ScienceDaily: Personalized Medicine News

First prospective trial shows molecular profiling timely for tailoring therapy

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:30:30 EDT

CUSTOM is the first completed prospective clinical trial that used genetic analysis alone to assign cancer treatment for patients with one of three different cancers. Findings suggest patients, and their physicians, are eager to jump into next-era cancer care -- analysis of an individual's tumor to find and target genetic mutations that drive the cancer.

New class of drug targets skin cancer

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:58:58 EDT

A new class of drug targeting skin cancer's genetic material has been successfully tested in humans for the first time, opening the way to new treatments for a range of conditions from skin cancers to eye diseases.

New target for personalized cancer therapy

Thu, 02 May 2013 18:52:52 EDT

A common cancer pathway causing tumor growth is now being targeted by a number of new cancer drugs and shows promising results. A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have developed a novel method to disrupt this growth signaling pathway, with findings that suggest a new treatment for breast, colon, melanoma and other cancers.

Gene variant appears to predict weight loss after gastric bypass

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:19:19 EDT

Researchers have identified a gene variant that helps predict how much weight an individual will lose after gastric bypass surgery, a finding with the potential both to guide treatment planning and to facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches to treating obesity and related conditions like diabetes.

Genomics to reshape endometrial cancer treatment

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:19:19 EDT

The most in-depth look yet at endometrial cancer shows that adding genomics-based testing to the standard diagnostic workup could change the recommended course of treatment for some women.

The many faces of the bacterial defense system

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:16:16 EDT

Even bacteria have a kind of "immune system" they use to defend themselves against unwanted intruders -- in their case, viruses. Scientists were now able to show that this defense system is much more diverse than previously thought and that it comes in multiple versions.

Study examines effects of genetic variants for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:57:57 EDT

Among infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS; caused by in utero opioid exposure), variants in certain genes were associated with a shorter length of hospital stay and less need for treatment, preliminary findings that may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying NAS.

Identification of gene variants affecting fertility offers new treatment possibility

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:08:08 EDT

Identification of genetic variations in the genes coding for the hormone FSH may provide new treatments for male and female infertility, according to new work. Scientists have characterized gene variations which may improve treatment for almost half of infertile men, as well as allowing tailored treatment for women undergoing assisted reproduction.

Big data analysis identifies prognostic RNA markers in a common form of breast cancer

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:41:41 EDT

An analysis that integrates three large sets of genomic data available through The Cancer Genome Atlas has identified 37 RNA molecules that might predict survival in patients with the most common form of breast cancer. The study analyzed large masses of data from 466 cases of the most common type of breast cancer and provides the first prognostic signature in cancer composed of both mRNA and microRNA.

Periodic bursts of genetic mutations drive prostate cancer

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:26:26 EDT

Cancer is typically thought to develop after genes gradually mutate over time, finally overwhelming the ability of a cell to control growth. But a new closer look at genomes in prostate cancer by an international team of researchers reveals that, in fact, genetic mutations occur in abrupt, periodic bursts, causing complex, large scale reshuffling of DNA driving the development of prostate cancer.

Drug therapy offers high cure rate for 2 hepatitis C subtypes

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:31:31 EDT

A new drug is offering dramatic cure rates for hepatitis C patients with two subtypes of the infection -- genotype 2 and 3, say a team of scientists. The drug, called sofosbuvir, offers more effective treatment for most patients studied in a Phase 3 clinical trial who had no other treatment options, report researchers.

Particular DNA changes linked with prostate cancer development and lethality

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:11:11 EDT

A new analysis has found that the loss or amplification of particular DNA regions contributes to the development of prostate cancer, and that patients with two of these DNA changes have a high likelihood of dying from the disease. The study provides valuable information on the genetics of prostate cancer and offers insights into which patients should be treated aggressively.

Genome study suggests new strategies for understanding and treating pulmonary fibrosis

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:16:16 EDT

A new genome-wide association study of more than 6,000 people has identified seven new genetic regions associated with pulmonary fibrosis. Researchers have found a number of genes associated with host defense, cell-cell adhesion and DNA repair, which provide clues to possible mechanisms underlying this currently untreatable disease.

Three mutations at BRCA1 gene responsible for breast and ovarian hereditary cancer identified

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:41:41 EDT

Researchers conducted a functional and structural study of seven missense variants of the BRCA1 gene concluding that three of these variants are pathogenic, linked to the risk of suffering breast or ovarian cancer.

