Cancer Research, Chemotherapy / 26.11.2024

Cancer treatment has made significant advancements over the years, offering hope and extended lifespans to millions of patients worldwide. However, while these treatments are often life-saving, they can come with a wide range of unpleasant side effects that impact daily living. For many patients, managing these side effects becomes an essential part of the recovery journey. Understanding what to expect, and finding strategies to cope, can help improve quality of life during and after cancer treatment. This article explores common side effects of cancer therapies and offers practical tips for living through these challenges. Understanding the Common Side Effects of Cancer Treatment Cancer treatment can involve various methods, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and surgery. Each type of treatment comes with its own set of side effects, which can vary in intensity depending on the individual's overall health, type of cancer, and the specific therapy used. Some of the most common side effects include:
  • Fatigue: Fatigue is unfortunately one of the most frequent complaints among cancer patients undergoing treatment. Unlike everyday tiredness, cancer-related fatigue can be severe and persistent, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Chemotherapy and radiation can trigger nausea and vomiting as the body reacts to the aggressive nature of the treatments. While anti-nausea medications can help, these symptoms can still be a significant source of discomfort.
  • Hair Loss: Hair loss is a very well-known side effect of many chemotherapy drugs, which target rapidly dividing cells. This can include hair on the scalp as well as eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. For many, this physical change can be emotionally challenging.
  • Mouth Sores and Dryness: Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause sores in the mouth, making it painful to eat, drink, and even speak. Dry mouth, caused by damage to salivary glands, is another common issue that can interfere with taste and oral comfort.
  • Skin Changes: Radiation therapy can lead to skin reactions, including redness, peeling, or darkening of the treated area. Some patients may also experience sensitivity to the sun and a tendency to bruise easily.
  • Cognitive Changes ("Chemo Brain"): Many patients experience difficulties with memory, concentration, and mental clarity during and after chemotherapy, a phenomenon often referred to as "chemo brain." This can make it harder to focus on tasks or remember details.
For more information on symptoms associated with certain cancers like Hodgkin lymphoma, you can visit this resource from Moffitt Cancer Center. (more…)
Author Interviews, Genetic Research, Leukemia, Personalized Medicine / 12.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Professor Ong Sin Tiong Cancer & Stem Cell Biology Signature Research Programme Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore Dr Yu Mengge Research Fellow, Cancer & Stem Cell Biology Signature Research Programme Duke-NUS Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The background of this study is rooted in the observation that certain genetic variations among East Asian populations, notably the BIM deletion polymorphism (BDP), impact treatment outcomes in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Patients with the BDP show resistance to conventional treatments, specifically tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib. This resistance stems from the variant's role in promoting cancer cell survival, which leads to more aggressive disease progression. (more…)
AI and HealthCare, Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Genetic Research / 06.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Dina Schneidman-Duhovny PhD Academic researcher Hebrew University of Jerusalem MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: The study analyzed genetic data of 12 families (~ 40 patients) with high incidence of breast cancer cases. Most families originate from ethnic groups that are poorly represented in public resources. All participants were tested negative to all known breast cancer predisposing genes. We developed a novel approach to study genetic variants utilizing state-of-the-art deep learning models tailored for analysis of familial data. The study highlighted 80 high-risk genes (out of > 1200 genes) and narrowed down on a group of 8 genes circulating in 7 out of 12 families in the study. These genes are involved in a cellular organelle called the peroxisome and play a role in fatty acids metabolism. We show that  these genes significantly affect breast cancer survival and use 3-dimensional protein structural analysis to illustrate the effect of some of the variants on protein structure. These provide strong evidence of the peroxisome involvement in breast cancer predisposition and pathogenicity, and provide potential targets for patient screening and targeted therapies. (more…)
Author Interviews, Ovarian Cancer / 04.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Alessia Baccarini, PhD Assistant Professor Dept. of Immunology and Immunotherapy (DII) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, New York 10029 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Ovarian cancer is characterized by a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) that significantly contributes to resistance against immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies like anti-PD-1. Understanding the extracellular signals—such as cytokines and chemokines—that ovarian cancer cells utilize to create an immunosuppressive TME is critical for improving treatment outcomes. Our research focuses on elucidating how these signaling factors contribute to tumor growth and immune evasion. We utilized a novel genomic functional approach called Perturb-map to study intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) in ovarian cancer within a mouse model, allowing us to investigate the communication between ovarian cancer cells and immune cells.  (more…)
Brain Cancer - Brain Tumors, Immunotherapy, Vaccine Studies / 04.11.2024

brain-cancer-glioblastoma Glioblastoma is one of the most challenging cancers to treat due to its aggressive nature and resistance to standard therapies. In recent years, however, the field of glioblastoma immunotherapy has made significant strides, introducing innovative approaches like oncolytic viruses and brain cancer vaccines. These emerging treatments aim to engage the immune system in the fight against glioblastoma, offering new avenues for improving patient outcomes and extending survival rates.

