Research on new and better ways to treat cancer. Covers radiotherapy, targeted microdroplets, nerve-injury protection, drug combinations, and tumor models.
Researchers used computational modeling to examine the role of genetic mutations in cancer growth, finding that genes never observed in cancers may be the best targets for therapy. Targeting these 'never mutations' in combination with therapies targeting driver genes was found to be highly effective.
Researchers from CNIO discovered that a derivative of vitamin B3, nicotinamide riboside, prevents the development of liver tumors and induces tumor regression in mice. The study suggests that boosting NAD+ levels may have beneficial effects on cancer.
Researchers discovered that WNT signaling molecules are crucial for cellular reprogramming, a process similar to regenerative processes in organisms. This finding has significant implications for stem cell-based regenerative medicine, wound repair therapies and potential cancer treatments.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that boosts Factor IX levels in men with severe hemophilia B, resulting in significant reductions of 90-94% in spontaneous bleeding episodes. The treatment has enabled patients to adopt more active lifestyles without needing frequent clotting factor injections.
A promising anti-cancer approach targeting Malt1 protein's protease function in lymphoma cells may also cause destructive autoimmune inflammation when its other functions are preserved. Researchers discovered this unexpected side effect using an animal model, emphasizing the need for new alternatives to treat lymphomas.
Researchers found that small financial incentives doubled smoking cessation rates among socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers. The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, suggests that such programs could be a cost-effective solution to reduce smoking-related illnesses.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a novel looping mechanism involving DNA end caps that determines gene regulation, contributing to aging and disease. The study reveals how telomere length affects gene expression patterns, potentially influencing the onset of disease and optimizing fitness with age.
Researchers at Cancer Research UK have identified over 400 areas of hidden faults in the human genome, which could conceal cancer-causing gene mutations. These 'blind spots' are difficult to detect using current gene-reading technology, highlighting opportunities for new diagnostic tests and treatments.
A majority of obese people in Britain deny being obese, describing themselves as 'just right' or 'very overweight' instead. The study suggests that media coverage and public health campaigns may be contributing to this phenomenon, as people become less likely to recognize the health risks associated with their weight.
The $2.5 million grant will support the establishment of the ACRF Breakthrough Technologies Laboratory, enabling research into common and deadly cancers. The laboratory will utilize CRISPR-Cas9 technology to modify specific genes in cancer cells, providing insights into cancer development and treatment resistance.
A new study by Penn and Dresden researchers has identified the protein Del-1 as a key player in blocking multiple sclerosis relapses in mice. The protein, also found to prevent inflammation and bone loss in gum disease, shows promise as a potential therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
The American College of Physicians recommends a systematic approach to discussing end-of-life care goals with patients, aiming for better quality of life and longer survival rates. The guidelines also highlight the importance of training clinicians, identifying at-risk patients, and using structured communication formats.
A new therapy to eradicate liver cells infected with hepatitis B virus has shown promising results in pre-clinical research. The treatment aims to clear patients of the disease, offering hope for those with chronic HBV infection. Dr Greg Ebert's work could lead to significant improvements in health outcomes for Australians and worldwide.
The Myriad myPath Melanoma test has been shown to improve patient care through more definitive diagnoses of skin lesions, particularly in difficult-to-call cases. This resulted in a 49% change in physicians' treatment recommendations for patients with melanoma subtypes.
Researchers at City College of New York led by Dr. Debra Auguste have discovered a potential molecular target and biomarker for treating triple negative breast cancers, which have a high mortality rate due to aggressive proliferation and metastasis.
A 47-year-old woman with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma received a uniquely personalized treatment based on her genetic profile, achieving significant tumour shrinkage and symptom improvement. The use of next-generation sequencing revealed a rare BRAF mutation, which was targeted by dabrafenib and trametinib therapies.
A risk stratification model based on lymph node characteristics confirms the true lack of lung cancer in sampled nodes. The model categorizes low-risk nodes with a high chance of being truly negative, while high-risk nodes have a significant false-negative rate.
Researchers at CNIO have developed a mouse model that expresses the most common K-Ras mutation found in Noonan patients, reproducing its most representative features. The study aims to advance knowledge of the syndrome and develop specific treatments for each mutation.
