on early vs. late-stage cancer diagnosis

Cancer vaccines and targeted therapies

Immunotherapy for cancer

Pain medication alternatives

Historically, opioid medications were the primary treatment for short- and long-term pain. But, with the opioid epidemic getting worse, the need for alternative pain medications has never been more urgent. 

Examples of pain medication-related research topics include:

Opioid withdrawal symptoms and risks

Early signs of pain medication misuse

Anti-inflammatory medications for pain control

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• v.106(15); 2009 Apr

Types of Study in Medical Research

Bernd röhrig.

1 MDK Rheinland-Pfalz, Referat Rehabilitation/Biometrie, Alzey

Jean-Baptist du Prel

2 Zentrum für Präventive Pädiatrie, Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Mainz

Daniel Wachtlin

3 Interdisziplinäres Zentrum Klinische Studien (IZKS), Fachbereich Medizin der Universität Mainz

Maria Blettner

4 Institut für Medizinische Biometrie, Epidemiologie und Informatik (IMBEI), Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz

The choice of study type is an important aspect of the design of medical studies. The study design and consequent study type are major determinants of a study’s scientific quality and clinical value.

This article describes the structured classification of studies into two types, primary and secondary, as well as a further subclassification of studies of primary type. This is done on the basis of a selective literature search concerning study types in medical research, in addition to the authors’ own experience.

Three main areas of medical research can be distinguished by study type: basic (experimental), clinical, and epidemiological research. Furthermore, clinical and epidemiological studies can be further subclassified as either interventional or noninterventional.

Conclusions

The study type that can best answer the particular research question at hand must be determined not only on a purely scientific basis, but also in view of the available financial resources, staffing, and practical feasibility (organization, medical prerequisites, number of patients, etc.).

The quality, reliability and possibility of publishing a study are decisively influenced by the selection of a proper study design. The study type is a component of the study design (see the article "Study Design in Medical Research") and must be specified before the study starts. The study type is determined by the question to be answered and decides how useful a scientific study is and how well it can be interpreted. If the wrong study type has been selected, this cannot be rectified once the study has started.

After an earlier publication dealing with aspects of study design, the present article deals with study types in primary and secondary research. The article focuses on study types in primary research. A special article will be devoted to study types in secondary research, such as meta-analyses and reviews. This article covers the classification of individual study types. The conception, implementation, advantages, disadvantages and possibilities of using the different study types are illustrated by examples. The article is based on a selective literature research on study types in medical research, as well as the authors’ own experience.

Classification of study types

In principle, medical research is classified into primary and secondary research. While secondary research summarizes available studies in the form of reviews and meta-analyses, the actual studies are performed in primary research. Three main areas are distinguished: basic medical research, clinical research, and epidemiological research. In individual cases, it may be difficult to classify individual studies to one of these three main categories or to the subcategories. In the interests of clarity and to avoid excessive length, the authors will dispense with discussing special areas of research, such as health services research, quality assurance, or clinical epidemiology. Figure 1 gives an overview of the different study types in medical research.

Classification of different study types

*1 , sometimes known as experimental research; *2 , analogous term: interventional; *3 , analogous term: noninterventional or nonexperimental

This scheme is intended to classify the study types as clearly as possible. In the interests of clarity, we have excluded clinical epidemiology — a subject which borders on both clinical and epidemiological research ( 3 ). The study types in this area can be found under clinical research and epidemiology.

Basic research

Basic medical research (otherwise known as experimental research) includes animal experiments, cell studies, biochemical, genetic and physiological investigations, and studies on the properties of drugs and materials. In almost all experiments, at least one independent variable is varied and the effects on the dependent variable are investigated. The procedure and the experimental design can be precisely specified and implemented ( 1 ). For example, the population, number of groups, case numbers, treatments and dosages can be exactly specified. It is also important that confounding factors should be specifically controlled or reduced. In experiments, specific hypotheses are investigated and causal statements are made. High internal validity (= unambiguity) is achieved by setting up standardized experimental conditions, with low variability in the units of observation (for example, cells, animals or materials). External validity is a more difficult issue. Laboratory conditions cannot always be directly transferred to normal clinical practice and processes in isolated cells or in animals are not equivalent to those in man (= generalizability) ( 2 ).

Basic research also includes the development and improvement of analytical procedures—such as analytical determination of enzymes, markers or genes—, imaging procedures—such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging—, and gene sequencing—such as the link between eye color and specific gene sequences. The development of biometric procedures—such as statistical test procedures, modeling and statistical evaluation strategies—also belongs here.

Clinical studies

Clinical studies include both interventional (or experimental) studies and noninterventional (or observational) studies. A clinical drug study is an interventional clinical study, defined according to §4 Paragraph 23 of the Medicines Act [Arzneimittelgesetz; AMG] as "any study performed on man with the purpose of studying or demonstrating the clinical or pharmacological effects of drugs, to establish side effects, or to investigate absorption, distribution, metabolism or elimination, with the aim of providing clear evidence of the efficacy or safety of the drug."

Interventional studies also include studies on medical devices and studies in which surgical, physical or psychotherapeutic procedures are examined. In contrast to clinical studies, §4 Paragraph 23 of the AMG describes noninterventional studies as follows: "A noninterventional study is a study in the context of which knowledge from the treatment of persons with drugs in accordance with the instructions for use specified in their registration is analyzed using epidemiological methods. The diagnosis, treatment and monitoring are not performed according to a previously specified study protocol, but exclusively according to medical practice."

The aim of an interventional clinical study is to compare treatment procedures within a patient population, which should exhibit as few as possible internal differences, apart from the treatment ( 4 , e1 ). This is to be achieved by appropriate measures, particularly by random allocation of the patients to the groups, thus avoiding bias in the result. Possible therapies include a drug, an operation, the therapeutic use of a medical device such as a stent, or physiotherapy, acupuncture, psychosocial intervention, rehabilitation measures, training or diet. Vaccine studies also count as interventional studies in Germany and are performed as clinical studies according to the AMG.

Interventional clinical studies are subject to a variety of legal and ethical requirements, including the Medicines Act and the Law on Medical Devices. Studies with medical devices must be registered by the responsible authorities, who must also approve studies with drugs. Drug studies also require a favorable ruling from the responsible ethics committee. A study must be performed in accordance with the binding rules of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) ( 5 , e2 – e4 ). For clinical studies on persons capable of giving consent, it is absolutely essential that the patient should sign a declaration of consent (informed consent) ( e2 ). A control group is included in most clinical studies. This group receives another treatment regimen and/or placebo—a therapy without substantial efficacy. The selection of the control group must not only be ethically defensible, but also be suitable for answering the most important questions in the study ( e5 ).

