Research on new and better ways to treat cancer. Covers radiotherapy, targeted microdroplets, nerve-injury protection, drug combinations, and tumor models.
Researchers discovered that age affects the interaction between Interleukin-2 and human mesenchymal stem cells. In younger patients, IL-2 and MSCs work together to fight cancer, but older populations see impaired treatment outcomes.
A study found a correlation between abnormal noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results and subsequent maternal cancer diagnoses. Occult malignancies may explain discordant NIPT results, highlighting the need for diagnostic procedures to determine fetal karyotypes.
A large trial shows liquid biopsy (BEAMing technology) detects tumor genotypes not found in tissue biopsies, enabling targeted therapy selection. Regorafenib benefits patients with KRAS and PIK3CA mutations, revolutionizing colorectal cancer treatment.
A new study found that cancer survivors may face limited options for adoption due to agency policies, but a training program for oncology healthcare providers can provide valuable information. Cancer survivors often turn to adoption due to infertility caused by cancer treatments, but the process is long and costly.
The International Society for Sexual Medicine recommends a clinical and biochemical syndrome definition for testosterone deficiency, characterized by low testosterone levels and symptoms. The new guidelines provide evidence-based guidance on testing, lifestyle modifications, and treatment options for men with testosterone deficiency.
Researchers have found a way to separate cannabis' medical benefits from its negative effects by blocking a specific pathway. This breakthrough could lead to safe cannabis-based therapies that preserve pain relief and memory function.
The foundation named four young scientists to tackle cancers in children and young adults. The fellowship award will provide nearly $875,000 to support their research over four years.
The Lymphoma Epidemiology of Outcomes Cohort Study will enroll 12,000 NHL patients and follow them for long-term prognosis and survivorship. The grant aims to improve the length and quality of life for NHL survivors.
A joint study by IRB Barcelona researchers reveals CEP63's crucial role in brain cell division and sperm production, providing new insights into Seckel Syndrome and microcephaly. The protein's inhibition may lead to therapeutic approaches for treating these conditions.
Rates of active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer increased sharply from 2010 to 2013, while high-risk disease was treated more appropriately with local treatments. Treatment patterns varied across individual practices, but suggest a genuine change in prostate cancer management in the US.
A UCLA review of common practices in prostate cancer has found that monitoring men with very low- and low-risk prostate cancers using watchful waiting or active surveillance is an effective approach for many patients. This approach could spare them the debilitating side effects of aggressive treatments, which are often used unnecessari...
A meta-analysis found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia was associated with reduced insomnia symptoms and sleep disturbances in individuals with coexisting psychiatric and medical conditions. Patients who received cognitive behavioral therapy had twice the percentage of remission from insomnia compared to control groups.
A new study by the American Cancer Society found that cancer survivors who currently smoke report fewer negative opinions about smoking and have more barriers to quitting. They are also more likely to be exposed to other smokers, which may contribute to continued smoking.
Researchers have identified specific genetic mutations in patients with aplastic anemia that can help doctors optimize treatment. The study, which analyzed over 400 patient genomes, found that certain mutations are associated with poorer long-term outcomes and increased risk of blood cancers.
A new detection method has been developed to rapidly and accurately detect drug-resistant HCV mutants, including the Y93H mutation. The system achieved a high success rate of 98.9% in detecting this mutation in Japanese HCV genotype 1b patients.
A small molecule agent PSMA-617 specifically attaches to prostate-specific membrane antigen on cancer cells, allowing for early detection of secondary tumors and monitoring response to therapy. This agent has shown promising results in PET scans and holds potential as a therapeutic option for hormone-resistant prostate carcinoma.
The American College of Cardiology seeks to expand cardio-oncology services to address the growing need for specialized care in cardiovascular health for cancer patients. Currently, many hospital training programs lack formal training or services in this area, and a nationwide survey reveals gaps in resources and best practices.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found a way to prevent or slow progression of colorectal cancer by boosting the activity of a protective gene called AIM2 and giving patients healthy donor bacteria.
A Vanderbilt-led study found a 28% decline in new prostate cancer diagnoses in the U.S. following the USPSTF's recommendation to discontinue routine PSA screenings. This decrease was observed mainly among low-risk cancers and men over age 70.
