Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered that vitamin A can push stem cells in breast cancer tumors to form endothelial cells, leading to the creation of new blood vessels. This finding supports the 'vasculogenic mimicry' theory, which proposes that tumors build their own blood pipelines.
Neuroscientists at Georgetown University Medical Center found that transportation of brain transcripts is essential for growth and connection between neurons, forming the basis of memory and learning. This discovery may provide clues to understanding mental retardation and overall brain functioning.
Researchers found that general anesthetics activate and sensitize specific receptors on neurons in the peripheral nervous system, increasing post-operative pain. The study suggests that this mechanism may be the reason why patients often experience increased discomfort after waking up from surgery.
A synthetic cocoa chemical slowed growth and accelerated destruction of human tumors in laboratory studies, suggesting it may be used for cancer chemoprevention or treatment. The strongest response was seen in colon cancer cells, with growth cut in half and most tumor cells damaged.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have developed a blood test that can predict treatment efficacy in metastatic breast cancer patients. The test measures circulating tumor cells and has been shown to be a reliable predictor of disease progression.
Preliminary research suggests that high-risk women with breast cancer who don't have a BRCA1/2 mutation may be at a higher risk of developing a second breast cancer. The study supports the use of prophylactic mastectomy as an option for these women, but raises questions about the role of sentinel node biopsy.
A study from Georgetown University Medical Center suggests that high-energy space radiation can lead to premature aging and prolonged oxidative stress in cells, potentially causing colon cancer. The researchers found that exposure to high-LET radiation induced a highly oxidative environment in cells, conducive to cancer development.
A gene associated with human breast stem cells can stimulate the development of mammary cells by activating Wnt and Notch pathways, which are critical to cancer growth. The study suggests that targeting this gene might provide a new way to treat cancers of the breast and other tumor types.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have identified a small molecule that can block the action of the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein responsible for Ewing's sarcoma. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a targeted therapy for this rare and aggressive cancer.
Research suggests that genistein in soy foods reduces the risk of breast cancer by controlling cell growth and death in young women. The exact mechanism is not yet fully understood, but studies suggest a link between soy consumption during puberty and reduced breast cancer risk.
The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center has published a new manual for childhood cancer survivors, providing information on late effects and promoting shared care. The manual aims to ease the transition from active treatment to follow-up care and address psychosocial needs.
A new study found that family discussions about cancer history significantly impact knowledge and attitudes about genetic counseling and testing for moderate-risk women. Women who discussed their family's cancer history with relatives had greater knowledge and more positive attitudes towards testing.
A study published in Contraception reports that the Standard Days Method brings new women to family planning, with over half having never used a method before. The method's effectiveness and ease of use led to increased contraceptive use among participants.
Researchers are exploring non-conventional counseling methods, such as telephone counseling, to broaden accessibility for genetic testing. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of telephone genetic counseling versus traditional in-person counseling among women at high risk of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation.
Jeffrey A. Toretsky, a pediatric oncology physician and researcher at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, has received a prestigious Clinical Scientist Award in Translational Research from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The award will support his research to identify molecular mechanisms of EWS-FLI1 and develop ...
A study found that a single 20-minute expressive writing session can positively impact cancer patients' thoughts and feelings about their disease. Patients who reported changes in their thoughts and feelings after writing also experienced better physical quality of life three weeks later.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered both normal and abnormal liver stem cells, which may provide a new target for experimental treatment. The study found that blocking the stat3 gene was effective in preventing liver cancer in mice, opening up new possibilities for treating this devastating disease.
Researchers have identified cyclin D1 as a key player in ER+ breast cancers, which are the most common type of breast cancer. The study found that inhibiting cyclin D1 function may provide a new treatment strategy for these tumors.
Researchers warn that powerful molecular tools in cancer research can lead to misleading conclusions due to the complexity of generated data. The team highlights the need for better understanding of the challenges in analyzing these genomic and proteomic technologies.
A new microscope technique offers real-time analysis of breast cancer biopsies, which could reduce the number of needle biopsies needed from women suspected of having breast cancer. The technique uses reflectance confocal microscopy to examine tissue samples and detect cancer cells in minutes.
Researchers will investigate barriers to treating ischemic strokes and explore the effectiveness of patient navigators and imaging studies to address disparities in DC hospitals. The projects aim to improve stroke prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for medically underserved communities.
Research highlights the importance of child health psychologists in disease prevention, citing the impact of early lifestyle choices on later-life health. Experts emphasize the need for more targeted prevention programs and increased involvement of child health psychologists in public health efforts.
Studies found that music and language rely on common processes in the mind, including two memory systems: one for rules and syntax, and another for memorized melodies. The discovery opens new avenues of research into the relationship between language and music.
