Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center developed a targeted immunotoxin that delivers into breast ducts, eliminating visible and invisible precancerous lesions in laboratory studies. The treatment showed strong cancer-killing effects in all cell lines and was well-tolerated in mouse models.
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...
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that consecutive molecular modifications of the androgen receptor can contribute to drug resistance in prostate cancer. Researchers identified a potential treatment approach using an ACK1 inhibitor to block this resistance.
Researchers found higher AR signaling and better response rates for female patients treated with BRAF/MEK inhibitors. Blocking the AR improved response to BRAF/MEK targeted therapy in both males and females.
Menopause is often perceived as a hormone deficiency, but experts argue this can lead to negative expectations. Instead, a more nuanced approach emphasizes the positive aspects of menopause, such as freedom from menstruation and reduced symptoms. Normalizing ageing and celebrating women's strengths can also improve experiences.
A University of Jyväskylä study found that menopausal women's ability to use fat as an energy source is not impaired by estrogen levels or menopause. Women who burned more fat during exercise had higher fitness and physical activity levels, while those with better glucose tolerance did not necessarily burn more fat.
A mouse study suggests that active testosterone therapy can lead to fewer and less developed eggs retrieved during IVF. Discontinuing testosterone therapy appears to have no significant impact on reproductive capacity, however.
A study of 56 transgender youth found that longer treatment with puberty-delaying medications was associated with lower bone mineral density. The researchers recommend discussing the impact of these medications on bone health and exploring interventions to improve bone health.
A Phase 3 study found fezolinetant to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. The treatment also improved sleep disturbances, supporting its use for treating moderate-to-severe hot flashes.
The joint position statement from British Menopause Society, RCOG, and SfE provides evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals caring for women experiencing menopause. It recommends an individualised approach to care, considering the risks and benefits of therapies as well as lifestyle choices.
A comprehensive analysis of testosterone replacement therapy found no increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events in the short-to-medium term. Testosterone treatment was also found to reduce serum cholesterol levels, but no significant differences were observed in blood pressure or glycaemic parameters.
Research finds no significant increase in cardiovascular events among men with low testosterone undergoing testosterone treatment. Testosterone was found to reduce serum total cholesterol and triglycerides, but no significant differences were seen in other parameters.
Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized form of hormone therapy-resistant prostate cancer and found promising drug targets to treat it. The discovery opens the door to developing therapies that specifically target this disease, which accounts for approximately a quarter of castration-resistant prostate cancers.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group presented promising trial results at ASCO 2022, including an 8-year survival rate in the CHAARTED prostate trial. The research also explored outcomes by tobacco use in head and neck studies, shedding light on cancer treatment effectiveness.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have identified a new subtype of prostate cancer that accounts for 30% of all cases. This stem cell-like subtype, characterized by specific gene expression patterns, is the second most prevalent group after androgen-sensitive type.
A combination of hormone therapy and pelvic lymph node radiation treatment significantly improved survival rates among patients with postoperative prostate cancer, extending their lives by nearly five years. This study published in The Lancet found that nearly 90% of clinical trial patients remained free from progression for five years.
A new study found that hormone replacement therapy within six months of COVID-19 diagnosis was associated with a 78% reduction in all-cause mortality in women. This suggests estrogen may offer protective effects against COVID-19 severity, explaining the lower hospitalization and death rates among women compared to men.
Canadian and German researchers have identified personalized prescriptions that combine drugs to treat obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The combination therapy shows higher effectiveness in some patients and fewer side effects compared to single drugs. Studies are now needed to understand why individuals respond differently to the treatment.
A study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that undertreatment with thyroid hormone replacement can lead to longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates. Patients with high TSH levels before hospitalization had a 49% higher risk of 30-day readmission.
The review identifies a need for further study on how sex steroids affect drug metabolism in transgender adults, who may have altered enzyme activity due to hormonal treatment. This is crucial for minimizing unintended side effects from combining hormone therapies with other medications.
A new combination of ulipristal acetate and meloxicam has emerged as a promising candidate for an on-demand contraceptive pill. The study found that the combination disrupted ovulation in 89% of women, with treatment cycles being around 3 days longer than baseline cycles.