Clinical studies should ideally include randomization, in which the patients are allocated by chance to the therapy arms. This procedure is performed with random numbers or computer algorithms ( 6 – 8 ). Randomization ensures that the patients will be allocated to the different groups in a balanced manner and that possible confounding factors—such as risk factors, comorbidities and genetic variabilities—will be distributed by chance between the groups (structural equivalence) ( 9 , 10 ). Randomization is intended to maximize homogeneity between the groups and prevent, for example, a specific therapy being reserved for patients with a particularly favorable prognosis (such as young patients in good physical condition) ( 11 ).

Blinding is another suitable method to avoid bias. A distinction is made between single and double blinding. With single blinding, the patient is unaware which treatment he is receiving, while, with double blinding, neither the patient nor the investigator knows which treatment is planned. Blinding the patient and investigator excludes possible subjective (even subconscious) influences on the evaluation of a specific therapy (e.g. drug administration versus placebo). Thus, double blinding ensures that the patient or therapy groups are both handled and observed in the same manner. The highest possible degree of blinding should always be selected. The study statistician should also remain blinded until the details of the evaluation have finally been specified.

A well designed clinical study must also include case number planning. This ensures that the assumed therapeutic effect can be recognized as such, with a previously specified statistical probability (statistical power) ( 4 , 6 , 12 ).

It is important for the performance of a clinical trial that it should be carefully planned and that the exact clinical details and methods should be specified in the study protocol ( 13 ). It is, however, also important that the implementation of the study according to the protocol, as well as data collection, must be monitored. For a first class study, data quality must be ensured by double data entry, programming plausibility tests, and evaluation by a biometrician. International recommendations for the reporting of randomized clinical studies can be found in the CONSORT statement (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials, www.consort-statement.org ) ( 14 ). Many journals make this an essential condition for publication.

For all the methodological reasons mentioned above and for ethical reasons, the randomized controlled and blinded clinical trial with case number planning is accepted as the gold standard for testing the efficacy and safety of therapies or drugs ( 4 , e1 , 15 ).

In contrast, noninterventional clinical studies (NIS) are patient-related observational studies, in which patients are given an individually specified therapy. The responsible physician specifies the therapy on the basis of the medical diagnosis and the patient’s wishes. NIS include noninterventional therapeutic studies, prognostic studies, observational drug studies, secondary data analyses, case series and single case analyses ( 13 , 16 ). Similarly to clinical studies, noninterventional therapy studies include comparison between therapies; however, the treatment is exclusively according to the physician’s discretion. The evaluation is often retrospective. Prognostic studies examine the influence of prognostic factors (such as tumor stage, functional state, or body mass index) on the further course of a disease. Diagnostic studies are another class of observational studies, in which either the quality of a diagnostic method is compared to an established method (ideally a gold standard), or an investigator is compared with one or several other investigators (inter-rater comparison) or with himself at different time points (intra-rater comparison) ( e1 ). If an event is very rare (such as a rare disease or an individual course of treatment), a single-case study, or a case series, are possibilities. A case series is a study on a larger patient group with a specific disease. For example, after the discovery of the AIDS virus, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the USA collected a case series of 1000 patients, in order to study frequent complications of this infection. The lack of a control group is a disadvantage of case series. For this reason, case series are primarily used for descriptive purposes ( 3 ).

Epidemiological studies

The main point of interest in epidemiological studies is to investigate the distribution and historical changes in the frequency of diseases and the causes for these. Analogously to clinical studies, a distinction is made between experimental and observational epidemiological studies ( 16 , 17 ).

Interventional studies are experimental in character and are further subdivided into field studies (sample from an area, such as a large region or a country) and group studies (sample from a specific group, such as a specific social or ethnic group). One example was the investigation of the iodine supplementation of cooking salt to prevent cretinism in a region with iodine deficiency. On the other hand, many interventions are unsuitable for randomized intervention studies, for ethical, social or political reasons, as the exposure may be harmful to the subjects ( 17 ).

Observational epidemiological studies can be further subdivided into cohort studies (follow-up studies), case control studies, cross-sectional studies (prevalence studies), and ecological studies (correlation studies or studies with aggregated data).

In contrast, studies with only descriptive evaluation are restricted to a simple depiction of the frequency (incidence and prevalence) and distribution of a disease within a population. The objective of the description may also be the regular recording of information (monitoring, surveillance). Registry data are also suited for the description of prevalence and incidence; for example, they are used for national health reports in Germany.

In the simplest case, cohort studies involve the observation of two healthy groups of subjects over time. One group is exposed to a specific substance (for example, workers in a chemical factory) and the other is not exposed. It is recorded prospectively (into the future) how often a specific disease (such as lung cancer) occurs in the two groups ( figure 2a ). The incidence for the occurrence of the disease can be determined for both groups. Moreover, the relative risk (quotient of the incidence rates) is a very important statistical parameter which can be calculated in cohort studies. For rare types of exposure, the general population can be used as controls ( e6 ). All evaluations naturally consider the age and gender distributions in the corresponding cohorts. The objective of cohort studies is to record detailed information on the exposure and on confounding factors, such as the duration of employment, the maximum and the cumulated exposure. One well known cohort study is the British Doctors Study, which prospectively examined the effect of smoking on mortality among British doctors over a period of decades ( e7 ). Cohort studies are well suited for detecting causal connections between exposure and the development of disease. On the other hand, cohort studies often demand a great deal of time, organization, and money. So-called historical cohort studies represent a special case. In this case, all data on exposure and effect (illness) are already available at the start of the study and are analyzed retrospectively. For example, studies of this sort are used to investigate occupational forms of cancer. They are usually cheaper ( 16 ).

Graphical depiction of a prospective cohort study (simplest case [2a]) and a retrospective case control study (2b)

In case control studies, cases are compared with controls. Cases are persons who fall ill from the disease in question. Controls are persons who are not ill, but are otherwise comparable to the cases. A retrospective analysis is performed to establish to what extent persons in the case and control groups were exposed ( figure 2b ). Possible exposure factors include smoking, nutrition and pollutant load. Care should be taken that the intensity and duration of the exposure is analyzed as carefully and in as detailed a manner as possible. If it is observed that ill people are more often exposed than healthy people, it may be concluded that there is a link between the illness and the risk factor. In case control studies, the most important statistical parameter is the odds ratio. Case control studies usually require less time and fewer resources than cohort studies ( 16 ). The disadvantage of case control studies is that the incidence rate (rate of new cases) cannot be calculated. There is also a great risk of bias from the selection of the study population ("selection bias") and from faulty recall ("recall bias") (see too the article "Avoiding Bias in Observational Studies"). Table 1 presents an overview of possible types of epidemiological study ( e8 ). Table 2 summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of observational studies ( 16 ).

1 = slight; 2 = moderate; 3 = high; N/A, not applicable.

