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Inside the jellyfish’s sting: Exploring the micro-architecture of a cellular weapon

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have developed a precise model for the stinging organelle of the starlet sea anemone, revealing its complex architecture and firing mechanism. The findings could lead to beneficial applications in medicine, including microscopic therapeutic delivery devices.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2022

JNCCN: Mismatch in breast cancer trial results and real-world outcomes based on treatment discontinuation

A population-based study found that patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who experienced hot flashes while on adjuvant hormone therapy had worse outcomes and a higher risk of early treatment discontinuation. The study suggests that managing side effects may not be enough to prevent treatment discontinuation, highlight...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2022

“Masked” cancer drug sneaks through body to deliver anti-tumor treatment with fewer side effects

Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have developed a version of interleukin-12 that is activated only when it reaches a tumor, reducing side effects. The new 'masked' molecule has shown promising results in eliminating cancer cells and outperforming existing immune therapies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 1, 2022

Treatment for Myelodysplastic syndrome by hypomethylating agents (HMA) may activate an oncogene

Research found that hypomethylating agents (HMAs) activated the oncofetal protein SALL4 in up to 40% of patients with MDS, resulting in poor patient survival. This activation is linked to demethylation and upregulation of oncogenes, suggesting a need for additional combination therapy.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

Penn Medicine study reveals imaging approach with potential to detect lung cancer earlier, at the cellular level

Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed an imaging agent that detects cancer cells in real-time during biopsies, offering promise for earlier and more accurate diagnoses. The technology, known as NIR-nCLE, uses a combination of near-infrared tracers and confocal laser endomicroscopy to identify microscopic cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

Drug treatment for cataracts moves a step closer

A team of scientists led by Professor Barbara Pierscionek has made significant progress in developing an anti-cataract drug. Lab trials showed improvement in refractive index profiles and lens opacity in 61% and 46% of cases, respectively.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2022

First mutation-targeted bladder cancer drug may be under-used

A recent study analyzed a large database of bladder cancer patients and found that fewer than half had been tested for the relevant gene mutation or received erdafitinib treatment, despite its proven efficacy. The research highlights significant barriers to treatment, including obstacles in testing and education for healthcare providers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

Designer neurons offer new hope for treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Researchers have developed a process to convert non-neuronal cells into functioning neurons that can take up residence in the brain and restore capacities undermined by Parkinson's destruction of dopaminergic cells. In a proof-of-concept study, one group of experimentally engineered cells performs optimally in terms of survival, growth...

SourceArizona State University·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Recurring brain tumor growth is halted with new drug

A new drug called abemaciclib has been shown to halt the growth of recurring brain tumors in patients with aggressive meningiomas. The treatment targets a common molecular pathway that enables cells to divide rapidly and come back after surgery, allowing researchers to predict recurrence more accurately.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Moffitt researchers identify key factors impacting adaptive therapy

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute have identified key factors impacting the effectiveness of adaptive therapy in cancer treatment. The study found that spatial organization and competition between drug-resistant cells play a crucial role in determining the success of adaptive therapy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 9, 2022

“Digital twins” – an aid to give individual patients the right treatment at the right time

A team of international researchers created digital models of disease interactions to identify key proteins and signaling cascades in seasonal allergies. They found that inhibiting PDGF-BB protein was more effective than existing treatments, suggesting a potential breakthrough in personalized medicine.

SourceLinköping University·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 6, 2022

Patient-derived micro-organospheres enable cutting-edge precision oncology

Researchers developed a droplet-based microfluidic technology to produce micro-organospheres from cancer patient biopsies within an hour. These miniature tumors retain the original microenvironment and can be used for testing many drug conditions, showing almost perfect correlation with actual clinical treatment outcomes.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022

Brain metastasis looking back in the mirror

Researchers created patient-derived models of brain metastases that recapitulate human disseminated disease, reflecting clinical manifestations and biological characteristics. These models can be used to test therapeutic value of different treatments and explore new approaches tailored to each patient.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Where the mind is without fear: Scientists discover mechanism behind the chemically induced suppression of fearful memories

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022

Study: Black kidney transplant patients exhibit faster clearance rates of key immunosuppressive medicine tacrolimus

A new study found that Black kidney transplant recipients exhibit a faster clearance rate of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug. The study suggests that considering both sex and race when dosing tacrolimus may reduce adverse effects and enhance transplant outcomes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPharmacotherapy The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy·DateApr 18, 2022

Researchers outline need for new approach to COVID-19 vaccine testing

Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to COVID-19 vaccine testing by combining conventional and challenge trials. This parallel approach, called Combining Conventional and Challenge trials (CCC), aims to facilitate faster and more accurate vaccine assessment and more effective pandemic response.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 12, 2022

New studies in journal of pharmaceutical analysis demonstrate advancements in nanotechnology and their impact across multiple areas of human health

Recent studies published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis have found applications of nanotechnology in medicine, drug research, and environmental protection. Researchers developed nanodots made of carbon using natural polysaccharides from mushrooms to detect chromium, and created nanozymes that could be used to detect drug con...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Treatment which ‘switches off’ cancer cells and limits tumour growth, could make aggressive brain tumour easier to treat

Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for glioblastoma, which targets 'kinase' proteins to limit tumour growth and improve existing chemotherapeutic drugs. This breakthrough therapy may provide hope for patients with aggressive brain tumours, offering a more effective and sustainable approach to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalOncogene·DateApr 7, 2022

U.S. insurance claims show strong link between ED medications and vision problems

A large US study confirms a strong link between ED medications and vision problems, including an 85% increased risk of developing serious eye conditions. Regular use of Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or Stendra may lead to side effects such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2022

The recovery process after a heart attack

A recent study published in Molecular Therapy Nucleic Acids found that the molecule urocortin-2 may regulate recovery processes after a heart attack by modulating miR-29a. Treatment with urocortin-2 could favor patient recovery by regulating apoptosis and fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·DateApr 5, 2022

Electronic alert improves guideline adherence for heart failure treatment

A new study found that customized digital alerts via an electronic health record system significantly increased the number of guideline-directed medications prescribed for heart failure patients. The alerts improved medication use by over a quarter of patients, translating to one medication addition per every 14 alerts received.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 3, 2022

Levi A. Garraway, MD, PhD, FAACR, to receive 2022 AACR-Margaret Foti Award for Leadership and Extraordinary Achievements in Cancer Research

Levi A. Garraway is being honored for his groundbreaking contributions to cancer research, including the identification of melanoma genes and development of precision oncology approaches. He has also championed parallel sequencing as a definitive approach to tumor genomic profiling, revolutionizing cancer treatment strategies.