Search for: "blood cancers" - 250 articles found

Article • The 2025 Kraft Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Community Health

Harnessing AI to serve the medically underserved

The Kraft Center for Community Health has launched a new prize to recognise organisations using technology to transform healthcare access for underserved populations. At the 2025 World Medical Innovation Forum in Boston, ThriveLink – an AI-powered telephonic enrolment platform – was announced as the inaugural winner, receiving US $100,000 to further its mission of connecting families to vital…

News • Anthracycline cardiotoxicity

Common chemo drug increases risk of heart damage, study finds

A widely used chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatments can cause heart damage, new research shows. This could be used to adapt treatment regimens - especially in patients with high blood pressure.

News • Exploring the mutational landscape

Colorectal cancer: DNA testing unlocks hereditary clues

DNA analysis of colorectal polyps provides important additional information on the development of these polyps and colorectal cancer, research finds. This leads to better diagnostics and treatment.

News • Phase III trial

Proton therapy shows survival benefit for patients with head and neck cancers

A new study shows a significant survival benefit for patients with oropharyngeal cancers treated with proton therapy (IMPT) compared to those treated with traditional radiation therapy (IMRT).

News • Acellular dermal matrix for breast reconstruction

Injectable breast ‘implant’ as alternative to surgery

Researchers have developed a prototype injectable paste that could help restore breast volume after tumor removal, with less scarring and shorter healing time than current options.

News • New treatment approach

Ultrasound 'softens up' tumors before chemo

To soften up tumors prior to cancer chemotherapy, a team of researchers paired high-frequency ultrasound waves with a type of sound-responsive particle to reduce the protein content of the tumors.

News • CAR-T and BITEs

At-home monitoring safely cuts hospital time after T-cell redirecting therapy

After T-cell redirecting therapies, patients are typically hospitalized for several days to watch for side effects. New research shows that these patients can safely be monitored at home.

News • In vitro disease models

'Intrepid' research to advance cancer therapies

A major new initiative aims to enable the development of advanced, specific and highly reproducible human in vitro models for greater understanding of disease and the acceleration of new medicines.

News • Ultrasound-guided gene therapy

New approach for targeted seizure control without surgery

New hope for patients with neurological diseases: A combination of focused ultrasound and gene therapy enables targeted, nonsurgical control of seizure-relevant brain regions.

News • Dermatology mnemonic

“A–F Think MF”: a simple memory tool for early recognition of rare lymphoma

Just like the “ABCDE” mnemonic for melanoma awareness, researchers hope their diagnostic tool will transform how doctors approach persistent rashes, reminding them to consider lymphoma sooner.

News • Synthetic peptide hydrogels

Bioengineered bone marrow model advances leukaemia research

Using a bioengineered bone marrow model, researchers were able to provide key new information on the efficacy and safety of CAR T-cell therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), the most common leukaemia in adults.

News • Dual-barrier tumours

How colorectal cancer evades immunotherapy (and what to do about it)

Most patients with metastatic colorectal cancer do not respond to immunotherapy—but why? A new study shows how the tumours block the immune system through two complementary mechanisms.

News • Early thoracic malignancy screening

Developing a breath test for lung cancer with biosensors and AI

A biosensor that identifies volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath could be used in conjunction with AI to detect various thoracic cancers including lung cancer.

News • Link between Covid, flu, HIV and CVD

Viral infections may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

After a bout of influenza or Covid, the risk of heart attack or stroke may rise dramatically, and chronic infections may increase the long-term risk of serious cardiovascular disease events.

News • New imaging solution

PSMA PET to detect prostate cancer recurrence

A novel imaging solution, called PSMA PET scanning, can more effectively detect the recurrence of prostate cancer compared to standard methods, and is associated with improved survival outcomes.

News • Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Blood test for ME/CFS unveiled

Chronic fatigue (ME/CFS) affects millions worldwide, but is poorly understood and has long lacked reliable diagnostic tools. Now, a new blood test claims to diagnose the condition with 96% accuracy.

News • AML targetable immune escape mechanism

How leukemia cells trick the immune system

Immunotherapy has improved the treatment for many cancers, but progress has been limited in leukemia. Discovery of a new evasive mechanism could help change that.

News • Study shows widespread disruption

Glioblastoma: damage beyond the brain

Scientists have shown for the first time that glioblastoma—the deadliest form of brain cancer—affects not just the brain but also erodes the skull, alters the makeup of skull marrow, and interferes with the body’s immune response.

News • Pediatric Radiology

Medical imaging raises blood cancer risk in young patients

Study of 3.7 million children reveals small but significant increased risk of blood cancers from medical imaging radiation, with CT scans posing highest risk

News • Machine learning analysis

‘Two-for-one’ screening uses mammograms to predict heart disease in women

Using AI to help detect one of the leading killers of women worldwide: A new machine learning model can successfully predict heart disease risk in women by analysing mammograms.

News • Patient-specific dose quantification

New method to protect blood during radiotherapy

A newly developed method to accurately quantify how much radiation is absorbed by the blood during cancer treatment could lead to more personalised, preventive, and safer radiotherapy.

News • SEBS material safety

New artificial heart valve passes long-term test in animals

An artificial heart valve made from SEBS, a new type of highly durable and biocompatible plastic, could be a step closer to use in humans, following a successful long-term safety test in animals.

News • Neural anticipation of infection

Virtual health threats trigger real immune response

The mere fact of being exposed to a sick avatar in a virtual reality environment triggers a measurable immune response in humans, a multidisciplinary research team discovered.

News • Risk prediction

Kidney failure: frail CKD patients might fall under the radar

New research suggests that KFRE, a common prognostic tool to predict kidney failure, could underestimate the risk for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who also have frailty.

News • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

One step closer to COPD population screening

A multicenter study involving leading hospitals across Spain, has confirmed that people with COPD show altered levels of specific metabolites in their blood.

Article • Blood-based biomarkers under scrutiny

BBB testing for universal Alzheimer’s screening? It’s complicated

Do laboratory tests using blood-based biomarkers (BBB) represent the next type of universally recommended screening tests for Alzheimer's disease (AD)? Experts curb the high expectations for this type of diagnostic tool.

News • Patient involvement enables research

Tumor vesicles as a promising biomarker for early cancer detection

Tumor vesicles may serve as early indicators of cancer and help monitor the effectiveness of treatments. Now, researchers discovered a new way to detect these vesicles.

News • Risk of misclassification

Prostate cancer: why “low-grade” might not be “low risk”

Classifying prostate cancer as “low-grade” could create a false sense of security and delay definitive treatments. A new study shows that the biopsy grade alone can paint an incomplete picture.

News • Mitochondria-derived nuclear ATP surge

Pressed to the limit: New study explores cancer cell defense mechanism

How cancer cells survive the journey through the body to form metastases is still poorly understood. New insights into how cells survive intense physical stress could pave the way for new treatments.

News • Rapid exosome isolation and detection

Researchers develop at-home skin patch test for melanoma

Melanoma testing could one day be done at home with a skin patch and test strip with two lines, similar to Covid-19 home tests, according to University of Michigan researchers.

