Research on new and better ways to treat cancer. Covers radiotherapy, targeted microdroplets, nerve-injury protection, drug combinations, and tumor models.
Scientists have developed intelligent nanoparticles that can heat cancer cells to a high temperature, but then self-regulate and lose heat before causing harm to healthy tissue. This breakthrough could lead to a more effective treatment method for cancer patients.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has published appropriate use criteria (AUC) for FDG PET/CT imaging in cancer patients. The AUC aims to improve the utilization of this technology and provide guidance for providers across specialties.
Gender disparities are identified in lung cancer screening and care, with more female patients meeting high-risk criteria but not completing low-dose CT scans. Language barriers do not delay initiation of lung cancer care, according to a second study.
The study found that the uninsured rate for adults with new cancer diagnoses decreased from 5.73% to 3.81% in 2014, a gain of 1.92 percentage points across multiple cancers and demographic groups. Coverage gains were particularly significant for Hispanic individuals and those with early- or late-stage disease.
Researchers at UC San Diego found mutant p53 amplifies inflammatory responses in cancer cells, increasing invasive behavior and tumor growth. Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in predisposition and progression of human cancers like colon and breast cancers.
The study found that loss of PTEN leads to high levels of PI(3,4)P2, which could result in hyperactivation of AKT, a key regulator of cell growth. This discovery may help identify patients who will benefit from targeted therapies.
A new gene expression profiling assay has been developed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The assay can differentiate between three major subtypes associated with different outcomes, including germinal center B-cell-like and activated B-cell-like subtypes.
Dr. Michael Keidar, a George Washington University professor, received the award for his groundbreaking research on cold plasma application in cancer therapy. His work demonstrated progress in creating cold plasmas and their applications to cancer therapy procedures.
A new Cleveland Clinic study emphasizes the significance of prompt treatment in stage I melanoma, with patients treated within 30 days showing better survival rates. Delayed treatment beyond 90 days led to significantly worse outcomes, especially among older patients and those with comorbidities.
Researchers confirmed IASLC's proposed criteria for uncertain resection margin status (R(un)) have a prognostic value between R0 and R1. The study analyzed data from 14,712 patients and evaluated the impact of various factors on survival.
A study published at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) conference found that biopsy specimens are a reliable material for evaluating DLL3 expression in small cell lung cancer. High levels of DLL3 expression were correlated with poor survival trends, smoking history, and neuroendocrine differentiation.
A new study found that insurance disparities account for a substantial proportion of the excess risk of death from breast cancer faced by black women. Improving access to care could address much of the existing black/white disparity in breast cancer mortality.
Researchers at RIKEN discovered a way to prevent liver cancer spread by treating with a modified fucose sugar. The treatment disrupts biological pathways, blocking hepatoma cells from invading healthy liver cells and suppressing migration, but not proliferation.
A clinical trial led by Medical University of South Carolina is investigating frankincense as a possible treatment for breast and colon cancer. The study aims to assess whether boswellic acid, an extract from Indian frankincense, can reduce inflammation and slow tumor growth.
Significant declines in sperm counts among men in Western countries are alarming, with a 52% fall between 1973 and 2011. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the causes of these trends, which may be linked to exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
A University of Texas at Arlington bioengineering professor and her team will integrate a portable brain imaging system with an advanced signal-processing technique for newborns. This project aims to provide real-time analysis needed to treat encephalopathy or brain swelling more quickly, saving the lives of sick babies.
Two new studies evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy (LNSCT) in treating Barrett's esophagus. ESD was found to have high en-bloc and curative resection rates, while LNSCT showed long-term efficacy in eliminating dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia.
UC Davis researcher Sean Collins receives $1.5M NIH award to develop smart immune cells that can control their recruitment and response to tumors without amplifying attack signals, reducing potential side effects. The goal is to create targeted therapies with controlled responses.
A recent study has identified 150 genetic drivers of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, a common form of blood cancer. The research, led by Duke Cancer Institute scientists, found correlations between specific genes and treatment responses, opening up new avenues for targeted therapies.
Researchers found that cancer cells 'recharge' by transferring power-generating mitochondria from healthy bone marrow cells, supporting leukaemia growth. Inhibiting a specific enzyme reduced mitochondrial transfer and slowed cancer growth.
