A new breast cancer risk prediction model developed by the Mayo Clinic has been shown to be more accurate than the current screening standard in predicting breast cancer risk. The model uses histologic features of biopsied breast tissue and individual patient demographic information, classifying breast cancer risk with a concordance st...
Sepsis can be a complication of almost any type of infection, including influenza. Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Steve Peters explains the difference between severe sepsis and septic shock, symptoms to watch for, and treatment options.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that cancer biopsies do not increase the risk of cancer spreading, contrary to a long-held belief. Patients who underwent biopsies had significantly better overall survival rates compared to those who did not.
A Mayo Clinic study found that women with atypical hyperplasia have an increased risk of developing breast cancer over time. After five years, 7% had developed the disease, and after 10 years, 13%. The study suggests that these women should be considered high-risk and screened more intensively.
A study by Mayo Clinic physicians found that high-definition optical lenses during colonoscopies can accurately evaluate polyps' precancerous or benign nature. The assessment was 96-97% accurate, potentially saving patients and healthcare systems substantial costs.
Researchers found that trastuzumab benefits HER2-positive breast cancer patients do not depend on the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (S-TILs) in their tumors. The study, which measured S-TILs at diagnosis in over 1,000 patients, showed improved recurrence-free survival when chemotherapy alone was used.
Researchers found that up to 45% of breast tumors exhibit genetic alterations affecting the CYP2D6 gene, leading to distorted patient genotypes. This has significant implications for tamoxifen therapy, which relies on accurate CYP2D6 testing to guide treatment.
James Ingle, a renowned breast cancer expert at Mayo Clinic, has been awarded the 2014 William L. McGuire Memorial Lecture Award for his groundbreaking research on pharmacogenomics in breast cancer treatment. His work aims to develop personalized approaches to prevent breast cancer in high-risk women by identifying genetic biomarkers t...
Researchers found a significant benefit in adding carfilzomib to standard lenalidomide and dexamethasone treatment, extending disease-free periods by nearly 50%. The three-drug combination resulted in improved remission rates and overall survival, with patients reporting better quality of life.
A Mayo Clinic-led study found that nearly 15% of triple-negative breast cancer patients have deleterious mutations in predisposition genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2. This suggests a different origin for the disease compared to other forms of breast cancer.
A phase 1/2 study found the combination of weekly ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone to be generally well-tolerated and active in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, resulting in a partial response rate of 92%. The study supports the development of a phase 3 trial for this combination.
Mayo Clinic researchers have found a potential link between TNF inhibitors and increased risk of uveal melanoma in patients. Patients taking TNF inhibitors should undergo regular eye exams to monitor for any issues.
Research at Mayo Clinic reveals that patients with active asthma are at a twofold risk of having a heart attack. Patients with inactive asthma were not found to be at an increased risk, highlighting the need for better control of asthma symptoms and medication use.
A blood test shows promise as a marker to predict which rheumatoid arthritis patients will benefit from biologic medications, sparing them unnecessary side effects. The protein type 1 interferon appears to serve as a valid marker to tell whether individual patients will respond to biologics or need alternative treatments.
A chemotherapy regimen of procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine (PCV) following radiation therapy improved progression-free survival and overall survival in adults with low-grade gliomas. This trial found patients with oligodendroglioma had better outcomes than those with astrocytoma or oligoastrocytoma.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified key molecular steps in the formation of pancreatic cancer, suggesting new preventive strategies. The study found that Kras mutations can induce inflammatory macrophages, which loosen cell structure and lead to precancerous lesions.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that a new oral medication combination therapy is safe and beneficial for liver transplant patients, requiring only 12 weeks of treatment. The study showed excellent eradication of the virus with much fewer side effects compared to traditional interferon-based therapies.
Researchers have identified genetic markers that may help in identifying individuals who could benefit from acamprosate, a commonly prescribed drug used to aid patients in recovery from alcoholism. Patients carrying specific genetic variants stay sober longer during acamprosate treatment.
The International Myeloma Working Group has updated its criteria for diagnosing multiple myeloma, allowing for earlier diagnosis without symptoms. The new guidelines incorporate validated biomarkers to identify patients at risk of progression, enabling targeted therapy and improved patient outcomes.
A long-term study of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer shows that adding trastuzumab to chemotherapy improves overall and disease-free survival by 37% and 40%, respectively. The regimen is now the standard of care for early stage HER2-positive breast cancer.
The American Academy of Neurology and the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine have developed a new guideline for determining the specific subtype of limb-girdle or distal muscular dystrophy. This guideline is based on a thorough review of available studies and provides recommendations for evaluating sympt...
A global trial involving over 8,000 women has reaffirmed trastuzumab's superiority in treating HER2-positive breast cancer. The study showed that patients receiving trastuzumab had better outcomes than those treated with lapatinib alone, including lower rates of disease recurrence and improved overall survival.
A Mayo Clinic study found that most women with breast cancer who underwent double mastectomies report being satisfied with their decision, regardless of whether they opted for breast reconstruction. The majority of women who had reconstruction also reported higher self-esteem and feeling more feminine.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a defect in the Wnt signaling pathway that contributes to both overproduction of toxic protein and loss of communication between neurons in Alzheimer's patients. Targeting this specific defect with drugs may rejuvenate or rescue the pathway, potentially preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease.
A comprehensive study led by Mayo Clinic in 12 countries validates the accuracy of RNA genomic sequencing techniques and laboratories. The research establishes best practices for laboratories to ensure reproducible results, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions based on genomic data.
