Angelholm

Researchers are evaluating the feasibility of implementing digitally supported physical rehabilitation for cancer patients during and after systemic treatment across five South Baltic countries: Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Poland, and Lithuania. The study addresses challenges such as distance to rehabilitation facilities, heavy treatment schedules, and barriers like low e-health literacy and limited internet access in rural areas. The goal is to improve access to rehabilitation and understand factors affecting its implementation in diverse healthcare settings. The study involves two feasibility trials at each site, one for patients undergoing systemic cancer treatment and one for those who have completed treatment. Each trial aims to enroll 30 patients, totaling 300 patients. The intervention consists of needs-based physical rehabilitation delivered fully or partially digitally by trained healthcare professionals using digital solutions selected locally to meet specific site needs. The rehabilitation programs last from 8 to 16 weeks and follow international exercise guidelines for cancer care. Participants collaborate with healthcare professionals to set personalized functional goals and undergo various assessments including questionnaires, physical testing, and patient-reported outcome measures. Data collection includes monitoring of adherence, harms, drop-outs, and resource use, supported by standardized training for healthcare providers and monthly audits. Patients' and therapists' perspectives on engagement determinants in digital rehabilitation will be studied using group concept mapping. Outcomes will be evaluated using the RE-AIM framework to assess reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is a common and serious condition without effective treatment options. Researchers are evaluating whether adding spironolactone, a medication, to standard care can reduce the combined risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalizations for heart failure in patients with HFPEF. This study is a Phase 3 trial including patients from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry and the US, all having symptoms of heart failure, elevated heart-related blood markers, and an ejection fraction of 40% or higher. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving spironolactone along with usual care, and the other receiving usual care alone without spironolactone. The study is designed as a registry-randomized clinical trial and will continue until 721 cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization events occur, with an enrollment period of 7 years and a total study duration of 9 years. Data collection in Sweden uses registry linkages, while data in the US comes from site reports and supplemented call center follow-up. During the study, researchers will monitor participants for hospitalizations due to heart failure or cardiovascular death as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include other hospitalizations, side effects, and how well patients follow their treatment plans. Outcomes are tracked through national registries and direct reporting, with the main data locked and analyzed five years after the study begins. Approximately 2000 patients aged 50 to 99 years will be included to achieve the event target needed for study conclusions.

Researchers are evaluating whether using a digital postoperative outcome prediction tool called the Dialogue Support tool can improve patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction after surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis or cervical radiculopathy. The study compares results from patients who use this tool alongside their surgeon's assessment against a matched group from the Swedish Spine Register receiving standard care. The trial also looks at quality of life for patients who, after assessment, do not proceed with surgery compared to those who do. Participants will use the Dialogue Support tool with their surgeons to help decide the best treatment option. This tool predicts postoperative outcomes and is intended to support decision-making in clinical practice. The study is prospective, involves multiple centers, and focuses on surgical treatment decisions for spine conditions causing leg or arm pain. During the study, participants will be followed up to assess their general health status and satisfaction one year after surgery. Data will be collected on patient-reported outcomes related to leg and arm pain and overall satisfaction. The trial monitors the impact of the tool on clinical decisions and patient quality of life, including those who do not undergo surgery. Total study duration and additional follow-up details are not specified.

The Swedish BioFINDER 2 study builds on the earlier BioFINDER 1 cohorts to advance understanding and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. It focuses on early and accurate diagnosis using new biomarkers and imaging methods, including tau and amyloid PET scans. The study aims to improve disease classification based on brain pathologies and to better understand the progression and mechanisms of dementia and Parkinsonian disorders in living people, supporting the development of new therapies. Participants undergo detailed assessments including cognitive tests, motor evaluations, and clinical symptom ratings. The study uses advanced imaging techniques such as 3 Tesla MRI, tau PET with 18F-RO6958948, and amyloid PET with 18F-flutemetamol. Cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples are collected to measure biomarkers related to Alzheimer’s pathology. Participants are grouped into cohorts ranging from cognitively healthy younger and older adults to those with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s dementia, and other dementias. Throughout the study, participants attend baseline and annual follow-up visits for 2 to 8 years. They complete cognitive, motor, behavioral, and quality of life assessments. Researchers monitor disease progression using clinical dementia rating scales and biomarker changes. Safety and diagnosis confirmation include routine imaging and lumbar punctures. The study duration and detailed evaluations aim to provide valuable data for future clinical trials and improved patient care.