Research on new and better ways to treat cancer. Covers radiotherapy, targeted microdroplets, nerve-injury protection, drug combinations, and tumor models.
The incidence of kidney cancer has risen over the past two decades, with small renal masses accounting for most cases. Despite increased surgeries, mortality rates have not decreased, suggesting that current treatments may not be effective for these slow-growing tumors.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that while more small kidney tumors are being detected and treated, the death rate from kidney cancer is not decreasing. The researchers suggest re-examining treatment strategies for patients with small renal masses, as surgery may not be the best option for everyone.
Researchers found that third-generation aromatase inhibitors increased the survival time for patients with advanced breast cancer. The meta-analysis suggests that these inhibitors should be used as an initial therapy for these patients.
Researchers at Stanford University have found that Gleevec can block the development of disease in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, providing hope for a new treatment. Imatinib inhibits the function of immune cells contributing to RA and also suppresses joint cell proliferation.
Researchers found that patients with tumors producing high levels of VEGF and its receptor benefit most from targeted treatments. The study identified a correlation between tumor mutational analysis, VEGF expression, and treatment response.
Two genes, REG1A and EXTL3, are prognostic markers for colorectal cancer recurrence. REG1A expression levels correlate with disease-free survival, while EXTL3 is a predictor of patient outcome.
A recent study by researchers at UCLA and the University of Oslo suggests that breast discomfort during hormone therapy may be an early warning sign for breast cancer. The findings indicate that women experiencing breast pain or tenderness while on hormone replacement therapy should consult their healthcare provider promptly.
Scientists have found a way to get purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) into the cells of mice lacking the enzyme, which could lead to a treatment for individuals with PNP deficiency. The PTD-PNP fusion protein corrected most immune defects in Pnp-deficient mice.
A new study shows MRI is better than MDCT for determining breast cancer's intraductal component, allowing surgeons to achieve a cancer-free surgical margin. MRI correctly identified 33 of 44 cases with an intraductal component, outperforming MDCT in sensitivity and underestimation accuracy.
Researchers found that TRAIL can enhance hepatocyte cell death initiated by signaling through Fas, potentially leading to liver damage. The study has important clinical implications as liver cells expressing Fas are present during inflammation.
Researchers have combined two therapies to enhance the immune system's response against brain tumors. The treatment, called dendritic cell-interleukin-23, promotes the function of dendritic cells and memory T-cells, providing initial and long-term immunity.
Researchers identify small synthetic molecule PAC-1 that directly activates procaspase-3 and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. This discovery offers a promising approach for personalized anti-cancer therapy by bypassing the broken signaling pathway in cancer cells.
Researchers found that men with lower PSA levels after seven months of hormone therapy had a longer survival rate. Patients with undetectable or low PSA levels lived up to 75 months, while those with higher PSA levels survived for 13 months.
A survey of adult cancer survivors found that over 12% reported suicidal thoughts or previous attempts many years after treatment. Factors associated with more suicidal symptoms included younger age, radiation treatments, and physical health issues.
Researchers found that infusing patients with low-dose ethanol, morphine or ketoconazole before and after surgery significantly reduced the incidence of pneumonia from 39% to 5.7%. The treatment also shortened ICU stay by 9 days in alcoholic patients undergoing aerodigestive tract surgery.
A new study reveals that racial disparities in cancer outcomes may be attributed to problems in doctor-patient communication. African-American patients tend to receive less information and are less actively involved in their medical decisions, leading to potential negative impacts on care.
A study by Stefania Galletti and her team has identified a plant-based source of the anti-cancer compound glucobrassicin, which has shown effectiveness against breast cancer. The researchers found that wounding leaves can increase levels of glucobrassicin, highlighting its potential as a natural defense mechanism.
A $14.6 million NIH grant will fund an international, multidisciplinary effort to leverage recent genetic discoveries into possible treatments for AMD. The investigation aims to explore the role of complement factor H and factor B genes in the immune system and develop diagnostic tools and treatments.
A study published by the University of Kentucky found that smokers with chronic pain tend to smoke at higher rates than those without pain. However, over half of these smokers are considering quitting. The research suggests that addressing smoking cessation as part of pain management could lead to improved health outcomes.
A single gene, BRIT1, plays a pivotal role in launching two DNA damage detection and repair pathways, suggesting its function as a previously unidentified tumor suppressor gene. The gene is under-expressed in human ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer cell lines, and its disruption leads to genomic instability.
