Cancer Research

22 Jul

Posted at 22:36h in Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Cancer Research, Genetic Research

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Steven Quay, MD, PhD

Founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Atossa Therapeutics

Publications discussed: The rise of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in breast cancer therapy: a promising horizon and (Z)-Endoxifen as a Potential Modulator of Utrophin Pathways in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Mechanistic and Transcriptomic Perspective

[caption id="attachment_75169" align="alignleft" width="240"]Dr. Steven C. Quay Dr. Steven C. Quay[/caption]

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for these studies? What are the main findings of the reviews?

Dr. Quay: Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Around 70% of these cases are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), meaning the tumor cells use the body's natural estrogen as fuel to multiply and grow. While traditional endocrine therapies like tamoxifen have saved countless lives, patients frequently face severe side effects or eventually develop resistance to the treatment.

To bridge this gap, these studies show the promise of next-generation selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), specifically (Z)-endoxifen. The main findings indicate that this active-form drug delivers more consistent, well-tolerated exposure to keep pace with a patient's unique biology. We are looking at the whole picture — from cancer prevention in high-risk patients to shrinking tumors before cases worsen. Ultimately, this approach builds on tamoxifen's legacy and blocks estrogen signaling to provide patients with more effective therapy options. For context on risk factors in breast cancer prevention, see this overview of breast cancer risk and dense breast tissue.

22 Jul

Posted at 09:24h in Cancer Research

For many people with cancer, one of the hardest moments comes when a treatment that worked at first begins to fail. A tumor may shrink, symptoms may improve, and test results may look encouraging. Then, months or years later, the cancer starts growing again.

This does not always mean the treatment was ineffective from the beginning. More often, it killed most cancer cells but left behind a small group that could survive. Those cells continued to grow and eventually became the dominant population in the tumor. Understanding why these cells survive is a major focus of cancer research. For background on how CRISPR technology is being applied across medical research, see this overview of how CRISPR gene editing is opening new doors in disease research.

genes_behind_cancer_drug_resistance

20 Jul

Posted at 17:14h in Cancer Research, Technology

HyperPlan®, the hyperthermia treatment planning software developed by Dr. Sennewald Medizintechnik GmbH, has successfully completed the certification process under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR). This marks a significant milestone in modern, software-assisted hyperthermia treatment planning and confirms that the software innovation meets the essential safety and performance requirements for medical devices as defined by Regulation (EU) 2017/745. As the first certified treatment planning software for hyperthermia, HyperPlan® strengthens confidence among both patients and healthcare professionals while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.

According to the National Cancer Institute, hyperthermia is a type of treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high temperatures to damage and kill cancer cells or to make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation and certain anticancer drugs — a well-established principle that HyperPlan® is now helping to deliver with greater precision and traceability than ever before.

hyperthermia_treatment_planning-_hyperplan

17 Jul

Posted at 20:54h in Cancer Research, Immunotherapy, Vaccine Studies

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Toshiro Shirakawa, MD, PhD

Dean and Professor

Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University

[caption id="attachment_75056" align="alignleft" width="200"]Prof-toshiro_shirakawa Prof. Shirakawa[/caption] MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Shirakawa: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have significantly improved the treatment of metastatic urothelial cancer, but many patients eventually develop resistance, leaving limited therapeutic options. We developed B440, a first-in-human oral cancer vaccine using genetically engineered Bifidobacterium longum expressing the WT1 tumor-associated antigen, with the goal of enhancing tumor-specific cellular immunity through the gut immune system.

In this phase I study, B440 demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no dose-limiting toxicities. WT1-specific cellular immune responses were detected in half of the patients, and these patients showed a trend toward longer progression-free survival. As this was a small, single-arm phase I study, these findings should be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating. For context on how immune checkpoint inhibitors have reshaped the treatment landscape for metastatic urothelial cancer, see this earlier overview of immunotherapy in the treatment of metastatic urothelial cancer.

