A team of researchers has created a molecular atlas of the human brain's vasculature, revealing how endothelial cells regulate interactions between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues. The study provides insights into the growth patterns of blood vessels in early development, adulthood, and disease stages.
Scientists propose a new biologically-based classification system for Parkinson's disease, considering three biological factors: pathologic α-synuclein, neurodegeneration, and gene variants. This 'S-N-G' system aims to better understand the complex biology of PD and identify subgroups with distinct disease processes.
Researchers developed a novel combination therapy that eradicates tumors in select patients, with prolonged survival rates. The therapy has shown promise in treating glioblastoma, a notoriously difficult-to-treat primary brain cancer.
A team of researchers has identified a peptide that disrupts the interaction between alpha-synuclein and a protein subunit of cellular machinery, reducing its levels and promoting cell clearance. The study suggests a new therapeutic avenue for Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
A study of 70 patients found that donor lungs remained healthy and viable for transplant up to four times longer when stored at 10 degrees Celsius compared to the current standard. This breakthrough could increase donor organs and change practice worldwide, reducing hospital resources and improving patient outcomes.
A single-dose of the antiviral drug peginterferon lambda reduced the risk of hospitalization or Emergency Department visit due to COVID-19 by half in high-risk patients. The treatment was effective across different variants of concern, including Omicron, and showed minimal side effects.
Researchers identified connections between genetic risk genes and mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD, a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting one in 50 Canadians. The study's findings may lead to tailored treatments for individuals with shared biological signatures.
A team of scientists developed a computer model predicting the role of cortical glial cells in cognition. The study reveals that astrocytes can modify brain circuits and influence behavior.
Krembil Brain Institute researchers propose a new mechanistic model for Alzheimer's as an autoimmune condition that attacks the brain. This new approach challenges traditional views on brain diseases and opens the door to innovative therapies.
A study published in JAMA Surgery demonstrates that living-donor liver transplant is a viable option for patients with systemic controlled colorectal cancer and liver tumors. The procedure offers improved quality of life and survival for these patients, who previously had limited treatment options.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine has proved that it is possible to convert blood type safely in donor organs intended for transplantation, eliminating the need for matching by blood type. This breakthrough could significantly improve fairness in organ allocation and decrease mortality for patients on the waitlist.
CanDIG, a collaboration of computer scientists, AI specialists, clinicians, and geneticists, enables studies needed to address health challenges in Canada. The platform is helping scientists access large-scale genomics data and connect Canada's genomic datasets to those from around the world.
Patients who survive aortic dissection repair are at risk for complications and death due to inadequate post-surgical follow-up care. A new study found that only 14% of patients received guideline-recommended imaging surveillance, leaving them vulnerable to a lifetime of sustained risk.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that blocking the excess production of MIF could lead to disease remission and prevent disability and mortality linked to SpA. Researchers have successfully tested a MIF blocker, called MIF098, in pre-clinical models.
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre researchers have developed a highly sensitive test to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) in the bloodstream. The new sequencing method detected HPV circulating tumour DNA at much lower levels than previous tests, making it possible to monitor disease progression and tailor treatment.
A randomized clinical trial of third dose COVID-19 vaccine booster for transplant patients shows improved antibody levels and neutralizing antibodies, as well as a robust T-cell response. The study found that the third dose was safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.
A world-first clinical trial has shown that a third dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster is highly effective in protecting transplant patients. The study found that 55% of participants developed antibodies against the virus after receiving the third dose, compared to just 18% in those who received a placebo.
Scientists at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre have made a breakthrough discovery in understanding how dormant hematopoietic stem cells are activated, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for various cancers. The team found that lysosomes act as key signaling hubs regulating long-term hematopoietic stem cells.
A population-based study of nearly 30 years of billing data reveals a significant payment gap between female and male ophthalmologists in Ontario, even after accounting for age and practice differences. The disparity is more pronounced among ophthalmologists compared to other surgical specialty groups.
Princess Margaret Scientists reveal a new target that suggests it can potentially prevent leukemia in children with Down syndrome. The study mapped out where and how leukemia begins and develops in infants with Down syndrome, paving the way for future prevention strategies.
A study by Princess Margaret researchers found that AI-generated radiation treatments were deemed clinically acceptable for patients in most cases, with 89% of ML-treatments preferred over human-generated ones. However, physician preferences changed when actual treatment was at stake, reducing the use of ML-generated treatments to 61%....
Researchers found that about half of pancreatic cancer cell lines are dependent on peroxiredoxin 4 for survival. Targeting PRDX4 led to DNA damage and cell death in cancer cells, but not normal cells. This discovery reveals a potential therapeutic window with less toxicity.
Researchers used live human cortical tissue to identify functionally important features that make human neurons unique, revealing a massive amount of diversity among human neocortical pyramidal cells. The team found distinct electrophysiological features between neurons located at different layers in the human neocortex.
Researchers at University Health Network found that combining immune-boosting drugs with radiation and surgery increased survival and anticancer immune response in mouse models of mesothelioma. The treatment extended survival and provided a durable immune response, even after re-injection of tumour cells up to 12 weeks later.
Researchers at UHN have developed a deep learning model that can significantly improve long-term survival and quality of life for liver transplant recipients. The model is based on a large dataset from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and has been validated using a local dataset from UHN's Ajmera Transplant Centre.
A digital app called Manage My Pain has been shown to reduce key symptoms of chronic pain, including anxiety and pain catastrophizing. The study found that patients who used the app saw clinically significant reductions in these areas, leading to better management of their pain.
