The study identifies a specific kinase inhibitor, A44, that can induce the death of cultured seborrheic keratoses (SK) cells and cause SK lesions to disintegrate. Researchers hope to develop this treatment into a topical solution for patients with cosmetically unattractive but harmless growths.
A nanoparticle drug-delivery system that combines photodynamic therapy with a molecular therapy drug reduces tumor progression and metastasis in animal models. The treatment cuts off common treatment escape pathways, offering new possibilities for synchronized multidrug combination therapies.
Researchers found that metformin decreases inflammation and fibrosis in pancreatic cancer, which may be most prevalent in overweight and obese patients. The study also identified a potential biomarker for response to metformin treatment based on patient body weight.
Researchers found an association between weight loss and rapid disease progression in Parkinson's patients. Those who lost weight showed a greater increase in symptoms, while those who gained weight had the smallest annual increase.
A new Cas9 variant, SpCas9-HF1, eliminates unwanted DNA breaks and reduces them to undetectable levels, expanding therapeutic applications. The high-fidelity variant is also important for research applications where off-target effects can confound results.
A large study published in Translational Psychiatry found no evidence that prenatal antidepressant exposure increases the risk of autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research team analyzed medical records data from over 1,200 children with an autism-related diagnosis and nearly 3,800 control children. Matern...
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism of resistance and re-sensitization to first-generation ALK inhibitors in a patient with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. The study highlights the importance of repeat biopsies and molecular profiling to uncover novel resistance mechanisms.
A Massachusetts General Hospital-led study found that economic opportunity is significantly associated with community health outcomes. Regions with lower economic opportunity had higher mortality rates, prevalence of smoking and obesity, and greater risk factors like hypertension and diabetes.
A recent survey of life science researchers found that data sharing has increased, with more exchanges of information and materials through third-party platforms. However, person-to-person collaborations have decreased, and secrecy remains a concern due to competing incentives for publication and career advancement.
A 14-year study found that annual screening with a blood test utilizing the Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA) significantly reduced mortality from ovarian cancer, particularly in women without evidence of cancer at study entry. The results showed a 20% reduction in risk of dying from ovarian cancer.
Researchers have found that tumors driven by IDH1 mutations are vulnerable to depletion of metabolite NAD+, which supports the development of new treatments. Inhibiting NAD+ levels can induce the death of IDH1-mutant tumor cells and inhibit tumor growth in animal models.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that unmet socioeconomic needs, such as difficulty affording food or transportation, are directly related to poor health outcomes. Patients with unmet needs were more likely to have chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
A phase 1B clinical trial of the novel antidepressant NSI-189 has shown that the compound appears to be safe and may be effective against depression. The study found improvements in depressive and cognitive symptoms in study participants, with effects persisting for several months after treatment discontinuation.
Researchers at MassGeneral Hospital for Children and MIT will develop pathogen-specific bacteriophages to disarm Shigella flexneri, a cause of millions of infections worldwide. The project aims to create an innovative therapy to protect beneficial bacteria affected by antibiotic treatment.
A computer simulation model projected that universal HCV testing and treatment in prisons could reduce HCV transmission in the general community, prevent liver-related deaths and cancer, and become highly cost-effective over 30 years. This would benefit not only the prison population but also society as a whole.
Treatment with anti-angiogenesis drugs improves radiation treatment of nervous system tumors in animal models, reducing tumor size and nerve damage. Anti-VEGF treatment enhances nerve regeneration and decreases muscle atrophy.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have reported the first successful use of a targeted therapy drug to treat a patient with a debilitating, recurrent brain tumor. Treatment with BRAF inhibitor dabrafinib led to rapid shrinkage of the tumor, and the patient remains symptom-free over a year after treatment.
A Massachusetts General Hospital-developed system using diffusion MRI improved patient selection for endovascular treatment, leading to a greater percentage of screened patients receiving treatment. The system's precision resulted in similar outcomes to recent clinical trials and significantly increased the number of treated patients.
A recent study found that antiangiogenic breast cancer treatment primarily benefits patients with highly perfused tumors. The treatment reduced pressure within tumors and improved blood vessel density, but its effectiveness depends on the tumor's microvascular density before treatment.
A MGH team developed a variant of the SaCas9 enzyme that recognizes a broader range of nucleotide sequences, increasing its targeting range two- to four-fold. This advancement expands the number of genomic sites accessible by CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
Researchers found that tumor RNA carried in platelets can distinguish among healthy individuals and those with six types of cancer, determine the primary tumor location and identify therapeutic approaches. Platelet RNA signatures provide valuable information on tumor type and guide treatment selection.
Researchers have identified four microRNAs that play critical roles in controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels, including miR-128-1 and miR-148a. These microRNAs regulate genes involved in lipid metabolism and may hold promise for treating cardiovascular disease.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals a mechanism by which the pathologic version of tau protein spreads from neuron to neuron in the brain, contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression. This process involves the release and uptake of high-molecular-weight, soluble tau proteins that are studded with phosphate molecules.
