A new study finds that obtaining a second opinion from board-certified dermatopathologists improves the accuracy of diagnosing melanoma, reducing misclassification rates. The study's findings suggest that expert second opinions provide value in improving diagnostic reliability, especially for complex cases.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a molecular process controlling nerve growth, which could inform therapies accelerating peripheral nerve recovery. The study shows that manipulating this process can increase nerve regeneration rate by 15% in mice.
A study by UCLA researchers found that adding ribociclib to standard hormone therapy significantly improves overall survival in postmenopausal women with advanced hormone-receptor positive/HER2- breast cancer. The combination treatment demonstrated a 28% reduction in risk of death and improved progression-free survival.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a new drug delivery pathway that uses reengineered fat cells to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to tumors, suppressing growth and preventing recurrence. The approach could also be applied to other lipid metabolism-related diseases.
Researchers at UCLA developed a therapy that permanently boosts the body's ability to produce invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells), which attack human tumors. The treatment, engineered from hematopoietic stem cells, effectively suppressed tumor growth in mice with multiple myeloma and melanoma.
A UCLA-led study found that using 3D virtual reality models before kidney tumor surgeries resulted in shorter operating times, less blood loss during surgery, and a shorter hospital stay. The technology provides surgeons with better visualization of patient anatomy, allowing for more precise surgical planning.
UCLA Health has been awarded a federal grant to create a regional hub for medical technology and digital health innovation. The Biodesign Hub will focus on developing healthcare technology, leveraging Silicon Beach's startup activity, and advancing patient care.
Researchers have developed a drug that speeds up blood stem cell regeneration after exposure to radiation, accelerating the recovery of cancer patients. The new compound, DJ009, lifts molecular 'brakes' on blood stem cells, enabling them to recover faster and reducing the risk of infections.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a nanoscale capsule that breaks through the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to reach and treat cancer that has spread to the central nervous system. In mouse studies, this capsule delivered cancer-fighting drugs effectively eliminating B-cell lymphoma tumors.
A comprehensive dementia care program staffed by nurse practitioners significantly reduced patients' behavioral problems and depression, as well as lower the distress of caregivers. The study's findings suggest that such programs are a promising approach toward improving the psychological health of patients and caregivers.
A Veterans Health Administration program significantly improved access to mental health and primary care services for veterans with behavioral health needs. The initiative resulted in 11% more mental health visits, 40% more primary care visits, and a 9% higher average annual cost per patient.
A new AI system developed at UCLA has shown promising results in accurately reading biopsies and diagnosing breast cancer. The system outperformed human pathologists in distinguishing between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and atypia, a type of abnormal cell associated with higher breast cancer risk.
As people age, the prostate grows, leading to an increased risk for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. A new UCLA study found that older mice have more luminal progenitor cells, which can generate new prostate tissue, helping explain why the prostate tends to grow with age.
Researchers used ultra-sensitive technology to characterize and identify neoantigens driving antitumor responses in a patient with metastatic melanoma. The study reveals new ways to guide the design of personalized adoptive T cell therapies, increasing the number of patients who will benefit from immunotherapy.
Researchers discovered that giving antibiotics to mice and humans before a liver transplant led to improved liver function after surgery. The treatment inhibited bacteria causing inflammation, reducing organ rejection and accelerating cell removal, resulting in better outcomes for patients.
A new study found that half of participants with well-managed HIV retain HIV DNA in their cerebrospinal fluid, associated with cognitive deficits. Researchers also noted a link between HIV DNA and poorer performance on neurocognitive tests.
A new biomarker in urine helps detect aggressive prostate cancer, improving detection accuracy and reducing unnecessary treatments. The noninvasive test was found to accurately identify high-risk individuals and achieved similar accuracy as invasive tissue-based tests.
Research found that brain activity in pairs of mice synchronizes during social behavior, with individual cells responding to self and social partner behaviors. The level of synchronization predicted the amount of interaction between the animals.
Researchers at UCLA Health Sciences have developed a more effective method for detecting prostate cancer by combining biopsy strategies. The new approach, which includes MRI-guided biopsy, increased the rate of cancer detection to up to 33% compared to traditional methods.
A UCLA-led research team has pinpointed a three-drug combination that can effectively treat advanced melanoma. The approach shows promise for extending the lives of people with BRAF V600E mutated melanoma, with progression-free survival lasting an average of 16 months.
Researchers at UCLA have found a way to significantly reduce the duration of tuberculosis treatment using artificial intelligence and data analysis. The new approach identifies synergistic drug combinations that work together to cure TB more quickly and effectively.
A new study has found that for-profit dialysis providers are charging private insurers up to four times more than government payers for the same treatment. DaVita alone controls 37% of the U.S. market and operates over 2,500 clinics, with annual financial statements revealing significantly higher prices paid by private insurers.
A phase I clinical trial using stem cell immunotherapy will be tested on patients with advanced sarcomas and the NY-ESO-1 tumor marker. The treatment aims to generate a lasting immune response against cancer by modifying blood-forming stem cells and T cells to target specific proteins.
A new AI system called FocalNet has been developed to aid radiologists in detecting prostate cancer, achieving 80.5% accuracy in reading MRI scans. The system uses machine learning to evaluate tumors and predict their aggressiveness, providing diagnostic guidance to less-experienced radiologists.
