Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a novel approach that turns on the immune system to attack brain tumor cells, potentially extending survival in patients with highly aggressive gliomas. The therapy uses dendritic cells to recognize and target dying tumor cells, triggering an immune response.
A study of 95 premenopausal women found a significant link between low estrogen levels and an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease. Women with hypoestrogenemia were more likely to experience adverse coronary arterial dysfunction, suggesting a higher mortality risk.
A study found that statin use doesn't reduce reproductive hormone levels in premenopausal, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal women with coronary risk factors. The results provide reassurance on the safety of statins for women in child-bearing age.
Researchers successfully differentiated stem cells from whole adult bone marrow into central nervous system cells. These cells may be used to treat various neurological conditions by replacing damaged brain cells.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new approach for treating gliomas by engineering neural stem cells to deliver a cancer-killing protein. The treatment, known as NSC-TRAIL, successfully tracked and destroyed glioma cells in mice, while sparing normal brain tissue.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that pituitary tumor cells express abundant PPAR-gamma, a protein receptor linked to growth and metabolism. Treatment with common diabetes drug rosiglitazone effectively shrunk tumors and reduced hormone production in mice with Cushing's syndrome.
Patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy for a near-two-year period show improved pain levels and reduced organ damage. The treatment continues to be effective despite the presence of antibodies in some patients.
Scientists have developed a novel treatment using neural stem cells to track and target brain tumor cells that spread into normal brain tissue. The therapy involves genetically engineering neural stem cells to produce interleukin 12, an immune-stimulating chemical known to kill glioma cells. Mice treated with this approach survived sig...
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that a cancer drug caused a virus to mutate so much it could no longer reproduce, becoming extinct. The treatment increases mutations in viral genomes, making it a promising approach to combat viruses.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have found that a potent experimental drug called 2C4 slows tumor growth in both breast and prostate cancer tumors in mice, even when small amounts of HER-2/neu are expressed. The study's findings may lead to a new way to treat breast and prostate cancers.
A JAMA article examines the ethics and law surrounding commercial filming of patient care activities in hospitals, highlighting potential risks to patient privacy. The authors propose guidelines for informed consent before filming, balancing commercial interests with patients' rights.
A new diagnostic tool, Tc 99m Depreotide, has been shown to detect the source of infection in all patients studied within three hours after injection. This is significantly faster than traditional nuclear imaging tests, which can take up to 48 hours, and offers improved accuracy.
Researchers have identified a mechanism to increase drug delivery to brain tumors by manipulating calcium-dependent potassium channels. The study found that activating these channels can increase the permeability of the blood-brain tumor barrier, allowing cancer-killing medications to reach the tumor more effectively.
A new wireless imaging test has been developed to identify the source of gastrointestinal bleeding, enabling earlier treatment. The test, using a video capsule, was successful in diagnosing conditions not previously detected by conventional tests in 76% of cases.
A study found that 40% of patients experienced improved lung cancer symptoms after taking the experimental pill ZD 1839, leading to a longer survival and better quality of life. The pill, which targets the epidermal growth factor receptor, was found to be well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
A recent study by the Southwest Oncology Group found that long-term treatment with prednisone after initial chemotherapy response significantly prolonged patient survival and delayed disease progression in those with multiple myeloma. Patients receiving higher doses of prednisone lived up to 37 months longer than those on lower doses.
A study found that a certain form of the SCA6 gene affects the onset and severity of spinocerebellar ataxia, a disease characterized by loss of balance and coordination. Researchers analyzed 331 patients with SCA2 from Cuba and discovered significant variation in the SCA6 gene among those with earlier and later age-onset diseases.
Researchers found that a combination of targeted therapies can effectively inhibit tumor growth in prostate cancer. Using different drugs after resistance occurred inhibited tumor growth, suggesting multiple treatments may be needed to manage the disease. This approach is similar to how advanced breast cancer is treated today.
A new peptide-based vaccine has been shown to reduce arterial plaque formation by 60-70% in mice with high cholesterol levels, according to a study led by Cedars-Sinai's P.K. Shah and the Swedish team of Gunilla Nordick-Fredricksson. The vaccine targets the major protein component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Researchers found that thrombocytosis correlates with more aggressive ovarian cancer and poorer response to treatment. Patients with thrombocytosis had higher CA-125 levels, advanced stage disease, and greater tendency of cancer spread.
A recent study found that subspecialists working outside their subspecialty cared for 25% of hospitalized patients, resulting in longer lengths of stay and higher mortality rates. Patients seen by these physicians had an average length of stay up to 18% longer than those cared for by general internists.
Researchers used gene modification to deliver Interleukin 12 directly into glioma, a deadly type of brain cancer resistant to treatment. The study showed significant prolonged survival in mice and improved immune system's ability to infiltrate and kill tumor cells.
A new experimental drug called 2C4 has shown to significantly inhibit tumor growth in hormone-dependent and resistant prostate cancer tumors in mice. The monoclonal antibody targets the HER-2/neu protein, which controls cell growth and stimulates tumor growth.
Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center used gene array technology to analyze thousands of genes in malignant brain tumor samples. They identified a critical step in the development of glioblastoma multiforme, which may improve patient prognosis and lead to effective therapies.
