Articles tagged with Cancer Genetics
A new study found that men at heightened genetic risk of prostate cancer who adopt healthy lifestyles may see a significant reduction in lethal disease risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical exercise, and not smoking were key factors associated with a reduced risk.
Researchers discover G6PD's pivotal role in activating pentose phosphate pathway to counter oxidative stress, leading to increased cell death and tumor shrinkage. Ovarian cancer cells' reliance on fatty acid metabolism fuels oxidative compound production, which can be offset by G6PD inhibition.
Researchers have developed an app to help doctors identify patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at risk of developing infections, allowing for earlier treatment. The app uses blood test results and genetic data to predict patient risk, improving treatment outcomes and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.
Researchers identify key features of a gene mutation responsible for 15-20% of melanomas, establishing a link between the frequency of specific NRAS mutations and spontaneous melanoma formation. The study could help pinpoint early events required for melanoma formation and develop targeted treatments.
Researchers at Kyoto University identified the mechanism behind active inflammation and immunosuppression in tumor microenvironments. EP2/EP4 inhibitors suppress tumor growth by allowing regulatory T cells to infiltrate and activate within tumors, benefiting patients with certain cancers.
A recent scientific review suggests that the oral microbiome may hold key answers to pancreatic cancer development, diagnosis, and treatment. The study found a distinct association between oral microbiome patterns and pancreatic tumors, with certain disease-driving bacteria identified in both.
A recent study found that certain bacteria species in the gut are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer in younger populations. The research suggests that dietary patterns high in processed meats, low-calorie drinks, and liquor may contribute to this increased risk.
A UVA researcher is using a harmless amoeba to develop an innovative treatment for deadly C. difficile infections in young children. The approach has the potential to deliver specific antibodies directly to the gut, reducing the need for antibiotics and addressing a growing public health threat.
A new study led by Cedars-Sinai research suggests that androgen hormones interfere with the body's ability to fight bladder cancer, explaining why males experience higher cancer rates. Androgen deprivation therapy may improve treatment outcomes for male patients.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics found that a person's height impacts their risk for multiple diseases, including atrial fibrillation and varicose veins. The study also uncovered associations between greater height and a higher risk of peripheral neuropathy and skin bone infections.
A new interactive web portal, SpUR, catalogues over 1,000 splicing events found in cancers, highlighting their role in tumor development and progression. The database provides a platform for researchers to study RNA dysregulations in cancer and develop RNA-based anti-cancer drugs.
New research provides insights into genetic characteristics of Wilms tumor relapse, identifying two previously unrecognised mutations that may aid in early detection and tailored therapies. The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, offers promise for improving patient outcomes.
The study identified a specific methylation signature, TCF7, which predicts the presence of anti-tumor T cells and patient outcomes. The findings suggest that determining immunoepignomic status through tumor-based expression quantitative trait methylation screening could allow for accurate prediction of patient outcomes.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that tumors recruit nearby cells called fibroblasts to work as their enablers by releasing lactate. This finding suggests that future drug treatments could target this defense mechanism to help cancer patients.
A new sensor technology allows for real-time monitoring of lactate levels in the brain, providing insights into energy metabolism and potential applications in cancer detection. The sensors corrected for hemodynamic artifacts using MRI-informed corrections enable accurate cell-specific lactate level recordings.
Researchers developed a droplet-based microfluidic technology to produce micro-organospheres from cancer patient biopsies within an hour. These miniature tumors retain the original microenvironment and can be used for testing many drug conditions, showing almost perfect correlation with actual clinical treatment outcomes.
Researchers have used a data-sharing innovation to categorise 16 uncertain BRCA variants as benign or likely benign, potentially allowing women with these variants to skip invasive surgeries. This could lead to thousands of people avoiding difficult treatments for no reason.
Researchers developed an AI system using swarm learning to predict cancer from medical images of tissue samples without accessing patient data. The technique improved the detection of genetic changes in colon tumors with high accuracy.
Researchers identified estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERR γ) as crucial for preventing pancreatic auto-digestion in mice. In humans, lower levels of ERR γ were found in cells affected by pancreatitis. These findings suggest new therapies regulating ERR γ activity could help prevent or treat these conditions.
The Lustgarten Foundation has awarded a $5 million grant to Break Through Cancer to target KRAS in pancreatic cancer. The Conquering KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer Team will integrate clinical and laboratory approaches to understand why patients respond to new therapies.
Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine defined 11 subsets of cells found in esophageal tissue using single cell gene-expression profiling. This study could help clinicians diagnose or treat certain types of cancer by identifying functional cell types contributing to cancer progression.
Researchers found that low-density neutrophils are associated with chronic inflammation in obesity, which can lead to comorbidities like type 2 diabetes and cancer. Bariatric surgery reduces these cells in circulation, improving metabolic syndrome components.
Children of Latino ethnicity with acute lymphoblastic leukemia are more likely to experience relapse compared to non-Hispanic white children, even without minimal residual disease. Detection of MRD status may not be as strong a prognostic factor in predicting the risk of relapse in these patients.
Researchers at Purdue University discovered that some lung cancer patients become resistant to common therapeutics due to epigenetic regulation of the KMT5C gene. This understanding lays the groundwork for future therapeutics and provides insight into the biology and progression of cancers.
Adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy before surgery reduced the risk of recurrence and death in lung cancer patients by 37%, according to a phase III trial. The treatment also led to a nearly twelvefold increase in pathological complete response, with 24% of patients achieving no active cancer remaining when the tumor was removed.
A study suggests that accounting for genetic factors causing normal variations in PSA levels could improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection. By analyzing data from over 95,000 men, researchers identified a polygenic score that accounted for 7.3-8.7% of variation in baseline PSA levels and was not associated with prostate cancer.
A study found that 12% of recurrent ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cases were new primary lesions unrelated to the original tumor. These findings suggest that genetic biomarkers for predicting recurrence may not be effective for all patients.
Researchers developed a MOF-based system for delivering DNA into target cells, overcoming challenges in gene therapy. The tiny structures protected genetic cargo and helped ferry it into the nucleus, where gene activity takes place.
The University of Cincinnati researcher Xiaoting Zhang has been awarded a five-year grant renewal to continue his genetic driver study of breast cancer and potential therapeutic targets. Zhang's team discovered that the gene MED1 functions as a co-driver with HER2 in promoting tumor growth, spread, and treatment resistance.
Glioblastomas, the deadliest brain cancer, have evaded immune cells by promoting immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Researchers identified S100A4 as a key molecule that can selectively target these immune suppressive cells. This discovery paves the way for new therapeutic strategies to restore antitumor action in glioblastoma patients.
Researchers have uncovered a collaboration between RNA decay and chromatin regulating complexes that work together to control the levels of transposable element RNAs, preventing genetic instability. The study reveals an unprecedented mechanism of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation.
The Victoria's Secret Global Fund for Women's Cancers has awarded five female researchers for their groundbreaking work on breast and gynecologic cancers. The recipients will receive a $100,000 honorarium and be invited to participate in a broader women's cancers grant program.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that liquid biopsy can detect cancer mutations months before recurrent breast cancer is detected. This method uses biomarkers released by cancer cells in serum samples to assess changes in intratumoural heterogeneity and provide a more accurate clinical picture.
Researchers have discovered two distinct classes of cancer-associated fibroblasts that accumulate in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and play opposing roles. The study suggests that targeting these unique cell populations may improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
Researchers found that genetic ancestry is associated with differences in biology of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is an independent factor contributing to treatment outcomes. Children from East Asian and South Asian backgrounds had better survival rates than Caucasian children, with Indian children having the best outcomes.
Researchers discovered that ovarian cancer tumors evade immune attack by redirecting tryptophan breakdown to the serotonin pathway, increasing NAD+ levels. Blocking this pathway with IDO1 inhibitors can be ineffective due to the adaptation of tumor microenvironments.
The Southeastern Consortium for Lung Cancer Health Equity aims to address disparities in lung cancer screening among racially and ethnically diverse populations. Researchers will develop more precise methods for identifying those at highest risk of lung cancer diagnoses.
Researchers developed a novel genetic barcode system to mark cancer cells with different gene modifications and image their characteristics. The Perturb-map platform identified specific genes controlling lung tumor growth, immune composition, and response to immunotherapy, offering new approaches for targeting anti-cancer drugs.
Researchers found that chronic lactate exposure can lead to cellular disruptions, decreased fatty acid transport, and alterations of mitochondrial membranes, which may contribute to the development of heart failure and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that lactate accumulation could be a major player in disease progression.
A recent study published in Applied In Vitro Toxicology found that tobacco-free nicotine pouches exhibit reduced levels of toxicants and biological activity compared to combustible cigarette smoke. The products, manufactured by Imperial Brands, showed substantially reduced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in three toxicological assays.
