Research on the genetic drivers of cancer. Covers childhood-cancer drivers, AI mutation detection, faster lymphoma diagnosis, and precision immunotherapy trials.
New research estimates the overall disease burden of genetic risk factors on healthy life years lost, prioritizing interventions using genetic information. The study found that common genetic variants for cardio-vascular diseases and Alzheimer’s disease have a substantial population-level impact.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic link HSD3B1 genotype to higher risk of type 2 endometrial cancer, which is more aggressive and has lower survival rates than type 1. The study builds on previous associations with breast and prostate cancer, suggesting the gene could serve as a biomarker for certain subtypes.
In a Phase I/II trial, selpercatinib demonstrated a 44% objective response rate across multiple tumor types, including pancreatic and colorectal cancers. The study found responses regardless of cancer type or prior treatment history, confirming RET fusions as a tissue-agnostic target.
Researchers found that RK-33 inhibits the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to replicate in host cells, making it a potential broad-spectrum antiviral agent. The study showed that RK-33's antiviral capability remains consistent across four SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Research using genetic variants as proxies for physical activity levels found a link between higher activity and lower invasive breast cancer risk. A higher overall level of genetically predicted physical activity was associated with a 41% lower risk of invasive breast cancer.
A new preclinical model of thymic cancer reveals how a common mutation sparks tumor formation and identifies potential targets for therapy. The model, developed by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers, shares molecular characteristics with human thymic tumors, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers found that using the drug erlotinib, which blocks a specific cancer pathway, led to a 30 percent reduction in polyps formed in patients with FAP. The study's findings suggest potential ways to prevent colorectal cancer in the general population at an earlier stage.
The study found an overall response rate of 57% and disease control rate of 83% in 23 patients with diverse cancer types. These results validate RET as a tissue-agnostic target with sensitivity to RET inhibition.
Researchers used spatial transcriptomics to create a map of prostate tissue, revealing areas of healthy cells with genetic characteristics of cancer. The study's findings have big implications for diagnosis and potentially treating specific cancer regions.
A recent study published in Cancer Research identified a unique vulnerability in certain high-risk cancers that can be exploited for targeted therapy. Researchers found that cancer cells with alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) have a common weakness, leading to resistance to DNA-damaging agents and chemotherapy.
The NCI-backed Molecular Targets Platform streamlines and catalyzes drug development by integrating pediatric cancer targets and pathways. This platform empowers researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and advocacy groups to accelerate the pace of drug development for pediatric cancer.
A study investigated total and out-of-pocket costs of genetic counseling among commercially insured adults with cancer, finding that these costs can significantly impact patient care. Factors contributing to higher costs were identified, highlighting the need for more affordable genetic testing options.
A study of over 500 patients with multiple myeloma reveals a high prevalence of genetic alterations in oncogenic pathways, leading to treatment resistance. The research found a specific link between RASopathies and mutations in these pathways, offering new insights into the development of resistance mechanisms.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with high genetic risk for stroke can reduce their risk by 30-45% by adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle. The study followed 11,568 adults over 28 years and showed that modifying lifestyle risk factors can offset genetic risk.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University have found a genetic link between human leukocyte antigens and immunotherapy side effects in non-small cell lung cancer patients. The discovery enables doctors to tailor treatment to individual patients, reducing the risk of toxicities and improving overall outcomes.
Researchers analyzed germline variants in breast cancer patients to identify their role in metastasis development. The study found that host genetic makeup contributes to metastasis through dysregulation of gene expression, promoting the dispersion of metastatic seeds and establishing a conducive environment for their growth.
A study found that pharmacogenomic testing can help providers avoid prescribing antidepressants with undesirable outcomes. The test, which analyzes genes related to drug metabolism, resulted in a significant improvement in depression symptoms compared to usual care.
Researchers have found that high levels of iron can generate toxic free radicals, which damage lipids and ultimately lead to cell death. The team is exploring the use of compounds like JKE-1674 to induce ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to treatment.
Researchers have created stem cell models that mimic the genetic disorder, revealing the role of WASP protein in regulating RNA splicing and finding potential therapeutic targets. These findings could lead to new treatments for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a devastating immune deficiency disorder.
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.
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 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.
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.