The Current State of Glioblastoma Treatment

  With a median survival rate of only 12-15 months, glioblastoma patients face difficult odds. Traditional treatments often manage to slow tumor growth temporarily, but recurrence is common. This grim reality has motivated researchers to explore innovative therapies that leverage the body’s immune system, including oncolytic viruses and personalized vaccines.

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Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Leukemia, Stem Cells / 01.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Eirini Papapetrou, MD, PhD Professor of Oncological Sciences Professor of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology Director, Center for Advancement of Blood Cancer Therapies Co-Director, Stem Cell Engineering Core Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, NY 10029   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: RAS in the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancers. Particularly in acute myeloid leukemia, about one third of cases have RAS mutations. We set out to understand the role of these mutations in the development of leukemia and in response to treatment. We found that RAS mutations happen late in the course of the disease as progression mutations because they are acquired by more mature leukemic cells coming from preexisting leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Importantly, these more mature cells, upon acquisition of RAS mutations, become leukemia stem cells (LSCs) with different properties than the previous LSCs. Most critically, they develop resistance to a recently FDA-approved drug for the treatment of leukemia, venetoclax (VEN). In addition, these RAS-mutated LSCs give rise to leukemia cells with monocytic differentiation. Both RAS mutations and monocytic differentiation of AML have previously been associated with VEN resistance in clinical studies. We show that it is the RAS mutations that cause both the monocytic differentiation and the VEN resistance. Thus, poor patient outcomes after VEN therapy are driven by RAS mutations and not by monocytic disease.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Surgical Research / 26.10.2024

Breast Reconstructive Surgery:

According to BreastCancer.org, the decision to have breast reconstructive surgery doesn’t have to be decided immediately following surgery to remove the breast. It can be done during mastectomy surgery or following surgery, so those who are uncertain about their decision have time to weigh the options before deciding on their best option. There are many things to consider breast reconstruction surgery, including the toll it will take on your body and how your appearance may change from before until after the surgery. Here are some things to consider if you have undergone a mastectomy. These are presented by Cancer.gov:
  • Breasts can be rebuilt using implants that contain either saline or silicone. They can also be rebuilt by using tissue elsewhere in the body.
  • The surgery can be done at the same time as the mastectomy (an immediate reconstruction) or after the surgery when the skin and incisions have had time to heal. Often, treatment is conducted during this healing time.
  • A nipple and areola can be added to the breast during the initial surgery or at a later time.
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Cancer Research, Testicular / 22.10.2024

As with most forms of cancer, early detection of testicular cancer is crucial. This is because it is highly treatable, especially when it is caught as early as possible. Testicular cancer primarily affects men aged from about 15 through to 35. Treatment options at facilities such as the Baptist Hospital Oklahoma City, for example, help to enhance survival rates, especially when there is greater self-awareness of how to examine for the most common signs, so that early detection is achieved. Let’s explore what testicular cancer is, its symptoms, risk factors, and why early detection plays such a critical role in ensuring successful treatment. Understanding testicular cancer Testicular cancer develops in the testicles. They are located inside the scrotum, the loose bag of skin beneath the penis. The testicles are responsible for producing male hormones, such as testosterone, and sperm for reproduction. Cancer in this area of your body typically begins in the cells that make sperm, known as germ cells. There are two main types of these cells. Seminomas, is a cancer that grows slowly and responds well to radiation therapy. Seminomas are typically found in men in their late 30s and 40s. Non-seminomas tend to grow more quickly than seminomas and often occur in younger men. Non-seminomas usually prove to be more resistant to radiation therapy, but they can still be effectively treated with chemotherapy and surgery. A key point to remember is that testicular cancer is still relatively rare, affecting about 1 in 250 men at some point in their lifetime. The disease is highly curable, especially when diagnosed early. The five-year survival rate for men with localized testicular cancer is actually greater than 95%. (more…)
Mesothelioma, Ovarian Cancer / 08.10.2024

Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, has long challenged medical professionals with its resistance to traditional treatments. As patients and doctors seek more effective options, immunotherapy emerges as a beacon of hope. This innovative approach harnesses the body's immune system to combat cancer cells, offering new possibilities for those affected by this devastating disease. While conventional therapies often fall short, immunotherapy presents a paradigm shift in mesothelioma treatment. By exploring these cutting-edge techniques, researchers and oncologists aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Understanding Mesothelioma

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that develops in the lining of the lungs, chest wall, or abdomen. Primarily caused by asbestos exposure, this cancer often takes decades to manifest after initial contact with the harmful substance. Symptoms may include chest pain, persistent cough, and shortness of breath, making early diagnosis challenging. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, JAMA, Microbiome, NYU / 01.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jiyoung Ahn, PhD Professor of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Associate Director for Population Science, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center NYU Langone Health Smilow Research Building New York, NY 10016 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: We found that oral bacterial species are linked to a collective 50% increased risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Some of these microbes have previously been shown to contribute to periodontal disease, a serious gum infection that can erode the jawbone and the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. (more…)
Dermatology, Melanoma, Surgical Research / 27.09.2024

Have you considered mole removal but need help figuring out where to start? Many individuals opt for mole removal, whether for aesthetic reasons or health concerns. It's a safe and effective process with modern techniques and experienced professionals available. However, before booking your appointment, there are a few essential things you need to be aware of to ensure you're making an informed decision. Choosing the right clinic, understanding the procedure, and knowing what to expect before and after the removal is crucial to a smooth experience. To help you make the best decision possible, let’s explore five important things to keep in mind before undergoing mole removal Vancouver (more…)
Cancer Research, Environmental Risks, Occupational Health / 25.09.2024

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam used to extinguish fuel fires. It contains a group of chemicals in the family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances commonly referred to as PFAS. Over time, these substances have been linked to some serious health problems, even cancer. If you have been exposed to AFFF and developed cancer, you have the right to file an AFFF lawsuit. Below are the types of cancers often linked to AFFF exposure. (more…)
Cancer Research, Complementary Medicine / 13.09.2024

Disclaimer: Encer is a homeopathic product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety or efficacy. FDA is not aware of scientific evidence to support homeopathy as effective.

In the diverse and evolving field of complementary and alternative medicine, homeopathy has established a distinct presence. Encer - a homeopathic medicine used for its potential in managing cancer-related fatigue (CRF), a prevalent and debilitating symptom affecting individuals diagnosed with cancer.

What is Encer

Encer is a homeopathic remedy designed with a blend of highly diluted natural substances. Following the homeopathic principle of "like cures like," it is formulated to stimulate the body's self-healing mechanisms. Despite the absence of Encer in mainstream pharmacological references, as it's a concept perhaps more familiar within homeopathic circles, its use is aimed at providing a non-toxic, gentle treatment option for managing the symptoms of cancer and its treatment, including CRF. (more…)
Breast Cancer / 13.09.2024

Editor's note:  Remember to follow your health care providers' instructions regarding regular breast examinations and mammograms.  Don't wait for a sign or symptom of breast cancer to get screened. Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women worldwide. While it can be a frightening diagnosis, early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. By being aware of the symptoms of breast cancer, individuals can take proactive steps to seek medical attention, ensuring the best possible chance for early intervention. In this article, we’ll walk through the key signs to watch for and the importance of understanding your body.

