MedicalResearch.com offers the latest news, interviews, and insights in medical research, covering topics like a, cancer research, addiction, fitness and health.
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…)
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…)
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…)
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, Lymphoma, Nutrition, University of Pennsylvania / 24.12.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Shan Liu, PhD, Postdoctoral fellow Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our study provides evidence that the efficacy of CAR T cell immunotherapies can be influenced by an important lifestyle factor: diet.   MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? Response:  Our study found that a ketogenic diet can enhance CAR T cell function through its metabolite, β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Importantly, instead of altering the diet, providing BHB via oral supplementation in our preclinical model is sufficient to improve the anti-tumor function of CAR T cells. However, it's important to note that we’re still in the early stages, and we’re not yet recommending any dietary changes or supplements for patients. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, NEJM, NIH, OBGYNE / 05.12.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Diana W. Bianchi, M.D. Senior Investigator Center for Precision Health Research Director, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institutes of Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The ability of prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sequencing to incidentally detect maternal cancers has been demonstrated by several retrospective studies from commercial or national laboratories. However, there are no standardized approaches to the identification and medical management of prenatal screening results that might indicate a maternal cancer. We sought to prospectively identify DNA sequencing patterns and other biomarkers that could distinguish which women with nonreportable or unusual cfDNA sequencing results had cancer and to determine the best approach for diagnostic work-up of pregnant people who receive these results. (more…)
Cancer Research, Chemotherapy / 26.11.2024

Cancer treatment has made significant advancements over the years, offering hope and extended lifespans to millions of patients worldwide. However, while these treatments are often life-saving, they can come with a wide range of unpleasant side effects that impact daily living. For many patients, managing these side effects becomes an essential part of the recovery journey. Understanding what to expect, and finding strategies to cope, can help improve quality of life during and after cancer treatment. This article explores common side effects of cancer therapies and offers practical tips for living through these challenges. Understanding the Common Side Effects of Cancer Treatment Cancer treatment can involve various methods, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and surgery. Each type of treatment comes with its own set of side effects, which can vary in intensity depending on the individual's overall health, type of cancer, and the specific therapy used. Some of the most common side effects include:
  • Fatigue: Fatigue is unfortunately one of the most frequent complaints among cancer patients undergoing treatment. Unlike everyday tiredness, cancer-related fatigue can be severe and persistent, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Chemotherapy and radiation can trigger nausea and vomiting as the body reacts to the aggressive nature of the treatments. While anti-nausea medications can help, these symptoms can still be a significant source of discomfort.
  • Hair Loss: Hair loss is a very well-known side effect of many chemotherapy drugs, which target rapidly dividing cells. This can include hair on the scalp as well as eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. For many, this physical change can be emotionally challenging.
  • Mouth Sores and Dryness: Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause sores in the mouth, making it painful to eat, drink, and even speak. Dry mouth, caused by damage to salivary glands, is another common issue that can interfere with taste and oral comfort.
  • Skin Changes: Radiation therapy can lead to skin reactions, including redness, peeling, or darkening of the treated area. Some patients may also experience sensitivity to the sun and a tendency to bruise easily.
  • Cognitive Changes ("Chemo Brain"): Many patients experience difficulties with memory, concentration, and mental clarity during and after chemotherapy, a phenomenon often referred to as "chemo brain." This can make it harder to focus on tasks or remember details.
