A new evolutionary theory of cancer suggests that cells with dangerous mutations exist all the time but are commonly outcompeted by healthy cells in healthy tissues. However, when the tissue microenvironment is damaged, these pre-cancer cells can thrive and establish themselves in the body.
A study by the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium identified HER2 mutations in 24 lung cancer patients (3%), with median survival doubling when treated with HER2-directed therapy. This finding suggests a significant population of HER2+ lung cancer patients, highlighting the need for targeted therapies.
A CU Cancer Center study found that retinoic acid may fail against breast cancer cells marked by protein CK5 due to progesterone's promotion. Treatment timing might be crucial in preventing the growth of these dangerous cells.
A study by CU Anschutz researchers found serious communication challenges between HHC agencies and physicians following hospital discharge, citing medication list discrepancies, confusion over who wrote patient care orders, and inaccessible hospital records. Improvements in accountability and communication could address these issues an...
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus discovered a process protecting against autoimmune disease also prevents the body from creating antibodies that can neutralize HIV-1. By temporarily relaxing immunological tolerance, scientists believe they may be able to elicit protective antibodies with vaccination.
Three case reports published in NEJM demonstrate the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy in gray zone lymphoma, a rare subtype of Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin forms of the disease. Nivolumab and pembrolizomab showed promising results in treating patients with PD-L1 over-expression.
Researchers are studying the clinical outcomes of children infected with Zika virus after birth to examine long-term brain development. Neurodevelopmental testing will be conducted to identify changes in children infected with Zika virus.
Researchers challenge existing understanding of MLL-translocation leukemia by finding that MLL2, not MLL, is the most appropriate target for drugs. The study shows that silencing wildtype MLL has no effect on disease development, but combining it with MLL2 knockout leads to significant reduction in leukemia.
Researchers found that metastatic breast cancer cells signal neighboring cells through the GLI transcription factor, allowing otherwise anchored cells to metastasize. The discovery highlights a promising link in the hedgehog signaling pathway, which can be targeted to reduce metastatic potential.
The ALEX trial demonstrates alectinib's superiority over crizotinib as first-line therapy for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, with improved progression-free survival and brain metastasis outcomes. Alectinib achieved a 53% reduction in progression risk and 68.4% one-year progression-free rate compared to crizotinib.
A study found that only 9% of patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) received the recommended seven genetic tests, highlighting a significant gap in adherence to guidelines. The CONNECT registry data also showed varying rates of compliance among different patient groups, including age and insurance status.
A clinical trial found that adding vemurafenib to treatment with cetuximab and irinotecan significantly improved progression-free survival for patients with BRAF V600E mutation, from 2.0 months to 4.3 months. The study suggests combining BRAF inhibitors with EGFR inhibitors may be a more potent approach.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy experience significant changes in physical function and skills of daily living. After treatment, most patients show improvement in overall geriatric health, with some even experiencing increases in daily function.
Dasatinib demonstrated significant benefits in a phase II clinical trial for pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), with 75% of patients experiencing progression-free survival after treatment. The study also showed minimal toxicities and improved quality of life for patients.
Researchers found that including social determinants of health in readmission rate evaluation improves accuracy. Social factors such as race and ethnicity, public insurance, and median household income impact hospital performance rankings.
The FDA approves brigatinib as a second-line therapy for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, demonstrating a 54% response rate and 12.9-month progression-free survival. Brigatinib's longer control duration compared to other next-generation ALK inhibitors suggests its broader spectrum of coverage against resistance mechanisms.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has received a $47.8 million gift to establish the Marcus Institute for Brain Health and build a network of mental health clinics across the US. The Cohen Veterans Network will partner with CU Anschutz to provide free, low-cost care to veterans and their families.
A national study found that phone calls to suicidal patients following ED discharge led to a significant reduction in future suicide attempts. The year-long trial, involving 1,376 patients nationwide, provided specialized screening, safety planning guidance and follow-up telephone calls.
Scientists have discovered clues into how a destructive autoimmune disease works using a unique microscope capable of illuminating living cell structures. They were able to see clusters of antibodies atop astrocytes, the brain cell target of the autoimmune response in neuromyelitis optica.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus found that cannabinoids may be effective in treating eczema, psoriasis, and other skin diseases. Topical cannabinoid drugs with little psychotropic effect could provide relief for patients with itchy skin conditions.
A clinical trial found that 13% of patients with high PSA levels after initial hormone therapy showed strong responses to abiraterone acetate, with 5 full responders and partial benefits in 33% of cases.
A phase II trial found that adding rice bran to the diet of colorectal cancer survivors increased microbiome richness and diversity. The study also showed reduced cell growth in treated cells when participants consumed high amounts of rice bran.
Researchers have developed a new humanized mouse model of colorectal cancer, allowing them to test immunotherapies and potential combination treatments. The model has shown promise in preclinical studies, including the successful activation of the immune system against cancer cells.
A new study sheds light on the dark side of tumor suppressor gene p53, revealing that regulating genes Mdm2 and Mdm4 keep mutated p53 in check. The study shows that mutating these proteins can lead to an elevation of mutant p53, driving cancer growth.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that knocking down the Jumonji protein KDM3A inhibits Ewing's Sarcoma metastasis. The researchers also discovered another protein, Melanoma Cell Adhesion Molecule (MCAM), plays a crucial role in the cancer's spread.
