Mayo Clinic discovers 'new pathway' against pancreatic cancer
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Pancreatic cancer kills 30,000 Americans every year. Not only is there no cure, but there are no effective treatments. That may change if a new finding by Mayo Clinic researchers continues to show promise. In the March 15 issue of the journal Cancer Research, ( ) investigators describe discovering a key molecule that controls the growth, spread and survival of pancreatic can...Mayo Clinic develops first genomic-based test to predict stroke from ruptured brain aneurysm
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a genetic marker that may pave the way for a fast, inexpensive blood test to predict one type of deadly stroke that strikes 30,000 people in the United States annually. ... ...The article and an editorial appear in the March edition of the Journal of Neurosurgery, . The Mayo Clinic researchers report that people with key variations in a...Mayo Clinic study sets threshold for valve repair surgery
"We know from previous studies that patients with symptomatic mitral regurgitation are at increased risk of death, but for those without symptoms the picture has been murkier," says Maurice Enriquez-Sarano, M.D., the Mayo Clinic cardiologist who led the study. "In this study we followed a large population of asymptomatic patients prospectively to identify keys to improved long-term outcomes, and...Mayo Clinic researcher calls for improved newborn screening
A Mayo Clinic physician and researcher today reported that a combination of the latest technology and double-tiered analysis could improve genetic screening for newborns as much as forty-fold, while testing for dozens more diseases than is now performed in some states....... Pediatric geneticist Piero Rinaldo, M.D., Ph.D., presented the findings at the annual meeting of the American Association f...Mayo Clinic study finds optimists report a higher quality of life than pessimists
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Your outlook on life not only may help you live longer, but it appears to have an impact on your quality of life. Mayo Clinic researchers say that optimists report a higher level of physical and mental functioning than their pessimist counterparts....... "The wellness of being is not just physical, but attitudinal," said Toshihiko Maruta, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic Department of.........ROCHESTER, MINN. -- A Mayo Clinic study, published in the current edition of New England Journal of Medicine, has defined for the first time within a large population the rate at which patients with a monoclonal protein (M-protein) in their blood develop multiple myeloma, a fatal cancer of the bone marrow.... ...This study of 1,384 patients also is the first to identify reliable predictors...Mayo Clinic study finds obese kidney donors face few increased risks
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic researchers have found that obese individuals in otherwise good health who donated a kidney had outcomes similar to their non-obese counterparts. The study is published in the March issue of the American Journal of Transplantation. ...... In a retrospective study of more than 500 patients, at an average of eleven months after kidney donation, Mayo doctors found obe...Mayo Clinic identifies key cellular process in prostate and other cancers
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic researchers are the first to identify an interaction between two cellular proteins -- Skp2 and FOXO1 -- that is important for the growth and survival of cancer cells. Researchers also show that this interaction can be chemically reversed to stop cancer tumor growth -- a strategy that may lead to new and better cancer treatments. ......Their report appears as an el...Mayo Clinic researchers create 'obedient virus'; First step to use measles virus against cancer
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- An international team of Mayo Clinic-led researchers is first to devise a system that consistently converts the measles virus into a therapeutic killer that hunts down and destroys cancer cells -- and cancer cells only. Their research findings appear in the current issue of Nature Biotechnology ......The researchers harnessed the viral trait for attacking and commandeering ce...Mayo Clinic discovers a key to 'low metabolism' and major factor in obesity
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Wiggle, walk, tap your toes, shop, dance, clean your basement, play the guitar to boost your NEAT or if you're a scientist, your "non-exercise activity thermogenesis." Mayo Clinic researchers report in today's issue of the journal Science ( ) that NEAT -- more powerful than formal exercise -- determines who is lean, and who is obese. Obese persons sit, on average, 150 minut...Mayo Clinic researchers identify new form of muscular dystrophy in adults
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a previously unknown form of muscular dystrophy, a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and muscle degeneration. This newly identified form develops after age 40 and causes heart muscle damage, limb muscle weakness and nerve damage. The researchers have named the newly defined disorder "zaspopathy" (Zas-PO-path...New method to fix cleft palate shows promise in Mayo Clinic lab study
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Results from a Mayo Clinic laboratory study in animals suggest that using distraction osteogenesis, a procedure that uses the mechanical force of an appliance to lengthen soft tissue and bone, may be a feasible and effective method to repair cleft palate in the future. Cleft palate is a common birth defect in which a child is born with a gap in the roof of the mouth. This cond...Mayo Clinic recommends broadening treatment to battle recurrence of endometrial cancer
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic researchers studying endometrial cancer have found that patients at risk for relapse based on identified risk factors had a 46 percent probability of experiencing recurrence within five years despite treatment with state-of-the-art therapy. ......The study's findings are important for women deemed at risk because they might need additional treatment, which physici...Mayo Clinic researchers report success in new molecular breast imaging technique
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Using a new specially designed gamma camera for breast imaging, Mayo Clinic researchers report in the January issue of their success with a system they call molecular breast imaging....... "By optimizing the camera to detect smaller breast lesions, this technique should aid in the detection of early-stage breast cancer, something that was not possible with conventional gamma...Mayo Clinic discovery on nature of rheumatoid arthritis lung disease may offer patients therapy
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A discovery by a Mayo Clinic research team may pave the way for the creation of new drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) lung disease, which affects an estimated 500,000 patients in the United States. Currently, there are no effective treatments for RA lung disease. ... ...In a paper that appears in today's online version of the Jan. 13 edition of Arthritis & Rheumatism,...Mayo Clinic Cancer Center receives SPORE grant for brain cancer research from NCI
