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Author Interviews, Cancer Research, HPV / 13.06.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Pragati Advani MD, MPH, DrPH Assistant Professor of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery And on faculty with the Department of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Buffalo, NY MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: In oncology, a study of second primary malignancy (SPM) is an emerging field that is predominantly driven by our success in identifying and treating the first primary cancers (FPCs). HPV is responsible for nearly a third of all infectious agent-related FPCs (including cancer of the oropharynx, anus, vulva, vagina, cervix and penis). Advances in diagnostic and treatment methods have resulted in improved survivorship among these patients. However, they remain at risk for developing a SPM. No studies thus far had examined the risk of SPMs after HPV-associated FPCs, stratified by cancer site and gender. (more…)
Legal-Malpractice, Mesothelioma / 09.06.2025

How hard is it to file a lawsuit for mesothelioma?  Besides the long latency period of the disease that makes it tough to connect the exposure to asbestos to your diagnosis, the legal side of things can be quite intimidating, to say the least. There are so many to consider, with multiple defendants that have their own interests to protect. Add to that a possible bankruptcy trust that can further complicate the compensation process. As noted on the website https://www.usmesotheliomalaw.com/, when dealing with mesothelioma cases, you must first identify which product contains asbestos and what company is responsible for causing your illness. This can be quite difficult to do because some companies may no longer exist but have left behind trust funds for victims. The website provides an in-depth guide on how to tackle these complex legal matters and emphasizes the need to work with experienced mesothelioma lawyers to ensure all possible compensation avenues are explored. So, what is the best way to tackle such a complicated situation? (more…)
ASCO, Author Interviews, Cancer Research, General Medicine, Pediatrics / 01.06.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Alique Topalian, PhD, MPH Research Scientist Family & Community Medicine | College of Medicine University of Cincinatti MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors are diagnosed between the ages of 18-39. We have seen increases in cancer diagnoses in this younger population of about 1-2% per year with an estimated total increase of 30% between 2019-2030.  Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors experience early development of chronic medical conditions compared to healthy peers. Due to their young age at diagnosis and living decades beyond treatment, they are also at higher risk for second primary malignancies (SPM) and late effects than older adult-onset cancer survivors. Primary care providers are responsible for most long-term care of survivors and many are unfamiliar with the effects of cancer treatment in younger populations. (more…)
Alcohol, ASCO, Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 01.06.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Chinmay Jani, MD Chief Fellow, Hematology & Oncology University of Miami / Jackson Health System   Gilberto Lopes, M.D. Professor, Chief, Division of Medical Oncology Associate Director for the Cancer Center and Medical Director for International Affairs Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: There is growing evidence linking alcohol consumption to increased cancer risk and mortality. This association was recently emphasized by the former U.S. Surgeon General, prompting renewed public health interest. In response to these concerns, under the mentorship of Dr. Lopes, we evaluated national trends in alcohol-associated cancer mortality using data from the Global Burden of Disease database. (more…)
Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Mammograms / 22.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr Tong Li PhD | Cancer Institute NSW Early Career Fellow Breast Cancer Clinical and Population Health Stream The Daffodil Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney Moore Theological College | The University of Sydney | NSW | 2042    MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Having a family history of breast cancer is one of the most common risk factors for women. About 8% to 11% of women in the U.S. report having a close relative diagnosed with breast cancer. These women often have dense breasts. Dense breast tissue can make standard digital mammography (DM, also known as 2D mammography) less effective in detecting cancer. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), a 3D imaging technology, has become increasingly used in breast cancer screening because it improves the visibility of lesions and reduces unnecessary callbacks. However, until now, it has been unclear whether DBT offers the same benefits in women with a family history of breast cancer, especially across different family risk levels and breast density types. (more…)
AACR, Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 08.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Andrei Bakin, PhD, Associate Professor of Oncology, Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center – first author of “A novel combination immunotherapy for p53 mutant metastatic breast cancer leveraging vulnerabilities in the DNA damage response” and senior author of “Novel triple-drug combination strategy for p53 mutant cancers leveraging their DNA damage response liabilities” Christos Fountzilas, MD, FACP, Associate Professor of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center - and senior author of “A novel combination immunotherapy for p53 mutant metastatic breast cancer leveraging vulnerabilities in the DNA damage response” Mohammed Alruwaili, MS, PhD, newly graduated doctoral candidate in Cancer Genetics & Genomics at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, first author of “Novel triple-drug combination strategy for p53 mutant cancers leveraging their DNA damage response liabilities” (more…)
