A new study demonstrates that antiviral drugs for hepatitis C reduce liver-related deaths by nearly 50% in patients with a history of liver cancer. The finding reverses prior misconceptions about the relationship between hepatitis C and liver cancer recurrence.
A Northwestern University study found that many deadliest cancers, such as colon, lung, and liver cancer, receive significantly less nonprofit research funding than breast cancer, leukemia, and other well-funded types. This underfunding could impact research, drug development, and FDA approvals for these life-altering diseases.
Researchers discovered a cellular pathway linked to cancer that may benefit patients with hepatocellular carcinoma by reducing side effects and extending immunotherapy duration. The study found that blocking the IL-6/JAK1 pathway could resolve immunotherapy side effects and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers identify a genetically aberrant protein that promotes rare form of liver cancer in adolescents and young adults. A targeted drug combination slows down uncontrolled cell growth, offering hope for improved treatment options.
A San Diego State University study finds that lumping all Hispanic-Americans together masks the differences in cancer outcomes. The study reveals subtle and sometimes significant differences in cancer risk among Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Central and South American groups.
A large UK cohort study found poor oral health is strongly associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. Poor oral health, including painful gums and loose teeth, was linked to an increased risk of HCC in patients.
A large cohort study found that blood transfusion during curative liver cancer surgery increases the risk of cancer recurrence by 23% and death by 55%. The extent to which blood transfusions worsen cancer outcomes is poorly understood.
Scientists created a human model using organoids to study the function of specific genes mutated in liver cancer. They found that BAP1 mutations change cell behavior, making them more likely to be invasive and forming malignant tumors. The newly developed model provides valuable insights into liver tumor development.
Researchers at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine found that New Mexicans with 10 common cancers have a significantly worse five-year survival rate. Hispanic populations along the U.S.-Mexico border fare even worse.
A new CRISPR/Cas9 system allows for precise gene knock-in in live cancer mouse models, improving efficiency and control over gene insertion. The system was used to model intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, a type of liver cancer, and successfully induced tumor formation in mice.
Researchers discovered that reduced adenosine kinase expression in the liver makes it more susceptible to carcinogenic damage and liver cancer. In a study published in Journal of Caffeine and Adenosine Research, scientists found that 64% of patients with liver cancer had lower adenosine kinase expression levels.
Researchers at CNIC have discovered that the protein p38gamma plays an essential role in initiating cell division in liver cells, making it a promising therapeutic target for liver cancer. The study found that inhibiting p38gamma slows down the development of liver cancer in mice, suggesting potential treatment options.
Rising liver cancer death rates in the US are largely confined to individuals with lower educational attainment, particularly men. The study highlights the need for targeted efforts to address the growing burden of liver cancer in lower socioeconomic groups.
A new study has uncovered important differences in the biological pathways that lead to cancer for alcoholic fatty liver disease compared to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The findings could benefit the more than 3 million people diagnosed with fatty liver disease each year, potentially leading to new cancer prevention strategies.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers identified genetic mutations that accumulate in the adult liver and can promote tissue regeneration. The findings suggest that certain mutations provide liver cells with fitness advantages, allowing them to grow and survive better after environmental insults.
Researchers at CNIC have discovered a hormone called adiponectin that protects the liver from liver cancer, which affects more men than women. Adiponectin is produced in higher amounts in women and slim people, with levels declining after puberty in men.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that two hop-derived compounds inhibit liver and colon cancer cell growth effectively similar to xanthohumol. These non-estrogenic derivatives offer promising alternatives for future preclinical studies.
Research suggests that parasitic worms cause majority of cancers in poor countries due to chronic inflammation and toxic egg excretions. However, some species of helminths, like the 'hyper tapeworm', inhibit cancer growth and may even enhance host's immune response to tumors.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have made breakthroughs in treating liver cancer with a combination immunotherapy approach. This therapy successfully suppresses tumor growth and induces complete remission in some mouse models, offering new hope for patients diagnosed with this devastating disease.
A pilot study published in PNAS detects early-stage liver cancer in HBV carriers with high accuracy, using cell-free DNA and protein biomarkers. The HCCscreen assay achieves a 17% positive predictive value, 100% sensitivity, and 94% specificity.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that hepatocytes orchestrate cancer spread to liver by activating protein STAT3, which increases production of SAA proteins. This 'soil' allows cancer cells to 'seed' and establish in the liver.
