Research on new and better ways to treat cancer. Covers radiotherapy, targeted microdroplets, nerve-injury protection, drug combinations, and tumor models.
A study found that men with prostate cancer who are in a relationship report better mental health, greater spirituality, and fewer urinary symptoms. The researchers conclude that clinicians should address coping mechanisms to encourage the benefits of partnership and mitigate the negative effects of being single.
A study examined the effect of SEROQUEL on cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia, showing improved overall cognition. Another analysis found that patients taking atypical antipsychotics had better treatment compliance compared to those taking conventional antipsychotics.
Prostate cancer patients who have a spouse or partner report lower levels of depression and emotional distress. Support groups can also benefit single men in improving their quality of life.
Researchers found prostate cancer in 45% of high-risk men, including those with low PSA levels. The study's findings challenge traditional screening guidelines and suggest more aggressive screening for these individuals.
A recent study at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that doctors and patients have differing perceptions of clinical trial participation. While both groups agree that clinical trials are crucial for improving cancer treatment, patients are more likely to cite fear of side effects as a barrier to participation.
Sebastian Nijman's research reveals the molecular mechanism underlying cylindromatosis, a rare genetic condition causing skin tumors. The study also identifies a key protein in Fanconi anaemia, a form of inherited cancer, and finds potential treatment through inhibition of NF-kappa B signalling route.
A study led by Daniel W. Cramer found that high blood levels of antibodies against MUC1 protein are associated with lower incidence of ovarian cancer. These events include bone fractures and gynecological surgeries, suggesting a potential link between immune system activation and cancer protection.
Low-grade DCIS lesions can evolve to invasive breast cancer within 15 years of diagnosis, with a regional risk and high mortality rate. The study found that 30% of women with untreated low-grade DCIS developed invasive breast cancer in the same breast within 15 years.
A study published in JAMA Network found that men with low-grade prostate cancer have a small risk of progression even after 20 years of observation or androgen withdrawal therapy. The results suggest that localized, low-grade prostate cancer patients may not require aggressive treatment.
Researchers identified 18 genes that predict which patients will respond to Hepatitis C treatment, offering a potential simple blood test for early diagnosis. The study found that these genes are key to the body's ability to eliminate the virus.
A study of 717,000 postmenopausal women found that oestrogen-only HRT and tibolone increase the risk of womb cancer, while combined HRT does not. The risk also varies according to bodyweight and is reduced in obese women
Georgetown University is helping create a national cancer biomedical informatics grid to link research centers in real time, sharing data and results more rapidly. The $20 million grant aims to improve cancer research and treatment through the adoption of common research tools.
Researchers found that selenium metabolite methylseleninic acid (MSA) enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells, providing a potential novel therapeutic strategy. The study suggests that the combination of TRAIL and MSA may be effective in targeting apoptosis-resistant forms of prostate cancer.
A large cohort study found that high consumption of processed meats was associated with a significant increase in pancreatic cancer risk. The study, which followed over 190,000 participants, suggests that chemical reactions during meat preparation may be responsible for this link.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that reducing BRCC36 expression by 80 percent increases the number of breast cancer cells killed by radiation. This discovery holds promise for future breast cancer treatments, targeting radiation-resistant cancer cells.
Researchers say virtual colonoscopy may be the answer to improving screening rates for colorectal cancer. The non-invasive test is highly sensitive and specific, while also being convenient and cost-effective, with minimal risk of side effects.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have developed a non-invasive test to monitor kidney cancer patients by analyzing DNA methylation patterns in urine samples. The test, called methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can detect even a few cancer cells among healthy cells with high specificity.
A team of researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno has developed a proton beam with 100 times higher quality than conventional particle accelerators, fitting on a tabletop. This breakthrough technology could enable precise treatment for cancers previously untreatable, such as those in the head region.
A novel monoclonal antibody targeting S1P has shown promising results in eliminating cancerous tumors in some cases. The therapy not only blocks the effects of S1P on cancer cells but also prevents tumor angiogenesis, a key factor in tumor growth.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered a chocolate compound that stops cancer cell cycles in lab experiments. The compound, pentamer, deactivates tumor suppressor genes and proteins involved in regulating the cell cycle, preventing cancer cells from dividing.
