Research on cancer as a disease, from cause to care. Covers tumor biology, small-cell lung cancer, cancer-linked stroke risk, and cancer center research.
A team of UNC-Chapel Hill researchers will develop an oncology health learning system using AI-ready data to generate real-time identification of new cancer cases and support personalized treatments. The project aims to improve cancer diagnosis, care equity, and quality by creating accessible tools for health providers.
A new study improves breast cancer risk prediction by analyzing up to three years of previous mammograms, identifying individuals at high risk 2.3 times more accurately than the standard method. The AI method considers subtle changes in mammogram images and holds up well across diverse settings.
The study estimated that prevention, screening, and treatment efforts in the US led to an average of 8 out of 10 cancer deaths being avoided for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers combined. The total number of averted cancer deaths was approximately 5.94 million between 1975 and 2020.
Engineers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a new CRISPR toolkit that allows for precise, remote-controlled genome editing using focused ultrasound. This breakthrough enables the treatment of various genetic disorders and diseases by activating or silencing specific genes with precision.
The American College of Surgeons' annual cancer report reveals that breast, bladder, and pancreatic cancers are increasingly treated with personalized therapies before surgery. Cancer stage at diagnosis remains a significant factor in determining patient survival rates.
A series of five papers highlights critical public health challenges related to cancer control in eight SAARC countries and the Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh. The studies identify barriers contributing to significant disparities in cancer outcomes and actionable solutions to address these challenges.
A new study suggests that addressing plastic pollution could play a critical role in lowering breast cancer rates. Researchers identified nearly half of the chemicals linked to breast cancer risk as being used in plastics, including 175 potential carcinogens that should be prioritized for regulatory action.
The ESMO Asia Congress 2024 will focus on multidisciplinary oncology in the Asian region, featuring novel treatment modalities, management of specific cancer types and pan-Asian trials. Key highlights include insights into genetics, biology and practice differences between West and Asia.
Researchers discovered that cancer grows uniformly throughout its mass, with every region equally active and potentially harboring aggressive mutations. This finding challenges the traditional 'two-speed' entity model of tumors, where rapidly dividing cells on the surface and slower activity in the core were thought to exist.
A comprehensive epigenetic database of over 200 malignant cell lines has been developed, offering valuable insights into leukemia and lymphoma. The database allows researchers to predict drug sensitivity based on epigenetic lesions, aiding in tumour diagnosis and treatment.
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.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers discovered a gene signature that identifies patients with T-ALL at high risk of relapse. The study found a potential therapeutic treatment, venetoclax, which targets specific cells associated with poor outcomes.
Researchers studied ovarian cancer cell migration patterns on soft and stiff surfaces, finding that epithelioid cells are more migratory than mesenchymal cells on stiffer matrices. The study used a novel software toolkit to analyze cell behavior over time, revealing a unique 'slip' movement pattern in epithelioid cells.
A cohort study reveals racial and ethnic variations in early-onset colorectal cancer mortality, with Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander and non-Hispanic Black individuals facing the highest burden. Social determinants of health play a significant role in explaining these disparities.
A clinical trial found that cetuximab was more effective than durvalumab in treating advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head or neck, with a higher probability of being alive and free of disease at two years. Cetuximab's efficacy was similar whether or not the cancer was associated with HPV.
Sylvester researchers will present over 130 studies at ASH 2024, addressing disparities in gastric cancer. Frank J. Penedo's research highlights worse outcomes for patients with unmet supportive needs, while Shria Kumar's work seeks answers for disparities in gastric cancer among specific minorities.
Researchers at the University of Mississippi have developed a new cancer treatment method that uses glycopolymers to coat nanoparticles, reducing immune response and increasing drug delivery. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer treatments with reduced side effects.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new CRISPR-based system to label small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) with RNA barcodes, enabling comprehensive analysis of their biogenesis and release regulators. This system allows for the simultaneous study of thousands of genes and estimation of sEV release from host cells.
Researchers developed a novel Ramanome-based Metastasis Index to rapidly and accurately assess cancer cells' metastatic potential. The tool combines single-cell Raman spectra with machine learning, providing a comprehensive molecular profile of cancer cells and highlighting lipid-related peaks as key determinants.