For more information on symptoms associated with certain cancers like Hodgkin lymphoma, you can visit this resource from Moffitt Cancer Center. (more…)
Author Interviews, Ovarian Cancer / 04.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Alessia Baccarini, PhD Assistant Professor Dept. of Immunology and Immunotherapy (DII) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, New York 10029 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Ovarian cancer is characterized by a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) that significantly contributes to resistance against immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies like anti-PD-1. Understanding the extracellular signals—such as cytokines and chemokines—that ovarian cancer cells utilize to create an immunosuppressive TME is critical for improving treatment outcomes. Our research focuses on elucidating how these signaling factors contribute to tumor growth and immune evasion. We utilized a novel genomic functional approach called Perturb-map to study intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) in ovarian cancer within a mouse model, allowing us to investigate the communication between ovarian cancer cells and immune cells.  (more…)
Cancer Research, Testicular / 22.10.2024

As with most forms of cancer, early detection of testicular cancer is crucial. This is because it is highly treatable, especially when it is caught as early as possible. Testicular cancer primarily affects men aged from about 15 through to 35. Treatment options at facilities such as the Baptist Hospital Oklahoma City, for example, help to enhance survival rates, especially when there is greater self-awareness of how to examine for the most common signs, so that early detection is achieved. Let’s explore what testicular cancer is, its symptoms, risk factors, and why early detection plays such a critical role in ensuring successful treatment. Understanding testicular cancer Testicular cancer develops in the testicles. They are located inside the scrotum, the loose bag of skin beneath the penis. The testicles are responsible for producing male hormones, such as testosterone, and sperm for reproduction. Cancer in this area of your body typically begins in the cells that make sperm, known as germ cells. There are two main types of these cells. Seminomas, is a cancer that grows slowly and responds well to radiation therapy. Seminomas are typically found in men in their late 30s and 40s. Non-seminomas tend to grow more quickly than seminomas and often occur in younger men. Non-seminomas usually prove to be more resistant to radiation therapy, but they can still be effectively treated with chemotherapy and surgery. A key point to remember is that testicular cancer is still relatively rare, affecting about 1 in 250 men at some point in their lifetime. The disease is highly curable, especially when diagnosed early. The five-year survival rate for men with localized testicular cancer is actually greater than 95%. (more…)
Cancer Research, Complementary Medicine / 13.09.2024

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

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

What is Encer

Encer is a homeopathic remedy designed with a blend of highly diluted natural substances. Following the homeopathic principle of "like cures like," it is formulated to stimulate the body's self-healing mechanisms. Despite the absence of Encer in mainstream pharmacological references, as it's a concept perhaps more familiar within homeopathic circles, its use is aimed at providing a non-toxic, gentle treatment option for managing the symptoms of cancer and its treatment, including CRF. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 01.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr Meena Rafiq | Academic GP & Clinical Research Fellow FRACGP MRCGP MBBS BSc MSc Epidemiology of Cancer and Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Group, UCL Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne UCL Department of Behavioural Science and Health     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Almost all patients with cancer will first see their GP with symptoms and half of these patients will have vague, non-specific symptoms. As a GP I know it can be challenging to pick up patients with possible cancer in a 10 minute GP appointment, especially if they have vague non-specific symptoms. We know that many of these patients are already having blood tests done by their GP. So, we wanted to see if any of these blood tests could be used to help pick up with patients who see their GP with vague abdominal symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating are most likely to have cancer and need to be urgently referred. (more…)
Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer / 06.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jorge Moscat, PhD Maria T. Diaz-Meco, PhD Jorge Moscat Maria T. Diaz-Meco, Principal Investigators Moscat & Diaz-Meco Laboratories Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Weill Cornell Medicine New York, NY MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the two different histological premalignant states? Response: Although much effort is devoted to understanding the biology and pathology of established malignant tumors and the formation of metastasis in order to identify new and more efficacious treatment approaches, much less is understood of how tumors initiate from normal cells. This is extremely important because treating incipient benign neoplasia should be easier and less toxic than treated already aggressive and disseminated cancer cells. In the case of colorectal cancer (CRC), routinary colonoscopies might identify still benign lesions that can be either “serrated” or “conventional” but that all present with reduced levels of two proteins called the aPKCs. As the tumor evolves, if the aPKCs are not upregulated, then the cancer becomes very aggressive and with very limited therapeutic options. Our work identifies precisely the initial mechanisms that determine if a benign adenoma would progress towards an aggressive phenotype. A full comprehension of these initial steps will lead to effective preventive therapies to stop cancer before it starts. (more…)
AACR, Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Breast Cancer, Cancer Research / 11.04.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: RJ Tesi M.D. CEO and Founder of INmune Bio MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
  • MUC4 expression by high-risk breast cancer (HER2+ or TNBC) is a biomarker that predicts resistance to therapy and an increased risk a metastasis. MUC4 expression can be determined at time of biopsy and therapeutic decisions should be adjusted to optimize the chance of response to first line therapy.
This biomarker is easily determined using immunohistochemistry in the diagnostic breast biopsy tissue similar to testing for HER2 expression. Testing for MUC4 can be easily added to the current panel of routine stains obtained at the time of the diagnostic biopsy. Knowing MUC4 status in women with high-risk breast cancer will improve results.
  • Soluble TNF causes the up regulation of immune checkpoint proteins of cells of the TME. This includes CD47 and SIRPa on tumor based macrophages and CTLA4, PD1, LAG3 and TIGIT on T cells in the TME. INB03 is a pan immune checkpoint modulator. Treatment with INB03 downregulates all immune checkpoint proteins on the cells. Downmodulation of all immune checkpoint proteins improves response to immunotherapy.
