Add BrightSurf on Google Email

MD Anderson’s Lauren Averett Byers receives TAMEST O’Donnell Award for seminal contributions to lung cancer research

Lauren Averett Byers, a professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, has received the 2025 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Medicine from Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST) for her fundamental discoveries in small cell lung cancer. Her work has led to personalized treatments and improved patient outcomes.

New study reveals provincial and territorial inequities and inadequacies in access to medications and treatment for cardiovascular conditions in Canada

A new study reveals significant provincial and territorial variations in reimbursement criteria for cardiovascular medications in Canada. The current system leads to unequal access to evidence-based treatments, with the most vulnerable groups facing restricted access to life-saving medications.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 11, 2024

MD Anderson and AmMax Bio announce agreements to advance development of AMB-066 in colorectal cancer patients with minimal residual disease

The collaboration aims to evaluate the potential of AMB-066 as a first-in-class treatment option for patients with colorectal cancer and minimal residual disease. MD Anderson researchers have identified a potential opportunity for AMB-066 to effectively treat MRD-positive CRC, based on robust preclinical data.

New study a first step in understanding current practice patterns of treatment for sarcoidosis

Researchers found variation in practice patterns of sarcoidosis treatment, particularly in the use of nonsteroidal immunosuppressive medications and sequence of administration. The study highlights the need for future randomized trials and comparative effectiveness studies to ascertain optimal treatment algorithms.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCHEST Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2024

Huge cost savings from more efficient use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in metastatic breast cancer reported in SONIA study

The SONIA trial found that delaying and shortening CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment in patients with hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer leads to similar survival outcomes while reducing toxicity and cost by €45 million per year. This innovative approach could reduce the burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2024

Alcohol use and antiobesity medication treatment

A cohort study found that nearly half of participants who consumed alcohol at baseline decreased their alcohol use after initiating anti-obesity medication treatment. The medications, such as naltrexone and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), may have properties that lead to reduced cravings for alcohol.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 26, 2024

Clinical trial finds that adding the chemotherapy pill temozolomide to radiation therapy improves survival in adult patients with a slow-growing type of brain tumor

A randomized phase 3 trial found that adding temozolomide to radiation therapy improves long-term survival for adult patients with low-grade gliomas. The 10-year survival rate was 70% with combined treatment, compared to 47% with radiation alone.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·JournalJournal of Neuro-Oncology·DateNov 25, 2024

Genetic variation enhances cancer drug sensitivity

A recent study from Uppsala University found that genetic variation in cancer cells can enhance the effects of an already approved cancer drug, talazoparib, against liver cancer cells lacking a functional CYP2D6 enzyme. This suggests a potential for more individually tailored and effective cancer therapies.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2024

McMaster University researchers uncover potential treatment for rare genetic disorders

Researchers at McMaster University have identified a potential treatment for Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs diseases, two rare lysosomal storage disorders that cause progressive damage to nerve cells. The FDA-approved drug 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) showed significant improvements in motor function, lifespan, and healthy motor neurons.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024

A 36-gene predictive score of anti-cancer drug resistance anticipates cancer therapy outcomes

Researchers developed a 36-gene predictive score that surpasses conventional methods in predicting tamoxifen treatment resistance. The polygenic score UAB36 has potential as a tool for personalized medicine, helping identify patients at higher risk of poor survival and suggesting alternative treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 7, 2024