Articles tagged with Cancer Genetics
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a method to genetically engineer immune cells to combat Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a third most common cancer in Chinese males. The engineered T-cells use Epstein-Barr virus presence to fight NPC, offering a promising new treatment approach.
Biomedical ethicists review current arguments on disclosing genetic information of the deceased and offer suggestions for developing policies. They propose passive postmortem disclosure policies, where access to genetic info is provided at family members' request under certain circumstances.
A new UK-based study reveals that statin users have a lower risk of developing liver cancer compared to non-users. The study found the association was strongest among current users and those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or liver disease.
A Cancer Research UK study found that serous ovarian cancers with diverse genetic profiles are more likely to become resistant to chemotherapy and recur. This variability affects the prognosis of patients with these tumors, leading to earlier deaths compared to those with less varied tumors.
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals that the tissue surrounding tumor cells holds the key to classifying colon tumors into good or bad prognosis. By analyzing this tissue, scientists can identify patients at risk of relapse and develop targeted treatments using TGF-beta inhibitors.
A study found that most UK women (85%) would back the idea of more frequent breast screening if they are at higher genetic risk of developing breast cancer. Women at lower genetic risk were less supportive, but still willing to participate in screening with proper information and support.
Researchers have found that mutations in the PTEN gene lead to reduced activity and stability of a critical protein, promoting genetic instability and disease. This discovery could pave the way for new treatments for patients with both autism and cancer.
Researchers have developed a new algorithm called Gene Rank (GR) to describe gene connectivity, which can be used for disease prognosis and early cancer detection. GR is based on gene expression data and reflects how well a particular gene is connected to other genes.
Researchers estimated that by age 80, CDH1 mutation carriers have a 70% chance of developing gastric cancer and a 42% risk of breast cancer. The study provides more precise estimates for carriers of the CDH1 gene mutation, a cancer predisposing gene associated with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer.
Scientists have created a new model organism for studying aging in the naturally short-lived African turquoise killifish. The researchers developed a genome-editing toolkit, allowing them to rapidly manipulate genes and study aging-related diseases.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that the order of genetic mutations acquired determines how cancer behaves. The study found that patients who acquire mutations in JAK2 prior to those in TET2 are more likely to develop a severe red blood cell disease subtype and suffer from blood clots.
African American women are at higher risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer due to unique genetic mutations. The study found novel genomic segments shared among family members with breast cancer, supporting the hypothesis that specific genes may be unique to this population.
Researchers at NIH identified chromothripsis as the reason for a patient's spontaneous cure of WHIM syndrome. The study showed that a random deletion of mutant CXCR4 gene in stem cells led to normal neutrophil function.
Scientists at Lund University have discovered a way to identify the most malignant tumours in children by studying genetic micro-variation. The study found that the degree of genetic variation between cells is linked to the severity of cancer in children, making it a potential marker for predicting treatment outcomes.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation that may contribute to tumours becoming resistant to current treatments. The study also found a link between defective copies of the DNA repair gene XRCC2 and platinum-based chemotherapy resistance.
Epidemiological and pre-clinical studies suggest coffee has a protective effect against non-melanoma skin cancers, but the link to cutaneous melanoma is less clear. A study found that high coffee intake was inversely associated with a 20% lower risk of malignant melanoma, especially in caffeinated coffee drinkers.
A new study reveals that a specific gene, ATDC, plays a key role in the development of pancreatic cancer by promoting tumor growth and spread. The study found that patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer have a survival rate of only 30 percent.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to amplify gene samples containing damaged DNA adducts, which are common in cancer. This breakthrough could enable the analysis of molecular mechanisms involved in cancer initiation and risk factors.
Scientists have discovered a novel interaction between AEG-1 and Akt2 proteins that regulates malignant characteristics of GBM, offering new therapeutic potential. Disrupting this interaction in preclinical experiments showed reduced GBM cell survival and invasion.
Researchers found that up to a quarter of patients with bowel cancer who have a family history could have their cancer caused by genetic mutations identified through gene testing. This could lead to improved diagnosis, treatment, and early detection for both the patient and their relatives.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered a novel microRNA-gene interaction that could lead to new therapies for malignant glioma, the most common and deadly form of brain tumor. Increasing miR-184 expression slows glioma cell growth by regulating SND1, a cancer-promoting gene.
