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Monitoring tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA after CGP

Researchers developed a system to monitor tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) after comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), enabling accurate prediction of patient outcomes. The study showed that this approach can be effectively used in conjunction with CGP data to predict cancer relapse and treatment response, improving person...

SourceTohoku University·JournalCancer Science·DateJan 15, 2025

ClinGen creates a robust, open-access platform to define the clinical relevance of genes and variants

The Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) has published data on over 2,700 genes curated for clinical relevance to genetic diseases. The consortium has identified 2,420 gene-disease relationships, classified 5,161 unique pathogenic variants and validated 1,557 genes for dosage sensitivity assessments.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 24, 2024

New tool quantifies cancer’s ability to shape-shift

A new analytical tool called PATH can quantify tumor cell plasticity, which is a key characteristic of cancer that leads to treatment resistance and metastatic spread. Researchers used PATH to analyze tumor samples from animal models and human patients, revealing new details of how tumors exploit plasticity to spread.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 24, 2024

Surprising insight into cancer comes from unique plant species that find different solutions to evolutionary challenges

Researchers studied three polyploid plant species that successfully adapted to extra DNA and found distinct molecular solutions. The study identified the CENP-E molecule as a promising target for killing polyploid cancers. Additionally, 'meiosis genes' were found to play a crucial role in rapid adaptation to polyploidy.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2024

Circular RNAs – the new frontier in cancer research

Researchers predict that circular RNAs will play a crucial role in cancer diagnosis and treatment, enabling innovative diagnostic and therapeutic developments. The study highlights the potential of circRNAs as biomarkers, therapy targets, and even immune response inducers against cancer cells.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 1, 2024

Editorial: Genomics has more to reveal

A new editorial paper discusses molecular and cytogenetic analyses used to identify distinct subtypes of acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Researchers found that around 15% of AML cases remain genetically unclassifiable, emphasizing the need for further research.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 2, 2024

Novel blood test helps improve cancer treatments

A new liquid biopsy method analyzes gene fragments in the bloodstream to detect and track cancer, enabling oncologists to tailor treatment approaches to individual patients. This non-invasive test can help monitor treatment success, detect cancer recurrence, and improve patient quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

New screening tool could improve the survival rate of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma from 20% to 90%

A new machine-learning model using serum fusion-gene levels predicts HCC with an accuracy of 83-91%, significantly improving upon current biomarkers like serum alpha-fetal protein. This breakthrough tool may help identify patients at risk and monitor cancer recurrence, leading to improved survival rates.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 17, 2024

ASCO: Large precision oncology study identifies differences in prostate cancer genomics among a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of U.S. veterans

A genomic study of over 5,000 veterans with advanced prostate cancer reveals significant differences in frequencies of alterations associated with race and ethnicity. Alterations in immunotherapy targets were more common in Black veterans, potentially leading to opportunities for precision-based therapy.

Dogma-challenging telomere findings may offer new insights for cancer treatments

A new study found that PARP1 is involved in the repair of telomeres, which can lead to genomic instability and cancer. Impairing this process can lead to telomere shortening and increased risk of cancer. The findings challenge existing dogma and open up new possibilities for improving cancer therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

New urine-based test detects high-grade prostate cancer, helping men avoid unnecessary biopsies

Researchers have developed a new urine-based test that identifies high-grade prostate cancer by analyzing 18 genes linked to the disease. The test, called MyProstateScore2.0, was shown to be nearly 100% correct at ruling out aggressive cancers and helped avoid up to 41% of unnecessary biopsies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2024

A KAIST-Seoul National University Hospital research team develops a computational workflow that predicts metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with somatic mutations in cancers

A KAIST-Seoul National University Hospital research team has developed a computational workflow that predicts metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with somatic mutations in cancers. The workflow uses genome-scale metabolic models and mutation data to identify altered metabolic pathways that contribute to cancer progression.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalGenome Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 2024

Large-scale study explores genetic link between colorectal cancer and meat intake

Researchers linked red/processed meat consumption to increased colorectal cancer risk, highlighting two genetic markers (HAS2 and SMAD7) that alter cancer risk levels based on meat intake. The study analyzed data from nearly 70,000 people and found a 30-40% increased risk for those with high red or processed meat intake.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Discovered a RNA molecule that helps prevent DNA replication errors

A long non-coding RNA called lncREST has been identified as a crucial component of the stress response during DNA replication. Its absence leads to impaired stress signalling, resulting in severe DNA defects and cell death. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing anti-tumour therapies.

SourceCentro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateMar 4, 2024

NCI-MATCH cancer trial discovers a potentially broader role for an established dual HER2-blocking treatment

The NCI-MATCH precision medicine trial discovered that trastuzumab-pertuzumab, approved for HER2-positive breast cancer, can shrink tumors in patients with other types of cancer and high levels of the HER2 gene. The study found a 12% confirmed overall response rate, with partial responses in various cancers.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 4, 2024

Epigenetic combination therapy could overcome treatment resistance in epithelioid sarcomas and rhabdoid tumors

Researchers have identified mechanisms of resistance to tazemetostat in epithelioid sarcoma and rhabdoid tumors, leading to the development of a combination therapy strategy. The therapy uses an epigenetic treatment approach to target specific mutations that drive cancer growth.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Why it’s important to improve communication of unanticipated genomic findings to patients with late-stage cancer

A qualitative study by City of Hope highlights the importance of proper patient preparation for unanticipated, inheritable genetic findings prior to tumor sequencing. The research emphasizes the need for scalable educational interventions that facilitate informed consent, such as online tools and applications.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 15, 2023

Cancer's sweet Achilles heel

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has found that a deficiency in the enzyme B4GALT3 inhibits tumor growth in mice. The study shows that reduced glycosylation on T cell surfaces correlates with increased CD8+ immune cells infiltrating tumors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

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.