Researchers have identified microRNAs in blood plasma and serum that can signal the presence of various solid-tumor cancers at an early stage. The discovery has potential to become a new class of biomarkers for early cancer detection, offering advantages over protein-based systems.
Researchers have developed a treatment using hydrogen sulfide to induce reversible metabolic hibernation, significantly improving survival rates for rats after extreme blood loss. The study found that 75% of treated rats survived at least two weeks compared to 23-14% in control groups.
A new study finds that combining symptom screening with a simple blood test can detect over 80% of women with early-stage ovarian cancer and nearly 95% with late-stage disease. This approach may lead to improved cure rates for those diagnosed at an earlier stage.
Researchers successfully treated a patient with Stage 4 melanoma using cloned infection-fighting T cells, achieving long-term remission. The treatment showed promising results, with the entire tumor regressing despite only 50% of tumor cells expressing the targeted antigen.
Researchers identified five biomarkers linked to early development of pancreatic cancer in mice that also apply to early stages in humans. These findings bring scientists closer to developing a blood test to detect the disease early, when cure rates are highest.
Researchers found that metastatic prostate tumors produce significant levels of testosterone, fueling cancer growth despite low circulating androgen levels. This discovery suggests targeting the tumor itself, rather than systemic hormone suppression, to develop more effective treatments for all stages of prostate cancer.
Researchers discovered that Lake Washington sticklebacks adapted to increased trout predation after water transparency improved, leading to rapid evolution of bony armor. The study found that genetic variation and the Eda gene played key roles in this process.
A new study suggests that therapies inhibiting IGF-1 signaling in prostate cancer may not work as expected in tumors with a compromised p53 gene. The research, conducted by investigators at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, found that eliminating IGF-1R expression led to hyperplastic cell growth and proliferation in mouse prostates.
Researchers modelled pandemic flu to guide national planning, finding that prompt implementation of social-distancing measures combined with antiviral treatment and prophylaxis can reduce influenza cases by 83-94%.
A new study finds that eating a diet low in fat and red meat, but high in vegetables and lean protein, may significantly decrease the risk of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This association is likely due to reduced inflammation and changes in steroid hormones.
A team of researchers has identified a new mechanism that explains why some recurrent ovarian tumors become resistant to treatment with cisplatin and carboplatin. They found that secondary mutations on the BRCA2 gene restore DNA repair function, making cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy.
A comprehensive review of scientific literature found that cancer survivors use nutritional supplements at a higher rate than the general population, with breast cancer survivors reporting the highest use. However, research suggests that certain supplements may interfere with treatment or even accelerate cancer growth.
A molecular change found in human prostate cancers triggers growth of prostate cancer in mice and human cell lines. The overexpression of ERG transcription factor is thought to activate cell-invasion programs, displacing basal cells by neoplastic epithelium.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that rapid evolution of protein ZAP is associated with increased antiviral activity in humans. The longer human ZAP protein isoform has higher antiviral activity against various viruses, including alphaviruses and filoviruses.
Postmenopausal women taking combined estrogen/progestin hormone-replacement therapy for three years or more face a significant increased risk of developing various forms of lobular breast cancer. The study, which confirms previous reports, suggests that even short exposure to such hormones may confer an increased risk.
New research identifies a second gene, TRIM22, that exhibits rapid evolutionary adaptation to defeat retroviruses, suggesting alternate defense mechanisms over time. The study suggests that both TRIM5 and TRIM22 have played roles in protecting humans against retroviral infections.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that hydrogen sulfide increases the life span of nematode worms by 70 percent and makes them more tolerant to heat. The compound is believed to regulate a gene called SIR-2.1, which influences life span in many organisms.
Researchers found that nonmyeloablative stem-cell transplant patients have similar outcomes regardless of whether they receive related or unrelated donor cells, with no significant differences in mortality rates. The study suggests that the combination of immunosuppressive drugs and mini-transplant biology may be responsible for the co...
Researchers suggest that internationally licensed, killed whole-cell cholera vaccines may be highly effective in controlling endemic cholera when given via mass immunization. Vaccinating just 30% of the population every two years could achieve a 76% overall reduction rate.
The STEP study, sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc. and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has discontinued vaccinations due to lack of efficacy. Volunteers will now be informed about receiving either the vaccine or placebo and continue to participate in ongoing risk reduction counseling and study-related tests.
An international team of researchers has discovered two genes linked to ankylosing spondylitis, a painful and progressive disease affecting the spine. The study also validated the association of two genes implicated in Graves' disease, increasing the number of known genes involved in both diseases.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that fetal microchimerism, the presence of residual fetal cells in a woman's body, is significantly more common in healthy women than those with breast cancer. The study suggests that these cells may provide immune surveillance and reduce breast cancer risk.
In a first systematic analysis, researchers confirm the limited human-to-human spread of avian-flu virus in Indonesia. Biostatistician Ira M. Longini Jr. found the virus spread within a small family, with the new software providing real-time analysis.
Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered a modified version of antimycin that selectively kills cancer cells with high levels of survival proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. The compound's unique mechanism provides a therapeutic window, making it a potential targeted molecular therapy to enhance cancer treatment effectiveness.
A new study found that software enhancement of breast MRI scans reduces false positive identifications by 23 percent, improving the accuracy of radiologists. The software analyzes multiple imaging series to provide detailed data on lesion morphology and kinetic features.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center studied an ancient retrovirus, PtERV1, which infected nonhuman primates 4 million years ago. They found that humans have innate immunity to this virus, but this resistance may have made them more susceptible to HIV infection.