A nationwide survey of American adults reveals that healthy individuals react strongly to hypothetical genetic risk information, wanting to take various actions such as seeking information and managing risk. The study's findings suggest that the experience of living between health and disease is not limited to those already patients.
Researchers found an association between smoking and loss of the Y chromosome in blood cells, which may explain why men have a shorter life expectancy. Heavy smokers showed more frequent loss of the Y chromosome than moderate smokers.
Researchers discovered lactate plays a key role in ASPS tumor cells' behavior, fueling their growth and aggressiveness. The study also confirms the fusion gene ASPSCR1-TFE3 as the driver of this rare cancer.
Researchers used computational modeling to examine the role of genetic mutations in cancer growth, finding that genes never observed in cancers may be the best targets for therapy. Targeting these 'never mutations' in combination with therapies targeting driver genes was found to be highly effective.
Researchers used big data to identify crizotinib as a possible new coating for drug-eluting stents, which could reduce in-stent stenosis without affecting the endothelium. The study found that crizotinib reduced plaque buildup in blood vessels and prevented the narrowing of arteries after stenting.
A study of 95,766 Danish participants found that genetically low vitamin D levels were associated with increased all-cause mortality and cancer mortality. However, the study did not find a link between vitamin D levels and cardiovascular mortality.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a genetic-based tool called NanoFlare that can detect live circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream. The technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer by providing a more accurate and personalized approach.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a unique approach to treating pancreatic cancer that uses immunotherapy to target cancer cells and stimulate the immune system. The treatment method, known as immunochemotherapy, shows promise in pre-clinical studies with minimal harm to normal pancreatic cells.
A large study of over 35,000 participants found that genetic risk scores for elevated plasma lipids are associated with increased aortic valve calcium and new cases of aortic stenosis. The study suggests a causal link between high LDL-C levels and early stages of aortic valve disease.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is expanding its genetic screening program to 22 North Texas counties, serving underserved populations with HBOC and Lynch syndrome risk. The new grant will connect patients with genetic specialists through telemedicine, increasing accessibility and reducing transportation costs.
A new study using LSU Health New Orleans data found Acadian parishes in Louisiana have the highest colorectal cancer rates among nation's founder populations. The Cajun population, with limited genetic variation, may be linked to the high risk of disease.
Researchers found a potential link between inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and increased risk of salivary gland cancer. The study suggests that people with these gene mutations may require earlier evaluation for salivary gland lesions.
A study published in Nature Genetics has identified a fifth of the genetic factors that cause height to vary between individuals, doubling the number of known genome regions involved in height to more than 400. The research found that simple common genetic variation explains more than half of the factors involved in determining height.
A study published in Science Signaling found that JAK inhibitors can effectively treat over 80% of bowel cancers with a genetic mutation present in more than 80% of cases. The researchers discovered that these inhibitors block tumour growth by targeting the Wnt signaling pathway, with minimal impact on normal cells.
A genetic test for Lynch Syndrome could help reduce the risk of bowel, womb, and ovarian cancers in families. The test would identify individuals who are at higher risk and provide them with risk-reducing measures such as more intensive surveillance to spot recurrences and new cancers early.
Researchers have found a targeted treatment, afatinib, that can stop the growth of aggressive womb cancer cells and shrink tumours. The drug targets faults in the HER2 gene, which lie at the heart of the cancer cells, offering new hope for patients with this rare but deadly form of cancer.
Research by University of Exeter Medical School reveals that systematic testing for Lynch Syndrome in younger bowel cancer patients would identify two-thirds with the condition, avoiding 40 further cases. The test is expected to save lives, money and resources by identifying those at higher risk of developing cancer.
Researchers discovered that a genetic modifier called Pla2g2a can protect against colon tumors in mice, which could have significant implications for cancer research and treatment. The study found that mice with the resistant allele of Pla2g2a had fewer tumors than those with the sensitive allele.
