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The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute yesterday  about $59 million for five “pragmatic clinical studies” to compare the clinical effectiveness of certain treatments in typical care settings. The studies will compare proton beam versus photon radiation therapy to treat breast cancer; lifestyle interventions alone versus with diabetes medication to reduce weight and metabolic problems in youth taking certain antipsychotic medications for bipolar disorders; biological versus conventional drug treatment for Crohn’s disease in children; nerve blocking regional versus general anesthesia for older adults undergoing surgery for hip fracture; and exercise coaching versus usual care for older adults with low-impact fractures from falls. The institute also awarded about $62 million for 29 studies that will compare options for improving outcomes for conditions such as opioid addiction, arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, leukemia and chronic kidney disease.