A gene defect in Ro protein causes a lupus-like disorder by exposing defective ribonucleoproteins to the immune system, triggering autoantibody production. The study suggests that Ro normally plays a protective role by hiding defective complexes from the immune system.
The ITN multicenter islet transplant trial has confirmed that the procedure can be of great benefit to patients with serious and unstable type 1 diabetes. However, differences in success rates between individual clinical centers were noted, highlighting the need for expertise in islet preparation procedures.
Researchers found a higher incidence of beneficial dendritic cells in weaned and nearly weaned liver transplant patients, compared to those on daily doses of anti-rejection drugs. This cellular profile is similar to that of healthy non-transplant patients, suggesting a possible test for predicting successful weaning.
Researchers found that men with male breast cancer are more likely to be older when diagnosed, have later stage disease, and ductal papillary cancers. The study suggests important biological differences between male and female breast cancer.
Studies link serotonin deficiency to aggressive behavior, while environment and genetics also play a role. Researchers explore potential therapies, such as Prozac and Dilantin, to address underlying causes.
Researchers have developed a third-generation lentivector that transduces dendritic cells in vivo, inducing a strong and persistent antigen-specific immune response. This approach may replace costly and labor-intensive methods currently used to elicit tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses.
Researchers found that infants' vocalizations change in response to their mothers' social interactions, mirroring what birds do when learning to sing. The study suggests that social learning plays a crucial role in the development of speech and song.
A study found that examining lymph nodes in women with early-stage uterine cancer can prevent unnecessary radiation therapy and improve treatment outcomes. The researchers analyzed data from 144 women diagnosed with grade 1 endometrial cancer, finding that lymph node removal saved patients from unneeded radiation therapy in 22 cases.
Researchers have identified small chemical molecules that can direct embryonic stem cells to become neurons, paving the way for potential treatments of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Type 1 diabetes. The study provides important insights into the molecular mechanism controlling stem cell fate and may lead to new therap...
Bevacizumab significantly extends survival time for metastatic colorectal cancer patients by shrinking tumors and inhibiting tumor growth. The study showed a median survival increase of five months compared to standard chemotherapy alone, with significant delays in cancer progression.
Researchers found that a standard dose of Gleevec is as effective and less toxic than doubling the dose for treating GIST. The study confirms that Imatinib is remarkably sensitive to Gleevec and is the best therapy for treating these tumors, even with metastasis.
A new treatment combination, FOLFOX4, has been shown to delay time-to-tumor progression and provide relief from tumor-related symptoms in patients with progressive metastatic colorectal cancer. The therapy offers an important option for those without other treatment options.
A pilot study found that intrathymic bone marrow injections during heart transplantation reduce acute cellular rejection rates and require fewer anti-rejection drugs, improving patient outcomes. The approach may also lower the risk of chronic rejection.
A study by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that childhood cancer survivors are at risk of cardiovascular problems, including cardiomyopathy and premature atherosclerosis. The research also showed that these survivors were less active and had different body compositions compared to their siblings.
A study of 54 BRCA-positive women found that MRI improved sensitivity in detecting breast cancer, but a significant number had abnormal exams that were later determined not to be cancerous. No woman developed cancer within 12 months of a normal MRI exam.
An early clinical trial at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center shows 2C4 effectively shrank tumors in several types of cancer, targeting a common growth signaling pathway. Eighteen out of twenty-one patients responded to treatment, with some achieving partial remission and stabilizing disease for over a year.
Researchers developed a guideline to identify low-risk heart failure patients for targeted home treatment, reducing unnecessary hospital stays. The study used data from over 33,000 cases and identified nearly 16% of patients as low risk, promising success in similar contexts.
The GELA study reveals that MabThera plus CHOP improves three-year event-free survival by 18% and overall survival by 11%, with no increased toxicity. This breakthrough treatment offers a potential cure for aggressive NHL, which affects 55% of the 1.5 million people worldwide suffering from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Weizmann Institute researchers have solved the 3D structure of the glucocerebrosidase enzyme involved in Gaucher disease. The discovery may lead to the design of more effective therapies, including enzyme replacement therapy and small molecule supplements.
A new study found that the California law SB 37 has eliminated a major barrier to cancer clinical trial participation, with no patients citing insurance limitations as a reason. Participation rates have increased from 51% to 69%, but further awareness campaigns are needed to raise rates more dramatically.
A new radiotherapy strategy, hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (HART), has been shown to improve survival rates for lung cancer patients. In a phase III multi-site study, chemotherapy followed by HART resulted in a median survival of 21 months, compared to 12 months with standard radiation therapy.
Researchers at Stanford have shown positive results with a new chemotherapy combination, Iressa and FOLFOX, in treating colon cancer. The treatment has been effective in shrinking tumors by up to 75% in patients who had never received chemotherapy before.
Researchers found that gefitinib can slow lung cancer tumor recurrence when used as maintenance therapy following chemotherapy. The study suggests that gefitinib may keep cancer cells dormant for a period of time.
A combination of bevacizumab and erlotinib has shown a 21 percent response rate in patients with recurrent stage IIIb or IV lung cancer, with five patients experiencing partial responses and tumor stabilization for over a year. The treatment was well-tolerated with mild to moderate toxicity.
Researchers have found an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer among childhood cancer survivors, with the University of Minnesota presenting their findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting. The study's lead author notes that further research is needed to determine why this association exists.
Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that combining Gleevec with chemotherapy resulted in significant drops in PSA levels in some patients, indicating potential therapeutic benefit. The combination therapy showed slow but sustained responses, suggesting a valid target in prostate cancer treatment.
Researchers have identified the crucial elements of the flu virus that activate the body's T-cells, enabling a new type of vaccine to be developed. This breakthrough could provide long-term protection against future pandemics.
A new organ preservation solution, Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketogluterate (HTK), has been shown to be more practical and easier to use than the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution for preserving livers before transplantation. The study found similar outcomes between HTK and UW in terms of initial organ function and clinical measures.
Researchers confirm that particulate air pollution and ozone react with pollutants over Lake Michigan, generating more toxic compounds. City residents may experience high concentrations of hazardous substances before they dissipate, increasing the risk of asthma attacks.
Scientists at the University of Toronto have made a breakthrough in understanding how to diagnose, treat, and potentially prevent infectious prion diseases like mad cow disease. By identifying specific amino acid sequences on abnormal prions, they were able to develop antibodies that can recognize and attack these rogue proteins.
A new DNA array technology test has identified differences in gene patterns that predict which breast cancer patients will respond to chemotherapy. The study, led by Dr. Jenny Chang at Baylor College of Medicine, found that 88% of genes were correctly classified, allowing for personalized treatment strategies.
A recent study suggests that a commonly used drug to prevent Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated tumors in child liver transplant patients may not be effective. The trial, which enrolled nearly 90 children, found no statistically significant difference between those who received the active drug and those who received a placebo.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that targeted therapy erlotinib caused dramatic tumor regressions in some patients with BAC, particularly those who never smoked. The treatment was effective in 25% of patients with advanced BAC, offering a new approach to managing this disease.
Researchers at UC Berkeley created a microbial factory that can produce artemisinin, an effective antimalarial drug, using yeast, wormwood, and bacterial genes. The process reduces the production of artemisinin to just a few chemical alterations, making it cost-effective for global use.
Researchers found a slight benefit of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with metastatic breast cancer, experiencing delayed tumor progression despite poor prognosis. The study's findings suggest a potential
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a gene screen that can accurately predict which chemotherapy regimens will be effective for patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. The test is 75% accurate in forecasting complete eradication of cancer, eliminating the need for trial and error.