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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center


Gene therapy 'trains' immune system to destroy brain cancer cells and reverses behavioral deficits

Researchers developed gene therapy approach that attracts and 'trains' immune system cells to destroy deadly brain cancer cells, promoting long-term immunity and restoring normal brain function. The therapy shows promise as a potential treatment for glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and deadly type of brain cancer.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateFeb 19, 2008

Stem cells cultured from human bone marrow behave like those derived from brain tissue

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center successfully cultured stem cells from human bone marrow that can differentiate into neurons and other central nervous system cells. These cells exhibit behaviors similar to those derived from brain tissue, suggesting a promising approach for treating brain disorders and tumors.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateJan 25, 2007

Gene transfer using mutant form of good cholesterol cuts vascular plaque and inflammation

Researchers developed a gene transfer method using the mutant form of apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I Milano) to treat vascular inflammation and plaque buildup. The study found that Apo A-I Milano gene transfer resulted in a 65% reduction in plaque buildup, compared to a 25% decrease with the normal HDL gene.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 28, 2006

Sister, can you spare a million?

A study published in Circulation found that the financial burden on women with chest pain and blocked coronary arteries can total more than $1 million during their lifetime. Women with nonobstructive coronary artery disease also face significant costs, including higher drug expenses.

New objective criteria improve PET scan reliability in detecting breast cancer metastasis

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center developed new objective criteria to enhance the reliability of PET scans in detecting breast cancer metastasis. The criteria use a standardized uptake value (SUV) threshold of 2.3, which was found to accurately diagnose lymph node involvement with 100% specificity and positive predictive value.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateAug 21, 2006

Cedars-Sinai researchers discover treatment for deadly brain tumors and infections

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a novel gene therapy strategy that modifies the brain microenvironment to induce an effective immune response against deadly brain tumors and infections. The treatment uses Flt3 Ligand to recruit antigen-presenting cells, which can destroy tumors and combat brain infections.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMar 24, 2006

Treatment of severe coronary artery disease with drug-eluting stents a viable alternative to CABG

A study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that angioplasty with drug-eluting stents resulted in outcomes equivalent to bypass surgery for patients with left main coronary artery disease. The treatment was shown to have similar short- and intermediate-term clinical outcomes, despite higher risk patient demographics.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 27, 2006

Cedars-Sinai researchers demonstrate a new way to switch therapeutic genes 'on' and 'off'

Cedars-Sinai researchers have developed a new delivery system that can effectively regulate therapeutic gene expression, overcoming obstacles in bringing genetic therapies to humans. The system allows for the flexibility to turn gene expression on or off, even in the presence of an immune response, making it a critical tool for treatin...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Virology·DateDec 22, 2005

Study confirms that stents releasing medication help keep heart bypass vein grafts open

A new study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that drug-eluting stents reduce the incidence of restenosis, heart attacks, and death by fourfold compared to conventional stents. Medicated stents were effective in keeping vein grafts open without affecting other parts of the bypass.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateDec 1, 2005

Shortness of breath without chest pain can signify the presence of high risk heart disease

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that shortness of breath can signify a higher risk of dying from cardiac disease. The study, which evaluated nearly 18,000 patients, revealed that patients with shortness of breath were four times more likely to suffer death from a cardiac cause than asymptomatic patients.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 2, 2005