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Baylor College of Medicine Uncovers Mechanism Behind Triple Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis

Baylor College of Medicine Uncovers Mechanism Behind Triple Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a mechanism that allows triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to metastasize more effectively. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that TNBC cells use a component of the extracellular matrix, hyaluronan (HA), to form stable clusters. These clusters are more likely to survive in the bloodstream and seed new tumors in other parts of the body. The research highlights that TNBC cells produce large amounts of HA, which acts as a 'sticky coat' enabling cell-cell interactions even in the absence of typical adhesion molecules. This discovery opens up potential avenues for developing treatments aimed at preventing or reducing metastasis by targeting the HA and CD44 interaction.

Becca Valle's Remarkable Survival Story After Glioblastoma Diagnosis

Becca Valle's Remarkable Survival Story After Glioblastoma Diagnosis

Becca Valle, a woman who initially experienced severe headaches, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor. Despite the grim prognosis, Valle participated in a clinical trial that involved using focused ultrasound to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, allowing chemotherapy to be more effective. This innovative approach, led by Dr. Graeme Woodworth at the University of Maryland Medical Center, showed promising results, with Valle being one of the few patients to survive beyond the typical five-year mark. The trial's success has sparked further research into non-invasive methods to treat brain cancers and the potential development of devices to aid in such treatments.

Glioblastoma Patient's Survival Highlights Potential of New Treatment Trial

Glioblastoma Patient's Survival Highlights Potential of New Treatment Trial

Becca Valle, diagnosed with glioblastoma, a typically fatal brain cancer, has survived four years post-diagnosis, defying the odds. Her survival is attributed to participating in a clinical trial at the University of Maryland, which tested a focused ultrasound technique to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, allowing chemotherapy to penetrate the brain more effectively. The trial showed promising results, with a significant portion of participants surviving longer than expected. The research is ongoing, with hopes of developing an FDA-approved device to enhance treatment options for glioblastoma patients.

Study Suggests Timing of Cancer Treatment Influences Effectiveness

Study Suggests Timing of Cancer Treatment Influences Effectiveness

A new study led by researchers in China, published in Nature Medicine, indicates that the timing of cancer treatment can significantly affect its success. Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer who received immunotherapy treatments before 3 p.m. experienced longer progression-free survival and overall survival compared to those treated later in the day. The study builds on previous observational research suggesting that the body's circadian rhythms influence immune system effectiveness, potentially impacting the efficacy of cancer treatments.

Ludwig Institute Study Links Neutrophil Gene Expression to Cancer Progression

Ludwig Institute Study Links Neutrophil Gene Expression to Cancer Progression

Researchers from the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Lausanne have identified a gene expression program in tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) that supports cancer cell survival and tumor progression. The study, published in Cancer Cell, highlights the role of a biomarker, CCL3, produced by aged neutrophils across various cancers. These neutrophils, characterized by high CCL3 expression, occupy oxygen-starved niches in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and activate genes that promote tumor growth. The study applied a probability classifier to over 190 human and murine tumors, revealing that TANs in a terminal CCL3hi state are prevalent across multiple tumor types. The findings suggest that targeting the genetic and biochemical circuits maintaining these pro-tumor neutrophils could be a potential strategy for cancer treatment.

Vitamin D Supplementation Linked to Lower Blood Sugar in Prediabetes Study

Vitamin D Supplementation Linked to Lower Blood Sugar in Prediabetes Study

A recent study suggests that vitamin D supplementation may help lower blood sugar levels in individuals with prediabetes. The research, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, analyzed data from 10 clinical trials involving nearly 4,500 participants. The findings indicate that 18.5% of those who took vitamin D achieved normal blood sugar levels, compared to 14% who took a placebo. Experts believe that vitamin D may support blood sugar management and reduce insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. However, the study's authors caution that vitamin D should not replace medical treatments but could be part of a broader diabetes prevention strategy.

New CAR-T Therapy Targets Cancer Cells Without Immune Suppression

New CAR-T Therapy Targets Cancer Cells Without Immune Suppression

Researchers have developed a new CAR-T-cell therapy, known as CART4-34, which effectively targets cancer cells without the severe side effect of immune system suppression. This therapy focuses on B cell receptors carrying the IGHV4-34 gene, which is prevalent in cancer cells but rare in healthy cells. Unlike conventional CD19 CAR-T therapies that destroy all cells carrying the CD19 molecule, leading to immune suppression, CART4-34 spares healthy B cells. This advancement was demonstrated in genetically modified mice with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, where CART4-34 was as effective as CD19 CAR-T therapy in destroying cancer cells. The therapy also holds potential for treating autoimmune conditions like lupus, where antibodies targeting IGHV4-34 are linked to more aggressive disease forms.

Review Highlights Underreporting of Social Determinants in Neonatal Clinical Trials

Review Highlights Underreporting of Social Determinants in Neonatal Clinical Trials

A systematic review has revealed that neonatal clinical trials in the United States often underreport social determinants of health (SDOH), such as race, ethnicity, language, and socioeconomic status. This underrepresentation is significant as these factors are crucial for understanding the generalizability of clinical trial findings and addressing disparities in neonatal care. The review, which analyzed trials published between 2017 and 2021, found that infants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and non-white races are underrepresented in trials, despite being overrepresented in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Eikon and Veradermics Close IPOs as Salspera Joins Nasdaq Queue

Eikon and Veradermics Close IPOs as Salspera Joins Nasdaq Queue

Eikon and Veradermics Close IPOs as Salspera Joins Nasdaq Queue

Dr. Kara Leigh Roncin Featured in Forbes for Contributions to Pathology

Dr. Kara Leigh Roncin Featured in Forbes for Contributions to Pathology

Dr. Kara Leigh Roncin, a pathologist at CHI Health, has been featured in the December 2025/January 2026 issue of Forbes magazine. Dr. Roncin specializes in breast pathology and has been recognized for her professional achievements and industry expertise. She holds dual board certifications in anatomic and clinical pathology from the American Board of Pathology. Her career includes significant roles such as chairperson of the Commission on Cancer/Network Cancer Committee and pathology lead for the Network Cancer Committee and the Breast Health Professional Advisory Board. Dr. Roncin has also served on the Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Biomarker Testing Learning Collaborative with the American Society of Clinical Pathology. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in anatomy and cell biology from the University of Saskatchewan and a Doctor of Medicine from the Medical University of the Americas.

Immuneering's New Cancer Drug Focuses on Quality of Life for Patients

Immuneering's New Cancer Drug Focuses on Quality of Life for Patients

Immuneering's New Cancer Drug Focuses on Quality of Life for Patients

Study Reveals Increased Gabapentinoid Use in Spinal Cord Injury Management and Its Impact on Recovery

Study Reveals Increased Gabapentinoid Use in Spinal Cord Injury Management and Its Impact on Recovery

A recent retrospective cohort study has highlighted significant trends in the use of gabapentinoids for managing acute spinal cord injuries. Conducted at the Vancouver General Hospital, the study analyzed data from the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry, focusing on individuals admitted between 2010 and 2019 with cervical spinal cord injuries. The primary objective was to assess changes in gabapentinoid prescribing patterns, while the secondary objective examined the effects of these prescriptions on neurological recovery. The study found that 79% of the 257 individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries were prescribed a gabapentinoid within 30 days of injury. Notably, the prescription rates increased from 41% in 2010/2011 to 93% in 2018/2019. Furthermore, early use of gabapentinoids, particularly within five days post-injury, was associated with greater neurological recovery in patients with incomplete injuries.