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“We were dancing around the lab” – cellular identity discovery has potential to impact cancer treatments

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a new process that explains why cells have unique identities. By studying Polycomb protein complexes, the team found that different forms of these proteins recruit distinct complexes to DNA, shedding light on cellular identity and its potential impact on cancer treatments.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 7, 2023

Novel immunotherapy delivery approach safe and beneficial for some melanoma patients with leptomeningeal disease

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a novel approach to administer intrathecal and intravenous immunotherapy to treat leptomeningeal disease (LMD) in melanoma patients, showing promising results in improving survival rates and quality of life for some patients.

Artificial intelligence predicts genetics of cancerous brain tumors in under 90 seconds

Researchers developed an AI-based diagnostic screening system called DeepGlioma to analyze tumor specimens and detect genetic mutations rapidly. The system identified molecular subgroups with high accuracy and has the potential to improve access and speed of diagnosis for patients with deadly brain tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 23, 2023

New study uncovers key culprit behind pediatric brain cancer metastasis

Researchers have identified a key cause of metastasis from aggressive brain cancer in children and found a potential new therapy. Medulloblastoma cells hijack neurodevelopmental signaling pathways to promote tumor cell spreading. Targeting these pathways with a drug called dasatinib has shown promise in killing metastatic tumors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Measuring changes in brain tissue oxygenation for personalized cancer radiotherapy

Researchers developed a method to measure individual biological response to therapy using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, enabling real-time evaluation of radiotherapy's impact on patients. This technique allows for tailored radiation doses to optimize treatment and improve outcomes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023

New fluorescent dye can light up the brain

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new fluorescent dye that can cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing for noninvasive brain imaging and differentiation between healthy tissue and tumor cells. The dye's long-lasting fluorescence enables stable imaging over extended periods.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

York research: AI better than human eye at predicting brain metastasis outcomes

A new AI-based predictive method has been created to detect radiotherapy failure in brain metastasis, showing an 83% accuracy rate compared to the human eye's 65%. The technique uses deep learning and attention mechanisms to analyze MRI images and provide more informed treatment decisions.

SourceYork University·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

Genes & Cancer | Systems biology network reveals the correlation between COX-2 expression and Ch 7q copy number alterations in Ch 11q-deleted pediatric neuroblastoma tumors

Researchers analyzed COX-2 levels and segmental chromosome aberrations in pediatric neuroblastoma tumor samples. Positive correlations between pre-CT Ch 7q gain and COX-2 expression were found, as well as negative correlations between Ch 7q gain and Ch 11q deletion.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalGenes & Cancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2022

Federated machine learning enables the largest brain tumor study to-date, without sharing patient data

A massive collaborative study using federated learning developed a model that enhances identification and prediction of boundaries in three tumor sub-compartments without compromising patient privacy. The dataset, comprising 6,314 glioblastoma patients from 71 sites globally, is the largest and most diverse ever considered.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2022

Unraveling the biology behind aggressive pediatric brain tumor reveals potential new treatment avenue

Researchers developed a mouse model of pediatric glioma with a histone mutation called H3.3-G34, revealing a promising outlook for long-term survival through radiation therapy combined with small-molecule inhibitors. The treatment approach also showed immune memory, allowing mice to eliminate new tumor growth without additional treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Why thinking hard makes you tired

A study found that prolonged mental labor leads to glutamate accumulation in the prefrontal cortex, causing cognitive fatigue and altering control over decisions. Researchers suggest taking rest and sleep as a solution to overcome this limitation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

Investigational blood tests can detect multiple signs of brain cancer to help improve diagnosis and monitoring

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a blood test that can detect multiple mutations associated with brain cancer, including EGFRvIII. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing gliomas and monitoring tumor progression.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Dynamic cells linked to brain tumor growth and recurrence

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers has identified oncostreams, highly active cells connected to brain tumor growth and invasion. The team found that eliminating Collagen 1 production from tumor cells reduces tumor aggressive behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutic targets for treating lethal brain tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Meta-analysis shows targeted radiation therapy may be as effective as standard care for small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases

A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that targeted radiation therapy, which spares healthy brain tissue, is equitable to whole brain radiation therapy for patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. This approach may improve their care experience with fewer negative cognitive consequences.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

Exposure to wildfires increases risk of cancer

A new study from McGill University finds that people living near regions prone to wildfires may have a higher incidence of lung cancer and brain tumors. Exposure to carcinogenic wildfire pollutants on a chronic basis increases the risk of certain cancers, according to researchers.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2022

Nanomedicine for brain cancer

Recent nanomedicines are being explored for brain cancer treatment due to their ability to improve bioavailability and evade the blood-brain barrier. These supramolecular nanomedicines show potential in promoting superior therapeutic effects by targeting brain tumors specifically.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalAdvanced Drug Delivery Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 7, 2022

Triggering cellular apoptosis by optical targeting

Researchers at Okayama University have created a new method to kill cancer cells using light-activated protein AR3, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The approach uses green light to trigger apoptosis in targeted cells, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Spinal fluid sampling used to track treatment response in pediatric glioma

Researchers collected hundreds of cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with Diffuse Midline Glioma, tracking changes in cell-free tumor DNA over time. The findings suggest that this method could provide data about tumors sooner than MRIs alone, allowing clinicians to address aggressive brain cancer more effectively.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022