Breast Cancer, Cancer Research, JAMA, Weight Research / 13.05.2026

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.
Cancer Research / 12.05.2026

[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.
Colon Cancer / 06.05.2026

[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.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Genetic Research / 29.04.2026

[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.
Cancer Research / 24.04.2026

[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.
Author Interviews, Melanoma, NYU/NYMC / 20.02.2026

[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.
Colon Cancer / 13.02.2026

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.
Author Interviews, Leukemia / 04.02.2026

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.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 31.01.2026

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.
AI and HealthCare, Author Interviews, Brain Cancer - Brain Tumors, Lancet, Mammograms / 30.01.2026

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.
Cancer Research / 24.01.2026

[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.
Author Interviews, Lymphoma / 17.12.2025

[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.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 17.12.2025

[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.
Author Interviews, Duke, Leukemia, Nature / 12.12.2025

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.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, JAMA, Weight Research / 02.11.2025

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.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Dental Research, JAMA, Microbiome, NYU/NYMC, Pancreatic / 13.10.2025

[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.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Dermatology, JAMA / 06.10.2025

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.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 24.09.2025

[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.
Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, Cancer Research, Stanford / 23.09.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70752" align="alignleft" width="150"]Minji Jung PharmD, PhDPostdoctoral Research Fellow in Epidemiology Department of Urology Stanford University Medical Center Stanford, CA Dr. Minji Jung[/caption] Minji Jung PharmD, PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Epidemiology Department of Urology Stanford University Medical Center Stanford, CA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Hypertension is a well-established risk factor for kidney cancer, and previous studies have suggested potential links between antihypertensive medications and kidney cancer risk. However, distinguishing the effects of the medications from those of hypertension itself has been challenging. Our meta-analysis systematically evaluated different classes of antihypertensive drugs while accounting for hypertension.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Cost of Health Care / 16.09.2025

[caption id="attachment_70691" align="aligncenter" width="500"]oncology-cancer-billing-services Pexels image[/caption] Cancer care is going through big changes due to advancement in healthcare research. For many years, the main treatments were surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. These are still important, but now new options like immunotherapy and targeted therapy are improving results for patients. But with these new treatments also come new challenges.  They have completely changed how cancer clinics handle billing and payments. For oncology providers, keeping up with these changes is important to stay financially secure. This article looks at new cancer treatments, how they affect billing, the challenges clinics face, and how trusted oncology billing services providers help providers handle these issues.
Author Interviews, Breast Cancer / 10.09.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70616" align="alignleft" width="130"]Dr. Rima Patel Dr. Patel[/caption] Rima Patel, MD Assistant Professor The Tisch Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Targeted treatment options for metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are limited. TNBCs are associated with a high frequency of PTEN loss, which can lead to activation of the mTOR pathway and tumor proliferation but may be reversible with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus. A prior phase II single arm trial of carboplatin and everolimus in patients with advanced TNBC demonstrated good tolerability and preliminary efficacy. The current study is a randomized phase II trial comparing carboplatin and everolimus with carboplatin alone in patients with metastatic TNBC. We found that the combination of carboplatin and everolimus reduced the risk of progression or death by 52%. The regimen was well tolerated and provides a promising treatment option for patients with advanced TNBC.
Breast Cancer / 29.07.2025

