The human immune system is composed of a diverse array of cells, which collectively work to exterminate pathogenic entities in the body. Yet this system is able to recognize host, or self, tissues as “friendly” through a variety of so-called immune checkpoint signals. Many cancer types — including melanomas and breast cancers — exploit this(...)
Cancer
Advancing Glioblastoma Research: A Tale of Two Superheroes
Posted by | Recently PublishedGlioblastoma research is similar to superhero film plots. How, you may ask? If each superhero represents a different treatment drug, then we as researchers want to cause destruction of the cancer cells with the least number of superheroes possible. This is because we wouldn’t want patients to need to take a large cocktail of treatments(...)
A New Blood Test Tries to Detect Cancer Sooner
Posted by | Recently PublishedA patient develops symptoms that cannot be explained. The doctor orders a myriad of tests to discern the cause. If cancer is suspected, the patient may go through a painful and sometimes invasive biopsy procedure to sample the tissue in question. But what if a simple blood draw could be used instead? This is the(...)
Using Epigenetics to Fight Tumors
Posted by | Perspectives in Research, Recently PublishedWhile the word cancer treatment may identify everything from chemotherapy to radiation, there is significant variance between the type of cancer and its responsiveness to even the most promising therapies. That has been precisely the case for the α-PD-1 immunotherapy treatment. While it has shown remarkable efficacy in patients diagnosed with lung cancer, other types(...)
McCain and Brain Cancer: What’s in Store for Glioblastoma Treatment?
Posted by | Perspectives in ResearchIn the midst of the political saga that is the ongoing debate over the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), news broke that Sen. John McCain was undergoing surgery to remove a clot within his brain. After much media speculation and drama surrounding the delayed ACA vote, the public discovered that McCain had been(...)
When It Hits Too Close to Home
Posted by | A Day in the LifeI am equal parts excited and filled with dread as I open the door. The operating room is abuzz with activity, everyone hurriedly working to complete their duties during the operation. I focus on keeping out of the way of the ordered disorder, and avert my eyes from the patient on the operating table. I(...)
First Approval of Cancer Immunotherapy Based on Genetic Marker
Posted by | Recently PublishedImmunotherapy is rapidly becoming one of the cornerstones of treatment for several types of cancers, and pembrolizumab, a well-known humanized antibody against the checkpoint inhibitor programmed death 1 (PD-1), is again in the spotlight for new expanded use based on patient's genetic differences. In a first of its kind, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(...)
Uncovering a Troubling Truth: When Health Care Isn’t Created Equal
Posted by | Recently PublishedSpurred by the most recent women’s march in Washington, D.C., it is easy to think that the best way to get involved and rally for women’s rights is by donning a pink cap and waving signs. While that is one way to fight for women’s rights, another is to highlight health care disparities specifically affecting(...)
22 Years Later: Learning the Biology of My Mother’s Cancer
Posted by | A Day in the LifeNo one prepares you for listening to a lecture about how your mother died. Medical students are trained to recognize grief and distress in patients and invite them to talk about it. We are taught the complex molecular physiology behind diseases common and rare, minor and terminal. But we are not trained to see our(...)
Tasmanian Devils Evolve to Combat Contagious Cancer
Posted by | Perspectives in ResearchAustralia is home to some of the deadliest creatures on the planet, including venomous snakes, poisonous spiders and hungry sharks. The Tasmanian devil may not be toxic, but the species is known for its vicious behavior. The carnivorous marsupial may look cute and cuddly, but its sharp teeth can take down a kangaroo. Unfortunately, feasting(...)
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