Article • Sustainable workflows

Designing the laboratory of the future

Laboratories across Europe are embracing sustainability through paperless workflows and automation. In this guest article, Gavin Hirst, Clinical Flow Cytometry Account Manager at Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, shares his thoughts on how digital transformation and eco-friendly practices not only advance climate goals but enhance efficiency, allowing scientists to focus on critical research rather…

Article • Medical Taiwan 2025: Company and product showcase

Transformative health solutions on display in Taipei

At Medical Taiwan 2025, manufacturers attracted attendees with a wide range of innovations. We took a closer look at some of the most exciting companies and their products on display at the medical, health and care expo.

News • Under-the-skin glucagon reservoir

Diabetes: emergency implant to stave off hypoglycemia

An implantable device could save diabetes patients from life-threatening hypoglycemia. Remaining under the skin, it can be triggered to release glucagon when blood sugar levels get too low.

News • Emergency hospitalisation driver

Polypharmacy: hidden risks for older patients

Too many medicines, too many hospital visits: Inappropriate polypharmacy is a major driver of emergency hospital admissions among adults aged 65 and over, according to a new study.

News • Photoacoustic computed tomography

PACT: AI-assisted edge in breast imaging

A new technique called photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) offers a breast imaging alternative without the discomfort, high costs, or risk associated with the conventional evaluation methods.

News • Potential diagnostic medium

Saliva analysis could reveal risk of cancer, heart disease or Parkinson’s

Molecular markers in saliva could reveal the risk of a person developing major diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, new research finds.

News • Tumor microenvironment in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Towards more personalized treatment of nose cancer

Molecular profiling of over 1,000 nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) tumours reveals distinct differences in tumour microenvironment of locoregionally advanced NPC, supporting personalised treatment.

News • Technical refinement in airway surgery

Tracheobronchial anastomoses: It's a wrap?

Should tracheobronchial anastomoses be routinely wrapped following resection and reconstruction? A new study revisits this unresolved question in airway surgery.

News • MRD assessment

Liquid biopsy to detect breast cancer relapse up to 5 years in advance

Newly developed technology can detect breast cancer relapses up to five years in advance. This advance could represent a turning point in post-treatment follow-up, the researchers hope.

News • NHS rollout

Liquid biopsy: new ‘blood test-first’ approach for lung cancer

A new ‘liquid biopsy’ test can help fast-track lung cancer patients to receive targeted therapy up to two weeks earlier, while helping avoid further tests and treatments including chemotherapy.

News • From neutrophil to PMN-MDSC

Blood cell corruption identified as path to severe Covid

A US research team has shown that Sars-CoV-2 can “reprogram” pathogen-fighting white blood cells into immune system suppressing cells — a potential mechanism by which severe Covid may arise.

News • ABO antigen analysis

Blood type A identified as breast cancer risk factor

Does having blood type A increase the risk of breast cancer? A new systematic review and meta-analysis involving more than 13,000 breast cancer patients suggests a connection.

News • Combining spatial transcriptomics, pseudotime and machine learning

More precise than PSA: New biomarkers for prostate cancer found in urine

Using AI and extensive analyses of gene activity in tumours, researchers have found new, precise biomarkers to diagnose prostate cancer at an early stage through a simple urine sample.

News • Electron-sink-enhanced nanoshells

A label-free method for trace detection of cancer

A new approach enables the detection of even trace amounts of cancer cells. The method leverages SERS for signal amplification, eliminating the need for fluorescent dyes.

News • Post-transplant care

Improving heart transplant monitoring with molecular tests

Molecular testing provides a more convenient, personalized way of monitoring of heart transplant recipients, according to insights shared at the Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the ISHLT.

News • Blood-brain barrier permeability

Exploring brain disease detection with quantitative PET imaging

Using an advanced PET scanner, US radiologists explore how cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other systemic conditions, can affect the brain by assessing the impact on the blood-brain barrier.

News • Patient history analysis

AI helps GPs detect lung cancer 4 months earlier

GPs may soon be able to identify patients with an increased risk of lung cancer up to 4 months earlier with an algorithm created by researchers based on the data of more than half a million patients.

Dr Ari Melnick

A new chapter in leukaemia and hematologic disease research

Dr Ari Melnick has been appointed the new Director of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute by the Board of Trustees. The institute specialises in biomedical research and precision medicine in the field of leukaemia and other hematologic malignancies.

News • Fibroblasts promote tumor growth and spread

Study explores reasons behind high aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers, partly due to its tumor microenvironment, known as the stroma. Now, a study has identified a new key factor contributing to this feature.

News • Adversarial robust image processing

Defense system protects medical digital twins from cyberattack

Medical digital twins can help predict diseases, but are vulnerable to cyberattacks that can lead to incorrect diagnoses. Researchers have developed a new defense system to address this threat.

News • Pulsed infrared light to enhance diagnostics

Finding the ‘fingerprints’ of cancer

New research reveals a method that uses pulsed infrared light to identify molecular profiles in blood plasma that could indicate the presence of certain common cancers.

News • Lifestyle-related disease prevention

Soccer: an underrated champion of global health

Soccer is not only a fun and popular sport, but can also help prevent many lifestyle-related conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, several cancers, and mental health challenges.

News • Mortality, CVD, cancer, and more

Weight loss protects (even when it's regained)

Losing weight is a great way to improve one's overall health. But, are these benefits gone once a person is gaining weight again? Not necessarily, a new study points out.

Video • Oloid-shaped magnet-driven probe

Virtual biopsy: tiny robot wobbles its way through the gut

Engineers developed a robotic probe that can generate high-resolution 3D ultrasound images from deep inside the gastrointestinal tract. The robot reaches its target with a unique kind of movement.

News • Pilot study on wearables

Telemonitoring t-shirt allows patients to return home earlier after urological surgery

Could a t-shirt with sensors reduce the time patients need to stay in hospital after a urological surgery? A recent pilot study suggests it might.

News • Deep learning-based CVD risk prediction

Mammography and AI open a new window into heart health

New findings show how AI-assisted mammography may not only reveal breast cancer, but can also assess calcium buildup in the arteries within breast tissue—an indicator of cardiovascular health.

News • Circulating tumor DNA analysis

Liquid biopsy helps reduce chemotherapy in colon cancer patients

For patients, a liquid biopsy which checks for circulating tumour DNA of colon cancer, resembles a standard blood test. However, the method helps avoid chemotherapy for many, a new study finds.

Article • Promising, but in need of further validation

Implementation challenges of blood biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease

Blood-based biomarker (BBB) tests may represent the best weapon to combat the soaring rates of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) throughout the world. Existing clinically validated tests are currently deployed to facilitate diagnosis, to monitor disease and effectiveness of treatments, to quantify progression, and to determine if a patient is appropriate for treatment or participation in a clinical…

News • Aldosterone-producing adenomas

The surprising complexity of adrenal gland tumors

New research uncovers the hidden diversity of adrenal gland tumors, shedding light on how they cause unusual medical symptoms and paving the way for new drug treatments.

News • Multi-omics-based prediction

Pancreatic cancer: 'biomarker panel' brings hope for early detection

The discovery of a 'biomarker panel' could have a profound impact on the ability to identify patients at risk of developing pancreatic cancer at an earlier stage, researchers hope.

News • Quantification of serum biomarkers

Early detection of lung cancer with low-cost biosensor

A sensor, similar to glucose monitoring devices, detects lung cancer biomarkers from a blood sample in just 40 minutes. The technology has potential to identify at-risk patients and tailor treatments.

