Timely treatment of lesions that may cause anal cancer can cut risk, mortality by 80 percent, UF study shows

No guidelines exist for the treatment of precancerous anal lesions that might ultimately develop into anal cancer, leaving physicians to make a best guess about whether to remove them or wait and watch to see if they go away on their own. A study led by a UF researcher offers recommendations for treating the lesions in a high-risk group that could lower patients’ risk of developing anal cancer by 80 percent. READ MORE

UF researchers hope clinical trial will lead to new sepsis treatment

University of Florida researchers are part of a nationwide clinical trial to evaluate whether an anti-cancer medication can be effective against sepsis and septic shock. The clinical trial seeks to determine whether blocking PD-1 can also boost the immune system in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. UF is the only center in Florida, and one of four in the Southeast, recruiting participants. READ MORE

Common, edible mushroom has potential to kill one type of leukemia cell, UF Health researchers find

An edible, shaggy-looking mushroom contains a protein that is a potent killer of a certain leukemia cell, a group of University of Florida researchers has found. The Coprinus comatus mushroom, commonly known as the lawyer’s wig or shaggy mane, killed human T-cell leukemia cells during laboratory tests, the researchers found. Its potency and ability to selectively target leukemia cells makes it a promising candidate for cancer treatment, researchers said. READ MORE

Immunotherapy treatment shows effectiveness against deadly brain tumor during early tests

Glioblastoma is an aggressive, stubborn brain tumor with low odds of survival for patients. Now, University of Florida Health researchers have found a way to target a molecule that lets the tumor grow, migrate and evade the body’s immune system. The molecule, known as CD70, is found on the surface of glioblastoma tumors. READ MORE

UF researchers identify gene variant to personalize therapy for deadly form of leukemia

A genetic variation identified by researchers at UF Health may help clinicians target a deadly form of leukemia using a promising drug therapy. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, UF Health researchers in the UF College of Pharmacy found that genetic variation within patients with CD33 — a surface molecule that acts as a receptor for drug therapy on a leukemia cell — can predict the effectiveness of the anti-leukemic drug gemtuzumab ozogamicin, or GO. READ MORE

Brain cancer trial first clinical research collaboration of UF Health and Orlando Health joint program

A new phase II clinical trial currently enrolling patients with glioblastoma is the first clinical research collaboration of University of Florida Health’s joint oncology program with Orlando Health. The study builds on prior UF research, including a small, randomized phase I trial led by Duane A. Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., the Phyllis Kottler Friedman professor in the Lillian S. Wells department of neurosurgery, that resulted in several patients with the disease living longer than average — and, in a few cases, markedly delayed tumor progression. READ MORE

UF Health researchers identify novel genetic links between herpes virus and cancer

A dormant herpes virus uses its proteins and small RNAs to create genetic changes that can cause cancer in patients with AIDS and other immune deficiencies, a team of University of Florida Health researchers has found. The virus, known as Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, is the agent that that causes Kaposi’s sarcoma and blood cancers. READ MORE