Research on new and better ways to treat cancer. Covers radiotherapy, targeted microdroplets, nerve-injury protection, drug combinations, and tumor models.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified natural human antibodies against MERS, a severe respiratory disease with a mortality rate of over 40 percent. These 'neutralizing' antibodies prevented the virus from attaching to host cells, offering a possible development of antibody-based immunotherapy.
A recent study led by the University of Waterloo found that parents of children with life-limiting illnesses often report positive outcomes as well, known as posttraumatic growth. This phenomenon is characterized by growth in areas such as personal strength, appreciation for life, and spiritual change.
A study has found that genetic loss of Ron receptor and its growth factor HGFL leads to aggressive inflammation and damage to the colon in models with IBD. The research suggests these genes may reduce their function due to SNPs, leading to chronic intestinal inflammation.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new technology to modify human cells for programmable therapeutics that can target cancer and disease sites. The Modular Extracellular Sensor Architecture (MESA) enables cells to sense specific factors and respond with customized gene expression programs.
This review discusses four key physiologic processes in bone/tooth formation affected by rare bone diseases. The authors highlight causative mutations, etiopathology, and treatments for conditions like fibrous dysplasia, osteogenesis imperfecta, and hypophosphatasia.
Researchers discovered that microRNA-135b (miR-135b) is overexpressed in both mouse and human colorectal tumors, associated with poor clinical outcomes. The study suggests that miR-135b could be a valuable target for colorectal cancer treatment and a biomarker of tumor progression.
Researchers found that nearly one-third of pediatric kidney cancer cases are linked to the Lin28 gene, which holds promise for regenerating damaged kidneys. The study's findings suggest that controlled expression of Lin28 can promote kidney development and may lead to new therapeutic targets for treating Wilms tumors.
A new oral combination therapy has been shown to cure hepatitis C infection in over 90% of patients with liver cirrhosis, providing a significant improvement over the current treatment options. The study found that the treatment was well-tolerated and resulted in no long-term relapses.
Studies predict improved HCC patient outcomes with new diagnostic approaches. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI shows higher detection sensitivity for early-stage HCC, potentially improving treatment outcomes by ensuring optimum care.
Young adult cancer survivors are at higher risk of mortality due to lifestyle factors such as exercise, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Additionally, poor self-reported health status, worries about future health and insurance, and frequent medical visits can also impact life expectancy.
Dr. Michael Barrett of TGen received a $200,000 grant to investigate the molecular drivers of pancreatic cancer spread. The grant supports research into high-priority areas to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020.
A study found that chronic cigarette smoking impairs postural stability in individuals with alcohol use disorders, even during sobriety. Non-smoking AD individuals improved on a measure of postural stability over eight months, while smoking AD individuals showed no significant improvement.
Researchers found that green tea extract increases brain connectivity and improves working memory performance. The study suggests potential clinical applications for treating cognitive impairments in neuropsychiatric disorders like dementia.
Researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center found that NEDD9 protein activates oncogenic signaling pathways in cancer cells, encouraging metastases. The study suggests the protein plays an important role in initial development and dissemination of ovarian cancer.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is establishing five new Research Units to explore innovative research directions in various fields. The new groups will focus on composite structures, personnel decisions, and metastatic cancer progression, with the goal of improving our understanding of these complex topics.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new way of treating cancer by inhibiting the MTH1 enzyme, which cancer cells require for survival. This approach differs from previous treatments that target specific genetic defects and offers a potential breakthrough in fighting the disease.
The new center aims to develop computational methods to understand how human cognition works and how it becomes disrupted in psychiatric disorders. The centre will combine advanced brain imaging with computational approaches to identify causes of mental health problems and develop personalized treatments.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that early rehabilitation significantly improved sensory function, motor function, and activity of daily living in pediatric children with spinal tumors. The research suggests that rehabilitation programs initiated earlier are effective in achieving functional independency levels ...
A multicenter study found colchicine significantly reduced the rate of disease recurrence, improved symptoms, and hospitalization rates in patients with recurrent pericarditis. The medication was also associated with higher remission rates compared to placebo.
Dr. Tu's research identified a unique nutritional pathway in mammalian cells crucial to cancer cell growth, which he hopes will lead to new treatments for human disease. He received the award for his work expanding our understanding of metabolism's role in cellular processes.
