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Optimal genome mapping offers high-resolution method to better see, then target cancer-causing gene variants

A new study standardizes the use of optical genome mapping (OGM) for patients with blood cancers, demonstrating its potential as a frontline test for diagnosing hematologic malignancies. OGM outperforms existing tests in detecting cancer-causing gene variants and identifying additional information that can improve patient outcomes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateJan 17, 2023

An investigational T-cell therapy shows promise against six viral infections common after stem cell transplants

A phase II study found that posoleucel, an off-the-shelf T-cell therapy, demonstrated promising antiviral efficacy and safety in patients with blood cancers and other hematologic disorders. The therapy reduced viral load by an average of 97% and showed limited rates of graft-versus-host disease.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 11, 2023

Discovery of metabolic switch could lead to targeted treatment of obesity, cancer

Researchers at Iowa State University have identified a metabolic switch that can be modified to control fat production, which could lead to more effective treatments for childhood obesity and cancer. The discovery involves altering the acetylation levels of fatty acid synthase, an enzyme critical to de novo lipogenesis.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

OB-GYN research lacks racial, ethnic inclusivity

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that all U.S. OB-GYN subspecialties lack racial and ethnic representation in clinical trials and research publications. This absence has negative consequences, including biased tools for diagnosing endometrial cancer and unacceptably low sensitivity in the Black female population.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateDec 21, 2022

Exercise is medicine for cancer and every dose counts - even in late stages in the disease

A new study from Edith Cowan University found that a single bout of exercise can significantly suppress tumour growth in people with late-stage prostate cancer. The researchers observed increased levels of anti-cancer myokines after high-intensity exercise, which helped fight cancerous cells and stimulated anti-cancer processes.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalProstate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2022

Patients and doctors agree on treatment goals only half the time, according to JNCCN study on people with neuroendocrine tumors

A recent study by City of Hope found that only 30% of patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors prioritize living longer as their top goal. Instead, 70% focus on addressing pain, fatigue, and losing function. The research highlights the need for better communication between care providers and patients to develop personalized treatme...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateDec 12, 2022

Hospital parking fees contribute to financial toxicity for cancer patients

A study published in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences found that hospital parking fees significantly correlate with cancer center address transit score and city cost of living across Western Canada. Cities with higher cost of living have less free parking, exacerbating economic burdens on patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

What does a diffuse midline glioma look like?

A study using spatial single-cell transcriptomics reveals the spatial organization of cancer cells in patient tissues across ages and locations. The research highlights age- and location-dependent differences in tumor biology, suggesting that kids and adults with diffuse midline gliomas may need different treatments.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 5, 2022

November/December 2022 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A study found that concerns about colonoscopy, lack of opportunity to discuss next steps with a medical provider, and assumptions about personal risk are common reasons patients don't follow up after a positive at-home test. Researchers also developed two simple risk measurement tools to predict COVID-19 mortality rates, which could he...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 30, 2022

Hunting brain cancer cells

A study published in Trends in Cancer suggests that targeting vulnerabilities in glioblastoma cancer cells, which maintain resemblance to the cells of origin, may lead to effective therapies. The research aims to identify ways to block these identity shifts and develop personalized treatments.

SourceFlinders University·JournalTrends in Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2022

Oncotarget | Association of fall rate and functional status by APOE genotype in cancer survivors after exercise intervention

A study published in Oncotarget found that APOE genotype is associated with the presence and severity of cancer treatment-related side effects and symptoms, as well as the response to exercise-based interventions in cancer survivors. ApoE4 carriers showed a lower fall rate after exercise intervention compared to non-carriers.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2022

Study shows promising safety, patient outcomes data for MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy to treat pancreatic cancer

A recent study found that MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy, also known as SMART, has shown promising safety and patient outcomes data for treating locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The study, led by Henry Ford Health, reported no incidence of acute grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal toxicity, with preli...

Oncotarget | Mutation analysis performed on tumor biopsies from patients with newly-diagnosed germinal center aggressive B cell lymphomas

A new study analyzed tumor biopsies from patients with newly-diagnosed germinal center B cell lymphoma and found that CREBBP mutations were associated with lower disease-free survival rates. The researchers identified CLMA as a practical tool to translate experimental findings into clinical applications.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Ultrasound-guided surgery is quicker, less painful and more effective for treating early form of breast cancer

Researchers at Clinica Universidad de Navarra found that ultrasound-guided surgery (IOUS) is more effective and quicker than traditional wire-localisation methods for treating ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This technique reduces the risk of positive margins, a common cause of second operations.

Breast cancer survivorship doubles

A study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network found that breast cancer survivorship has doubled among Canadian women, with 2.1% of adult females diagnosed with breast cancer and 86% surviving by 2022. The prevalence varies by age group, with senior women having a higher rate of survival.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2022

Targeted lung cancer drug shows promise in phase I/II clinical trial

The TRIDENT-1 trial suggests that repotrectinib could be effective for treating ROS1 positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients who have received other targeted treatments and those who have not. The drug showed promising results, with an objective response rate of 79% in patients not previously treated with a ROS TKI.

Spicing it up

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a prodrug form of curcumin called TBP1901, which has shown anti-tumor effects without causing harm. The study found that TBP1901's conversion to active curcumin is dependent on the enzyme GUSB, suggesting its potential therapeutic targets.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Head and neck cancer: Markers to facilitate better treatment in the future

A study published in European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging identified specific genetic markers associated with high risk of head and neck cancer. The research used DNA sequencing, artificial intelligence, and positron emission tomography to analyze cellular characteristics of tumors. These markers can facilitate mo...

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEuropean Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateOct 25, 2022