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Many of the deadliest cancers receive the least amount of research funding

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateJul 18, 2019

Adenosine kinase deficiency makes liver more susceptible to carcinogen

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Caffeine and Adenosine Research·DateApr 10, 2019

The protein p38gamma identified as a new therapeutic target in liver cancer

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.

Can you 'catch' cancer?

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateMar 25, 2019

Preclinical data shows combination immunotherapy could stop liver cancer growth

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.

Tumor suppressor protein targets liver cancer

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 29, 2018

Recreating liver tumors as organoids for faster, more accurate drug screening

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.

Starving liver cancer

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.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Worldwide, nearly 6 percent of cancers are attributable to diabetes and high BMI

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.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateNov 28, 2017