Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered that a gene associated with immunological disorders plays a crucial role in preventing breast cancer. The study suggests that drugs targeting this gene may inadvertently promote breast cancer development.
Researchers are conducting a phase II gene therapy trial using CERE-110 to treat patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to determine the safety and benefits of injecting the gene into the brain, which produces Nerve Growth Factor to help nerve cells survive.
Researchers validated a simple blood test to assess treatment effectiveness in metastatic breast cancer patients, correlating CTC count with disease response. The study supports the use of CTC enumeration as an adjunct to standard clinical and radiographic methods.
A new approach to medical practice that incorporates the interactions between human genetics, environment and behavior could result in more precise diagnosis, earlier intervention and individualized care. However, concerns around data protection, sociolegal implications and economic costs must be addressed.
A clinical trial of kefir in young children using antibiotics found no benefit in preventing diarrhea. However, the study suggests that kefir may help healthier children, and more research is needed to confirm this finding.
Glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer, has shown promise in treating with an engineered antibody that shuts down tumor growth. Researchers at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center successfully tested the antibody in human cells and animal studies.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found a higher level of common household pesticides in the urine of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of childhood cancer. The study suggests an association between pesticide exposure and development of childhood ALL, but researchers caution that it does not pro...
GUMC researchers discover that a gamma secretase inhibitor can reduce neuronal loss and protect against motor and cognitive deficits in animal models of traumatic brain injury. This finding supports the connection between Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury, suggesting novel therapeutic targets.
Researchers at GUMC discovered a small molecule that prevents the fusion protein responsible for Ewing's sarcoma from binding to another protein, RNA helicase A. This novel approach could provide a model for designing treatment for other disorders caused by protein-protein interactions.
A new study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers suggests that zolpidem, a powerful sedative, activates brain circuits when neural activity is silenced. This 'activation' occurs due to changes in inhibitory neurons responsible for stopping neural activity, allowing excitatory neurons to re-awaken.
Researchers found that a shorter form of the protein AIB1 alters breast tissue, making it more fibrous and potentially increasing tumor growth. The study suggests that this change may be related to dense breast tissue, a known risk factor for breast cancer.
Researchers found that Stat5a protein has a mixed function in breast cancer development, promoting growth of certain precancerous lesions but also protecting mammary cells from carcinogenic exposure. The study highlights the importance of understanding breast cancer heterogeneity when testing new therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that the level of physical activity and cancer treatment do not affect a person's cardiovascular fitness. A new test, three-minute step test, can help determine a patient's current fitness level.
V. Craig Jordan, a renowned breast cancer scientist, has assembled a team of top researchers to tackle the complexities of breast cancer through a $73.7 million grant from Stand Up To Cancer. The 'Dream Team' aims to accelerate cancer treatment within three years by understanding the molecular diversity of human breast cancer.
Scientists have confirmed a unified theory about how the brain processes speech and language, suggesting that two parallel pathways process complex auditory signals. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, provide insight into disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, and may lead to better treatment options.
A new study by researchers at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center found that mothers who disclose their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic alterations to their children experience a more open parent-child communication relationship. Mothers are more likely to discuss test results with their children, especially when testing reveals no alterat...
A study found that 45% of older women with early-stage breast cancer choose chemotherapy, higher than the national average. The researchers suggest that these women are weighing risks and benefits more thoroughly, making informed decisions about their treatment.
Researchers found that each whole word is processed by its own set of neurons in the brain's left visual cortex. This discovery may provide insights into reading disorders and inform the development of new treatments.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that hormone levels in blood do not accurately reflect breast cancer risk. The study suggests that measuring hormones in blood may give a false impression of breast cancer risk and an imprecise picture of how these hormones affect breast cancer development.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered that phenethyl isothiocyante (PEITC) can selectively deplete mutant p53 in tumor cells. This restoration of wild-type function increases the sensitivity of mutant p53-expressing tumor cells to PEITC-induced cytotoxicity.
Researchers at GUMC found that high levels of cholesterol in breast cancer cells may promote tamoxifen resistance. Inhibiting cholesterol production with statin drugs or new agents may restore sensitivity to the drug. The study suggests a potential new direction for treating ER+ invasive lobular breast cancer.
A large US-based study found that nearly 26% of women with breast cancer have p53 gene mutations, leading to poorer outcomes. Postmenopausal women with higher body mass index (BMI) were more likely to develop these high-grade tumors.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered an experimental agent that can reverse damage from spinal cord injury by blocking inflammatory reactions. The study shows that microglial cells release neurotoxic factors after injury, leading to lasting nerve cell damage.
A new web-based CME course created by PharmedOut aims to educate physicians about the many ways pharmaceutical companies attempt to influence their knowledge of drugs and prescribing behavior. The 'Pharmalyzer' course provides compelling evidence to illustrate the influence of marketing, including disease branding and detailing tactics.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have extracted stem/progenitor cells from human testes and converted them back into pluripotent embryonic-like stem cells. These cells can morph into any cell type, offering a potential cure for diseases such as brain neurons or pancreatic tissue.