16 Jul

Posted at 16:19h in Melanoma

Most people have moles. They're a normal part of having skin. Yet many people feel uncertain about whether their moles are concerning or just another benign spot. This uncertainty is exactly why systematic mole monitoring has become essential to skin cancer prevention.

Understanding what makes a mole risky, how to track changes over time and when to seek professional evaluation can literally save your life. Early detection of melanoma increases five-year survival rates to over 90 percent, compared to much lower rates when diagnosis happens at advanced stages.

The relationship between moles and melanoma is straightforward but often misunderstood. Not all moles become melanoma. Most moles remain benign throughout a person's lifetime. However, melanoma can arise from existing moles or appear as completely new lesions. This means your moles deserve regular attention and professional monitoring if you have risk factors. The good news is that systematic monitoring catches changes early when treatment is most effective. This article breaks down everything you need to know about monitoring moles, understanding your risk and getting the right screening.

13 Jul

Posted at 15:27h in Cancer Research, Hepatitis - Liver Disease
Editorial Notice: This post is for background educational purposes only and is not an endorsement of any specific treatment, facility, or medical navigation service. Always consult a qualified oncologist regarding treatment options for metastatic cancer.

Stage 4 liver metastases used to signal a narrow set of options and a predictable clinical trajectory. For years, treatment meant systemic therapy alone, and outcomes depended almost entirely on how long those drugs could hold the disease in check. But over the past decade, liver-directed oncology has changed faster than almost any other area in metastatic care.

Techniques that were once reserved for rare cases — targeted radiation, image-guided ablation, selective internal radiotherapy — are now used routinely in major centers. So the previously unrealistic question is now being asked in a serious manner: is a functional cure possible for some patients with liver metastases?

  [caption id="attachment_74965" align="aligncenter" width="267"]treatment-liver-metastases-germany.jpg Photo by Tranmautritam:[/caption]

12 Jun

Posted at 21:16h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Cannabis

Editor's Note: Cannabis laws and regulations vary by country, state, and territory. This interview is for educational purposes only. Cannabis products discussed here are not endorsed by MedicalResearch.com. Patients should consult their oncologist or healthcare provider before using any cannabis or cannabinoid product, particularly during cancer treatment. Cannabis products should not be used while driving, by children, if pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant or mixed with other substances that can affect cognition. Cannabis products may also be contraindicated in other medical conditions or situations.

cannabis-and-cancer-posterMedicalResearch.com Interview with: Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD Associate Professor University of California, San Diego Developer and Host, Cannabis and Cancer (Apple TV Documentary)  
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this documentary? What are the primary components of cannabis plants? Response: I created Cannabis and Cancer because cannabis is now widely discussed by patients, clinicians, policymakers, and the general public, but there is still a lot of confusion about what the science actually says. Much of the public conversation treats cannabis as either broadly harmful or broadly beneficial. The reality is more complex. The documentary is meant to separate questions that are often conflated: whether cannabis exposure may influence the risk of developing cancer, whether cannabis use may affect cancer treatment or symptoms, and whether it may influence survival after a cancer diagnosis. These are very different scientific questions, and each one requires a different type of evidence. Cannabis plants contain many biologically active compounds. The most widely discussed are cannabinoids, especially THC and CBD. THC is the main intoxicating compound and is responsible for many of the psychoactive effects. CBD is not intoxicating in the same way, but it still has biological effects. Cannabis also contains other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and plant compounds that may influence how different products affect the body.