Researchers at Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research found that Smad7 protein levels may predict therapy response to 2-ME compound. The study suggests that artificially lowering Smad7 levels in prostate cancer cells reduces the compound's ability to cause cell death, leading to potential breakthroughs in personalized cancer treatment.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment that uses a chemical to prevent PARP repair, making recombination essential for cancer cell growth. This approach shows promise as a potential breakthrough for women with hereditary breast cancer.
Researchers developed nanoshells that can detect breast cancer biomarkers and destroy cancer cells using near-infrared light absorption. This combined imaging and therapy method offers a faster and less expensive alternative to existing medical imaging techniques.
Researchers at Boston University have discovered a new gene, STAT6(B), that regulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and affects TNF-alpha levels. This finding offers new opportunities for treating cancer and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.
Researchers found that sociocultural and racial factors independently predicted treatment patterns in early-stage prostate cancer. Married men were more likely to receive curative treatment than unmarried men, regardless of ethnicity.
Scientists have identified two populations of immune cells in the liver that can cause scarring and break it down. This discovery may lead to future treatments for liver damage and cirrhosis, a condition that affects more women in the UK than cervical cancer.
Researchers discovered that targeting mutant B-Raf protein can prevent the spread of melanoma and halt tumor growth. Lowering mutant B-Raf activity reduced melanoma development in human cells, providing a potential breakthrough for treating this aggressive form of skin cancer.
HHMI has tapped two Long Island researchers, Scott Lowe and Gregory Hannon, as among the nation's most promising scientists. The Institute is investing over $300 million in their research over the next seven years.
A study analyzed data from over 7,300 people infected with HIV and found that HAART treatment can lower the risk of Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, no significant reduction in risk was observed for other types of cancer. Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer among people with HIV.
Researchers at Newcastle University tested a cancer virotherapy on two patients with advanced melanoma, finding no systemic toxic effects. The administration of CVA21 virus directly into cancerous tumors was well-tolerated and showed promise in controlling the spread of melanoma.
Researchers discovered that DJ-1 negatively regulates PTEN function, suggesting a potential link between high DJ-1 levels and enhanced cancer cell survival. Elevated DJ-1 levels were associated with poor prognosis in lung cancer patients and may serve as a prognostic marker for cancer patients.
Researchers investigated polo like kinase-1 (PLK-1) siRNA in mice with bladder cancer, finding that intravesical administration of the inhibitor reduced cell proliferation and killed cancer cells. PLK-1 siRNA also prevented growth of bladder cancer in mouse models.
Researchers develop small interfering RNA technology to silence a gene involved in cancer progression, reducing cell proliferation and killing cancer cells. Additionally, inhibiting stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 decreases body fat and prevents obesity, validating SCD1 as a potential target for pharmacological intervention.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that completely cures Crigler-Najjar syndrome, a liver disease, in rats using a specially designed adenovirus. The treatment has no long-term effect and poses no risk of cancer, making it a promising approach for treating other diseases with similar genetic deficiencies.
Researchers found high quantities of the L1 protein, typically found in nerve cells, exclusively in aggressive and invasive front of colon cancer tumors. The discovery may lead to novel ways of diagnosing colon cancer and developing its therapy, as L1 plays a crucial role in tumor cell motility and invasion.
A new study found that colorectal cancer screening strategies had similar participation rates, regardless of the screening method offered. Tamoxifen use was also associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women.
Researchers found BDNF is as effective as VEGF in inducing growth of tiny blood vessels in organs with TrkB-expressing cells. It recruits blood stem cells that contribute to neo-angiogenesis, providing a novel therapeutic protein for organ-specific angiogenesis.
Research found that hormone therapy for prostate cancer can lead to temporary declines in visual memory and recognition speed. However, cognitive function appears to be well preserved despite these changes.
New studies suggest that blocking estrogen may be essential to slowing the spread of lung cancer. Researchers found that a combination therapy targeting both estrogen and epidermal growth factor receptors resulted in a 59% tumor volume decrease.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that older doctors are less likely to follow current medical standards, with declining performance over time. The findings suggest that quality improvement interventions targeting all physicians, including those who have trained recently, may be necessary to update knowledge and tools.
