The cW Agenda

All The News You Need To Know

Genetically Bound

At the University of Tokyo, scientists are developing an artificial “hairpin-like” DNA molecule that can target and kill cancer cells. It works by binding mRNA molecules that are overproduced in certain cancers. This new method was effective in lab tests against human cervical cancer and breast cancer-derived cells.

Tumor Tag

Cambridge scientists were able to identify different cancer cell types in a breast tumor by using viruses to tag each type of cancer cell with a unique genetic barcode. Information includes type, quantity and characteristics of the cells in the tumor. Scientists were able to specifically target and kill tumor cells that evaded chemotherapy in lymphoblastic leukemia.

Light It Up

The FDA has approved Cytalux, a fluorescent imaging agent that lights up cancer cells for easier detection and helps surgeons find and remove lung cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue. This prescription medication was first approved to detect ovarian cancer, and will be used for additional uses. Cytalux is administered to lung cancer patients via intravenous injection prior to surgery.

A Great Fall

The American Association for Cancer Research’s annual Cancer Progress Report found that death rates from cancer have been falling over the past two decades, and sharply in recent years. There are now over 18 million cancer thrivers in the U.S., a number credited to the growing use of immunotherapies and early detection.

Bundle Of Positivity

Results from a new study called the POSITIVE trial showed that women who paused protective post-cancer therapies to get pregnant had no increased risk of their cancer coming back. The study followed 518 women who were ages 42 or younger and had early-stage breast cancer (up to stage III), who paused their endocrine therapy for around two years while trying to get pregnant.

Dream Drug

Adstiladrin, the first gene therapy to treat high-risk, nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Clinical trials showed that 51% of enrolled patients saw the disappearance of all signs of cancer as seen on cystoscopy, biopsied tissue and urine samples.

Step Into The Sun

Are you sick of gloomy weather this past winter? Your body might be, too. The absence of the sun can cause a deficiency in Vitamin D. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and the maintenance of healthy bones, and can also play a role in cognitive function. As spring arrives, go out and get some sunlight.

Canine Companions

Dogs are not only our best friends but might also be able to help us fight cancer. Dogs diagnosed with naturally developing cancers are being enrolled in clinical trials so that doctors can use what they learn to speed potential treatments for both dogs and humans. Because we share many similar genes with dogs, scientists are hoping these studies will lead to a better understanding of cancers in both species.

Slow It Down

Findings published in the journal Nature show that cancer cells move faster when surrounded by thicker fluids. When cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, lymph drainage is affected, thus causing thicker fluids in some cases. Knowing this information, drugs can potentially be used to short-circuit the signaling pathway and encourage cancer cells to slow down or possibly stop, providing a new way to hopefully stop metastasis.