AACR, Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Cancer Research / 08.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview responses from: First author Gokul Das, PhD, Professor of Oncology and Co-Director of the Breast Translational Group, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Chetan Oturkar, PhD, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, first author on the study MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?  Dr. Gokul Das: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a very aggressive subtype of breast cancer for which effective targeted therapies are not available, and which rapidly becomes resistant to chemotherapy. TNBC tumors are negative for estrogen receptor α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER-2/neu receptor. Endocrine therapy or HER2-targeted therapies are not effective against TNBC. Currently available options including immunotherapy benefit only some patients. They are cost-prohibitive and have severe adverse effects. Therefore, there is an unmet need for rationally designed therapies for TNBC. Although ERα is absent in TNBC, majority of these tumors express estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), a structurally related but functionally distinct isoform of the estrogen receptor coded by a different gene. Tumor suppressor protein p53 is mutated in the majority (80%) of TNBC. p53, when mutated, loses its tumor suppression capabilities, and instead gains oncogenic or tumor-driving functions.  One of the major oncogenic functions of mutant p53 is to bind and inactivate another tumor suppressor named p73.  The Das laboratory has been focusing on the mechanisms underlying the estrogen receptor β-p53-p73 axis for discovering rational and effective therapeutic strategies against TNBC. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Gastrointestinal Disease / 07.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Mohamed Tausif Siddiqui, MD The study’s lead author and a Gastroenterology fellow Cleveland Clinic. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our study looked at how the stage of gastric cancer diagnosis has changed over the past two decades in the U.S., using national SEER data. Gastric cancer has long been a challenge because it’s often diagnosed late, when treatment options are limited and survival rates are poor. But with advancements in endoscopic technology—like high-definition imaging, narrow-band imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound—we wanted to see if these tools were making a difference in catching cancers earlier. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer, Gastrointestinal Disease, HPV / 07.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ashley Robinson, MD, lead author Second-year internal medicine resident Advocate Lutheran General Hospital MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Briefly, anal cancer makes up around 1% of gastrointestinal cancers and more than 90% of all anal cancers are caused by chronic human papillomavirus or HPV infections. In previous research, it has been noted that women over the age of 65 have rates that were increasing more than other groups and myself along with my colleagues and the principal investigator of this project, Dr. Eli Ehrenpreis, wanted to further characterize these findings, looking into more specific details of these previously noted trends. Using data from a public database ran by the National Cancer Institute called the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results program, also known as SEER, and their statistical analysis software, SEER*Stat, we analyzed anal cancer incidence trends, looking at differences between sex, age, and ethnicity in order to further identify specific groups that have more rapidly increasing rates than others. (more…)
Author Interviews, Colon Cancer, Gastrointestinal Disease, Race/Ethnic Diversity / 04.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Douglas Corley, MD, PhD Chief Research Officer, The Permanente Medical Group Kaiser Permanente, Northern California MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) is an integrated health care system that designs and implements population-based programs that support cancer prevention and early detection. In 2006, KPNC began to implement a comprehensive colorectal cancer screening program with the goal of increasing member screening rates, preventing colorectal cancer through polyp removal, and reducing cancer mortality. The initiative identifies whether screening-eligible KPNC members are up to date with their colorectal cancer screening test by either a colonoscopy or by stool-based tests, such as a fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) kit. If they are not up to date with screening, it mails them a FIT kit for at-home testing. Members can also choose other options for colorectal cancer screening, such as a colonoscopy, through their physician. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Colon Cancer, UCSD / 30.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD, MPH, CPH, FRSPH Professor, School of Medicine University of California, San Diego MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Colon cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in cannabis use, but limited research has explored its potential influence on cancer outcomes. We conducted a large-scale retrospective cohort study using real-world clinical data to investigate whether a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder prior to colon cancer diagnosis was associated with survival outcomes. (more…)
AACR, Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 28.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Aditya Shreenivas M.D.,  M.S. Assistant Professor Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research City of Hope https://www.cityofhope.rg/aditya-shreenivas MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly aggressive tumor of the head and neck region with a distinct geographical distribution, with incidence rates as high as 30 per 100,000 in endemic regions like Asia and North Africa but less than 1 per 100,000 worldwide. Despite comprehensive curative intent therapy, up to 30% of patients with advanced NPC experience treatment failure, primarily due to recurrence and/or metastasis. This high mortality rate highlighted the urgent need for effective treatments. Clinical trials (JUPITER-02, CAPTAIN-1st, and RATIONALE-309) showed improved progression-free survival by adding anti-PD-1 antibodies to chemotherapy for first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC. However, these studies were conducted exclusively in Asian populations. Penpulimab is a humanized anti-PD-1 antibody that's unique because it is a  IgG1 subtype with a modified Fc segment. This structure potentially improves efficacy and safety compared to other anti-PD-1 drugs through lower immune-related adverse events. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Genetic Research / 25.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ulysses Ribeiro M.D., PhD Associate Professor of Digestive Surgery Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and the 3th leading cause of cancer-related death. Although the diagnosis and treatment have substantially improved in recent years, the five-year survival rate of gastric cancer is still low due to local recurrence and distant metastasis. Gastric cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease that involves a series of genetic, epigenetic and phenotypic changes. Still, differences in prognosis and response to chemotherapy or immunotherapy are frequently seen in tumors with the same histological type and stage due to various genetic mutations and abnormal signaling pathways underlying the progression of this disease. Thus, the purpose of this study was to perform a whole-gene sequencing to identify variants in genes with prognostic value in patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative surgery. (more…)
Cancer Research, Cannabis, Neurological Disorders, Pain Research / 16.04.2025

