Research on new and better ways to treat cancer. Covers radiotherapy, targeted microdroplets, nerve-injury protection, drug combinations, and tumor models.
Naked mole rats have a unique protein richly present in their tissues that protects them from cancer, according to recent research. The researchers identified high molecular weight hyaluronan (HMW-HA) as the chemical responsible for this resistance.
A multicenter European study found that short-term hormonal therapy for transsexualism is effective and safe, with few side effects. The treatment, which involves large doses of male or female sex hormones, was shown to be effective in changing the external characteristics of trans individuals.
Researchers found gastrointestinal and liver-related GVHD increases risk of death in patients with chronic GVHD. Elevated bilirubin levels, higher gastrointestinal scores, and lower gastrointestinal involvement are associated with increased mortality rates.
A study analyzing US data reveals that up to one-third of rheumatoid arthritis patients discontinue therapy within the first year, with loss of efficacy being the leading reason. The findings highlight the need for early intervention and improved adherence to treatment to enable patients to lead active lives.
Fei Li, an assistant professor at NYU, has been selected as a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences. He will continue his research on centromeres and chromosome structure to understand how changes lead to cancer.
Researchers from Spain and the US have identified nine molecular hallmarks of aging, including genomic instability, telomere shortening, and epigenetic alterations. By understanding these hallmarks, they hope to develop treatments that can combat cancer and other diseases linked to aging.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a way to correct genetic defects in skin cells of patients with epidermolysis bullosa. They used engineered transcription activator-like effector nucleases to target and fix mutation-causing genes, resulting in the production of missing proteins in living skin models.
A new mathematical method simplifies cancer-cell genome data, identifying recurrent events and revealing tumor evolution. The CORE technique improves prognosis and treatment decision-making by distinguishing subpopulations of cancer cells.
A phase 1 clinical trial shows a new treatment safely reduces immune system reactivity to myelin in multiple sclerosis patients by 50-75%. The therapy, which uses specially processed white blood cells, preserves the function of the normal immune system. Researchers hope to launch a phase 2 trial to prevent MS progression.
Scientists have created a model to study breast cancer biology, confirming that primary tissue from patients behaves similarly to those derived from long-term cultured cell lines. This breakthrough advances the development of targeted therapies for advanced cancer treatments.
A study by Ben-Gurion University found that oncologists face difficulties in communicating about end-of-life issues, despite high patient needs. Common barriers include physician factors, patient reluctance, and institutional stigmas.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a promising strategy for defeating neuroblastoma by targeting the MYCN protein. The approach involves inhibiting the MYC gene, which leads to the accumulation of fat droplets in cancer cells and ultimately causes cell death or development into harmless neurons.
Researchers found that cytomegalovirus (CMV) can speed the progression of glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer, when particular genes are shut off. CMV was found to stimulate tumor-cell proliferation by activating a biochemical cell pathway called STAT3.
A three-year study published in The Journal of Urology finds that tibial nerve stimulation significantly improves symptoms of overactive bladder. Participants experienced a nearly 30% decrease in daytime trips to the bathroom and almost 40% fewer nighttime trips.
Scientists at the University of Leeds have discovered a molecule that targets and destroys a key protein associated with the development of cervical and other cancers. The RNA aptamer latches onto the carcinogenic protein, significantly reducing its presence in cells in laboratory-derived cervical cancer cells.
A recent study published in Cancer found that African American men with prostate cancer face longer treatment delays than their Caucasian counterparts. The analysis of SEER-Medicare registry data revealed an average delay of 7 days for African American patients, compared to 4 days for Caucasians. Additionally, African Americans were mo...
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a multicolor fluorescence labeling method to visualize miRNAs in tissue sections, enabling the identification of tumor-specific miRNAs and distinguishing between different tumor types. This technology shows promise as a molecular diagnostic tool for clinical settings.
A modified poliovirus is infecting and killing glioblastoma brain tumor cells with encouraging results in an ongoing phase 1 study, researchers report. The virus-based therapy, known as PVSRIPO, triggers the immune system to attack infected tumor cells.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a promising method to distinguish between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. A molecular marker obtained from pancreatic 'juices' can identify almost all cases of pancreatic cancer, with a detection rate of 75%.
Depressive symptoms observed in cancer survivors between one and ten years after diagnosis increase the risk of premature death. Cancer survivors with depression are twice as likely to have died early compared to those without depression.
