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Physical activity linked to reduced mortality in breast and colon cancer patients

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that physical activity is associated with reduced mortality in breast and colon cancer patients. The research suggests that exercise may provide benefits such as improved insulin levels, reduced inflammation, and enhanced immunity for cancer survivors.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 8, 2012

Equal access to care helps close survival gap for young African-American cancer patients

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found no significant difference in survival rates between African-American and white children treated for virtually all cancers during a 15-year period. The study suggests equal access to comprehensive treatment translates into equally good outcomes, closing the racial survival gap.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 30, 2012

Opioids effective in relieving severe shortness of breath in COPD patients

A Canadian study found opioids significantly improved the quality of life and relief from shortness of breath for advanced COPD patients. However, physicians were hesitant due to lack of guidance, fear of respiratory suppression, and concerns about censure. Innovative educational initiatives may help bridge this gap in care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 23, 2012

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute announces breakthrough for degenerative vision disorder

Researchers at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute have developed a novel gene therapy to treat Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), an inherited genetic defect that causes rapid vision loss. The treatment successfully replaces mutated genes with healthy ones, restoring visual function in experimental models.

SourceBascom Palmer Eye Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2012

Swallowing exercises can help patients with head and neck cancer

A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery suggests that targeted swallowing exercises can alleviate debilitating side effects in people undergoing chemoradiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Patients who performed five targeted swallowing exercises throughout their CRT showed significantly better scores...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateApr 19, 2012

Diagnostic yield of colonoscopy for melena after nondiagnostic upper endoscopy is lower than previously reported

A study found the diagnostic yield of colonoscopy for melena after a nondiagnostic upper endoscopy to be 4.8 percent, significantly lower than previously reported. The rate of therapeutic intervention was also very low at 1.7 percent, suggesting that most procedures are diagnostic-only and can be performed on an elective basis.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateApr 17, 2012

Therapy exploits 'addiction' of leukemia cells

Researchers identify non-classical oncogenes critical for leukemia cell survival and develop a strategy targeting these molecules, potentially reducing toxicity of current treatments. Dual inhibition of PI3K subtypes supports cancer cell death in mice and human tumor cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 16, 2012

Androgen suppression

A new mathematical model predicts optimal treatment length for prostate cancer patients to delay resistance, allowing clinicians to tailor therapy effectively. Intermittent androgen suppression therapy reduces side effects and improves patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateMar 27, 2012

Keeping track to selenium metabolism

Scientists have developed a new method for studying selenium metabolism in living organisms, which could help clarify the element's potential anti-tumor properties. The technique uses enriched stable isotopes to track selenium concentrations in biological tissues and fluids, revealing its presence and behavior in the body.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateMar 21, 2012

Trudeau Institute announces latest discovery

A study by the Trudeau Institute has identified key mechanisms in controlling gamma-herpesvirus infections and their implications for treating and preventing cancer. Researchers found that immune responses differ between initial active phase and long-term latent infection phases.

SourceTrudeau Institute·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMar 12, 2012

Study shows cognitive behavioral therapy is a safe and effective treatment for women having hot flushes and night sweats following breast cancer treatment

A new study published in The Lancet Oncology shows that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) significantly reduces hot flushes and night sweats in women after breast cancer treatment. CBT improves symptoms by 46-52% compared to usual care, with sustained benefits at 26 weeks.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateFeb 14, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 13, 2012

Researchers have discovered a new way to enhance trastuzumab treatment in HER2-positive breast cancer patients by stimulating natural killer cells. Additionally, the activation of FoxO1 has been linked to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy, offering a promising therapeutic target. Leptin's direct action on POMC neurons may also...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 13, 2012

A thought-provoking new therapeutic target for brain cancer?

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor resistant to current therapies. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, have identified PDGFR-alpha and SULF2 as potential therapeutic targets for GBM treatment. Knocking down SULF2 expression decreased cell growth in human GBM cell lines.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2012

Need an excuse to get a massage? Study shows it reduces inflammation following strenuous exercise

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that massage reduces inflammation and promotes the growth of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle after intense exercise. The research provides evidence that massage could be a valuable treatment option for individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases or musculoskeletal injuries.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2012