A new study finds that women who have overcome cervical cancer are nearly twice as likely to develop anal cancer compared to the general population. The study highlights the need for updated screening guidelines for these patients.
A study led by Dr. Eliza McElwee finds that inflammation triggered by infection can lead to fetal brain inflammation and preterm birth. By administering a complement inhibitor, pregnant mice showed reduced inflammation and increased viability of offspring, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach.
A new mitochondrial-targeting drug, LCL768, has been developed to attack head and neck cancer cells by damaging their mitochondria. The drug's ability to increase ceramide levels inside mitochondria triggers mitophagy, leading to cancer cell death.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina engineered a new type of immune cell that can precisely target and neutralize antibody-producing cells complicit in organ rejection. This strategy could level the playing field for patients with limited eligibility for organs due to high rejection rates.
New research reveals that most people are unaware of the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and various types of cancer, including cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers. The study highlights the importance of HPV vaccination in preventing these cancers.
Women in counties with low cervical cancer screening rates experience nearly double the rate of cervical cancer diagnoses, particularly late-stage disease, and death. Timely screening can identify precancerous lesions for removal before they develop into cancer.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina develop a new approach to preventing lupus nephritis by improving kidney cell function. Exposure to serum from patients with lupus nephritis causes inflammation, but simultaneous exposure to L-sepiapterin reduces inflammation and enhances nitric oxide production.
Hollings researchers use natural language processing to identify primary cancer types in medical notes, improving treatment accuracy and personalized care. The AI model achieves high accuracy rates, outperforming standard medical codes in identifying primary cancer diagnoses.
Researchers developed a novel immunotherapy that disrupts the IL-33/IL1RL1 signaling loop to boost immune function and improve survival in leukemia patients. The treatment targeted leukemia stem cells, reducing relapse rates and improving survival without major side effects.
A new algorithm standardizes care for children with sickle cell disease who present to the ED with a fever, reducing hospitalizations by 10% without increasing readmissions. The algorithm uses predefined risk factors to determine treatment, making it safer and more efficient.
Amber Hazzard, a doctoral candidate at MUSC, has been named an AAAS Mass Media Fellow for 2025. She will intern at The News & Observer in Raleigh to promote science communication and increase scientific literacy among the public.
A study led by MUSC Hollings Cancer Center researcher Amanda Palmer found that young males, especially those who have used cigarettes or e-cigarettes before, are more likely to use oral nicotine pouches. Although usage is relatively low, the trend suggests a potential beneficial alternative to combustible cigarettes.
A new study conducted by Medical University of South Carolina shows that long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy for persons living with HIV can be administered safely and effectively at home. Patient satisfaction scores were high for both groups, and no serious safety issues were observed.
The Moodivate app improved depression symptoms clinically meaningfully among primary care patients, achieving reductions twice those of standard-of-care therapy. App users were also 3 times more likely to achieve a clinically meaningful improvement and 2.3 times more likely to attain depression remission.
A researcher at the Medical University of South Carolina is developing a new approach to boost the immune system's ability to detect and kill kidney tumors. By targeting mitochondrial DNA, he aims to reactivate the immune system to recognize and target cancer cells more effectively.
Researchers have found that loosening the grip of engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) Tregs improves their function and effectiveness in treating autoimmune diseases. By adjusting the affinity of the CAR, the study shows that Tregs can suppress immune responses while reducing pro-inflammatory consequences.
Researchers at MUSC discover an RNA:DNA 'sandwich' plays a key role in how the brain interprets emotional experiences and brings about behavioral adaptations. The discovery could lead to better RNA therapies for treating brain disorders.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center found a significant reduction in cervical cancer deaths among young women due to HPV vaccination. The study revealed a 62% decline in mortality rates over the last decade.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina and University of Florida developed a novel approach to treat type 1 diabetes using tagged beta cell transplant with localized immune protection. The study, published in Cell Reports, shows promise for creating an off-the-shelf solution for T1D treatment.
Researchers found that treating the Golgi apparatus with hydrogen sulfide creates T-cells that can take more stress, leading to a better chance of controlling tumors. The study suggests sorting T-cells into high and low Golgi groups could be a new therapeutic target.
The Medical University of South Carolina is using a $1.75 million grant to develop and test the effectiveness of telehealth-enabled collaborative care management for primary care patients in rural South Carolina. The goal is to improve behavioral health outcomes while reducing pressure on primary care physicians.
A new digital toolkit aims to screen patients for intimate partner violence (IPV) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while providing resources and support for long-lasting recovery. The toolkit prioritizes patient safety and will be beta-tested before being rolled out in a large randomized clinical trial.
A low-dose CT scan can pick up on early-stage lung cancers, which can often be completely removed with surgery. However, less than a fifth of those eligible for the test are getting it, highlighting awareness and communication gaps.
A new study by MUSC researchers reveals how cancer cells develop resistance to hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug repurposed for cancer therapy. The findings suggest that targeting specific metabolic and export pathways can prevent resistance, opening the door for novel combination therapies.
A new study finds that quitting smoking within six months of a cancer diagnosis significantly improves survival, with the largest benefit among patients who quit soonest. This evidence-based approach highlights the urgent need for cancer centers to offer smoking cessation programs to all patients.
