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CityU and Asian Fund for Cancer Research sign MoU to jointly promote biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship; Harvard Medical School experts speak at the inaugural ‘Innovation Series in Biomedicine’ forum

CityU and AFCR have signed a MoU to promote cutting-edge cancer-related innovative inventions and commercialization. The partnership aims to foster the development of biomedicine and related innovation, with world-leading scholars from Harvard Medical School attending the inaugural 'Innovation Series in Biomedicine' forum.

Self-reported “night owls” more likely to have unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, significantly increased diabetes risk

A large study found that people with an evening chronotype were more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, poor sleep, and physical inactivity. These individuals had a 72% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with a morning chronotype.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 11, 2023

Tracking the ol' mutation trail

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered the mechanism by which breast cancer forms in mammalian epithelial cells. The team found that approximately 20 mutations accumulate annually in each cell until menopause, after which the rate decreases significantly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Breast cancer study altered guidelines in Sweden

A Swedish study revealed that including all eleven associated genes in the screening test doubled the proportion of women with genetically confirmed hereditary breast cancer. The study included 4759 individuals and found that around 85% of women investigated for suspected hereditary breast cancer had a genetic abnormality.

SourceLund University·JournalBMC Cancer·DateAug 23, 2023

Making immunotherapy safer

Researchers developed CrossDome, a tool that uses genetic and biochemical information to predict T-cell immunotherapy's impact on healthy cells. The tool identified high-risk candidates in cases where treatments mistakenly attacked heart cells.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJun 14, 2023

How cancer genes become independent

A new study has provided insight into the mysterious evolution of DNA rings in tumors, revealing that nearly one-third of all tumors have these genetic structures. The researchers used a technology to trace the path of DNA ring development in neuroblastoma cells, finding that large rings contain cancer genes spurring cell growth.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 4, 2023

Stowers Institute scientists discover the dynamics of an “extra” chromosome in fruit flies

Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have revealed the dynamics of a new, young chromosome in fruit flies similar to those found in humans associated with treatment-resistant cancer and infertility. The B chromosomes are maintained by meiotic drive, enabling them to persist in a genome.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2023

Offering genetic testing at the point of care may increase uptake

A new study suggests combining digital cancer risk assessment with point-of-care genetic testing can help overcome clinical workflow challenges that prevent at-risk patients from accessing genetic testing. The approach more than doubled the average uptake of genetic testing, showing promise for cancer prevention and detection.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 3, 2023

Study identifies genetic mutations that contribute to adult epilepsy

Researchers have identified 11 somatic mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway that contribute to treatment-resistant adult epilepsy, suggesting the potential for repurposed anti-cancer agents as new treatments. This study provides insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying this form of epilepsy and opens up new avenues for targeted ther...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeCase study·DateMay 1, 2023

Cancer prevention with rapamycin

Researchers discuss rapamycin's potential to delay cancer onset by slowing cell proliferation and tumor progression. The mTOR pathway is involved in both cancer and aging, making rapamycin a promising chemopreventive agent.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 17, 2023

Scientists create powerful, most-accurate tools to research deadliest blood cancer, study says

Researchers at The Mount Sinai Hospital have created versatile disease models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), allowing for accurate study of the cancer's progression and response to drugs. These models, derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, can mimic different stages of AML and are nearly identical to those found in patients.

Oncotarget | Extreme phenotype approach identifies rare ATR variants as potential male breast cancer susceptibility alleles

Researchers have identified three novel pathogenic variants of the ATR gene as predisposing to male breast cancer. These variants were found in a cohort of individuals with early onset and familial breast cancers, using a combination of exome sequencing and functional investigations. The study suggests that extended genetic analysis ca...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Pusan National University researchers uncover novel gene that regulates leukemia development and progression

Pusan National University researchers have identified a novel gene, SURF4, that regulates cell death and differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study found that suppressing SURF4 expression increases cell differentiation, cell death, and accumulation of ROS, leading to arrested tumor growth in mice.

SourcePusan National University·JournalCancer Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023

New precision therapy for bile duct cancer extends patients’ lives

A new personalized treatment for bile duct cancer has shown remarkable results, with patients surviving for up to two years when treated with the drug futibatinib. The Phase II clinical trial found that the drug was more effective at reducing tumor size and producing modest side effects compared to chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 18, 2023

What does a diffuse midline glioma look like?

A study using spatial single-cell transcriptomics reveals the spatial organization of cancer cells in patient tissues across ages and locations. The research highlights age- and location-dependent differences in tumor biology, suggesting that kids and adults with diffuse midline gliomas may need different treatments.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 5, 2022

CHOP researchers identify potential genetic variants linked to increased cancer risk in children with birth defects

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified several genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk in children with non-chromosomal birth defects. The study found that these variants were more commonly found in genes related to birth defects and cancer, suggesting a potential basis for early detection.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalBiomarker Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2022

Oncotarget | Association of fall rate and functional status by APOE genotype in cancer survivors after exercise intervention

A study published in Oncotarget found that APOE genotype is associated with the presence and severity of cancer treatment-related side effects and symptoms, as well as the response to exercise-based interventions in cancer survivors. ApoE4 carriers showed a lower fall rate after exercise intervention compared to non-carriers.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2022

Making melanoma immortal: Pitt scientists discover key genetic step in cancer’s race to live forever

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a genetic link between melanoma tumors and telomere maintenance, which could lead to new treatments for the disease. The study found that mutations in the TPP1 gene stimulate telomerase activity, promoting long telomeres that enable cancer cells to divide in...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience·DateNov 10, 2022

The X chromosome is silenced in some male cancers

Researchers discovered that X chromosome is actively silenced in about 4% of male cancer samples, a phenomenon previously seen only in female cells. This finding could lead to new insights into the development and treatment of various types of cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 9, 2022

Spicing it up

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a prodrug form of curcumin called TBP1901, which has shown anti-tumor effects without causing harm. The study found that TBP1901's conversion to active curcumin is dependent on the enzyme GUSB, suggesting its potential therapeutic targets.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Head and neck cancer: Markers to facilitate better treatment in the future

A study published in European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging identified specific genetic markers associated with high risk of head and neck cancer. The research used DNA sequencing, artificial intelligence, and positron emission tomography to analyze cellular characteristics of tumors. These markers can facilitate mo...

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEuropean Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateOct 25, 2022

Machine learning creates opportunity for new personalized therapies

Researchers developed a computational platform to identify metabolic vulnerabilities in ovarian cancer genes, suggesting opportunities for targeted therapies. The study found that certain genetic alterations can create vulnerabilities in cancer cell metabolism, which can be exploited to selectively kill cancer cells.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022