Recent research suggests that monoclonal antibodies can stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to more powerful control of cancer. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments that alter antibodies to induce long-lasting immunity.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found that a class of Alzheimer's disease drugs may prevent long-term damage from traumatic brain injury (TBI) in animals. The study suggests that gamma secretase inhibitors, designed to prevent build-up of amyloid peptide, could potentially do so.
A recent study found that consuming two or more alcoholic drinks per day may slightly increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The research pooled data from 14 studies involving over 862,000 individuals and identified a higher risk among men who consumed three or more drinks daily.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have documented brain activity in anticipation of music sequences, revealing a neural process that prepares the body to act. This finding sheds light on how humans predict motor activities and provides insight into cued associative learning.
Daniela Trani, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University Medical Center, has been selected as an NSBRI Postdoc Fellow to investigate the effects of space radiation exposure on human health. Her research aims to understand injury responses to space radiation-induced inflammatory signaling in cells.
The Institute for Reproductive Health will make scientifically-based natural family planning methods available to Title X clients, testing strategies to overcome barriers and increase adoption. The Standard Days Method has been shown to be over 95% effective in preventing pregnancy.
GUMC researchers discovered PTPRD gene inactivation in melanoma and glioblastoma, a potential tumor suppressor role. The findings suggest a wide applicability of PTPRD in various cancers, paving the way for novel therapy.
A planned safety analysis of a breast cancer prevention study using exemestane found an acceptable level of bone loss in postmenopausal women. The study also suggests that the long-term clinical impact of this decrease is not yet known, and further research is needed.
A lack of clear-cut scientific evidence has created controversy over breast cancer screening for women over 80. Researchers recommend investing in clinical trials to assess cancer screening and treatment for older individuals, strengthening empirical data for medical recommendations.
Researchers from GU/GUMC presented numerous studies on learning, facial recognition, and social interaction in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, they explored ways to improve cognition and reduce brain lesions in stroke survivors using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) techniques.
GUMC researchers will present several scientific findings on black women's health, including the importance of colonoscopy utilization and BRCA1/2 genetic testing. Studies reveal predictors of genetic testing among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, highlighting the need for clinical practice to identify patients at risk.
A study found that non-white medical students are less likely to adopt complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, while white students view these therapies more positively. The survey of medical students measured attitudes towards CAM during four years of medical training.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found a novel way in which breast cancer cells become resistant to tamoxifen, a world's largest-selling breast cancer prevention and treatment drug. The study suggests that the gamma estrogen-related receptor subtype may be stimulating cancer growth.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have successfully tested a genetic strategy to treat human infections caused by Candida albicans. Inhibiting a key protein could provide a new drug target against the yeast, which inhabits mucous membranes of most humans.
A study published in PLoS Medicine calls for strengthened restrictions on off-label promotion by pharmaceutical companies, citing potential dangers to public health. The researchers argue that marketing of off-label uses is widespread and should be heavily fined to prioritize patient safety.
Phyllis R. Magrab is recognized as an outstanding advocate and researcher for children with disabilities, dedicating her career to improving their quality of life. She has received numerous honors for her work, including the Distinguished Contributions Award from the American Psychological Association.
The partnership will facilitate collaborative research in areas such as structural biology, systems genetics, and radiation biology. GUMC researchers are utilizing ORNL's supercomputing capabilities to analyze complex molecular data and develop new diagnostic tools for cancer diagnosis.
Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center's Institute for Reproductive Health present studies on involving men in family planning and partner communication about sex. Their work aims to improve reproductive health outcomes by providing men with simple and effective natural options.
Lucile L. Adams-Campbell, a renowned expert on health disparities, has been elected to the Institute of Medicine, recognized for her outstanding professional achievements and commitment to service. As a professor of oncology at Georgetown University Medical Center's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, she will strive to enhance the n...
A study of 87 stroke patients found that blacks had a 32% higher microbleed prevalence than whites, with more frequent and varied locations in the brain. Hypertension was also associated with microbleed frequency.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center identified a new way to limit brain cell damage by reducing microglial activation. They found that a selective activator of a key receptor can turn off microglial activity, potentially treating conditions like stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
A new study led by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers finds that sinusitis can cause severe bodily pain, often misdiagnosed as other conditions. Endoscopic sinus surgery has been shown to provide significant pain relief for these patients.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that CyberKnife radiosurgery is a safe treatment option for recurrent pancreatic cancer, allowing patients to resume systemic chemotherapy quickly. The study demonstrated acceptable safety and efficacy in delivering treatment within a week's time.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have identified a protein, NuIP, that regulates the Nurr1 gene critical to dopamine-releasing brain cells. Loss of NuIP function is linked to decreased numbers of dopamine-producing neurons and a decrease in expression of the dopamine transporter.
A new treatment strategy involving sorafenib could 're-sensitize' tumors, enabling anti-hormonal drugs like aromatase inhibitors to be effective again. Preliminary analysis shows a clinical benefit response in 26 percent of patients taking both sorafenib and anastrozole.