Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel immunotherapy that could work like a vaccine against metastatic cancers. The therapy, called Flagrp-170, uses a molecule engineered to stimulate the immune system and attack cancer cells, with promising results in animal models.
Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center discovered a novel combination of drugs that selectively destroys lymphoma cells through apoptosis. The experimental therapy combines ibrutinib and bortezomib, with the latter being relatively non-toxic to healthy cells.
A study led by a Virginia Commonwealth University professor found that nearly 30% of knee-replacement surgery patients gained 5% or more of their body weight over five years. This is significantly higher than the 20% gain rate in comparison group without surgery.
A new study found that fingolimod, a multiple sclerosis drug, could potentially eliminate or reduce the progression of colitis-associated cancer by decreasing inflammation and blocking key signaling molecules. The researchers used animal models to demonstrate the efficacy of the drug in reducing CAC development and progression.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered that gene mda-9/syntenin regulates angiogenesis, a process responsible for forming new blood vessels in tumors. IGFBP-2, found to be elevated in most cancers, may serve as a novel biomarker for disease progression.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have identified a potential mechanism for reducing obesity by targeting the production of enzyme Tyk2. The study found that Tyk2 helps regulate brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is responsible for energy expenditure and maintenance of body temperature. By manipulating Tyk2 levels, scientists were...
Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how cancer spreads, discovering that a specific protein can be inhibited to stop melanoma metastasis. The research could lead to new targeted therapies and diagnostic tools for patients with melanoma and potentially other cancers.
A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center reveals that men with employment-contingent health insurance are more likely to feel 'locked' into remaining at work after a health shock, while those on private or spouse's insurance plans face fewer risks. The Affordable Care Act may alleviate this issue, providing ...
A nine-year study found that high compliance with hand hygiene and infection control measures reduced MRSA infections by 95% in medical, surgical, and neuroscience intensive care units. The approach also improved patient safety and reduced the need for costly isolations.
A VCU study found evidence of fall spawning by Atlantic sturgeon in the James River, a finding that may lead to guidelines and protections for future management and recovery. The research also highlights the need to understand unique ecological traits of the James River population.
Researchers at VCU School of Medicine have identified the key and door of a bacterium responsible for tick-transmitted diseases, which could lead to the development of a single vaccine protecting against multiple bacteria. The study focuses on the protein OmpA, which mediates infection in host cells.
A new study reveals that a significant amount of carbon released into lakes and rivers is very old, approximately 1,000 to 3,000 years old. This finding challenges the current models of long-term carbon storage in lakes and rivers, suggesting a significant lag in the coupling between terrestrial and aquatic environments.
A Phase II clinical trial led by Amir Toor shows promise in providing lasting protection against multiple myeloma progression after a stem cell transplant. The therapy forces cancer cells to express proteins that immune system cells can recognize as foreign, boosting the production of T-cell lymphocytes.
A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that people who smoke both cigarettes and waterpipes have inadequate understanding of the dangers of tobacco smoking, putting them at higher risk of addiction and disease. The study also revealed a common misconception that waterpipe smoking is less harmful than cigarette smoking.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a new combination therapy that dramatically increases multiple myeloma cell death. The treatment, involving obatoclax and flavopiridol, promotes apoptosis through different mechanisms, offering new hope for patients with multiple myeloma.
A multidisciplinary team from VCU suggests a three-times-a-week dose of azithromycin may benefit patients with COPD by eliminating one-third of severe exacerbations each year. However, the approach carries potential risks such as hearing loss and antibiotic resistance.
Patients who use interactive personal health records are nearly twice as likely to be up-to-date with recommended preventive services. The study found significant increases in delivery of colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screenings among IPHR users.
Researchers created a mouse model to study the role of AEG-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, demonstrating its acceleration of disease progression and angiogenesis. The study paves the way for novel therapies targeting AEG-1.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism that promotes lung cancer growth and survival by regulating autophagy, a complex process initiated under stressful conditions. The protein BI-1 was found to protect lung cancer cells and suppress tumor growth by modulating intracellular signals.
A new study from VCU School of Medicine has identified molecular changes that may explain the severity of liver disease and risks to heart health in patients with fatty liver. The findings suggest increased cholesterol production and decreased expression of a receptor that takes up cholesterol, leading to cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that mild TBI can cause structural disruption of axons and alter neuronal firing patterns. This discovery advances research on posttraumatic disorders and enables better understanding of long-lasting neurological issues following a head injury.
Researchers found that epigenetic mechanisms, such as reduced DNA methylation, contribute to high blood pressure and increased susceptibility to forming blood clots in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Inhibition of thromboxane synthase or dietary supplementation with folate may provide potential treatments for this condition.
Scientists have identified a new compound, Factor Qunolinone Inhibitor 1 (FQI1), that rapidly kills hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by inhibiting an oncogene, while sparing healthy tissue. Laboratory experiments and mouse models demonstrate the compound's effectiveness without observable toxicity.
A VCU study found that dysfunctional family environments can augment genetic risk for drug abuse in adoptees, even with no biological parent history of addiction. The research used a large adoption sample from Sweden and demonstrated the impact of environmental factors on the liability to drug abuse.
A new study from VCU researchers found that a managed care plan can reduce the cost of caring for the uninsured population who gain coverage through the Affordable Care Act. The study showed that emergency department visits and inpatient admissions declined, while primary care visits increased during the seven-year period.
