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Not all EGFR mutations are the same when it comes to therapy for NSCLC

Researchers found that rare EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have distinct impacts on disease outcome and therapy response. Classic EGFR mutations were associated with better overall survival and higher TKI therapy response rates compared to rare mutations, which were linked to tobacco smoking and poorer prognosis.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 10, 2015

Smoking impairs treatment response in inflammatory back arthritis

Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that smoking impairs the response to biological drugs used to treat inflammatory back arthritis. Current smokers responded significantly less well to treatment and achieved smaller reductions in disease activity scores compared to non-smokers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateFeb 9, 2015

High hepatitis C cure rate seen in NIH-led trial of 6-week oral drug regimens

A clinical trial conducted by the NIH found that 38 out of 40 volunteers with HCV infections were cured after receiving a combination of three direct-acting oral drugs for six weeks. This short duration therapy may prove relevant for global elimination of hepatitis C, where simple and well-tolerated treatment is required.

Tracing evolution of chicken flu virus yields insight into origins of deadly H7N9 strain

A study found that changes in the H9N2 flu virus in chickens may have contributed to the creation of the H7N9 avian virus, which has caused outbreaks and deaths since 2013. The research suggests tracking genetic diversity of H9N2 on poultry farms could provide an early warning of emerging viruses with pandemic potential.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2014

Youngest bone marrow transplant patients at higher risk of cognitive decline

Research from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identifies a high-risk group of young patients who may experience intellectual decline after bone marrow transplantation. The study found that those aged 3 or younger at the time of transplantation with total body irradiation were at higher risk, leading to lower IQ scores and potenti...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 11, 2014

A hybrid vehicle that delivers DNA

A new hybrid vehicle has been developed to deliver DNA vaccines that can fight HIV, cancer, influenza, and other diseases. The technology improves the delivery of genes to the immune system, increasing its effectiveness in treating major illnesses.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2014