Articles tagged with Cancer Genetics
The technology is being showcased at the AACR Annual Meeting, where researchers are highlighting its potential for cancer research. Studies have demonstrated the use of ddPCR to track treatment response in melanoma patients and quantify mutant genes in plasma and serum.
A clinical trial found that genetic screening can help doctors customize treatments for patients with advanced melanoma, reducing cancer recurrence risk by 63%. The study used ipilimumab therapy and identified biomarker signatures to tailor treatment plans.
Professor Jerry Adams has been elected a fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy for his outstanding contributions to understanding genes that provoke cancer and control cell death. His research has implicated key drivers of cancer development and revealed their role in cancer drug resistance.
Researchers identify two distinct types of cells responsible for different breast cancer subtypes, shedding light on the origins of breast cancer diversity. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to revolutionize personalized treatment for patients, reducing unnecessary treatments and improving outcomes.
A faster and cheaper DNA sequencing technique, NGS, will improve care for patients with breast cancer by providing genetic mutation results before treatment begins. This may lead to more women opting for mastectomy instead of breast-conserving surgery, highlighting the need for close monitoring of at-risk patients.
Researchers discovered that the p53 gene is hyperactive in stem cells when cellular damage is present, but not in other cells. This finding suggests that p53's tumor suppression ability may have evolved from its original role in regulating stem cell growth.
Cancer kills flies in a dose-dependent manner, similar to bacterial and viral infections. Researchers have established a system to disentangle the resistance and tolerance mechanisms to cancer in the Drosophila model.
A 3,000 year-old skeleton has revealed evidence of metastatic carcinoma, making it the oldest convincing complete example of cancer in the archaeological record. Analysis suggests that environmental carcinogens or infectious diseases may have caused the cancer.
Researchers identified cancer markers and a previously unknown gene role in airways of smokers with lung cancer, suggesting earlier detection and treatment strategies. The study found that normal-appearing tissue near tumors has tumor-associated molecular abnormalities, potentially aiding in diagnosis and treatment.
Sickle cell trait affects 3 million US citizens, with few aware of their status. Researchers call for improved communication of SCT results to primary care clinicians and genetic counseling on reproductive options
A study published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals that gut microbes contribute to the development of intestinal tumors, leading to colorectal cancer. Disrupting gut bacteria with antibiotics prevented polyp formation in mice, suggesting a link between inflammation and tumor growth.
Researchers have made progress in designing therapies for patients with specific genetic traits, particularly in cancer treatment. However, the field still faces significant hurdles, including a need to incorporate individuals' health histories and environmental factors into personalized medicine.
Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research have discovered that screening for certain genetic mutations in men with a family history of prostate cancer can predict the development of aggressive forms of the disease. The study identified 13 'loss of function' mutations in eight DNA repair genes, which significantly increase the risk...
A new study reveals that babies who develop leukemia during the first year of life inherit a strong genetic predisposition to the disease. The research found that infants with leukemia have an excess of damaging changes in genes linked to leukemia, which can be passed from both parents.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reported remarkable results from a clinical study using genetically modified T cells to treat advanced leukemia. The treatment achieved a 88% complete remission rate, exceeding the response rate of salvage chemotherapy alone.
A new study found that some common genetic variants may be indicators of rare mutations with greater influence on disease risk in prostate cancer. The research identified four common genetic variants associated with a small increase in risk, but also discovered an alternative explanation - a small proportion of men with these variants ...
A new study in PLOS Genetics finds common genetic variants may indicate the presence of influential rare mutations that have yet to be discovered. This 'synthetic association' sheds light on the genetic make-up's large influence on cancer risk, highlighting the importance of identifying causal genetic changes.
Immunologists at the University of Bonn have disproved a long-held classification of immune cells, finding that macrophages can take on multiple forms. This discovery offers new hope for treating diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that bladder cancer subtypes are genetically similar to breast cancer subtypes. The study revealed two distinct genetic subtypes of invasive bladder cancer, basal-like and luminal, which share genetic similarities with breast cancer subtypes.
A study of over 48,000 patients and 139,000 healthy controls from four ethnic groups revealed seven new genetic regions associated with type 2 diabetes. The research provides insights into the biological processes involved in the disease and may lead to novel therapies.