*Individual cases may deviate from this pattern.

Selecting the correct study type is an important aspect of study design (see "Study Design in Medical Research" in volume 11/2009). However, the scientific questions can only be correctly answered if the study is planned and performed at a qualitatively high level ( e9 ). It is very important to consider or even eliminate possible interfering factors (or confounders), as otherwise the result cannot be adequately interpreted. Confounders are characteristics which influence the target parameters. Although this influence is not of primary interest, it can interfere with the connection between the target parameter and the factors that are of interest. The influence of confounders can be minimized or eliminated by standardizing the procedure, stratification ( 18 ), or adjustment ( 19 ).

The decision as to which study type is suitable to answer a specific primary research question must be based not only on scientific considerations, but also on issues related to resources (personnel and finances), hospital capacity, and practicability. Many epidemiological studies can only be implemented if there is access to registry data. The demands for planning, implementation, and statistical evaluation for observational studies should be just as high for observational studies as for experimental studies. There are particularly strict requirements, with legally based regulations (such as the Medicines Act and Good Clinical Practice), for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of clinical studies. A study protocol must be prepared for both interventional and noninterventional studies ( 6 , 13 ). The study protocol must contain information on the conditions, question to be answered (objective), the methods of measurement, the implementation, organization, study population, data management, case number planning, the biometric evaluation, and the clinical relevance of the question to be answered ( 13 ).

Important and justified ethical considerations may restrict studies with optimal scientific and statistical features. A randomized intervention study under strictly controlled conditions of the effect of exposure to harmful factors (such as smoking, radiation, or a fatty diet) is not possible and not permissible for ethical reasons. Observational studies are a possible alternative to interventional studies, even though observational studies are less reliable and less easy to control ( 17 ).

A medical study should always be published in a peer reviewed journal. Depending on the study type, there are recommendations and checklists for presenting the results. For example, these may include a description of the population, the procedure for missing values and confounders, and information on statistical parameters. Recommendations and guidelines are available for clinical studies ( 14 , 20 , e10 , e11 ), for diagnostic studies ( 21 , 22 , e12 ), and for epidemiological studies ( 23 , e13 ). Since 2004, the WHO has demanded that studies should be registered in a public registry, such as www.controlled-trials.com or www.clinicaltrials.gov . This demand is supported by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) ( 24 ), which specifies that the registration of the study before inclusion of the first subject is an essential condition for the publication of the study results ( e14 ).

When specifying the study type and study design for medical studies, it is essential to collaborate with an experienced biometrician. The quality and reliability of the study can be decisively improved if all important details are planned together ( 12 , 25 ).

Acknowledgments

Translated from the original German by Rodney A. Yeates, M.A., Ph.D.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest in the sense of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.

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Aging and end-of-life care

We provide high-quality palliative care focused on relieving symptoms, maximizing quality of life and ensuring care that concentrates on patients’ goals.

Autoimmune Diseases

Our researchers are striving to better define the molecular and genetic basis for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and arthritis.

Blood Disorders

We are performing cutting-edge research in leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, clotting and bleeding, anemia, and targeted cancer treatment through machine learning and big data. 

Our faculty are conducting world-class cancer research, including bone marrow and stem cell therapy, cell-based immunotherapy, and genomically driven personalized medicine. 

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Reaching far and wide to support those in our WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) communities.

Diabetes and Obesity

We study diabetes and obesity from both a basic and translational research approach. 

Our genetics research builds on pioneering work and the role of heredity-environment interactions in the pathogenesis of disease.

Gastrointestinal Diseases

We strive to be world leaders in the research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis, digestive cancers, and other diseases of the digestive tract.

Heart Disease

Our cardiology faculty perform innovative research and pioneering clinical procedures every day. 

Infectious Diseases

We study the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors associated with various infections, especially STDs, HIV, sepsis, and urinary tract infections.

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Our researchers focus on early detection, prevention and treatment of kidney disease and its complications.

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We study and treat many common and important clinical problems from pre-hospital emergency care to addiction medicine and health care for refugee and homeless populations. 

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We uncover fundamental mechanisms involved in the onset, progression, and resolution of acute lung injury, airway infection, and asthma.

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Biology of aging.

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Department of Medicine faculty lead many research centers, institutes and programs at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and on the UW-Madison campus. 

Medical research at Boston University is dedicated to improving lives. BU has one of the largest and fastest-growing research programs among US medical schools. Our research at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine supports all aspects of biomedical research, from exploration at the basic science level to translating fundamental discoveries into treatments that improve human health.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Therapeutic Areas in Clinical Research

Clinical research plays a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes. The field encompasses a wide range of therapeutic areas, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different therapeutic areas in clinical research and shed light on the latest advancements and breakthroughs.

Understanding Different Therapeutic Areas in Clinical Research

When it comes to clinical research, it's essential to have a deep understanding of the various therapeutic areas. This knowledge helps researchers design robust and effective studies that can address the specific needs of each medical specialty.

Therapeutic areas in clinical research encompass a wide range of medical specialties, each focusing on a specific aspect of human health. From oncology and hematology to dermatology, immunology, neurology, gastroenterology, cardiology, ophthalmology, rare diseases, endocrinology, gene therapy, medical devices, and digital therapeutics, researchers are constantly exploring new frontiers to improve patient outcomes and advance medical knowledge.

Exploring the World of Oncology and Hematology Research

Oncology and hematology research focus on understanding and treating cancer and blood disorders, respectively. With advancements in genomics and targeted therapies, these fields have witnessed remarkable progress in recent years. Researchers are constantly striving to develop more effective treatments and improve the quality of life for patients battling these diseases.

In oncology research, scientists investigate the underlying mechanisms of cancer development, progression, and metastasis. They explore different types of cancer, such as breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer, to gain insights into their unique characteristics and develop tailored treatment approaches. Hematology research, on the other hand, delves into blood disorders like leukemia, lymphoma, and anemia, aiming to understand the causes and develop innovative therapies.

Unveiling the Latest Advancements in Dermatology Research

Dermatology research aims to enhance our understanding of skin conditions and develop innovative therapies to treat them. From studying the mechanisms behind various dermatological disorders to conducting clinical trials for breakthrough treatments, researchers in this field are making significant strides towards improving skin health.

Researchers in dermatology explore conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and skin cancer. They investigate the role of genetics, environmental factors, and immune responses in the development of these conditions. By uncovering the underlying causes, researchers can develop targeted treatments that address the specific needs of patients with different skin conditions.

The Role of Immunology in Clinical Trials

Immunology plays a crucial role in clinical trials by investigating the complex interactions between the immune system and diseases. With the rise of immunotherapies and personalized medicine, researchers are harnessing the power of the immune system to target and eradicate diseases like never before.