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA).  Discuss your use of CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery.  You fight through the appointments, the scans, the treatments, and then—when it’s supposed to be over—your body still feels off. For many cancer survivors, especially those who went through chemotherapy, neuropathy doesn’t just fade away. Sometimes it lingers, sometimes it gets worse, and sometimes it shows up in ways that completely change how you move. If you’re dealing with drop foot or numbness, burning, or pain in your feet, you’re not imagining it. You’re not alone. And while it’s incredibly frustrating, there are real things that can help. Understanding What’s Happening To Your Feet Post-cancer neuropathy isn’t just annoying—it can be debilitating. It usually starts because certain chemo drugs damage the nerves, especially in your hands and feet. This damage can mess with how your muscles and nerves talk to each other. So when your brain says “lift your foot,” your body doesn’t always get the message right. Drop foot is one of the more obvious results of that disconnect. It feels like your foot is dragging or slapping the ground when you walk. You might start tripping more, feel unsteady, or start avoiding certain shoes altogether. For others, the issue isn’t how the foot moves but how it feels—like walking on pins and needles, or not feeling it at all. Both are forms of neuropathy, and both can stick around long after treatment ends. The tricky part is that this isn’t something you can just walk off. It’s not about needing to stretch more or push harder. These symptoms come from actual nerve damage, which doesn’t always heal quickly—or fully. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Genetic Research / 15.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Myvizhi Esai Selvan, PhD Instructor of Genetics and Genomics Zeynep H. Gümüş, PhD Associate Professor Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The germline genome of each individual person has a unique combination of millions of genetic variants that influence virtually all biological processes throughout life, including cancer evolution. In this study, we have investigated the impact of germline variants – genetic defects one is born with – on gene expression and protein abundance in tumors across cancer types. MedicalResearch.com: Would you describe the technique of precision peptidomics? Response: We have leveraged a cohort of 1,064 patients with multiple cancer types to explore the impact of germline variations on cancer-relevant genes through multiple-omics layers: from DNA to RNA, protein abundance and post-translational modifications. To assess the effects of coding variants and their association with cognate proteins, we used precision peptidomics, which is the quantification of peptides carrying genetic variants from individual patients. Through this approach, we mapped 337,469 protein coding germline variants onto patient peptides, revealing their potential impact on protein modifications, protein stability, allele-specific expression, and protein structure by leveraging the relevant protein databases. (more…)
Author Interviews, Dermatology, Medical Imaging, Melanoma / 14.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Pau Rosés-Gibert, MD Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona University of Barcelona, Fundació Clínic per la recerca biomédica, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica August Pi i Sunyer, IDIBAPS Diagnosis Dermatologica, Dermavision Solutions Barcelona, Spain and Dermatology Department, Hospital de Figueres, Figueres, Spain MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Skin cancer monitoring, particularly in high-risk patients with atypical mole syndrome, traditionally relies on total body photography (TBP) combined with digital dermoscopy. This approach, though effective, is slow, labor-intensive, and prone to oversight since clinicians must manually locate and image individual lesions. Recent improvements in automated imaging systems, lighting, and dermoscopy software have raised the potential for fully autonomous systems to streamline this process — leading to the development of the autonomous total body photographic and dermoscopic device tested in this study. (more…)
AACR, Cancer Research / 04.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof.  Patrick Tan MD PhD A senior author of the study and Senior Vice-Dean for Research at Duke-NUS Dr. Raghav Sundar MD PhD A senior author of the study and a senior consultant with the Department of Haematology-Oncology at the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore at the time of the research.       MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the gaps in knowledge that you were seeking to fill? Response: Gastric cancer is a serious health issue worldwide and particularly prevalent in parts of Asia, Europe and South America. Gastric cancers are difficult to treat due to frequent resistance to therapies like immunotherapy. There are also many subtypes of gastric cancer, which can now be recognised based on their histological and molecular characteristics. However, recent studies have shown that besides differences between patients, there are also significant variations within a single tumour, further challenging successful treatment. Our study aimed to better understand these intricate interactions and variations occurring within gastric tumours, particularly how these differences evolve and impact the immune microenvironment and patient outcomes. MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? Response:  Our study discovered extensive diversity within tumours, revealing two main evolutionary paths in gastric cancer: branched evolution and internal diaspora evolution. Each path was associated with different molecular characteristics, immune microenvironments and clinical outcomes. By analysing tumour samples at a high resolution, the study highlighted specific genes and pathways active in these subgroups that could be targeted for therapy. (more…)
Cancer Research / 28.03.2025