A team from UNIGE demonstrates that stem cells giving rise to beta cells cease to exist after birth, and defines the 'identity card' of other hormone-producing cells. This discovery has significant implications for developing cell-based therapies to treat diabetes.
A mutated gene in more than 20% of breast cancer recurrences promotes metastasis and resistance to hormone therapy. Researchers identify potential vulnerabilities, leading to the development of personalized treatment approaches.
A modified version of the hormone kisspeptin has been shown to protect against the development of fat in the liver and reduce inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model. This could potentially favorably impact the health and lives of millions of patients around the globe.
Researchers have developed a new implant that reduces ghrelin levels and body weight gain by half when exposed to laser light, offering a minimally invasive treatment option for obese patients. The implant uses a laser-activated dye to kill cells producing the 'hunger hormone'.
A study of 273,240 women found that life events influencing estrogen levels may be linked to a higher risk of dementia. Ever having been pregnant or having had an abortion was associated with a lower risk, while early or late menopause increased the risk.
Researchers at UCLA found that premenopausal women with low levels of anti-Mullerian hormone are at a higher risk of experiencing significant bone loss within two to three years. The study suggests that measuring AMH levels could help physicians identify women at risk and provide targeted treatment.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a novel technology to monitor membrane protein trafficking in real-time using bioluminescence. This allows for the study of cellular processes and drug development for heart disease, metabolic disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, COVID-19, and others.
Researchers found that female mice produce more of the FPR2 protein, which helps prevent NAFLD, and that estrogen mediates its production. This discovery highlights the need for sex-balanced animal experiments and could lead to novel treatments and gender-based therapies for NASH
A study led by Kyoto University researchers found that modulating hormone levels can improve meibomian gland disorder, a common cause of dry eyes. Topical administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) boosted NAD levels and rebooted 3-HSD activity in mutant mice, alleviating dryness.
A new study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy can affect certain regions of DNA, influencing immune function and susceptibility to autoimmune disease. The research has important implications for counseling transgender children and adolescents about the effects of hormone therapies.
Researchers at the University of Houston have identified a new biomarker, NPY1R, that predicts therapy outcome and has potential as a drug target in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The study found that NPY1R expression is associated with favorable outcomes in Luminal A subtype breast cancer, but declines in resistant cases.
A randomized, double-blind study found suvorexant to be effective in reducing insomnia severity and night sweats in peri- and postmenopausal women. The medication showed promise as a treatment for chronic insomnia in midlife women.
Research published in BMJ Open found that older women with higher oestrogen levels had a lower risk of severe COVID-19 infection and death. Women taking hormone replacement therapy also showed a significantly reduced risk of dying from COVID-19, highlighting the potential benefits of hormonal treatment in reducing infection severity.
A University of Bristol-led study found a significant association between high dose cyproterone acetate and increased risk of meningioma, the most common type of benign brain tumour. The study suggests caution with prescription of high-dose cyproterone acetate, especially for off-label indications.
Researchers have identified potential anti-inflammatory compounds to combat the cytokine storm, a key factor in severe COVID-19 cases. The study found that glucocorticoids and MEK protein inhibitors may be effective in reducing mortality, while female hormones could also play a role.
Ovarian cancer death rates are predicted to decrease by 17% in the UK and 7% in EU countries in 2022. The main contributor is the long-term use of oral contraceptives, reducing the risk by 40%. Other factors include improved diagnosis, treatment, and advancements in treatments for other cancers.
A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology reveals that men with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer experience improved overall survival with the addition of hormone therapy to radiotherapy. The study found prolonged adjuvant hormone therapy benefits men, while neoadjuvant hormone therapy did not.
A new project will provide scientific evidence on the outcomes of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) for transgender people. The AFFIRM Relationships project seeks to identify causal links between GAHT and psychosocial functioning, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their care.
A study found that arterial stiffness increases with age, but hormonal fluctuations also play a role. Women's hormone levels, particularly estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone, were associated with stiffer arteries, while older women had stiffer vessels regardless of hormone status.