05 Jun

Posted at 23:36h in Pancreatic
[caption id="attachment_74104" align="alignleft" width="200"]dr_avishek_kumar Dr. Avishek Kumar[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Avishek Kumar, MD Board-Certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist Edison, NJ (NYC Metro) MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this announcement? Response: Pancreatic cancer has been one of the hardest cancers to treat in all of oncology. It is often found late. It spreads early. For decades, it has not had the kind of breakthroughs we have seen in lung cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, or other tumors. In the majority of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, treatment has mostly meant chemotherapy. Regimens like FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel can help. They can extend life. They can shrink cancer. But the benefit is often limited, and the side effects can be tough. Once the cancer grows after first-line treatment, the options get even more narrow. That is why the daraxonrasib data matter. Daraxonrasib, also known as RMC-6236, is an investigational oral targeted drug. It is designed to block active RAS signaling. That is a big deal because pancreatic cancer is one of the most RAS-driven cancers we see. Most pancreatic cancers have a KRAS mutation or another alteration in that pathway. For years, KRAS was considered "undruggable." We knew it was driving the cancer. We just did not have a good way to hit it. This new data suggests that may be changing. In previously treated advanced RAS-mutated pancreatic cancer, daraxonrasib appeared to improve median overall survival compared with standard chemotherapy. Reports have described survival of about 13.2 months versus 6.7 months. In pancreatic cancer, that is not a small finding. That is meaningful. Very meaningful.

13 May

Posted at 15:50h in Breast Cancer, Cancer Research, JAMA, Weight Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_73639" align="alignleft" width="125"]Bernard F. Fuemmeler, PhD, MPHProfessor and Gordon D. Ginder, MD Chair in Cancer Research Associate Director of Population Science, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Director of Research, Family Medicine and Population Health Dr. Fuemmeler[/caption] Bernard F. Fuemmeler, PhD, MPH Professor and Gordon D. Ginder, MD Chair in Cancer Research Associate Director of Population Science, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Director of Research, Family Medicine and Population Health [caption id="attachment_73640" align="alignleft" width="125"]Kristina L. Tatum, PsyD, MSInstructor Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences School of Public Health Dr. Tatum[/caption] Kristina L. Tatum, PsyD, MS Instructor Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences School of Public Health A large population-based analysis of more than 841,000 breast cancer patients across the United States examines whether GLP-1 receptor agonist use is associated with improved survival and lower recurrence risk — with findings that researchers describe as very promising.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1RAs, have been used since 2005 and as the GLP1RAs treatments and delivery methods have improved, their use has markedly increased. Now it is estimated that nearly 1 in 8 US adults report ever using a GLP-1RA, which includes many people who are using them to treat obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. There has been some preclinical data from mouse models to suggest that maybe GLP1RAs have an anticancer effect reducing the effects of obesity on tumor growth or progression. We were interested to understand to what extent GLP1RA use among cancer patients might be associated with cancer outcomes, like length of survival after cancer treatment or the chance of recurrence. In our large population-based study using an aggregate of de-identified electronic health record data from more than 841,000 patients with breast cancer across the US, we found that GLP-1 RAs use was associated with significantly improved survival and lower recurrence risk among patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes. Among patients with obesity, GLP-1 RAs use was associated with approximately 65% lower risk of death and a 56% lower risk of recurrence over 10 years compared with nonuse. We also observed substantially improved outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes compared with insulin or metformin.

12 May

Posted at 11:10h in Cancer Research
[caption id="attachment_73664" align="aligncenter" width="500"]cancer-care-center-thailand.jpg Photo by www.kaboompics.com[/caption] Living with cancer can affect both physical and emotional wellbeing. Many patients experience stress, mental exhaustion and emotional fatigue throughout treatment and recovery. A cancer care center (this is commonly referred to as ศุนย์ดูแลผู้ป่วยมะเร็ง in Thai) helps reduce emotional fatigue for patients by providing compassionate support, emotional guidance and wellness-focused care designed to improve comfort and quality of life. Emotional fatigue can develop from ongoing treatments, uncertainty, disrupted routines and physical discomfort. Supportive care environments help patients feel calmer, more understood and emotionally supported during challenging periods.

06 May

Posted at 14:47h in Colon Cancer
[caption id="attachment_73601" align="alignleft" width="135"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with:Mythili Menon Pathiyil, MBBS Gastroenterology Fellow SUNY Upstate Medical University Dr. Pathiyil[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Mythili Menon Pathiyil, MBBS Gastroenterology Fellow SUNY Upstate Medical University Colorectal cancer mortality is currently the leading cause of cancer-related death in individuals below the age of 50 in the United States. A new analysis presented at DDW 2026 quantifies those patterns and identifies which populations are most at risk — with the goal of informing earlier recognition, targeted screening, and equity-focused prevention.