Currently, monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoint proteins are a mainstay of cancer therapy and cancer drug development. These strategies target one immune checkpoint protein at a time. To date, combination therapy targeting two immune checkpoint proteins has been tried (e.g.: anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 combination therapy) with mixed results. Combination immune checkpoint strategies may increase therapeutic response but increase toxicity. INB03 downregulates all immune checkpoint proteins. This is equivalent to giving a patient a 6 antibody cocktail – something that cannot be done in man. As expected, decreased immune checkpoint expression improves response to therapy by converting immunotherapy resistant tumors to immunotherapy sensitive tumors.
  • In TNBC, MUC4 expression predicts both resistance to anti-PD1 therapy and increased risk of distant metastasis. Treatment with INB03 decreases expression of proteins associated with tumor metastasis, decreases the number of metastasis and improves response to anti-PD1 therapy. Early use of INB03 may prevent distal disease and improve tumor control.
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Addiction, Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Cannabis / 23.03.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Brian J. Piper, PhD Associate Professor of Neuroscience Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton PA 18411 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Many cancer patients use marijuana to treat pain, nausea, or anxiety, often without communicating this with their health care providers. Two observational studies (1, 2) from a single institution in Israel purporting to find a dangerous drug interaction between medical cannabis and immunotherapy have been cited hundreds of times, including by clinical practice guidelines. The cannabinoid CB2 receptor is found on immune tissues so it is biologically possible that marijuana could make immunotherapies like nivolumab less effective. However, there were anonymous reports on PubPeer (3-5) of many irregularities in the data-analysis. If there were unappreciated differences on other important variables at baseline besides subsequent cannabis use, this could change the interpretation of these influential reports (1, 2). This investigation involved attempting to repeat and verify the data-analysis. (more…)
Author Interviews, Environmental Risks, Thyroid / 27.10.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Maaike van Gerwen, MD, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery Institute for Translational Epidemiolog Director of Research Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Where are these PFAS chemicals found? Response: Over the past decades, we have seen an increasing trend in thyroid cancer which cannot be fully explained by increased use of medical imaging (including ultrasound). Certain environmental exposure are known to impact on the thyroid gland, including thyroid dysfunction or development of cancer. PFAS are chemicals that are known to disrupt the function of endocrine organs, such as the thyroid gland. We therefore hypothesized that PFAS exposure may be one of the potential risk factors for thyroid cancer and thus one of the potential reason for the increasing thyroid cancer incidence. PFAS chemicals are widespread in the environment and have been found in the soil, water, and air. PFAS are also widely used in a variety of consumer products including non-stick cookware, stain resisting fabric, firefighting foams, but are also found in drinking water and food. This leads to an almost universal exposure of the general population. (more…)
Breast Cancer, Technology / 22.10.2023

Breast cancer accounts for 12.5% of new annual cases in the world, making it the most common of all cancers. Early detection is vital, since when breast cancer is localized, it boasts a 99% survival rate. Despite this fact, only 64% of breast cancer cases are detected at a localized stage in the US, according to data obtained from the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The good news is that scientists at MIT have developed a new device that can simply be incorporated into a bra. Doing so would allow more frequent monitoring of people with a high risk for breast cancer and it would enable women to detect very early stage tumors.