Leading researchers from Canada and Israel are working together to uncover the molecular landscape of pancreatic cancer and develop new biomarkers for detection and diagnostics. The collaboration aims to improve patient outcomes by discovering targeted therapies.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München have found that the viral protein LMP2A helps EBV-infected cells evade immune detection. This may contribute to the development of cancer, particularly in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma.
A dose reduction strategy for TNF inhibitors can maintain good clinical response in RA patients even when the dose is reduced by one-third. Reducing the dose by two-thirds results in more flares, but these subsided when the higher dose was restarted.
Fatigue remains a debilitating problem for RA patients, with healthcare professionals often failing to measure it. New guidelines recommend validated fatigue measurements to improve patient outcomes. In contrast, treatment aimed at achieving disease remission is unlikely to be effective in addressing fatigue.
A new study by Cancer Research UK found that breast cancer patients are disproportionately affected, with only 20% having surgery after an emergency diagnosis in hospital. In contrast, those diagnosed via urgent GP referrals have a much higher likelihood of receiving lifesaving surgery.
Abelardo Colon and Jennifer Gill from the University of Puerto Rico won the top honors with their video explaining a new method for disinfecting drinking water using a nanodiamond powder. The process has promising results, reducing fecal E. coli colonies and increasing density.
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests that breast surgery for low-grade DCIS does not significantly change patient survival rates. For high- and intermediate-grade DCIS, however, surgery improves survival rates compared to non-surgery groups.
Researchers have developed a novel delivery strategy using an aptamer to introduce functional microRNAs into cells, targeting breast cancer and blood vessel cells. The therapy shows anti-cancer and angiogenic activities, inhibiting tumor growth and protecting against atherosclerosis.
The combination of MEDI4736 and tremelimumab has been shown to have manageable toxicity and clinical activity in advanced NSCLC patients, including those with PD-L1 negative tumors. Eight out of 31 evaluable patients achieved a partial response.
A new clinical study published in The Lancet shows that augmentation therapy can preserve lung structure and add years of life for patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The treatment has been found to be effective in slowing the progression of emphysema in severe cases.
A phase I study of ruxolitinib found no dose-limiting toxicities and improved symptoms in 15 evaluable CMML patients. Hematologic improvement and partial responses were observed, particularly in patients with B symptoms.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has partnered with Bayer HealthCare to expand its Basic Cancer Research Fellowship Program. The partnership aims to support young scientists conducting basic cancer research, addressing the current funding crisis in biomedical research.
A machine learning breakthrough enables fast and accurate measurement of metabolic profiles from biofluid samples, revolutionizing predictive medical screening. This technology accelerates the development of diagnostic tests for various diseases, potentially years before symptoms appear.
A University of Miami researcher has received a $1.9 million grant to investigate the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on smoking cessation in African American, Hispanic and White smokers. The study aims to reduce tobacco-associated health disparities by examining the effects of CBT on stress and depressive symptoms.
A two-year study found that female breast cancer survivors lost an average of 6% of their body weight through lifestyle changes, which may lower the risk of cancer recurrence. The study's results suggest that modest weight loss could become a routine part of oncology care to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center have developed a new genetic mouse model that reveals genes and pathways driving osteosarcoma. The model identifies SEMA4D and SEMA6D as key proteins to target in osteosarcoma treatment.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that a specific type of non-coding RNA, known as Eleanors, plays a key role in the development of endocrine therapy resistance in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Resveratrol was found to repress these RNAs, inhibiting the proliferation of resistant cancer cells.
Patients aged 80 and above are significantly less likely to be investigated or aggressively treated after surgery than their younger counterparts. This is despite the fact that the oldest old have higher rates of trauma and multiple underlying conditions on admission.
A study found that 38% of lung cancer survivors developed recurrent or new cancer during a 8.3-year surveillance period. Key risk factors for recurrence included smoking status, prior cancers, and asbestos exposure, highlighting the need for close monitoring and quitting smoking to reduce cancer recurrence.
J. Paul Taylor has been selected as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigator, recognizing his expertise in cell and molecular biology, neurological diseases, and genetics. The HHMI initiative will provide Taylor with salary, benefits, and a research budget to accelerate his work on groundbreaking scientific contributions.
A collaborative team of researchers has identified the mechanism behind one of the most common mutations that enable cancer cells to replicate endlessly. The study found that a specific transcription factor selectively binds and activates the mutant TERT promoter in cancer, leading to elevated TERT expression and cell immortality.