Researchers discovered a new correlation between specific molecular features and CLL subgroups with different prognosis. The study identified subsets of patients with distinct clinical courses, allowing for better adjustment of therapeutic strategies and follow-up.
Researchers found that autophagy plays a central role in mediating the non-specific immune effects of BCG, leading to trained immunity. Monocytes from individuals with specific variants of the ATG2B gene respond with trained immunity, supporting the hypothesis that autophagy is clinically relevant.
A recent study published in Psycho-Oncology highlights the need for well-designed trials to determine the effectiveness of phone counseling interventions for cancer survivors. The research found that while some studies showed significant improvement, the results were not robust across multiple end points or studies.
Rare cancer patients face scarce clinical evidence due to conventional trial methodologies requiring large patient numbers. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer recommends alternative study designs and collaborative networking.
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against using the PSA test to screen for prostate cancer in most men, citing an increased risk of false positives and overdiagnosis. The guideline aims to balance potential benefits with substantial harms.
The Rutgers technology uses rare earth nanocrystals and infrared light to reveal small cancerous tumors and cardiovascular lesions, allowing for earlier detection and potentially reducing treatment costs.
Obesity affects orthopaedic care, healthcare systems, and individual organs, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, and joint injuries. Patients with obesity face higher surgical complication rates, but orthopaedic procedures can minimize pain and improve bone function.
Researchers developed a new test called ADNEX to accurately diagnose ovarian tumours and choose the most appropriate treatment. The test uses clinical information, tumour marker blood tests, and ultrasound scan features to discriminate between benign and malignant tumours with high accuracy.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reveals that a half-day educational program can help women manage side effects of ovary-removing surgery, including vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and anxiety. Participants reported significant improvement in sexual health, self-image, and emotional well-being after the program.
Researchers have found that circulating tumor cells in the blood can accurately reflect the genetic status of metastatic breast cancer patients. This discovery could help guide treatment decisions and track patient progress without requiring repeat biopsies.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that dietary changes can alter the intestinal microbiome and susceptibility to autoinflammatory bone diseases. Researchers discovered that certain gut bacteria, such as Prevotella, fuel inflammation when fed a diet high in nutrients.
Researchers have developed bioinspired materials with potential applications in detecting heavy metals and fostering faster surgery recovery time. The materials interact with light to enable applications in therapy, biosensing, and bioimaging.
A randomized study found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreased the incidence of interferon-alpha-induced depression in patients with hepatitis C. The treatment also delayed the onset of depression and was well-tolerated without serious side effects.
A five-year, $20 million project will evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment strategies for women with uterine fibroids by building a national database. The study aims to answer questions about treatment outcomes, fertility, and symptom recurrence.
The charity will focus on understanding the root causes of cancer problems in Yorkshire and developing strategies to reduce cancer incidence and mortality rates. The investment will also support research into improving screening methods and increasing access to clinical trials.
A survey of 595 young oncologists found that 71% are at risk of developing burnout, a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. The study highlights the need for action to address burnout across all levels, from universities to professional societies.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that a molecule used by bacteria can prevent cancer cells from spreading and even kill them. The 'stop spreading' bacteria molecule was found to stop multiplying, migrate, and begin dying in human pancreatic cancer cells.
The 1st EORTC Cancer Survivorship Summit has reported improved survival rates for patients with cancer, while also highlighting the need to address late adverse treatment effects. The summit addressed various topics including second malignancies, cardiovascular disease, and psycho-social problems following cancer treatment.
A novel study by Singapore researchers found that an increase in the Leo1 gene affects genes directly implicated in acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML), increasing cancer incidence. Inhibition of Leo1 and downstream signalling pathways offer a targeted treatment approach.
A new study by MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that cancer cells traveling to other sites have different energy needs from their original tumor site counterparts. The study suggests that targeting the protein PGC-1 may be a potential therapeutic approach for breast cancer patients.
A new molecule, UM171, has been discovered that can multiply stem cells in a unit of cord blood, increasing the number of units available for transplant. This breakthrough could revolutionize the treatment of leukemia and other blood-related diseases, particularly for non-Caucasian patients who often have limited access to transplants.
