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Recreating liver tumors as organoids for faster, more accurate drug screening

Researchers have developed a new method to grow patient-derived xenografts (PDX) liver cancer cells in culture, which maintains their proper shape and function and grows as organoids. The success of the engineered organoids has the potential to revolutionize the screening and development of liver cancer drugs.

Radiation therapy algorithm could reduce side effects, maintain effect against tumors

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a mathematical model for computing radiation therapy treatments that could substantially reduce patient side effects while delivering the same results as conventional radiation therapy. The new approach, known as spatiotemporal fractionation, delivers different doses to part...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateJan 5, 2018

New study points the way to therapy for rare cancer that targets the young

A new study identifies a chimeric gene as the driver of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC), a rare and usually lethal liver cancer. The research offers prime targets for drugs to treat the disease, including kinases and cellular signaling systems. Researchers are now working to design therapeutics targeting these pathways.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2017

'Mini liver tumors' created in a dish for the first time

Researchers have successfully created mini biological models of human primary liver cancers, known as organoids, in the lab. These tiny laboratory models were used to identify a new drug that could potentially treat certain types of liver cancer, showing promising results for personalized medicine and reducing animal usage.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 13, 2017

Identifying a new type of liver tumor

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have successfully defined a rare pediatric malignant liver disease, HEMNOS, which showed positive treatment outcomes when treated like hepatoblastoma. The study found that all patients survived and achieved remission despite being considered high risk.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalHistopathology·DateAug 9, 2017

A niche for metastases

Scientists from TUM discovered that pancreatic cancer cells create a 'niche' in the liver to grow and spread at an exceptionally early stage. This is facilitated by the protein TIMP1, which interacts with hepatic stellate cells to activate them and initiate metastasis.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 6, 2016

How mouth microbes may worsen colorectal cancer

Researchers discovered that oral microbes like fusobacteria travel through the bloodstream to reach colorectal tumors, where they proliferate and accelerate cancer. The study sheds light on how these bacteria home in on tumors using a protein called Fap2.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 10, 2016

Long-term survival achieved in metastatic melanoma with personalized vaccine

Two patients with liver metastasis from melanoma survived for at least 8.5 and 12 years after receiving patient-specific immunotherapeutic vaccines. The vaccines were derived from the patients' own dendritic cells loaded with proteins isolated from their tumors. Co-Editor-in-Chief Donald J. Buchsbaum, PhD, describes these results as

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateMay 10, 2016

Controlling 'bad cholesterol' production could prevent growth of tumors, study finds

Researchers found that cancer cells can regulate the body's lipid metabolism to increase production of lipids. Minimizing liver production of LDL can deprive tumors of their constant supply and reduce growth. The study aims to test existing medications for hypercholesterolemia on patients undergoing cancer treatment.

ERC Consolidator Grant: Six million euros for 3 scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen

The Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen has been awarded 14 ERC grants, with three scientists receiving 6 million euros. Dr. Daniel Razansky is investigating non-invasive brain imaging methods, while Dr. Irmela Jeremias focuses on targeted tumor treatment and Dr. Mathias Heikenwaelder explores immune system interactions in liver disease.

Predicting cancer's growth from few clues

Mathematicians at Duke University develop a method to compare common tumor growth models using only two time-point measurements of tumor size. The results suggest breast and liver tumors grow exponentially, while neurological tumors follow the two-thirds power law.

SourceDuke University·JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology·DateNov 2, 2015

Retroviral RNA may play a part in liver cancer

Research suggests that retroviral long-terminal-repeat promoters may contribute to the emergence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The study found that these elements are highly activated in liver cancer tumors and non-tumor tissue from patients with different etiologies, including viral hepatitis or alcohol use.

SourceRIKEN·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 28, 2015

New pig model will provide insights into early detection, new treatments of cancers

Researchers have created a genetically engineered pig model that allows them to induce the development of human-like tumors, reflecting gene pathways and mutations most often observed in human cancer. The 'oncopig' model holds great promise for early detection and treatment of cancers such as pancreatic, liver, lung, and bladder cancers.

Plant extract fights brain tumor

A novel, non-invasive treatment strategy for Cushing Disease has been discovered using silibinin from milk thistle seeds. The active compound binds to heat shock protein 90, allowing glucocorticoid receptor molecules to dissolve and restore normal ACTH production.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

The dirty side of soap

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that triclosan causes liver fibrosis and cancer in laboratory mice through molecular mechanisms relevant in humans. Long-term exposure to the chemical may lead to liver toxicity, particularly when combined with other compounds.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014