Researchers at Lund University have identified a new class of fusion genes that primarily affect microRNA activity, which may help in developing cancer treatment and diagnostics. The study re-analyses existing data and highlights the importance of studying non-coding gene components.
A new study found that delays in melanoma surgery are common among Medicaid and privately insured patients, highlighting the need for better access to specialty care. The likelihood of surgical delay decreased when dermatologists performed operations or made diagnoses.
Researchers report on a new dosing regimen for actinium-225 labeled targeted alpha therapy, showing promising anti-tumor response in patients with PSMA-positive tumors. The treatment protocol balances treatment response with toxicity concerns to provide effective therapy with minimal side effects.
The Hastings Center Report examines ethical dilemmas in global health, including resource sensitivity, physician-assisted death and parental authority. The case for providing cheaper, less effective treatments to promote health and realize ethical values is presented.
Plastic surgeons at Maastricht University Medical Center used the Microsure robotic device to perform a super-microsurgical intervention on a patient's lymphedema, the world's first of its kind.
Researchers discovered Hu-Kaiwen ink can kill cancer cells without harming normal tissues, offering an alternative to expensive and toxic PTT. The traditional Chinese ink absorbs near-infrared light and heats up when exposed to a laser, demonstrating its potential as a non-toxic photothermal therapy agent.
A new study found that approximately one-quarter of surveyed cancer patients used marijuana in the past year, mostly for physical and psychological symptoms. The study also revealed that legalization increased the likelihood for use among patients.
Researchers discover genetic alteration directly involved in at least 10% of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases. The Capicua gene acts as a tumour suppressor and is linked to resistance to certain treatments.
Scientists have successfully replicated facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSH) in mice by inserting the DUX4 gene into skeletal muscle cells. This new animal model holds great promise for developing therapies for FSH, a disease affecting an estimated 38,000 Americans. The study also reveals a previously unknown mechanism of muscl...
The Endocrine Society provides guidelines for treating gender-dysphoric individuals, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary teams and informed consent. The recommended treatment includes hormone therapy to suppress sex hormone secretion and maintain normal levels for the person's affirmed gender.
Female cancer survivors face increased risks of preterm birth and small for gestational age infants after diagnosis. Certain cancers, such as cervical, breast, leukemia, brain cancer, and extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are linked to poorer pregnancy outcomes.
A breakthrough in gene synthesis has been achieved using a chemical method that overcomes limitations of existing methods by incorporating epigenetic information into genes. This new approach, click DNA ligation, enables rapid and efficient assembly of modified DNA fragments into functional genes.
Computer simulations reveal that turbulence in plasma jets emerges from heat-induced sound waves, offering a new understanding of plasma's therapeutic properties. This insight may lead to more consistent and effective medical therapies, including wound healing and cancer treatment.
Researchers found that children with Medicaid and private insurance had similar survival rates, but those without insurance were at a higher risk of death. The study suggests that Medicaid is comparable to private insurance for kids with cancer.
The COMBI-AD trial found that combination dabrafenib and trametinib therapy doubled relapse-free survival in stage III BRAF-mutant melanoma patients. The treatment was also shown to improve overall survival, distant metastases-free survival, and freedom from relapse.
A nationwide study in Ireland found that most oncology patients consider clinical trials important but struggle with central concepts like chance and randomization. The study aimed to understand factors influencing patients' decisions about participating in clinical trials.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic system, HiTOP, which predicts 68% of psychological and social functioning issues related to eating disorders. In contrast, the traditional DSM-5 approach predicts only slightly less than 10%. The study used a hierarchical taxonomy of psychopathology, combining symptoms into dimensions and sub-fact...
The study found that regular CT scans may not be necessary for follow-up, suggesting a conservative approach to monitoring the disease. The findings challenge standard clinical practice guidelines recommending chest CT scans every three to six months in the first two years after surgery.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center developed a nanoparticle delivery system to extend the therapeutic potential of messenger RNA, delivering gene changes to targeted cells. The 'hit-and-run' genetic programming approach can be easily scaled up for various disease applications.
A new study found that HPV vaccination rates are significantly lower among childhood cancer survivors compared to the general population. Most participants lacked a healthcare provider's recommendation, highlighting the need for increased communication and awareness about HPV vaccination.
