A new study reveals how breast cancer cells become desensitized to lapatinib, a common cancer drug, by turning FOXO into an oncogene c-Myc. The researchers hope to develop new tools to fix this adaptation pathway and improve therapy for HER2+ breast cancer.
A comprehensive study of non-protein-coding RNAs in human cancers has identified alterations linked to 13 different cancer types. The research provides a rich resource for investigating lncRNA dysregulation and identifying potential diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Researchers discovered two major types of cortical neurons providing separate mechanisms for stimulus-specific adaptation in the brain. This phenomenon helps the brain distinguish between expected and unexpected sounds, enhancing sensitivity to rare sounds. The findings provide new insights into the neural basis of key hearing phenomena.
Researchers found that using UV robots after room cleaning reduced C. diff infections among cancer patients by 25%, saving approximately $150,000 per year in direct medical costs. The intervention did not adversely impact room turnaround time.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified a previously unknown genomic landscape in Sezary syndrome, a rare and aggressive leukemia. The study reveals recurrent loss-of-function mutations in genes regulating epigenetic pathways, including ARID1A, which occurred in over 40% of the genome studied.
A novel two-hit therapy combining an immune-molecule-based mop-up therapy with a pathway-disabling approach eradicates specific breast tumors in mice. This therapy has the potential to reduce treatment costs and increase effectiveness for Her2-positive breast cancers.
A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has elucidated the structure of a protein complex at its root, which may hold therapeutic potential for treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The study found that an antibody called RTO disrupts this complex, preventing platelet activation and clot ...
A new study has identified partner molecules of cell-waste disposal proteins, which regulate the body's clock. The researchers found that ligase Fbxl3 regulates Cry proteins and Seven in absentia 2 (Siah2) targets RevErbα on a 24-hour cycle.
The sonic hedgehog gene plays a crucial role in maintaining the normal physiological state and repair process of an adult healthy lung. In contrast to previous reports, hedgehog signaling decreases after lung injury, which correlates with the loss of cells that normally express the sonic hedgehog gene.
A researcher is calling for updated guidelines on colorectal cancer screening, citing evidence that most patients with a family history of the disease can stop aggressive screening at age 65. The study found that the risk of colorectal cancer diagnosis decreases with increasing age in patients with a family history.
A large international team of researchers is investigating the genetic factors behind transplant successes and failures. The project, iGeneTRAiN, has generated genomics data for over 32,000 organ donors and recipients, aiming to discover genetic variants that lead to rejection and other complications.
Researchers found that Myc oncogene disrupts circadian rhythm and metabolism in cancer cells by promoting REV-ERBα activity, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Inhibiting REV-ERBα may partially rescue disrupted circadian oscillations and improve treatment effectiveness.
A study of 100 multiple myeloma patients found that nearly half tapped into their savings and 17% delayed treatment due to high costs. The rising cost of novel therapeutics has led to financial toxicity, affecting patient wellbeing and potentially contributing to increased mortality.
A simple blood test can detect early markers of reinvigorated T cells and track immune responses in metastatic melanoma patients after initial treatment with pembrolizumab. The study found increased levels of proteins characteristic of reinvigoration in CD8+ T cells, suggesting a potential biomarker to predict patient response.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania reveals that disruptions in splicing proteins cause facial and skin barrier defects in mice. The research highlights the importance of these genes in normal development, particularly in the formation of epithelial tissues.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that immune cell DNA editing errors can cause blood cancers in animal models. The researchers identified numerous off-target DNA rearrangements and found that these errors affected several known oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
Researchers found a location-dependent pattern in cilia length that affects sensitivity to odors, with cells in the front of the nose having longer, more sensitive cilia. The discovery may shed light on disorders of the senses and has implications for understanding other sensory systems.
A new enzyme-replacement therapy, Sebelipase Alfa, has been shown to effectively treat Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency by reducing disease-related liver and blood cholesterol abnormalities. The therapy, which targets hepatocytes, resulted in lower cholesterol levels and reduced liver fat content in patients with the condition.
A multiple myeloma patient experienced complete remission after receiving a personalized cellular therapy called CTL019, which targets cancerous white blood cells. The treatment was combined with chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant, and the patient remains in remission over 12 months after infusion.
A team of researchers has determined the structure of a protein complex involved in DNA damage repair, revealing its mechanism of action and potential as a therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases and cancer. The study's findings may enable the development of new drugs targeting this complex.
A new study found that acupuncture significantly reduced hot flash frequency and severity in breast cancer survivors, while also inducing a stronger placebo effect than oral medications. The treatment showed sustained benefits even after the eight-week treatment period ended.
A clinical trial of a personalized cell therapy, CTL019, achieved an overall response rate of 57% and complete remissions in eight out of 14 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The therapy, developed by Penn researchers, involves reprogramming patients' own T cells to hunt and kill cancer cells.
Research reveals mutant p53 proteins use epigenetics to drive aggressive cancer growth by targeting key genes and enzymes, such as MLL1 and MOZ. Inhibiting these regulators may lead to combinatorial epigenetic therapies for treating difficult-to-treat cancers.
A study from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine finds that Medicare patients with multiple observation stays face financial liability, with cumulative out-of-pocket costs exceeding the deductible for an inpatient hospital admission for over a quarter of beneficiaries
A new synthetic DNA vaccine has been developed to induce protective immunity against the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus in animals. The vaccine, administered six weeks prior to exposure, was found to fully protect rhesus macaques from disease and generate potentially protective antibodies in camels.