A meta-analysis of 280,660 cases of colorectal cancer and 14,139 cases of adenoma found that taller individuals have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and precancerous colon polyps. The study suggests that adults over 4 inches (10 cm) above the average U.S. height may be at increased risk.
A new study by the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology has found that one third of children with a Wilms' tumor, the most common form of childhood kidney cancer, have a hereditary predisposition. This discovery has led to the implementation of extensive genetic testing for all children with this disease in the Netherlands.
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center have made a groundbreaking discovery about the EP300 gene and its role in small-cell lung cancer. The study found that the gene makes a protein with properties that can both foster and prevent tumor formation, providing a new potential target for treatment.
Scientists at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have created nanoengineered bacteria for photothermal cancer immunotheranostics. The synthesized nanoparticles showed powerful photothermal conversion, high biocompatibility, and excellent tumor selectivity, facilitating clear fluorescent tumor visualization.
Researchers have identified a group of clinical signs that can be paired with genetic testing to better inform the timing of more aggressive treatment for leukemia patients. The study used a mouse model to understand how genetic mutations trigger bone marrow failure and life-threatening complications.
The study of MUNC long non-coding RNA reveals the importance of experimentally determining its structure to identify functional domains. The researchers found that two structural domains, including six common 'hairpins,' were crucial for regulating gene expression and muscle cell differentiation.
Annual MRI screenings starting at ages 30-35 may reduce breast-cancer mortality by more than 50% among women who carry certain genetic changes in three genes. The predictions involve pathogenic variants in ATM, CHEK2 and PALB2 genes – which collectively are as prevalent as the much-reported BRCA1/2 gene mutations.
Researchers identified a novel mutation in 9% of relapsed pediatric AML cases, suggesting a new subtype of the disease. The UBTF tandem duplication is associated with poor survival rates and higher likelihood of minimal residual disease positivity.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a new function of miR-10b, interacting with U6 snRNA to alter global splicing in glioma cells. This study highlights the potential for miRNA-based treatments in cancer therapy.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that tumour cells in ovarian cancer hide from the body's immune system by interacting with specific gene mutations. Tumours with BRCA1/2 mutations are more effectively targeted by killer T-cells, leading to better patient outcomes.
A recent study by KU Leuven and The Francis Crick Institute analyzed 2,658 tumor samples and found that 21% exhibited double mutations in both maternal and paternal DNA copies. This discovery sheds new light on the origin of mutations and their role in cancer development.
A team of researchers has identified over 250 gene activators in human cells, expanding our understanding of transcriptional regulation and its role in cancer. The study also reveals new insights into how proteins interact with each other to regulate gene expression, potentially leading to the development of targeted therapies.
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare cancer affecting up to 1 in 1 million women worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled tumor cell growth. Researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets using extracellular vesicles, with the goal of developing new therapies for LAM patients.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Cancer Research Center in Spain have discovered a potential strategy to prevent B-ALL, the most common childhood cancer, using the drug ruxolitinib. By blocking IL-7 signaling, researchers were able to significantly reduce the risk of leukemia development in genetically predis...
A single genetic test using RNA sequencing has been used for all children with cancer in the Netherlands since 2018, improving diagnosis and treatment in seven cases. The technique picked up 78 fusion genes, 23 of which led to a more accurate diagnosis or possible treatment.
A recent study has found that faulty versions of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with an increased risk of developing prostate and pancreatic cancers in men. The study analyzed data from over 3,200 families and estimated that men who carry a BRCA2 mutation have a 27% risk of developing prostate cancer by age 80.
A UC researcher is leading three projects to study the genetic workings of deadly pediatric brain tumors, including DIPG. The goal is to understand how genes regulate blood vessels and develop more effective treatments. Researchers are also exploring a new drug that targets a specific genetic mutation.
Researchers analyzed DNA sequences and electronic health records of thousands of individuals to discover that the chance a pathogenic genetic variant may cause a disease is relatively low, about 7 percent. However, some variants are linked to wide range of risks for disease.
Researchers found that glioma cells with mutated ATRX have reduced Chk1 activity, leading to dysregulated cell cycle and heightened sensitivity to ATM inhibitors. The study suggests that combining radiation therapy with these inhibitors may improve treatment outcomes for patients with this gene mutation.
Researchers successfully engineered mesenchymal stromal cells to carry and deliver therapeutics specifically to targeted tissues, offering a precise and reliable approach for treating diseases. This novel cargo-carrier, dubbed 'Cargocytes,' retains most of its cellular functionality while greatly enhancing therapeutic capacity.