Researchers identified a protein that broadly regulates mRNA editing, enabling the creation of multiple proteins from a limited number of genes. This discovery may help understand genetic mechanisms of diseases and identify new therapeutic targets.
A national poll shows that only 35% of respondents would seek aggressive preventive treatment if they had a family history of cancer and genetic testing indicated a predisposition to cancer. Despite current laws prohibiting discrimination, concerns about employment and insurability remain a major barrier to genetic testing.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified shugoshin as a critical protein in ensuring accurate cell division. The study found that disabling shugoshin led to increased abnormal chromosome numbers, highlighting its importance in preventing aneuploidy and potentially cancer.
Researchers found that ANP32E strips histone H2A.Z from DNA, altering gene expression and leading to improper chromatin structure in cells lacking the protein. This discovery could reveal novel therapeutic strategies for diseases and cancers.
Scientists have found that people carrying mutations in BRCA2 and PALB2 may be more susceptible to DNA damage caused by acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism. This could accelerate cancer growth and increase disease risk.
Scientists at UC San Diego have developed a new genetic platform that enables efficient production of natural molecules, including a novel antibiotic compound called taromycin A. The study demonstrates the potential for this technology to unlock the drug discovery potential of countless new microbes.
The Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award funds groundbreaking projects that aim to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. This year's recipients are Emily P. Balskus, Arvin C. Dar, Summer L. Gibbs, Xiaolin Nan, Moritz F. Kircher, and Eirini Papapetrou, who will receive $450,000 over three years for their innovative ideas.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that telephone genetic counseling is comparable to in-person counseling. The study, led by Georgetown University Medical Center, involved 669 women and showed that phone counseling reduces costs and expands access to genetic testing for rural areas.
An international study has developed a refined method to identify people at risk for certain inherited cancers associated with Lynch syndrome. The study uses genetic data from thousands of variants identified worldwide to classify variants of unknown significance and improve genetic counseling for families.
Researchers found that coevolution between humans and H. pylori bacteria reduced gastric cancer risk in people of African descent, but not in Amerindian descent. The study suggests that the interaction between H. pylori and human ancestry influenced disease risk, with high African-strain infection leading to worse outcomes.
Researchers have developed a DNA clamp that can detect genetic mutations in cancer with greater efficiency than current methods, paving the way for rapid screening and new nanotechnology tools. The technology uses triple helices to improve specificity and has potential applications in diagnostic tests and DNA-based nanostructures.
A study published in Stem Cells reveals that bladder cancer originates from distinct stem cells for muscle-invasive and non-muscle invasive types. Genetic profiling identified specific gene signatures associated with each cell population, which predicted tumor stage and patient survival.
Research found smoking changes genes associated with health problems like cancer and diabetes. Epigenetic modifications are likely caused by tobacco combustion, not substances in the tobacco.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have identified a key gene interaction that could be harnessed to treat various cancers. The study found that forced expression of MDA-7/IL-24 stimulates SARI expression in an autocrine/paracrine loop, causing cancer cells to undergo apoptosis.
A Fox Chase Cancer Center study found that relatives of patients who undergo genetic testing often misinterpret the results, with over one-quarter reporting incorrect interpretations. This can lead to a lack of understanding about their own genetic risks and missed opportunities for cancer prevention.
Lynch syndrome increases the risk of colon and endometrial cancers. Screening all endometrial cancers for this genetic mutation can lead to early detection and improved patient outcomes for women at high risk.
A new multi-gene test can identify breast cancer patients at high risk of developing aggressive triple-negative cancers. The test analyzes genetic signatures associated with poor prognosis, which may reveal potential targets for new drugs and therapies.
A study led by CNIO confirms the therapeutic potential of inhibiting Aurora-A in cancer treatment, revealing an increase in dead and senescent cells and premature aging. The research proposes studying cell nucleus volume as a tool for evaluating anti-cancer drug efficiency.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a gene that plays a crucial role in suppressing lymphoma, a type of blood cell cancer. Caspase-2 helps maintain healthy chromosome numbers in cells, preventing them from becoming cancerous.
A new study finds that 65% of Americans agree clinicians should be involved in explaining DTC genetic test results. This concern is shared by physician groups and medical journals, highlighting the importance of doctor guidance on interpreting genetic risks.