Each October brings a wave of pink ribbons and powerful reminders about the importance of breast cancer awareness. Campaigns promoting early detection through mammograms have undoubtedly saved lives, but beneath the surface, many individuals still quietly face obstacles that prevent them from getting screened. These barriers are often overlooked, yet they carry serious consequences. Barriers Beyond the Calendar Scheduling a mammogram may seem simple, but the reality is often much more complex. For many, there are hidden layers of stress, confusion, and logistical difficulty. Language differences, cultural norms, limited transportation, or lack of childcare can all stand in the way of following through with a screening. People new to the healthcare system may not even know how to begin the process or where to go. Emotional and mental health challenges also play a significant role. Anxiety about medical settings, concerns over body image, or past negative healthcare experiences can discourage someone from seeking help. For some, the fear of a potential diagnosis becomes a powerful reason to avoid screenings altogether. These personal and psychological hurdles are just as important to acknowledge as physical and financial limitations.
Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Lung Cancer / 12.07.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_69504" align="alignleft" width="200"]Gabriele Campanella, PhDAssistant Professor Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Dr. Campanella[/caption] Gabriele Campanella, PhD Assistant Professor Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Lung cancer is the most lethal cancer in the US. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common form of lung cancer with an incidence of over 100k per year in the US. EGFR mutations are common driver mutations in LUAD, and importantly, these mutations can be targeted by TKI therapy, which has high response rates. Because of this, EGFR testing via NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) is considered mandatory by guidelines for any LUAD diagnosis. In high-resource settings, rapid EGFR testing is done while waiting for confirmation via NGS. This is because NGS takes about 2 weeks on average, while the rapid testing has a median TAT of 2 days. Early treatment decisions could be made based on the rapid test results. Rapid tests have some important drawbacks, most notably, it exhausts tissue. In lung cancer, tissue is scarce in the first place, and up to 25% of cases, after rapid testing there is not enough tissue for NGS. In those circumstances, patients have to be biopsied again, which adds unnecessary risk for the patient. Even worse, in some cases, the NGS is never done. A non-tissue-exhaustive computational biomarker could be used instead of the tissue-based rapid test.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 07.07.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_69366" align="alignleft" width="240"]Hideyuki Saya, MD, PhDDirector, Oncology Innovation Center Fujita Health University Toyoake, JAPAN Dr. Hideyuki Saya, MD, PhD[/caption] Hideyuki Saya, MD, PhD Director, Oncology Innovation Center Fujita Health University Toyoake, Japan MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Benzaldehyde, a simple aromatic compound found in the natural aroma of almonds and apricots, has long been reported to have anticancer activity, with clinical trials even conducted in Japan in the 1980s. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its anticancer effect has remained unclear for decades. Our study was initiated by Dr. Jun Saito, whose father was one of the original researchers studying benzaldehyde. Driven by a personal motivation to clarify the scientific basis of this compound’s effect, Dr. Saito spent over a decade in our lab to finally uncover its mechanism of action.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Chemotherapy, Melanoma, NYU/NYMC / 27.06.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_69251" align="alignleft" width="156"]Tomas Kirchhoff, PhD (corresponding author)Associate ProfessorLaura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center New York University School of Medicine Dr. Kirchhoff[/caption] Tomas Kirchhoff, PhD (corresponding author) Associate ProfessorLaura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center New York University School of Medicine Robert Ferguson PhD Senior Scientist at NYU Langone Medical Center Kelsey Monson, PhD Immuno-Oncology Postdoctoral Researcher Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly explain how mitochondrial DNA differs from chromosomal DNA? TK: Immune checkpoint blockade has changed the way we treat several cancers, including advanced melanoma. Before these therapies, the treatment options were very limited, but now more than half of patients experience significant tumor shrinkage or disease control. KRM: Despite these advances, many patients still do not respond to treatment. One of the main challenges in cancer medicine today is to find ways to predict which patients will benefit from these therapies before treatment begins. This approach is key to personalizing care and improving outcomes. RF: Mitochondria are small structures inside our cells that produce the energy needed for cells to function. Unlike most of our DNA, mitochondrial DNA is inherited only from the mother. Scientists can categorize this mitochondrial DNA into groups called haplogroups, based on unique variations in the genetic code. These haplogroups can provide insight into how cells produce energy and may affect a person’s health or response to cancer treatment.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, HPV / 13.06.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_69031" align="alignleft" width="150"]Pragati Advani MD, MPH, DrPHAssistant 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 Dr. Advani[/caption] 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.
Legal-Malpractice, Mesothelioma / 09.06.2025

[caption id="attachment_68961" align="aligncenter" width="500"]asbestos-mesothelioma-lawsuit Photo by Sonny Sixteen[/caption] 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?