Nanotechnology Identifies Brain Tumor Types Through MRI “Virtual Biopsy” in Animal StudiesBiomedical researchers at Cedars-Sinai have invented a tiny drug-delivery system that can identify cancer cell types in the brain through “virtual biopsies” and then attack the molecular structure of the disease. If laboratory research with mice is borne out in human studies, the results could be used to deliver nano-scale drugs that can distinguish and fight tumor cells in the brain without resorting to surgery.CONTACT: Sandy Van, 808-526-1708; Email [email protected]
Researcher Awarded $4.9 Million Grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Shaomei Wang, MD, PhD, a research scientist in the Eye Program at the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, received a $4.9 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to advance her work in retinitis pigmentosa, a type of degenerative retinal disease. Retinitis pigmentosa erodes the cells in the retina, the light-sensitive area in the back of the eye. Symptoms typically begin with poor night vision in young adults and progress to legal blindness by age 40 to 50. There is currently no cure for the disease that affects 150,000 individuals nationally. CONTACT: Cara Martinez, 310-423-7798; Email [email protected]
Definitive Tests for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Developed at Cedars-SinaiMillions of people afflicted by irritable bowel syndrome can now be diagnosed quickly and accurately with two simple blood tests developed by a Cedars-Sinai gastroenterologist. The tests, created by Mark Pimentel, MD, director of the GI Motility Program and Laboratory, confirm when a patient has developed IBS because of food poisoning, a major cause of the disorder.CONTACT: Laura Coverson, 310-423-5215; Email [email protected]
80 Percent of Cervical Cancers Found To Be Preventable With Latest 9-Valent HPV VaccineThe newest human papillomavirus vaccine, 9-Valent, can potentially prevent 80 percent of cervical cancers in the United States if given to all 11- or 12-year-old children before they are exposed to the virus. In addition to protecting against 80 percent of cervical cancers, the new 9-Valent human papillomavirus vaccine has the potential to protect against approximately 19,000 other cancers diagnosed in the United States – including anal, oropharyngeal and penile cancers. This is an 11.1 percent point increase in protection against HPV-related cancers in comparison to the first vaccines on the market, Gardasil and Cervarix. CONTACT: Cara Martinez, 310-423-7798; Email [email protected]
Scientists Find New Mutation That May Lead To Better Diabetes Medications and PreventionAn international team of scientists led by a Cedars-Sinai researcher has identified a new genetic mutation that appears to protect people from developing Type 2 diabetes. The finding could lead to the development of new drug therapies to treat about 26 million Type 2 diabetics in the United States who rely on insulin and oral medication to manage the life-threatening disease for which there is no cure. Type 2 diabetes affects the production of insulin, the vital glucose-regulating hormone, and its ability to control metabolism. The body’s failure to manage blood sugar can lead to heart attacks and other serious health problems, including kidney disease, blindness and infections that can result in the amputation of limbs. CONTACT: Laura Coverson, 310-423-5215; Email [email protected]
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