A Patch In Time
The device is a flexible patch that can be attached to any bra. It has an ultrasound tracker that can analyze breast tissue from various angles—and the images obtained are as high in quality as those obtained from ultrasound probes used in medical imaging clinics The device provides real-time information that is easy to access and interpret. The development of the device resulted from the personal experience of MIT associate professor. Canan Dagdeviren. The latter’s aunt was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer at the age of 49, passing away six months later. While sitting by her aunt’s bedside, the researchers created a rough schematic of a diagnostic patch that could be incorporated into a brassiere. The aim was to enable women to obtain more frequent information instead of depending on a once-yearly (or less frequent) checkup. Dagdeviren’s device is essentially a miniature 3D-printed ultrasound scanner that has tiny openings. It can be rotated to obtain images from a plethora of angles, and does not require medical expertise to use. The device leverages the very latest technology, including AI algorithms, biomedical systems, and low-power circuits
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Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, JAMA, OBGYNE, Surgical Research / 04.10.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Gabriele Martelli, MD Breast Unit, Surgery Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori Milan, Italy MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Approximately 8% of breast cancer cases are associated with pathogenic germline variants of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Women with a pathogenic BRCA1 variant have lifetime risks of breast or ovarian cancer of 45% to 80% and 30% to 60%, respectively. Women with a pathogenic BRCA2 variant have lifetime risks of breast or ovarian cancer of 35% to 60% and 10% to 25%, respectively. BRCA1 breast cancer is often more aggressive than sporadic disease, while BRCA2 breast cancer is often of similar aggressivity to sporadic disease. However, few studies have investigated outcomes of breast-conserving surgery, prophylactic mastectomy, or prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy in patients with BRCA1/2 breast cancer. We conducted a cohort study to assess outcomes of breast-conserving surgery vs mastectomy, prophylactic mastectomy vs no prophylactic mastectomy, and prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy vs no prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy in patients with BRCA1/2 breast cancer. (more…)
Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Gastrointestinal Disease / 16.08.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Daniel L. Worthley MBBS (Hons), PhD, MPH, FRACP, AGAF Gastroenterologist Associate Professor University of Adelaide MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cells are revolutionising healthcare, from modern faecal microbial transplantation in the gut to CAR-T cells fighting cancers, life healing life. Some aspects of cellular care are so entrenched in medicine that they are almost overlooked for the miraculous cellular therapies that they are, such as stem cell transplantation to treat haematological malignancies and, of course, in vitro fertilization, life creating life. Modern medicine is slowly, but surely, pivoting from pills to cells. Professor Siddhartha Mukherjeee, oncologist, scientist, and author, provides a beautiful thesis of this in his book Song of the Cell and in his TED talk on the cellular revolution in medicine (https://youtu.be/qG_YmIPFO68?feature=shared). I was lucky enough to have trained with Sid as a post-doc at Columbia and this concept was really drummed into me. But, as a gastroenterologist, perhaps it was the bacterial cells, rather than the blood cells, that had most to offer in the management of bowel disorders? Around the same time, Professors Jeff Hasty, Tal Danino and Omar Din from UC San Diego had been inventing and publishing, in my opinion, the best bacterial engineering work that has ever been produced to specifically target cancer. I remember when we first reviewed their 2016 Nature paper in our lab meeting (https://www.nature.com/articles/nature18930#citeas), it was like – “We gotta meet these guys!”. Through Tal, who was by then, working at Columbia, I was introduced to Jeff and I attended his lab meeting back in 2019. That was where our project began after a lab meeting in La Jolla. Rob Cooper had presented his work on horizontal gene transfer. Everything that comes out of Jeff’s lab is both practical and reproducible but also beautiful. Beautiful in a scientific self-evident way that instantly communicates the purpose, approach and outcomes of an experiment. Rob’s presentation that day was a case-in-point. Rob was studying genes and gene transfer in bacteria (see part of Rob’s fascinating presentation here, https://youtu.be/5nBsRF-BsA8?feature=shared). Genes are the fundamental unit of heredity and gene transfer (or inheritance) the process by which genes are passed from one cell to another. Genes may be inherited vertically when one cell replicates its DNA and divides into two, now separate, cells (reproduction). Genes are the stuff, and vertical gene transfer is the process, by which you receive your mother’s laugh and your father’s eyebrows. Genes may also, however, be inherited horizontally when DNA is passed between unrelated cells, outside of parent to offspring inheritance. Horizontal gene transfer is quite common in the microbial world. Certain bacteria can salvage genes from cell-free DNA found within its environment. This sweeping up of cell-free DNA, into a cell, is called natural competence. So, competent bacteria can sample their nearby environment and, in doing so, acquire genes that may provide a selective advantage to that cell. Like cellular panning for flecks of gold in a stream. After Rob’s presentation, Jeff, Rob and I started to discuss the possibilities. If bacteria can take up DNA, and cancer is defined genetically by a change in its DNA then, theoretically, bacteria could be engineered to detect cancer. Colorectal cancer seemed a logical proof of concept as the colorectal lumen is full of microbes and, in the setting of cancer, full of tumour DNA.  When a biophysicist, a scientist and a gastroenterologist walk into a bar, after a lab meeting, this is what can happen! Professor Susi Woods and Dr Josephine Wright, superb cancer scientists from Adelaide, Australia, were quickly recruited in as essential founding members of the group. We all got to work. Australian and US grants, lots of experiments, early morning Zoom calls across the Pacific, inventing new animal models and approaches, i.e. a many year, iterative process of design-build-test-learn, that got us all to where we are now. (more…)
