The American Society of Hematology has launched an initiative to provide increased support for training programs in hematology-related disciplines. Three grant recipients will develop new curricula that integrate emerging technologies into traditional training programs, addressing the need for clinicians and clinical researchers with s...
The American Society of Hematology's Clinical Research Training Institute is providing a unique year-long education and mentoring program for promising hematologists. Participants will receive tools to develop their research skills and work on proposed clinical projects with expert faculty guidance.
Researchers have developed a method to classify liver toxins using gene-expression profiling of blood samples, improving the precision of compound classification. The study highlights the importance of 'phenotypic anchoring' in linking gene expression data analysis to traditional measures of toxicology.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model that predicts optimal timing for a cancer vaccine in CML patients based on their immune response, which may lead to a cure. The model suggests boosting the immune system at a specific time when it starts weakening can provide a strong stimulation to combat leukemia cells.
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered that the microenvironment of blood-forming tissues plays a critical role in promoting leukemia progression and determining disease type in mixed lineage leukemias (MLL). The study, which used human-based MLL models in mice, suggests that disrupting the protein ...
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center present pre-clinical data on a CD26 Inhibitor that increases the efficiency and responsiveness of umbilical cord blood for bone marrow transplants. The technology may improve treatment outcomes for blood cancer patients who require stem cell transplantation.
Researchers at OHSU Cancer Institute found that Sagopilone, a novel chemo drug, significantly reduced PSA levels and showed positive results in some cases of advanced prostate cancer. The study involved men with androgen-independent prostate cancer that has metastasized.
Researchers found DNA abnormalities in the KIT gene linked to highly malignant skin cancers, offering hope for effective treatments. The study could lead to targeted therapies within 18 months.
A USC study found that pre-menopausal women with metastatic colorectal cancer lived longer than younger men, while older women had significantly worse overall survival. The study also showed ethnic differences in survival rates, with Hispanics and Asians having better outcomes than Caucasians and African-Americans.
Weill Cornell researchers discovered a gene responsible for mutated red blood cells in Cooley's anemia, allowing mice to produce normal red blood cells without splenectomy. The study found that blocking the JAK2 gene reduces spleen size and improves hemoglobin production.
A research study has found that a simple blood test can indicate whether post-menopausal hormone therapies increase the risk of a heart attack. Women with favorable cholesterol levels were not at increased risk of developing heart problems while taking hormones, whereas those with unfavorable cholesterol levels were at higher risk.
Researchers identified proteins that may serve as reliable biomarkers for Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and its associated malignant tumors. Adrenomedullin levels were found to be significantly higher in NF1 patients and MPNST cell cultures, indicating a possible association with tumor growth.
Researchers discovered a drug combination that inhibits glycolysis and intensifies cellular starvation, resulting in over 90% cell death in human tissue cultures of acute lymphocytic leukemia. The novel approach offers a promising alternative to current treatments.
Researchers have developed a novel method to expand natural killer cells from umbilical cord blood, effectively killing human leukemia cells in mice. The treatment demonstrates significant cytotoxic activity against both acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found a correlation between women who underwent pre-surgical breast MRI and an increased rate of mastectomy. The study suggests that MRI may lead to greater anxiety, prompting patients and physicians to choose mastectomy over lumpectomy.
Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found a combination therapy approach that makes cancer cells more sensitive to immune system cells and strengthens the power of these cells, potentially sparing young patients from difficult treatments.
Researchers pinpointed the protein FANCD2 as slowed production leads to genetic changes triggering lung cancer. Low levels of FANCD2 cause DNA damage and faulty cells committing suicide.
The American Society of Hematology has selected 15 minority medical students for its 2008 Minority Medical Student Award Program. The program provides research mentorship, career development support, and travel stipends to attend medical meetings.
A new study by UC Davis researchers provides evidence that methods using human bone marrow-derived stem cells to deliver gene therapy do not cause the development of tumors or leukemia. The study tested the safety of gene transfer into bone marrow stem cells in over 600 mice, with none developing leukemia or solid tumors.
A study by OHSU Cancer Institute researcher Tomasz Beer found that a protein called C-reactive protein can predict the survival rate of men with advanced prostate cancer. The discovery could lead to a simple blood test to help patients and doctors understand the disease's progression.
