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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

How liver cancer develops

Researchers discovered that caspase-8 triggers programmed cell death in diseased liver cells, leading to genetic instability and tumor development. This mechanism is remarkably universal across various liver diseases.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 11, 2017

Discovery of drug combination: Overcoming resistance to targeted drugs for liver cancer

Researchers at KAIST have developed a novel method to improve medication treatment for liver cancer, identifying the resistance mechanism of Sorafenib and discovering a new approach to block it. The study suggests the possibility of developing a new method to overcome drug resistance using network analysis.

Putting it to the test

Researchers have developed a rapid portable test for liver cancer that can detect the disease in two minutes and can be administered wherever the patient is. The test uses gold nanoparticles to trap biomarkers from biological fluids, making it a potential game-changer in combating this deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAnalytical Methods·DateAug 23, 2017

New study reveals the association between type 2 diabetes and the risk of death from cancer in East and South Asians

A new study published in Diabetologia found that having type 2 diabetes increases the risk of death from any form of cancer by 26%, even when controlling for other factors. The research also revealed statistically significant links between T2D and specific cancers, including liver, pancreas, breast, kidney, and endometrium.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateMar 7, 2017

Cancer's deadly toll grows in less developed countries as new cases increase globally

A new study found that cancer cases are growing at an alarming rate in less developed countries, with a 50% increase between 2005 and 2015. The global burden of disease is heaviest for countries with high development levels, but the most rapid escalation can be seen in low-income nations where health services are often lacking.

Outreach to cirrhosis patients doubles early screening rates for deadly liver cancer

A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that proactive outreach to cirrhosis patients doubled their screening rates for liver cancer. The study successfully improved early detection and survival rates among those at highest risk of adverse outcomes. Only one-fourth of cirrhosis patients are currently screened every six mo...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 18, 2016

Selenium status influence cancer risk

Researchers from Charité have found that high blood selenium levels are associated with a decreased risk of developing liver cancer. Selenium deficiency is identified as a major risk factor for liver cancer, with the third of the population having lowest selenium status facing a five- to ten-fold increased risk.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 31, 2016

Cancer in China

A new report estimates 4.3 million new cancer cases and 2.8 million deaths in China in 2015, with lung cancer the leading cause of cancer death. The study highlights the need to reduce risk factors and improve clinical care delivery to prevent avoidable cancer deaths.