Author Interviews, Brain Cancer - Brain Tumors, Cancer Research / 09.08.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Sibaji Sarkar, Ph.D. Division of Biotech, Quincy College Quincy MA. Biology/STEM MBC College, Wellesley MA, Boston MA. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main developmental differences between adult and pediatric tumors? Response: The treatment of both pediatric and adult types of brain tumors is complex.  The treatment and prognosis depend on their origin, development, progression and location. It is extremely important that the origin, which involves formation of cancer stem/progenitor cells, is investigated to understand growth, drug resistance and relapse of the brain tumors. Pediatric brain tumors often are less metastatic and treatable but chemo leaves adverse effects for longer times. Adult metastatic brain tumors usually have worse prognosis. To understand and develop better treatments we need to understand the differences in the origin and progression of these different types of brain tumor [1]. One of the important aspects is epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic alterations are reversible and different from mutations in genes, which are usually permanent. In epigenetic alterations, modifications occur on DNA or the protein histones around which the DNA is folded and they regulate whether a gene will express or not (will make a protein or not), that determines a special function. (more…)
Author Interviews, JAMA, Ovarian Cancer / 04.08.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Zai LabRafael Amado, M.D. President, head of Global Oncology Research and Development Zai Lab MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Zai lab is focused on discovering and developing innovative therapies that will help address medical conditions where there are serious unmet needs. Advanced ovarian cancer, with a low survival and high recurrence rate, is a key focus of our oncology R&D research. In addition to our own discovery program, as part of our open innovation model we partner with companies to license drugs for patients in China and co-develop therapies to address leading causes of cancer death. We currently have a license and collaboration agreement with GSK for the development and commercialization of ZEJULA (niraparib) in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. PRIME was a follow-on study to a previously conducted study called PRIMA, which demonstrated clinical benefit of niraparib in newly diagnosed patients with advanced ovarian cancer regardless of biomarker status. The PRIMA study enrolled a population at high risk of recurrence. Thirty-five percent of patients in PRIMA received an individualized starting dose (ISD) of niraparib based on their baseline weight and platelet count. To further evaluate the efficacy and safety of niraparib with an ISD in a broad population, we decided to conduct the PRIME study. We wanted to explore further whether we could decrease toxicity using an ISD and how it would affect clinical outcomes. The Phase 3 PRIME study was conducted at 29 hospitals in mainland China. PRIME was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of niraparib at an ISD as first-line maintenance therapy in a broad range of patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer. All patients in PRIME received an ISD based on their baseline body weight and platelet count. (more…)
ASCO, Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer, Red Meat / 13.06.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Suneel Kamath MD Gastrointestinal Oncologist Cleveland Clinic Senior Author on this research       MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Colorectal cancer rates in young people under age 50 are skyrocketing and have been for the last 3-4 decades. We really don’t understand why because most cases (probably around 70%) are not genetic or hereditary, just random, unfortunate events. We suspect that it is some exposure(s) like excess consumption of red meat, processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, excess antibiotic use altering the microbiome, rising incidence of obesity or some other factors. We really don’t know why yet. Our study used a technology called metabolomics, the study of breakdown products and production building blocks for our bodies, to look for differences in colorectal cancer in young people versus people that are older that developed colorectal cancer. Because metabolomics measures how each individual interacts with the exposures in our environment like diet, air quality, etc., it is a way to bridge the gap between our nature (determined by genetics) and nurture (determined by our exposures). (more…)
ASCO, Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Genetic Research, JAMA, Race/Ethnic Diversity, Stanford / 06.06.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Allison W. Kurian, M.D., M.Sc. Professor of Medicine and of Epidemiology and Population Health Associate Chief, Division of Oncology Co-Leader, Population Sciences Program, Stanford Cancer Institute Director, Women’s Clinical Cancer Genetics Program Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, CA 94305-5405 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What types of cancers were in the study? Response: Genetic testing for cancer risk is increasingly important after a cancer diagnosis, to inform use of targeted therapies, secondary cancer prevention approaches and cascade genetic testing of family members. However, very little is known about how genetic testing is used after a cancer diagnosis at the population level. We leveraged a very large population-based data resource, the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) cancer registries of the states of California and Georgia, and linked data from these registries to clinical genetic testing results provided by the four major laboratories that provide such testing. We used this linked registry-genetic testing dataset to study adults (age >=20 years) diagnosed with all types of cancer in the states of Georgia and California from 2013-2019. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, JAMA, NCI, Ovarian Cancer / 21.04.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Lauren Hurwitz, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics National Cancer Institute MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Prior studies have demonstrated that frequent (i.e., daily or near daily) use of aspirin is associated with a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. We sought to determine if this risk reduction is also observed for individuals with greater genetic susceptibility to ovarian cancer, who may benefit more from preventive interventions. Our study found that individuals who took aspirin frequently had a lower risk of ovarian cancer, regardless of whether they had higher or lower genetic susceptibility to ovarian cancer. (more…)
AACR, Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 18.04.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Matthew H. Taylor, MD Earle A. Chiles Research Institute Providence Cancer Institute Portland, OR MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What is the importance of ILT4 or LILRB2 in tumor growth?
