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How fat takes over the lymph nodes as we age

As we age, fat cells replace immune system tissue in lymph nodes, impairing their ability to fight infections and respond to vaccinations. This phenomenon, known as lymph node lipomatosis, is more common and prevalent with age, affecting the effectiveness of our immune system.

SourceUppsala University·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Largest study of its kind reveals adjuvant chemotherapy improves overall survival for pancreatic cancer patients

A nationwide retrospective study showed that adjuvant chemotherapy after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery significantly improved overall survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, regardless of lymph node status or resection margins. The study included nearly 900 patients and was published in JAMA Oncology.

Researchers identify how certain immune cells contribute to worse survival in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer

Researchers found that HER2-positive breast cancer patients with high levels of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in residual disease have significantly shorter overall survival. High levels of TILs are associated with poorer outcomes, while lower levels are linked to improved survival rates.

Head and neck cancer researchers demonstrate the capability of a deep learning algorithm in the post-surgery setting to assess the stage of disease more accurately using standard CT scans

Researchers have developed a deep learning algorithm that can accurately assess the stage of head and neck cancer using standard CT scans, outperforming expert radiologists. The algorithm demonstrated superior accuracy in measuring the extent of cancer spread, especially for patients with high-risk disease.

Interdisciplinary researchers receive $2M to develop next-generation 3D ultrasound imaging device

Interdisciplinary researchers at the Beckman Institute have received a four-year, $2M award from the National Institutes of Health to develop a device that can instantly enable real-time 3D ultrasound imaging. The device, named FASTER, is designed to improve high-quality medical imaging accessibility in diverse communities.

Research team creates more effective cancer therapy

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a novel cancer therapy combining lymphatic drug delivery with total-body irradiation, showing superior antitumor effects in early stage lymph node metastasis. The treatment enhances systemic tumor immune responses and alters the tumor microenvironment.

SourceTohoku University·JournalCancer Science·DateSep 14, 2022

New players in the immune response

A research team led by Professor Wolfgang Kastenmüller has discovered that unconventional T cells play a crucial role in triggering site-specific immunity in distinct lymph nodes. The study reveals that different subtypes of unconventional T cells migrate to specific lymph nodes, influencing the immune responses there.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Moffitt physicians lead international study to identify melanoma patients with high-risk disease

Researchers identified high-risk patients with stage 3A disease and microscopic lymph node metastases who would benefit from adjuvant therapy. Patients with larger metastases had poorer outcomes, while those with smaller metastases had better survival rates similar to stage 1A disease.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 23, 2022

Study finds nanomedicine targeting lymph nodes key to triple negative breast cancer treatment

Researchers found that targeting both tumor and lymph node microenvironments with nanomedicine improves treatment response for metastatic triple negative breast cancer. Long-term tumor remission was achieved in mice models using nanoparticles to deliver immune-modulating drugs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Adjuvant compared to early salvage therapy post prostatectomy in men with PN1 prostate cancer and decreased risk of mortality

Researchers found that adjuvant radiation therapy compared to early salvage therapy reduced mortality risk in men with pN1 prostate cancer. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showed a 8% decrease in mortality for each additional positive pelvic lymph node found at surgery.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2022

Changing the standard of care for stage III melanoma surgery

Researchers found that patients with stage III melanoma who received immunotherapy alone had better rates of distant metastasis-free survival compared to those who underwent completion lymph node dissection. The study suggests that de-escalation of unnecessary therapies, such as CLND, may improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateMar 4, 2022

New vaccine ingredient shows promise

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and MIT have discovered a new adjuvant called SMNP, which combines saponin and TLR agonist to boost the protective power of vaccines. The study found that SMNP triggers a strong immune response in mice, promoting lymphatic drainage and activating multiple parts of the immune system.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Differences in T cells’ functional state determine resistance to cancer therapy

Researchers found that certain T cells stop working before entering the tumor due to changes in gene expression, making ICB therapies less effective. Combining ICB with other forms of immunotherapy targeting different aspects of T cell function may improve response rates for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Lymph node collection kit may improve long-term survival after lung cancer surgery

A new lymph node collection kit has been shown to improve long-term survival after curative-intent lung cancer surgery. The kit helps surgeons attain complete resection by improving pathologic nodal evaluation, leading to a significant increase in R0 resections and reduction in non-examination of lymph nodes.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJTO Clinical and Research Reports·DateMar 23, 2021

What to do when a mammogram shows swollen lymph nodes in women just vaccinated for COVID

Radiologists at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed an approach to manage swollen lymph nodes on mammograms in women who have recently received COVID-19 vaccinations. The approach aims to reduce delays in vaccinations and breast cancer diagnoses while reassuring patients that the swelling is a normal response to vaccination.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateFeb 24, 2021

Pigs grow new liver in lymph nodes, study shows

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered that pigs can grow a new liver in their lymph nodes, which could potentially treat various liver diseases. The study found that large animals with damaged livers can regenerate hepatocytes, forming an ectopic liver that takes over liver functions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateAug 24, 2020

Lymph node metastases form through a wider evolutionary bottleneck than distant metastases

A new study reveals that lymph node and distant metastases develop through different evolutionary mechanisms, with lymph nodes being a genetically highly diverse group. This suggests that metastasis formation in locoregional lymph nodes is comparatively easy and can be achieved by many cells, whereas dissemination to and outgrowth in d...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 26, 2020

Direct control of dendritic cells for tracking and immune modulation

Dendritic cells can be labeled using an engineered sugar molecule that is taken up by the cells and displayed on their surfaces, allowing them to track DCs in vivo. The researchers also developed a system to modulate the behavior of DCs via click chemistry, which has great promise for treating cancer and other diseases.

Lymphatic vessels in mice and humans: Alike yet different

Researchers mapped lymph node lymphatic vessels in mice and humans at the individual cell level, discovering five distinct groups of cells with similar functions. The study provides valuable insights into immune system function and will aid in developing new treatments for viral diseases and cancer.

SourceUppsala University·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateMay 5, 2020

First official ATS practice guidelines for Sarcoidosis cover diagnosis and detection

The American Thoracic Society has published its first official guidelines for diagnosing sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease affecting the lungs and other organs. The guidelines recommend a baseline serum test to screen for hypercalcemia, as well as conditional tests for specific symptoms and organ involvement.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 20, 2020

Unveiling how lymph nodes regulate immune response

Scientists uncover how lymph nodes' development is controlled by the Hippo pathway, shedding light on their role in regulating immune responses. The research found that impaired Hippo signaling can lead to fibrosis or transformation of fat cells, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for diseases affecting systemic immunity.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2020

ASTRO issues new guideline on radiation therapy for basal, squamous cell skin cancers

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has released a new clinical guideline for the use of radiation therapy in treating basal and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. The guideline provides recommendations on when to use radiation as stand-alone therapy or following surgery, as well as dosing and fractionation schedules.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateDec 10, 2019

Attacking metastatic breast cancer with sound

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a sound-based treatment that delivers anticancer drugs to lymph nodes affected by breast cancer metastases. The technique involves injecting vesicles carrying drugs into the nodes, which rupture when exposed to high-power ultrasound, releasing the medication.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 28, 2019