Researchers developed two methods to target HIV in semen, using a heat shock protein to break up amyloid fibrils and a small molecule called CLR01 to disrupt fibril formation and disassemble existing ones. These approaches may reduce HIV transmission and have potential for treating other diseases.
Websites for national and state health insurance marketplaces have shown improved efforts to assist patients in choosing health insurance plans, such as providing decision support tools. Despite this, many sites still lack helpful features like lay-person definitions and cost calculators.
A new Penn study analyzing insurance claims data suggests that repackaged Avastin injections do not carry a higher risk of endophthalmitis than commercially available Lucentis. This finding contradicts the FDA's planned restriction on Avastin's ophthalmic use and may inadvertently increase infection risk for patients.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has found that tumor cells associated with pancreatic cancer often behave like communities, working together to increase tumor spread and growth. The research suggests that interactions between subpopulations of tumor cell types contribute to metastatic progression.
Innovative healthcare approaches test many new ideas quickly and cheaply to promote better patient care. Techniques like 'vapor tests,' 'fake front ends,' and 'fake back ends' are used to validate ideas in real-world contexts, preserving patient safety and improving outcomes.
Researchers analyzed 80 studies to identify best cleaning practices, but found a lack of evidence on most effective methods. Studies showed mixed results, with some agents and methods reducing hospital-acquired infections like C. difficile.
A randomized clinical trial found that an ED-based counseling program did not significantly reduce excessive drinking and partner violence among women in abusive relationships. Despite initial results suggesting brief interventions could be effective, the study found no positive outcome among participants who received the intervention.
A phase 1 trial demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of resiquimod gel in treating early-stage cutaneous T cell lymphoma, causing regression of both treated and untreated tumor lesions. The treatment also enhances immune response, leading to healing of even untreated lesions.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a key factor in colon cancer development, finding that suppression of microRNA families leads to intestinal tumors. The study reveals how protein Hmga2 promotes cancerous growth and is associated with advanced tumor stages and reduced survival.
Scientists have discovered a major genetic factor that prevents moles from becoming cancerous, and created a realistic model of melanoma for testing new therapies. The study found that the p15 protein acts as a powerful brake on cell division in moles.
Researchers have devised a new approach to vaccines that creates immunity without standard approaches, offering a rapid solution to deadly diseases like dengue fever. The DMAb platform produces antibodies that do not bind to cell receptors, eliminating the chance for infection and disease.
A new study found that daily changes in mouse gut bacteria are linked to the internal clock and gender. The researchers analyzed circadian rhythms in abundance and type of microbiota in mice and found that female mice showed more significant oscillation than males.
Researchers found that changing industry standards for maintenance therapy can maintain treatment responses and lower side effects. The study tested three dosing strategies: nightly dosing with 10mg, intermittent dosing with 10mg 3-5 days a week, or partial reinforcement through nightly pills with half placebo capsules.
A new Penn study found that fish oil supplements' claimed anti-inflammatory effects in humans are suspect due to weak clinical evidence. The team detected no consistent signal of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) formation in healthy volunteers, contradicting previous findings.
Experiments with yeast and worms found that incorrect gene expression is a hallmark of aged cells. Reducing such noise extends lifespan in these organisms, with a 30% increase in some strains. Researchers are now investigating the potential for this longevity pathway to be applied to mammalian cells.
Bioethicists call for an end to 'pay-to-play' clinical research, arguing it compromises the integrity of studies. This approach can exploit desperate patients and skew study types and methods.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that sleep deprivation significantly reduces aggression in fruitflies, impairing their mating success. They also identified a molecular pathway involving octopamine signaling that governs recovery of aggressive behaviors.
Researchers found that the early flow of lymph fluid triggers maturation in developing lymphatic vessels. In mice without lymph flow, valves failed to form and remodeling phase was disrupted, leading to improper development of smooth muscle cells.
A new Penn study found that internal medicine residents are twice as likely to prescribe expensive brand-name statins when supervised by senior physicians who also use them. The study's findings represent an opportunity to improve value in healthcare spending and highlight the importance of redesigning graduate medical education.
A new T cell receptor therapy achieved a clinical response in 80% of multiple myeloma patients with advanced disease. The treatment, which targets cancer cells expressing NY-ESO-1, showed no cytokine release syndrome cases and impressive durable T cell persistence.
A new study found that increased radiation dose offers no survival benefit for patients with low-risk prostate cancer. In contrast, men with medium- and high-risk cancers saw improved survival rates with higher doses.
Hospitalizations for heart conditions, neurological illness, and other conditions were higher among people who live near unconventional gas and oil drilling. The study found significant increases in cardiology and neurologic inpatient prevalence rates closer to active wells.
Researchers found that vision-restoring gene therapy leads to strengthening of visual pathways in the brain, even after decades of near blindness. The treatment restored nearly intact retina-brain connections, suggesting that unused pathways rebuilt themselves.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania discovered that a ring of protein actin forms between daughter cells to block cytokinesis, controlling when and how this process coordinates all cell players in sperm maturation. The study sheds light on the coordination of stem cell types in niche environments.
Patients over 50 with ulcerative colitis who undergo elective colectomy live longer than those treated with medications, according to a new study. The study found that surgery was associated with an improved survival rate, particularly in patients age 50 and over.