News • Successful clinical validation

Urine-based test detects aggressive prostate cancer

Researchers have clinically validated a previously developed urine test for prostate cancer screening, which can potentially bypass invasive procedures among men who are unlikely to benefit.

News • Immuno-monitoring study

New ways for childhood cancer immunotherapies

The immune system of children reacts differently to cancer than that of adults. New insights into these differences have the potential to lead to new tailored treatments for children with cancer.

News • Automated tumor detection and segmentation

Deep learning helps detect lung cancer on CT

A new deep learning model shows promise in detecting and segmenting lung tumors. The findings of the study could have important implications for lung cancer treatment.

News • Early-stage disease stratification

Predicting lung cancer outcomes with tumour DNA in the blood

A new personalised oncology platform has been tested to detect circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in patients with lung adenocarcinoma before surgery, to predict their risk of cancer relapse.

News • Long-wavelength exposure

Red light linked to lowered blood clot risk

Light can change biological processes and affect health. For example, new research finds that red light can lower rates of blood clots that can cause heart attacks, lung damage and strokes.

News • World first procedure

Testicular tissue transplant provides hope for restoring fertility after chemotherapy

A premiere that brings hope for fertility restoration to men who underwent chemotherapy during childhood: Researchers reintroduced cryopreserved immature testicular tissue taken 16 years prior.

News • Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy efficacy

AI tool uses routine blood tests to predict cancer immunotherapy response

Researchers have developed an AI-based model to better predict whether cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy — using only routine blood tests and clinical data.

News • Immunology

Researchers discover new type of anticancer T-cell

A molecule called MR1 (MHC Class I-related Molecule 1) enables a newly-discovered type of T-cells to sense differences in the metabolism that occur when cells become cancerous.

News • Driving mechanism identified

Why the lung is a frequent site of cancer metastasis

More than half of cancer patients in whom the cancer spreads beyond the primary site have lung metastases. What makes the lungs such a tempting place for cancer cells? New research may have an answer.

News • Research into new therapies

How natural killer cells could fight leukemia more effectively

Researchers now succeeded in making leukemia-specific immune cells less sensitive to the influence of tumor cells, thereby significantly increasing their effectiveness.

News • Field-cycling imaging

FCI: New MRI-derived scanner shows promise for stroke imaging

Using a technique called field-cycling imaging (FCI) derived from MRI, researchers are able to detect signs of brain damage from stroke at ultra-low magnetic fields.

News • Reduction of severe side-effects

A 'kinder' chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma

Treating patients with Hodgkin lymphoma with a different form of chemotherapy shows promise to reduce severe side effects, shorten hospital time and increase likelihood of recovering fertility.

News • From the brain to the abdomen

Stroke might affect arteries in other body regions

New research has linked having a cerebral stroke to lasting changes in the arteries in the abdomen. The study in animal models with hypertension could lead to new preventative strategies.

News • Incidentaloma detection

Liquid biopsy as diagnostic tool for pancreatic lesions

New research highlights the potential of liquid biopsy in diagnosing pancreatic incidentaloma - lesions which can occasionally signal pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages.

News • Tradefair programme overview

Don't miss: Hot issues, current trends and innovations at the Medica 2024 Labmed Forum

Skills shortages and digitalization, trends in cardiology and oncology, future prospects in laboratory medicine, and healthy aging – these pressing topics are at the forefront of discussions at this year’s Medica Labmed Forum.

Article • HBOT to reduce toxic effects

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows promise after breast cancer radiotherapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatments could offer relief to breast cancer patients who experience late toxicities following radiotherapy treatment. To date, the handful of completed clinical trials only produced inconclusive or contradictory results. Therefore, results from the latest trial, named HONEY (Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Breast Cancer Patients with Late Radiation…

News • Research on "double strike" mechanism

Induction of defective cell division could improve blood cancer therapy

Tumor cells are notorious for their rapid and uncontrolled division, and many cancer therapies aim to disrupt this. New findings suggest potential applications of apoptosis in blood cancer treatment.

News • Catch some EVs

Liquid biopsy to improve cancer diagnosis

A new method could open new avenues to quick, affordable cancer diagnosis, US researchers report. The method uses ultrathin membranes to capture extracellular vesicles.

News • Insights into bile production

Liver discovery could lead to better CVD treatments

A new discovery about how the liver flushes cholesterol from the body could lead to more effective treatments for cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death worldwide.

Taipei showcases cutting-edge medical devices & diagnostics at Medica 2024

Taipei City is set to make a splash at the Medica 2024 trade fair. The city's Department of Economic Development has curated an exhibition area, featuring six innovative biotech companies.

News • PFAS and Kidney Health

New research reveals connection between PFAS, kidney function and gut health

New research has revealed that the connection between PFAS, and kidney damage may be tied to dysregulation of the gut microbiome.

News • Cancer treatment advances

USC study findings: early blood test forecasts survival rates in patients with metastatic prostate cancer

A new study found that measuring circulating tumor cells (CTCs), rare cancer cells shed from tumors into the blood, is a reliable way to predict later treatment response and survival prospects with metastatic prostate cancer.

News • Brain cancer immunotherapy

Turning immune cells against glioblastomas

Scientists at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) have developed CAR-T cells capable of targeting malignant gliomas while preserving healthy tissue.

News • Experts propose combination strategy

Kidney cancer: early detection through 'piggyback' screening

Kidney cancer is relatively rare, so dedicated screening programmes would not be cost-effective. Combined with lung cancer screening, however, this would be much more feasible, a new study shows.

News • Hematology

Using AI to predict multiple myeloma evolution

Researchers have succeeded in identifying patterns of response to treatment in patients with multiple myeloma using AI tools, which helps to accurately predict the evolution of the tumor.

News • Transport of minuscule gold particles

Nanoparticles could detect kidney disease better than blood tests

Before administering certain drugs, doctors check a patient’s kidney function by testing their blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. New research shows that gold nanoparticles might give more accurate results.

News • Groundwork for new treatments

Fibrosis a prognostic biomarker for HER2-negative breast cancer

A new study confirms fibrosis as a prognostic indicator in HER2-negative, the most common breast cancer, and opens the way to antifibrotic drug treatments.

News • AnWj blood group antigen

MAL: new blood group system discovered

Researchers identified the genetic background of the previously known but mysterious AnWj blood group antigen. The findings allow identification and treatment of patients lacking this blood group.

News • Glioblastoma research

Brain scars from cancer treatment key factor for relapse

Researchers have identified fibrotic scarring as a key source of resurgence of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The new insights could lead to better prevention of this type of brain cancer.

News • Quicker, cheaper and less painful test

Blood crystals to reveal early signs of prostate cancer

A new method of analysing the crystals in dehydrated blood could lead to a quicker, cheaper and less painful technique to diagnose, early detect, and monitor prostate cancer.

News • High-resolution cell scans

AI spots cancer and viral infections at nanoscale precision

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence which can differentiate cancer cells from normal cells, as well as detect the very early stages of viral infection inside cells.

News • Time loss vs. life expectancy gains

Dialysis: Is the tradeoff always worth it?

New research sheds light on the tradeoffs between survival and time spent in inpatient care that dialysis might entail. This could help patients with kidney failure make more informed decisions.

News • Glycopeptide probes for antibody detection

New method speeds up pancreatic cancer detection

A new method could lead to a significantly more precise and reliable diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It is based on the selective detection of specific antibodies in blood samples.