  1. ILT4, also known as LILRB2, is expressed on myeloid cells, including monocytes, DCs, macrophages and neutrophils. LILRB2 expressing myeloid cells promote tumor immune evasion and contribute to anti-PD1 resistance, making this a promising target to reverse myeloid-mediated immune suppression in the TME.
  2. IO-108 is a fully human IgG4 therapeutic antibody that binds to LILRB2 with high affinity and specificity, and blocks binding of LILRB2 to multiple cancer-relevant ligands. This blockade causes re-programming of immune suppressive myeloid cells to pro-inflammatory in the tumor microenvironment leading to the activation of T cells.
  3. This first-in-human, open-label Phase 1 study of IO-108 as monotherapy or in combination with pembrolizumab was designed to learn about safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of IO-108 as monotherapy or in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor in patients with advanced, metastatic solid tumors. The study was also designed to find a dose of IO-108 that is safe and efficacious to be tested in patients with various solid tumors.
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Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Duke, Heart Disease, Pediatrics / 06.12.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Amy Berkman, MD Department of Pediatrics Duke University School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cancer incidence in adolescents and young adults (AYAs, aged 15-39 years at diagnosis) is increasing, with approximately 90,000 new diagnoses annually in the US. Improvements in 5-year survival have led to a growing population of survivors of AYA cancer, currently estimated at >600,000 survivors. Survivors are at increased risk of treatment related chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease (CVD). We wanted to determine whether certain sociodemographic and medical history factors further increase the risk of CVD in AYA cancer survivors and also compare risk of CVD between AYA cancer survivors and the general population. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer, Genetic Research, Nature / 18.10.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Royce Zhou, MD/PhD Candidate Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The background of this story is to see whether things outside of the cancer cell, such as the tumor microenvironment, can lead to epigenetic changes within the cancer cell. These changes are largely believed to be due to factors inside the cell, not outside. Super-enhancers are the top 1-2% of enhancers in the genome. They control cell identity genes and oncogenes in cancer. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Dermatology, Melanoma / 22.09.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: “Prof. Ronit Satchi-Fainaro, the Director of the Cancer Biology Research Center led this study with an outstanding PhD student, Sabina Pozzi” Prof. Ronit Satchi-Fainaro, Ph.D. Head, Cancer Research and Nanomedicine Laboratory Kurt and Herman Lion Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Director, Cancer Biology Research Center Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Sackler Faculty of Medicine Sagol School of Neuroscience Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers, especially due to its tendency to invade and develop metastases with an incidence of brain metastasis development of 40% to 50% in patients with melanoma stage IV (although the incidence post mortem is 70–90%). We know that the brain microenvironment represents the first line of reaction in favor or against the tumor due to its dual ability to generate an immune-stimulatory or immunosuppressive niche, which will ultimately determine the establishment and growth of melanoma brain metastasis. Among the brain-resident cells, astrocytes are responsible for the maintenance of the brain homeostasis, and subsequent to melanoma brain colonization, they sustain and foster the growth of melanoma cells (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 09.08.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Sarah S. Jackson PhD Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics National Cancer Institute Bethesda, MD 20892 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: There are many cancers that both men and women can develop, specifically those that do not affect the reproductive tract. Men have higher rates of these nonreproductive cancers than women. There are only two nonreproductive cancer types that are more common in women: thyroid and gallbladder. Historically, we have thought this is because women are less likely to smoke or drink and are more likely to eat well and exercise than men. This study sought to examine the sex bias in cancer incidence after controlling for those lifestyle factors to see if this explained the male predominance in cancer. (more…)