Research on new and better ways to treat cancer. Covers radiotherapy, targeted microdroplets, nerve-injury protection, drug combinations, and tumor models.
A new study has identified CA9, CD31, CD34 and VEGFR1/2 as potential biomarkers for predicting a good response to sunitinib treatment in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Patients with low Fuhrman grade tumors and high CA9 expression exhibited improved progression-free and overall survival.
A recent study published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care analyzed data from three major studies on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and found no clear evidence linking its decline to a decrease in breast cancer rates. The authors point out methodological flaws in the original studies, including detection...
Researchers develop a gene therapy technique to increase enkephalin, an opioid compound, in the bladder wall, reducing pain signals. The treatment approach shows promise for severe chronic pain conditions like bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis.
A Danish study found that men in same-sex marriages have lower mortality rates than unmarried or divorced men since the 1990s. In contrast, women in same-sex marriages have higher mortality rates, particularly from suicide and cancer, compared to married women of opposite sex.
The Life Sciences Discovery Fund has awarded nearly $750,000 in Proof of Concept grants to three Washington organizations to develop and test new diagnostic and therapeutic products. These grants will help accelerate the transition of promising technologies from concept to commercial product.
Scientists have identified enzymes that can reverse a key protein modification involved in breast cancer, cellular stress reactions, and gene regulation. The discovery enables selective manipulation of ADP-ribosylation, which could lead to new treatments for inflammasions and cancers.
A new software tool, COCPIT, will aid healthcare professionals in identifying at-risk patients and investigating data quality issues. By analyzing patient journeys and electronic health records, the tool aims to improve patient care and public health by reducing hospital admissions for conditions like strokes.
University of Central Florida chemist Kevin Belfield uses acid reflux to kill certain cancer cells by making them more acidic when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. This technique could provide a way to target cancer cells deep within human tissue with minimal side effects.
A UCLA study found that financial hardship, lack of doctor continuity and care coordination, and communication issues significantly hinder access to prostate cancer care among Latino men. The study highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to improve access, increase health literacy, and enhance care coordination.
A new virtual reconstruction of human metabolism, Recon 2, has been built to identify causes of diseases and develop new treatments. The model provides a detailed map of metabolic pathways, allowing researchers to pinpoint specific gene expressions and their effects on disease progression.
Researchers have discovered a chemical probe, UNC1215, to investigate the role of malignant brain tumor domains in biology and disease. The probe targets L3MBTL3 methyl-lysine reader domain proteins, which play a fundamental role in gene expression and cancer development.
Scientists identified nitric oxide's role in degrading a protein that attenuates cardiac growth, linking vascular changes to heart size. A nanogel-based treatment targeting an immunosuppressive drug directly to tissues associated with immune cells may help treat systemic lupus erythematosus.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that two antagonistic proteins help keep leukemia at bay by maintaining balance in stem cell production. The study suggests that new compounds could fight cancer by targeting the pathways responsible for regulating these proteins.
Research found that obesity increases the risk of colorectal cancer with a specific molecular characteristic, known as CTNNB1-positive cancer. Physical activity, on the other hand, was linked to a lower risk for this type of cancer.
A recent study by Professor Hermann Brenner and colleagues found that smoking cessation in older adults significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Within five years of quitting, smokers experience a reduction of over 40% in cardiovascular disease risk compared to non-smokers.
Researchers discovered a novel use of a fish oil component that reduced brain trauma in newborn mice by about 50%. The study found that injecting docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) within two hours of ischemic stroke significantly decreased neonatal brain damage. DHA provided protection while other omega-3 fatty acids did not.
A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that minimally invasive therapies can effectively remove damaged cells from patients with Barrett's esophagus, reducing cancer progression. In over two-thirds of cases, patients had no signs of disease return for years.
Moffitt researchers found that silencing the retinoblastoma gene can regulate the differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells into a more aggressive form. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these cells in cancer treatment.
A Melbourne-based research team has discovered a genetic defect that can halt cell growth and force cells into a death-evading survival state. The finding reveals an important mechanism controlling rapidly-dividing cells, which may lead to the development of new treatments for diseases including cancer.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology reveals that patients with low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary or peritoneum can experience tumor stabilization or shrinkage after taking a regular dose of selumetinib. This breakthrough discovery offers new possibilities for treating previously chemoresistant tumors.