News • Promising study results

Cancer of Unknown Primary: on the way to targeted therapies

Metastases, but no sign of the original tumor: A large international study shows how this phantom cancer can nevertheless be treated.

News • Basal cell carcinoma diagnostics

BCC: AI helps identify aggressive types

Dermatologists could benefit from a new algorithm that can help recognize patients with a highly aggressive form of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the face.

News • Brain cancer research

Glioblastoma: Surprising find of immune cells

Researchers discovered islands of highly potent immune cells in the vicinity of glioblastomas. This may open up prospects for new therapies for these aggressive brain tumours.

Opinion article • Wearable medical devices

Sweat analysis reveals a wealth of health information

Diagnosis and monitoring medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and infections: In this opinion article, Alix Joseph (Linxens) explores the potential of sweat analysis.

News • Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Personalised simulations predict outcomes for blood cancer treatment

Using genomic sequencing data, researchers have created personalised simulations of individual patients that can quantify the impact of genetic mutations on cancer cell behaviour.

News • Circulating tumor extracellular vesicles

Metastatic prostate cancer: better monitoring with new liquid biopsy method

A new study shows that extracellular vesicles shed by prostate cancer cells contain tumor-derived material that can be used as biomarkers of therapy response and resistance in metastatic disease.

News • Research on physical conditions

Exploring the link between obesity and cancer risk

Why does obesity increase the risk of cancer and possibly metastasis? Researchers in Spain are currently investigating this very question.

News • Diabetes, hypertension, and more

AI reads facial temperature for early diagnosis of metabolic diseases

Measuring temperatures in different face regions could be used to earlier detect chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and hypertension. Researchers now show the potential of an AI-based approach.

News • Iontronic technology

Slowly but steady gets the brain tumour

Researchers demonstrated how the growth of malignant brain tumours can be greatly decreased by using iontronic technology to continuously administer low doses of cancer drugs.

Article • Challenges and opportunities

Molecular pathology in Europe: in search of standardization

Tackling standardization of molecular pathology at a European level remains a major challenge, according to speakers at the 35th European Congress of Pathology in Dublin. One leading expert warned it would be ‘very difficult’ to achieve, though the session also heard about potential solutions such as educational steps to consistently train future pathologists at a high and consistent level.

News • Foetal development research

Tracing back the origins of AML childhood leukaemia

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a common type of blood cancer in childhood and can be diagnosed within a few months of life. New research shows that its origins can be traced back to before birth.

News • Neuropathology

Technology offers new insights into pediatric brain tumors

A new study used new molecular analyses to unravel the biological mechanisms of pediatric brain tumors and refine their classification.

News • Integration of microanalysis chips

Establishing microfluidic control technology for blood testing devices

A research group established a microfluidic control technology that can be applied to small blood testing devices and consequently developed a novel integrated immunoassay device.

News • Success of aRCC treatment

New biomarker to better predict immunotherapy response in kidney cancer

Immunotherapy increases survival rates in kidney cancer, but does not work for everyone. A research team developed a new method to predict which patients will benefit from it.

Article • Pros and cons of diagnostic techniques

Liquid biopsy vs. tissue biopsy: Getting the best of both worlds

Tissue biopsy and liquid biopsy can increasingly be used as complementary or alternative approaches, with advantages and limitations to each. While speakers at the recent 35th European Congress of Pathology in Dublin were quick to highlight that liquid biopsy was not about to replace tissue biopsy, the focus looked at the benefits and challenges of each through the lens of four expert speakers.

News • Stratification approach

Using national health data to predict cancer risk

Scientists show that health registry data can be used to predict individual risks for the 20 most common cancer types. This could help to identify high-risk groups and enrol them for screenings.

News • CT-Derived Functional Imaging

CTFI: Enabling CT lung diagnosis without contrast

Diagnosing lung conditions such as pulmonary embolism is more challengenging when a patient cannot tolerate contrast agents. Now, a new software solution is addressing the issue.

News • Hydrogel catalyst

Breaking down alcohol in the body: Researchers develop "detox gel"

Researchers have developed a gel that breaks down alcohol in the GI tract without harming the body. In the future, people who take the gel could reduce the harmful and intoxicating effects of alcohol.

News • Clear cell renal cell cancer

Same-day imaging for ccRCC kidney cancer with new PET agent

A new study suggests superiority of the novel investigational PET imaging agent ⁶⁸Ga-DPI-4452 (Debio 0328) to standard CT imaging in the context of clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC).

News • 6.5 million European funding

Fighting cancer with artificial cells and tissue

Artificial cells to combat cancer: Research groups are working to create synthetic micro-organisms capable of detecting the presence of the disease and delivering anti-cancer therapies.

News • Leukemia MRD after chemo

AML: Residual cancer testing as an important safeguard

Blood cancer cells can remain in the blood of AML patients, even after chemotherapy seemed successful. Testing for these residuals before blood cell donation is a vital precaution, a new study finds.

News • On-demand reversibility

Anticoagulation with an ‘on/off’ switch

Researchers developed a new type of anticoagulant whose action can be rapidly stopped. This reversible activity could revolutionise the use of anticoagulants in surgery or other applications.

News • Opportunity for new treatment approaches

Atherosclerosis and cancer share surprising similarities, study finds

In cancer, cell deterioration can drive progression. A similar process happens in artherosclerosis, new research reveals. This finding could lead to new ways of combatting disease-causing plaque.

News • Urine-based diagnostics

New prostate cancer test to help avoid unnecessary biopsies

US researchers have developed and validated a new urine-based test for prostate cancer, which was shown to meaningfully reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies while providing highly accurate detection.

News • Presented at ESCMID Global

Immunoassay analyzer extends menu with new hepatitis assays

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics announced ahead of the ESCMID Global congress (formerly ECCMID) that it has extended the menu of DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer* assays.

News • Research on biomechanics

Tumour 'softness' can drive aggressiveness of breast cancer

Researchers have discovered how the mechanical properties of tumours - their softness, for example - can prime cancer cells to better survive their spread to other organs.

Article • Lesion detection and mammographic texture analysis

Dual AI model to optimize breast cancer risk assessment

A team of Danish and Dutch researchers has combined an AI diagnostic tool with a mammographic texture model to improve the assessment of short- and long-term breast cancer risk. This new approach represents a significant step forward in refining the ability to predict the complexities of breast cancer risk.

News • Mechanistic subtypes

The telltale traces long Covid leaves in the blood

Findings from the largest UK study of patients hospitalised with Sars-CoV-2 infection show that long Covid leads to ongoing inflammation which can be detected in the blood.

News • Promising secretory granules

New micromaterial to fight cancer with nanoparticle-targeting

A newly-developed material made of proteins shows promise for targeted cancer therapies: Like secretory granules in the endocrine system, it delivers nanoparticles which attack specific cancer cells.

News • Preventive blood test

Prostate cancer screening: Study advocates 5-year-interval

How often should men get checked for their level of PSA, a marker for prostate cancer? A German study involving over 12,500 men shows that a five-year interval between tests is safe.

News • Minimally invasive procedure

Microwave ablation: alternative to thyroid cancer surgery

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is often treated with surgical resection, which often comes with significant side effects. Now, a new study points to a minimally invasive alternative.

News • Tumor organoid platform

Personalized 3D bioprinting to advance gastric cancer treatment

Using 3D bioprinting to accurately replicate the biological environment surrounding gastric cancer cells, researchers predicted a patient’s response to anticancer drugs during the preclinical stage.