Drs. Yueming Li and Lennart Mucke have made significant contributions to understanding Alzheimer's disease mechanisms, identifying underlying processes that impair cognitive functions. Their work has led to promising new directions for treatment, including targeting gamma-secretase activity and modulating protein interactions.
A study published in Neurology found that individuals with skin cancer had a nearly 80% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest physical activity and biological factors as possible explanations for this link.
A new analysis found a significant link between Agent Orange exposure and high-grade prostate cancer among US Veterans. Exposure to the herbicide was associated with a 52% increase in overall risk of prostate cancer detection by biopsy, as well as a 75% increase in risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
A study published in JAMA Network found that creative arts therapies significantly improved anxiety, depression, and pain symptoms, as well as quality of life among cancer patients during treatment. However, the effects were reduced during follow-up.
A new study identifies microRNA-155 as a potential treatment target and prognostic marker for patients with cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia. High levels of miR-155 expression are associated with poorer patient outcomes, including lower complete remission rates and shorter overall survival.
A University of Michigan study found that despite strong recommendations to use decision aids, there is a lack of evidence on whether they work effectively. The researchers reviewed 73 decision aids for breast, cervical, colon, and prostate cancers but only half were evaluated for subsequent screening behavior.
A new genomic test helps identify low-risk men suitable for active surveillance, sparing them from unnecessary treatment. The test provides statistically significant and clinically meaningful prognostic information, aiding in determining which men are best suited for active surveillance.
BIDMC's Dennis P. Wall has developed a new method to diagnose autism in young children quickly and accurately, enabling rapid online assessments. This approach has shown promise in clinical environments, with the potential to improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
A new study shows that minimal dose computed tomography (MnDCT) is more sensitive than conventional chest X-rays in detecting new or recurrent lung cancer, while delivering a similar amount of radiation. The study found that MnDCT detected 94% of recurrent cancers compared to 21%, allowing for earlier treatment and longer survival rates.
A study found that high spiritual support from religious communities is associated with reduced aggressive treatment in patients with advanced cancer. Patients receiving spiritual support from the medical team had higher rates of hospice use, fewer aggressive treatments, and fewer ICU deaths.
Researchers found that PRRT decreases inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques, as measured by DOTATATE PET/CT, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that this treatment may reduce the occurrence of heart attacks by lowering inflammation levels.
A new analysis compared five different scores to predict late recurrence in estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer patients. The Clinical Treatment Score was found to be the best predictor of late recurrence, while the PAM50 Risk of Recurrence and Breast Cancer Index scores added significant prognostic value.
A gene expression test measures 58 genes in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancers to differentiate between patients with high and low risk of late recurrence. The test provided significant prognostic information for late distant-relapse-free survival, with better individual risk prediction for women.
A new tool, the DCIS Score, complements traditional factors to predict IBE risk in women with DCIS treated without radiation. The score helps guide personalized treatment decisions.
Researchers found that a Bortezomib/Vorinostat combination therapy reactivated virus-induced cell lysis and induced PEL cell death, increasing the lifespan of mice with PEL tumors. This treatment combination could potentially be beneficial for immunocompromised patients with KSHV-associated malignancies.
Researchers identified a specific pattern of DNA modifications dependent on HPV presence that correlates with improved survival in patients with OPSCC. A new combination therapy for PEL was found to reactivate virus-induced cell lysis and induce cancer cell death, increasing mouse lifespan.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that the ATP7A gene is essential for copper absorption, leading to a better understanding of Menkes disease. The study used laboratory mice and discovered that the gene's absence can lead to copper deficiency symptoms similar to those seen in children with the disease.
Researchers discovered BB FCF as a selective inhibitor of Panx1, a protein involved in inflammation and cell death. The study suggests that BB FCF could aid in the development of pharmacological tools to inhibit Panx1, potentially treating conditions such as Crohn's disease and AIDS.
The team identified 21 microRNAs associated with ovarian cancer survival and 838 target genes linked to its progression. The findings suggest a network-based approach can predict cancer survival and recurrence more accurately than individual biomarkers.
A novel drug developed by Gilead Sciences suppresses hepatitis B virus infection by stimulating the immune system and inducing loss of infected liver cells. The therapy targets a receptor on immune cells, reducing both virus levels and number of infected liver cells in chimpanzees chronically infected with HBV.