A new therapy with high cure rates is available, but the high cost of direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment limits access for many hepatitis C virus patients. Increasing treatment efficacy and accessibility could avert significant liver-related deaths and end-stage liver disease in Australia.
The Ivy Glioblastoma Atlas Project provides valuable resources for researchers to find cures for aggressive brain cancers, offering detailed information about genes and tumor formation. The atlas aims to advance understanding of glioblastoma biology and lead to novel approaches to improve treatment and survival.
Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that blocking FGL2 protein could potentially treat brain cancer. By modulating the immune system's checkpoints, FGL2 promotes tumor growth and suppresses the immune response.
Researchers found that hepatitis B patients develop HCC at a younger age with more aggressive disease, while hepatitis C patients have underlying cirrhosis and diabetes. The study highlights the need to consider hepatitis status when developing treatment plans for newly diagnosed patients.
Research found that childhood cancer survivors who received cranial radiation are more likely to be obese, with 47% of those receiving radiation being obese compared to 29.4% of non-radiation survivors. Obesity risk was also linked to glucocorticoids and genetic factors in neurons' growth and repair.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) highlights notable clinical practice data and basic science research presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2015. Notable abstracts include fecal microbiota transplantation donors, maximizing endoscopy utilization, and bile acid roles in obesity.
A gynecologic oncologist has been awarded $2.7 million in research funding to study the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women undergoing surgery for endometrial cancer. The goal is to improve quality of life and reduce costs by combining two surgeries into one.
A new study by Moffitt researchers found that younger men and those with a lower body mass index are more prone to experiencing hot flashes during androgen deprivation therapy. The study analyzed patient characteristics and DNA to identify genetic factors associated with an increased number of hot flashes.
Myriad Genetics to present three studies supporting the use of Prolaris in predicting outcomes and personalizing treatment plans for men with localized prostate cancer. The tests demonstrate a new active surveillance threshold and validate an active surveillance threshold, showing potential for improved care.
A new study at Ohio State University has identified Foxo1 as a negative regulator of natural killer cell maturation and homing behavior. The findings suggest that reducing Foxo1 expression can enhance NK-cell maturation, providing an opportunity to boost cancer and viral immunity.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that treating gum disease can improve prostate inflammation symptoms and quality of life for men with prostatitis. The study, which treated 27 men with moderate to severe gum disease, showed significant improvements in PSA levels and symptom scores.
A recent study found that the Ga-68-PSMA-ligand PET/CT detected a large number of positive findings in patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy, particularly at low PSA-values. The tracer's higher detection rates compared to other imaging methods suggest an early detection advantage for further clinical management.
Researchers found that black men under 65 diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer had a 76% higher risk of death than white men, despite similar treatment. The study suggests that poverty may play an important role in racial disparities in breast cancer mortality.
A meta-analysis found intragastric injection of botulinum toxin A effective for treating obesity, with significant weight loss in treated patients compared to placebo. Additionally, a study concluded that flexible endoscopes can be stored for up to 21 days after reprocessing without microbial colonization
Researchers developed a new algorithm called CONSERTING to identify DNA duplications and deletions in cancer genomes, improving accuracy and sensitivity. The tool helped discover genetic alterations driving various cancers, including pediatric leukemia and brain tumors.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute have identified a way that cells can reprogram their metabolism to overcome senescence, a tumor-suppressing mechanism. This reprogramming allows for the proliferation of cells that should have become senescent and has the potential to lead to tumor formation.
Researchers at the University of Louisville have detailed a crucial connection between silica exposure and rapid lung cancer progression, highlighting the role of inflammatory mediator LTB4 and its receptor BLT1. The study's findings suggest that novel treatment strategies for both silicosis and associated lung cancers may be possible.
Researchers have developed a new therapy using naïve cells to prevent cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and adenovirus infections in cord blood transplant patients. The treatment has shown safety and efficacy in clinical trials.
A new study supports the screening and treatment of depression in brain tumor patients, who are at high risk of depressive symptoms that can impact care outcomes. The authors recommend using reliable screening tools and refer patients with positive results for detailed psychiatric assessment.
A new study reveals that a tumor-secreted protein promotes the activation of Id1, leading to immune suppression and allowing cancer to grow and spread. Targeting Id1 may restore immune function and improve treatment outcomes for patients with melanoma and other advanced-staged cancers.