News • Heart rhythm disorder

Stroke prevention: experts recommend routine atrial fibrillation testing

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder globally. Patients at high risk for AF, such as those with heart failure or prior stroke, should be tested at every GP visit, experts say.

News • Chemotherapy and novel surgery technique

Study explores new approach to 'inoperable' pancreatic cancer

US oncologists are exploring a new combined chemotherapy and surgical approach to safely remove advanced pancreatic tumors that were previously considered inoperable.

News • Review calls for immediate action

Medical devices: prone to unfair bias, study finds

Pulse oximeters delivering poorer results in people with darker skin tones, underdiagnosis of cardiac conditions in women: some medical devices are not as fair as the ought to be, a new review finds.

News • Cortisol sampling from blood

Paving the way for better diagnosis and treatment of endocrine diseases

A team of researchers has discovered a new method of measuring levels of cortisol directly from a blood sample - a significant step forward in diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases.

News • Diabetes management

Reducing blood sugar levels with red light

Researchers have found a surprising method to reduce blood glucose levels in a person: Shining red light on their back. This could help control diabetes without medication.

Article • New system combines nanotechnology and ultrasound

Reducing over-treatment of rectal cancer

An innovative solution based on nanotechnology and ultrasound could prevent over-treatment of patients with rectal cancer. The magnetomotive ultrasound system uses nanotechnology for reliable diagnosis of any spread of rectal cancer to nearby lymph nodes.

News • Metastasis susceptibility

How chronic stress spreads cancer

Chronic stress can have a significant impact on health, from an increased risk for heart disease to a greater susceptibility of cancer metastasis. New research points out the underlying mechanisms.

News • Focus on protein GDF15

Newfound mechanism could improve efficiency of diabetes treatments

Research reveals how a new mechanism could improve the efficiency of current treatments for diabetes. This may open up new ways of approaching metabolic diseases that are a global health problem.

News • Portable diagnostic tool

Breast cancer detection: New program tracks tumour heat

Researchers in Singapore have developed an AI-based software to assist in the early detection of breast cancer. Using thermal imaging, the program assesses the malignancy of a tumour.

News • Chemotherapy and cancer drugs

‘Heart-on-a-Chip’ to test cardiotoxicity of treatments

Chemotherapy can be toxic to heart cells. To help protect the hearts of cancer patients, Cedars-Sinai investigators have created a three-dimensional “heart-on-a-chip” to evaluate drug safety.

Article • Addressing an unmet need

MCED: a simple test for widespread early detection of cancer

Academic labs and biotech firms pioneer multi-cancer early detection with emerging technologies. Screening for multiple cancers with a simple blood or urinary draw could be a game-changer. Two research teams in particular have advanced the field.

News • Blood-based diagnosis of glioblastoma

Sparing brain cancer patients from undergoing risky surgery

A simple blood test could help diagnose patients with glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer, sparing them from undergoing invasive and highly-risky surgery, report UK researchers.

Article • UK research project

"Our Future Health": Shifting from curative to preventive care

As a result from better living standards and medical advances, population longevity increases – a development which, paradoxically, current healthcare systems are ill-prepared for, Sir John Bell points out. The UK’s Our Future Health programme, which he chairs, exemplifies the paradigm shift to a prevention-centered healthcare approach.

News • Machine learning in sample analysis

Lab-trained pathology AI meets real world: ‘mistakes can happen’

AI models are highly capable in analysing tissue samples – as long as conditions are lab-perfect. Add a little contamination, however, and diagnostic accuracy goes out the window, a new study shows.

News • Diagnostic imaging collaboration

Canon Medical Systems and Olympus team up for endoscopic ultrasound

Canon Medical Systems Corporation and Olympus Corporation announced that they have reached an agreement to collaborate on Endoscopic Ultrasound Systems, and presented a new imaging system.

News • Promising study in mice

Exploring the potential of mRNA technology for rare diseases

Coronavirus vaccines have showcased the possibilities of messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. Now, a research team aims to put it to use against a rare inherited metabolic disorder.

News • Finding therapy-relevant genetics

Leukaemia: AI provides support in diagnostics

Certain genetic features are crucial for treatment decisions for AML leukaemia. A team from Münster shows how an AI-based method can predict these features from images of bone marrow smears.

News • Water exchange detection

New MRI-based method measures tumor malignancy

An Italian research team has introduced a new MRI-based method for assessing water water exchange to estimate the degree of malignancy and the success of treatments in tumors.

News • "Gene scissors" vs. sickle cell disease

FDA approves first CRISPR/Cas therapy

It's an important milestone for gene editing technology: a novel treatment for sickle cell disease utilizing CRISPR-Cas9, has now received FDA approval – a first for this type of therapy.

News • CTC, ctDNA and exosomes in PCa management

Prostate cancer: Blood-based liquid biopsies yield valuable information

US researchers discuss three blood-based liquid biopsies, namely circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA and tumor-derived exosomes, as they relate to prostate cancer management.

News • Tissue oxygenation

Photoacoustic imaging for better diagnoses of ovarian cancer

Researchers and clinicians at Washington University in St. Louis found a way to improve diagnostic accuracy of potentially cancerous lesions in the ovaries and adnexal regions, or the fallopian tubes.

News • Friend and foe in one

Breast cancer: The paradoxical role of white blood cells

White blood cells found in breast tumors can both help and hinder the spread of cancer cells to other organs, a new study from Karolinska Institutet shows.

News • Using low-frequency electromagnetic fields

New method can detect early-stage breast cancer in two minutes

University of Waterloo researchers are pioneering a method to detect breast cancer in women early enough for them to receive life-saving treatment.

News • Based on image-based flow cytometry

Rapid test to predict severe Covid-19 infections

Researchers have developed a method for assessing the number and structure of aggregated blood platelets (or thrombocytes) that can potentially help quantify the risk of a severe Covid-19 infection. As a result, they have identified a predictive biomarker for the seriousness of a Covid-19 infection. This will allow physicians to adjust treatment at an early stage. The researchers used a method…

News • Lab model to find treatments for stroke, dementia

Finding (and fixing) vascular leaks in the brain

Using small blood vessels grown in the lab, researchers discover how vascular leaks leading to dementia and stroke emerge – and how this damage might be fixed.

News • Study on NHS DPP

Diabetes prevention: UK programme may have global impact

A nationwide programme to reduce the risk of developing diabetes in the United Kingdom is proven beyond reasonable doubt to work, a new study reveals.

Article • Latest advances

Lab-on-a-chip systems in 2023: The micro-lab revolution

Faster, more accurate and cost-effective testing: Experts outline the beginnings and evolution of “lab-on-a-chip” technology, and its benefits for advanced and next-gen operational platforms.

News • Study confirms association

CT scans in young people increase cancer risk

A multinational study confirms a strong and clear association between exposure to radiation from CT scans in young people and an increased risk of blood cancers.

News • VITT reseach

Cause for rare, but deadly vaccine-related blood clotting found

A mechanism that led some patients to experience cases of deadly clotting following some types of Covid-19 vaccination has been identified in new research.

News • Good killer cells

Cellular immunotherapy: a new approach against cancer

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery – these are the three common forms of cancer therapy. Now, lymphoma specialists in Essen are investigating the possibility of a different approach.

