Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study shows certain gastrointestinal tumors associated with higher mortality

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that certain groups of gastrointestinal stromal tumors result in a much higher mortality rate than expected. The study analyzed data from 378 patients with malignant GISTs and discovered significant variability in size and malignant behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Surgery·DateApr 5, 2016

Designing gene therapy

Scientists at EMBL have increased the efficiency of gene therapy tool Sleeping Beauty, which is being trialed for therapies targeting B-cell leukaemias and lymphomas. The enhancement results in a 30% increase in efficiency and aims to improve patient outcomes.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 31, 2016

More cost-effective cure for hepatitis C may be close

Researchers at Loyola University Health System have developed a new approach to treating hepatitis C, using mathematical models to predict when patients can safely stop taking direct-acting antiviral medication. This approach could lead to a 50% reduction in treatment cost and improved patient adherence.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateMar 22, 2016

Discussing older adults' values, goals helps guide healthcare providers during illnesses

A study of 146 veterans with life-threatening illnesses found that exploring their values can help set effective goals for healthcare and treatment plans. The researchers identified five key themes: self-sufficiency, life enjoyment, connectedness and legacy, balancing quality and length of life, and engagement in care.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 21, 2016

CRISPR-based method tracks RNA

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas9 based method to track the movement of RNA in living cells. This approach enables the study of disease-related RNA processes and may support therapeutic approaches to correct disease-causing RNA behaviors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMar 17, 2016

Lung cancer screening: New Canadian guideline

Adults aged 55-74 with a history of current or former smoking and 30+ pack-years are advised to undergo annual low-dose CT scans up to three times. This guideline aims to detect lung cancer at an early stage, reducing serious illness and death. Screening should be conducted in healthcare settings with expertise in diagnosing lung cancer.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 7, 2016

ERC Consolidator Grant: Six million euros for 3 scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen

The Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen has been awarded 14 ERC grants, with three scientists receiving 6 million euros. Dr. Daniel Razansky is investigating non-invasive brain imaging methods, while Dr. Irmela Jeremias focuses on targeted tumor treatment and Dr. Mathias Heikenwaelder explores immune system interactions in liver disease.

MD Anderson researchers propose new staging for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center proposed a new staging system for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, which better separates patients with different survival rates. The new groupings were proven to have greater predictive power than the current system, particularly in identifying stage III disease with a high risk of death.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 16, 2016

Male cancer survivors less likely to reproduce

According to a Norwegian study of male cancer patients diagnosed under the age of 25, many male cancer patients have problems reproducing. The researchers found that male cancer survivors are three times as likely to turn to assisted fertilization to have children as males with no cancer diagnosis.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 16, 2016

Yale study examines evolution of cancer

A Yale study applying evolutionary biology tools sheds light on cancer's genetic origins and tumor progression. The research mapped genetic mutations in normal, primary, and metastatic tumor tissue, revealing that metastases originate from different paths within primary tumors and can diverge early in cancer history.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

Health-care disparities contribute to delayed testicular cancer diagnosis in a transgender woman

A 28-year-old transgender woman experienced a delay in testicular cancer diagnosis due to inadequate access to insurance coverage and transportation challenges. The case study emphasizes the importance of addressing biopsychosocial needs and creating venues for medical providers to learn appropriate care for transgender patients.

Crouching protein, hidden enzyme

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and UC Berkeley have made a breakthrough in understanding the proteasome, a molecular machine responsible for breaking down toxic proteins. The new study reveals how a crucial enzyme, Rpn11, is activated to remove harmful proteins from cells, providing potential new therapies for diseases such ...