29 Apr

Posted at 10:56h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Genetic Research
[caption id="attachment_73528" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Yuval Malka, PhDFaculty of Medicine Hebrew University and Founder & CEO of Modular Therapeutics BV Dr. Yuval Malka, PhD[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with Dr. Yuval Malka, PhD Faculty of Medicine Hebrew University and Founder & CEO of Modular Therapeutics BV and Dr. William Faller PhD University of Bristol discussing their new study on RNA dicing — a fundamental mechanism that generates multiple functional protein outputs from a single mRNA molecule — and its implications for cancer biology and therapeutics.

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: This study is a follow-up to previous work published in recent years (Malka et al., Nature Communications 2017; Malka et al., Molecular Cell 2022), in which we discovered that the mRNA of thousands of genes can be further processed into smaller fragments that translate into shorter proteins. On one hand, this finding helps bridge the gap between our understanding of the transcriptome - traditionally limited to ~20,000 genes and the proteome, which contains hundreds of thousands to potentially millions of distinct protein and peptide isoforms. On the other hand, those earlier studies did not provide sufficient biological insight into this extensive and robust process. The current study represents the third part of this trilogy, introducing a new concept in RNA biology termed "RNA dicing." We show that RNA dicing in eukaryotic systems enables the production of multiple functional protein outputs from a single mRNA molecule. How does this work? Most proteins consist of several domains, each with a distinct function, for example, mediating protein–protein interactions, determining subcellular localization, or carrying catalytic activity. We demonstrate that RNA dicing selectively removes portions of the mRNA template, resulting in the translation of shorter proteins lacking specific domains. This leads to substantial changes in protein function, localization, and interaction partners. In simple terms, RNA dicing mediates modular gene expression.

24 Apr

Posted at 15:50h in Cancer Research
[caption id="attachment_73364" align="aligncenter" width="500"]nci-cancer-cells-metabolism.jpg Source[/caption] Cancer research is entering a new phase. For years, scientists focused on how cancer cells grow and divide. That model still matters, but it is no longer enough. New research shows something deeper: cancer cells are not fixed. They can change their identity and shift how they behave based on internal signals. One of the strongest of those signals is metabolism. Emerging research shows that metabolism does more than provide energy — it also controls how genes are turned on and off, which means it can shape what a cancer cell becomes. This is a major shift in thinking, and it changes how researchers approach treatment and discovery.

20 Feb

Posted at 00:17h in Author Interviews, Melanoma, NYU/NYMC
[caption id="attachment_72519" align="alignleft" width="200"]Pietro Berico, M.Sc., Ph.D.Postdoctoral research fellow Hernando Lab NYU Grossman School of Medicine NYU Langone Health New York, NY 10016 Dr. Berico[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Pietro Berico, M.Sc., Ph.D. Postdoctoral research fellow Hernando Lab NYU Grossman School of Medicine NYU Langone Health New York, NY 1001 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: “Cutaneous melanoma arises under chronic UV irradiation, which selects for aggressive malignant clones. Paradoxically, its high mutational burden also promotes neoantigen formation and robust immune activation. Consequently, melanoma must establish immune evasion mechanisms from the earliest stages of tumor development. The lack of specific genetic mutational patterns linked to immune escape points toward non-mutational mechanisms, such as epigenetic reprogramming.

13 Feb

Posted at 12:41h in Colon Cancer
This information is not specific medical advice. Please consult you health care provider for personal recommendations regarding your gastrointestinal health and colon cancer screening timing. [caption id="attachment_72387" align="aligncenter" width="500"]colon-cancer-colonoscopy-diagnosis.jpg Illustration of colon polyps and early detection
Freepix[/caption]
Did you know that colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Singapore, yet it's also one of the most preventable through regular screening? Colonoscopy screening detects polyps before they develop into cancer, identifies early-stage colorectal cancer when treatment is available, and diagnoses causes of digestive symptoms like bleeding or chronic changes in bowel habits. Singapore's colonoscopy clinics combine MOH-accredited colorectal surgeons with specialized endoscopy facilities designed for patient comfort and procedural efficiency.l The procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera through the rectum to examine the entire colon lining. At a colonoscopy clinic Singapore, current colonoscopy equipment provides high-definition imaging that reveals tissue abnormalities as small as 1–2 mm, while therapeutic capabilities allow immediate removal of polyps during the same procedure. Sedation options range from conscious sedation to monitored anaesthesia care, ensuring comfort throughout the 20–30 minute examination.

