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New mechanism may safely prevent and reverse obesity

Blocking a cellular receptor called AHR prevents and reverses obesity in mice by inhibiting key genes involved in fat metabolism. Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center found that the drug NF, which blocks AHR, can not only prevent but also reverse obesity in study mice.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJan 13, 2020

Peering into the genome of brain tumor

Researchers at Osaka University developed a machine-learning algorithm that uses MRI images to predict genetic mutations in glioma tumors. This breakthrough may lead to more suitable treatment for patients, giving better outcomes. The study was published in Scientific Reports.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 9, 2020

Combining neurologic and blood pressure drugs reduces breast tumor development in mice

Researchers found that combining valproic acid and hydralazine reversed some aspects of breast cancer in offspring of high-risk mice, but increased risk in those not fed a high fat diet during pregnancy. The study suggests potential implications for breast cancer risk in humans, particularly related to prenatal exposure to certain chem...

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 30, 2019

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have made significant strides in developing a novel cancer drug that targets KRAS gene mutations, as well as chelating heavy metals with artificial proteins. Additionally, scientists have discovered a natural mechanism in human tooth enamel that prevents cracks from forming, allowing teeth to last a lifetime.

Using a chip to find better cancer fighting drugs

Kyoto University researchers have developed a new 'tumor-on-a-chip' device that can better mimic the environment inside the body. The device allows for the growth of tumor cells and blood vessels in three dimensions, enabling scientists to test potential cancer fighting drugs more effectively.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBiomaterials·DateDec 20, 2019

Study finds African Americans with cancer at higher risk for blood clots

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine identified a three times higher incidence of VTE among African American patients compared to Caucasian patients. The study also found that African American patients were more likely to develop VTE in certain cancer types such as lung, gastric (stomach) and colorectal.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 16, 2019

Free tool simplifies cancer research

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new tool that provides more reliable and precise results in identifying protein targets for cancer drugs. The tool uses a database of experimentally determined data to analyze the effects of different drugs on various types of cancer cells.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2019

Patient-reported outcomes predict aromatase inhibitor adherence

Researchers found that women with poorer quality of life, higher pain and endocrine symptoms, and negative beliefs about medication effectiveness are more likely to stop taking aromatase inhibitors. Patient-reported outcomes can act as biomarkers, predicting non-adherence and informing personalized treatment strategies.

SourceSWOG·DateDec 13, 2019

Entrectinib effective, well-tolerated against ROS1 and NTRK lung cancers, especially with brain metastases

The pooled analysis of three clinical trials shows entrectinib is effective in 77% of patients with ROS1+ NSCLC and 57% of patients with NTRK+ NSCLC, with significant response rates and progression-free survival times. Entrectinib's ability to penetrate brain metastases makes it a promising treatment for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 13, 2019

New algorithm detects even the smallest cancer metastases across the entire mous

Researchers developed DeepMACT, a novel algorithm that can detect and analyze cancer metastases more than 300 times faster than human experts. The algorithm provides insights into the unique metastatic profiles of different tumor models, enabling tailored drug targeting for various cancers.

The danger behind certain biologics

A research team discovered that dendritic cells play a crucial role in the immune system's response to disease-causing pathogens, which may explain why TNF inhibitors carry a risk of serious infections and cancer. The study suggests that programming dendritic cells could lead to better treatments for persistent infections and cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 12, 2019