Researchers have discovered a vast potential for noncoding RNAs to be used as therapeutic and diagnostic tools. Long noncoding RNAs play significant roles in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and other conditions. The emerging concept of microRNAs functioning as hormones has also led to new avenues for disease treatment.
Research suggests that happy marriages improve both partners' spirits and well-being, while lower stress levels. Health professionals are advised to consider patients' personal relationships when designing health promotion programs or treatment plans.
A study from researchers at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania reports that endoluminal therapies combining resection and ablation techniques have a high success rate in eradicating Barrett's esophagus, with durable results. Persistent vigilant surveillance is required due to recurrence risks.
Researchers found that geographic site, demographic factors, and adherence to initial therapy are crucial for successful H pylori eradication. The study suggests a 'one size fits all' approach may not be optimal, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
A large study of nearly 60,000 patients found that stage at diagnosis only partly explains the wide variation in lung cancer survival rates among different developed countries. Treatment differences also played a key role, with some countries experiencing lower survival rates due to delays in diagnosis or suboptimal staging.
Experts recommend physicians engage in gun policy dialogue, leveraging their skills in managing fears and providing mental health treatment. They can influence Congress through collective advocacy and lead by example.
Researchers from University of Copenhagen identify Fbxl10 as crucial for embryonic stem cell differentiation and suggest it as a potential target for cancer therapy. The protein recruits Polycomb complexes to silence genes, maintaining cellular identity.
Researchers have designed a guideline for physicians and patients with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS), a rare condition that prevents tissues from responding to male hormones. The guideline includes follow-up protocols from birth to adulthood, therapy options such as hormone replacement therapy, and more.
The discovery of the Mcl-1 gene's critical role in keeping antibody-producing cells alive could lead to better treatments for diseases like myeloma and chronic immune disorders. Without this gene, plasma cells die within two days.
Researchers found that breast cancer tissue has a mix of stiff and soft zones, whereas healthy tissue has uniform stiffness. This discovery may help improve breast cancer diagnosis and therapy by identifying potential for cancer spread. The study used advanced microscopy techniques to analyze tissue properties at the nanoscale.
A new study suggests that early diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C in intravenous drug users can prevent many transmissions by identifying 'super-spreaders' who are highly infectious. By understanding how the virus spreads in these individuals, researchers hope to develop targeted interventions to stop its spread.
A genetically reprogrammed Herpes simplex virus has been engineered to target and kill cancer cells expressing the HER-2 oncogene, specifically breast and ovarian cancer metastases. This breakthrough oncolytic herpesvirus has shown promising results in treating experimental metastasis, holding promise for a novel type of cancer treatment.
Researchers have identified how two genes, Ipl1 and Mps1, work together to correct mistakes in chromosome distribution during cell division. This understanding could lead to targeted cancer treatments by controlling these master regulator genes.
A pioneering study published in The Lancet Oncology found that local volunteers increased early breast cancer detection rates in a low-income rural area. The study showed that 70% of women screened were diagnosed with benign lesions or successfully treated for breast cancer, significantly improving long-term survival chances.
Researchers discovered XPD protein's role in locating damaged DNA, which aids cancer treatment development. The protein works like a scanner that glides along the DNA double helix, marking damaged spots for repair.
A meta-analysis of large randomised trials found no significant increase in cancer risk among those taking daily folic acid for 5 years or less. The study provides reassurance about the safety of folic acid intake, particularly in countries where fortification is mandatory.
Researchers discovered a novel class of early replicating fragile sites contributing to genome instability in B cell lymphomas. These sites, uncovered through genome-wide sequencing, overlap with mutations associated with the disease and suggest a major feature of its mutational landscape.
The new book, Navigating Life with a Brain Tumor, offers comprehensive guidance on managing brain tumors, including treatment options, side effects, and coping strategies. Written by neuro-oncologists from Mayo Clinic and Tufts Medical Center, the book aims to empower patients to be active participants in their care.
Researchers developed a new method to predict individual patient's brain tumor growth, enabling physicians to rapidly identify effective therapies. The approach accounts for tumor features such as shape, density, and growth rate, allowing clinicians to distinguish between patients with different tumor characteristics.
A new multiple gene expression profile test can predict the presence of harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in otherwise healthy women. The test showed a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 88%, and has the potential to replace expensive sequencing tests, making it an affordable option for high-risk carriers.