Research finds Pin1, previously thought to help with Alzheimer's, actually worsens frontotemporal dementia due to specific tau mutations. This study suggests alternative therapeutic approaches and proper animal models are needed.
OHSU Cancer Institute researchers discovered the gene ASPP2 is necessary in eliminating cancer cells. This protein activates pathways that tell cancer cells to die, protecting them from one of the steps leading to cancer. The study may lead to better therapies and cancer care for patients.
Researchers found that a tumor protein present in aggressive breast cancers correlates with poor prognosis and growth/spread of disease. GRB-7 protein is related to HER-2/Neu gene, influencing treatment response and potentially informing clinical predictions and new therapies.
Two studies published in Blood journal provide insights into the regulation of red blood cell production, linking it to the Hls5 gene and thyroid hormone. This knowledge may lead to new treatments for anaemias that don't respond to current hormone therapy.
The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center has published a new manual for childhood cancer survivors, providing information on late effects and promoting shared care. The manual aims to ease the transition from active treatment to follow-up care and address psychosocial needs.
Long-term childhood cancer survivors, especially those treated with radiation therapy, experience excess health problems and poor socioeconomic outcomes. The study found that survivors are more likely to have chronic medical conditions, mental health issues, and functional impairment compared to their siblings.
A new mathematical model could revolutionize how scientists study cellular signaling pathways, potentially leading to more effective treatments for cancer and other diseases. The model takes advantage of today's computing power to provide a superior tool for understanding the complex interactions between cell signals.
Researchers at OHSU and Washington University have identified the mechanism of a bioengineered enzyme that functions efficiently as a potent clot busting agent, retaining minimal power to cause clot building. The breakthrough could lead to a safe alternative for treating heart attacks and strokes with a $20 billion market potential.
A study suggests that expectant women treated with imatinib for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) may be at moderate risk of developing fetal abnormalities. The majority of pregnancies resulted in normal live infants, but some were born with congenital abnormalities, including exomphalos, renal agenesis, and hemivertebrae.
A new international study has found that increasing the intensity of chemotherapy can reduce mortality rates for children with severe Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) by up to 20 percent. The study, which involved 193 pre-identified patients, demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in prognosis and survival rates.
The NHLBI has published its first US clinical practice guidelines for von Willebrand Disease, a condition that affects 1 in 100 to 1,000 people. The guidelines provide recommendations for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of the three major types of VWD, emphasizing proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center discovered a novel mechanism that can enhance the function of AML1, a protein frequently impaired in acute leukemia. The study identified the methyltransferase enzyme controlling normal AML1 activity and demonstrated its ability to regulate transcription factors.
A University of Leicester scientist has identified ten novel chromosomal translocations in children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This finding sheds fundamental new light on the pathogenesis of the disease and may lead to the development of new targeted therapies.
The National Lung Cancer Partnership has partnered with three organizations to co-sponsor new lung cancer research grants, focusing on survivorship care and nursing-sensitive patient outcomes. This move aims to address the lack of research funding for lung cancer, a leading cancer killer in the US.
Researchers found a biomarker that identifies men with a five-fold increased risk of prostate cancer recurrence if their tumors show silencing of the CDH13 gene. The study, which examined DNA methylation changes in 151 research subjects, suggests a potential tool to improve prediction accuracy and inform clinical practice.
A team of scientists has successfully derived functional immune system blood cells from embryonic stem cells using HOXB4 protein. The study showed that the transplanted cells were able to respond effectively to viruses and vaccines, demonstrating a promising new approach for patients with severe blood and immune disorders.
A new molecular signature predicts response to lenalidomide in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome without chromosome 5q deletions. Gene expression profiling identifies a defect in erythroid differentiation, providing potential treatment insights.
Two European hematologists will pursue research projects in the US through the EHA-ASH International Fellowship Award. Lapo Alinari and Serena Kimi Perna will gain invaluable experience and advance their careers in hematology, with funding support from the American Society of Hematology.
Researchers have identified a novel small molecule therapy called senicapoc that shows efficacy in maintaining hydration of red blood cells and increasing hemoglobin levels in patients with sickle cell anemia. Senicapoc, a Gardos channel blocker, works by limiting solute and water loss, thereby preserving RBC hydration.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have developed a mouse model that helps unravel the cause of fibrous, non-cancerous nerve tumors called neurofibromas. The model provides insights into the biological mechanisms underlying tumor formation and serves as a platform for therapeutic testing.