Gene study helps understand pulmonary fibrosis

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:46:46 EDT

A study of the genomes of more than 1,500 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis found multiple genetic associations with the disease. One variant in a gene called TOLLIP was linked to an increase in the risk of death. This finding suggests that an abnormal immune response to infectious agents or environmental injury may be central to the disease.

Scientists identify new subtypes of kidney cancer, will allow individualized treatment

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:21:21 EDT

Researchers have classified kidney cancer into several unique subtypes, a finding that will help physicians tailor treatment to individual patients and that moves cancer care one step closer to personalized medicine.

Gene signature can predict who will survive chemotherapy

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:48:48 EDT

An eight gene ‘signature’ can predict length of relapse-free survival after chemotherapy, finds new research.

Personalizing prostate specific antigen testing may improve specificity, reduce biopsies

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:48:48 EDT

Genetic variants have been identified which can increase serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) concentrations and prostate cancer risk. A new study reports that correcting PSA levels for these genetic variants can have significant consequences, including avoiding unnecessary biopsies for some men and eliminating false complacency for others.

New gene variations associated with heart rate identified

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 19:31:31 EDT

Findings pinpoint 14 genetic targets in humans that may provide insight for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Soy-based compound may reduce tumor cell proliferation in colorectal cancer

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:40:40 EDT

Scientists have developed a soy-based treatment for colorectal cancer, a promising agent in ovarian cancer, and a new drug target for advanced prostate cancer.

Genetic alteration predicts pain recovery after sexual assault

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:13:13 EDT

One in five U.S. women are sexually assaulted in their lifetimes and more than half experience severe pain during the week following an attack. A study showed that presence of a genetic variant could significantly reduce pain severity associated with assault.

Multiple genes robustly contribute to schizophrenia risk in replication study

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:35:35 EDT

Multiple genes contribute to risk for schizophrenia and appear to function in pathways related to transmission of signals in the brain and immunity, according to an international study.

For breast cancer screening, one size doesn't fit all

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:48:48 EDT

Although mammography, the gold standard of breast cancer screening, reduces breast cancer mortality, it has important limitations. Critics point to reduced sensitivity for women with dense breasts, a high rate of false positives leading to excessive biopsies, and concerns about long-term effects of repeated radiation. With greater understanding of risk stratification, the authors of this review envision a re-thinking of the typical breast cancer paradigm to include new technologies that allow a more individualized approach that integrates patient-specific metrics, such as age, breast density, and personal preference.

Two-step ovarian cancer immunotherapy made from patients' own tumor benefits three quarters of trial patients

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:07:07 EDT

As many as three quarters of advanced ovarian cancer patients appeared to respond to a new two-step immunotherapy approach -- including one patient who achieved complete remission -- according to new research.

Targeted toxin active in platinum-resistant ovarian cancers

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:07:07 EDT

Researchers have found that a novel antibody-guided drug achieves responses in platinum drug-resistant ovarian cancer.

Liver transplantation for patients with genetic liver conditions has high survival rate, study finds

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:58:58 EDT

Patients faced with the diagnosis of a life-threatening liver disease have to consider the seriousness of having a liver transplant, which can be a definitive cure for many acquired and genetic liver diseases. Among the main considerations are the anxiety of waiting for a donor organ, the risks associated with the transplant operation, and the chance that the transplant procedure will not achieve the desired result. There is also the six-figure cost of the procedure and accompanying patient care, all of which may not be completely covered by health insurance. But in a new study, researchers have found that liver transplants are worth the risk for people who have genetic liver conditions.

Penn Medicine's new center for personalized diagnostics unlocks cancer's secrets

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:47:47 EDT

Penn Medicine’s new Center for Personalized Diagnostics, a joint initiative of the department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the Perelman School of Medicine and the Abramson Cancer Center, is diving deeper into each patient’s tumor with next generation DNA sequencing. These specialized tests can refine patient diagnoses with greater precision than standard imaging tests and blood work, all with an aim to broaden treatment options and improve their efficacy.

New frontiers in breast cancer screening

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 06:44:44 EDT

Researchers predict that advancements in breast cancer screening will need a personalized touch because mammography is not a "one strategy fits all" technology.

Counting copy numbers characterizes prostate cancer

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 06:44:44 EDT

Non-invasive ‘liquid biopsies’ can find metastatic or recurrent prostate cancer, in a low cost assay suitable for most healthcare systems, finds new research. Genomic signatures of prostate cancer, isolated from plasma DNA, display abnormal copy numbers of specific areas of chromosomes. It is even possible to separate out patients who develop resistance against hormone deprivation therapy, which is the most common form of treatment in men with metastatic prostate cancer.

