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Kessler Foundation scientist to explore effects of transcutaneous spinal stimulation's impact on motor recovery in traumatic brain injury

A four-year study funded by a $2.5 million grant will investigate the impact of spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation combined with gait training on motor recovery in individuals with traumatic brain injury. The research aims to improve clinical treatment strategies and decision-making for improved gait and functional recovery.

SourceKessler Foundation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 30, 2024

New study shows combination therapy slows cognitive decline in at-risk populations

A new study led by CAMH shows that a combination of therapies can slow cognitive decline in older adults with conditions increasing the risk of dementia. Participants receiving Cognitive Remediation plus transcranial direct current stimulation experienced slower cognitive decline compared to those receiving a control intervention.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 30, 2024

New addition to standard-of-care treatments for non-small-cell lung cancer patients has potential to increase progression-free survival

Researchers developed a mathematical model predicting enhanced survival outcomes for NSCLC patients with novel treatment combinations. The model neutralizes the negative effects of miR-155, boosting standard-of-care treatments like cisplatin and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2024

Work should focus on safety and wellbeing for everyone, experts say

A special issue of WORK Journal explores the importance of designing healthy workplaces that address musculoskeletal conditions, burnout, and chronic pain. The issue highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach integrating medical, psychological, and occupational therapies to prevent work-related illness and injury.

SourceIOS Press·JournalWork·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2024

The mechanism behind melanoma resistance to treatment

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a factor secreted by tumor cells that impeds the effectiveness of therapies. The POSTN gene plays an important role in resistant tumors and triggers resistance through its interaction with immune cells, particularly macrophages.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

Innovative combination therapy shows promise for bladder cancer patients unresponsive to standard treatment

A novel combination of oncolytic virus and immune checkpoint inhibitor has shown remarkable efficacy in treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, with a complete response rate of 57.1% at 12 months. The therapy demonstrated durable responses, with a median duration of response not yet reached after a median follow-up of 26.5 months.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 6, 2024

PKMYT1, a potential ‘Achilles heel’ of treatment resistant ER+ breast cancers with the poorest prognosis

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified PKMYT1, a protein kinase associated with resistance to endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitors in ER+ breast cancers. The study found that combining a PKMYT1 inhibitor with chemotherapy drug gemcitabine selectively reduced the viability of resistant cancer cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2024

Exploring the impact of pancreatic enzyme therapy in pediatric pancreatitis: a leap toward personalized medicine

A retrospective cohort study found that PERT significantly reduced the incidence of acute pancreatitis episodes among children with recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. The study also identified genetic markers, such as SPINK1 mutation, that influence treatment outcomes and suggest a tailored approach to patient care.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalThe American Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 27, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal article unveils metabolic strategies to enhance CAR-T cell therapy

Researchers unveil innovative strategies to overcome metabolic constraints in CAR-T cell therapy, aiming to boost its efficacy in treating solid tumors. Metabolic interventions targeting immunosuppressive metabolites, metabolite uptake, and mitochondrial metabolism are proposed to enhance anti-tumor activity.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 26, 2024

An immunotherapy to overcome resistant leukemia

Researchers have discovered a new immunotherapy approach to overcome resistant leukemia by targeting the mutated TP53 gene. Combining pharmacological therapies with genetically engineered CAR T-cells increases effectiveness against cancer cells, offering promising strategies for patients with resistant disease.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

DNA origami-based vaccines toward safe and highly-effective precision cancer immunotherapy

A new DNA origami platform, DoriVac, enables precise spacing of adjuvant molecules and a variety of antigens to enhance anti-tumor responses. The vaccine demonstrated enhanced efficacy in controlling tumor growth and prolonging survival in mice, synergizing with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

Research reveals promising approach to enhance treatment for sleep apnea-related issues

A groundbreaking study found that combining partial normoxic recovery with senolytic Navitoclax significantly reduced sleepiness and improved cognitive function in mice with OSA. This suggests targeting accelerated senescence may be a promising avenue for improving treatment outcomes.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 3, 2024

Studies help explain why some prostate cancers become resistant to hormone therapy

Two studies led by UCLA researchers reveal how cancer cells use energy to survive and grow, shedding light on why some prostate cancers become resistant to hormone therapy. The findings highlight the importance of considering cell metabolism in developing new cancer treatments, particularly those targeting the androgen receptor.