A Phase I study found that a dendritic cell vaccine extended median survival for patients with GBM by 455 days, compared to 257 days in the control group. The treatment elicited systemic immune responses and directed T-cells to the tumor site.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that 78% of patients with IBS had excessive bacteria in the small intestine. Treatment with antibiotics reduced symptoms in most patients, suggesting a strong association between SIBO and IBS.
A 70-year-old woman developed a glioblastoma multiforme, a highly aggressive brain cancer, 7 years after undergoing radiosurgery to treat a benign tumor. The case report highlights the rare but potential risk of radiation-induced malignancy following this procedure.
A long-term study on transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) using a carbon dioxide Heart Laser demonstrates significant pain relief for five years. TMR has been shown to improve the quality of life for severe angina patients with no other treatment options.
The conference will feature presentations by renowned neurologists and Epilepsy experts, including Dr. Paul Mullin and Dr. Moise Danielpour, discussing the latest anticonvulsants and epilepsy surgery options.
Scientists have identified a gene mutation on chromosome 22 that causes Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 10 (SCA10), a neurodegenerative disorder associated with motor incoordination and epilepsy. The discovery may lead to preventative measures by identifying ways to prevent neuron death.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a testosterone patch improved sexual function and psychological well-being in surgically postmenopausal women. The study showed that treatment with higher doses of testosterone substantially improved outcomes, while lower doses had less effect.
Researchers analyzed biologic, chemical, and genetic mechanisms to understand how SCA2 gene mutations cause damaged nerve cells. They found basic mechanisms in SCA2 cells differ from other genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting new treatment possibilities for ataxia and related conditions.
Dr. Achilles A. Demetriou will present information on the bioartificial liver (BAL), an external device that cleanses blood plasma through synthetic and biologic materials, during Digestive Disease Week. The BAL has completed a Phase I clinical trial at Cedars-Sinai and is now in a large multi-center study.
The National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) is enrolling patients with severe emphysema to compare the outcomes of those receiving maximum medical therapy versus those undergoing lung volume reduction surgery. The study aims to assess factors such as exercise ability, longevity, and related issues in both groups.
Three Cedars-Sinai physicians are leading a fight against women's cancers through innovative research, clinical care, and genetic screenings. Beth Karlan focuses on curing and preventing ovarian cancer, while Maren Scheuner develops personalized prevention plans for breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.
Researchers discovered that the PTTG1 gene is highly expressed in colorectal tumors, pre-cancerous polyps, and invasive cancer. The gene appears to play an early role in cancer development, acting as a marker for malignant activity.
The American Liver Foundation will honor Dr. John M. Vierling for his significant advances in understanding autoimmune and alloimmune liver diseases, as well as Dr. Andrew J. Conrad for his impact on chronic viral infections diagnosis and management. The foundation's recognition dinner will take place on February 11.
The Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute will host a free patient/family brain tumor conference featuring new research, treatments, and support services. Experts in the field will discuss various topics, including current treatment approaches and potential therapies.
A nationwide study of 1,000 women found increased phytoestrogen levels associated with beneficial cholesterol levels and improved arterial function. The study suggests that consuming beans in plant form may be more effective than taking supplements, potentially reducing risk factors for heart disease in women.
Dr. Julie R. Korenberg's comprehensive map integrates three ways of looking at the human genome, marking critical points with fluorescent signposts for rapid translation of clinical problems into genome-based solutions. The guide has significant practical applications in cancer treatment and genetic diagnosis.
A newly discovered gene in the pituitary gland is found to be activated by estrogen, leading to cell proliferation and tumor development. Researchers have identified this link between estrogen and pituitary tumor growth, which may lead to improved cancer diagnosis, assessment, and treatment.
The fourth annual Skull Base Surgery Symposium will take place at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from November 4-6, 1999. Renowned experts in the field of skull base surgery will share their knowledge on advanced technologies and procedures.
Augusto Sola, a renowned pediatrician, will be honored with the E.H. Christopherson Award for his pioneering efforts in improving neonatal and perinatal care in Central and South America. He has developed training programs for healthcare providers and trained over 100 nurses and 200 physicians.
The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Cedars-Sinai has begun treating patients with a next-generation radiation therapy system that allows physicians to deliver precise, three-dimensional radiation treatments. This technology enables the delivery of full doses of radiation to tumors while protecting surrounding normal tissues.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are launching a clinical trial to assess the impact of isoflavones, found in clover and soybeans, on the human endometrium. The study aims to determine whether these plant compounds can counteract estrogen's proliferative effects and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
A study conducted at nine U.S. Centers found that a testosterone skin patch improves sexual function and psychological well-being in surgically menopausal women. The patch was well-tolerated and showed significant benefits in improving the quality of life for these women.
A study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has detected and measured contaminants from certain pesticides and industrial chemicals in the amniotic fluid of unborn babies. DDE levels were found in 30% of the population, ranging from 0.1 to 0.63 nanograms per milliliter, which is comparable to natural hormone levels.
A Cedars-Sinai Medical Center study has discovered a molecular mechanism behind hormonal responses to stress, involving leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and its regulation of the pituitary gland. This finding provides new insights into the body's response to stress and sepsis.
Dr. Aliza A. Lifshitz, an internist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, won a media award from the American Heart Association Western States Affiliate for her two-part series on heart disease and its risks to Hispanic women.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new endoscopic procedure to remove pituitary gland tumors, reducing trauma and complications. The technique has been refined after an initial animal study identified potential 'glitches' that were later addressed, resulting in improved outcomes for patients.