Understanding Breast Cancer

Before diving into the specific symptoms, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of breast cancer. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can be felt as a lump or seen on imaging tests. There are several types of breast cancer, but the two most common forms are ductal carcinoma (which starts in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple) and lobular carcinoma (which begins in the lobules where breast milk is produced). (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 01.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr Meena Rafiq | Academic GP & Clinical Research Fellow FRACGP MRCGP MBBS BSc MSc Epidemiology of Cancer and Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Group, UCL Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne UCL Department of Behavioural Science and Health     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Almost all patients with cancer will first see their GP with symptoms and half of these patients will have vague, non-specific symptoms. As a GP I know it can be challenging to pick up patients with possible cancer in a 10 minute GP appointment, especially if they have vague non-specific symptoms. We know that many of these patients are already having blood tests done by their GP. So, we wanted to see if any of these blood tests could be used to help pick up with patients who see their GP with vague abdominal symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating are most likely to have cancer and need to be urgently referred. (more…)
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Genetic Research, JAMA, Karolinski Institute, Prostate Cancer / 05.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Anna Plym PhD Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Department of Urology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men, with approximately one third of the deaths occurring before the age of 75 years. There is a need for a better understanding of the risk factors for those early deaths. Our previous research has indicated that inherited factors play a major role. (more…)
Hematology, Leukemia / 02.07.2024

bone-marrow-aspirateBone marrow aspiration is a medical procedure where a small amount of the liquid part of your bone marrow is removed for examination. A bone marrow aspirate can be essential in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions affecting your blood cells, such as anemia, leukemia, and infections. Understanding this procedure can provide insight into why your doctor may recommend it and what to expect. During a bone marrow aspiration, your healthcare provider will take a sample using a needle inserted into a larger bone, typically the hip. The process is usually performed alongside a bone marrow biopsy, which involves taking a small amount of solid bone marrow tissue. These procedures can yield valuable information about the health and functionality of your bone marrow. Preparation for bone marrow aspiration involves a few straightforward steps to ensure your comfort and safety. Knowing the potential risks and benefits can help you feel more at ease and prepared for this critical diagnostic tool. (more…)
Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, Genetic Research, JAMA / 20.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Jeremy L. Davis M.D. Surgical Oncologist Center for Cancer Research Dr. Davis’ research focuses on sporadic and inherited forms of stomach cancer. National Cancer Institute   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Individuals who are born with a CDH1 gene mutation are at increased risk of developing specific cancers in their lifetime. Those cancers are called diffuse-type gastric cancer and lobular breast cancer. The background that is relevant here is that when mutations in this gene were first identified as the cause of inherited forms of these cancers, the estimated lifetime risk of gastric cancer, for instance, was around 60-83%. Because of this very high risk and because gastric cancer is particularly difficult to treat, many experts recommend prophylactic surgery to remove the stomach. In recent years, as we have seen more families who carry a CDH1 gene mutation, we have also observed that gastric cancer rates did not seem quite as high as those risk estimates would have suggested. We sought to re-evaluate lifetime risk of cancer with a large and diverse cohort of individuals throughout North America. (more…)
ASCO, Author Interviews, Technology / 08.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Frederick Howard MD Assistant Professor of Medicine Section of Hematology / Oncology University of Chicago MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: With the advent of AI language models like ChatGPT, these tools may be used to generate scientific literature or abstracts. Indeed, a survey conducted by Nature in 2023 found that nearly 30% of scientists were using AI tools to aid in the writing of scientific manuscripts. The use of AI in scientific literature can be difficult to identify, and previous studies suggest that human reviewers cannot distinguish between AI generated and human written scientific abstracts. Commercial tools designed to identify AI content may have a higher degree of accuracy, but the optimal approach to applying such tools to detect AI content within scientific literature is uncertain. (more…)
Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer / 06.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jorge Moscat, PhD Maria T. Diaz-Meco, PhD Jorge Moscat Maria T. Diaz-Meco, Principal Investigators Moscat & Diaz-Meco Laboratories Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Weill Cornell Medicine New York, NY MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the two different histological premalignant states? Response: Although much effort is devoted to understanding the biology and pathology of established malignant tumors and the formation of metastasis in order to identify new and more efficacious treatment approaches, much less is understood of how tumors initiate from normal cells. This is extremely important because treating incipient benign neoplasia should be easier and less toxic than treated already aggressive and disseminated cancer cells. In the case of colorectal cancer (CRC), routinary colonoscopies might identify still benign lesions that can be either “serrated” or “conventional” but that all present with reduced levels of two proteins called the aPKCs. As the tumor evolves, if the aPKCs are not upregulated, then the cancer becomes very aggressive and with very limited therapeutic options. Our work identifies precisely the initial mechanisms that determine if a benign adenoma would progress towards an aggressive phenotype. A full comprehension of these initial steps will lead to effective preventive therapies to stop cancer before it starts. (more…)
ASCO, Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Genetic Research / 05.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Rima Patel, MD Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology The Tisch Cancer Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The 21-gene Oncotype DX Recurrence Score (RS) and 70-gene MammaPrint (MP) assays provide prognostic information for distant recurrence and are used to guide chemotherapy use in hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer (EBC). Previous reports have demonstrated racial differences in the prognostic accuracy of the RS. In both the TAILORx and RxPONDER trials, Black women with low genomic risk (RS 0-25) had a higher recurrence risk than White women. In another study using the NCDB database, Black race was associated with worse overall survival in multivariate models including RS. The impacts of race/ethnicity on the MammaPrint assay are unknown. (more…)
ASCO, Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Race/Ethnic Diversity / 05.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Nina Bickell, MD, MPH Associate Director of Community Engaged and Equity Research Co-Leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program Co-Director of the Center for Health Equity and Community Engaged Research The Tisch Cancer Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Recruiting diverse patients to clinical trials is essential to advance cancer treatments, yet accrual remains low. Efficient recruitment requires the ability identify patients at treatment decision points and determine eligibility for open clinical trials – a time and personnel intensive undertaking. We developed an automated Regular Expressions technology to identify, classify and match patients to clinical trials and overcome the limitations of more resource-intensive technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP). We created a screener, parser and matcher to: use the electronic health record to identify patients at treatment decision points based on progress notes and imaging reports and classify their cancer type, stage and receptor status; extract and categorize breast, liver and lung cancer trial data based on cancer type, stage, and receptor status from the National Cancer Institute's ClinicalTrials.gov database; pair eligible patients with relevant trials based on stage and receptor status. (more…)
Author Interviews, Colon Cancer, Gastrointestinal Disease, Immunotherapy / 04.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Steven H. Itzkowitz, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF Professor of Medicine and Oncological Sciences Director of the GI Fellowship Program Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: This study looked at patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who had a history of cancer in the past 5 years and asked whether the medications they received for their IBD might have affected their rates of getting future cancer (new or recurrent cancers). Because many of the medicines that are used to treat IBD can affect the immune system in various ways, there has been concern that the medicines might predispose to subsequent cancers. We found that patients who received immunosuppressive medications had a numerically increased risk of subsequent cancer, this was not statistically higher than those who had not been exposed to these medications. While previous studies have looked at this question retrospectively, this is the first report that analyzed this issue prospectively using individuals from the United States.  Moreover, this study represents a multi-institutional collaboration among gastroenterologists at most of the major NYC healthcare systems. (more…)
Author Interviews, Dermatology, Melanoma, Race/Ethnic Diversity / 24.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH Vice-Chair for Diversity and Inclusion Department of Dermatology Dermatologist Center for Diverse Skin Complexions Weill Cornell Medicine – NY MedicalResearch.com: What are the main types of skin cancer?  Is the incidence changing? Response: The 3 main types of skin cancer are melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States1 and 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. (2) The overall incidence has changed as follows: • Melanoma: Rates doubled over past 30 years from 1982 to 2011.3 It differs by age group. o Adolescents and adults age 30 and younger: incidence rate is declining o Older age groups (e.g. 80 and older): incidence rate is increasing • Squamous Cell Cancer: o Incidence increased 263% between 1976-1984 and 2000-20104 • Basal Cell Cancer: o Incidence increased 145% between 1976-1984 and 2000-20104 (more…)
Cancer Research, Environmental Risks / 22.05.2024

