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Diagnosis of cancer as a medical emergency leads to poorer prognosis for many patients

Patients diagnosed with cancer at emergency presentation have poorer survival rates compared to those diagnosed electively. The review highlights inequalities in socioeconomic groups and ethnicity, emphasizing the need for new screening methods and improved participation in existing screening programs to reduce emergency presentations.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Reviews Clinical Oncology·DateOct 11, 2016

Receptionists could put people off seeing their GP

Forty percent of people in Great Britain express concerns about talking through symptoms with GP receptionists, hindering GP visits. Women and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to report these barriers. Cancer Research UK emphasizes the need for better training of front desk staff and addressing the GP shortag...

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateOct 10, 2016

New impetus for treatment neurodegenerative diseases

University of Groningen scientists discovered that tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is essential for preventing neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. A specific TNFR2 agonist may prevent cell death, offering a new treatment direction.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2016

Portable biological factories create pharmaceuticals

Researchers develop a portable biological factory platform that can produce pharmaceuticals, specialized therapies, and experimental biomolecules using freeze-dried molecular components. The technology is applied in various fields, including vaccine production and designer antibody development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 3, 2016

A microRNA signature for infantile hemangioma

A set of microRNAs, known as C19MC, was found to be specific to infantile hemangiomas and detectable in patient plasma. These microRNAs may serve as biomarkers for IH diagnosis and treatment monitoring, with levels decreasing before tumor regression but rebounding upon re-growth.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 8, 2016

ESMO rewards outstanding oncologists

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has awarded four distinguished recipients for their outstanding contributions to cancer treatment and research. Alberto Sobrero received the ESMO Award for his world-renowned research on gastrointestinal cancer, while Sir Richard Peto was recognized for his important contributions to bre...

Biobank storage time as important as age

A new study from Uppsala University found that biobank storage time is a crucial factor in medical research, rivalling the importance of blood donor age. The researchers analyzed 380 samples from 106 women, isolating the impact of storage time to show its significant influence on test results.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 5, 2016

Physician experts highlight research ahead of Otolaryngology's annual meeting

Researchers present cutting-edge studies on healthcare economics, sleep apnea, and 3-D printed tissue engineering, showcasing potential breakthroughs for obstructive sleep apnea and head and neck cancer treatments. The findings have significant implications for the future of otolaryngology.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateSep 1, 2016

Gene therapy via ultrasound could offer new therapeutic tool

Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach using ultrasound energy and microbubbles to selectively open cells, allowing delivery of therapeutic agents. The study's findings will help refine this technique as a clinical tool and translate it into an effective gene or drug delivery tool for patients.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2016

Life expectancy in some CKD patients could be improved with nephron-sparing treatment

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests that nephron-sparing treatment for small renal masses can improve life expectancy in patients with mild or moderate chronic kidney disease. The study developed a framework for incorporating tumor imaging features and renal function into treatment selection, providing a...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 17, 2016

Social media linked to more satisfaction with breast cancer treatment decisions

A study from Michigan Medicine found that women who engaged on social media after a breast cancer diagnosis expressed more deliberation about their treatment decision and more satisfaction with the path they chose. However, the researchers also identified significant barriers to social media use among certain groups of patients.

The intravenous swim team

Drexel researchers create chains of microscopic magnetic bead-based robots that can swim at impressive speeds through a microfluidic environment. The team demonstrates their ability to link and unlink the beads using a rotating magnetic field, paving the way for targeted medicine delivery and minimally invasive surgery.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 28, 2016

Metastatic prostate cancer cases skyrocket

A recent study by Northwestern University found that metastatic prostate cancer cases have increased by 72% between 2004 and 2013, with men aged 55-69 being disproportionately affected. The study suggests that both more aggressive disease and lax screening may be contributing factors.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProstate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases·DateJul 19, 2016

OVC cancer breakthrough leads to human clinical trials

Researchers from OVC at the University of Guelph discovered a new way to boost immune responses against cancer by injecting oncolytic viruses into the spleen, bypassing traditional vaccine limitations. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more targeted cancer treatments for various types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJul 14, 2016