The 'Programme for Translational Hematology' aims to strengthen cooperation between basic and clinical research to gain new knowledge on leukaemia. The programme will focus on identifying new treatment forms for AML and MDS, using DNA sequencing, pre-clinical models, and international research capacities.
A clinical trial demonstrates the safety and efficacy of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) for treating osteoid osteoma, a benign but painful bone tumor in children. The procedure eliminates incisions and ionizing radiation exposure, offering a faster treatment option with improved outcomes.
A compound has been identified that enhances tumor-targeting viruses' ability to selectively kill liver cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. The oncolytic virus M1 was boosted by combining it with Eeyarestatin I, increasing its potency 3,600-fold against cancer cells in culture and animal models.
A new research study reveals that a nanolaser called spaser can detect and kill circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, preventing cancer metastases. The spaser is biocompatible and selectively targets cancer cells with high folate receptor expression.
Many young cancer patients are not receiving adequate fertility information and support, according to a new Psycho-Oncology review of published literature. The analysis found that clinicians' lack of knowledge and unclear roles hinder the provision of fertility preservation services.
A recent study found that tumor-infiltrating immune cells, specifically regulatory T cells (Tregs), can interfere with immune-targeting therapies in aggressive breast cancers. Depleting Tregs delayed tumor growth in mouse models, suggesting a potential strategy to improve targeted treatments.
The University of Houston has received a $2 million grant to recruit cancer researcher Rohith Reddy, who will focus on next-generation technologies for detecting gynecological cancers. The institution also received a $1.3 million grant to expand tobacco cessation programs in substance abuse treatment centers.
A new study published in Menopause found that vaginal estrogen therapy does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, or other health issues in post-menopausal women. The research suggests that vaginal estrogen is a safe treatment for genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause.
Researchers developed a genome sequencing method that can detect clinically relevant mutations using just 5 circulating tumor cells. The technique, known as long fragment read (LFR), is more comprehensive than gene panels and can analyze the entire genomic content of small numbers of cells.
Researchers have discovered that cancer-fighting T cells can recognize infected cells with much less evidence of cancer than previously believed. The study, which used optical tweezers to apply a tiny amount of force to the T cells, found that they can bind to just two peptides for activation
Women diagnosed with cancer experience diverse sexual health concerns that change over time and stages of cancer. Their unique values, goals, and needs must be addressed during treatment and survivorship.
A study by Fumiko Chino and colleagues found that nearly all insured cancer patients experience financial burden, with those underinsured paying up to 31% of their income on healthcare costs. The research highlights the need for interventions to improve patient health care cost literacy and mitigate future treatment-related expenses.
A study found that a next-generation probiotic, Lactobacillus reuteri, produces an antibacterial compound that selectively kills C. difficile. This could lead to a preventative strategy for reducing the risk of C. difficile infections in patients taking antibiotics.
The Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI) is partnering with Merck to develop a comprehensive plan to bring a promising antifungal agent from the laboratory to clinical practice. The compound has potential to reduce the burden of opportunistic infections in people living with HIV in developing countries.
A clinical trial at the University of Cincinnati is investigating a drug combination therapy using sirolimus and resveratrol to induce disease remission in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). The study aims to identify a regimen that will eliminate LAM cells, which currently only suppress growth.
A new study found that cancer survivors have a higher rate of opioid prescription use compared to non-survivors. The study analyzed data from over 8,600 adults and found an average of 7.7 opioid prescriptions filled over 36 months among survivors.
A collection of articles on hereditary cancer syndromes, including Li-Fraumeni and Lynch syndromes, has been published in JAMA Oncology. The studies focus on the effectiveness of intensive cancer surveillance programs for individuals with these rare syndromes.
A team of researchers from UCR developed a ceramic skull implant that allows doctors to deliver therapeutic sound waves into the brain. The material, made of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia, is biocompatible and shatter-resistant, making it ideal for implants.
Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have discovered a method to reprogram specific T cells, turning pro-inflammatory cells into anti-inflammatory ones. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for autoimmune diseases and therapies using stem cells.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded four young pediatric cancer researchers with nearly $1 million in funding. The award supports innovative research into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of one or more pediatric cancers.