A study found that radiofrequency ablation significantly reduced the risk of progression to high-grade dysplasia and cancer in patients with Barrett esophagus and low-grade dysplasia. Treatment resulted in a 25% lower absolute risk of progression.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have devised a new system for classifying periodontal disease based on the genetic signature of affected tissue. The new classification system may allow for earlier detection and more individualized treatment of severe periodontitis.
Researchers found that fat cells expand with disuse, causing accelerated growth of lipid droplets and altering the environment of surrounding cells. This discovery offers new insights into the development of obesity and potential solutions to prevent or reverse fat gain.
A new study from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine found that long-term survivors of esophagectomy with gastric pull-up can enjoy a satisfying meal and good quality of life. The study concluded that pessimism about the long-term quality of life after esophagectomy is unwarranted.
A national randomized clinical trial led by University of Pittsburgh experts found that a structured approach to diagnose and treat sepsis did not change survival rates. The study provides strong evidence that may change the way sepsis is diagnosed and treated, with prompt recognition and treatment being key to effective care.
A new clinical test called NPI+ has been developed to improve breast cancer treatment by providing more detailed information about a patient's cancer type and behavior. This will help clinicians create a more personalized treatment plan, leading to improved outcomes and reduced costs.
Research from Umeå University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that frequent PSA testing in areas with high incidence rates results in lower prostate cancer mortality. However, this is offset by increased risk of overtreatment, which can lead to side effects such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
Margaret Cheung, a UH physicist, has been awarded the American Physical Society fellowship for her work on biophysics and its applications to cancer and Alzheimer's research. Her research focuses on understanding protein behavior in cells to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Researchers find that a novel approach to accessing the uterus, using the wrist instead of the groin artery, can significantly reduce pain and trauma for women undergoing uterine fibroid embolization. The transradial access technique allows patients to walk immediately after treatment, improving their experience.
A clinical trial found that low-dose oral interferon-alpha can prevent hepatitis C virus (HCV) relapse in patients with mild liver fibrosis. The study's results are significant for the optimal use of IFN in HCV treatment.
University of Houston scientists identify AMPK enzyme's role in prostate cancer progression and metabolic changes. Their findings suggest that targeting metabolic pathways could lead to more effective cancer treatments.
In the UK, bladder cancer is the 7th most common cancer and has a high recurrence rate, affecting 28 people daily. Early detection is crucial, as 5-year survival rates can be as high as 80% if treated early.
A study found significant discrepancies between fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) results for ALK testing, leading to the detection of approximately 25% of ALK-positive cases. The findings support the need for combined testing using both FISH and IHC methods.
A Mayo Clinic study found that blacks are twice as likely to develop multiple myeloma because they are more likely to have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The study also showed that the type of MGUS in blacks is associated with a higher risk of progression to full-blown multiple myeloma.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking MRI technique that can visualize metabolic changes in the body's cells. This breakthrough could lead to earlier diagnoses of diseases such as diabetes and cancer. The hyperpolarization method provides a fingerprint of cellular activity, allowing for real-time monitoring of disease progression.
Joseph C. Glorioso, III, PhD received a Pioneer Award from Human Gene Therapy for his leadership and accomplishments in developing herpes viruses as efficient vectors for delivering therapeutic genes into cells. His research has shown promise for treating complex genetic and acquired diseases, including brain degeneration and cancer.
Researchers have identified a genetic alteration in the NF-κB pathway that drives tumor development and provides clues for treating ependymoma, a devastating childhood brain cancer. The study offers new insights into how abnormal proteins can lead to cancer and may aid efforts to understand and intervene against other cancers.
Researchers from NUS have discovered laminin-5 gamma-2 as a potential target for treating anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), a highly aggressive and untreatable form of cancer. The protein's silencing inhibited tumour growth, cell migration, and invasion in ATC cells.
A new study found that despite improved cancer treatments, survival rates for Blacks and Hispanics have not increased significantly. The disparity is largely attributed to factors such as poorer health and lower socioeconomic status, leading to barriers in healthcare access.