Researchers identify a new molecular pathway that suggests rapamycin, an anti-rejection medication, could be repurposed to treat certain liver cancers with β-catenin mutations. The study found that tumors are 'mTOR addicted' and can be inhibited by rapamycin, offering a precision medicine approach for improved treatment success.
A large study found no significant difference in liver cancer recurrence between patients treated with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C. The treatment was also shown to reduce the aggressiveness of cancer when it did recur. This new data reassures providers that treating Hep C is safe and beneficial for these patients.
Researchers develop a novel approach to target aggressive liver cancer by inhibiting protein production, leaving healthy cells unharmed. The study shows promising results using a genetic approach and a drug that directly inhibits translation, slowing tumor growth and blocking immune evasion.
The US cancer death rate has declined by 27% since 1991, primarily due to reductions in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment. Despite this progress, socioeconomic inequalities have widened, with poorer counties experiencing a disproportionate burden of preventable cancers.
A team of researchers at Boston Children's Hospital has identified NUAK2 as a critical player in the Hippo pathway, which drives YAP-driven tumors. Inactivating NUAK2 with a small molecule compound strongly curbs cancer cell proliferation and liver overgrowth.
A new study finds Transarterial Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 (TARE-Y90) effective and feasible in children with difficult-to-treat liver cancer. The treatment offers a less toxic alternative for patients who have not responded to chemotherapy.
A preclinical study found that inhibiting liver cancer cell growth can be achieved by manipulating the circadian clock. Fifty percent of liver tumors express a malfunctioning protein that induces circadian dysfunction, and forcing tumor cells to re-express this protein leads to their death.
A new study from Monash University and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has found a previously overlooked group of obese individuals may be at risk of developing deadly liver cancer. The research explains how obesity is linked to liver cancer, with current screening guidelines potentially missing these high-risk patients.
Researchers found that adding refined fiber to processed foods can lead to liver cancer in mice with preexisting gut dysbiosis. The study suggests that enriching foods with purified fibers may not replicate the health benefits of whole foods naturally rich in fiber.
A new study from UTledo's College of Medicine and Life Sciences found a link between refined dietary fiber, gut bacteria, and liver cancer. The research suggests that consuming highly refined soluble fibers in processed foods may pose health risks, particularly for individuals with gut bacterial overgrowth or dysbiosis.
The report emphasizes tobacco control as the top priority in a national cancer control plan due to its significant health benefits. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths, accounting for nearly 30% of all cancer-related deaths in the US.
The report reveals a high burden of prostate and colorectal cancers among Hispanic men in Puerto Rico, contrasting with lower rates among non-Hispanic whites. The study emphasizes the need for culturally tailored strategies to address these disparities and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors.
A study led by Paul Brindley is examining the cellular link between liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer. The research aims to understand why worm infections cause liver cells to transform into cancer.
Scientists discover TREM-1 amplifies inflammation, leading to liver scarring and cirrhosis. Targeting this receptor may prevent fibrosis and cancer development.
A study analyzing NY state cancer death data from 2008-2014 found high mortality rates among U.S.-born blacks and Puerto Ricans, while South American Hispanics had relatively low rates. The researchers also identified significant disparities in liver cancer mortality between these groups.
A new study published in Diabetologia reveals that diabetes is a significant risk factor for all-site and site-specific cancers, with a higher risk in women than men. Women with diabetes have a 27% higher risk of all-site cancer compared to women without diabetes.
A study found a 65% increase in cirrhosis deaths and a doubling of liver cancer deaths among US adults between 1999 and 2016. Young people aged 25-34 experienced the highest average annual increase in cirrhosis deaths, driven by alcohol-related liver disease.
A study published in Communications Biology has linked the protein PARP1 to an aggressive form of pediatric liver cancer called hepatoblastoma. Researchers found that inhibiting PARP1 slowed or stopped cancer progression in laboratory tests, providing a potential treatment target for this disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a DNA test that can detect liver cancer with high accuracy, outperforming current methods. The test uses abnormal DNA markers found in liver cancer tissues and has been shown to detect over 90% of patients with curable stage tumors.