News • AI-based imaging and reporting solutions for MRI

Philips partners with imaging biomarker specialist Quibim

Philips and Quibim have signed a multi-year agreement to work on an integrated solution including an AI-based software to automate real-time prostate gland segmentation in MR images.

News • The role of arginine

Cancer research: Metabolite drives tumor development

University of Basel scientists have discovered that high levels of the amino acid arginine drive metabolic reprogramming to promote tumor growth. This could lead to improved liver cancer treatment.

News • Infection treatment

Chemotherapy drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A new class of antibiotics, based on proven drugs used in cancer treatment, is now being developed by researchers at Linköping University. They could be used against resistant bacteria.

News • Autonomous medical needle steering

A tiny robot to maneuver through living lung tissue

A team from UNC has developed a steerable lung robot that can autonomously maneuver the intricacies of the lung, while avoiding important lung structures.

News • Insulin and oxygen production

An implantable device for injection-free diabetes control

Engineers from MIT are developing a device containing insulin-producing cells and a tiny oxygen-producing factory to keep the cells of diabetes patients healthy.

News • MEDICA Labmed Forum

Hot issues, current trends and innovations in lab medicine

From cancer to AI, from management to new medication: this year's Labmed Forum at MEDICA 2023 in Düsseldorf (November 13-16) once again features an exciting scientific programme.

News • Bioelectronics for cancer screening

Smart devices to capture and release tumour cells

Basque researchers propose a bioelectronic device consisting of gold electrodes coated with a smart polymer capable of capturing and releasing cells in a non-invasive, controllable way.

News • Surge in under 50s in past decades

The rising tide of early-onset cancers

Cancer has become strikingly more common in people under 50 in the past three decades, an international research team finds. The reseachers explore what this means for future death tolls.

News • Mapping prevalence across European hospitals

Sepsis: suprisingly common, underdiagnosed, and deadly

New research from Lund University has found a suprisingly high incidence of sepsis across hospital admissions. The experts say that the condition can be likened to an epidemic.

News • PFAS as risk factor

Researchers explore link between ‘forever chemicals’ and breast cancer

Can per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) increase the risk of breast cancer? A new study by US researchers examines the effects of the so-called “forever chemicals”.

News • Tool for myeloid neoplasms

New test to identify risk of AML and related cancers

Using data from more than 400,000 individuals, researchers have created a platform for predicting the risk of developing blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia over a 10-15-year period.

News • T-cell activator shows promise

"CoVac-1": Coronavirus protection for immunocompromised patients

Patients with immunodeficiency cannot benefit from conventional Covid-19 vaccines and still at risk from infection. A promising new approach now brings hope for this patient group.

Article • Oncology imaging

The expanding role of CT in lung cancer management

While screening programs for several of the commonest cancers are now well established, lung cancer screening has yet to reach anywhere near the same proportion of at-risk patients.

Article • Supplemental imaging

The next breast screening advancement: Contrast-enhanced mammography

With the recent recommendation changes from the European Council in 2022, how radiologists screen for breast cancer is changing. Mammography has long been an essential technology in screening for breast cancer, and in the recommendations the Council formally recognized the advantages of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). This landmark acknowledges the research on and benefits of DBT, advocating…

News • Imaging for targeted biopsy

MRI and ultrasound "fusion" improves prostate cancer detection

Combining ultrasound and MRI technology can help detect prostate cancer at an earlier stage and potentially save lives, according to new University of Dundee research.

Article • Flow cytometry

Detecting and measuring nanoplastics in the blood stream

Plastics are a part of everyday life, and an increasingly concerning factor of global environmental pollution. They also have infiltrated our bodies as microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs), found even in placentas supporting foetal life. And they are in our blood. Now, researchers in Spain have developed a new method to detect and measure nanoparticles in human peripheral blood that is…

News • Blood cancer research

Covid-19 booster vaccine strengthens immunity in lymphoma patients

Research by the University of Southampton has shown that repeated Covid-19 vaccination increases the ability of lymphoma patients to prevent infection from the virus, particularly after four doses.

Article • Cancer patients at risk

Blood test detects risk of neurotoxicity from CAR T-cell therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is an immunotherapy treatment that re-engineers a patient’s own T-cells to help them attack malignant tumour cells. It has been very effective in the treatment of blood cancers, including certain types of leukaemia and lymphoma. However, two serious side effects are common as a result of the treatment: cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune…

News • Potential blood cancer treatment

CAR T cell therapy: study shows remote destruction of tumor cells

French scientists discovered that CD4 T cells generated during immunotherapy are capable of remotely neutralizing tumor cells by producing interferon gamma (IFN-γ).

News • Beyond polygenic risk scores

Adding blood biomarkers to genomics to better predict common disease risk

New research suggests that combining blood biomarkers with genomic information more accurately, cost-effectively predicts the risk of developing diseases.

News • MCED for 50+ cancer types

Multi-cancer blood test shows real promise

A trial of a new blood test for more than 50 types of cancer correctly revealed two out of every three cancers in more than 5,000 people who had visited their GP with suspected symptoms.

News • Chronic myeloid leukaemia

CML therapy response predicted by AI "crystal ball"

AI could find critical biomarkers that predict non-response to conventional treatment in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) more quickly, researchers in Singapore find.

News • Accuracy gain

Bowel cancer: double testing for better detection

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh have found that the accuracy of detecting bowel cancer is increased to almost 100% by carrying out a common test twice rather than once.

News • Oncology & Immunology

Researchers find new IgE antibody targeting skin cancer

A new class of immunotherapy shows promising results for fighting the most aggressive form of skin cancer.

News • Breast cancer

Study shows: Association between antibiotics and an increased risk of death after breast cancer

Women with triple-negative breast cancer who received multiple antibiotic prescriptions within three years after their cancer diagnosis were more likely to experience disease recurrence and to die from their cancer.

News • Parkinson disease detection

Low-cost sensor detects early-stage Parkinson's disease in biological samples

Researchers at the University of Campinas and the Federal University of São Carlos in Brazil have developed an electrochemical sensor that detects Parkinson's disease at different stages.

News • Prevention of blood cancer

Research identifies new target that may prevent blood cancer

An international coalition of biomedical researchers has determined a new way to measure the growth rate of precancerous clones of blood stem cells that one day could help doctors lower their patients' risk of blood cancer.

News • Fluorescence-guided surgery

"Lighting up" brain tumours for better surgical removal

A new real-time imaging technique that uses a type of infrared light has, for the first time, been used during surgery to differentiate between cancerous tumours and healthy tissue.

News • Blood cancer research

Novel disease models for multiple myeloma

A team of scientists has successfully generated genetically defined mouse models for two subtypes of multiple myeloma. This will contribute to a better understanding of how the disease develops in humans.

News • Up to 12 year in advance

Urine gene test can predict bladder cancer years before diagnosis

Testing for genetic mutations in urine can detect bladder cancer years before the disease shows clinical symptoms, new research has shown - reaching more than a decade for the most common cancer type.

News • MTX in the mix

Researchers develop novel therapy for vancomycin-resistant infections

Researchers from the US, Singapore and Geneva have developed a novel combination therapy using an anticancer agent for treating vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE).

