Latest news with #MDAndersonCancerCenter
Arab Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Weight-loss drugs may lower cancer risk in people with diabetes, a study suggests
NEW YORK, May 24, (AP): Excess body weight can raise the risk of certain cancers, leading researchers to wonder whether blockbuster drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound could play a role in cancer prevention. Now, a study of 170,000 patient records suggests there's a slightly lower risk of obesity-related cancers in U.S. adults with diabetes who took these popular medications compared to those who took another class of diabetes drug not associated with weight loss. This type of study can't prove cause and effect, but the findings hint at a connection worth exploring. More than a dozen cancers are associated with obesity. "This is a call to scientists and clinical investigators to do more work in this area to really prove or disprove this,' said Dr. Ernest Hawk of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, who was not involved in the study. The findings were released Thursday by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and will be discussed at its annual meeting in Chicago. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was led by Lucas Mavromatis, a medical student at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine. "Chronic disease and chronic disease prevention are some of my passions,' said Mavromatis, a former research fellow with an NIH training program. GLP-1 receptor agonists are injections used to treat diabetes, and some are also approved to treat obesity. They work by mimicking hormones in the gut and the brain to regulate appetite and feelings of fullness. They don't work for everyone and can produce side effects that include nausea and stomach pain. In the study, researchers analyzed data from 43 U.S. health systems to compare two groups: people with obesity and diabetes who took GLP-1 drugs and other people with the same conditions who took diabetes drugs like sitagliptin. The two groups were equal in size and matched for other characteristics. After four years, those who took GLP-1 drugs had a 7% lower risk of developing an obesity-related cancer and an 8% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who took the other type of diabetes drug. There were 2,501 new cases of obesity-related cancer in the GLP-1 group compared to 2,671 cases in the other group. The effect was evident in women, but not statistically significant in men. The study couldn't explain that difference, but Mavromatis noted that differences in blood drug concentration, weight loss, metabolism or hormones could be at play.
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Jointly Funded Research Explores Cutting-Edge RNA Sequencing in Rare Ovarian Cancer
STAAR Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Foundation and Not These Ovaries Fund Breakthrough Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center to Advance Low-Grade Ovarian Cancer Treatment HOUSTON, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2025 / Two patient-driven ovarian cancer nonprofits - STAAR Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Foundation and Not These Ovaries - have awarded a $115,580 research grant to Dr. Kwong-Kwok Wong at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to investigate new biomarkers that could improve treatment options for patients with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC).MD Anderson Cancer Center MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX is where the ovarian cancer research project with Not These Ovaries is being funded. The research study will utilize long-read RNA sequencing, a cutting-edge technology that allows scientists to examine full-length RNA transcripts in greater detail than previously possible. This technique could identify novel gene fusions and biomarkers that indicate whether a patient will respond to chemotherapy or endocrine therapy - an urgent need in LGSOC, where traditional treatments often show limited effectiveness. 'This pilot project is exploring a promising technology to perform more accurate measurements of transcript activities and discover new genetic markers in low-grade serous ovarian cancer,' said Dr. Wong, principal investigator at MD Anderson. 'As the accuracy of long-read sequencing improves, we are optimistic about the potential in clinical applications for patients who need better options.' Currently, only 20% of LGSOC patients respond to platinum-based chemotherapy, the standard of care for other ovarian cancer types. Patients typically undergo surgery followed by chemotherapy and treatment with aromatase inhibitors, which block estrogen production. However, outcomes remain limited due to the unique biology of LGSOC and the lack of personalized therapies. The study will analyze RNA samples from patients who have and have not responded to chemotherapy or hormone therapy, with the goal of uncovering molecular patterns that could guide treatment decisions and lead to more tailored, effective care. 'This research directly addresses the gap in options for patients with this rare and underfunded cancer,' said Emily Campbell, Executive Director of Not These Ovaries. 'We are proud to invest in innovative science that puts patients at the center of progress.' 'STAAR was founded by LGSOC survivors to drive critical research for a disease that has been overlooked for too long,' said Nicole Andrews, Chair of STAAR. 'We're excited to partner with Not These Ovaries and MD Anderson to accelerate discoveries that could change lives.' About Not These Ovaries Not These Ovaries is dedicated to quickly funding research and trials to eradicate ovarian cancer, with a focus on understudied and underfunded subtypes that primarily affect younger women. Its transparent model ensures 100% of donations fund immediate research and trials, while also empowering patients and families through education and actionable information. About STAAR Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Foundation STAAR raises critical funds for life-saving research focused on low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC), a rare and often misunderstood subtype affecting fewer than 10% of ovarian cancer patients. Founded by LGSOC patients, STAAR drives innovation in diagnostics and treatments while collaborating with global research partners to advance care for this community. Contact InformationEmily Campbell Executive Director (786) 814-1700 SOURCE: Not These Ovaries press release
NBC News
30-03-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Katie Thurston confirms her breast cancer is Stage 4
