Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a gene and protein known as PRDM16 that controls the production of brown fat, a type of adipose tissue that generates heat and counters obesity. The study suggests that turning up this switch in humans could be a new strategy for treating overweight and obesity.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute used a three-part screening process to identify the IKBKE gene, which is made inappropriately in about a third of all breast cancers. The mutation arises during a woman's life and spurs cell growth and proliferation.
The drug lapatinib has modest but real activity against brain metastases, shrinking tumors and slowing disease progression in some breast cancer patients. The study's findings suggest that the drug should undergo further testing as a treatment for breast cancer with brain metastases.
A Dana-Farber study found that honest prognostic information can actually help parents feel more hopeful, not less. Parents who received extensive prognostic information were also more likely to report feeling hopeful, even when the child's prognosis was poor.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that exercising lower insulin levels in breast cancer survivors, potentially improving prognosis. The research suggests exercise may also improve insulin sensitivity and reduce hip circumference, leading to improved health outcomes.
Research from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reveals that Black Americans are less certain about lung cancer prevention recommendations and more fearful of symptoms evaluation, potentially delaying treatment. This fatalism may contribute to Black patients being diagnosed with advanced stages of the disease.
A predominantly Western diet high in red meat, fatty foods, refined grains, and desserts is associated with faster cancer recurrence and lower overall survival rate in stage III colon cancer patients. In contrast, a prudent diet rich in fruits, vegetables, poultry, and fish does not significantly influence cancer recurrence or mortality.
Scientists developed a new mouse model that closely mimics human cancers, enabling researchers to identify cancer-causing genes and improve laboratory drug testing. The model's genetic instability was found to be similar to that in human tumors, suggesting its potential for guiding gene discovery.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. By blocking a key interaction between immune cells, they found that one type of cell is attacked and dies, suggesting a potential therapy for various immunological conditions.
Researchers found that combining a diabetes drug with platinum-based chemotherapy boosted its potency in various cancer cell lines and mouse tumors. The combination halted or shrunk tumors up to three times more effectively than either drug alone.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that boosting a key muscle gene improved Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms in mice. The study suggests increasing PGC-1alpha levels could slow or reduce disease progression.
Researchers challenge the cancer stem cell hypothesis, suggesting that tumors arise from normal cells and genetic variation rather than a single abnormal stem cell. The study identifies two distinct populations of cancer cells that can be targeted with experimental drugs.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute mapped the structures of small molecules and mutated protein receptors in non-small cell lung cancer cells. They found that two inhibitors bind more tightly to specific mutations, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that protein p53 prompts skin to tan in response to ultraviolet light, deterring melanoma skin cancer. This process may also underlie people's desire for sunshine and is linked to stress response in the body.
A new study found that androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer may increase the risk of death from heart disease in patients over age 65. After adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors, researchers found a significant link between ADT use and cardiac-related deaths among older men.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Broad Institute develop a practical method for screening tumors for cancer-related gene abnormalities, paving the way for personalized medicine. The technique uses high-throughput genotyping to detect important mutations in oncogenes with high accuracy and sensitivity.
Researchers discover PALB2 gene linked to increased breast cancer risk due to mutations, also found in prostate and colorectal cancers. The mutation causes impaired DNA repair leading to runaway cell growth.
People with advanced cancer reported better quality of life when receiving spiritual support from religious communities and medical service providers. The study suggests that making a 'spiritual history' routine part of patient care can improve patients' well-being at the end of life.
A team of Boston scientists has discovered that FoxOs are critical in preventing some cancers, maintaining blood vessel stability, and keeping blood-forming stem cells healthy. The researchers found that mice lacking FoxO genes had serious blood abnormalities, including rapid division and depletion of stem cells.
A new test developed by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists identifies malignant blood cells that are highly vulnerable to an experimental cancer drug. The drug works by neutralizing the Bcl-2 action, unleashing molecules that trigger suicide in the cancer cells.
Scientists have developed a powerful method for charting nucleosome positions in the human genome, which could help uncover clues for cancer and other diseases. The technique successfully pinpointed the location of nucleosomes in thousands of promoter regions across seven human cell lines.
A survey of 54 cancer centers found few organizations have standardized prescribing practices for oral chemotherapy, with variations in prescription generation and required information. The study highlights the importance of forging a consensus on standardized safeguards and practices for prescribing and monitoring oral chemotherapies.
A study published in Nature Immunology reveals that lymph node cells instruct immune system cells to leave healthy tissue alone, protecting the small intestine from attack. This finding may lead to new forms of treatment for autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that postmenopausal women with colon cancer who used estrogen supplements within five years of diagnosis had a lower chance of dying from the disease. This finding may guide the development of safer colon cancer drugs.
Researchers found that nearly 20% of women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer had inconsistent access to anastrozole prescriptions due to non-adherence. The study highlights the complex issues surrounding treatment adherence in cancer patients.