Advances in molecular testing offer new hope for lung cancer patients

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EDT

The emergence of molecular diagnostic testing in lung cancer offers new hope for patients battling the number one cancer killer in the United States and abroad. Now, for the first time after a decade of biomarker testing in lung cancer, a uniform approach for testing for the EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement along with the availability of targeted therapies offer lung cancer patients the chance for improved quality of life and more time with their loved ones.

New diagnostic technology may lead to individualized treatments for prostate cancer

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:10:10 EDT

A research team has enhanced a device they developed to identify and "grab" circulating tumor cells, or CTCs, that break away from cancers and enter the blood, often leading to the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. If more studies confirm the technology's effectiveness, the NanoVelcro Chip device could enable doctors to access and identify cancerous cells in the bloodstream, which would provide the diagnostic information needed to create individually tailored treatments for patients with prostate cancer.

Personalized brain mapping technique preserves function following brain tumor surgery

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:09:09 EDT

In a new paper, researchers review research showing that this ability to visualize relevant white matter tracts during glioma resection surgeries can improve accuracy.

Genetic 'spelling mistakes' that increase risk of common cancers determined

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:25:25 EDT

More than 80 genetic 'spelling mistakes' that can increase the risk of breast, prostate and ovarian cancer have been found in a large, international research study. For the first time, the researchers also have a relatively clear picture of the total number of genetic alterations that can be linked to these cancers.

Details of gene pathways suggest fine-tuning drugs for child brain tumors

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:32:32 EDT

Pediatric researchers, investigating the biology of brain tumors in children, are finding that crucial differences in how the same gene is mutated may call for different treatments.

You don't 'own' your own genes: Researchers raise alarm about loss of individual 'genomic liberty' due to gene patents

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:16:16 EDT

Humans don't "own" their own genes, the cellular chemicals that define who they are and what diseases they might be at risk for. Through more than 40,000 patents on DNA molecules, companies have essentially claimed the entire human genome for profit, report two researchers who analyzed the patents on human DNA. Their study raises an alarm about the loss of individual "genomic liberty."

Forty-six gene sequencing test for cancer patients in UK

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:15:15 EDT

A multi-gene DNA sequencing test that can help predict cancer patients' responses to treatment has been launched in the UK.

Genetic alterations linked with bladder cancer risk, recurrence, progression, and patient survival

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:40:40 EDT

A new analysis has found that genetic alterations in a particular cellular pathway are linked with bladder cancer risk, recurrence, disease progression, and patient survival. The findings could help improve bladder cancer screening and treatment.

Protein linked to exacerbation of COPD identified

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:31:31 EDT

Researchers have identified a protein likely to be involved in the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This protein, Siglec-14, could serve as a potential new target for the treatment of COPD exacerbation.

Baffling blood problem explained: 60-year-old health mystery solved

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:51:51 EDT

Some 200,000 people in Europe and a similar number in North America are "Vel-negative," a rare blood type, difficult for hospitals to identify, that can make blood transfusions turn deadly. For sixty years, researchers hunted -- unsuccessfully -- for the cause of Vel-negative blood. Now scientists have found the culprit -- a tiny protein called SMIM1 -- and created a fast and easy DNA test for it.

New database to speed genetic discoveries

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:53:53 EDT

A new online database combining symptoms, family history and genetic sequencing information is speeding the search for diseases caused by a single rogue gene. The database, known as PhenoDB, enables any clinician to document cases of unusual genetic diseases for analysis by researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine or the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Single gene might explain dramatic differences among people with schizophrenia

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:07:07 EST

Some of the dramatic differences seen among patients with schizophrenia may be explained by a single gene that regulates a group of other schizophrenia risk genes.

Oncology: Using electrical signature of cancer cells to get just the right treatment dosage

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:14:14 EST

Researchers have developed a tool for oncologists using the electrical signature of cancer cells to get just the right treatment dosage for each patient.

Simple method devised for determining atrial fibrillation risk in women

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:12:12 EST

Researchers have devised and tested a simple atrial fibrillation risk prediction model, based on six easily obtained factors: A woman's age, height, weight, blood pressure, alcohol consumption and smoking history.

Genetic variation behind acute myeloid leukemia treatment success identified

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:55:55 EST

Researchers are working to identify genetic variations that may help signal which acute myeloid leukemia patients will benefit or not benefit from one of the newest antileukemic agents.

'NanoVelcro' device to grab single cancer cells from blood: Improvement enables 'liquid biopsies' for metastatic melanoma

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:22:22 EST

Researchers have refined a method they previously developed for capturing and analyzing cancer cells that break away from patients' tumors and circulate in the blood. With the improvements to their device, which uses a Velcro-like nanoscale technology, they can now detect and isolate single cancer cells from patient blood samples for analysis.