A Hopkins study shows that combining curcumin and quercetin greatly reduces the size and number of colorectal polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. The average number of polyps dropped 60.4 percent, and the average size dropped by 50.9 percent.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have engineered a modified measles virus that specifically targets and kills cancer cells by recognizing unique protein secretions. This breakthrough enhances the safety and effectiveness of oncolytic virotherapy, reducing the risk of unintended infections while improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that patients with chronic widespread pain have significantly lower levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 compared to healthy controls. These findings may contribute to the development of new diagnostic tools and treatment approaches for chronic widespread pain.
A review of 70 studies found insufficient evidence to support complementary and alternative therapies for menopause-related symptoms. The studies showed mixed results, with some individual treatments suggesting benefits but overall quality and quantity of data was not sufficient to recommend any treatment.
A Chinese man's use of Longdan Xieganwan led to the development of bladder tumors and eventual kidney failure. The herb contains aristolochic acid, which has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer. Doctors highlight the dangers of unregulated herbal therapy and emphasize the need for regulation.
A meta-analysis of 59 trials found little evidence that diet affects cancer survival or prognosis, while a study on garlic and vitamin supplements showed no benefit in reducing precancerous gastric lesions to cancer. Long-term use of vitamins and garlic supplements had no effect on gastric cancer incidence.
A recent US study found that women with obesity have a significantly higher risk of death compared to those with normal weight. The study, which analyzed data from 90,185 women over seven years, showed that the risk of death increases substantially with increasing weight categories.
A study by USC researchers identified a protein called EphB4 that protects tumor cells from the immune system. Turning off this protein could make cancer cells more vulnerable to attack, and future therapies may aim to block its function.
A study by Thomas Denberg and colleagues found that fear, misconceptions, and anecdotal information significantly influence men's treatment decisions. Despite receiving health information, patients often struggle with recalling risks and benefits, leading to poor treatment choices.
A study across 5 Norwegian departments found that anti-TNF treatments worked better in patients with PsA and AS compared to RA. The combination of anti-TNF and MTX was shown to improve adherence and outcomes in these groups, while monotherapy was more effective for RA patients.
A study by Vahakn B. Shahinian and colleagues found that urologist input significantly influences the use of hormone therapy for prostate cancer patients, with up to 21% of variance attributed to their decisions. This suggests that urologists can be targeted for interventions to modify treatment recommendations.
The new technology allows for standardized, electronic reports after surgeries, improving data analysis and patient outcomes. It has been adopted by the Alberta Cancer Board and other health regions, tracking surgical effectiveness and resource allocation.
CS-Keys, a new company formed by Indiana University faculty, is developing an early diagnostic tool for breast cancer using a biomarker that distinguishes healthy cells from cancerous cells. The technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes, making it easier to detect cancer in its earliest stages.
A new 'roulette wheel' tool can help patients visualize the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening, allowing them to make more informed decisions. The tool presents probabilities in a clear and accessible way, helping patients weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
Researchers report improved survival rates with RP101, a novel compound being investigated as a potential therapeutic for advanced pancreatic cancer. In two studies, patients showed significant improvements in median survival and time to progression, offering hope for patients affected by the disease.
The study found that the average time to disease progression was approximately eight months for patients taking dexamethasone alone, while those on the Thal/Dex regimen had an average progression time exceeding 17 months. Researchers also reported more frequent side effects with the combination therapy.
The 2nd IOF Women Leaders Roundtable emphasizes the need for global awareness and action on osteoporosis. The participants urge individuals to engage in bone-friendly lifestyles and healthcare professionals to improve their knowledge about osteoporosis, while governments are encouraged to recognize it as a health priority.
The ASCO and ESMO have released a consensus statement outlining 10 essential components of quality cancer care, aiming to address inequalities in healthcare systems worldwide. The document highlights the importance of informed consent, multidisciplinary care teams, and access to innovative treatments for patients diagnosed with cancer.
A study in Queensland, Australia found that Indigenous patients had lower survival rates and fewer cases of early-stage cancer compared to non-Indigenous patients. The researchers highlight the need for holistic and culturally respectful approaches to address these disparities.
A recent study found that patients with genital HSV-2 infection who knew they had the virus and informed their partners were about half as likely to transmit the virus. The study suggests testing and disclosure as effective tools to prevent HSV-2 transmission, along with suppressive antiviral therapy and condom use.