Immunology research focuses on understanding how the immune system functions, how it responds to pathogens and cancer cells, and how it can be modulated to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Scientists study immune cells, antibodies, cytokines, and other components of the immune system to develop novel immunotherapies that can effectively treat conditions such as autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer.

Navigating the Complexities of Neurology and Central Nervous System Research

Neurology and central nervous system research delve into the intricate workings of the brain and the nervous system. From studying the causes and mechanisms of neurological disorders to testing potential treatments, researchers in this field are dedicated to improving the lives of patients with conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis.

Neurological research encompasses a wide range of conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, movement disorders, epilepsy, and stroke. Scientists investigate the underlying mechanisms of these disorders, explore potential biomarkers for early diagnosis, and develop innovative therapies to slow down or halt disease progression. They also focus on neurorehabilitation techniques to improve the quality of life for individuals living with neurological conditions.

Investigating Breakthroughs in Gastroenterology Research

Gastroenterology research aims to advance our understanding of the digestive system and develop new treatments for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and liver diseases. With emerging technologies and innovative therapies, researchers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in gastrointestinal care.

Gastrointestinal research covers a broad spectrum of diseases and disorders affecting the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. Scientists investigate the causes of conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and liver cirrhosis, aiming to develop targeted therapies that can alleviate symptoms and improve long-term outcomes for patients.

Advancing Cardiology Research for Better Heart Health

Cardiology research focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating cardiovascular diseases, which remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Through clinical trials and groundbreaking studies, researchers are constantly striving to develop more effective interventions and therapies to improve heart health.

Cardiovascular research encompasses a wide range of conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects. Scientists investigate the risk factors, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle interventions that can prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases. They also explore innovative treatments such as minimally invasive procedures, drug therapies, and regenerative medicine approaches to repair damaged heart tissue.

Shedding Light on Ophthalmology Research and Innovations

Ophthalmology research aims to improve our understanding of eye diseases and develop innovative treatments to preserve vision. From investigating the causes of conditions like cataracts and glaucoma to exploring the potential of gene therapies and regenerative medicine, researchers in this field are at the forefront of eye care innovation.

Researchers in ophthalmology study a wide range of eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment. They investigate the underlying mechanisms of these diseases, develop diagnostic tools for early detection , and explore novel treatment approaches such as gene therapies, stem cell therapies, and artificial retinas.

Uncovering the Challenges and Progress in Rare Disease Research

Rare disease research focuses on understanding and addressing conditions that affect a small percentage of the population. These diseases often present unique challenges due to their complexity and limited treatment options. Researchers in this field work tirelessly to unravel the mysteries of rare diseases and develop targeted therapies to improve the lives of affected individuals.

There are thousands of rare diseases, each with its own set of challenges and complexities. Researchers investigate the genetic and molecular basis of these diseases, explore potential biomarkers for early diagnosis, and develop innovative therapies tailored to the specific needs of patients. They also collaborate with patient advocacy groups and healthcare professionals to raise awareness and improve access to care for individuals with rare diseases.

Delving into the Realm of Endocrinology Research

Endocrinology research explores the hormonal imbalances that contribute to conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hormonal cancers. Through clinical trials and innovative treatments, researchers are committed to improving our understanding of endocrine disorders and developing personalized approaches to management.

Endocrine disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and adrenal disorders. Researchers investigate the underlying causes of these disorders, explore the role of genetics and environmental factors, and develop novel therapies such as hormone replacement therapies, targeted drug therapies, and lifestyle interventions.

Gene Therapy: Revolutionizing the Future of Medicine

Gene therapy has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various diseases by targeting the underlying genetic causes. From inherited disorders to certain types of cancer, researchers are harnessing the power of gene editing and delivery techniques to develop transformative therapies that could change the landscape of medicine.

Gene therapy research focuses on understanding the genetic basis of diseases, identifying specific gene mutations or dysregulations, and developing techniques to modify or replace faulty genes. Scientists explore various delivery methods, such as viral vectors and nanoparticles, to safely and effectively deliver therapeutic genes to the target cells or tissues. Gene therapy holds promise for conditions like cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and certain types of cancer.

Exploring the Intersection of Medical Devices and Clinical Trials

Medical devices play a crucial role in healthcare, and their impact is not limited to diagnosis and treatment. Clinical trials involving medical devices are essential to ensure safety, efficacy, and usability. Researchers in this field focus on developing and testing innovative devices that can improve patient outcomes and enhance the delivery of healthcare services.

Medical device research encompasses a wide range of technologies, including implantable devices, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic equipment. Scientists work on improving the design and functionality of devices, conducting preclinical and clinical trials to assess their performance, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to integrate devices into patient care pathways. The development of advanced medical devices has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

Harnessing the Power of Digital Therapeutics in Clinical Research

Digital therapeutics leverage technology to deliver evidence-based interventions for the prevention, management, and treatment of various conditions. From smartphone apps to virtual reality-based therapies, researchers are exploring the potential of digital therapeutics to empower patients and revolutionize healthcare delivery.

Researchers in digital therapeutics investigate the effectiveness of digital interventions in improving patient outcomes, enhancing medication adherence, and promoting behavior change. They develop and test smartphone applications, wearable devices, and virtual reality platforms that can deliver personalized interventions, track patient progress, and provide real-time feedback. Digital therapeutics have the potential to increase access to healthcare, reduce healthcare costs, and empower patients to take control of their health.

The Global Landscape of Clinical Trials

As the field of clinical research continues to expand, it's essential to understand the global landscape of clinical trials. These trials play a critical role in bringing new treatments to patients and advancing medical knowledge.

Analyzing the Growth and Trends in the Global Clinical Trials Market

The global clinical trials market is witnessing significant growth, driven by factors such as increasing disease burden, technological advancements, and growing interest from pharmaceutical companies. Analyzing the trends and dynamics of this market provides valuable insights into the future of clinical research and the potential impact on patient care.

A Closer Look at Clinical Trials Across Different Therapeutic Areas

Clinical trials span across various therapeutic areas, with each specialty presenting its unique challenges and considerations. Understanding the nuances of conducting clinical trials within different therapeutic areas is crucial for researchers and stakeholders involved in these studies. It helps ensure that trials are designed and executed effectively, leading to reliable and meaningful results.

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide has provided an overview of the therapeutic areas in clinical research. From oncology and hematology to dermatology, immunology, and beyond, each field presents exciting opportunities for researchers to make a significant impact on patients' lives. By continually pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and collaborating across disciplines, the clinical research community can drive advancements that transform healthcare and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.