Research found that nearly three-fourths of US remaining smokers have low socioeconomic status, including no college education, health insurance, or disability. These individuals face higher challenges in quitting smoking due to limited access to cessation-supporting services.
Strengthening non-medical vaccine exemption policies can boost vaccination coverage and reduce costs, potentially cutting the risk of measles outbreaks in half. Researchers found that states with weaker policies are 140-190% more likely to experience an outbreak.
Researchers have identified mutations in the SF3B1 gene present in 37% of mucosal melanoma samples, which could lead to novel therapies. The study highlights the potential of targeting this gene in patients with advanced mucosal melanoma.
A study published in Health Communications shows that women at high risk for breast cancer who received a letter informing them of their options for additional imaging with contrast-enhanced MRI were more likely to return for additional screening. The researchers found that direct communication increased follow-up screening rates among...
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology finds that childhood cancer deaths within a month of diagnosis are significantly higher than previously reported, affecting young children and minority groups disproportionately. The study used a large national database to find that early deaths from some pediatric cancer subtypes w...
A study published in JAMA Dermatology ranks the top 10 most disabling skin diseases globally, with dermatitis and acne at the top. The research also highlights the disproportionate impact of non-cancer skin conditions on global health.
Despite significant weight gain, anorexia nervosa patients' brains continue to exhibit elevated reward systems, suggesting a prolonged recovery period. The study suggests that neurotransmitter dopamine plays a key role in the disease's pathology and may require targeted treatments.
A new study found that adolescents and young adults with type 2 diabetes experience more than double the health complications compared to those with type 1 diabetes. Health complications include retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, arterial stiffness, and high blood pressure.
Scientists at CU School of Medicine developed an animal model for studying paralysis caused by EV-D68 virus, a rare cause of polio-like illness. The model replicates the human disease, offering hope for therapeutics and understanding its development.
A study finds that young Coloradans diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia are more likely to live in areas of high-density oil and gas development. Researchers recommend future studies incorporate information on oil and gas activities, production levels, and pollutant exposure near homes, schools, and day care centers.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that limited access to dietary protein is a potential driver of obesity among women of low socioeconomic status in Latin America. The researchers used the protein leverage hypothesis to understand differences in obesity among socioeconomic groups and discovered an ...
A team of CU scientists sequenced the genome of the Australian pitcher plant, discovering genetic changes associated with its carnivorous traits. The study found similarities in digestive enzymes across different species, supporting convergent evolution theory.
A new study found that states pay higher costs for care and patients face greater pain and psychological distress when they do not receive scheduled dialysis treatments. The research highlights the need to reconsider professional and societal approaches to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) for undocumented patients.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study characterizes the uptick of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in human cancer patients' spleens, revealing their immunosuppressive function. Higher splenocyte counts were associated with increased risk of death and decreased overall survival.
A study of 351 patients with EGFR mutant lung cancer and brain metastases found that radiation therapy followed by targeted medicines resulted in the longest overall survival, with median survival times of 46 months and 30 months respectively. The findings suggest that a more aggressive approach to treating brain metastases may be the ...
A recent study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found that oncologists often avoid discussing prognosis with their patients due to a cultural norm. By pausing to ask if patients want to talk about test results, oncologists can create an opportunity for more holistic discussions about life and death.
A study by University of Colorado School of Medicine students found that nearly half believe marijuana has significant physical health benefits and 37% think it has mental health benefits. Despite this support, many medical students expressed hesitancy to recommend marijuana themselves due to a lack of data and training.
A new drug combination that adds chloroquine to targeted treatment has stabilized a 26-year-old brain cancer patient's disease, increasing both quality and quantity of life. The treatment was effective in two other brain cancer patients with similar diseases.
A Phase 1 clinical trial found that tucatinib significantly improved outcomes in heavily pretreated patients with HER2+ breast cancer. The drug demonstrated stable disease at 24 weeks or more in 27% of patients, showcasing its potential as a game-changing treatment option.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that new therapies for non-small cell lung cancer resulted in a median 1.5-month survival increase, but this gain was largely offset by higher outpatient spending due to the expensive medications.
Researchers found that PQQ reduced fat in livers and inflammation, protecting adult mice from fatty liver even after stopping supplementation. The antioxidant may work by impacting pathways critical to early onset of diseases associated with maternal obesity and high-fat diets.
Researchers discovered that nanoparticles, resembling caterpillars, trigger immune system activation when internalized. To counteract this detection, three possible strategies are proposed: modifying the coating, understanding absorbed proteins, or attracting natural inhibitors.
A 15-year study of prostate cancer patients found little difference in mortality between those screened annually and those not screened. However, the data suggest that personalized screening strategies could identify men at higher risk of death from other diseases.
A study found that type 1 diabetes patients with elevated albumin in their urine had triple the risk of life-threatening kidney and cardiac disease compared to those with normal levels. Copeptin levels were significantly higher in these patients, suggesting a new potential target for therapies.
A Colorado study found that self-harm was the leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths from 2004 to 2014. Researchers urge more mental health care for new mothers after delivery to reduce such deaths.