Researchers estimate that relabeling Grade Group 1 prostate cancer as a precancerous condition could reduce unnecessary treatment and prevent nearly 2,400 prostate cancer deaths annually. This change may encourage more men to get screened, potentially leading to fewer deaths from aggressive prostate cancer.
Researchers found that field-based homeless healthcare programs can improve the management of high blood pressure among homeless individuals, leading to a significant reduction in mortality and disability. The study suggests that these programs can have a positive impact on the health of people experiencing homelessness.
Lili Yang and her team aim to develop a universal CAR-NKT cell immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis, providing a sustained therapeutic effect that daily or weekly medications cannot match. The approach targets the core biological mechanisms of MS, offering a potentially more significant delay or even cure.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center receive $1.7M grant to advance CAR T-cell therapies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. They will investigate a new approach combining engineered nanovial technology with single-cell analysis to rapidly evaluate and optimize dual-targeted CAR T-cell therapies.
Researchers led by Dr. Nima Nassiri have successfully transplanted a human bladder for the first time, with patient Oscar Larrainzar thriving a year after the operation. The breakthrough procedure has paved the way for a new field of surgery and offers hope to patients with end-stage bladder disease.
The project aims to systematically map how individual pairs of cells influence each other, with the goal of understanding cell-cell communication in health and disease. By characterizing the cellular dyad, scientists can determine which cell influenced which partner, when the interaction began and what changed as a result.
Dr. Nowicki's research aims to develop a next-generation CAR-T cell therapy targeting GD2, a protein found on osteosarcoma cells, with enhanced immune-signaling molecule TNF-alpha. The grant will support preclinical studies to evaluate safety and effectiveness in laboratory and animal models.
Researchers developed an AI-powered platform to track drug responses across thousands of patient-derived organoids, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of tumor heterogeneity. The platform successfully measured how tumor organoids responded to drug treatment, providing a detailed view of treatment responses at the level of indiv...
A new study found that individuals with anorexia nervosa may struggle to detect subtle stomach sensations and update their expectations when signals are present, which can lead to higher relapse risk. The vibrating pill could help doctors identify patients at higher risk of relapse and track treatment effectiveness.
A new study found associations between cardiac remodeling and higher risks of breast and colorectal cancers, with left ventricular mass index linked to breast cancer risk and reduced peak left atrial strain predictive of colorectal cancer risk. The study suggests that early heart changes may serve as an early marker for identifying ind...
Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have been awarded a $3.2 million NIH grant to develop advanced imaging and surgical strategies for improving glioblastoma outcomes. The team aims to use pH-based imaging to guide precise tumor removal and explore targeted therapies that target the tumor's acid-regulating systems.
Researchers found that people using illicit fentanyl regularly consume quantities equivalent to hundreds of times higher than hospital doses, contributing to high opioid tolerance and overdose deaths. The study aims to provide a more accurate understanding of fentanyl exposure and inform treatment protocols.
A new UCLA study reveals that creatine supplementation significantly slows tumor growth in mice by fueling dendritic cells, a critical class of immune cells. The findings suggest that creatine may be used to enhance the immune response of patients receiving immunotherapy or improve the quality of dendritic cell-based vaccines.
UCLA researchers are developing an AI-enhanced imaging platform to improve yttrium-90 radioembolization planning for patients with liver cancer. The new approach uses dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI scans to better characterize tumor blood flow and predict microsphere distribution.
Dr. Mina Sedrak has been selected to co-lead the Cancer in the Older Adult Committee of The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, focusing on improving care and outcomes for older adults with cancer. As a leading expert on aging and cancer, Sedrak aims to expand research on this population and address their unique needs.
A new UCLA-led study found that nursing homes in states with COVID-19 malpractice lawsuits protections had 2.5% fewer staff members compared to those without such protections. This resulted in an average of almost 8 hours less staff conducting clinical care and other duties per nursing home.
A new study shows that targeted cancer drug selpercatinib can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer returning in patients with a rare genetic subtype. After two years, 92% of patients remained cancer-free, compared to 61% who received a placebo.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows an investigational targeted therapy, daraxonrasib, significantly extends overall survival for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, reducing death risk by 60%, compared to standard chemotherapy.
Researchers at UCLA Health have identified a brain region called the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) that regulates memory integration. The vmPFC acts as a quality control checkpoint, preventing memories from getting mixed up when they are significantly different or far apart in time.
UCLA researchers have found that patients with severe Valley Fever had abnormal immune responses, including overactive or underactive T cells. The team discovered two underlying immune programs that contribute to life-threatening disseminated Valley Fever and developed a new treatment approach using immunomodulation.
A new cytokine-armored CAR-T cell therapy has been developed to attack aggressive brain tumors in mice while reducing side effects. The approach recruits the body's immune system using IL-12 and DR-18 proteins, strengthening the anti-cancer response and improving tumor control.
Dr. Sandra Orsulic has received two federal awards totaling nearly $2 million to advance research aimed at improving outcomes for women with ovarian cancer. Her team will examine the body's inflammatory response after surgery and develop AI-powered tools to guide personalized treatment.
Scientists have identified a new drug target for treating Fragile X syndrome by blocking the EPAC2 brain protein, which improves abnormal brain activity and behavioral symptoms. The study uses genetically engineered mice to simulate the condition and finds that EPAC2 levels rise gradually as the brain matures.
Patients with prior C-sections are more likely to succeed in a vaginal birth at predominantly Black-serving hospitals, new research reveals. However, Black patients still face lower success rates compared to white patients.
