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CNIO researchers discover a mechanism that reverses resistance to antiangiogenic drugs

A new study reverses resistance to antiangiogenic drugs by adding an antidiabetic agent, inhibiting tumor growth up to 92%. Researchers found that this mechanism can be targeted to attack cancer cells, with potential for improved treatment outcomes. The discovery has the potential to prolong patient benefit from antiangiogenic treatments.

Combination therapy cures tick-borne illness in mice

A novel combination therapy has been found to clear the infection and prevent recurrence of babesiosis up to 122 days after treatment. The study used a mouse model to test the efficacy of atovaquone and ELQ-334, two drugs that work together to attack the parasite's target enzyme.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 6, 2016

New malaria drugs kill by promoting premature parasite division

Researchers discovered that new malaria drugs promote premature parasite division by increasing sodium ion concentration, altering membrane composition and killing the parasite. The study found that these changes occur without replicating the parasite's genome, indicating a potential new mechanism of action for antimalarial drugs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 26, 2016

Mapping the routes to drug resistance in cancer

Cancer researchers used single-cell phosphoproteomics to study glioblastoma and found that tumors adapt and resist therapies in as little as 48 hours. The approach could lead to personalized treatment with better combination therapies for this deadly brain cancer.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 11, 2016

Curbing malaria resistance with multiple therapies

By treating individuals with a combination of drugs having different mechanisms of action, the chances of a malaria parasite developing multiple genetic mutations needed to survive is substantially decreased. This approach prolongs therapy effectiveness and preserves first-line drugs for treating malaria.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 29, 2016

New tool mines whole-exome sequencing data to match cancer with best drug

A new tool, IMPACT, interprets whole-exome sequencing data to identify candidate genes linked to cancer and recommends FDA-approved targeted treatments. The tool has been validated in patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma, showing its potential to accelerate precision medicine.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMar 29, 2016

Curcumin may help overcome drug-resistant tuberculosis

Researchers found that curcumin successfully removes Mycobacterium tuberculosis from infected cells in culture by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B. The study suggests a potential new treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis that could be less prone to resistance development.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateMar 24, 2016

Artemisinin combination therapy prevents malaria in pregnancy

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) was effective in preventing malaria in pregnancy, with no reported cases among women taking monthly doses. The therapy showed better results than sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), a widely used but ineffective option due to widespread ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2016

Current malaria treatment fails in Cambodia due to drug-resistant parasites

A recent study found that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine treatment has failed in certain provinces of Cambodia due to parasite resistance. The WHO has reinstated artesunate plus mefloquine as the first-line treatment in these areas. New surveillance and clinical trials are needed to track the spread of piperaquine resistance.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 7, 2016

Three hits to fight lung cancer

Researchers have discovered a triple therapy approach that could make treatment-resistant lung cancers susceptible to therapy. The combination of two experimental drugs and radiation therapy was found to be effective in mice with KRAS-related gene mutations.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 1, 2016

Scientists identify promising new melanoma drug

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a promising new melanoma drug, SBI-756. The compound targets the translation initiation complex and has been shown to inhibit melanoma cell growth. SBI-756 may offer a significant advantage in overcoming tumor resistance.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 24, 2015

Vanderbilt study finds erectile dysfunction drug may benefit patients at risk for diabetes

A Vanderbilt study found that sildenafil improves insulin sensitivity in people at risk for diabetes, potentially reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers discovered that sildenafil inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5, resulting in relaxation of smooth muscle and increased blood flow.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 18, 2015

Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital™ PCR (ddPCR™) proves highly reproducible at identifying viral RNA mutations in clinical samples

A study published in the Journal of Virological Methods found that Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology significantly increases the sensitivity and precision of mutation abundance quantification when compared to RT-qPCR. This makes it an ideal tool for detecting viral RNA mutations in clinical samples.

SourceCG Life·JournalJournal of Virological Methods·DateOct 22, 2015