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Patient study suggests broader genetic testing for colorectal cancer risk

A recent study among over 1000 colorectal cancer patients found that about 10% carry mutations associated with increased cancer susceptibility. The research recommends genetic testing for all patients to identify these risks and prevent future cases. This expanded approach could also benefit at-risk family members by providing earlier ...

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 30, 2017

Halting lethal childhood leukemia

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a genetic driver of mixed lineage leukemia, a rare and deadly form of childhood leukemia. They identified a targeted molecular therapy that halts the proliferation of leukemic cells by stabilizing the wild-type MLL protein, which drives cancer.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell·DateJan 5, 2017

Moffitt researchers use mathematics to explain treatment resistance

A team of researchers used mathematical models to study the emergence of treatment-resistant populations in bacteria and cancer cells. They found that biological redundancy can lead to bet-hedging, a mechanism that allows cells to survive even when faced with catastrophic environmental changes. The study suggests that traditional strat...

One specific gene explains many diseases

A genetic difference in the FADS1 gene affects levels of LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, as well as the risk for allergies, inflammatory diseases, and certain types of cancer. This imbalance is thought to have evolved over time due to changes in human diet.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 7, 2016

Researchers find gene mutations lead to more aggressive colon cancer in African-Americans

Researchers discovered 15 gene mutations that contribute to more aggressive colon cancer in African-Americans, resulting in higher recurrence and metastasis rates. These findings explain the disparity in colorectal cancer rates and death rates between African-Americans and other groups.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 1, 2016

'Born to be bad' or 'born to be benign' -- testing cells for esophageal cancer risk

A new study by Queen Mary University of London found that certain Barrett's Oesophagus cells can be identified as 'born to be benign' or 'bad', allowing for early detection and prevention of oesophageal cancer. The test uses genetic analysis of individual cells, predicting future risk regardless of time since abnormal cell appearance.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2016

Researchers turn to policy to tackle health disparities in an age of personalized medicine

Increased support for minority-focused research and community-based participatory research can improve understanding of chronic diseases across races and ethnicities. Policy recommendations include increasing non-white participant enrollment, educating healthcare providers, and funding research on gene-environment interactions.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 8, 2016

Discovery of a novel gene for hereditary colon cancer

Scientists have identified a rare genetic alteration in the MSH3 gene that is associated with a new form of hereditary colon cancer. The discovery has significant implications for diagnosis and treatment, as it offers a clear diagnosis for some cases of polyposis and allows for targeted surveillance and prevention.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 28, 2016