The EMA's orphan designation for G2B-002 marks a significant milestone in the fight against pediatric brain tumors. The innovative product leverages Gate2Brain's proprietary technology to enhance drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier, promising enhanced effectiveness and safety for complex cancer treatments.
The conference explores molecular determinants of cancer therapy resistance, a major challenge in the fight against cancer. Researchers discuss new therapeutic approaches and address resistance mechanisms involving tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment.
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University are investigating the complex relationship between fat tissue and colorectal cancer. The study aims to enhance knowledge of the tumour microenvironment, uncover new molecules crucial for cancer growth, and develop more effective treatments.
Researchers at Auburn University have discovered a new way to make a cancer-targeting protein complex more stable, opening doors to better cancer treatments. By adjusting the attachment points on PD-L1, they found that the complex can become up to four times stronger and grow more stable under tension.
Testicular cancer is a highly treatable condition with high survival rates when detected early, but patients with the highest-risk disease face a lower prognosis. New genetic changes have been identified using whole genome sequencing, offering potential new treatment strategies.
A new award at University of Utah Health recognizes the importance of a diverse scientific community. The Administrative Supplement to Recognize Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Mentorship award aims to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in biomedical sciences.
Researchers have discovered that metabolic enzymes play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the human genome by orchestrating critical functions like cell division and DNA repair. This discovery could lead to new cancer therapies, particularly for triple-negative breast cancer, by exploiting its metabolic vulnerabilities.
A new study introduces the Meuhedet Electronic Frailty Index (MEFI) to assess frailty in older people and identify those at risk for serious health outcomes. The index classifies individuals as 'fit,' 'mildly frail,' or 'severely frail' and has been shown to predict mortality and hospitalization with high accuracy.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that blocking the uptake of lactic acid, a key factor in T cell exhaustion, can reinvigorate these cells. This new approach shows promise for improving tumor control and treatment outcomes in various cancers.
A new study uses CRISPR-Cas13 to identify nearly 800 noncoding RNAs that are functional and essential for cell function, including in cancer and human development. The researchers found that these RNA molecules modulate key pathways for cell proliferation and can serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Scientists at WashU Medicine have successfully forced glioblastoma cells to display immune system targets, potentially making them vulnerable to immunotherapies. The strategy involves a combination of two FDA-approved epigenetic therapy drugs that induce the production of unusual proteins called neoantigens.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that SLC13A3 transporter impairs tumor immunity by endowing ferroptosis resistance. This discovery suggests a potential target for improving immunotherapy responses in cancer patients.
A new mechanism has been found by which tumor cells escape the immune system, involving a protein called IRGQ. Studies have shown that suppressing IRGQ can trigger a stronger immune response against cancer cells, leading to improved survival rates in liver cancer patients.
The study highlights widening cancer disparities across Human Development Index regions, age, and sex. Strengthening healthcare access and quality is crucial for evidence-based cancer prevention, diagnostics, and care.
A comprehensive study analyzed diverse methods to investigate breast cancer metastases, providing new insights into their biology. The researchers found connections between clinical characteristics and malignant expression phenotypes, as well as clues about immune escape processes.
Researchers have developed a new batteryless and wireless sensor that can detect impending biliary stent obstructions without waiting for clinical symptoms, blood tests or imaging tests. The sensor is 8 millimeters long and has a signal-to-noise ratio of a million to one during testing.
This prospective cohort study found that evidence-based smoking cessation treatment within 6 months of a cancer diagnosis significantly improves survival outcomes. Smoking cessation is an essential early clinical intervention for patients with cancer, supporting the maximization of survival benefits.
The study reveals individual components of the spliceosome are highly specialised, with unique regulatory functions. Altering the expression of one component can have widespread ripple effects on the entire splicing network.
Researchers have developed a large-scale drug screening technique that tracks drug targets inside cells, allowing for the identification of potential new drugs. The technology screens candidate drugs 100 times faster than standard manual techniques, enabling the discovery of previously unknown drugs.
A study found that levels of toxic chemicals in people's bodies decreased both in California and nationwide following the listing of over 850 chemicals under Proposition 65. This decline suggests that the law has led to widespread reformulation of products, reducing exposure to harmful substances.
Researchers at MIT have designed tiny particles that can be implanted at a tumor site, delivering heat and chemotherapy to treat cancer. The treatment approach has been shown to completely eliminate tumors in most mice and prolong their survival.
Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new liquid biopsy method called CAD-LB, which uses ultrathin membranes to easily identify EVs for rapid diagnosis. The method holds promise for diagnosing cancer quickly and affordably, as well as assessing therapy progress.
Research led by a firefighter co-author sheds light on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons' affinity for DNA and ability to evade repair, highlighting potential health risks. The study's findings could inform public policy and accelerate the development of safer chemicals.
A comprehensive study examining over 16,000 necropsy records from 292 vertebrate species found significant differences in cancer prevalence. Cancer rates increase with body size and cellular mutation rates but decrease with longer gestation periods.
Non-Hispanic Black patients are more likely to receive inadequate care and experience poor survival outcomes due to delays in treatment initiation. Guideline-concordant care is crucial in improving survival rates among these patients.
Researchers have developed a technology called FarrSight-Twin that creates digital twins of real cancer patients to predict treatment response. The approach was tested on published clinical trials and showed accurate predictions in all simulated studies, with 75% response rate among patients receiving the predicted best treatment.
A study of 292 species reveals that even large animals like whales and elephants are not immune to cancer, challenging Peto's paradox. The data suggests that different strategies, such as lower somatic mutation rates or unique tumor suppressor genes, may be responsible for some species' exceptional resistance to cancer.
Researchers created a 3D-printed model to mimic the conditions that spur cancer cells' spread, allowing them to visualize this process in real-time. The model revealed a mechanism where low oxygen levels promote metastasis through lowering pH levels.
A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington suggests that analyzing RNA in urine can show changes in cell types, revealing early signs of cancer and other diseases. This method could help clinicians detect problems earlier when they are more easily treated without invasive procedures.
The ASHG 2024 Annual Meeting will showcase the latest research in human genetics and genomics. The event will feature a Presidential Symposium on Mendelian traits and a Distinguished Speakers Symposium on the promise of human genetics and genomics, among other sessions.
Polyploidy, a state with extra genetic material, allows cancer cells to survive longer under DNA damage. This phenomenon explains why some cancers are resistant to anti-cancer drug treatments.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that close to 39% of adults aged 45-49 returned their FIT kit, compared to nearly 38% of adults aged 50. The study suggests that adults in this age group have a similar colorectal cancer risk as those aged 50.
Ludwig Cancer Research scientists have devised new types of chimeric antigen-receptor (CAR) T cells that can be switched on and off with existing drugs, improving safety and efficacy in solid tumors. The design and preclinical evaluation of the CAR-T cells addresses the challenges of traditional therapy.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have re-engineered natural killer immune cells with blue light-activated protein function, allowing them to infiltrate and kill solid tumor spheroids. The technology has shown promising results in killing breast cancer and melanoma cells within seven days.
A systematic review of randomized clinical trials found that AI-assisted colonoscopies increased overall detection of colonic polyps and adenomas, with a small increase in procedure time. Researchers also found no clear differences in benefit for detecting adenomas across different AI systems.
Researchers found Itaconate stimulates immune cells to produce anti-viral proteins called interferons by blocking an enzyme called SDH, offering a potential therapy for autoimmune and infectious diseases.
Researchers found that the oral medication palbociclib stabilized tumor growth and reduced blood tumor marker levels in patients with peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis, a form of appendix cancer often resistant to standard chemotherapy. The study's findings introduce a first targeted therapy for this rare disease.
A new proteomics study explores the relationship between protein and transcript levels in young-adult and old mice bones. The research identifies key targets associated with bone mineral density and aging, shedding light on protein-specific changes that occur with age.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a highly selective inhibitor for Matrix Metallopeptidase 7 (MMP7), an enzyme crucial for cancer spread and progression. The novel peptide D'20 demonstrates remarkable stability and selectivity, targeting MMP7 while leaving similar enzymes unaffected.
Scripps Research scientists have identified a crucial binding site on the protein FOXA1 that could pave the way for future cancer treatments. The team's findings mapped out how tiny drug-like chemical compounds interact with the protein, revealing a hidden lock that small molecules can bind to.
Researchers at Penn Engineering and PSOM will develop AI systems to predict treatment response in breast cancer, heart attacks, and sepsis. The goal is to support clinicians with accurate and transparent predictions, leading to better health outcomes for patients.