Screenings overlook hereditary genetic risk for some cancers

Study uncovers source of genetic variation influencing childhood brain tumors

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions investigated for the first time in cancer the association between two sources of genetic variation: germline or inherited structural variation, which refers to large differences in the DNA sequence, and DNA methylation, which is when genes are turned on or off without altering the DNA code.

May 23, 2025

Vol.51 No.20

Clinical Roundup

Genetic mutation in some Ashkenazi Jewish men may be linked to higher prostate cancer risk, study shows

A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led research team has identified a recurrent frameshift mutation, called F722fs, in the MMS22L gene among men of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry that is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer and increased sensitivity to a specific anticancer therapy.

May 23, 2025

Vol.51 No.20

Drugs & Targets

Cardiac CT scanner receives FDA clearance

Arineta, a provider of cardiovascular imaging solutions, announced that its SpotLight Duo cardiac CT scanner has received 510(k) clearance from FDA for low-dose lung cancer screening. This clearance allows providers to use a single ultra-fast CT platform for both cardiac and lung imaging and diagnostics, delivering more complete care to high-risk patients.

May 23, 2025

Vol.51 No.20

Clinical Roundup

Quest Diagnostics report shows oncologists see more advanced cancers, say current tests not catching recurrence early enough

According to a recent report, “The Cancer Paradox: Oncologists’ Perspectives on Barriers to Advanced Cancer Care and Recurrence Monitoring,” oncologists believe they are seeing more and more patients with advanced cancers, and that screening barriers are the leading reason why. They worry that current tests may not catch cancer recurrence early enough.

May 16, 2025

Vol.51 No.19

Clinical Roundup

Gene-based blood test for melanoma may detect early signs of cancer return

Monitoring blood levels of DNA fragments shed by dying tumor cells may accurately predict skin cancer recurrence, a recent study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center shows.

April 18, 2025

Vol.51 No.15

Trials & Tribulations

Genetic counseling can improve genetic screening and accelerate clinical trial success

In an effort to target the right patients, genetic screening is becoming more common in clinical trials. But incorporating it can be complex and add a significant burden for both patients and clinical trial sites. Genetic counseling can streamline that process and help drug and gene therapy developers expedite the recruitment of genetically-eligible participants for their trials and use genetic testing results to accelerate the speed and success of clinical trials.

April 11, 2025

Vol.51 No.14

By Ashley Cannon