A clinical trial shows that romiplostim significantly improved platelet levels in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a hematologic disorder that can cause uncontrolled bleeding. The novel drug duplicates the action of a natural hormone discovered by MGH investigator, offering low toxicity and high response rates.
Researchers have designed an implantable cell retriever and reprogrammer that can isolate and manipulate specific cell populations with great efficiency. The device uses the mechanics of blood flow to capture viable stem cells, which are rare in the bloodstream.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a novel targeted gene therapy that simulates the pain-killing effect of opiate drugs, providing relief for more than three months after a single injection. The technique targets selectively the pain gate, avoiding unwanted side effects associated with opioid painkillers.
A recent study by Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh found that adolescents and young adults with cancer are less likely to be enrolled in clinical trials for cutting-edge treatments. This can lead to lower survival rates compared to younger children, who have seen significant improvements in cure rates over the past 30 years.
A study by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center identifies a group of microRNA molecules that control genes causing breast cancer metastasis. The loss of these microRNAs allows cancer cells to migrate and grow more rapidly, leading to increased risk of lung and bone metastasis.
Researchers have identified a key gene, 14-3-3zeta, that enables lung cancer cells to survive on their own. Silencing this gene has been shown to inhibit the growth and survival of lung cancer cells, making it a potential target for selective anti-cancer drugs.
The Medical College of Georgia has been designated as a Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology Program by the National Cancer Institute, receiving a five-year $2.3 million grant to expand access to latest cancer treatment and prevention strategies for minority patients.
Researchers found that grade 2 and 3 tumors are more common in HER2+ and triple negative cancers, which have a higher risk of growth and relapse. Cancer came back frequently in these subtypes, with a death rate higher in triple negative breast cancer.
Researchers have successfully transferred a new gene to cancer patients via their own stem cells, aiming for stronger treatment with less severe side effects. The study found that six out of eight patients had stem cells carrying the MGMT gene in their blood or bone marrow after treatment.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have isolated a human blood cell called the multipotent progenitor, which is thought to be the great-grandparent of all cells in the blood. This finding could lead to new treatments for blood cancers and other blood diseases.
Researchers at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center report promising early results for bosutinib in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who have developed resistance to frontline therapy. The drug has shown good efficacy and low toxicity, particularly when compared to other tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia Cancer Center have developed a cancer cell line that is resistant to histone deacetylase (HDAC) and heat shock protein 90 (hsp90) inhibitors, two promising cancer treatments.
A new 3-drug combination of bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone has achieved an impressive overall response rate of 98% in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The regimen has also shown a high-quality response rate of 52%.
Researchers are using patients' own bone marrow stem cells to treat cardiac muscle damage after a heart attack. The study, funded by biotech company Amorcyte, has progressed halfway through its four planned groups of patients and aims to assess the safety and feasibility of harvesting bone marrow cells.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center report that a milder chemotherapy regimen before stem cell transplant resulted in complete remission for 45 of 47 patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma. Long-term follow-up showed improved overall survival and progression-free survival rates.
Researchers found that a specific hormone, TNF-alpha, drives the JAK2 enzyme to cause an often deadly red blood cell cancer called polycythemia vera. The study showed mice with normal TNF-alpha production developed severe bone marrow fibrosis within weeks.
A new test, called RAPID, has been developed to identify proteins that drive cancer growth in acute myeloid leukemia. This breakthrough technology enables researchers to quickly compile a database of mutant genes and potentially match targeted drugs with patients.
A recent study has found that umbilical cord blood transplants can be a successful treatment option for children with inherited metabolic disorders, offering improved outcomes compared to bone marrow transplants. The procedure has shown advantages in terms of availability and reduced risk of complications.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute have discovered a new drug candidate, SGX393, effective against highly resistant mutations in CML. Combining SGX393 with existing drugs Sprycel and Tasigna suppresses resistant growth, raising the possibility of 'cocktail' therapies to prevent drug resistance.
A recent survey reveals a significant gap in knowledge among primary care physicians regarding rare blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. The findings emphasize the importance of education and referrals to specialists in improving patient survival rates. As long-term cancer survivors, patients are at risk of developing second cance...