Two studies are providing new insight into germline epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation in familial non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The findings suggest the need for tailored approaches for early detection and treatment, as well as for genetic testing to identify carriers.
New regulatory mechanisms of cell migration uncovered
3/25/2014
A study by Sofia J. Araujo, a Ramon y Cajal researcher with the Morphogenesis in Drosophila lab at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), elucidates the genetic regulation of cell migration. Published in the scientific journal Plos One, the research is part of the thesis work performed by Elisenda Buti, first author of the article.
Some patients with bladder defects and disease may benefit from stem cell findings
3/25/2014
For the first time, scientists have succeeded in coaxing laboratory cultures of human stem cells to develop into the specialized, unique cells needed to repair a patient's defective or diseased bladder.
Bariatric surgery decreases risk of uterine cancer
3/25/2014
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center report that bariatric surgery resulting in dramatic weight loss in formerly severely obese women reduces the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer by 71 percent and as much as 81 percent if normal weight is maintained after surgery.
In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has published a special issue for March on colorectal cancer. The issue includes a new study that compares cold snare polypectomy with conventional polypectomy for the removal of small colorectal polyps in anticoagulated patients.
Renewed promise for potential lung cancer vaccine
3/25/2014
Researchers at UC Davis have found that the investigational cancer vaccine tecemotide, when administered with the chemotherapeutic cisplatin, boosted immune response and reduced the number of tumors in mice with lung cancer. The study also found that radiation treatments did not significantly impair the immune response.
Stem cell findings advance efforts to reprogram mature cells for organ repair
3/25/2014
Two proteins that control how cells break down glucose play a key role in forming human stem cells, University of Washington researchers have found. The finding has implications for future work in both regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.A report on this research appears online March 20 in the Cell journal Stem Cell.
Scientists find surprising new way to kill cancer cells
3/25/2014
Northwestern Medicine scientists have demonstrated that cancer cells - and not normal cells - can be killed by eliminating either the FAS receptor, also known as CD95, or its binding component, CD95 ligand.
Researchers find source of earliest blood cells during development
3/25/2014
Hematopoietic stem cells are now routinely used to treat patients with cancers and other disorders of the blood and immune systems, but researchers knew little about the progenitor cells that give rise to them during embryonic development.
Uterine cancer risks decrease by 81% with bariatric surgery
3/24/2014
Bariatric surgery, or weight-loss surgery, is normally used as a last resort when all other efforts have failed for obese patients who need to lose weight for their health. And now, researchers have found that the weight loss following such surgery significantly reduces the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer in women.