The new age of proteomics brings a comprehensive understanding of cellular proteins, shedding light on their role in illnesses. The next-generation proteomics technology enables improved biomarker search, personalized therapies, and enhanced cancer diagnosis.
Researchers at UNC developed a method to visualize aging and tumor growth in mice using gene-activated luminescent cells. They found that old mice were brighter than young mice, with sites of cancer formation becoming extremely bright, allowing for early identification of developing cancers.
A recent study by IASLC found that EGFR mutations do not serve as a prognostic factor in NSCLC patients. Instead, smoking status appears to be the most significant predictor of overall survival. The researchers also discovered that administering EGFR TKI can prolong survival after disease recurrence.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that annual percent changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are more accurate for detecting aggressive prostate cancer than single measurements. The study analyzed nearly 220,000 men and found a moderate increase in PSA levels with age.
Researchers at CSHL have discovered how Chd5 exerts its beneficial effects by binding to histone H3, preventing cancer initiation and promoting tumor suppression. This finding has important implications for treating diverse human cancers.
Exposure to environmental toxins can cause chronic health problems like respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, and neuropsychiatric disorders in children. Unique risk factors include their small size, developmental stage, and habit of putting things in their mouths.
A recent study found that a third of trials with no statistically significant benefit reported on secondary outcomes to influence results. Two-thirds of trials with serious side-effects under-reported them, particularly when the treatment showed a positive outcome. The authors call for improved reporting guidelines.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology has discovered the role of ELF5 in aggressive breast cancer subtypes and its potential to overcome anti-estrogen therapies. The research suggests that manipulating ELF5 levels could lead to new treatment strategies for breast cancer patients.
A preclinical study found that androgen deprivation therapies may have adverse effects on prostate cancer growth and survival in men with precancerous conditions. The study's results suggest that reducing testosterone levels may encourage indolent tumors to become more aggressive as men age.
Researchers report on the therapeutic potential of microRNAs in cancer therapy and their role as potential biomarkers for early cancer detection. The stability of miRNAs in body fluids makes them suitable for non-invasive malignancy detection methods, offering exciting opportunities for revolutionizing diagnostics and screening.
A new study published in the Journal of Urology found that robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) resulted in decreased estimated blood loss and shorter hospital stays compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC) for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. RARC also showed a trend towards faster return of bowel func...
Researchers found ID proteins essential for retaining glioma-initiating cells in a specific extracellular niche, maintaining their cancer-promoting properties. The study's results suggest ID proteins as potential therapeutic targets for glioma treatment.
Scientists are harnessing big data analytics and genomics to tailor fertility treatments to individual women. Dr. Piraye Yurttas Beim's work at Celmatix Inc. aims to develop non-invasive diagnostic tests to identify genetic drivers of infertility, enabling personalized recommendations for effective treatments.
A recent study found immunohistochemistry to be a reliable and accurate method for detecting ALK rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer. The technique outperformed fluorescence in situ hybridization, which is currently the standard but time-consuming method.
The conference, organized by IRB Barcelona and the BBVA Foundation, brings together experts to discuss the virtues of statistics for biomedical applications and present current state of the discipline. Biostatistics is applied to clinical assays, scrutinizing huge amounts of data and integrating information from diverse sources.
Researchers found that patients with a family history of colorectal cancer are more likely to develop tumors with low-level methylation of LINE-1, a molecular sign associated with an aggressive form of the disease. Testing for this sign may help identify patients in need of aggressive treatment and inform familial cancer-risk assessments.
Researchers have developed a novel method for screening ALK fusions in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) that is sensitive, specific, and economical. The new test offers a high-throughput and cost-effective screening modality compared to existing tests.
A phase 3 trial by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found an experimental drug combination for preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) did not significantly improve outcomes compared to the standard regimen. The treatment had some benefits, including reduced mucositis and faster engraftment, but also increased veno-occlusive disease risk.
The study found that 71% of previously untreated older patients experienced a complete or partial response to ibrutinib treatment. After 22 months of follow-up, the disease had not progressed in 96% of previously untreated patients. Ibrutinib's potential as a highly active, well-tolerated first-line therapy for CLL is promising.
Researchers have found that nanoparticles produced by fungus A. oligospora stimulate the immune system and kill tumors, offering a potential new approach to cancer treatment. The discovery could lead to the development of novel materials for therapeutic applications.