Researchers develop genetic 'instruction set' that creates broadly neutralizing antibodies to target hepatitis C virus. In mice, the treatment prevented infection and eradicated existing infections, offering potential for affordable treatment.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have identified a genetic driver of inflammation that can be used to prevent and treat liver cancer. The study found that blocking the expression of AEG-1 halts the development and progression of liver cancer by regulating inflammation.
Michigan State University scientists have discovered the first detailed examination of mutations similar to those present in the human cancer gene. The study reveals that boosting levels of even standard protein can alter fruit flies' eyes and wings, while mutated protein causes consistent and dramatic deformations.
Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a new molecular imaging approach that can image bone metastases from prostate cancer with greater accuracy than existing methods. The new method detects the gene AEG-1, which is expressed in most cancers but not in healthy cells.
A major international study identified 23 new genetic variants associated with increased risk of prostate cancer, explaining a third of the inherited risk. Testing for these variants can identify 1% of men with a risk almost six times as high as the population average.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified several new genetic causes of Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer found only in children. The most common mutations were found in genes called DROSHA and DICER1, which affect the production of microRNAs that control cell growth.
A recent study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that soy supplementation altered the expression of genes associated with breast cancer. The study involved 140 patients who were randomized to either soy supplementation or placebo, and observed changes in several genes that promote cell cycle progression a...
A new study demonstrates the power of data in improving care transitions by increasing clinical information sharing, hospital clinician contact information exchange, and notification of hospitalization rates. As a result, Rhode Island's overall readmission rate decreased significantly.
The study developed a novel approach for evaluating the relevance of interactions using a Bayesian hierarchal mixture framework. The model successfully identified significant interactions in cutaneous melanoma and lung cancer risk by controlling false positive discovery and estimating parameters.
A University of Utah-led study identifies a genetic variation in Tibetans that contributes to their adaptation to high altitudes. The EGLN1 gene change protects Tibetans from complications caused by low oxygen levels, allowing them to thrive in thin air.
CRI scientists have identified a gene that contributes to the development of several childhood cancers, including neuroblastoma and hepatoblastoma. The study found that overproduction of Lin28b specifically causes hepatoblastoma, while blocking it impairs cancer growth.
Researchers found mutations in the CTR9 gene in six children with Wilms tumour, a common kidney cancer in kids, and discovered that malfunctioning PAF1 complex is likely to cause cancer. The study's findings offer hope for improved treatments and screening for affected families.
Valerie Hu, a GW University researcher, has received a $435K grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to investigate how environmental factors affect the gene RORA in individuals with autism. Her research aims to understand how endocrine-disrupting compounds may contribute to increased risk for autism.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have identified a link between genetic mutations and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, an oral cancer affecting the salivary glands. The discovery could lead to targeted therapies that target the underlying genetic causes of the cancer.
Researchers identified a genetic switch that stifles blood vessel development and used it to prevent peripheral vascular disease in a mouse model. The study's findings offer hope for new treatments targeting conditions like diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine created a mouse model showing that epigenetic alterations alone can cause cancer. DNA methylation changes led to a higher incidence of spontaneous cancers and reduced survival in the mice.
Dr. Brenner's work has contributed significantly to advancing the field of gene transfer using retroviral vectors in cancer immunotherapy. He is recognized for his contributions to developing genetically modified T cells that can effectively target tumors.
A new UK study reveals that a genetic defect in the melanocortin1 receptor (MC1R) may make people more susceptible to developing melanoma. The study found that MC1R defects contribute to melanoma development by delaying DNA repair and increasing cancerous mutations.
A study found that genetic mutations in liver cells drive tumor formation in iCCA, with mutant proteins impairing liver cell development and increasing the risk of metastasis. Researchers discovered a potential treatment option by targeting IDH1/2 mutations, opening a new line of investigation for biomarkers and life-saving decisions.
The Pew Charitable Trusts and Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust launched a new scholars program targeting cancer research. Five promising early-career scientists will receive funding for innovative research using genetics, pharmacology, and structural biology.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have identified a genetic pathway that suppresses the spread of ovarian cancer. By studying the genetics of platypus and humans, they found that piRNA genes play a crucial role in preventing the growth of cancer cells.