04 Feb

Posted at 11:14h in Author Interviews, Leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, and small lymphocytic lymphoma, or SLL, are chronic B cell cancers that often need long term treatment. Many patients are older at diagnosis or have other medical conditions, so the choice of first line therapy is important. Over time the goal is not only to control disease but also to preserve quality of life while keeping side effects manageable. Targeted therapies have changed how CLL and SLL are treated. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are now commonly used because they offer oral treatment and avoid traditional chemotherapy. Zanubrutinib is a covalent BTK inhibitor that has been studied a lot in the frontline setting. Long term results from the SEQUOIA zanubrutinib study phase 3 PFS data give useful insight into how this approach performs over time compared with chemoimmunotherapy.

31 Jan

Posted at 11:33h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72207" align="alignleft" width="400"]Prof. Yeoh Khay Guan & Prof Patrick Tan Prof. Yeoh Khay Guan & Prof Patrick Tan[/caption] Professor Patrick Tan, MD PhD Dean, Duke-NUS Medical School; Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Signature Research Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School; and Professor Yeoh Khay Guan, MBBS Chief Executive, National University Health System; Senior Consultant Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology National University Hospital.   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) is a precancerous condition that can arise in the stomach after long-term infection with Helicobacter pylori (a common stomach bacterium). Clinically, IM is recognised as a risk state for gastric cancer (GC), as individuals with IM have 6-fold higher risk of eventually developing GC. However, not all IM patients will develop GC, and we lack an understanding of the biological processes operating within IM to transition to GC. Also, we don’t know if these processes are commonly found across the world, particularly since different countries have different rates of GC incidence. In this study, we looked at DNA mutations and mutational signatures in IM samples collected from six countries with varying GC incidence (including accompanying blood-derived genetic variants). We wanted to understand potential risk factors for GC and how this information can be harnessed to improve the clinical management of IM patients and to reduce their GC risk.

30 Jan

Posted at 10:52h in AI and HealthCare, Author Interviews, Brain Cancer - Brain Tumors, Lancet, Mammograms
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72182" align="alignleft" width="200"]Kristina Lång MD PhDAssociate professor, Diagnostic Radiology Translational Medicine, Lund University Senior consultant, Unilabs Mammography Unit Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden Dr. Lång[/caption] Kristina Lång MD PhD Associate professor, Diagnostic Radiology Translational Medicine, Lund University Senior consultant, Unilabs Mammography Unit Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  Prior to the start of the trial, several retrospective studies had shown that AI could discriminate between screening mammograms at low and high risk of cancer, with performance comparable to that of average breast radiologists. These findings suggested a potential to improve both the efficiency and sensitivity of mammography screening. This motivated us to design and evaluate an AI-supported screening procedure in a randomised controlled trial. The MASAI trial was among the first prospective studies in this field and, to date, remains the only randomised trial with reported results on the use of AI in breast cancer screening. In European breast cancer screening programmes, every mammogram is usually read by two radiologists, so called double reading, to ensure a high sensitivity. In the MASAI trial we compared AI-supported mammography screening to standard double reading without AI. I n the AI-supported approach, mammograms identified as low-risk by the AI were read by a single radiologist, while high-risk mammograms underwent double reading, with AI providing additional detection support.

