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Pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant therapy in certain breast cancer patients predicts low risk for local metastases

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that certain breast cancer patients who achieve pathologic complete response (pCR) after chemotherapy have a low risk of developing local metastases, making them candidates for less invasive treatment options. These patients may be able to avoid follow-up surgery, including axillary surgery.

EuroPCR 2016 abstracts now online

New techniques and devices are being developed to treat heart failure, mitral valve regurgitation, and coronary artery lesions. Studies show high procedural success rates and improvements in heart function and quality of life.

SourcePCR·DateMay 12, 2016

Droplet Digital PCR enables measurement of potential cancer survival biomarker

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center used Droplet Digital PCR to quantify tumor-infiltrating T-lymphocytes (TILs), a subpopulation of immune cells that improve cancer survival. Higher TIL levels correlate positively with patient survival, suggesting an active role in suppressing tumor formation. The study paves the way...

SourceCG Life·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 4, 2013

Hold the medicinal lettuce

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that reported plant genetic material entering human blood may be a false positive, contradicting previous research from Nanjing University. The team used advanced techniques to detect microRNAs in macaques' blood and found highly variable results.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalRNA Biology·DateJun 26, 2013

Improving DNA amplification from problematic plants

Researchers have developed a technique to overcome inhibitory plant compounds, allowing PCR to successfully amplify DNA from problematic plants. The additive TBT-PAR, containing trehalose, bovine serum albumin, and polysorbate-20, enhances PCR for DNA extracted from various plant species, including tropical and temperate species.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJan 3, 2013