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Showing posts with the label Clinical Diagnostic

PARP Inhibitor Biomarkers: The Key to Precision Cancer Treatment

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  PARP Inhibitor Biomarkers PARP inhibitors have emerged as an important class of targeted therapies for cancers with DNA repair deficiencies, most notably BRCA-mutated breast and ovarian cancers. However, biomarkers that can predict response to PARP inhibitors are still being refined to maximize their benefits. Here we explore some of the most promising PARP inhibitor biomarkers and how they may drive more personalized cancer treatment in the future. Homologous Recombination Deficiency Scores One of the main mechanisms of action of PARP inhibitors is exploiting cancers that have defects in homologous recombination (HR), the high-fidelity DNA repair pathway. Tumors with HR deficiencies are unable to properly repair DNA double-strand breaks and are selectively killed by PARP inhibition. Several assays have been developed to measure a tumor’s degree of HR deficiency, known as homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) scores. One such assay is the myChoice HRD test from Myriad Gene...

Lung Cancer Surgery: An Important Treatment Option

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  Lung Cancer Surgery: Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers around the world. It is estimated that over 230,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States alone. While lung cancer survival rates remain low compared to other cancers, surgery offers one of the best chances for cure, especially if the cancer is caught in its early stages. This article explores the different types of lung cancer surgeries that may be recommended based on the stage and location of the cancer. Types of Lung Cancer Surgery There are a few main types of lung cancer surgery that surgeons may recommend based on how far the cancer has spread in the lungs and surrounding areas. Wedge resection: For small, localized tumors near the edge of the lung, surgeons may remove a wedge or section of the lung around the tumor. This surgery aims to remove the cancer with some healthy tissue surrounding it while sparing as much normal lung tissue as possible. Lobectom...