24 Jan

Posted at 10:53h in Cancer Research
[caption id="attachment_72112" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Inside the Science of Metabolism Image Source: Pexels[/caption] Cancer research is rapidly evolving, and one of the most transformative areas of discovery is metabolic science. Traditionally, cancer has been viewed mainly through a genetic lens, with treatment strategies focused on destroying tumors or targeting DNA mutations. While these approaches remain essential, modern research shows that cancer is also deeply connected to how cells produce and use energy. By understanding metabolic behavior, clinicians are unlocking new opportunities to improve treatment precision, reduce side effects, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

Cancer Metabolism and Cellular Energy Reprogramming

Healthy cells generate energy efficiently to support normal growth and repair. Cancer cells, however, reprogram their metabolism to fuel constant division and survival under stressful conditions. Even when oxygen or nutrients are limited, cancer cells adapt by altering how they process glucose, fats, and amino acids. This metabolic flexibility allows tumors to grow aggressively and resist many conventional treatments. What makes this discovery so impactful is that metabolic changes often appear before tumors become clinically detectable. By identifying these shifts early, clinicians may gain valuable insight into how fast a cancer is progressing and how aggressive it may become. Viewing cancer as a metabolic disease alongside its genetic drivers provides a more complete picture of tumor behavior and opens the door to innovative therapeutic approaches.

17 Dec

Posted at 11:11h in Author Interviews, Lymphoma
[caption id="attachment_71819" align="alignleft" width="150"]Marco Davila Dr. Davila[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Marco Davila, MD, PhD Hematologist/Oncologist, Senior Vice President and Associate Director for Translational Research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Buffalo, NY) - study senior author [caption id="attachment_71820" align="alignleft" width="150"]Co-author Meredith Stone, PhDAssistant Director for Cell Therapy Translation in Dr. Davila’s lab at Roswell Park - presenting author Dr. Stone[/caption] Co-author Meredith Stone, PhD Assistant Director for Cell Therapy Translation in Dr. Davila’s lab at Roswell Park - presenting author       MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: While CD19-targeted CAR T cell therapy has garnered clinical success and FDA approval for the treatment of large B cell lymphoma, approximately half of patients suffer from primary resistance or relapse. Increasing evidence suggests that resistance mechanisms are supported by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cytokines secreted by CAR T cells can remodel the TME, determining the phenotype and function of other immune cells.

17 Dec

Posted at 09:13h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research
[caption id="attachment_71812" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Magdalena Zak PhD in Molecular BioscienceResearch Associate , Research Associate Instructor of Medicine, The Ear Institute University College London Dr. Zak[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Magdalena M. Żak, PhD Zangi Lab Instructor | Cardiovascular Research Institute Instructor | Genetics & Genomic Sciences Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hess Center for Science and Medicine New York, NY 10029 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: mRNA has proven to be a groundbreaking technology through COVID-19 vaccines, and most mRNA-based therapeutics in development today are still focused on vaccines. However, in principle, mRNA could be used for many diseases in which expression of a therapeutic protein would be beneficial. A major reason mRNA is less commonly used outside of vaccines is the lack of robust targeting: for vaccination, broad expression can be acceptable because the goal is antigen production for immune recognition, but for other applications - especially cancer - targeted delivery and minimized off-target expression are critical to reduce side effects.  Current targeting strategies largely rely on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which act as lipid “carriers” for systemic delivery. Although LNPs can be designed to show some tissue tropism, this is often limited to organs such as the liver, spleen, and lungs.

12 Dec

Posted at 22:10h in Author Interviews, Duke, Leukemia, Nature
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_71759" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Hirschey Dr. Matthew Hirschey[/caption] Matthew Hirschey Ph.D. Associate Professor of Medicine Associate Professor of Cell Biology Associate Professor in Pharmacology and Cancer Biology Member of the Duke Cancer Institute Member of Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center Hirschey Lab in the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe AML and why new therapeutic approaches are needed? Response: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow and progresses rapidly. While recent advances, particularly the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax combined with other agents, have improved outcomes for some patients, many still relapse or don't respond to treatment. The five-year survival rate remains below 30% overall, highlighting an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. We know that cancer cells rewire their metabolism to fuel rapid growth, and the mitochondria (the cell's powerhouses) play a central role. However, understanding exactly how different metabolic pathways connect and depend on each other has been challenging. We wanted to develop better tools to map these connections and identify new vulnerabilities we could potentially target.

