Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers find little secondary cancer risk from multi-detector CT scans in Medicare population

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that multi-detector CT scans pose a lower risk of developing secondary cancers among older adults. The researchers analyzed data from Medicare claims spanning eight years and estimated that only 0.03-0.04 percent of the population would develop radiation...

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateApr 2, 2012

Experimental drug reduces cortisol levels, improves symptoms in Cushing's disease

Pasireotide significantly reduced urinary cortisol levels and improved symptoms of Cushing's disease, cutting secretion by 50% and returning some patients' levels to normal. The drug, which blocks ACTH secretion by binding to somatostatin receptors on the pituitary tumor, showed promise in treating this rare endocrine disorder.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 7, 2012

Model of enzyme's structure could spur new therapies

Researchers at Brown University have created an unprecedentedly detailed description of a kinase complex, which could lead to new therapeutic drugs for diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer. The team discovered a unique binding site, called KIS, that plays a crucial role in the complex's formation.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 6, 2011

Culling can't save the Tasmanian devil

A new study suggests that culling Tasmanian devils cannot control the spread of facial tumour disease and may even increase its transmission. Alternative strategies such as setting up insurance populations, finding genetic resistance, and developing a vaccine are being explored to save the iconic marsupial

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateOct 4, 2011

Nature study: Jefferson researchers unravel protein's elusive role in embryo and disease development

Scientists from Thomas Jefferson University have discovered that the protein FADD controls multiple cell death pathways, which could lead to better treatment options for autoimmune diseases and cancer. The study found that FADD regulates apoptosis and keeps necrosis at bay, allowing researchers to develop more targeted drugs with fewer...

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2011

A golden bullet for cancer

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed gold nanocages that selectively accumulate in tumors and convert laser light to heat, killing malignant cells. The treatment avoids warm surrounding tissue, making it a promising approach for cancer therapy.

Scientists synthesize unique family of anti-cancer compounds

Researchers at Yale University have streamlined the synthesis of a family of compounds known as kinamycins, which are naturally produced by bacteria and show potent toxicity. By reducing the number of steps required to synthesize them from 24 to 12, the team can now prepare these molecules in larger quantities for further studies.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 12, 2010

Is it possible to differentiate GISTs from leiomyomas by endoscopic ultrasonography?

The study evaluated EUS features to distinguish GISTs from leiomyomas and found that inhomogenicity, hyperechogenic spots, a marginal halo, and higher echogenicity were more frequent in GISTs. The presence of at least two of these four features had high sensitivity (89.1%) and specificity (85.7%) for predicting GISTs. A maximal diamete...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 29, 2009

Chances of surviving rare pregnancy-related tumor depends on how long before presentation the related pregnancy occurred

Survival rates for placental-site trophoblastic tumours (PSTTs) vary depending on how long ago the related pregnancy occurred. The study found that patients with stage I disease had a 10-year probability of overall survival of 90%, while those with recurrent disease or disease resistant to treatment had poor survival.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 22, 2009