Researchers found that patients had the same success rate when treated for 24 hours compared to 72 hours, with no difference in need for transfusion, ventilation, or vasopressors. This suggests that shorter octreotide therapy may be sufficient and could help reduce hospital stays and costs.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center have developed a new model for ovarian cancer that suggests serous uterine cancer may originate in the fallopian tubes, rather than the uterus. The model has already shown promising results in replicating high-grade serous ovarian and uterine cancers.
Researchers developed an EHR-based screening for IPV, which prioritized confidentiality and was 10 times more effective than traditional oral screening. This approach helped normalize IPV screening and improved patient comfort in reporting their experiences.
A team at Medical University of South Carolina identified a pathway to reduce fat accumulation in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). They used a novel stem cell platform and screened 1,100 compounds to find five that more than halved fat droplets on treated liver cells.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discover targeting an immunosuppressive protein on two fronts reduces metastasis and restores sensitivity to immunotherapy in a preclinical model. TNBC cells become resistant to immunotherapy due to membrane instability, enabling PD-L1 protein to drop inside the cell.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center are developing a new model of care delivery to reach out to cancer survivors with depression, using a mobile app-based treatment called Moodivate that delivers behavioral activation. The grant aims to provide timely and tailored mental health treatment to this growing population.
Researchers discovered that opioid receptors in the dorsal peduncular nucleus respond uniquely to opioids, blocking aversive feelings and leading to reward. This finding contributes to the pleasurable and addictive qualities of opioids.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that cocaine triggers a specific protein, NPAS4, which hijacks brain circuitry and promotes further drug use. Inhibiting these cells eliminates drug-seeking behavior in mice.
A new study has shown that a drug developed for pancreatic cancer is effective in treating the most aggressive form of medulloblastoma, a childhood brain tumor. The drug, Minnelide, reduced tumor growth and increased the efficacy of chemotherapy, offering hope for improved survival rates for children with this disease.
A new compound developed by researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center has shown promise in improving response to chemotherapy in preclinical models. The compound inhibits the protein lysyl oxidase, preventing it from producing a stiff environment around tumors and allowing drugs to penetrate better.
An interdisciplinary team at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discovered how P. gingivalis interferes with mitophagy, allowing oral cancer tumors to become resistant to chemotherapy. The study identified the role of fimbriae in attaching to specific proteins on the mitophagic membrane, blocking the chemotherapy drug from its attachment point.
Researchers at Hollings Cancer Center have identified a promising therapeutic strategy to combat pancreatic cancer. By simultaneously blocking HSP70 and autophagy, the growth of pancreatic tumors can be slowed, offering new hope for treatment.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discover polyploid giant cancer cells can lead to disease recurrence after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. They found that targeting these 'monster cells' could prevent tumor relapse, and potential therapies like tamoxifen and statins may also be effective.
Researchers found that hospitals with stroke center certification and coordinators have substantially better door-to-needle times for stroke patients, improving outcomes. The study highlights the importance of foundational infrastructure in telestroke programs, particularly for smaller hospitals.
Researchers found a significant disparity between the placebo group and those receiving varenicline, with a quit rate of 45% compared to 30% in the placebo group. The study suggests that varenicline may be effective in helping adults quit using e-cigarettes.
A new study reveals significant disparities in anal cancer risk among people with HIV across different US regions. The relative risk varies significantly depending on the region, with higher risks in the Midwest and South compared to the West and Northeast. Screening rates also differ between regions, with New York state leading the way.
Researchers argue that among adults who have tried FDA-approved cessation medicines, switching to e-cigarettes may be a better option due to lower health risks. E-cigarette products authorized by the FDA are considered less harmful than combustible cigarettes.
A new review article highlights the complexities of stroke risk in women, which extends beyond age and includes various modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Women are more sensitive to high blood pressure, and other disorders such as late puberty, early menopause, pregnancy, and hormonal therapy also significantly affect their risk.
Researchers found that genetic variations in THC-metabolizing enzymes can influence how young adults experience cannabis, with slower metabolizers at higher risk for cannabis use disorder. The study suggests educating teens about the differences in cannabis effects could improve their understanding of risk factors.
A team of researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina has discovered a novel protective response by which the brain naturally repairs itself after traumatic brain injury. Protein p17 plays a crucial role in this process, triggering the restorative mechanism of mitophagy to remove damaged tissue and initiate healing.
The MUSC Florence Research Center is one of four community-based clinical research sites selected to participate in the EQBMED Initiative, aiming to attract more people of color to clinical research. The program seeks to provide easy access to clinical trials in local communities and adapt trial designs to suit regional hospitals' needs.
Medical University of South Carolina researchers report that worsened anxiety and depression can predict the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study found that patients with more severe neuropsychiatric symptoms were more likely to progress from mild cognitive impairment to full-blown Alzheimer's disease.
A statewide genomic screening program enrolls first 20,000 participants, providing information on genetic risk factors for diseases such as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The program aims to empower communities to understand the value of research and increase participation rates among underrepresented groups.
A preclinical model has successfully restored an opioid-weakened brain pathway in mice, preventing relapse and improving ability to stop behaviors. This breakthrough could lead to the development of future treatments that rehabilitate brain functioning associated with drug use.
Research finds socioeconomically advantaged parents are less likely to vaccinate their teens against HPV due to safety concerns. Parents from disadvantaged groups cite lack of knowledge as a reason for hesitancy.