Solid Tumor Types and Oncology Resources Solid tumors are masses of tissue that grow in the organs, muscles or bones and are abnormal. Solid tumors are different from hematologic cancers, solid tumors do not involve blood or bone marrow. Depending on where they come from, they can be categorized as different types of cells, and they arise from either site. Early detection and proper classification of solid tumors have an impact on the treatment and the outcome of the patient. Today, there is medical research and techniques that healthcare professionals have that can diagnose cancer and improve cancer treatment. Information on Solid Tumor Types can assist healthcare professionals in a better understanding of tumor classifications and their implications regarding treatment.

Types of Solid Tumors

Epithelial cells give rise to carcinomas, the most common carcinomas (breast, lung, colorectal, etc.). Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women cancer while lung cancer is the main cause of cancer deaths. Also, there is quite a significant incidence rate of colorectal cancer in which the colon or rectum is the location of the issue. The other category is Sarcomas; they develop in connective tissues which include bone, fat and muscle. For example, osteosarcoma commonly affects bones of younger individuals, and liposarcoma usually arises in the fat cells of deep soft tissues. Further, central nervous system (CNS) tumors include tumors of the brain and the spinal cord; the most aggressive is glioblastoma, whilst such tumors have a poor prognosis. When healthcare professionals refer to Oncology Resources, to can get up-to-date information regarding the latest guidelines and developments in cancer treatment (more…)
Mesothelioma / 27.03.2025

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused primarily by exposure to asbestos. The majority of mesothelioma cases affect the pleural area of the lungs, but the disease can also develop in abdominal, heart, or testicular tissues. The treatment of mesothelioma remains challenging because doctors detect it late, and it advances quickly, yet medical science brings new hope to those affected by this disease. Here are five current treatments available for mesothelioma, giving you and your loved ones hope.

1.   Surgery: Removing the Tumor

With early-diagnosis patients benefit most from surgery, which extends their survival time and enhances their quality of life. Two primary surgical treatments exist for pleural mesothelioma diagnosis:
  • Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP): The aggressive treatment method Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP) requires surgeons to remove both the affected lung and diaphragm segments and the pleural lining surrounding the heart. The operation removes significant tumor mass but requires a long recovery, and it works best for early-stage pleural mesothelioma patients, particularly those with the epithelial cell type, as it tends to respond better to treatment.
  • Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D): Medical professionals remove the lung lining and chest wall tissues but leave the lung intact. When patients cannot endure whole-lung removal, P/D provides a treatment option that alleviates symptoms and helps prevent disease advancement.
In peritoneal mesothelioma, Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) is combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which has shown promising survival outcomes. Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, and navigating treatment options often comes with emotional and financial challenges. If you're in the area, consulting a Missouri mesothelioma lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and explore compensation options to cover medical expenses related to these advanced treatments. (more…)
Legal-Malpractice, Mesothelioma / 25.03.2025