A mouse model of leukemia reveals a causal link between Shp2 mutations and leukemia, pointing to these mutants as attractive therapeutic targets. The study's findings suggest that current treatments are often ineffective and highlight the need for clinical trials of Ras/Mek inhibitors.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded four faculty members from Minority-Serving Institutions for their meritorious work in basic, clinical, or translational cancer research. The awardees attended special conferences focused on oncogenesis and oncogenomics.
Researchers have developed a zebrafish model that shows human BRAF mutations can induce dramatic black pigmentation and aggressive melanomas. The study also found that p53 deficiency is crucial for melanoma development, providing new insights into melanoma genetics and drug development.
A new study published in PNAS demonstrates a gene therapy technique that targets and destroys cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. The technique exploits specific molecules found in cancer cells, allowing it to selectively kill tumors such as prostate, ovarian, breast, brain, and skin cancers.
Researchers have identified integrin [alpha]v[beta]6 as a key risk factor for developing early-stage colorectal cancer. The molecule's high levels are also predictive of patient survival, with low expression associated with better outcomes.
A new technique allows for successful cord blood transplants in high-risk acute and chronic leukemia patients, with disease-free survival rates of 57% at one year. The study's findings offer hope to thousands more patients who were previously ineligible due to lack of suitable donor units.
The study identified specific characteristics of tissues removed during surgery as risk factors for endometrial cancer recurrence. Approximately one-third of patients with endometrial cancer in the US may benefit from enrollment in clinical trials addressing new treatment approaches.
The Chicago Biomedical Consortium has awarded a $1.5 million grant to the University of Illinois Chicago for its Proteomics/Bioinformatics Demonstration Project. This project will utilize advanced technology, including a Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometer, to study proteins and their interactions.
A study of physicians' experiences with religious conflicts in medicine found that certain cases can push doctors over the threshold towards negotiation and persuasion. Doctors described strategies such as encouraging prayer as an adjunct to medicine or appealing to the patient's religious community to navigate these tensions.
Pegylated interferon-alpha shows promise in treating chronic hepatitis B infection, with higher sustained viral response rates compared to monotherapy. The study highlights the importance of hepatitis B virus genotype as a predictor of treatment response.
A study published in Cancer Research found that BPA exposure can lead to increased cancer cell growth in prostate cancer cells with mutated androgen receptors. This discovery has implications for men diagnosed with BPA-susceptible mutations, who may be at higher risk of cancer progression.
Researchers discovered three proteins, HIRA, ASF1a, and PML, that contribute to the formation of senescence-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHF), which silences genes promoting cell growth. This finding may lead to new cancer treatments and a better understanding of human aging.
The American Association for Cancer Research and The V Foundation are awarding $600,000 in grants to four cancer research teams, led by top scientists, to accelerate progress against cancer. The grants will support translational research projects that aim to improve survival and quality of life for patients.
Researchers have developed a new mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare form of childhood blindness. The model, which lacks the AIPL1 gene, closely mimics the inherited human disease and shows severe retinal degeneration starting around two weeks of life.
Researchers found that celecoxib reduced estrogen receptor expression by an average of 9% after six months of treatment. This finding confirms celecoxib's antiproliferative properties and suggests a new potential therapeutic approach for breast cancer prevention.
Research found a high correlation between tumor responses based on tumor density and biologic changes in gastrointestinal tract tumors. Monitoring only tumor size to judge treatment effectiveness proved unreliable, highlighting the need to evaluate biologic changes as well.
A study of 109 patients found that combining MRI and ultrasound can significantly improve quality of life scores for women with uterine fibroids. The procedure is completely non-invasive and safe, with few side effects.
A study found that the renin-angiotensin system may be associated with physical function in older adults, and that ACE gene variants can affect exercise response. Additionally, researchers discovered a potential link between this system and cognitive impairment, suggesting new avenues for intervention.
A recent study found that combining ultrasound with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) therapy significantly improves outcomes for patients suffering from ischemic strokes. The results show a 49% increase in dramatic clinical improvement and significant blockage reduction compared to traditional t-PA treatment alone.
A study of over 1,200 men who have sex with men found a 57% prevalence rate of anal HPV infection, which did not change with age or city. High-risk HPV types were present in 26% of infected men, suggesting a high risk for anal cancer.