A three-year research project aims to identify the molecular pathways linking exposure to pesticides and air pollution to Parkinson's disease development and progression. The study will analyze human stem cells, animal models, and genetic analyses to understand how environmental toxins trigger disease onset.
Prescriptions for ivermectin and benzimidazole increased significantly following a high-profile podcast endorsement, with the highest rates among men, White patients, and those in the US South. The study raises concerns about celebrity endorsements influencing people to turn to unproven treatments.
A study by UCLA Health researchers linked low immune responses to higher mortality rates in patients, using tuberculosis screening tests as a tool. The results suggest that these tests can predict mortality in various patient groups, including those undergoing organ transplants and cancer patients on immunotherapy.
A new study found that telemedicine has not led to increased visits and medical spending across all payer types, easing concerns about ballooning costs. However, it also found that rural areas and commercially insured patients had higher spending, but these changes were not statistically significant.
Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumor that has seen modest improvements in survival rates over the past decade. Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are part of a national effort to develop more personalized approaches to care, combining advanced imaging and analysis of tumor tissue samples and blood test...
Researchers at UCLA Health have discovered that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) selectively targets specific brain cells to restore communication channels in the brains of stressed mice. The study found that TMS repairs damaged dendritic spines, leading to enhanced activity and rapid improvements in stress-related behaviors.
Dr. Aparna Bhaduri receives $750k Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize for her innovative glioblastoma research. Her advanced human organoid models reveal how tumors interact with the immune system and brain cells, driving tumor aggressiveness.
Researchers found significant loss of neurons in the locus coeruleus, a second critical region involved in arousal and muscle tone regulation. This finding suggests an immune-mediated process and challenges the prevailing explanation for narcolepsy with cataplexy.
A first-in-human clinical trial found that setidegrasib, a targeted therapy drug, demonstrated early antitumor activity in advanced lung and pancreatic cancers. The therapy shrank tumors and delayed disease progression in some patients, providing a potential new treatment approach for KRAS G12D-driven cancers.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that half of older patients with dementia remain on psychotropic drugs a year after starting them. The medications, including antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, are often prescribed in acute and post-acute settings such as emergency rooms and skilled nursing facilities. This raises c...
Dr. Dennis Slamon, a renowned breast cancer researcher, has been elected to the Association of American Physicians (AAP) for his pioneering work in HER2 gene discovery and targeted therapies. His research led to significant improvements in survival rates and established the principle of targeted cancer treatment.
Researchers are developing a new wearable technology to monitor babies' movements and detect early signs of autism. The study aims to improve early identification and intervention, which is crucial for optimal developmental outcomes in autistic individuals.
Researchers at UCLA mapped how Down syndrome disrupts prenatal neuron development, leading to cognitive and sensory processing differences. The study found altered developmental sequences and cell populations that may contribute to the condition's effects.
New research suggests that federal housing assistance may lead to better two-year survival chances among older men with prostate cancer. The study found a 12% lower risk of death in men who received housing assistance compared to those without it.
Researchers found that tumor genetics alone did not explain which patients responded to combination therapy, but rather the tumor's immune environment. Patients with active networks of cancer-killing T cells were more likely to benefit from treatment, while those with dense clusters of plasma cells were less likely.
Dr. Aditya Bardia has been elected to the American Society for Clinical Investigation for his outstanding contributions to research and patient care in breast cancer treatment. He is advancing precision medicine therapies through antibody-drug conjugates and liquid biopsy technologies.
Research found that gender-diverse teens reported higher rates of psychological stress and psychotic-like experiences, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and other serious mental health disorders. Bullying and unsupportive legislation drove these findings.
Researchers identify senescent macrophages as a driver of fatty liver disease, inflammation and aging. Clearing these cells reversed liver damage in mice on unhealthy diets.
A national survey found significant disparities in IBS diagnosis across sex and racial groups in the US. Men and Black patients are less likely to receive a formal diagnosis compared to women and white patients, despite similar reported healthcare-seeking behavior and symptom severity.
UCLA investigators present new research on targeted drug delivery for colorectal cancer, COVID-19's impact on breast cancer outcomes, and AI in cancer diagnosis. These studies offer insights into overcoming drug resistance, enhancing immune responses, and improving outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
Research published in Ethnicity & Disease found that self-employed Hispanic women report less high blood pressure, obesity, and poor health compared to their salaried counterparts. They were also more likely to exercise, with a nearly 11% higher rate of physical activity.
A UCLA-led study found that unionization leads to lower turnover rates among direct care workers, with significant benefits including improved care quality and reduced stress. Unionization applies to both for-profit and non-profit organizations, suggesting its potential to save the healthcare system $1.5 billion a year in turnover costs.
A new, cost-effective blood test detects liver, lung, ovarian, stomach cancers, and various non-cancer conditions by analyzing DNA fragments in the bloodstream. The test achieved high accuracy rates for multi-cancer detection and tissue-of-origin identification.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that women with diabetes are less likely to receive recommended preventive care services such as conception counseling and breast/cervical cancer screening. This oversight puts them at risk for preventable medical conditions like pregnancy complications.
Current AI systems lack internal embodiment, a property that humans take for granted, which can lead to performance and behavior limitations. Researchers propose a dual-embodiment framework to guide future research in building safer and more aligned AI models.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from nearly 94,000 participants in UCLA's ATLAS Biobank, highlighting new connections between genes, disease risk and medicine response. The study found that genetics can predict how well patients respond to GLP-1 drugs for weight loss purposes, with varying response rates across ancestry groups.