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, making legal assistance crucial for affected individuals. Navigating the complexities of legal options can be daunting, but it's essential for securing compensation. This guide provides insights into understanding the legal process and the importance of timely action. Mesothelioma, often linked to asbestos exposure in workplaces, demands specialized legal attention. As someone affected by this condition, you need to understand the intricacies of the legal process that can help you seek justice and compensation. The role of mesothelioma attorney assistance cannot be understated, as experienced lawyers guide you through the lawsuit maze. This article aims to empower you with knowledge about your legal rights and options. (more…)
Mesothelioma, Veterans / 23.03.2025

Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of rare cancer that affects the lungs, heart, or abdomen linings. One of the most at-risk groups for developing mesothelioma is Navy veterans. Due to prolonged asbestos exposure, a material used in naval ships and shipyards, many veterans face a higher likelihood of developing this devastating disease. The Link Between Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Asbestos was commonly used in naval vessels throughout much of the 20th century due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health complications, including mesothelioma. When these fibers are ingested or inhaled, they can be stored in the body, causing inflammation, scarring, and the development of cancerous tumors. Where Was Asbestos Found on Navy Ships? Navy ships were filled with asbestos-containing materials, including:
  • Boiler rooms: Used for insulation around pipes, boilers, and engines.
  • Shipyards: Workers building and repairing ships frequently handled asbestos materials.
  • Insulation materials: Found in walls, ceilings, and floors to protect against extreme temperatures.
  • Gaskets and valves: Used to seal mechanical components, often releasing asbestos fibers during maintenance or repairs.
Navy personnel who worked in these environments, particularly shipyard workers, boiler technicians, and machinist mates, faced some of the highest levels of exposure. (more…)
Legal-Malpractice, Mesothelioma / 22.03.2025

  If you or someone you are close to has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you do not have the time to waste. It is a serious case, and you need the right attorney fast. However, not just any attorney will do. You need someone who is well-versed in the world of mesothelioma lawsuits. Keep reading to learn how to find the right attorney for your needs.

1. Experience

Just like you wouldn't trust a general doctor to perform brain surgery, the same rule will apply here. You don't just want any lawyer. You need one who specializes in mesothelioma and asbestos cases. These cases are complex, and they require knowledge of asbestos exposure history, medical evidence, and the tactics that big corporations use to dodge responsibility. (more…)
Legal-Malpractice, Mesothelioma / 19.03.2025

Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer linked to asbestos exposure, affecting many each year. Victims often face overwhelming medical and financial burdens, making legal avenues a crucial consideration. Understanding the available options can empower patients and their families to seek justice and compensation. Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer primarily caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. This disease often manifests years after initial exposure, leaving many unaware of its impending threat. As the medical community continues to search for effective treatments, understanding the legal pathways becomes essential for patients seeking compensation. Legal recourse offers a means to address not only the medical expenses but also the emotional and financial turmoil faced by affected individuals and their families. Engaging with top rated mesothelioma lawyers can significantly enhance your ability to understand and pursue these legal avenues effectively. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer, Stem Cells / 14.02.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Slim Mzoughi, PhD Assistant Professor Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Department of Oncological Sciences Hess Center for Science and Medicine New York, NY 10029 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Resistance to current cancer treatments remains one of the biggest challenges in oncology, often leading to cancer recurrence even after patients appear to be in remission. To overcome this obstacle, we first need to understand the mechanisms behind this resistance. For a long time, treatment resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC)—the second deadliest cancer worldwide—has been attributed to a specific group of cells known as LGR5+ cancer stem cells. However, recent studies suggest that simply targeting these cells is insufficient for achieving long-term cancer control. That’s where our study comes in—to uncover why this is the case. MedicalResearch.com:  What are the main findings? Response:  Our study reveals that, early in tumor formation, LGR5+ cancer stem cells undergo molecular changes that render them unrecognizable. These changes cause them to resemble those found in the developing fetal intestine. In a way, this transformation reminds me of the legend of Edward Mordake, where these now fetal-like cells act as the “demon face” of cancer stem cells, resisting and surviving treatment. Crucially, we have identified the mechanism driving this reversion to a fetal-like state, which we term oncofetal-reprogramming. Excitingly, when we targeted the oncofetal cell state alongside existing chemotherapy treatments, this significantly enhanced treatment effectiveness and extended survival in preclinical models, offering new hope for CRC patients. (more…)
Lung Cancer / 05.02.2025