A new clinical trial is testing whether omega-3 capsules can stop bowel cancer from returning after liver surgery. The trial, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, involves 450 patients and investigates the effectiveness of a highly purified form of EPA.
A study confirms a curable state between single and widespread cancers by identifying molecular patterns that predict patient outcomes. Researchers found that patients with limited spread of disease could achieve prolonged survival with surgery or targeted radiation therapy.
The number of people receiving HCV cure is increasing with new, highly effective treatments available; simplification of treatment delivery can accelerate global scale-up. Cure leads to reductions in liver-related deaths and cancer risk, as well as improvements in comorbidities.
Researchers discovered mouse genes that enhance human T-cell power against liver cancer, offering new hope for patients. Engineered human T cells eradicated cancer without harming normal liver tissue.
Researchers identified a tumor suppressor protein called LHPP that can help diagnose and monitor liver cancer. Reintroducing LHPP into the liver of model mice prevented tumor formation, suggesting its potential as a new therapeutic approach for treating liver cancer.
Patients with alcohol-related liver cancer tend to have poorer overall survival rates compared to those with non-alcohol related liver cancer. The study highlights the need for improved screening and treatment programs for patients at risk of developing cirrhosis or liver cancer, especially those who are still drinking.
A recent study found that less than 13% of individuals born between 1945 and 1965 have undergone HCV screening. The researchers also noted a significant disparity in HCV screening rates among different ethnic groups, with Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks receiving lower rates of screening.
A large study of Japanese adults found a significant association between higher vitamin D levels and a lower risk of overall cancer, including liver cancer. The researchers observed a reduced relative risk of around 20% for overall cancer and 30-50% for liver cancer.
Researchers have developed a method to identify splicing-based biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. These biomarkers may help predict disease progression and are associated with poor patient survival.
Researchers discovered that polyploid liver cells can protect the liver against cancer by carrying extra copies of tumor suppressor genes. This finding challenges the notion that polyploidy is a pro-cancer state and suggests it could be an adaptive response within normal liver cells.
Combining a blood test for high alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels with ultrasound imaging improves liver cancer detection by 40 percent, according to researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates in patients with liver cancer, which is on the rise in the US.
Researchers have developed a new method to grow patient-derived xenografts (PDX) liver cancer cells in culture, which maintains their proper shape and function and grows as organoids. The success of the engineered organoids has the potential to revolutionize the screening and development of liver cancer drugs.
Researchers discover a two-step process to kill liver cancer cells by silencing an enzyme and adding metformin, potentially accelerating new treatments for this deadly disease. This approach has shown promise in treating liver cancer, where surgery is often not an option and available drugs are only moderately effective.
A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that diabetes and high BMI were responsible for 544,300 new cancer cases globally in 2012. The authors project a significant increase in the proportion of cancers attributable to these risk factors, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A study of over 200 studies found that moderate coffee drinking is associated with lower risks of death, heart disease, and certain cancers. However, high consumption during pregnancy or in women at risk of fracture may be detrimental. The authors suggest further randomized trials to confirm the findings.
Researchers discovered a synthetic double-stranded RNA that boosts anti-tumor innate immune functions, potentially preventing liver cancer. The study found that administering the RNA at different stages suppressed tumor formation in mouse models.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that chronic liver inflammation suppresses immunosurveillance, allowing cancer cells to grow. Inhibiting PD-L1 restored immune function and cleared tumors in mice with NASH-associated mutations.
Research shows long-term aspirin use significantly reduces digestive cancer incidence, with substantial reductions in liver and oesophageal cancers. Aspirin use also shows promise in reducing risk of certain other cancers, while raising cardiovascular risk when stopped.
A study by researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School and Taiwan found that liver cancers exposed to Aristolochic Acids have AA-related mutations, with high prevalence in East and Southeast Asia. The findings highlight the need for public education and awareness about the dangers of AA in herbal products.
A USC research team has identified a potential therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment: mitophagy, the removal of damaged mitochondria. This process can cause tumors to proliferate, but temporarily halting it may reduce cancer stem cell growth, leading to tumor regression.