If you're inspired by the potential of clinical research across diverse therapeutic areas and are seeking a partner to navigate the complexities of clinical trials, look no further than Lindus Health. Our comprehensive suite of services provides an all-in-one solution for your clinical trial needs, from protocol writing to data delivery, including site services and an innovative eClinical platform. To discover how Lindus Health can support your clinical research journey and drive your study towards success, book a meeting with our team today.

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Faculty in the MCGD Track investigate a broad array of topics, and research projects often combine several approaches. For example, some faculty use methods in molecular and cellular biology to study development, while others combine biochemistry and genetics to investigate the molecular basis of human disease. The experimental systems used span the evolutionary spectrum, from viruses and bacteria, to unicellular eukaryotes (yeast), simple metazoan systems (Drosophila, C. elegans), plants (Arabidopsis, maize, rice), cultured vertebrate cells, and finally vertebrate model organisms, culminating with the study of human biology.

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As part of one the most prestigious academic medical centers in the country, the Department of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine undertakes a wide breadth of research each year and participates in both intramural and extramural collaborations.

The research areas highlighted below are just a few of topics we are actively studying. They are comprised of several high-priority programs represented by departmental laboratories dedicated to translational science so that patients can receive the best care possible.

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Critical care and trauma, metabolism and diabetes, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, surgical innovation, transplant biology, vascular biology, wound healing, outcome research, find a physician.

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At the Daniel B. Drachman Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, we are dedicated to mounting a comprehensive and united effort against diseases affecting the motor neurons, peripheral nerves and muscles. The division's team of experts includes clinicians and scientists who work collaboratively to investigate the genetic and molecular basis of neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophies, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), peripheral neuropathy, and other complex conditions. Their research aims to develop novel therapies that enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. 

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Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration

The Neuromuscular Division's research program includes investigations into peripheral neuropathy, a common condition that affects the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, leading to numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the hands and feet. Researchers at the Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center  are studying the mechanisms that underlie peripheral neuropathy and developing new therapies that can alleviate symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. 

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Another area of focus for the division's research program is ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventually paralysis. Researchers in the Packard Center are working to better understand the underlying causes of ALS and develop new treatments that can slow or halt disease progression. They are also investigating the role of genetics and epigenetics in ALS, with the goal of developing personalized therapies that target specific genetic mutations.

Muscle Diseases

The neuromuscular division also has an active program in diagnosis of diseases that primarily affect skeletal muscle including genetic and acquired myopathies. The Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic  researchers are studying the underlying mechanisms of muscle dysfunction and fibrosis and are developing therapies that may slow the disease progression or improve symptoms in individuals with muscle disease. With the aid of new classes of RNA and gene directed therapies, they aim to bring new treatments to individuals with muscular dystrophies and related conditions.

Collaboration across disciplines is a key aspect of the division's research program, as they work to integrate findings to better understand the complex mechanisms of neuromuscular diseases and develop effective treatments.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease

The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Center  is part of the Inherited Neuropathy Consortium (INC), a group of academic medical centers, patient support organization, and clinical research resources dedicated to conducting clinical research in different forms of CMT and improving patient care. Our center participates in ongoing studies coordinated by the INC. Our patients who might benefit from and are eligible for clinical research studies are offered an opportunity to participate. Studies may include natural history, genetic and disease biomarker studies.

With our strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, we aim to achieve groundbreaking discoveries in neuromuscular research. Our ultimate goal is to provide renewed hope and better care for individuals impacted by these complex conditions.

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In addition to addressing the most current and significant health issues, our Faculty advances research performance in the following four major health and disease areas :

Infection, Immunity and Inflammation

The 21 st century is witnessing the re-emergence of infectious diseases as a major threat to global health. In that respect, the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020 has been an all-too-dramatic illustration of infectious diseases as an agent of global catastrophe. Our generation now has first-hand experience that pandemics disrupt entire societies worldwide, challenge public health systems, education, social interactions and the economy.

Cancer remains a leading cause of premature death in the western world and is now a significant global challenge in the developing world. Improved strategies for cancer prevention and early detection are required, in parallel with fundamental advances. These latter include the better understanding of the complex interactions between deregulated genetics, gene expression and a broad range of environmental and behavioral risk factors of cancer development.

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Although considerable progress has been made in the management of stroke and other acute brain injuries, chronic diseases of the nervous system remain a major source of morbidity in all age groups. Central nervous system disease also manifests itself as severe neurological and psychiatric disorders, which account for an enormous burden of disease.

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Demographic pressures and the continuing improvement of acute illness treatments have made wellness in aging and the management of chronic diseases major challenges. Healthy aging, with maximum autonomy, over a prolonged life expectancy is a societal priority. In parallel, important advances and reflections around palliative care and end-of-life have raised awareness of individuals and society.

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Advancing Critical Areas of Medicine

IU School of Medicine faculty are among the nation's top experts in today's greatest health challenges.

Indiana University School of Medicine is a committed leader in physician education, medical research and clinical care. Through the successful pursuit of funding, collaborations and talent, the school’s achievements across medical specialties are recognized nationally; yet IU School of Medicine is making extraordinary advancements in specific areas of expertise.

Strong partnerships with Indiana hospitals and global biomedical companies enable IU School of Medicine to generate research and implement discoveries in ways that truly benefit individual patient outcomes and overall population health. Collaboration with other universities and schools within Indiana University through federally funded research centers and institutes led by IU School of Medicine faculty is quickening the path from laboratory to treatment.

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IU School of Medicine is a national leader in LGBTQ+ health education, offering a robust learning and teaching environment to prepare the next generation of healers to provide equitable care to LGBTQ+ people. The school hosts one of the most comprehensive and affordable LGBTQ+ Health Care Conferences in the country.

IU School of Medicine faculty members proudly provide the highest quality health care to LGBTQ+ patients and families in a safe and welcoming environment.

Recently awarded a five-year NIH grant for a Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Training Program, IU School of Medicine trains new scientists in studying musculoskeletal disorders to improve treatment. The new Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health leverages the expertise of research groups at IU School of Medicine, in conjunction with IU Indianapolis, to boost the population of doctors and scientists who study and specialize in musculoskeletal disorders.

IU School of Medicine is training the next generation of physicians who will improve the health of people in Indiana and throughout the world. IU School of Medicine’s Global Health program includes work opportunities in Kenya, Honduras, or Mexico for student clerkships and electives.

Faculty physicians and medical researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine are deeply committed to improving the health of people throughout the state. Innovative programs, including CARE Plus, the Opioid Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) project and Indiana Area Health Education Centers Network, boldly tackle the most pressing health issues in Indiana.