One of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide is lung cancer. Among the various types of lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma is a common type that usually develops in the central part of the lungs, commonly in the bronchi, and is majorly caused by smoking. Though any type of cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, early detection can be a crucial factor as it relates to treatment options and overall survival rates. Let's learn about the role early detection plays below.

Why is early detection important?

No one likes to think of cancer, not to mention getting tested for it. However, when it comes to this type of cancer, early detection increases the odds of a successful treatment. Let's find out why:
  • More treatment options: When this cancer is diagnosed early, patients have more options available, such as radiation, targeted therapy, and surgery. When it is detected at an advanced stage, the treatments are often limited to immunotherapy and chemotherapies, which might not be as effective in removing the disease.
  • Increased survival rates: Early-stage lung cancer has a better prognosis than advanced-stage diseases. According to research, the five-year survival rate of cancer that has not spread beyond the lungs (localized cancer) is around 63% as against 7% when it has spread to distant organs. Catching squamous cell carcinoma early can mean the difference between effective treatment and a tougher battle.
  • Better quality of life: There is no doubt that cancer treatment can be quite tough. However, when this cancer is diagnosed early, the treatment is usually less aggressive, resulting in fewer side effects and a better overall quality of life.
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Cancer Research, Environmental Risks, Mesothelioma / 30.01.2025

  Mesothelioma, a rare, aggressive cancer, often grows on the thin tissue layer that lines the abdomen or lungs. Prolonged exposure to asbestos is considered the primary risk factor for developing this disease because eight out of 10 of those with mesothelioma claim asbestos exposure. Age, gender, and genetics are other mesothelioma risk factors. Discussed below is what you need to know about mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma stages

Upon being diagnosed with mesothelioma, the next step is figuring out if and how far it has spread. This is where staging comes in. A cancer stage describes the amount of cancer in the body. Staging helps determine how severe the mesothelioma is and how best it can be treated. There are four mesothelioma stages, which are classified based on size, location, and the number of tumors. They include:
  • Stage 1: Early tumor growth develops along one of the lung’s mesothelial lining.
  • Stage 2: The cancer cells have already spread to the lymph nodes nearby.
  • Stage 3: At this level, the mesothelioma cancer tumors have invaded deeper tissues in distant lymph nodes and close organs.
  • Stage 4: The cancer tumors have spread and reached distant organs.
Knowing your mesothelioma stage at diagnosis can influence your treatment options. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 28.01.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Christopher Choi, PhD, MBA Senior Vice President of Industry Partnerships Associate Professor of Oncology Technical Director of GMP Engineering & Cell Manufacturing Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Buffalo, NY MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?  What is a GMP facility? Response: The opening of the Roswell Park GMP Engineering & Cell Manufacturing Facility (GEM) facility marks a significant milestone in advancing cell and gene therapy research at Roswell Park. Our GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facility is a specialized manufacturing space designed to produce cell-based and gene-based products under stringent regulatory conditions to ensure product safety, quality and consistency. These facilities are critical for translating innovative research into clinical-grade products that meet regulatory standards for use in patient care. The GEM Facility is part of our commitment to driving the next generation of cancer treatments and other advanced therapies, addressing a critical bottleneck in the development of these transformative technologies. (more…)
Author Interviews, Immunotherapy, Lymphoma / 27.01.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Joshua Brody MD Director, Lymphoma Immunotherapy Program Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hess Center for Science and Medicine New York, New York 10029   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
  • Patients with relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have poor outcomes.
  • Standard chemotherapy e.g. Gemcitabine + Oxaliplatin (GemOx) yields complete response in ~30% of these patients.
  • Epcoritamab, a CD3xCD20 bispecific antibody immunotherapy was recently approved for relapsed DLBCL as monotherapy but is not yet approved as part of combination therapy.
  • Other immunotherapies e.g. CAR-T have been difficult to combine with standard therapies.
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