A recent study found that nearly all children and teenagers with differentiated thyroid cancer due to radiation have responded favorably to treatment, with 64% in complete remission. The findings suggest victims of recent nuclear accidents like Fukushima may face a lower risk of developing advanced-stage thyroid cancer.
Researchers developed phase shift nanoemulsions that produce tiny microbubbles, which accumulate in tumors and amplify the effects of ultrasound. This reduces treatment time and power needed to destroy tumor tissue by over half, showing promise for improving cancer therapy.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that nearly two-thirds of children receiving stem cell transplants were readmitted to the hospital within six months for treatment of unexplained fevers, infections or other problems. Children who received donor cells were twice as likely to be readmitted compared to those with their own st...
A new study shows that chemical shift techniques in MRI can accurately differentiate clear cell renal cell carcinoma from other types of kidney cancer, enabling better treatment planning. The technique achieved an 83% accuracy rate in distinguishing between tumor types.
A new minimally invasive tumor ablation technique called irreversible electroporation (IRE) has shown promising results in treating liver cancer patients who cannot undergo surgery or thermal ablation. The study found that IRE successfully destroyed tumor tissue in 70% of patients, with two major complications reported but neither life...
A new study reveals that cancer survivors are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to shared risk factors like smoking and obesity. The research emphasizes the importance of assessing cardiovascular risk as part of a comprehensive survivorship care plan.
The study found that women with more advanced breast cancer at diagnosis, higher body mass index, and more positive lymph nodes were at increased risk of developing lymphedema. Genetic markers associated with the development of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors were also identified.
A new breast imaging algorithm is being implemented in Uganda to diagnose and treat women with palpable breast masses. The program combines a unique diagnostic algorithm with targeted community outreach to combat myths surrounding cancer, aiming for early diagnosis and effective care.
Gossypin, a naturally-occurring substance, has been shown to inhibit the growth of human melanoma cells and reduce tumor volume in mice. The compound may have great therapeutic potential as a dual inhibitor of mutations that occur in the vast majority of melanoma patients.
Triplet-negative breast cancer lacks receptors for progesterone, estrogen, and HER2/neu, making it difficult to treat. Researchers identified key metabolites that could help differentiate among subtypes and point to new treatment targets.
A new study suggests that medical therapy is a viable alternative to angioplasty in treating stable coronary artery disease, reducing the risk of complications and hospitalizations. The study proposes a targeted approach to shared decision-making, considering treatment options, risks, and outcomes for patients.
The American College of Physicians suggests that men between 50-69 discuss potential benefits and harms of the PSA test before screening. The risks include problems interpreting test results, biopsy complications, and treatment side effects. ACP recommends against testing in men younger than 50 or older than 69 with low life expectancy.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive test for metastatic prostate cancer using whole-genome analysis of plasma DNA, which identifies abnormal copy numbers of specific sequences. This breakthrough could aid personalized therapy and target treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine recommends continuous hormone therapy for metastatic prostate cancer, extending lives by months to years. Continuous therapy offers a better alternative to intermittent therapy with fewer side effects.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital have discovered a novel approach for treating malignant brain tumors using microvesicles generated from mesenchymal bone marrow cells. The treatment significantly reduced tumor volume in living lab rats, suggesting a potential new therapy for glioma, a common and aggressive type of brain cancer.
Researchers identified a specific cell membrane protein blocking cell death in hormone-therapy-related breast cancers, which could be targeted by new therapies. Progestin, a synthetic hormone used in hormone replacement therapy, affects the protein's activity and increases cancer risk.
The number of cancer survivors in the US is projected to increase from 13.7 million in 2012 to 18 million by 2022, with two-thirds of those over age 65. The report highlights disparities in survival rates across different cancer subtypes.
A review of 21 National Comprehensive Cancer Network member institutions found that only four provided nutritional guidelines, while many linked to external sites with inconsistent information. The analysis highlights the need for evidence-based, standardized guidelines on dietary recommendations for cancer patients.
A recent study published in BJU International found that despite growing trends towards kidney-preservation treatments, patients with chronic kidney insufficiency are more likely to undergo total nephrectomy. The researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into treatment selection factors.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism contributing to tumour development, including Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, by identifying mutations in the POT1 gene that affect chromosome protection. This is the first time an essential gene has appeared mutated in human cancer.