Article • Good-bye “surgery first”

Interventional radiology: out of the shadow and into the light

Using imaging guidance, interventional radiology – a sub-discipline of diagnostic imaging – allows targeted and ultraprecise diagnostic and therapeutic procedures without anesthesia and without large incisions. Nevertheless, surgery continues to be widely considered the procedure of choice, making interventional radiology the Cinderella of the discipline. Professor Dr. Marco Das, Medical…

Video • Potential for all-in-one endoscopic surgical tool

Soft robot for 3D bioprinting inside the human body

Researchers at the University of New South Wales unveil prototype device that can directly 3D print living cells onto internal organs and potentially be used as an all-in-one endoscopic surgical tool.

News • Health impact of PFAS

Study: “forever chemicals” disrupt key biological processes

Exposure to a mixture of chemicals called PFAS - also known as 'forever chemicals' - leads to alterations in biological processes associated with a broad range of diseases, a new study finds.

News • New treatment insights

Successful cure of HIV infection after stem cell transplantation

A new study confirms that haematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be used to cure patients with HIV infections. This third successful case gives new insights into the underlying processes.

News • Targeted LED research

One step closer to new light-activated cancer therapy

Scientists are developing a new kind of light-activated cancer treatments. This would work by switching on LED lights embedded close to a tumour, which would then activate biotherapeutic drugs.

News • Rapid screening diagnostic

94% accuracy: new prostate cancer blood test beats PSA method

Researchers have developed a new blood test to detect prostate cancer which displays greater accuracy than the current prostate-specific antigen (PSA) method.

News • Infectious disease research

Hidden bacteria increases risk of antimicrobial resistant infection in hospital patients

Carriers of a specific bacteria have a 14% chance of developing an antibiotic resistant infection with 30 days of hospitalisation, according to new research from Amsterdam.

News • Primary tumor or metastasis?

Deep learning and radiomics for precise differentiation in brain tumors

The distinction between primary tumors and metastases can be made quickly and accurately in brain tumors using radiomics and deep learning algorithms, a new study shows.

Video • Early detection of dementias

Promising sensor to screen for Alzheimer's

Canadian researchers are developing a new, ultra-sensitive biosensor to screen for Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases. The device has successfully completed the proof-of-concept stage.

Article • Promising approach

Focused ultrasound ablation for treatment of breast tumours

Focused ultrasound (FUS) ablation is an emerging treatment for breast tumours. Its use was highlighted in an October webinar focused on emerging immunotherapy research and breast cancer.

News • Preventing EBV reactivation

Liver transplantation: Finding the "sweet spot" of immuno-suppression

Dutch physicians have developed a system to determine the right dose of immunosuppressive drugs for patients to receive a donor liver - to prevent the activation of the Epstein-Barr virus.

News • Specialized immune cells

γδ T cells carry potential for new cancer immunotherapies

Dutch scientists have discovered how specialized immune cells can detect and remove cancers that are ‘invisible’ to the conventional defense mechanisms of the immune system.

Video • Mini-bones from the lab

Toward a personalized approach of bone cancer research and therapy

Researchers generated human mini bones in the lab which mirror the composition and function of human bone - a step toward the development of future patient-tailored models of bone cancers and tumors.

News • Regenerative medicine

Tapping into a tumor's power to heal non-healing wounds

Scientists have discovered a way to train healthy immune cells to acquire the skills of some tumor cells for a good purpose: to accelerate diabetic wound healing.

News • Trial finds improved survival rates

Pancreatic cancer: chemotherapy before surgery brings benefits

Treating pancreatic cancer patients with chemotherapy before surgery significantly improved 1-year survival rates compared to immediate surgery, a randomised clinical trial has found.

News • MCED test

Groundbreaking new method for multi-cancer early detection

An international study shows that a new method can easily find multiple types of newly formed cancers at the same time – including cancer types that are difficult to detect with comparable methods.

News • High-sensitivity blood test

New cancer testing method to make regular monitoring affordable

Scientists from Singapore discovered a novel low-cost method of testing for cancers. The test sequences heated clinical samples to isolate cancer-specific signatures found in a patient’s blood.

News • Glioblastoma treatment approach

'Zapping' brain cancer cells shows surprising benefits

Canadian researchers have developed a new method of killing brain cancer cells while preserving the tissue around it. A remarkable side-benefit: chemotherapy of the cancer suddenly becomes possible.

Article • Assistance and decision-making systems

Artificial intelligence for preoperative planning

In surgery, artificial intelligence (AI) is applied mostly in imaging, navigation, and robotic intervention. However, AI can also play a major role in preoperative planning. Objective decisions-making, optimal utilisation of operating theatres and less overtime are additional advantages that are achieved with the use of AI in surgery.

Article • Digitisation in the OR

Robotic duo pushes boundaries of microsurgery

One robot supports the surgeon’s control of tiny instruments, while another automatically keeps an eye on what is happening: With this novel combination, surgeons in Münster have successfully performed fully robot-assisted microsurgery for the first time. Presenting the new procedure at the Hornheide Specialist Clinic, the experts explain how the interaction of both robotic systems ensures…

Article • Tissue-engineered glioblastoma model

3D brain tumour in a dish to personalize cancer treatment

It is the size of a common pencil eraser, but it could have a huge impact on the therapy of glioblastoma: Scientists in Virginia have developed a novel 3D tissue-engineered model of the brain tumour microenvironment, which can be used to assess how the glioma cell invades healthy tissue, proliferates, and reacts to chemotherapy drugs.

Article • Home-based assessment

How ‘smart’ weighing scales can help monitor health

Innovative smart weighing scales are adding a new dimension to home monitoring for healthcare. By collecting data via sensors and proprietary technology as people stand on them, the scales can assess health metrics to give users more precise measurements for a deeper understanding of their body.

Article • Early detection approach

Multi-cancer blood tests could shake up screening

New tests can identify over 50 types of cancer and boost detection of traditionally elusive cancers from tumour DNA in blood, researchers showed at the ESMO congress in September. These multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests in development can spot common cancer signals and predict where the signal comes from in the body, results from a prospective investigation suggest.

News • CLL types with distinct biological and clinical features

Whole genome profiling reveals new leukaemia subgroups

A collaborative study has defined five new subgroups of the most common type of blood cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and associated these with clinical outcomes.

Article • Brain imaging

White matter hyperintensities: a valuable biomarker to assess mortality risk

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) on the brain seen on MRI represent a biomarker associated with a 50/50 risk of death within five years after a first incident acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

News • Possible biological explanation found

Why are dense breasts associated with increased cancer risk?

The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in breasts with high density. But why is that? Researchers at Linköping University have shown major biological differences that promote cancer growth.

Article • Renal carcinoma differentiation

SPECT/CT improves diagnosis of indeterminate kidney tumours

99mTc-Sestamibi SPECT/CT can aid in the diagnosis of solid renal lesions, especially in cases where contrast enhanced CT findings are inconclusive, according to researchers from the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.

Article • Detecting several different diseases

Multiplex diagnostics: next-generation techniques for new challenges

With the rise of syndrome-style infections, co-infections and the current antimicrobial resistance challenges, the need for multiplexed diagnostics is now more important than ever.

News • Leukemia research

How 'chameleon cancers' change their colors to survive treatment

Some leukemias evade treatment by changing their appearance and identity through changing the read-out of their DNA, a new study has found.

News • CSCC study finds distinct subgroups

Cervical cancer: major new clue to understanding aggressiveness

Scientists have discovered that cervical cancer can be divided into 2 distinct molecular subgroups – one far more aggressive than the other – as part of the largest ‘omics’ study of its kind.