Researchers discovered that SPOP protein selectively destroys androgen receptor, a master regulator of prostate cancer cell growth. This finding sheds light on a new mechanism by which prostate cancer develops.
Researchers at VIB and UGent have discovered a potential novel treatment for sepsis by neutralizing two harmful cytokines in the blood circulation. This approach may benefit from existing anti-cytokine treatments already in clinical use, offering renewed hope for combating this life-threatening disease.
A genetic variation near an area that encodes for interferon-lamda3 (IFNL3) is responsible for the differences between those who can and cannot effectively clear HCV. Individuals with a favorable IFNL3 genotype have a better outcome in fighting HCV.
Scientists have identified a genetic function called Grasp that plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper function of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. This discovery could lead to a new approach in cancer therapy by activating or stimulating the Grasp gene to enhance p53 function.
Researchers at TSRI will explore Notch signaling pathways as therapeutic options for non-small cell lung cancer. The grant aims to improve treatment outcomes for advanced disease, where survival rates remain poor despite falling death rates.
Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research find that interferon-beta inhibits neutrophil migration into tumors, reducing new blood vessel formation and tumor growth. This discovery could improve treatment options for certain cancers.
Researchers at University of British Columbia have discovered a potential new treatment for Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinemia (PNH), a rare blood cancer that causes red blood cells to become vulnerable to the body's complement immune system. The treatment, aurin tricarboxylic acid (ATA), restores blood cell resistance and may also of...
The American Cancer Society and Stand Up To Cancer have announced a collaborative research effort focused on lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer mortality in the US. The $20 million Dream Team grant will be awarded to support the development of new therapies for lung cancer.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center have identified shared genetic signatures between lung and bladder cancers, which may refine patient prognoses and treatment choices.
The PROCEDE 500 clinical utility study demonstrates the significant clinical value of Prolaris to physicians treating men with prostate cancer. The test accurately predicts prostate cancer-specific death and metastases, guiding treatment decisions and reducing therapeutic burden on patients.
A new study reports that most colon polyps referred for surgery can be successfully resected endoscopically. The procedure had low adverse event rates and high recurrence rates, but recurrences were treatable. The findings suggest a shift towards outpatient repeat colonoscopy in patients with polyps without cancer.
A recent EORTC study found that health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessments provide relevant information in small-cell lung cancer trials, even when treatment efficacy is similar. The study highlights the need for improved HRQOL reporting in randomized clinical trials to optimize their value.
Researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitors improved muscle insulin sensitivity and lowered fasting plasma glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. However, the use of these inhibitors also resulted in an increase in endogenous glucose production and decreased insulin secretion.
A study of 52 patients with metastatic brain tumors found that early tumor shrinkage after stereotactic radiosurgery indicates a positive outcome, reducing the need for further monitoring. Tumors that did not respond initially were more likely to recur or require additional treatment.
Adolescents and young adults undergoing cancer treatment benefit from a therapeutic music process that includes writing song lyrics and producing videos. This music therapy intervention improves resilience-related outcomes, including courageous coping and social integration.
A simple protein test may help predict survival rates for patients with head and neck cancer by identifying HPV-positive tumours. This test could allow doctors to choose more appropriate treatments, leading to better outcomes for patients.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a pediatric soft-tissue cancer characterized by two distinct genotypes. The disease was found to have a relatively low number of somatic mutations compared to birth DNA alterations. Key genes, such as NRAS and KRAS, were identified with frequent mutations.
Most women who undergo conservative surgery for early-stage vulvar cancer report little long-term impact on sexuality and body image. Factors like radical excision, swelling of the lower limbs, and fear of pain during resumption of sex can lead to negative emotions.
A newly-developed dietary fiber with a slow release mechanism may alleviate IBS symptoms and improve gut health, targeting the distal colon where colon cancer and other diseases occur.
A study found that women previously treated for CIN3 have an increased risk of developing and dying from cervical or vaginal cancer compared to the general female population. The risk accelerates above age 60 and is more pronounced in those who received treatment later in life.
A study found that follow-up tests improved the rate of surgical treatment for cancer recurrence in patients who had undergone curative surgery for primary colorectal cancer. The benefits were seen in both computed tomography and carcinoembryonic antigen screening methods, with no advantage in combining these tests.