Former 'Bachelorette' Katie Thurston confirmed Friday on Instagram that her breast cancer is Stage 4 and has spread to her liver. In a candid update to viewers, set 43 days after she received a cancer diagnosis, Thurston shared that she has not started treatment yet due to testing and her decision to 'focus on fertility' beforehand. After undergoing a breast ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy of the breast, Thurston said she also had to have a CT scan, bone density scan and MRI. She transferred her care from a hospital in Los Angeles to New York, where she had a PET scan done, which detected spots on her liver that 'were a little suspicious.' 'Unfortunately, I did find out today that my breast cancer has spread to the liver. It is fairly small; however, that does put me at Stage 4,' she said in Friday's video. She shared that her treatment will start April 4 and will involve chemotherapy. 'I know Stage 4 can sound very scary, and it can be. However, given that I am triple positive, and the spots on my liver are fairly small and detected early, I feel very optimistic on my outcome,' she said. Triple-positive refers to a type of breast cancer involving cancerous cells that grow using three different types of receptors, according to a post on the website for the MD Anderson Cancer Center. It's a subtype of HER2 positive breast cancer, which 'is the most treatable type of breast cancer, and it is the most responsive to treatment,' breast medical oncologist Dr. Jason Mouabbi said in the 2023 blog post. Thurston's update comes just days after she married comedian Jeff Arcuri. She went public with her diagnosis on Feb. 15. 'This is day one of sharing and is going to be a long one. This first step of acceptance of my reality was the hardest. But I am ready to fight this,' she said at the time. Thurston first appeared on TV screens as a contestant on 'The Bachelor' in 2021. She then led Season 17 of 'The Bachelorette,' which premiered in June 2021.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mediaplanet and Dave Coulier Raise Awareness on Blood Health
NEW YORK, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Mediaplanet announces the launch of Blood Health, designed to raise awareness of blood disorders, cancers, and bleeding disorders. This wide-reaching initiative brings together some of the world's leading hematologist oncologists, public health experts, patient advocates, and celebrity spokespersons to shed light on the prevalence and seriousness of these conditions. With a focus on offering hope to both the recently diagnosed and those on a longer journey to recovery, the campaign is set to spark meaningful conversations among patients, healthcare professionals, and the public. The initiative will explore critical issues such as access to advanced treatments, the importance of early detection, and the vital role of bone marrow transplants in saving lives. The print component of "Blood Health" is distributed in today's edition of USA Today in New York, Detroit, Chicago, Pittsburgh and more, with a circulation of approximately 150,000 copies and an estimated readership of 450,000. The digital component is distributed nationally, through a vast social media strategy, and across a network of top news sites and partner outlets. To explore the digital version of the campaign, visit: This campaign was made possible with the support of Dave Coulier, John J. York, Belinda Avalos, MD, President, ASH, Joseph Mikhael, MD, Chief Medical Officer, IMF, Katharina Harf, Chairman, DKMS Global, Jason Westin, MD, Director, Lymphoma Clinical Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, American Society of Hematology, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, International Myeloma Foundation, Lymphoma Research Foundation, MPN Research Foundation, MD Anderson Cancer Center, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), GVHD Alliance, DKMS and features paid content from GSK, Allogene, Children's Hospital Colorado and Sobi. Copies of the print component will be available at the Tri-State Blood Cancer Conference (April 2025 | New York, NY), Texas Blood Cancer Conference (May 2025 | Dallas, TX), ASCO25 (May 2025 | Chicago, IL), Minnesota Lymphoma Walk (Saturday, June 7, 2025), New York Lymphoma Walk (Saturday, June 14, 2025), Chicago Lymphoma Walk (Sunday, July 27, 2025) and 67th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition (December, 2025 | San Diego, CA). About Mediaplanet Mediaplanet specializes in the creation of content marketing campaigns covering a variety of industries. We tell meaningful stories that educate our audience and position our clients as solution providers. Our unique ability to pair the right leaders with the right readers, through the right platforms, has made Mediaplanet a global content marketing powerhouse. Our award-winning stories have won the hearts of countless readers while serving as a valuable platform for brands and their missions. Just call us storytellers with a purpose. Please visit for more on who we are and what we do. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mediaplanet Sign in to access your portfolio
Express Tribune
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Jan Schwieterman, Nickelodeon's Good Burger actor, dies at 52
Actor Jan Patrick 'J.P.' Schwieterman, widely recognized for his role in Nickelodeon's Good Burger, passed away at the age of 52. His death was confirmed by his brother, Chad Schwieterman, who shared the news on Facebook Earlier this month. According to Chad, J.P. had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of stage 4 cancer shortly before his passing.'It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my brother, Jan (JP) Schwieterman,' Chad wrote in his post. 'He recently found out he had an aggressive form of stage 4 cancer and passed yesterday evening. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this difficult time.' Chad added a heartfelt message, saying, 'Rest in peace, brother. We love you and miss you.' -Facebook. Schwieterman, originally from Bluffton, Indiana, was born on September 30, 1972. He earned his Eagle Scout badge as a child and later pursued acting, moving to California after high school. He began his career in 1994 with a role in the TV series McKenna and went on to appear in notable TV shows including ER, Felicity, Undressed, and Forever. In 1997, Schwieterman landed the role of Kurt Bozwell in Good Burger, where he starred alongside Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. His film credits include Warlock III: The End of Innocence (1999) and American Intellectuals. After a brief acting hiatus, he returned to the screen in 2007 with the film Along the Way, which would be his last film role. Outside of acting, J.P. enjoyed photography, painting, and martial arts, and he was an avid fan of Dungeons and Dragons. He also loved to travel, with his most recent trip being to Thailand. A funeral service was held on March 4, and the family has requested donations be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in his honor. J.P. is survived by his parents, LeeRoy Schwieterman and Clara Reed, his siblings Megan, Vanessa, and Chad, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