The Mayo Clinic has developed a scoring system to identify patients who can safely bypass the intensive care unit (ICU) after liver transplantation. The study found that 54.3% of patients can be fast-tracked, with better survival rates compared to those sent to the ICU.
A Mayo Clinic study found that patients with poor quality of life before cancer surgery are nearly three times more likely to experience serious postoperative complications. Addressing these quality-of-life issues may reduce stress, speed recoveries and save healthcare costs.
Researchers have created an online analytic platform called CellNet to aid stem cell engineering. The tool uses network biology methods to analyze and predict cell fate and corresponding engineering strategies, offering a reliable shortcut for drug development and individualized cancer therapies.
Scientists at Mayo Clinic and Scripps Research Institute developed a new therapeutic strategy to combat the most common genetic risk factor for ALS and FTD. They discovered a potential biomarker that can track disease progression and measure the efficacy of therapies.
A Mayo Clinic task force challenges recommendations in the updated ACC/AHA cholesterol treatment guideline, suggesting an individualized treatment approach with emphasis on lifestyle changes before prescribing statins. The task force also recommends considering additional tests to refine cardiovascular risk estimates.
A large study published in European Urology has found that needle-guided tumor destruction procedures, such as partial nephrectomy and radiofrequency ablation, offer near equivalent lengths of local cancer control compared to surgery for patients with small kidney cancer tumors.
A Mayo Clinic study found that 1 in 5 patients who went to the ER with gallbladder pain were sent home to schedule surgery, but returned within a month needing urgent surgery. Younger and older patients, as well as those with other health problems, are likelier to need emergency gallbladder removal.
Wellness coaching, led by Mayo Clinic resiliency expert Matthew Clark, helps individuals identify personal values and desires for change. The coaching approach recognizes patients' strengths to make positive lifestyle changes, resulting in improved overall quality of life, mood, and perceived stress.
Over-the-counter enzyme supplements can aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and even have anti-cancer effects. However, evidence is limited, and potential side effects include gastrointestinal upset and increased risk of bleeding in certain individuals.
A new algorithm has been developed to diagnose pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis, reducing the need for computed tomography (CT) scans. The study found that CT utilization decreased by over 50% after implementation, without affecting diagnostic accuracy.
The Mayo Clinic is leading a collaborative effort to standardize safe imaging protocols for children, proposing three child-centered measures for accreditation: The Right Exam, The Right Way, and The Right Radiation Dose. These protocols aim to reduce harm and improve the quality of care for pediatric patients.
Researchers found that patients treated with proton therapy had significantly higher disease-free survival rates (72% vs. 50%) compared to those receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Tumor control also improved at the longest follow-up for proton therapy-treated patients (81% vs. 64%).
Researchers have uncovered 31 genes crucial to the development, growth, and spread of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common form of kidney cancer. The study found eight previously unlinked genes and six unknown to any cancer type, highlighting potential new therapeutic targets.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered that the NPTX2 gene is heavily involved in promoting clear cell renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer. The study reveals that NPTX2 plays a key role in this cancer type, which is resistant to chemotherapy and has a low five-year overall survival rate.
A Mayo Clinic study found that body mass index (BMI) might be missing 25 percent of children who are overweight despite having a normal BMI. This omission raises serious long-term health concerns for these children.
A recent study from Mayo Clinic warns of the dangers of home oxygen therapy combined with facial hair, particularly around sparks. Researchers found that mustaches can act as kindling for nasal oxygen tubes, leading to severe burns.
An international team created a heart disease risk calculator for rheumatoid arthritis patients, identifying those at high risk more effectively than standard tools. The calculator incorporates disease characteristics into cardiovascular risk assessment, shedding light on how to better gauge heart health in inflammatory diseases.
Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a new form of cancer caused by a chromosomal chimera, characterized by a biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma. The rare tumor typically begins in the nose and may require disfiguring surgery to treat.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed an optical blood oxygen sensor attached to an endoscope that can identify pancreatic cancer with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 86%. The device measures changes in blood flow near the pancreas, which tumors alter to grow. Early detection is crucial as most pancreatic cancers are diagno...
Researchers at Mayo Clinic and Aarhus University have discovered a receptor system critical for correct wiring of the dopaminergic brain area during embryonic development. The study found that a cut in the SorCS2 receptor can induce cell death after peripheral nervous system damage, leading to hyperactivity and attention deficits in mice.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have demonstrated a potential delivery vehicle for brain cancer chemotherapy drugs, enabling the transport of eight different molecules across the blood-brain barrier. The breakthrough method mimics a normal physiological process and could aid in evaluation of new drugs for brain cancer treatment.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that the size of tumors before treatment is a strong predictor of response to immunotherapy drug MK-3475. The findings suggest that decreasing baseline tumor size through surgery or other means may be more effective in inducing long-lasting remissions.
Researchers used gene expression arrays to analyze biopsies from ICON7 patients and found that patients with proliferative and mesenchymal subtypes responded best to bevacizumab. This subtype analysis may help identify patients who will benefit from the treatment, potentially reducing unnecessary toxicity.
The ALTTO trial showed that adding lapatinib to trastuzumab and chemotherapy did not improve patient outcome, while increasing toxicity. Researchers suggest standard adjuvant treatment should remain trastuzumab with chemotherapy for early stage HER2-positive breast cancer.
A chemotherapy regimen after radiation therapy improved progression-free survival and overall survival in adults with low-grade gliomas by an average of 5.5 years compared to radiation alone. The study, RTOG 9802, also found better outcomes for patients with oligodendroglioma and females.