Researchers discovered that the SET2,3 index provides complementary prognostic information about breast cancer outcomes, particularly for patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The study suggests that using both clinical and molecular information from a patient's tumor can guide treatment decision-making.
A recent study found that patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who experience rising ESR1 mutations before disease progression can benefit from an early switch to fulvestrant plus palbociclib. This approach yields a statistically and clinically significant gain in progression-free survival, potentially justifying its a...
The study used multigene sequencing to identify genomic alterations in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Patients with genomic alterations ranked as ESCAT I/II saw improved progression-free survival with targeted therapies matched to their genomic changes, while those without these alterations did not benefit from the treatment.
In a phase III trial, elacestrant showed significant benefits in decreasing death or disease progression and increasing progression-free survival compared to standard of care. The treatment was well-tolerated with manageable side effects, offering hope for patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.
A large clinical trial has found that postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer and a 21-gene recurrence score of 25 or lower can safely skip chemotherapy. In contrast, premenopausal patients with positive nodes and low RS scores benefit from chemotherapy.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki and Aalto University have developed a gel-grown mini-breast cancer model that can effectively treat hormone-dependent breast cancers. The discovery opens new avenues for hormonal therapies, individual drug responses, and drug resistance mechanisms.
Researchers developed a blood test that can detect prostate cancer patients who are resistant to chemotherapy drug docetaxel, enabling early detection and personalized treatment. The test analyzes circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, revealing patterns that predict disease progression and survival.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that leptin cancels out the effects of Tamoxifen, making it ineffective for obese patients with breast cancer. Researchers suggest that interventions targeting leptin or Med1 may improve Tamoxifen's success in this group.
According to experts, half of patients with two common subtypes of advanced breast cancer may live for five years or longer. The new guidelines also aim to improve treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer patients.
A new study suggests that greater cumulative estrogen exposure in life may counter the brain-shrinking effect of menopause. Women with longer reproductive years, more children, and hormone therapy showed increased gray matter volume in certain brain areas. This protective effect may help reduce Alzheimer's risk in women.
Researchers have identified a novel estrogen compound that provides benefits similar to hormone replacement therapy but without the risk factors associated with it. The compound has been shown to reduce excess lipid deposition in the liver and prevent the progression of fibrosis, which can lead to liver failure and metabolic problems.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that postmenopausal women experience a significant decrease in bone mineral density, but at a lower rate than previously assumed. Women who received hormone replacement therapy and those with weight gain during follow-up showed minimal bone loss.
The study of 686 Finnish women found that postmenopausal bone loss is approximately 10% over a 25-year period. Taking hormone replacement therapy and gaining weight during follow-up were linked to lower postmenopausal bone loss rates.
Researchers found no increased risk of heart disease or type 2 diabetes with hormone therapy use among middle-aged postmenopausal women who met current guidelines. The study analyzed data from over 58,000 women and concluded that hormone therapy is not significantly associated with these health outcomes.
A large UK study found that menopausal hormone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The research, which included over 118,000 women, showed that hormone therapy relieves symptoms experienced during menopause and may even have a slightly decreased risk of dementia in certain cases.
A large UK study found no overall associations between menopausal hormone therapy and risk of dementia, regardless of hormone type or duration. However, oestrogen-progestogen therapy may slightly increase risk in women with Alzheimer's disease, particularly for long-term use.
Researchers identified two subtypes of metastatic prostate cancer that respond differently to hormone treatment. Luminal tumors responded better to testosterone-blocking treatments, while basal tumors did not benefit as much from this hormone treatment.
Researchers are investigating several nonhormone therapies to manage vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. These treatments have the potential to improve women's quality of life by reducing sleep and mood disruption caused by hot flashes.
Researchers developed an AI model to classify patients with localized breast cancer as high or low risk of metastatic relapse. The study shows that AI can accurately assess relapse risk with an AUC of 81%, providing a valuable aid for therapeutic decisions and avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy.
Research shows that estrogen replacement during menopause reduces the risk of bone fractures, diabetes, and cancer, but increases stroke, blood clots, and breast/ovarian cancer risk. The quality of systematic reviews on MHT is mixed, with some findings inconclusive.