A study by Georgetown University researchers found that estrogen is necessary for breast cancer development but tumors become unresponsive to estrogen and anti-estrogen therapies after they form. This explains why oophorectomies help prevent breast cancer in women with BRCA1 mutations
Researchers found that dense breasts and high hormone levels increase breast cancer risk by 400% and 200%, respectively. The study also showed additive effects, where women with both dense breasts and excess hormones face a 600% increased risk.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a new gene, XBP1, that contributes to Tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells. This finding may enable oncologists to screen women for responsiveness to these treatments and provide a clue for reversing resistance.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center found that brain areas process signals as progressive waves, coordinating a collective pattern from millions of neurons. This challenges traditional models and has the potential to help understand Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center developed a fast and accurate test to measure thyroid hormones, which may help diagnose and treat conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The new test uses tandem mass spectrometry and is more specific than the current immunoassay test.
A study found that children with Tourette's syndrome are quicker at processing certain mental grammar skills, including rule-governed language tasks. They showed superior performance compared to typically developing children in producing grammatically correct past tense forms.
Survival rates for individuals with scleroderma have increased by 12% over the past 30 years, from 54% to 66%, thanks in part to advancements in treatment. Newer medications such as ACE inhibitors have dramatically improved outcomes for patients, particularly in reducing renal crisis mortality.
Dr. Insoo Bae receives $2 million Komen Award to develop novel prevention strategies for women with BRCA1 mutations. His research focuses on identifying environmental carcinogens that increase the risk of breast cancer in genetically predisposed individuals.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found a mechanism to manipulate fat in targeted areas using simple chemical injections. This breakthrough could lead to better control of metabolic syndrome and revolutionize human cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
A study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers highlights the issue of inconsistent medical standards across US states, with some relying on local rules rather than national standards. This can lead to inadequate patient care, as doctors may be unsure about what constitutes standard practice in their specific jurisdiction.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found a new molecular mechanism that may cause spontaneous liver cancer, but also identified a potential cure. By reintroducing the ELF gene to cancer cells, proteins driving cell division and growth can be kept in check, suggesting an effective new therapy.
Endurance exercise experts recommend limiting fluid intake during prolonged activities to prevent exercise-induced hyponatremia (EAH), a potentially lethal water intoxication. Excess drinking can lead to diluted sodium levels in the blood, posing risk to athletes engaging in 4-hour or longer endurance events.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have constructed the largest synthetic gene ever built, which contributes to malaria drug resistance. The PfMDR1 gene, when expressed in yeast, produces large quantities of its protein, allowing for molecular understanding of how Plasmodium falciparum becomes resistant to drugs.
A Georgetown University expert reveals how drug reps manipulate physicians with finely-tuned doses of friendship and financial incentives. The authors found that friendly doctors are the easiest to influence, while those who refuse are often wooed with gifts and flattery.
A two-stage model suggests that humans learn novel tasks by first processing stimulus shape and then discriminating between shapes to categorize objects. The study used fMRI to measure brain activity while participants learned to group cars into categories, revealing a complex interplay between lower and higher brain processes.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have isolated a protein, caveolin-1, that enhances cell death in response to Taxol chemotherapy in breast cancer cells. The protein needs to be phosphorylated to work, and its expression level can vary depending on the type of breast cancer.
International team develops standardized guidelines for assessing lymphoma treatment response, incorporating new imaging technologies. The revised guidelines aim to improve therapies and facilitate the development of new treatments.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that young cancer survivors are at risk of developing unhealthy behaviors, including smoking, lack of exercise, and inadequate sun protection. The study suggests that these behaviors can increase the risk of cancer recurrence and chronic disease in adulthood.
Researchers found that girls use a system for memorizing words and associations, while boys rely on rule-governed language systems. The study supports the notion that men and women may process skills differently, with estrogen affecting brain processing.
In a surprise discovery, researchers found that young rats recover more quickly from spinal cord injuries due to the activation of specialized neural stem cells and oligodendrocytes, which provide a protective myelin sheath to axons. This process does not occur as efficiently in adult rats, leading to longer recovery times.
Researchers have found that three popular laboratory breast cancer cell lines share a similar genetic profile with human breast tumors. This discovery provides evidence for the accuracy of laboratory cell line models and their potential to inform treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have reported a compound called tramiprosate that reduced levels of a marker for the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests the potential for slowing down disease progression by targeting the amyloid peptide, considered to be the molecular cause of the disease.
Older women with breast cancer often receive inadequate care due to ageism, despite being half of new patients each year. Researchers call for considering overall health and frailty in treatment decisions.
A Georgetown University researcher warns of a growing epidemic of hookah smoking, citing equivalent toxic effects to cigarette smoking and a disproportionate impact on young women. Studies show that waterpipe tobacco smoke can penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract than cigarette smoke, increasing cancer risk.
Researchers will develop new methods to evaluate and test tobacco products, providing information to smokers for informed choices. The study aims to determine if these 'safer' alternatives truly reduce health risks and exposure to carcinogens.
The Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Familial Cancer will expand clinical and research programs at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, providing automated cancer risk assessment and genetic predisposition research. The center also endows the Cecilia F. Rudman Arts and Humanities Program Fund, enhancing arts therapy and patient care.
A new study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that diphenhydramine, a widely used antihistamine, has no benefit in helping infants and toddlers sleep. The study involved 44 children aged 6-15 months and showed only 1 out of 22 children improved sleeping after using the drug.