Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Identification of lymph node cells that may play important roles in immune tolerance

Researchers at Kanazawa University identified a new type of cell in lymph nodes that may play a crucial role in maintaining immune tolerance. These Aire ILC3-like cells are similar to innate lymphoid cells found in the gut and have been shown to eliminate auto-reactive T cells, suggesting they may help prevent autoimmune diseases.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 10, 2019

Solving the 'Catch 22' of rectal cancer

Researchers developed a non-invasive MRI methodology to determine if tumours have invaded lymph nodes prior to surgery. This innovation helps clinicians choose optimal treatment strategies and reduces overtreatment risks. By improving accuracy, SPI may also aid in selecting patients for pre-operative radiation and chemotherapy.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 20, 2019

A peek into lymph nodes

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new imaging technique to detect tumors in lymph nodes before they grow too large. The technique uses x-ray microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and contrast agents to map the movement of cancer cells within the lymphatic system.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Imaging and Biology·DateMar 14, 2019

Axillary RT and lymph node surgery yielded comparable outcomes for patients with breast cancer

Patients with early-stage breast cancer who had a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy showed comparable 10-year recurrence and survival rates following axillary radiotherapy or axillary lymph node dissection. The study also found that axillary radiotherapy was associated with significantly less lymphedema, a common side effect of surgery.

Irradiating chest lymph nodes in patients with early stage breast cancer improves survival without increasing side effects

Researchers found that irradiating chest lymph nodes in patients with early stage breast cancer improved overall survival by 2.4% compared to treating only the breast/thoracic wall. The study involved 4004 patients and showed no increase in non-breast cancer related mortality or serious complications.

How intestinal worms hinder tuberculosis vaccination

Research in mice shows that chronic intestinal worm infection reduces the number of white blood cells in lymph nodes near the BCG vaccine injection site, hindering the immune response to tuberculosis. De-worming treatments can restore immune function after infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 17, 2018

For patients with esophageal cancer, status of lymph nodes after preoperative therapy determines survival

A new study presented at the AATS Annual Meeting shows that patients with malignant lymph nodes following preoperative therapy were less likely to survive than those with no cancer. The study found a strong association between pathologic nodal response and improved survival, highlighting the need for optimized neoadjuvant strategies.

Immune-engineered device targets chemo-resistant lymphoma

Researchers at Cornell University developed a device that exposes human lymphomas to fluid flow similar to that in the lymphatics and parts of the lymph node. The team found that certain subsets of DLCBL lymphoma respond differently to fluid forces, regulating expression levels of adhesion proteins known as integrins and B-cell receptors.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 12, 2018

Lymph node stage may have clinical significance among NSCLC patients with stage IV M1a

A large cohort of NSCLC patients with M1a disease found lymph node staging to have clinical significance and an impact on prognosis. The results showed that patients without regional lymph node metastasis (N0) had better lung cancer-specific survival rates compared to those with N1 or N2 disease. Lymph node involvement also emerged as ...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 24, 2016

Lipid helps lymphocytes patrol

A new lipid, LPA, has been found to regulate lymphocyte motility in narrow lymph nodes. LPA enables efficient movement through spaces jammed with immune cells and stromal cells. This discovery may lead to novel strategies for controlling immune responses.

Signpost for sentinel cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered how dendritic cells advance from capillary vessels towards the lymph node. They found that the cells orient themselves with the help of a molecular mediator named CCL21, which creates a directional gradient.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 15, 2016

Targeted axillary dissection of lymph nodes after chemotherapy improves staging accuracy of node-positive breast cancer

A new procedure, Targeted Axillary Dissection (TAD), reduces need for invasive surgery in select patients with axillary metastasis. TAD involves removing sentinel lymph nodes and additional cancerous lymph nodes found during diagnosis, improving staging accuracy and reducing complications.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 25, 2016

Why West Nile virus is more dangerous in the elderly

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that older individuals are more susceptible to West Nile virus due to impaired immune responses. The researchers discovered that older mice had delayed antibody responses, reduced helper T cells, and lower chemokine levels, leading to higher viral loads and increased brain damage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 23, 2015