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IU School of Medicine is a leader in the research, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury and mild traumatic brain injury, known also as concussion. With the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, IU School of Medicine is a designated Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Site, one of just 16 such centers in the nation. The work of this partnership focuses on the long-term treatment and rehabilitation of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) as well as critical research to fill knowledge gaps related to TBI and concussion.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Indiana University School of Medicine recruits top global researchers studying Alzheimer’s disease, and these investigators receive generous grant awards and international support to advance their studies. Through advanced research facilities and clinical care service centers, IU School of Medicine is committed to ending the suffering of Alzheimer disease and other dementias.

Stark Neurosciences Research Institute

Center for Neuroimaging

Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center

Faculty Spotlight

Liana G. Apostolova, MD, MS

Barbara and Peer Baekgaard Professor of Alzheimers Disease Research

Liana Apostolova, MD, focuses on the early symptomatic and presymptomatic stages of Alzheimer's disease and on the development and validation of sensitive imaging and genetic biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and other dementing disorders.

Lynda F. Bonewald, PhD

Director, Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health

An internationally recognized scientific and academic leader in bone research, Lynda Bonewald, PhD, is the first director of the Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health at IU School of Medicine.

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IU School of Medicine is a statewide school that is educating future physicians and scientists throughout Indiana. To stay current on the school’s work and progress in these areas of expertise and other areas of medicine, explore the newsroom  and research blog , where faculty physicians and investigators throughout the school’s academic departments post updates about their work. To hear faculty describe their work in person, find seminars, scientific presentations and other live events on the IU School of Medicine calendar .

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Integration of Medically Necessary Prevention, Treatment, and Monitoring of Oncologic-related Oral, Dental, and Craniofacial Complications

On this page, gaps and opportunities, specific areas of interest.

Center for Clinical Research Division of Extramural Research

The objective of this initiative is to encourage translational and clinical research that advances the integration of medically necessary oral, maxillofacial, and medical approaches to reduce dental, oral, and craniofacial (DOC)-related complications among oncology patients. This initiative also promotes research that builds new evidence aligned with recent changes in Medicare policies to reduce coverage gaps in dental services inextricably linked to the clinical success of medical oncology services.

Despite the overall decrease in cancer rates over the past decade, over 40% (2 out of 5) of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer of any site at some point during their lifetime. Each year over 17 million U.S. children and adults live daily with cancer [1], and 18 million Americans are cancer survivors [2]. The 133 million Americans who experience cancer in their lifetime receive medically necessary care. Oral health care is an integral component of medically necessary care for oncology patients. Systemic cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and transplantation, and localized targeted head and neck cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, or proton therapy are associated with DOC complications, which vary depending on treatment type and a patient’s pre-existing conditions, such as medical co-morbidities and active dental disease. Complications may include spread of oral infections, altered dental and craniofacial growth, osteoradionecrosis, neuromuscular impairment, persistent neuropathic pain, salivary hypofunction, dysgeusia, dysphagia, painful ulcerations, fibrosis, and mucositis. In turn, DOC complications may lead to additional hazards, such as poorer nutrition, ab ingestis pneumonia or asphyxia. Oro-dental disease can interfere with or halt medically necessary urgent care, leading to reduced cancer treatment efficacy and increased risks, such as malignancy spread or recurrence, increased risk of systemic complications, and decreased survival [3]. Importantly, novel treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, may result in severe debilitating effects [4]. Treatment-related toxicity along the entire oral and gastrointestinal tract may require additional interventions, lengthen hospital stays or lead to unnecessary emergency visits, hospital admissions or readmissions, increasing health care costs and patient burden. The ongoing medical and dental separation exacerbates health inequities. Recognizing this gap, the recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2023 and 2024 Final Rules specifically address critically necessary inpatient and outpatient dental coverage delivered through coordinated medical and dental care for oncology patients [5,6].

Over the next decade, the number of cancer survivors is projected to increase by 24.4% to nearly 23 million Americans. Furthermore, the number of people who currently live 5 or more years after their cancer diagnosis is nearly 70% and projected to increase 30%, to over 16.3 million [2]. Thus, there is an urgent need to minimize complications from oncologic management, and fully integrate necessary dental and medical care to preserve lifelong function and quality of life. 

Prevention, detection, and control of DOC-related complications is a clinical priority for practitioners and their oncology patients, who may live decades after the initial cancer diagnosis and require ongoing management of cancer complications. Thus, this initiative prioritizes understudied approaches to minimize DOC-related complications in oncology patients across the lifespan. This timely initiative also promotes research to build new evidence alongside the implementation of new CMS policies aimed at closing medically necessary dental coverage gaps [7]. This initiative differs from and complements other successful initiatives aimed at prevention, detection, and treatment of head and neck cancers, such as the recently launched AHEAD initiative. This initiative aligns with NIDCR’s strategic priorities #1, 2, and 3 [8]. Importantly, this initiative directly responds to the 2024 Senate Labor Health and Human Services Appropriation Bill (S2624), which states that dental care is integral to the medical management of numerous diseases and medical conditions and that the lack of medically necessary oral health care heightens the risk of costly medical complications … The Committee urges NIH to fund additional research in this area and conduct trials to determine which oral care interventions are most effective for improving medical management and reducing the prevalence of malignant oral cancers, … and lowering hospitalization and emergency department admission rates... [9].

The current NIDCR portfolio includes a limited selection of active grants in this area: side effects detected by magnetic resonance imaging (2), pain (10), infections (2), personalized toxicity risk prediction and surgical planning (3), salivary gland dysfunction (3), bone regeneration (1), or multiple complications (3). Three of these studies are clinical trials.

Examples of studies include, but are not limited to:

• Investigations of personalized dental treatment practices prior to oncologic treatment to minimize oral sequelae (e.g., optimal pre-radiation timing of dental extractions among diabetic patients to minimize DOC complications and time to treatment initiation [TTI]).
• Monitoring and treatment of DOC complications of cancer patients with comorbidities (e.g., cancer survivors on bisphosphonates, or with concurrent immune or metabolic disorders).
• Novel organ at risk (OAR) sparing methods (e.g., target dose heterogeneity approaches to minimize sequelae of the alveolar bone, oral mucosa, parotid gland, and vascular or neuromuscular tissues).
• Comparison of meaningful medical and dental care coordination approaches to prevent oral complications during oncologic management and follow-up (e.g., care coordination for patients with periodontal disease and metastatic disease receiving bone modifying agents) in hospital or primary care settings, or among institutionalized patients.
• Integration of approaches that strengthen the continuity of care of cancer patients as they transition from inpatient to outpatient primary medical and dental care, particularly in limited resource settings, to reduce oro-dental-related emergency visits and hospital readmissions.
• Novel oral, dental, and maxillofacial surgical planning, reconstruction, and rehabilitation approaches performed as part of comprehensive oncologic patient management to reduce physical and functional sequelae (e.g., edentulism, implant-based reconstruction, bone and skin grafting, trismus, improvement of mandibular range of motion and orofacial pain).
• Development, validation, and integration of risk assessment algorithms, clinical practice workflows or techniques for early detection and surveillance of oral complications among patients undergoing oncologic treatment (e.g., AI-assisted detection of dental infections in neutropenic patients).
• Natural history studies of poorly understood DOC complications (e.g., assessing risk factors and progression of DOC growth and development complications in pediatric oncology patients).
• Comparative safety and efficacy studies of novel, experimental or combination oncologic therapies and DOC complications (e.g., mRNA-based, immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell, or tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes).
• Implementation research to understand barriers and facilitators to adoption and implementation of prevention, treatment, and surveillance of DOC-related complications in cancer patients.
• Analyses of integrated medical and dental electronic health records to support clinical studies development and implementation to reduce oral complications among oncology patients.
• Methodological research to improve the consistency and accuracy of clinical research outcomes of oral complications studies among oncology patients.
• Controlled research studies to test the effectiveness of different dental care protocols prior to or during chemotherapy to improve clinical guidelines.
• National Cancer Institute (NCI), Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. NCI cancer stats facts: Cancer of any site [Internet] . Accessed 2024 Jun 21.
• NCI, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Office of Cancer Survivorship. Statistics and graphs . Accessed 2024 Jun 21.
• Murphy CT, Galloway TJ, Handorf EA, Egleston BL, Wang LS, Mehra R, et al. Survival impact of increasing time to treatment initiation for patients with head and neck cancer in the United States . J Clin Oncol. 2016 Jan 10;34(2): 169-178. Epub 2015 Nov 30. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2015.61.5906.
• Elad S, Yarom N, Zadik Y. Immunotherapy-related oral adverse effects: Immediate sequelae, chronicity and secondary cancer . Cancers (Basel). 2023 Sep 28;15(19):4781. doi: 10.3390/cancers15194781.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS-1784-F [Internet].
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. MLN Matters: Medicare physician fee schedule final rule summary: CY 2024 [Internet] . MM13452.
• 7. Hickam DH, Gordon CJ, Armstrong CE, Coen MJ, Paynter R, Helfand M. The efficacy of dental services for reducing adverse events in those receiving chemotherapy for cancer [Internet] . Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2023 Jul. doi: 10.23970/AHRQEPCRAPIDDENTALCANCER.
• National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. NIDCR strategic plan 2021‒2026 . Bethesda (MD): National Institutes of Health; 2021.
• United States Committee on Appropriations. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation Bill, 2024 . p. 96.

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The Glass Ceiling—Racial Disparities Among Emergency Medicine Chief Residents

• 1 Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
• 2 Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
• Original Investigation Race and Sex Disparities Among Emergency Medicine Chief Residents Jennifer W. Tsai, MD, MEd; Mytien Nguyen, MS; Sarah N. Dudgeon, MPH; William McDade, MD, PhD; Jung G. Kim, PhD, MPH; Pooja Agrawal, MD, MPH; Dowin Boatright, MD, MBA, MHS JAMA Network Open

The role of a chief resident extends beyond a mere title; it is a gateway to opportunities and a stepping stone to leadership roles in both academic and community emergency medicine (EM) settings. Within the department, a chief resident signals to faculty and trainees that the title-bearer is clinically excellent, organized, thorough, and well-respected. It is often considered an unspoken metric for fellowship trainee positions, medical directorships, and other leadership-oriented roles. Although this title denotes increased academic responsibilities, it is also tethered to social capital capable of launching a successful career in EM.

However, this coveted position may not be equally accessible to all. Data from Tsai et al 1 suggest that women underrepresented in medicine (URIM; a category that included residents identified as Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander) were least likely to be selected for chief promotion, and 50% as likely to be selected for chief resident compared with White men. This is corroborated by other studies demonstrating that URIM physicians, particularly Black women, are less likely to occupy executive leadership roles (commonly referred to as the “c-suite”) or departmental leadership roles (ie, department chair, vice chair, program director). 2 , 3 This disparity systematically distances URIM physicians from career trajectories that could lead to significant social and economic capital.

Some consider facets such as individual popularity, likability, and on-shift performance to be driving forces in the selection process for chief residents. Although the selection criteria are thought to be objective, there is an inherent subjectivity to nomination, ranking, and voting. This perception may provide insight into the true state of department and residency culture in the US. Furthermore, it raises the question: Are the requirements for becoming a chief intrinsically and structurally biased? If so, this could suggest that the standards and requirements for these roles may need to be reevaluated to ensure fairness and inclusivity.

Chief residents have line of sight to both residency and departmental operations. As a function of proximity and open communication, chiefs can build close relationships with faculty and administration during this formative year. Under their tutelage, significant growth occurs and produces enduring mentorship and sponsorship threads; this serves as an inflection point in career trajectory. The overlay of mentorship and sponsorship, or the lack thereof, can widen the opportunity gap in professional development.

The downstream implications of this disparity in representation are profound. Some programs select their fellows from the pool of chief residents, and some groups and departments only hire chief residents. The skill set development that chief residents undergo is attractive to employers and directly translates into administrative and leadership roles in EM. Thus, the lack of URIM physicians in these roles can limit their career advancement opportunities.

One counterargument has been the floor effect; in other words, the selection pool of URIM residents is inherently low, which contributes to the scarcity of URIM chief residents. However, the recruitment of URIM physicians partly hinges on representation at leadership levels; among those ranks are chief residents. Fewer URIM chiefs can translate to fewer persons with voting privileges advocating on behalf of URIM applicants. For active URIM residents, it reinforces the notion of a glass ceiling—that is, a systemic barrier of access to leadership roles within medicine and health care.

As health care has pivoted toward precision medicine, monitoring outcomes, and cost-savings models, value has been placed on leadership that can influence these factors. And although not explicitly stated, chief residents are in this leadership pipeline—which makes the selection process even more critical. To date, there are no studies that link the presence (or absence) of URIM chiefs to health outcomes. However, for the most vulnerable populations concordance literature does reflect improved clinical outcomes, greater adherence, reduced utilization, and lower health care expenditures (all metrics of interest) when clinicians come from URIM backgrounds. 4 Despite the seemingly natural alignment in goals, a dearth of URIM chiefs exists, as evidenced by this study.

Tsai et al 1 underscores the value of continued implicit bias and microaggression training. It also highlights a significant area of ignorance in the recruitment, advancement, and sponsorship of URIM physicians in leadership roles within the EM workforce. Furthermore, it indirectly elevates a dialogue about the connection between leadership and equitable health outcomes. These dynamics impact health outcomes for diverse patients and represent a branching point where intervention can be targeted. 5

Association of American Medical Colleges and American Medical Association both support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in medicine; American College of Emergency Physicians, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, and Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association all support DEI within emergency medicine. 5 , 6 Unfortunately, there is also an overarching, concerted effort to dismantle DEI initiatives. Some irony lies in the fact that many of the targets have been Black women newly hired in leadership roles, despite its benefit being skewed toward White women. 7 This article provides additional evidence for why these efforts are both necessary and urgent.