News • Children’s cancer

Rhabdomyosarcoma: Blood tests could offer smarter treatment

A simple 'liquid biopsy' blood test could help guide the treatment of children with the cancer rhabdomyosarcoma, a new study reports.

The potential of AI in routine blood testing

It’s widely known that more than 70% of today’s medical decisions involve the results of laboratory tests, but the insights clinicians derive from these tests today may only be scratching the surface of their potential.

News • How cancer spreads

Cancer metastasis: Breakthrough to lead to better treatments

Cambridge scientists have discovered that cancer cells ‘hijack’ a process used by healthy cells to spread around the body, completely changing current ways of thinking around cancer metastasis.

News • Assessing bone quality via blood sampling

New device for diagnosing bone fragility

A new device for diagnosing bone fragility invented by the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has been approved for marketing in the European Economic Area and Switzerland. The device is based on a new approach to assessing bone quality via blood sampling.

News • Cancer research

Key function of important leukemia gene demystified

The oncogene EVI1 causes an aggressive type of leukemia, but its exact function has been a mystery. A research team now showed that EVI1's cancer causing effect relies on activating a single gene — the stem cell transcription factor ERG.

Article • Sex differences in heart failure

Why a closer look at a woman’s heart matters

The hearts of men and women are different – while this insight has been established for quite some time now, it might even surprise cardiologists just how deep these differences really run. In her presentation at this year’s ESC, Diana Bonderman, MD, gave a comprehensive roundup on sex differences in risk factors and subtypes of heart failure.

News • Lung adenocarcinoma

Therapeutic target against common lung cancer identified

A new study led by researchers in Barcelona has determined the protein TIMP-1 as a valuable biomarker for the progression of lung adenocarcinoma. The results open the door to new treatments.

News • Precision oncology

What's new in cancer therapy?

Researchers from the University of Bern and Inselspital provide an overview of the latest technologies in precision oncology. Translating these into clinical application is still a major challenge.

Article • Modelling systems for human biology

Organoid technology: new opportunities for drug discovery

Two-dimensional (2D) cultured cell lines and animal models have been the principal research tools for the past decade, but have several shortcomings. Three-dimensional cell cultures, or organoids, show great promise here.

Article • Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

HFpEF poses increasing burden on health services

With the life expectancy of populations improving, experts believe the rising diagnosis and prevalence of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) will have a significant impact on healthcare services going forward.

Article • Preventing clinical errors

Supporting transgender health in the clinical laboratory

Clinical laboratories need to be proactive to attract transgender patients for testing and to ensure that they are comfortable with the services provided. This issue is of great importance to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), which conducted a scientific session on transgender health at its recent annual meeting in Chicago.

News • Live bacterial therapeutics

Engineering the microbiome to potentially cure disease

Development of effective live bacterial therapeutics may depend more on using and re-introducing native microbes that can stick around than how the microbes are modified.

News • Blood sample

Paper test may predict Covid-19 immunity

The new test measures the level of neutralizing antibodies in a blood sample and could help people decide what protections they should take against infection.

News • Genome instability

Gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9 can lead to cell toxicity

Researchers identify critical spots on the genome where gene editing could cause an unwanted response, and they provide recommendations for safer approaches.

News • Diabetes

Device prevents buildup of scar tissue around implants

A new device, which doesn’t rely on immunosuppressing drugs, may assist efforts to develop an artificial pancreas to treat diabetes.

News • Liquid biopsy for early detection of brain tumours

Glioblastoma: Mathematical modelling could lead to simple blood test

The development of a simple blood test for glioblastomas could mean earlier diagnosis and more effective and personalised treatment options against the most common type of malignant brain cancer.

News • Extended treatment

New trial doubles down on antibiotics against life threatening infections

Hospital patients who develop infections where 10% of sufferers die will be offered double the traditional course of antibiotics in a new trial.

News • Early dementia detection

Protein sensor detects Alzheimer's up to 17 years in advance

A sensor identifies misfolded protein biomarkers in the blood. This offers a chance to detect Alzheimer's disease before any symptoms occur. Researchers intend to bring it to market maturity.

Article • Controversial compound

Seeking alternatives to gadolinium-based contrast agents

Researchers are seeking alternatives to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) to help raise levels of patient safety. An open hybrid session at ECR in Vienna heard how research across several centres has been examining the options of new approaches to reduce reliance on GBCAs.

News • Cell production changes as an early warning

Blood test could predict future risk of leukaemia

A blood test could predict risk of developing leukaemia in the elderly population years in advance by identifying changes in blood cell production, according to new research.

News • Prevention improvement

Bowel cancer: most cases diagnosed outside of screening programmes

More than 70% of patients with bowel cancer are not diagnosed using screening programmes meaning diagnoses are often made late, when the cancer is at an advanced stage, according to new research.

News • Biomarker from blood test

Lung cancer: Liquid biopsy accurately predicts immunotherapy response

A simple blood test could be a better predictor of whether cancer immunotherapy will be successful for a patient with lung cancer than an invasive tumor biopsy procedure.

News • HCC in vitro research

Organoids give new clues to liver cancer progression

Newly engineered in vitro tumour models open ways to better understand the crosstalk between liver cancer cells and their microenvironment, researchers from Singapore found.

News • Vascular monitoring system

Implantable smart stent monitors hemodynamics

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a smart stent that can monitor hemodynamic parameters. The wireless and battery-free device can transmit the data to the outside of the body.

News • Customized to the patient

Organ-on-a-chip systems go 'plug and play'

A major advance demonstrates first multi-organ chip made of engineered human tissues linked by vascular flow for improved modeling of systemic diseases like cancer.

News • Cancer therapy side-effects

Researchers investigate link between chemotherapy and infertility

In order to better prevent and restore fertility and reduce the risk of sterility in cancer survivors, researchers investigate the mechanisms behind negative effects of chemotherapy.

News • Tumour plasticity

Why breast cancer metastases spread to the bone

A protein vital in determining the organs affected by metastasis has been identified by Swiss researchers. This could lead to the development of therapeutic approaches to suppress metastasis.

Article • Ovarian cancer and endometriosis detection

Women’s health imaging: PET/CT and T2*w MR show promise

Diagnostic imaging in women’s health advances: PET/CT might provide a more accurate imaging alternative to CT in ovarian cancer. T2*-weighted MR imaging in deep endometriosis detection also shows promise, but ultimately falls flat.

News • Highly accurate

A 30-second coronavirus test

The COVID-19 testing device can detect coronavirus infection in as little as 30 seconds as sensitively and accurately as a PCR test.

News • Oncology

Biodegradable hydrogel boosts immune system’s attack on cancers

A new biodegradable gel improves the immune system’s ability to keep cancer at bay after tumors are surgically removed.

News • No more biopsies?

3D microscope reveals features in living tissues

MediSCAPE, a high-speed 3D microscope, can see real-time cellular detail in living tissues to guide surgery, speed up tissue analyses, and improve treatments.

News • 'Sweet' assistance

3D printed vascular models to help cancer therapy

3D-printed sugar models of dense and chaotic blood vessel networks near tumors could help future cancer treatments.

News • ATLL therapy approach

New gene targets for treating adult blood cancer

Scientists from Hokkaido University have identified new targets for treating Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), an aggressive form of blood cancer with existing drugs.