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that patients receive only 46% of guideline-recommended preventive services during routine annual visits. The most common services delivered were screenings for colorectal cancer, hypertension, and breast cancer.
A new VCU study suggests using antimicrobial impregnated scrubs combined with good hand hygiene can effectively reduce MRSA burden on healthcare workers' apparel. The study found that antimicrobial scrubs reduced the bioburden of MRSA on healthcare worker apparel, but did not impact hand hygiene practices.
A study published in Frontiers in Zoology has found a hybrid system in pearl-perch that utilizes characteristics of both slow and fast systems for sound production. This discovery takes researchers closer to understanding the evolution of superfast sonic muscles that drive swimbladder vibration.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that inflammasome amplifies inflammatory responses in the heart, leading to further damage. Pharmacologic inhibition of inflammasome prevents heart enlargement and dysfunction.
A multidisciplinary team at VCU School of Medicine has developed a metric to determine the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs and advance drug design. The study found that the connection between two brain receptors is critical to how these anti-psychotics work, particularly in signaling through this receptor complex.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a mechanism by which glioblastoma multiforme promotes neurodegeneration, leading to neuron death. AEG-1, an oncogene overexpressed in brain tumors, inhibits expression of EEAT2, a glutamate transporter, resulting in excitoxicity and excessive glutamate levels.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that infiltration of white blood cells into expectant mothers' blood vessels may explain high blood pressure in pregnancy. This discovery could lead to novel treatments for preeclampsia, a leading cause of premature delivery and maternal mortality worldwide.
Researchers discovered that certain BRCA1 mutations causing hyper-recombination contribute to breast and ovarian cancers by disrupting genomic stability. Targeted therapies may be developed by disrupting ubiquitination to prevent hyper-recombination and kill cancer cells.
Researchers at VCU are developing a new paradigm for digital computing that could enable the creation of energy-efficient processors running without batteries. The goal is to increase computational power and reduce heat dissipation, making it suitable for medical devices such as brain signal monitors.
The study found two DNA modifications in mitochondrial genomes that regulate gene expression, similar to those in nuclear genomes. This discovery implies a system of gene control in mitochondria, which may contribute to cancer and other age-related diseases.
Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered a new class of 'superatoms' with magnetic characteristics, mimicking different elements of the periodic table. The discovery could lead to significant developments in molecular electronics and quantum computing.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have successfully completed a Phase I clinical trial evaluating the combination of Bortezomib and Alvocidib in patients with relapsed or refractory blood cancers. The therapy showed encouraging results, with 44% of patients responding to the treatment.
Researchers suggest 10 changes medical oncologists can make to flatten costs, maintain or improve care, and save money for future medical advances. The authors also emphasize the need for open communication between doctors and patients about end-of-life care.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have found that dietary inorganic nitrate can stabilize mitochondria and protect against free-radical damage in the heart. The study suggests that nitrate supplementation may reduce the risk of heart damage in patients undergoing chemotherapy with doxorubicin.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have found a new biomarker related to the immune system that can predict breast cancer recurrence. The five-gene signature shows over 85% accuracy in predicting relapse-free survival.
Researchers combine Sabutoclax with viral gene therapy to prevent tumor growth in prostate-cancer-prone mice, offering a novel approach to treating advanced prostate cancer. The study's findings suggest that this combination therapy could be effective in other cancers and pave the way for personalized medicine.
A study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University finds that deaf animals' brains reorganize sensory inputs to preserve their behavioral functions. The research provides insight into brain reorganization following sensory loss, potentially informing the development of more effective rehabilitative medicine for deaf patients.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a novel gene, AUTS2, associated with differences in alcohol consumption. The research team analyzed data from over 48,000 individuals and found that this gene contributes to individual variations in drinking patterns.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a novel mechanism in gene regulation that contributes to the development of liver cancer. AEG-1 and SND1 proteins were found to increase RISC activity, leading to increased tumor growth. Inhibiting SND1 is proposed as a potential new avenue for treating liver cancer.
A new class of magnetic superhalogens has been discovered, exhibiting unusual stability at a specific size and composition. These clusters can be used to create salts with magnetic and super-oxidizing properties not previously found.
Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel treatment strategy for multiple myeloma that pairs two targeted agents to kill cancer cells. The combination regimen of Src inhibitors and Chk1 inhibitors induces cell death in multiple myeloma cells while sparing healthy cells.
Researchers at VCU have developed a model to create more patient-centered personal health records. The model emphasizes the need for actionable information and coordination of care. By doing so, patients can better manage their health.
A significant increase in MMP-1, an enzyme produced in tissues under conditions of inflammation, was found in the blood vessels of women with preeclampsia, explaining edema and proteinuria. This finding also suggests a new mechanism for hypertension, with PAR1 activation potentially causing blood vessel contraction.
Researchers have developed a novel virus-based gene therapy for renal cell carcinoma, killing cancer cells both locally and distantly. The therapy combines Sorafenib with Ad.5/3-mda-7 adenovirus, which activates the MDA-7/IL-24 protein to stop tumor growth.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center discovered a previously unknown mechanism in NSCLC cells that contributes to their ability to maintain and grow tumors. The study found that a protein factor regulates the expression of caspase-9, a main player in apoptosis, which could provide a new target for therapies.