A new study published in The Lancet Haematology found that PET-CT is more accurate than conventional CT scanning in measuring response to treatment and predicting survival in patients with follicular lymphoma. The findings suggest that PET-CT should be used routinely in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
A new partnership between NSF, NCI, SU2C, and The V Foundation will explore transformative, theoretical biophysics for cancer research and treatment. This collaboration aims to merge life sciences with physical, computational, and engineering sciences to develop innovative approaches.
Researchers discovered that Axl and Mer receptors work in different settings to recognize and engulf dead cells. The study found multiple critical differences between the receptors, including their ligand use and regulation.
A population-based case-control study found no evidence that wearing a bra increases the risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women. The study analyzed bra-wearing habits in relation to breast cancer risk using a rigorous epidemiological study design, providing reassurance to women about their bra-wearing habits.
A study conducted by National Cancer Centre Singapore found that breast cancer surgery can be safely performed on women aged 80 and above. Most patients recovered without complications, while only 3% developed major complications. The results dispel the misconception that surgery is unsafe for elderly patients.
Researchers found the avian H3N8 flu virus, which killed harbor seals, can spread through respiratory droplets and pose a threat to humans. Human immunity to the virus is lacking, raising concerns about possible person-to-person airborne spread.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have made a breakthrough in understanding how cells convert from attacking healthy tissue to protecting against disease. This discovery could lead to the development of a new treatment approach using antigen-specific immunotherapy, which may improve the lives of millions worldwide.
A Mayo Clinic study found that patients with poor quality of life before cancer surgery are nearly three times more likely to experience serious postoperative complications. Addressing these quality-of-life issues may reduce stress, speed recoveries and save healthcare costs.
The European Society of Cardiology publishes first recommendations on new oral anticoagulants for pulmonary embolism. The guidelines provide detailed recommendations on drug use and risk stratification, including age-adjusted D-dimer cut-offs.
A new integrated treatment programme is more effective at reducing depression and improving quality of life than current care for depressed cancer patients. The programme, called 'Depression Care for People with Cancer', includes both antidepressants and psychological therapy.
A meta-analysis of four studies found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is more effective than cryotherapy in clearing actinic keratoses (AKs), a common skin lesion caused by sun damage. At three months after treatment, patients treated with PDT had a 14% better chance of complete lesion clearance compared to those who received cryotherapy.
Researchers developed a genomic-based system, IntClust, to classify breast cancer subtypes with high accuracy. The new system identified previously unnoticed subgroups of tumors, including those resistant to treatment, potentially leading to early detection and targeted therapies.
A UCLA study found that men with low prostate cancer knowledge experience increased decisional conflict and lower perceived effectiveness of treatment. Doctors can help by providing educational information before consultations to increase patients' comprehension and reduce regret.
Researchers at Hera Therapeutics have developed a therapy that blocks replication of high-risk HPV types, including HPV-16 and HPV-18, which cause 70% of cervical cancer. The company is developing a topical approach to treat HPV infection, offering hope to millions of women infected with these high-risk strains.
The NIH Follow that Cell Challenge seeks tools to monitor a cell's behavior and function over time, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved therapies for diseases. The challenge aims to generate creative ideas and methods for following a single cell's behavior, using multiple integrated measures.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have validated a set of guidelines that identify girls with cancer most likely to enter early menopause. These criteria will help select patients for ovarian tissue freezing, potentially allowing young cancer survivors to have children in the future.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that postmenopausal women who exercised at least four hours of walking per week had a 10% decreased risk of invasive breast cancer. The benefits of regular physical activity were rapid and short-lived, disappearing if exercise stopped.
Beaumont Health System receives a five-year National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program grant to conduct cancer research and clinical trials in Michigan communities. The program aims to reduce cancer disparities and improve patient outcomes.
A study of postmenopausal women found no link between bisphosphonate treatment and reduced breast cancer risk. Researchers analyzed data from two randomized trials, concluding that bisphosphonates do not protect against breast cancer in this population.
A new analysis reveals that US lung cancer rates are declining overall, but also uncovering previously unrecognized trends related to different subtypes and demographic groups. The study found declining rates for squamous and small cell carcinoma, as well as unspecified lung cancer, among certain populations.
Researchers found mutations in the CTR9 gene in six children with Wilms tumour, a common kidney cancer in kids, and discovered that malfunctioning PAF1 complex is likely to cause cancer. The study's findings offer hope for improved treatments and screening for affected families.