Men diagnosed with obese prostate cancer have a 2.6-fold greater risk of dying compared to normal-weight men with the same profile, regardless of treatment or disease stage. Obesity also significantly increases risk of cancer spreading into distant organs, according to researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.
A study published in Cancer Cell reveals that a specific sequence of genetic mutations determines the behavior of cystic pancreatic cancer, which has a 50% long-term survival rate. The research found that cells with this mutation are resistant to TGFb's tumor-promoting properties, contributing to their improved survival.
Researchers found that those with three or more cancer biomarkers who used aspirin had a 30% risk of esophageal cancer after 10 years, compared to 79% without NSAIDs. The study identified four genetic abnormalities predictive of esophageal cancer progression.
Research suggests treating HSV-2 infections reduces genital and systemic levels of HIV-1 RNA, with potential implications for treatment and management of co-infections.
The trial will evaluate a candidate HIV vaccine on the African continent, aiming to determine its effectiveness and potential protection against different strains of HIV. The study will enroll healthy HIV-negative males and females aged 18-35, exploring how the vaccine works in a predominantly heterosexual epidemic.
A new oral corticosteroid therapy has significantly reduced deaths from gastrointestinal graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) in stem-cell transplant patients. The treatment, which includes a reformulated version of beclomethasone dipropionate, kept GVHD in remission and allowed patients to taper off high-dose prednisone therapy.
Scientists discovered that cells passed from mother to child during pregnancy can differentiate into functioning islet beta cells producing insulin. Higher levels of maternal DNA were found in the blood of children and young adults with Type 1 diabetes, suggesting a beneficial role for microchimerism.
Researchers found antiviral drugs highly effective in preventing seasonal flu illness, with oseltamivir at 81% efficacy. Treatment also reduced infectiousness, particularly with oseltamivir, but further studies are needed to confirm results.
A new study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the University of Washington found that malaria increases HIV transmission to sex partners by up to 10 times. HIV-infected individuals are also more susceptible to malaria infections due to their compromised immune systems, fueling a rise in adult malaria-infection rates.
Researchers found that low p27 expression is associated with poor breast-cancer prognosis, particularly among women with hormone-receptor-positive tumors. High p27 expression was linked to a 6% improvement in 5-year survival rates compared to those with low p27 expression.
A year-long study found that postmenopausal women who exercised regularly had about half the risk of colds compared to non-exercisers. Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, boosted immune function and reduced markers of breast-cancer risk.
A recent study suggests that prompt surveillance and containment of victims would be sufficient to thwart an epidemic in the event of a large bioterrorist US smallpox attack. Researchers found that mass pre-vaccination of the general population may not be necessary, as the benefits of vaccination are outweighed by potential side effects.
A new study found that postmenopausal women who exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight have lower levels of circulating estrogens, which can fuel breast cancer growth. The research suggests that combining weight control with high physical activity is necessary for keeping estrogen levels at a healthy range.
A study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that regular aerobic exercise significantly reduces markers of increased colon-cancer risk in men. Men who exercised for four hours a week or more saw a significant decrease in cellular proliferation, which is associated with colon cancer.
A large population-based study found that 2.4% of breast-cancer cases carried BRCA1 mutations and 2.3% carried BRCA2 mutations, with variations in mutation rates among different racial and ethnic groups. The study also identified predictors of carrying these mutations, including family history and age at diagnosis.
A large population-based study found that long-term smokers who never used NSAIDs had the highest risk of colon cancer. Smokers using NSAIDs still faced a 30% higher risk than nonsmokers. The study suggests NSAIDs may not counteract smoking's adverse effects on colorectal-cancer risk.
Researchers developed a new method to analyze the MHC of the human genome, enabling the study of complex diseases and transplanted organs. The method may also be useful in studying other gene complexes with variability.
A low-fat diet was associated with a 15% reduction in estradiol levels and a 30% risk reduction for a certain subtype of breast cancer. The study also found no significant impact on heart disease, but trends toward reduction were seen among women who made the greatest reduction in saturated fat and trans fat consumption.
A nationwide study of vaccinating school children against influenza could reduce community transmission and improve vaccine production. The authors suggest a collaboration between academia, government, and industry to conduct such a study.
A study by SCCA physicians found that computer-aided evaluation can significantly assist radiologists in accurately interpreting breast MRI studies, improving sensitivity and specificity. The use of CAE resulted in reduced false positive rates and improved accuracy in detecting malignant lesions.
Researchers found that people with Barrett's esophagus who regularly took NSAIDs like aspirin had a one-third reduced risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The protective effect wears off quickly, and the risk reverts back to never users after three years of discontinuing use.
Researchers have discovered several new bacterial species associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common infection in women. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, could lead to improved detection and treatment methods.
A population-based study found that long-term smoking is associated with a 30-40% increased risk of breast cancer, particularly among women who start smoking before their first full-term pregnancy. The study also suggests that combined hormone therapy increases breast-cancer risk in women who smoke long term.
A study at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center identified the neuroD2 gene as a potential controller of risk-taking behavior and emotional memory in humans. Mice with one copy of the gene showed impaired ability to form emotional memories and conditioned fear, similar to humans who have varying levels of risk-taking tendencies.