A recent study from the University of Manchester found that tumor oxygen levels impact treatment response. By analyzing gene expression, researchers can predict which patients will benefit from hypoxia-reducing agents before radiotherapy.
Researchers have identified genes associated with brain aging, revealing a heritable basis for neurocognitive deterioration and decreased white matter integrity. The study used large pedigrees of Mexican Americans to disentangle genetic from non-genetic influences on aging.
A new technique called HaploSeq enables researchers to quickly determine which genetic variants occur together on the same chromosome and came from the same parent. This advance has direct implications for personalized medicine, improving organ donation matching and understanding human migration patterns.
Researchers discovered how Brachyury regulates the timing of gene expression in the notochord, a precursor to the backbone, and found that certain mutations can delay or alter this process, potentially leading to birth defects and cancer. The study sheds light on a crucial regulatory mechanism in embryonic development.
A major study has disproven the theory of a viral cause for breast cancer and glioblastoma, with over seven billion DNA sequences analyzed. The research found no genetic traces of viruses in these forms of cancer, contradicting previous theories suggesting Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus involvement.
Genetic mutations in two families with eating disorders were found to be linked to decreased estrogen-related receptor alpha and histone deacetylase 4 activity, increasing the risk of developing an eating disorder. CHST3 mutations also led to early-onset lumbar disc degeneration.
Research reveals an inherited genetic defect in the interleukin-10 (IL-10) pathway is associated with a higher risk of developing certain types of blood cancer, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, in infants and children. The study suggests that chronic intestinal inflammation may play a role in cancer development.
A new tool called the HARM score reliably measures quality and clinical outcomes for colon and rectal surgery patients. The score is calculated from routinely captured data elements and has a strong correlation with the quality of clinical outcomes.
Duojia Pan received the Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research for his groundbreaking work on cell signaling pathways and organ growth. His research has led to a deeper understanding of the Hippo pathway, which regulates tissue growth in animals.
A recent study found that inherited human herpesvirus 6 in telomeres can lead to unstable viral genomes and increased risk of reactivation. This research has significant implications for transplant patients who are often immunosuppressed, highlighting the need for screening donors for this inherited form of HHV-6.
A survey of young women with breast cancer found many overestimate the benefits of prophylactic mastectomy, despite knowing it has little impact on survival rates. The study suggests that improving risk communication and addressing anxiety are crucial to helping patients make informed decisions.
Researchers discovered that over 70% of bladder tumours display somatic mutations in the TERT gene, a protector of genetic material involved in cellular ageing and cancer. The study suggests that these mutations may occur early in the carcinogenesis process, with potential implications for diagnosis and treatment.
A team of researchers has discovered a genetic mutation specific to risk of childhood leukemia, providing a potential window into inherited causes. The PAX5 gene mutation was found in several family members with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), increasing the risk of developing the disease.
The National Cancer Institute has renewed a five-year, $11.3 million grant to support research on thyroid cancer at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. The study focuses on four integrated projects to better understand genetic pathways and signaling in epithelial thyroid cancer.
A case study published in the Medical Journal of Australia reveals that life insurance companies have made incorrect risk-assessment judgments based on genetic information. The authors call for a more collaborative approach between industry, government, and researchers to address these issues.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center discovered that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of invasive bladder cancer in women. The study found significant associations between increased intake of yellow-orange vegetables and lower bladder cancer risk among female participants.
A genetic variant linked to a cell's internal clock has been associated with myeloma, a common type of blood cancer. The study identified four new genetic variants linked to myeloma, bringing the total number to seven.
Researchers identified protein biomarkers that predict ovarian cancer recurrence and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development. The findings suggest a potential for using protein analysis to predict patient outcomes and guide treatment decisions in both diseases.
A new biomarker, PROVAR, predicts time to ovarian cancer recurrence and distinguishes between high-risk patients. Analysis of protein biomarkers may help determine treatment plans for ovarian cancer patients.
Melanoma patients with a BRAF gene mutation may be at risk of developing secondary cancers due to activated tumor growth pathways. Researchers suggest combining BRAF-inhibitor therapy with other inhibitors to prevent paradoxical activation and emergence of secondary malignancies.