Scientists reveal how evolution within our own tissues can drive disease, protect cells, and uncover hidden therapeutic targets for future precision medicine. Somatic genomics uncovers the outcomes of evolutionary competitions within our tissues, which can drive disease, counter monogenic disease, or protect from common diseases In a recent study published in the journal Cell, researchers reviewed … Read more
In time for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology has launched a new clinical study aimed at helping improve how patients with colorectal cancer share information about the genetic risks to their family members. Supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute, the trial, “Family Communications After Genetic … Read more
A single exposure to a toxic fungicide during pregnancy can increase the risk of disease for 20 subsequent generations – with inherited health problems worsening many generations after exposure. Those are the findings of a new Washington State University study of rats that expands the understanding of how long the intergenerational effects of toxic exposure … Read more
Researchers reveal why lung cancer in people who never smoked is increasing and explore how genetics, environmental exposures, and new screening strategies may help detect disease earlier and improve outcomes. Opinion: Lung cancer in never smokers: from early detection to prevention. Image Credit: Thx4Stock team / Shutterstock In a recent opinion piece published in the … Read more
Many men with aggressive prostate cancer can experience a high rate of recurrence despite treatment. A new Phase 2 clinical trial at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center unveiled clues as to why these patients are doing poorly and may offer hope in the form of targeted therapy. The findings will be presented at the annual … Read more
Mutations in the BRCA1 gene that are either inherited (germline) or acquired (somatic) might not be key to the initiation of prostate cancer, as previously thought, suggests the first study of its kind, published online in the open access journal BMJ Oncology. If confirmed in further studies, the findings suggest that it may be time to … Read more
Thousands of single changes in the nucleotides that make up the human genome have been associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. But until now, it’s not been clear which are directly responsible for the uncontrolled cellular growth that is the hallmark of the disease and which are simply coincidences or minor players. Stanford … Read more
A new editorial was published in Oncotarget’s Volume 15 on December 24, 2024, titled “Pitfalls and perils from FDA-approved germ-line cancer predisposition tests.” One concern is that people can order this test online without consulting healthcare professionals or genetic counselors. Without expert help, users might struggle to understand their results especially if they indicate risks that are unclear … Read more