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Higher average life expectancy after obesity surgery

A University of Gothenburg study finds that individuals who undergo obesity (bariatric) surgery have a higher average life expectancy compared to those given conventional treatment for obesity. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, shows that bariatric surgery prolongs life expectancy by 3 years, but patients sti...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 14, 2020

Promising breath-test for cancer

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a non-invasive breath test that accurately differentiates between head and neck cancer patients and those with benign diseases. The test uses volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath to detect the presence of cancer, showing high sensitivity and specificity rates.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateOct 5, 2020

Study identifies characteristics of infused CAR T cells associated with efficacy and toxicity in in patients with large B-cell lymphoma

A study at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that monitoring early changes in circulating tumor DNA can predict patient outcomes. Infused CAR T cells with certain characteristics are associated with better treatment responses, while those with exhaustion signatures may experience poor outcomes.

UM171 saves another life

A young man suffering from severe aplastic anemia has been given a life-saving blood transplant using the UM171 molecule, which increases stem cell production and reduces immunological complications. The procedure was performed by a medical team at the Institute of Hemato-oncology and Cellular Therapy.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEuropean Journal Of Haematology·DateSep 30, 2020

NIH awards $35.5 million to use bioengineered organ models to improve clinical trials

The National Institutes of Health has awarded grants to support researchers' efforts in using tiny, bioengineered models of human tissues and organ systems to study diseases and test drugs. The goal is to develop ways to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from an investigational therapy prior to initiating clinical trials.

Women could conceive after ovarian tumors

A study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that women receiving fertility-sparing surgery for treatment of borderline ovarian tumours were able to have children, with most preserving natural fertility. The study also showed similar survival rates as those who underwent radical surgical cancer treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateSep 25, 2020

Study: Black women with breast cancer experience delayed, longer treatment than whites

A recent study published in the journal Cancer found that Black women with breast cancer experience delays in starting treatment and have extended durations of treatment compared to white women. The study, led by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers, also identified socioeconomic status as a significant factor influen...

Physical diseases can negatively affect a depression

Patients with a first-time depression diagnosis have an increased risk of worsening and requiring hospitalisation if they have previously been treated for a physical disease at a hospital. The risk is also influenced by age and the number of physical diseases, with more diseases under 65 increasing the risk.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateSep 16, 2020

CNIO researchers develop an effective strategy against KRAS mutant lung tumors in mice

Researchers from CNIO achieved complete remission in 25% of lung tumors induced by KRAS oncogene in mice following genetic inactivation of CDK4 and RAF1. This strategy also prevented cancer cell growth in healthy mice and identified molecular mechanisms that triggered resistance, such as PI3K pathway activation.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2020

Cellular energy audit reveals energy producers and consumers

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have performed a massive cellular energy audit to understand how cells regulate ATP levels. They identified genes and proteins that can be targeted to manipulate cellular energy and treat disease, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. The study reveals new pathways for boosting cellular en...

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2020

Research finds daily cranberry intake associated with reduced with reduced H. pylori infection rates

A clinical trial found that consuming 44mg of proanthocyanidins (PACs) per day in cranberry juice resulted in a 20% reduction in H. pylori infection rates in Chinese adults. The study suggests that twice-daily consumption of this specific amount of PACs may be an effective natural management strategy for adults infected with H. pylori.

SourcePollock Communications·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 17, 2020

Photodynamic therapy can combat secondary infections in COVID-19 patients

Researchers advocate photodynamic therapy as an additional treatment for COVID-19 patients to combat secondary infections. The technique uses light and a photosensitizing chemical substance to kill microorganisms in the respiratory tract, potentially improving prognosis and reducing transmission.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhotodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy·DateAug 4, 2020

Hearing loss linked to neurocognitive deficits in childhood cancer survivors

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that severe hearing loss in childhood cancer survivors is associated with neurocognitive deficits independent of therapy type. The study evaluated 1,520 survivors and discovered that more than one-third had severe hearing loss, leading to increased risk of neurocognitive problems.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 30, 2020