Researchers found that eliminating routine but low-value preoperative tests for cataract surgery patients can lead to significant cost savings. The study showed a savings of $67,241 over three years at one medical center, without measurable negative effects on patients.
Current methods for measuring health impacts from oil and natural gas extraction are insufficient, with studies finding poor health outcomes near operations despite standard health benchmarks not being reached. The authors call for further research on emissions using accurate timeframes and proximity to extraction sites.
A preclinical study found that combining CAR T-cell therapy with photothermal ablation suppressed melanoma tumor growth for up to 20 days in mice. Among the treated mice, 33% remained tumor-free after 20 days.
Researchers discovered that women undergoing perimenopause experience significant changes in body composition, including increased fat mass and decreased lean body mass. The study also noted ethnic/racial differences in the impact of menopause on body composition.
Researchers have identified a promising new therapeutic strategy using two types of drug inhibitors to treat pancreatic cancer. The approach combines chloroquine with an inhibitor of the replication stress response pathway, showing potential in reducing tumor growth and improving prognosis.
The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) presented 11 oral and 19 poster presentations on HIV and TB co-morbidities, treatment, and cure. Key findings include novel medications for MDR-TB and the impact of DMPA injections among women treated for HIV and TB.
A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Surgery found that surgery for uncomplicated appendicitis in adults is very safe, with more than 97% of procedures being minimally invasive. The study analyzed 7,778 appendectomies and found that only 3% resulted in complications, making it a low-risk option.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a method to screen hundreds of drugs in patients' own cells, creating miniature tumor organoids. This approach can help identify effective treatments for rare and hard-to-treat cancers, and could guide treatment decisions.
The Health Equity Network of the Americas (HENA) aims to address persistent health inequities in the region by fostering intersectoral partnerships. HENA's approach focuses on increasing knowledge of effective practices, promoting adoption of policies and programs, and ensuring successful implementation.
Researchers found patients born without a CCR5 gene recover better from mild stroke than those with the gene. Maraviroc, a drug blocking CCR5, accelerated recovery in mice and boosted motor skills, language, and sensory function.
Researchers identified a new type of immune cell called macrophages that play a critical role in heart valve formation and maintenance. These heart-derived macrophages are particularly adept at consuming excess tissue, making them indispensable to the formation and maintenance of healthy valves.
A study analyzing public health impact of e-scooters found that nearly a third of those injured required emergency department treatment. The majority of riders were not wearing helmets when injured.
A UCLA-led study found that administering immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab before surgery significantly extended the lives of people with recurrent glioblastoma. The study showed that those who received the drug prior to surgery lived nearly twice as long after surgery compared to those who received it afterward.
A new UCLA-led study shows that men with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer can safely undergo higher doses of radiation over a significantly shorter period and still have the same successful outcomes as from a much longer course of treatment. The study analyzed data from 2,142 men treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy for...
Researchers at UCLA create mature T cells capable of killing tumor cells from pluripotent stem cells using artificial thymic organoids. This breakthrough technique has the potential to lead to new approaches to cancer immunotherapy and create a virtually unlimited supply of T cells.
Researchers have created a method for modifying blood stem cells to reverse the genetic mutation that causes IPEX, a life-threatening autoimmune syndrome. The approach adds a normal copy of the FoxP3 gene to blood stem cells, restoring proper immune regulation and eliminating symptoms in mice.
A new UCLA study overturns the long-held belief that cancer cells are glycolytic, consuming more glucose than normal cells. Instead, researchers found that squamous cell skin cancers can use alternative nutrients like glutamine to fuel their growth.
Researchers found that paramedics can effectively identify acute psychiatric crises and divert them to specialized psychiatric facilities, reducing wait times for treatment. Over a five-year period, 22,000 psychiatric patients were treated at these facilities after being medically cleared by paramedics.
A major study has linked genetic variants to their molecular effects in the brain, revealing new mechanisms of diseases. The findings provide a roadmap for development of new therapies for psychiatric conditions. Thousands of RNA molecules are dysregulated in autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Researchers found significant problems in 7/112 children with eye abnormalities, 6/49 with hearing issues, and 11/94 with severe delays in language, motor skills, or cognitive function.
A UCLA-led research team has developed a spray gel that can awaken the immune system to stop cancer from recurring and spreading. The substance was successful half of the time in lab animals, with 50% survival rate after treatment.
Researchers have identified a new type of T cell called phospholipid-reactive T cells that recognize phospholipids, which can stimulate them or prevent glycolipids from reaching the surface of cells. This balance is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the immune system.
A UCLA-led research team has identified two major groups of genes involved in mutations that result in an overproduction of tau protein, a hallmark of progressive dementia. The study suggests that these genetic processes may be targetable with experimental drugs.
A potential joint US-Mexico opioid epidemic is looming due to relaxed regulations, increased demand, and pharmaceutical pressure. The study highlights the need for US resources to mitigate a possible epidemic in Mexico.
Scientists at UCLA have identified sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) as a key mechanism in lung cancer cell growth, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The study found that SGLT2 is predominantly used by lung cancer cells to transport glucose, even in pre-malignant lesions.
UCLA researchers found that a specific protein factor is essential for fibroblast cells to migrate and contribute to wound healing. This discovery may offer new insights into cancer progression and treatment options.