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of compounds utilized in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, such as firefighting foams and military equipment. Recent research has raised concerns about the possible health implications of PFAS exposure, specifically its association with testicular cancer. Firefighters and military personnel are particularly vulnerable owing to work exposure to PFAS-containing chemicals. This article explores the connection between PFAS exposure and testicular cancer, focusing on the impact on firefighters and military personnel. It will also discuss the legal recourse available for these individuals through AFFF lawsuits. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, University of Pittsburgh / 09.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Roderick J. O’Sullivan PhD Associate Professor Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology UPMC Hillman Cancer Center University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: For a few years, my group has had the good fortune of collaborating with Dr. Ivan Ahel. Ivan is a world leader in the field of ADP-ribosylation. His work has identified major gaps in our understanding of ADP-ribosylation. This includes his lab discovering that DNA bases can be ADP-ribosylated in bacteria and that a poorly characterized enzyme known as TARG1 could be involved in that process. In discussing this work with Ivan, we were confident that DNA ADP-ribosylation also exists in human cells and that showing this could be pretty important. The problem was that identifying a part of the genome where it might be present, so we could study it, was not so obvious and challenging. But we had a hunch that telomeres could be one part of the genome where it could happen!! Telomeres are really special structures located at the ends of each human chromosome. They demarcate the physical end of each chromosome and prevent chromosomes from becoming entangled – which if it happens, is catastrophic for cells. Our hunch was based on the evidence from other studies that telomeres are natural targets of PARP1, the enzyme that catalyzes most of the ADP-ribosylation in human cells. I then discussed this idea with Anne Wondisford, a medical scientist trainee in the lab, who liked the idea and designed a series of experiments to test it. (more…)
Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, JAMA, USPSTF / 01.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Wanda K. Nicholson, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professor of Prevention and Community Health Milken Institute School of Public Health George Washington University Dr. Nicholson was appointed chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in March 2024. She served as vice chair from March 2022 to March 2024 and as a member of the Task Force from January 2009 through December 2013. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths for women in the U.S. After reviewing the latest science, the Task Force recommends screening all women for breast cancer every other year starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74. This new approach has the potential to save nearly 20 percent more lives from breast cancer and has even greater potential benefit for Black women, who are much more likely to die from breast cancer. (more…)
AACR, Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Breast Cancer, Cancer Research / 11.04.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: RJ Tesi M.D. CEO and Founder of INmune Bio MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
  • MUC4 expression by high-risk breast cancer (HER2+ or TNBC) is a biomarker that predicts resistance to therapy and an increased risk a metastasis. MUC4 expression can be determined at time of biopsy and therapeutic decisions should be adjusted to optimize the chance of response to first line therapy.
This biomarker is easily determined using immunohistochemistry in the diagnostic breast biopsy tissue similar to testing for HER2 expression. Testing for MUC4 can be easily added to the current panel of routine stains obtained at the time of the diagnostic biopsy. Knowing MUC4 status in women with high-risk breast cancer will improve results.
  • Soluble TNF causes the up regulation of immune checkpoint proteins of cells of the TME. This includes CD47 and SIRPa on tumor based macrophages and CTLA4, PD1, LAG3 and TIGIT on T cells in the TME. INB03 is a pan immune checkpoint modulator. Treatment with INB03 downregulates all immune checkpoint proteins on the cells. Downmodulation of all immune checkpoint proteins improves response to immunotherapy.
Currently, monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoint proteins are a mainstay of cancer therapy and cancer drug development. These strategies target one immune checkpoint protein at a time. To date, combination therapy targeting two immune checkpoint proteins has been tried (e.g.: anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 combination therapy) with mixed results. Combination immune checkpoint strategies may increase therapeutic response but increase toxicity. INB03 downregulates all immune checkpoint proteins. This is equivalent to giving a patient a 6 antibody cocktail – something that cannot be done in man. As expected, decreased immune checkpoint expression improves response to therapy by converting immunotherapy resistant tumors to immunotherapy sensitive tumors.
  • In TNBC, MUC4 expression predicts both resistance to anti-PD1 therapy and increased risk of distant metastasis. Treatment with INB03 decreases expression of proteins associated with tumor metastasis, decreases the number of metastasis and improves response to anti-PD1 therapy. Early use of INB03 may prevent distal disease and improve tumor control.
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Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Prostate, Prostate Cancer, Urology, Vaccine Studies / 08.04.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Sujit Nair, PhD Director of GU Immunotherapy Research Department of Urology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? How is the vaccine obtained? Response: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03262103 Dr. Tewari is the treating physician and clinical lead on the study.  This is a phase I, open-label, clinical trial (NCT03262103) using a dose escalation strategy in 12 patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer with plans for surgery. The investigational agent used in the trial is Poly-ICLC, an immune modulator developed by ONCOVIR. Poly-ICLC is a double-stranded RNA that mimics viral activity, thereby stimulating the immune response. (more…)
Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Radiology / 28.03.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Yolanda Bryce, MD Director, Interventional Radiology Residency Program Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? For whom would this treatment be indicated? Response: The standard of care for local breast cancer includes surgery, however many patients are poor surgical candidates or refuse surgery. I use cryoablation to treat this population. (more…)