The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has four distinguished cancer researchers elected as Fellows of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy. Garrett M. Brodeur, Susan Domchek, Stephan Grupp, and Robert Vonderheide have made groundbreaking contributions to pediatric cancer research, BRCA cancer suscepti...
A pilot study shows that a text messaging system can safely reduce the amount of time some patients spend receiving cancer treatment. The platform, which was tested in a clinical trial, allowed patients to complete symptom checks and receive approval for fast-tracking their treatments, saving them over an hour per visit.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has created a comprehensive genetic map of over 1,000 genes influencing kidney function, providing new insights into the causes of kidney disease. The researchers discovered that proximal tubule cells are a key
Researchers used AI to find adalimumab as potential treatment for iMCD, a rare disease with poor survival rate and few treatment options. The treatment has shown promising results in saving the life of a patient who was on hospice care.
Researchers found that fewer veterans reported having access to firearms than expected, with only 5% included in discussions. The study also revealed that most veterans with opioid access did not accept overdose-reversing medication, highlighting the need for improved suicide safety planning.
Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) is a common memory disorder that can progress slower and cause less impairment of cognitive functions than other types of dementia. The new guidelines provide a first step in advancing clinical trials and treatments for this lesser-known, but common type of memory loss disorder.
Researchers used engineered small extracellular vesicles to target a death receptor on cancer cells, triggering self-destruction and killing multiple cancer types in lab-dish tests. The approach outperformed existing DR5-targeting strategies and showed promise in mouse models, suggesting potential for solid tumor cancers.
A new AI system analyzed electronic health records of long-COVID patients to identify four sub-populations with specific needs, including those with asthma or mental health conditions. The study found that these sub-populations require more specialized care and pointed toward updated profiles for hospitals to better address their needs.
A recent study found that a genetic test for opioid use disorder (OUD) had high rates of both false positive and false negative results, questioning its usefulness. The testing could lead to patients receiving opioids despite low risk or being denied effective pain relief due to high risk.
Researchers at Penn Medicine are embarking on a comprehensive study of the human virome, a vast and understudied network of viruses residing within our bodies. By exploring the virome's role in human health and disease, the team aims to uncover new treatment options and prevention strategies.
Researchers have discovered a correlation between patterns in cells of tumors and patient outcomes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The study found two different patterns of nuclear speckles that may guide personalized therapies. Further research is needed to understand the implications of this discovery.
Researchers analyzed data from 11,797 adults with advanced solid cancers and found no difference in mortality rates during the shortage period. Prescription rates for cisplatin and carboplatin fell less than three percent overall, with alternative therapies helping mitigate the crisis.
Researchers used lab-grown organoids from glioblastoma tumors to model patient response to CAR T cell therapy. The organoids accurately reflected the treatment's effect on actual tumors, providing a promising tool for personalized medicine.
Researchers found that a ketogenic diet's beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) improves tumor control and survival in mice with diffuse-large B-cell lymphoma. A BHB supplement also boosts CAR T cell expansion and activation in laboratory models of human cancer.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that online health care reviews on Yelp have not fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis shows a significant decline in positive reviews, particularly among rural facilities and those serving areas with higher proportions of Black or Hisp...
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found increased labor force participation among people with cognitive disabilities in states that ended the subminimum wage practice. The repeal allowed these employees to work in equal paying, fully integrated jobs as their peers without a disability.
Researchers discovered a connection between the liver's internal clock and feeding centers in the brain, revealing that targeting this pathway could help people with disrupted circadian rhythms manage their weight. The study found that cutting the nerve connection in obese mice restored normal eating patterns and reduced food intake.
Researchers will use decades-old data from blood and urine tests to measure pesticide and metal levels among participants, then match with MRI scans and cognitive tests to identify potential contributions to dementia risk. The study aims to understand environmental links to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Researchers found that using valacyclovir for a year can decrease the risk of new or worsening eye disease and prevent vision loss associated with shingles. The study, which enrolled over 500 participants, showed that this treatment reduced the risk of complications by 30%.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed the first mRNA vaccine against C. difficile, a bacterium that causes severe diarrhea and colon damage. The vaccine induces a robust immune response, promotes clearance of existing bacteria from the gut, and overcomes deficits in host immunity to protect against infections.
Leading researchers from Penn Medicine will showcase clinical trial results and new data on FLASH radiation therapy. The institution is one of the world’s leading academic medical centers, with a proud history of groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.
A single-dose gene therapy has been shown to significantly reduce bleeding episodes in adults with hemophilia B, with an average reduction of 71% compared to standard treatment. The therapy, which enables the liver to produce clotting factor IX, has been FDA-approved for use in patients with this genetic disorder.
A study led by Cesar de la Fuente and his team has uncovered sequences for infection-fighting molecules in the genomic data of extinct species. These ancient β-defensins may lead to the creation of new antimicrobial therapies, including antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral treatments.
A Phase 1/2 clinical trial found significant vision improvements in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare inherited condition causing early childhood blindness. The gene therapy, ATSN-101, demonstrated efficacy in correcting genetic mutations and restoring vision for up to 12 months.
A new Penn study analyzing data from over 3,500 participants in clinical trials found no increased risk of depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior among individuals taking semaglutide for weight management. The study's findings provide assurance that the medication does not increase the risk of mental health issues...
