In the largest study of its kind, cancer researchers analyzed and classified over 10,000 tumors from 33 cancer types to trace connections between different cancers. Typically cancers are classified by where they originate in the body–think breast cancer, stomach cancer, and so on. But a collaboration called the Pan-Cancer Initiative, launched in 2012 at a...
Category: <span>Clinical Practice</span>
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Stretchable Stick-On Ultrasound Patches Image Even on Curved Surfaces
Conventional ultrasound transducers are rigid devices that have to be held against the skin when imaging inside the body. The best results are achieved on smooth surfaces where contact between the transducer and the skin is the greatest. On curvy, moving surfaces, such as the knees, ultrasound visualizations are difficult. A team at the University...
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The ‘immuno revolution’: Turning up the heat on resistant tumors
A promising class of drugs known as CD40 monoclonal antibodies could be the spark needed to light the fire in the immune system of patients who don’t respond to the newer cancer immunotherapies. Robert H. Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, director of the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania and an internationally renowned cancer immunotherapy expert, makes...
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Analysis challenges link between pain medications and inflammatory bowel disease
Contrary to generally accepted belief, a recent review and analysis of published studies did not reveal a consistent association between the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen and exacerbation of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Nevertheless, when the analysis was limited to studies with a low risk of bias, three was a link...
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The Influence of the Gut Microbiome on Cancer, Immunity, and Cancer Immunotherapy
The microbiome is receiving significant attention given its influence on a host of human diseases including cancer. Its role in response to cancer treatment is becoming increasingly apparent, with evidence suggesting that modulating the gut microbiome may affect responses to numerous forms of cancer therapy. A working knowledge of the microbiome is vital as we...
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Best way to avoid back pain? Lift heavy things
Most people think that the human spine is one of evolution’s great flaws. After all, around 80% of adults suffer from lower-back pain. What more evidence do you need? The truth is, the spine is a robust structure. We’re just using it incorrectly. Everybody “knows” that you put your back out if you lift objects...
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Common genetic variant linked to AFib risk in Latinos – genetics
Dr. Dawood Darbar. “There is a paradox at play when it comes to atrial fibrillation in the Latino population,” said Dr. Dawood Darbar. “While Latino individuals are less likely to develop atrial fibrillation than whites, despite having a higher burden of risk factors, they are more likely to suffer complications if the condition does develop,”...
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Cutting-edge cancer drug ( Keytruda ) hobbled by diagnostic test confusion -pharmaceutical
Physicians struggle to identify which patients are likely to respond to a recently approved therapy. Cancerous cell growth (orange) in the colon. A landmark cancer drug approved last year seemed to herald a long-anticipated change in the treatment of some tumours: with medicines selected on the basis of molecular markers, rather than the tissue in...
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Nauseating Marijuana Side-Effect Suffered By Heavy Users Is Relieved By Taking A Hot Shower
Doctors have seen the rise of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome as the use of marijuana has increased in the United States. It affects heavy marijuana users and causes severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Since the rise of the condition, people have found one thing that alleviates symptoms: hot showers. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome A recent study looking into...
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New immunotherapy for lung cancer shows promise of success
In a groundbreaking development, results from a recent clinical trial to treat lung cancer show that a novel immunotherapy combination is surprisingly effective at controlling the disease’s progression. The study, published April 4 in the journal The Lancet Oncology, focused on non-small cell lung cancer, which is the most common form of lung cancer. IMAGE: In...