Researchers have discovered a new combination of drugs that may be effective against resistant, BRAF-mutant melanoma by targeting different signaling pathways. The combination showed synergistic effects in tumors resistant to BRAF inhibition.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found medication errors and adverse drug events occurred in almost 1 out of every 2 surgical operations, with a third resulting in harm to patients. The study analyzed over 275 operations and identified common causes of errors, including labeling mistakes and incorrect dosages.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that relaxation response-based programs can reduce participants' use of health services in the year following participation. The program, which combines practices such as meditation and social support, resulted in a 43% average reduction in healthcare encounters.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital for Children found significant discrepancies between pediatric residents and their supervising physicians regarding after-hours situations that require immediate consultation. The researchers suggest balancing autonomy with supervision to ensure safe patient care.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that CT scans altered physicians' diagnoses and management decisions for over half of patients with abdominal pain, chest pain/shortness of breath, or headache. The scan helped confirm or rule out alternative diagnoses in most cases, leading to changes in admission decisions.
A small study found that longer, more comprehensive interactions with complementary and integrative medicine providers significantly improve GERD symptoms. Patients receiving expanded physician visits reported greater symptom relief compared to conventional visits.
Bradley Bernstein, an MGH researcher, received the Paul Marks Prize for his investigations into DNA packaging and its role in cancer development. His work has revealed epigenetic differences among glioblastoma cells, driving tumor refractoriness to therapies.
A new study reveals that brain metastases carry distinct genetic profiles compared to primary tumors, suggesting divergent evolutionary pathways and potential sensitivity to targeted therapy drugs. The research identifies clinically significant mutations in over half of patients' brain metastases.
A new procedure called CAUSEL uses genetic fine mapping, epigenomic profiling, epigenomic editing, genome editing, and phenotypic analysis to pinpoint disease-causing variants in non-coding genomes. The approach has shown promise in identifying disease-associated variants in prostate cancer risk.
A national school-based mental health program reduced mental health symptoms and improved school attendance among participating students. The program, established in Chile, teaches key mental health skills to children, parents, and teachers.
A study found that African American women with breast cancer have a higher prevalence of aggressive tumor characteristics, including the TP53 driver mutation and basal tumor subtype, which contribute to racial disparities in survival rates. The research may help develop targeted therapies against these subtypes.
A novel radiopharmaceutical probe has been developed to detect blood clots anywhere in the body using whole-body PET scans. The probe can distinguish recently formed clots from older ones and reveal clot composition, which can determine treatment response.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that urate stimulates astrocytes to activate an antioxidant pathway believed to have a role in several neurodegenerative disorders. A phase 3 trial of a urate-elevating drug, led by Dr. Michael Schwarzschild, is planned to enroll 270 patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease.
A survey of primary care physicians found significant variation in how doctors make decisions in situations of uncertainty, with those least likely to encounter Ebola patients being most likely to choose overly intense management. The results highlight the need for additional resources and responsible reporting by news media.
A study found that chemoradiation causes progressive changes in brain structure, including reduced grey matter volume and ventricular enlargement, in glioblastoma patients. These changes were apparent within weeks of treatment and persisted after radiation therapy ceased.
Studies reveal age-related changes in anesthesia-induced brain activity, including reduced EEG oscillations and altered synchronization in older patients. In contrast, young children show distinct brain wave patterns that mirror development milestones.
A study found that screening women with suspected hereditary breast or ovarian cancer risk for additional genes provides important information for changing clinical management. Most patients with identified mutations were recommended for enhanced screening or preventive measures, and close relatives should also be screened.
A team of international researchers led by Massachusetts General Hospital has identified the DCHS1 gene as the cause of the common form of mitral valve prolapse, a heart valve disorder that affects nearly 2.5 percent of the population. The study reveals that mutations in this gene lead to defects in the formation of the mitral valve.
Researchers have identified two gene variants on chromosomes 15 and 8 associated with earlier- or later-than-expected symptom onset in Huntington's disease patients. The findings suggest that these variants may influence the disease process prior to symptoms appear, offering new potential therapeutic strategies.
Researchers have induced structures within cells to produce laser light, emitting specific wavelengths that allow for precise labeling and measurement of individual cells. This technology has the potential to tag up to a trillion cells, matching the estimated number of human body cells, enabling applications in basic research and disea...
A modified version of a protein that suppresses female reproductive organ development has been shown to inhibit the growth of chemotherapy-resistant ovarian tumors in animal models. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a gene therapy approach using a viral vector to deliver this protein, which resulted in signif...
The new ACC/AHA guidelines for statin eligibility better predict cardiovascular risk by considering coronary artery plaque levels. The guidelines were found to identify adults at higher risk more accurately than previous guidelines, leading to a potential reduction of 41,000 to 63,000 cardiovascular events over 10 years.
A follow-up study of IRB members' industry relationships found improvements in disclosure and management, but persistent problems such as voting on protocols with conflicts of interest. The study also showed a decrease in problematic relationships, with increases in disclosed payments for attending meetings and conferences.
Researchers discovered that combining Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with specific medication can augment weight loss benefits. The study found independent pathways contributing to weight loss, suggesting potential for combination treatment.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers reveals a distinctive EEG pattern associated with high-dose nitrous oxide anesthesia. This finding may help explain the drug's mechanisms and provide insights into the development of new anesthetics.
Researchers developed a lightweight system to produce therapeutic nitric oxide from the air using an electric spark, overcoming size and cost limitations of existing equipment. The device shows promise for treating conditions like pulmonary hypertension, chronic lung diseases, and certain types of heart failure.
A new study suggests that less than 1% of diagnosed acute hepatitis C cases met CDC reporting criteria, indicating massive underreporting in the public health surveillance system. This finding is crucial for guiding public health initiatives and planning for future needs, as accurate estimates are essential for targeting resources.