A Canadian pilot study on gene therapy for Fabry disease shows the treatment is working and safe, enabling patients to produce normal levels of the defective enzyme. The trial, led by Dr. Aneal Khan, treated five men with a single dose of gene therapy, which resulted in stable patients who are no longer requiring replacement therapy.
Researchers develop DNA modifying epigenetic therapy to transform immune killer T-cells into "super soldiers" with enhanced ability to kill cancer cells. The therapy uses available chemotherapy drugs to remove epigenetic tags, turning key genes back on and turbocharging the cells' killing function.
Researchers identified two unique subtypes of NPM1-mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), one potentially treatable with existing drugs, and the other requiring new therapeutic approaches. This discovery may lead to improved treatment outcomes and personalized medicine for patients.
Researchers develop new strategy to stop glioblastoma cell growth by inhibiting PRMT5 enzyme, leading to cellular senescence and tumor suppression. The study provides hope for treating this deadly brain cancer with a new class of drugs.
A clinical study led by Dr. Jordan Feld showed that peginterferon-lambda can significantly speed up recovery for COVID-19 outpatients, with patients who received the treatment being over four times more likely to clear the infection within seven days. The study also found quicker improvement of respiratory symptoms in the treatment group.
A new clinical trial shows that a more sensitive test can detect heart function issues early, reducing the risk of heart failure in cancer patients. The test, which measures Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), detected heart damage earlier and reduced cardiotoxicity in patients.
A study published in CMAJ-OPEN found that over half of clinicians at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre reported burnout and high levels of distress. The study used the Well-Being Index to measure stress, depression, and other factors. Lower levels of distress were associated with perceptions of fair treatment and adequate staffing levels.
Virtual care during COVID-19 accelerated at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, showing high patient and physician satisfaction. The study found significant cost savings for patients and comparable or better quality of care.
Researchers have found that cancer cells can enter a slow-dividing state to survive chemotherapy, similar to an embryonic survival program in mammals. Targeting these sleeping cells with novel therapies may prevent cancer regrowth and overcome drug resistance.
Researchers at UHN's Peter Munk Cardiac Centre found statins to be effective in reducing the risk of heart failure in women treated for early breast cancer. The study showed that taking statins was associated with a 55% lower risk of hospitalization or emergency department visits for heart failure.
A collaboration of three clinical trial platforms has paused enrollment for critically ill COVID-19 patients due to the lack of improvement in outcomes with full-dose anticoagulants. Moderately ill hospitalized COVID-19 patients can still be enrolled, and the trials will continue to analyze data.
Researchers used genome-wide profiling to study the epigenetic landscape of human stem cells, revealing important information about gene regulation. They found differences in chromatin structures between long-term and short-term stem cells, which could improve understanding of cancer cell behavior and stem cell therapy.
Researchers at UHN have discovered a simple method to reverse alcohol intoxication by accelerating the elimination of ethanol from the body through hyperventilation. The device, small enough to be made anywhere in the world, uses a valve system and mask to remove excess carbon dioxide while maintaining normal blood levels.
Researchers have identified silent ancient DNA elements in our genome that, when reactivated, stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. The discovery of ADAR1, an enzyme used by cancer cells to evade detection, opens up a new field of cancer therapies.
International scientists challenge their colleagues to make Artificial Intelligence (AI) research more transparent and reproducible to accelerate the impact of their findings for cancer patients. The authors offer numerous frameworks and platforms that allow safe and effective sharing of data, computer code, and predictive models.
A recent trial found that genetic testing can significantly reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events after balloon angioplasty. The study used personalized genetic testing to identify patients with a specific gene variation that affects the activation of antiplatelet medication, resulting in a 34% reduction in adverse events.
Scientists at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre discover a promising approach to identify the best patients for targeted therapy in triple negative breast cancer. Using patient-derived cell lines, researchers found a correlation between levels of RB1 protein and decreased growth in cancer cells.
A blood test can predict which cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy, a treatment option for advanced cancers. The test analyzes changing levels of tumour fragments in the blood to identify those who will respond well to the treatment.
The Medical Cannabis Real-World Evidence (MC-RWE) clinical trial aims to provide high-quality medical cannabis products with standardized potency and purity. Patients will have access to various products through an online portal, allowing them to track their consumption and effectiveness.
A highly sensitive blood test can accurately diagnose and classify different types of brain tumours without the need for tissue samples. This breakthrough has the potential to transform patient care by providing more accurate diagnosis, less invasive methods and better treatment planning.
A new platform enables researchers to track changes in the SARS-CoV-2 virus' genetic structure, providing insights for vaccine design and combating the pandemic. The tool, developed by UHN AI scientist Dr. Bo Wang, analyzes nasal swab samples and compares them to global data, generating results in under 15 minutes.
A recent clinical research study found that listening to Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K. 448 daily reduced seizure frequency in adult individuals with epilepsy. The study suggests this as a supplemental therapeutic option for those who do not respond well to anti-seizure medications.
A UHN-led international research team found that interferon-α2b accelerates virus clearance in COVID-19 patients by 7 days. Treatment also reduced levels of inflammatory markers IL-6 and CRP, benefiting public health efforts to slow the pandemic.
Researchers at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre have identified new protein targets for drug development against prostate cancer by analyzing noncoding DNA regions. These regions, previously thought to be 'junk' DNA, were found to harbor important regulatory elements that determine gene expression.