Immune system plays vital role in longer multiple myeloma remission

Researchers found that patients' immune systems play a vital role in determining the duration of remission from multiple myeloma. Sustained minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity is associated with prolonged survival, with patients achieving MRD negativity for at least two years remaining free from multiple myeloma 10 years later.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 2023

Remission from HIV-1 infection: discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies that contribute to virus control

Researchers have identified a family of broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the HIV-1 envelope protein, which may contribute to long-term remission from infection. These antibodies were found to induce the elimination of infected cells and impose a selective pressure on the virus, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 8, 2023

New study suggests combination therapy to prevent resistance to treatment in hormone responsive metastatic breast cancer patients

A new study led by Sandra Casimiro and Luís Costa found a promising molecular target, the RANK signaling pathway, that could be used in combination with standard care to avoid resistance to treatment in metastatic breast cancer. High levels of RANK in cancer cells are associated with resistance to treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Menopausal hormone therapy linked to increased rate of dementia

A large Danish study found that use of menopausal hormone therapy is associated with an increased rate of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study revealed a significant increase in dementia risk among women who received treatment at the age of 55 years or younger, even for short-term users.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2023

HKUMed establishes the first platform to slash time engineering and selecting the best precise genome editors for applications

A research team from HKUMed has developed a new platform to rapidly engineer and select the best precise genome editors for therapeutic applications. The platform allows for parallel testing of hundreds of base editor variants, enabling the selection of the most suitable ones with maximal efficiency and minimal undesired edits.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalCell Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

Study at University Hospital Bonn improves prediction of therapy response in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Researchers at University Hospital Bonn have developed a new approach to predict therapy response in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma by incorporating two simple blood parameters, CRP and albumin. This method improves the prediction of treatment response, especially in patients with disease control in the first follow-up.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 22, 2023

Can conventional speech therapy combined with singing address voice problems in individuals with Parkinson’s disease?

A new study found that combining conventional speech therapy with singing can improve voice problems in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The tele-rehabilitation program showed significant improvements in voice intensity and Voice Handicap Index scores, suggesting a more effective treatment approach.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Language & Communication Disorders·DateJun 7, 2023

Gene therapy rescues hearing for the first time in aged mouse models

Researchers successfully demonstrate AAV vector efficacy in aged animal models, showing robust hearing rescue in mice with a mutation equivalent to a defective human gene. The study suggests that virally mediated gene therapy could potentially treat genetic hearing loss, especially for patients diagnosed at advanced age.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2023

Novel gene-editing strategy leverages unusual genetic alteration to block HIV spread in cells

Scientists at Temple University have developed a novel gene-editing strategy that disrupts the ability of HIV-1 virus to enter host cells by targeting a rare genetic disorder. This approach may offer another target for developing next-generation CRISPR technology for HIV elimination, while avoiding adverse effects on cell mortality.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·DateMay 19, 2023

Combination therapy overcomes BET inhibitor resistance

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed a novel combination therapy approach that uses both BET and GSK3 inhibitors against KMT2A mutated leukemia, overcoming drug resistance without increasing toxicity. The approach was confirmed in cell lines and xenograft mouse models, and holds promise for further development.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Mission to beat rare cancers

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf developed a new strategy to increase target molecules for radionuclide therapy in pheochromocytoma tumors, delaying tumor growth. The combination of valproic acid and decitabine prior to therapy doubled the radiation dose absorbed by the tumor.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalTheranostics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

What is clinically meaningful to slow Alzheimer’s progression?

The work group reframed what is clinically meaningful to slow Alzheimer's disease progression, including the need for combination therapies and realistic expectations of benefits and risks. Slowing brain deterioration by four to six months in early stages may preserve function, leading to meaningful outcomes for patients and families.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateFeb 7, 2023

American College of Physicians recommends cognitive behavioral therapy or second-generation antidepressants for adults with major depressive disorder

The American College of Physicians recommends using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or second-generation antidepressants as initial treatment for adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The guideline also suggests considering combination therapy and discussing patient preferences when selecting a treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 23, 2023