Discovery in HIV may solve efficiency problems for gene therapy

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:26:26 EST

A research team has discovered an approach that could make gene therapy dramatically more effective for patients. The scientists discovered that the process of gene therapy is missing essential elements thereby reducing the effectiveness of this treatment. Re-introducing this element into their model system suggests that improvements for gene therapy areon the horizon.

Nanosensors support skin cancer therapy

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 07:54:54 EST

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. In more than 50 percent of affected patients a particular mutation plays an important role. As the life span of the patients carrying the mutation can be significantly extended by novel drugs, it is very important to identify those reliably. For identification, researchers in Switzerland have developed a novel method.

New drug is first to help patients with recurrent low-grade ovarian cancer

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:27:27 EST

Low-grade serous ovarian cancer is less common and aggressive than the high-grade variety, yet exceptionally difficult to treat when frontline therapy fails.

Experimental gene therapy treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy offers hope for youngster

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:21:21 EST

Jacob Rutt is a bright 11-year-old who likes to draw detailed maps in his spare time. But the budding geographer has a hard time with physical skills most children take for granted -- running and climbing trees are beyond him, and even walking can be difficult. He was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy known as Duchenne when he was two years old.

Tracking the evolution of antibiotic resistance

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:59:59 EST

An automated device is yielding a new understanding of how antibiotic resistance evolves at the genetic level.

New stroke gene discovery could lead to tailored treatments

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:08:08 EST

Scientists have identified a new genetic variant associated with stroke. By exploring the genetic variants linked with blood clotting -- a process that can lead to a stroke -- scientists have discovered a gene which is associated with large vessel and cardioembolic stroke but has no connection to small vessel stroke.

Personalized medicine eliminates need for drug in two children

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:07:07 EST

The risk of hypertension was eliminated with $10K savings per patient through genomics.

First human induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with maturity onset diabetes of the young

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:06:06 EST

Scientists report the first generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with an uncommon form of diabetes, maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY). These cells offer a powerful resource for studying the role of genetic factors in the development of MODY and testing potential treatments.

Genetic landscape of common brain tumors holds key to personalized treatment

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:08:08 EST

Nearly the entire genetic landscape of the most common form of brain tumor can be explained by abnormalities in just five genes, an international team of researchers report. Knowledge of the genomic profile of the tumors and their location in the brain make it possible for the first time to develop personalized medical therapies for meningiomas, which currently are only managed surgically.

Forecasting brain tumors like a storm

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:52:52 EST

The critical question shortly after a brain cancer patient starts treatment: how well is it working? But there hasn't been a good way to tell. Researchers have developed a new method -- similar to forecasting storms with computer models -- to predict an individual patient's brain tumor growth. This forecast will enable physicians to rapidly identify how well the tumor is responding to a particular therapy and quickly pivot to a new therapy if necessary.

Promising prognostic marker for aggressive breast cancer

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:51:51 EST

Medical researchers have discovered a gene variant that drives the spread of breast cancer. The study lays the early foundation for predicting which breast cancer patients may develop more aggressive disease and for designing more effective treatments.

Personal epigenetic 'signatures' found consistent in prostate cancer patients' metastases

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:40:40 EST

In a genome-wide analysis of 13 metastatic prostate cancers, scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found consistent epigenetic “signatures” across all metastatic tumors in each patient. The discovery of the stable, epigenetic “marks” that sit on the nuclear DNA of cancer cells and alter gene expression, defies a prevailing belief that the marks vary so much within each individual’s widespread cancers that they have little or no value as targets for therapy or as biomarkers for treatment response and predicting disease severity.

Immune cells engineered in lab to resist HIV infection, study shows

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:19:19 EST

Researchers have found a novel way to engineer key cells of the immune system so they remain resistant to infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The new approach, a form of tailored gene therapy, could ultimately replace drug treatment, in which patients have to take multiple medications daily to keep the virus in check and prevent the potentially fatal infections wrought by AIDS.

DNA chip to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:32:32 EST

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common childhood neuropsychiatric disorder. Yet there is currently no tool that will confirm the diagnosis of ADHD. Now a researcher has developed a tool that could improve not only the diagnosis of but also the therapeutics for this disorder.

Tumors evolve rapidly in a childhood cancer, leaving fewer obvious treatment targets

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 14:58:58 EST

An extensive genomic study of the childhood cancer neuroblastoma reinforces the challenges in treating the most aggressive forms of this disease. Unexpectedly, the scientists found relatively few recurrent gene mutations.