A study found that patients with diverticulitis undergoing colonoscopy had a lower risk of colorectal cancer or advanced neoplasia compared to the screening population. However, those with complicated diverticulitis had a higher risk of colorectal cancer. The study analyzed data from over 4.5 million outpatient colonoscopies for screening and almost 92,000 for diverticulitis follow-up. Patients…
Galapagos NV has partnered with Blood Centers of America to open multiple manufacturing sites throughout the U.S. for its cell-based medicines, aiming to differentiate itself in the CAR-T cancer therapy market. The partnership will support the company in advancing its CAR-T therapies for different cancers into pivotal studies and potentially launching them upon approval. This…
Blood vessels in tumors secrete angiocrine factors that support tumor growth. Sfrp1, a factor produced by vascular endothelial cells, plays a crucial role in maintaining cancer stem cells and regulating the Wnt signaling pathway, essential for tumor growth and drug resistance. Researchers from the University of Fukui found that Sfrp1 affects CSC maintenance and tumor…
New research from the University of Exeter has revealed the important role of the protein Contactin-4 (CNTN4) in shaping neurons and its interaction with other proteins in neurodevelopmental disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that CNTN4 plays a key role in neuronal development, particularly in the cortex region of the brain. It also showed…
Dilated fundus exams are traditionally used to detect retinal tears in patients with acute posterior vitreous detachment (aPVD). However, alternative techniques like fundus photography and ultrasonography are also effective in identifying the condition. Research presented at the 2024 annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) suggests that these methods have…
The study found a significant increase in the seizures of fentanyl-containing pills by U.S. law enforcement from 2017 to 2023, with the number of pills seized being 2,300 times greater in 2023. The proportion of fentanyl pills seized relative to total fentanyl seizures also quadrupled during this period. Additionally, seizures of fentanyl in powder form…
Researchers have developed a tiny probe that can be inserted into microcatheters to visualize the arteries inside the brain. This technology, called neuro optical coherence tomography (nOCT), provides high-resolution images from inside the arteries, allowing for better understanding of problems like clots, plaque build-up, and tears in the artery lining. The study, published in Science…
The author questions the limits of what non-doctors in the medical field, such as medical associate practitioners, should be allowed to do. They argue that the finite time available for training new healthcare professionals requires careful consideration of how it is spent. Recent cases of surgical care practitioners performing surgeries without adequate supervision have raised…
Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system to attack tumors. Patients with ARID1A gene mutations show increased response to immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade. The mutation triggers an antiviral immune response that attracts cancer-fighting immune cells into the tumor, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment. Understanding this mechanism could lead to better patient…
Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) is found in multiple copies in the genome and has not been previously analyzed in genetic studies. A new study of 500,000 individuals reveals that those with more rDNA copies are more prone to inflammation and diseases. This study, led by researchers from Queen Mary University of London and The University of…