A Phase I clinical trial found that combining bortezomib and lenalidomide showed durable responses in patients with resistant multiple myeloma. The combination therapy was well-tolerated, with only mild side effects.
A recent study found that black Americans are less likely to recognize their own overweight or obese status compared to white Americans, despite having higher rates of excess weight. The research suggests that this misperception can have significant health consequences, including increased risk of diabetes and premature death.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that a regulatory protein PGC-1a switches on the brain's anti-oxidant system when free radicals accumulate. Increasing PGC-1a activity in brain cells protects against nerve toxins and oxidative stress.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have created a complete map of the molecular 'control panels' that regulate cell growth in breast cancer driven by estrogen. The atlas contains thousands of previously unknown on/off switches, providing new insights into gene regulation and potential treatments.
Researchers have unveiled a new systematic approach to drug discovery that matches diseases with potential treatments using gene signatures. The 'Human Connectivity Map' allows scientists to compare disease signatures with those of treated cells, identifying effective treatments for cancer, obesity and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed an online questionnaire to predict an individual's chances of harboring mutations in genes linked to colon cancer. The tool is based on a five-year study of nearly 2,000 patients and can help healthcare providers identify at-risk patients for early screening.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute developed a way to protect fair-skinned individuals from skin cancer using medicinally-induced tans. The study, published in Nature, involved applying a cream that mimicked the process of ultraviolet rays triggering pigmentation, suggesting a novel approach to preventing melanoma.
A study led by Pasi Jänne found that a single mutation in the EGFR protein can cause drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. The investigation demonstrated that even tiny quantities of this mutation can lead to resistance, challenging current treatment strategies.
A survey of adult cancer survivors found that over 12% reported suicidal thoughts or previous attempts many years after treatment. Factors associated with more suicidal symptoms included younger age, radiation treatments, and physical health issues.
Researchers found that younger women with breast cancer are at risk of experiencing more chemotherapy-related serious adverse effects, including fever, infection, and low blood cell counts. These adverse effects can lead to hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and increased healthcare costs.
A study of low-income housing residents found that those who watched more TV took fewer steps and were less likely to meet the recommended daily step count. The research used pedometers to measure physical activity and was conducted by researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute isolated leukemia stem cells from a mouse model, showing they are surprisingly different from normal blood stem cells. This finding may lead to the development of drugs that selectively target these cells, which could improve treatment outcomes for leukemia patients.
People with colon cancer who engage in moderate exercise after therapy have a 50% higher survival rate than those who don't, according to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute research. Regular physical activity also reduces the risk of disease recurrence and mortality.
Scientists have identified a novel gene NEDD9 that facilitates the spread of malignant melanoma. This gene is abnormally abundant in more than a third of melanomas that have metastasized, but not in primary melanomas.
Researchers identified a shared causative mechanism among malignant melanoma, soft-tissue sarcomas, and pediatric renal carcinoma, suggesting a common therapeutic strategy. The discovery centers on the MiT transcription factor family, which regulates growth genes and is abnormally expressed in these cancers.
A study found that cancer drug ads are often difficult to read, prioritizing effectiveness over safety. The ads typically featured large text highlighting benefits, with side effects and risks presented in smaller font.
A survey of 228 women found that 33% initially misunderstood the results and 24% became more anxious after learning their status. However, 39% reported a decrease in anxiety, highlighting the need for clear communication about clinical trial results.
Researchers have found a promising new treatment for children with metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) that is resistant to imatinib. The therapy, sunitinib, has shown significant decreases in tumor-related activity and complete remission in some patients.
A new three-drug regimen combining Taxotere with standard chemotherapy reduces mortality by nearly 30 percent in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The study, conducted at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, showed improved survival rates with this treatment approach.
A new study confirms that, despite an increase in hospice care, many terminally ill cancer patients continue to receive aggressive treatment in the last days of life. The study found that while hospice use increased steadily over time, it was often not used for symptom relief and building relationships.
Researchers found significant improvements in disease-free survival and overall survival rates for patients with ER-negative breast cancer treated with modern chemotherapy regimens. These findings underscore the need for tailored treatments based on tumor subtypes.
Researchers identified four genetic subtypes of multiple myeloma, each with distinct gene signatures that predict patient outcomes. The findings provide a clear path for targeted therapies and could lead to improved treatments for this incurable blood cancer.
Researchers found that rituximab reduced the severity of chronic GVHD in 70% of study participants, with nearly three-fourths experiencing complete remissions. The therapy also enabled patients to reduce corticosteroid use by over 50%.
Researchers have identified a growth control flaw in some aggressive breast cancers, linked to overactive cyclin D1 and CDK4 kinase. The finding could pave the way for new therapies targeting this deadly subtype of breast cancer.
Researchers have discovered a gene, PD-1, that causes CD8 T cells to become exhausted in mice with chronic viral infections. By blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 bond, they reactivated the cells' response to infection and reduced viral load.