Researchers developed a new tool to track immune health patterns over time, revealing how checkpoint inhibitor therapies work together to recruit new T cells. The study found that the combination therapy produces waves of new T cells with each dose, rather than continually strengthening existing ones.
Researchers from Penn Medicine found that nonfatal firearm injuries were 10 times more frequent among Black Americans than White individuals in 2019 and 2020. The highest rate of firearm injuries was observed among Black boys and men aged 15-34, with a rate of 245.1 per 100,000 people per year.
Researchers found that a game-based approach can significantly reduce handheld phone use among drivers, with a 28% reduction in usage. The intervention included earning points for reducing phone use and competing on a leaderboard, leading to lasting improvements in driver behavior.
A study by Penn researchers found that the bacterium Alcaligenes faecalis promotes wound healing in people with diabetes by inhibiting enzymes that are over-produced in these individuals. The findings could lead to the development of topical or bacterial-based treatments for patients with hard-to-treat wounds.
A preclinical study suggests that knocking out CD5 on CAR T cells boosts their anti-tumor efficacy against various cancers, including solid tumors. The researchers found that CD5 deletion enhances the function of CAR T cells by reining in immune responses and increasing cancer-cell-killing activity.
A large-scale genetic study found that genetic data from diverse groups, including non-European populations, can provide critical insights into health disparities. The study identified population-specific signals and unique genetic variations associated with specific traits or conditions, highlighting the importance of diversity in und...
A study found that drivers who received weekly feedback on their phone use and a cash incentive of up to $50 used their phones less than those given no incentive or feedback. The intervention also led to a 21% decrease in handheld phone usage when drivers were told they would lose money if they engaged in phone use while driving.
A new potential therapy for depressed patients with bipolar disorder has emerged, significantly shortening treatment time from four to six weeks. Accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) reduced treatment to just five days, yielding substantial decreases in depressive symptoms.
A team of researchers will study the effects of TBI on neurodegeneration to gain insight into ADRD development. They aim to uncover the underlying biological mechanisms and identify factors that increase the risk of ADRD.
A new study led by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine developed a novel approach to assess medication-related liver injury. By analyzing real-world health care data, they found that some medications' levels of danger to the liver are being misclassified.
Researchers found that adding an anti-inflammatory drug to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy resulted in a high response rate of 67% among patients with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. The study suggests that reducing chronic inflammation may improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
A new study uses machine learning to search for antibiotics in a vast dataset of microbial genomes, identifying 863,498 candidate antimicrobial peptides. Promising results are observed in initial tests against disease-causing bacteria and preclinical animal models.
Researchers discovered that a mutation in the TREX1 gene causes catastrophic DNA damage, leading to premature aging and organ damage. The study found that targeting TREX1 could have broad implications for treating many human diseases linked to aging.
A new 'armored' form of CAR T cell therapy, developed by University of Pennsylvania researchers, has shown significant responses in patients whose cancers don't respond to current CAR T cell therapies. The three-day manufacturing process also shortens treatment time for aggressive, fast-growing cancers.
A new study found that regular automated text message reminders connecting staff to a mental health platform called Cobalt improved depression and anxiety scores among employees. The study showed that users' self-reported depression symptom scores improved by roughly 11 percent six months after engaging with the platform.
The Penn researchers developed an mRNA vaccine targeting a specific subtype of the H5N1 virus, which elicited strong antibody and T cell responses in mice and ferrets. Vaccinated animals also cleared the virus more rapidly and displayed fewer symptoms than unvaccinated controls.
Researchers from Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center and Perelman School of Medicine will present results from clinical trials for esophageal cancer, CAR T cell therapy, and ovarian cancer. The meeting will feature more than 200 sessions on AI in cancer care.
Researchers found that abnormally active B cell metabolism causes an inflammatory immune response in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), leading to nerve damage and symptoms. Emerging BTK inhibitors alter this abnormal B cell respiration, stopping the signaling that leads to MS flare-ups.
Research finds that female brains have narrower and less dense axons, making them more prone to damage from concussion. This leads to more severe cognitive deficits in females compared to males after a head injury.
A study led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that offering patients a choice between colonoscopy and at-home tests more than doubled colorectal cancer screening rates. Approximately 10% of participants received colonoscopies, while around 11% completed at-home fecal immunochemical tests.
A study found that an organ transplant drug, rapamycin, can regulate over-excited neurons and preserve cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and seizures. The research suggests that seizures may accelerate AD progression and that targeting neuron excitability could slow the disease.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are working on a decision-support system to help clinicians navigate conflicting clinical trials. The system will use artificial intelligence to analyze study results and provide recommendations, aiming to improve patient outcomes and inform treatment decisions.
Researchers discovered that liver cells secrete SAA proteins, which hinder T cell infiltration and attack tumors. Deleting SAA proteins increased survival times and likelihood of cures in mice with pancreatic tumors.
A culturally sensitive video addresses prostate cancer screening disparities in the Black community. The video increased knowledge and reduced uncertainty about screenings among over 600 men, leading to a 93% intent to undergo PSA screening.
Researchers from Penn Medicine will share data on the latest advances in cancer science and medicine, including novel targets in the tumor microenvironment and the influence of the microbiome on cancer therapy. The presentation is part of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024.