The underrepresentation of URIM physicians in leadership roles, such as chief residents, is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. It is crucial for the medical community to recognize this disparity and take proactive steps to ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of their race, ethnicity, and gender. This will not only enrich the diversity of leadership in emergency medicine but also enhance the quality of patient care and health outcomes.

Published: September 24, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.32606

Open Access: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the CC-BY License . © 2024 Landry AM et al. JAMA Network Open .

Corresponding Author: Alden M. Landry, MD, MPH, DICP, 164 Longwood Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02215 ( [email protected] ).

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Dr Brown reported receiving consulting fees from GSK outside the submitted work. No other disclosures were reported.

See More About

Landry AM , Brown I. The Glass Ceiling—Racial Disparities Among Emergency Medicine Chief Residents. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(9):e2432606. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.32606

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Texas lawmaker vows to ban medical research on unclaimed bodies after NBC News investigation

This article is part of “ Dealing the Dead,” a series investigating the use of unclaimed bodies for medical research.

A Texas state legislator is vowing to ban the use of unclaimed bodies for research in response to an NBC News investigation that found a local medical program obtained and studied hundreds of human specimens without families’ permission.

Sen. Tan Parker, a Republican whose district includes portions of Dallas and Tarrant counties, said he would introduce a bill in the legislative session in January to prohibit the use of people’s bodies unless they or their survivors give full consent.

Parker has sought in the past to crack down on the largely unregulated body broker industry. Still, he said he had no idea before seeing NBC News’ investigation that the Fort Worth-based University of North Texas Health Science Center had made money off of unclaimed bodies by dissecting them and leasing the parts to for-profit medical companies and other institutions, including the Army. Some of the people whose remains were used this way had families who were searching for them.

“I was outraged and completely just disgusted to see what had been occurring,” said Parker, noting that he fully supports the use of bodies to advance medicine, but only when the dead or their families give permission. “Human life is sacred and needs to always be protected, and that is a core principle to me.”

The Health Science Center did not comment on Parker’s plans for legislation. In a statement Thursday, university spokesperson Andy North said the center “fell short of the standards of respect, care and professionalism that we demand.”

A half-century ago, U.S. medical schools routinely used unclaimed bodies for research and training, and doing so remains legal in most of the country, including Texas. But some states — and many body-donation programs — have halted the practice to reflect changes in medical ethics that demand doctors and scientists handle bodies with the same respect shown to living patients.

Officials in North Texas justified sending unclaimed bodies — those without families who could afford to make funeral arrangements or whose families could not be reached — to the Health Science Center by saying the deals saved local governments on burial and cremation costs, helped train physicians and aided lifesaving research. However, NBC News found repeated failures by death investigators in Dallas and Tarrant counties and by the Health Science Center to contact relatives who were reachable before declaring the bodies unclaimed.

The reporting prompted immediate changes, along with public outrage and shocked responses from federal, state and local government officials. The Health Science Center suspended its body-donation program, fired the officials who led it and said it would stop accepting unclaimed bodies . Some medical device and research companies, as well as the Army, said they were rethinking their arrangements with the center and planned to examine their own internal policies to ensure they don’t use unclaimed bodies in the future.

Alisa Simmons, a member of the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, said she will push the board to adopt new policies to ensure the ethical and respectful treatment of the unclaimed dead. Dallas County officials have said moving forward they won’t provide unclaimed bodies for research unless survivors choose to do so.

For some families, those promises have helped soothe their pain, but they said they remain traumatized by what happened to their dead relatives.

“It infuriates me, the total disrespect,” said Brenda Cloud, sister of Victor Honey.

Honey, 58, a homeless Army veteran with mental illness, was dissected and leased to two medical companies and the Army after his death in 2022. His family members did not know until NBC News informed them this spring. In June, they buried Honey’s cremated remains at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, among thousands of other military service members.

Cloud said she feels some relief knowing that the Health Science Center has stopped obtaining unclaimed bodies, but she wants more to be done to prevent others from going through what her family endured.

“Now that people have an awareness of what’s going on, we can look at laws being changed,” Cloud said. “Still, there is no law, nothing, that will fix what happened.”

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which helped arrange Honey’s June burial, expressed sympathy for what happened to him.

“We were extremely saddened to hear of his and his family’s story,” Terrence Hayes, a VA spokesperson, said in a statement. “Mr. Honey, like all Veterans who have served our nation with courage and honor, deserved a dignified burial at the time of his passing.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who hosts MSNBC’s “PoliticsNation” and has previously condemned failures by Mississippi officials to notify families before declaring bodies unclaimed , said the Health Science Center’s activities were “a civil rights issue” that deserved government intervention.

“What you’re doing is robbing their families and loved ones and the person of their human dignity and of their rights to make a decision over their loved ones,” Sharpton said in an interview.

Some officials and medical experts reacted to NBC News’ findings by calling for federal changes. Thomas Champney, an anatomy professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine who researches the ethical use of human bodies, said he hoped Congress would take action.

“This should not occur anywhere within the United States,” Champney said.

Eli Shupe, a bioethicist at the University of Texas at Arlington who for years tried unsuccessfully to dissuade Tarrant County officials from providing unclaimed bodies to the University of North Texas Health Science Center, said her state now has an opportunity to set a new national standard.

“This isn’t just a good step forward for Texas, but it could be a model for other medical schools, other counties, other states,” Shupe said, referring to Parker’s promise to end the use of unclaimed bodies.

Louisa Harvey, whose fiancé, Michael Coleman, 43, was sent to the Health Science Center even as she reported him missing and searched for him, said she was glad to see the cascade of changes and promises of reforms.

“There’s no justice for Michael or the families that have already been affected, but it’s a good thing if it can keep it from happening to anyone else,” Harvey said.

Harvey said she wanted more from the Health Science Center, whose officials apologized for the program’s failures in a statement posted to its website but hadn't spoken to Coleman's or Honey's loved ones.

“That sounds like something you say just because you got caught,” Harvey said of the center’s statement.

After NBC News shared Harvey’s comments, North, the Health Science Center spokesperson, said officials had been “working to connect with families to extend our deepest apologies.”

In the meantime, Harvey said she’s been haunted by nightmares for months and still has no confidence that the box on her nightstand actually contains Coleman’s ashes.

“This is something,” she said, “I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.”

Jon Schuppe is an enterprise reporter for NBC News, based in New York.

Mike Hixenbaugh is a senior investigative reporter for NBC News, based in Maryland, and author of "They Came for the Schools."