02 Nov

Posted at 15:50h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research, JAMA, Weight Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_71229" align="alignleft" width="125"]Dr. Bian Jiang Dr. Bian Jiang[/caption] Jiang Bian, PhD Associate Dean of Data Science Walther and Regenstrief Professor of Cancer Informatics Professor of Biostatistics & Health Data Science Adjunct Professor, Biomedical Engineering and Informatics Chief Data Scientist, Regenstrief Institute Chief Data ScientistCustomize & Schedule Social Media Posts Indiana University Health [caption id="attachment_71230" align="alignleft" width="125"]Serena Jingchuan Guo Dr. Serena Guo[/caption] Serena Jingchuan Guo, MD PhD Assistant Professor Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy University of Florida College of Pharmacy [caption id="attachment_71231" align="alignleft" width="125"]Hao Dai, PhD Dr. Hao Dai[/caption] Hao Dai, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Biostatistics & Health Data Science Indiana University School of Medicine       MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Obesity and type 2 diabetes are both known to increase the risk of several cancers. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have become very popular for both glycemic control and weight loss, but their long-term effects on cancer risk are still unclear. Using a large real-world dataset, we emulated a target trial comparing more than 43,000 GLP-1RA users to matched non-users. We found that GLP-1RA use was associated with a significantly lower overall cancer risk.

13 Oct

Posted at 13:41h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Dental Research, JAMA, Microbiome, NYU/NYMC, Pancreatic
[caption id="attachment_70956" align="alignleft" width="125"]Jiyoung Ahn, PhDProfessor of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Associate Director for Population Science, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center  NYU Langone Health New York, NY 10016 Dr. Jiyoung Ahn[/caption] 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 New York, NY 10016 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: About 10 years ago. we reported that people with poor oral health seem to have a greater risk of pancreatic cancer development.  We suspected that this could be due to oral microbiota.  More recently, animal studies, by other groups, showed that bacteria from the mouth can actually travel through saliva into the pancreas. But we didn’t know which exact species of bacteria or fungi might be involved in pancreas cancer development. We therefore conducted this large human study to examine the oral microbiome — including whole bacteria and fungi profiles in the mouth, and to see which bacteria and fungal taxa are associated with subsequent risk of pancreatic cancer development.

06 Oct

Posted at 20:51h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Dermatology, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70681" align="alignleft" width="167"]Dr. Wheless Dr. Wheless[/caption] Lee Wheless, MD, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Dermatology Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology Vanderbilt University Medical Center Staff Physician Tennessee Valley Health System VA Medical Center MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Nicotinamide has been in use for skin cancer prevention for at least a decade. A more recent trial among solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) specifically concluded that there was no benefit in this population. While that study had a number of issues, it really led dermatologists to question whether it was efficacious. This coupled with another study around the same time that suggested that metabolites of nicotinamide might increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). My group earlier this year conducted a similar study to this one showing that we really did not observe any increase in MACE at the population level. We then turned to address of the question of if nicotinamide was actually useful in reducing skin cancer risk.

24 Sep

Posted at 18:27h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research
[caption id="attachment_70763" align="aligncenter" width="500"]next-gen-cancer-sequencing Freepix image[/caption] Cancer is one of the most complex and heterogeneous diseases known to medicine. Tumors can differ not only between patients but also within a single individual, with subclones evolving over time and influencing how the disease progresses or responds to treatment. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become a critical tool in oncology, helping researchers and clinicians unravel this complexity at the molecular level. By analyzing DNA and RNA at high resolution, NGS enables the detection of mutations, copy number changes, gene fusions, and expression patterns that shape tumor biology. This information provides insight into cancer drivers, mechanisms of resistance, and therapeutic targets. Importantly, it also supports precision medical oncology, where treatments are guided by the specific molecular features of a patient’s tumor rather than by one-size-fits-all approaches.