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Next-generation treatments hitch a ride into cancer cells

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a way to deliver antisense oligonucleotides to their targets inside cancer cells by opening specific calcium permeable channels. The new compound, L687, promotes efficient uptake of ASO into cancer cells, suppressing target gene activity and enhancing ASO efficacy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

Exposure to common environmental carcinogens decreases lifespan happiness

Researchers from Osaka University found that exposure to environmental carcinogens and psychological distress decrease emotional wellbeing in Japanese people, with a 0.0064-year decrease for radon and 0.97 years for psychological distress. The study suggests that reducing exposure to these chemicals can help promote longer, happier lives.

SourceOsaka University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 2024

Filters, coupled with Digital Health Program, reduced arsenic levels by nearly half in study participants in households relying on well water in American Indian Communities

A randomized controlled trial found that filters, coupled with a digital health program, reduced urinary arsenic levels by 47% in households relying on well water. The study, conducted in American Indian communities, also showed significant increases in household use of filtered water for drinking and cooking.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 27, 2024

Exclusive breastfeeding duration and risk of childhood cancers

A large cohort study found that longer durations of exclusive breastfeeding were associated with a lower risk of childhood B-cell precursor-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study's results suggest potential biologic mechanisms underlying this association and inform the need for further research on preemptive interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 26, 2024

Patient-derived organoids in human cancer: a platform for fundamental research and precision medicine

Organoid technology holds great potential for clinical applications, particularly in cancer. Patient-derived tumor organoids effectively recapitulate the histopathologic characterization of parental tumors and exhibit a degree of preservation of genomic features.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMolecular Biomedicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 25, 2024

An immunotherapy to overcome resistant leukemia

Researchers have discovered a new immunotherapy approach to overcome resistant leukemia by targeting the mutated TP53 gene. Combining pharmacological therapies with genetically engineered CAR T-cells increases effectiveness against cancer cells, offering promising strategies for patients with resistant disease.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Exercise helps patients with advanced breast cancer, especially if they are suffering with pain

A randomized controlled trial found that exercise programmes reduced fatigue and improved quality of life for patients with metastatic breast cancer. The study showed the greatest benefit among younger patients, but also suggested that supervised exercise can be beneficial for all patients with advanced disease.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 19, 2024

Addition of atezolizumab to chemotherapy after surgery does not improve survival for triple negative breast cancer

The ALEXANDRA/IMpassion030 phase 3 trial found that adding atezolizumab to chemotherapy after surgery did not improve survival for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer patients. Researchers also found no benefit in different sub-groups, such as those with lymph node spread and PD-L1 positive cancer.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 19, 2024

Researchers from IRB Barcelona and Sant Joan de Déu unveil the origin of second pediatric cancers and chemotherapy-induced mutations in healthy tissues

A study by IRB Barcelona and Sant Joan de Déu Hospital reveals three distinct patterns explaining the occurrence of second cancers in children, including a mutational footprint from chemotherapy. The research advances understanding of pediatric cancer and highlights the importance of clinical data sharing.

A KAIST-Seoul National University Hospital research team develops a computational workflow that predicts metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with somatic mutations in cancers

A KAIST-Seoul National University Hospital research team has developed a computational workflow that predicts metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with somatic mutations in cancers. The workflow uses genome-scale metabolic models and mutation data to identify altered metabolic pathways that contribute to cancer progression.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalGenome Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 2024

A simple intervention benefits cancer patients while saving hospitals money, Pitt study showed

A Phase III clinical trial showed that cancer patients who received specialized mental health support experienced lasting improvements in quality of life, reduced pain, depression, and fatigue. The intervention also led to lower risk of cardiovascular disease in family caregivers and substantial cost savings for the healthcare system.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 12, 2024

Limited correlation between canine lymphoma and proximity to environmental toxins in new study

A recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found no significant correlation between canine lymphoma and proximity to environmental toxins. Researchers used data from Morris Animal Foundation's Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to map dog home addresses to radon zones and fracking wells, but did not find a link.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalJournal of Veterinary Medicine·DateMar 8, 2024

European treatment recommendations in the fight against acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The European LeukemiaNet has published two-part guidelines for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment, covering diagnostics, prognostic factors, response assessments, and comprehensive management. These recommendations are based on a decade of systematic work by European experts, improving the prognosis of adult patients with ALL.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBlood·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2024

Data-processing tool could enable better early stage cancer detection

A team of Rice University researchers has developed a platform for integrating DNA and RNA data from single-cell sequencing with greater speed and precision. The method, MaCroDNA, relies on a classical algorithm to identify matching pairs of data and outperformed state-of-the-art technologies in accuracy measurements.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2024

Sniffing our way to better health

Researchers have discovered that certain volatile compounds emitted by microbes and food can alter epigenetic states in neurons and other eukaryotic cells. Exposure to these compounds can slow down neurodegeneration and cancer, while also affecting plant growth and responses to stress.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Detroit research team to develop novel strategies to identify genetic contributions to cancer risk and overcome barriers to genetic testing for African Americans

A team of researchers from Wayne State University and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute have received a five-year, $9.6 million grant to improve the identification and clinical management of hereditary and multiple primary cancers in African Americans. The study aims to overcome barriers to genetic testing in this population.

Chronic stress spreads cancer … here’s how

A recent study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers reveals that chronic stress can increase cancer's ability to spread. By mimicking chronic stress in mice with cancer, the team discovered that stress causes neutrophils to form sticky web-like structures called NETs, making body tissues more susceptible to metastasis.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Cell·DateFeb 22, 2024

Families of men with fertility problems show distinct patterns of increased risk for several types of cancer

Men with low sperm count or none have a higher risk of developing cancer, including at younger ages, compared to fertile men. Families of azoospermic men have a significantly increased risk of five cancers, while families of oligozoospermic men have a higher risk of colon, bone and joint, and testicular cancers.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Drug used for cocaine addiction may pave way for new treatment of advanced colon cancer

A new study from the University of Ottawa proposes using vanoxerine, a drug initially developed for cocaine addiction, to potentially treat advanced colon cancer. Vanoxerine has been found to suppress cancer stem cell activity in colon cancer patients' tissues and tumours implanted in laboratory animals. The drug works by interfering w...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Cancer·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Many hookah manufacturers have not complied with FDA-mandated nicotine warning labels

A recent study found that only half of hookah packages included the required nicotine warnings, two years after federal regulation was implemented. The study led by Boston University School of Public Health researcher Dr. Jennifer Ross highlights the importance of warning labels in communicating health risks to consumers.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Cancer risk following smoking cessation

A study of 2.9 million Korean adults found that quitting smoking at any age reduced the risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer, after 10 years. Early cessation before middle age led to a substantial risk reduction in lung cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 6, 2024