Researchers have identified new biomarkers that correlate with patient response to anti-TNFá therapy, improving the treatment of spondylarthritis. The study found changes in synovial tissue features, such as macrophage and PMN cell changes, associated with disease activity and treatment effectiveness.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have made significant progress in developing RNAi gene therapy, a promising approach to treating organ-wide diseases. However, they also encountered unexpected side effects, including liver toxicity in mice, which hindered their progress. Despite this setback, the team was able to o...
Researchers found that men with the same hemoglobin levels before treatment experienced significantly different overall and progression-free survival depending on whether they were black or white. Anemic blacks fare worse than anemic whites, while blacks with high baseline hemoglobin fare better.
Research presented at Digestive Disease Week 2006 highlights current trends and advancements in GI cancers, clinical studies, and lifestyle choices. The meeting showcases more than 5,000 abstracts on the latest advances in GI research, medicine, and technology.
Researchers found that women who gained more than 60 pounds during adulthood were almost twice as likely to have ductal type tumors and more than 1.5 times more likely to have lobular type cancers. The risk for metastatic disease increased with weight gain, particularly among those who gained over 60 pounds.
Researchers at Stanford University have uncovered a novel mechanism of the tumor suppressor ING2, which regulates gene expression programs to prevent cancer formation. The findings highlight a new approach to understanding DNA damage responses in normal cells and potential therapeutic targets for cancer prevention and treatment.
A new study from the University of Michigan finds that patients often struggle to access reliable medical information online. Librarians play a crucial role in helping patients find quality resources, providing expertise and accessing specialized databases not available to the general public.
A new professorship in melanoma research has been established at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, Alberta. The endowment fund, valued at $1 million, will support long-term commitment to researching key pathways in melanoma development that could lead to potential targets for prevention and therapy.
A study of 403 premenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer found that increased Pak1 expression correlates with reduced sensitivity to tamoxifen therapy, leading to decreased survival rates. Researchers suggest targeting Pak1 as a potential strategy to improve treatment response in breast cancer.
In-vivo gene therapy has successfully restored immune function in three out of four dogs treated for XSCID. The treatment approach eliminates the need for ex-vivo cell manipulation and culture, potentially reducing adverse side effects and improving long-term efficacy.
Researchers discovered a novel compound, PI-103, that cooperatively inhibits both p110α subunit of PI3 kinase and downstream molecule mTOR. This dual inhibition shows high effectiveness against human gliomas in mice without toxicity.
Researchers have developed a completely penetrant mouse model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, recapitulating the human disease at both pathological and molecular levels. The model enables testing of combinations of targeted therapies and prevention approaches for HNSCC.
Researchers have discovered that C-myc, known as an oncogene, acts downstream of IL-15 signaling to regulate T memory cell homeostasis. This finding has implications for future therapies and highlights the importance of preserving a gene's role in normal processes.
A new study by Fox Chase Cancer Center reveals specific defects in RNA translation underlie a progressive disease called dyskeratosis congenita, linked to anemia, immune deficiency, cancer, and premature aging. The research highlights the importance of proteomic analysis and potential therapeutic targets for developing treatments.
Researchers found that follow-up PET scans showed persistent tumor activity in seven out of eleven RFA treatments. This suggests that FDG-PET is a more accurate method for evaluating tumor destruction than CT alone.
A recent mouse study led by the Salk Institute has discovered that healthy copies of the IL2RG gene used in X-linked severe combined immune deficiency (X-SCID) gene therapy can promote cancer development. One-third of mice treated with the gene developed lymphoma later in life.
A study of 797 breast cancer survivors found that only 33% received a mammogram each year over the five years after treatment. Regular mammography for breast cancer survivors declines steadily within five years of treatment, highlighting the need to increase awareness among healthcare providers and patients.
A national survey of 954 adults found that 44.7% of African-Americans and 33.5% of whites reported low trust in healthcare providers. Understanding these differences can help physicians improve trust and medical care for diverse patient communities.
Researchers have made progress toward a new form of light-activated gene therapy for cartilage repair, which is safe and compatible with existing surgical techniques. The therapy uses UV light to target specific cells and promote tissue growth, offering hope for treating knee injuries and potentially other conditions.
Researchers identified an intrinsic pathway involving PTEN that regulates stem cell transitions between quiescence and activity. Disrupting PTEN leads to increased active cycling and loss of quiescent stem cells, hindering long-term maintenance.