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center has received a Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for brain cancer research....... The SPORE grant will provide $10.8 million to Mayo Clinic to support research geared toward significantly reducing brain cancer deaths and disabilities. Mayo Clinic neurologist Brian O'Neill, M.D., is the o...Mayo Clinic study suggests no link between autism and immunizations
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Over the past 20 years, there has been speculation about a connection between immunizations and an increase in autism. However, a study by Mayo Clinic researchers published in the January issue of suggests the increase may be due to improved awareness, changes in diagnostic criteria and availability of services, not environmental factors or immunizations. ...... "This study...Mayo Clinic finds restless legs syndrome in children linked to family history, iron deficiency
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A new Mayo Clinic study has for the first time established rates of restless legs syndrome in children, finding that almost 6 percent of children seen in Mayo"s sleep clinic have the disease. The study, published in this month's issue of Annals of Neurology, also notes that the most common risk factors for the disease in kids are family history of restless legs syndrome and ir...Mayo Clinic researchers find PDAs okay with pacemakers
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- With the dynamic evolution of wireless technology, Mayo Clinic researchers have been concerned about the potential effects of electromagnetic interference on heart pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. In the current issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, researchers report they did not detect interference from personal digital assistants (PDAs)....... The finding...Mayo Clinic researchers announce promising next generation treatments for multiple myeloma
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- The combination of two pills -- thalidomide and dexamethasone -- may be an effective alternative to the intravenous chemotherapy commonly prescribed to patients with multiple myeloma, according to a large collaborative study conducted by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and led by a Mayo Clinic investigator. More than 15,000 Americans are diagnosed annually with multiple...Mayo Clinic discovers potential marker for aggressive kidney cancer
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a key molecule that lets doctors identify one of the most aggressive types of kidney cancer. Patients with renal cell carcinoma who have higher levels of a molecule known as B7-H1 in their tumors are nearly five times more likely to die from the disease than patients with low levels or an absence of the molecule. ... ...This key find...Ovarian cancer does have early warning signs, Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Medical Center find
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Results from an Olmsted Medical Center and Mayo Clinic study analyzing symptoms recorded in the medical records of ovarian cancer patients suggest ovarian cancer, long considered asymptomatic until late-stage cancer develops, does in fact have early symptoms, including urinary incontinence and abdominal pain.... ..."Ovarian cancer is called 'the silent killer,'" says Barbara Y...Injury from epileptic seizures relatively rare, Mayo Clinic study find
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A new Mayo Clinic study has found a low risk of major injury from epileptic seizures. Thus, the researchers say that most patients who have epilepsy do not need to excessively restrict their daily activities to avoid injury. The study will be published in the Nov. 9 issue of Neurology, ......Elson So, M.D., Mayo Clinic neurologist and lead study investigator, explains that an...Mayo Clinic discovers one mechanism for why men and women differ in immune response
ROCHESTER, Minn. Decreasing testosterone boosts immunity because testosterone helps control T-lymphocytes, the attack cells of the immune system, according to Mayo Clinic-led research in laboratory animals. The findings appear in the Nov. 15 edition of the Journal of Immunology ( ).... ...Collaborators include scientists from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, N.Y.; the Tumor Immunity and...Mayo Clinic finds ketogenic diet may be started as an outpt treatment for children with epilepsy
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Results from a Mayo Clinic study that analyzed medical records of epilepsy patients suggest a ketogenic diet, which mimics the effects of starvation, can be successfully implemented with children on an outpatient basis.... ...The study, which appeared in the September issue of Pediatric Neurology, offers data that compared inpatient (treating and staying in the hospital) and o...Mayo Clinic research shows stroke rehabilitation best served by physical training
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Research by an international team of scientists led by a Mayo Clinic physician provides evidence that physical training is the optimal treatment for stroke survivors' impaired movement and thinking -- not treatment with stimulants known as amphetamines, as has commonly been thought. ......The investigation was a collaboration between Swedish scientists from the Karolinska Inst...Mayo Clinic finds effective treatment with minimal side effects for non-renal lupus
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic investigators have found that the medication mycophenolate mofetil is effective for managing symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus, for patients whose SLE does not affect the kidneys. Importantly, the researchers say the drug is well tolerated and has fewer side effects than many other medications used to treat the disease.....Mayo Clinic research shows common airborne fungi cause chronic stuffy nose
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A team led by Mayo Clinic researchers has determined that over-reactive immune responses to airborne fungi could cause the stuffy noses and airway inflammation among sufferers of chronic rhinosinusitis. These findings could one day lead to a new, longer-lasting treatment.... ..."It's time to recognize there is a greater sensitivity to airborne fungi in some patients, and ther...Study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings finds risk of ADHD greater in boys
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Boys, in general, and children born to parents who have low education levels, in particular, are at an increased risk for developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to girls and children born to parents with high levels of education, according to a study of 5,701 children in Olmsted County, Minn. For the purpose of this study, low levels of education w...Mayo Clinic led study: Minimally invasive surgery safe, effective for patients with colon cancer
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- When performed by experienced surgeons, minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective alternative to standard open surgery for most patients with cancer that is confined to the colon....... . The study involves 872 patients with colon cancer and is the most extensive comparison to date of the two surgical techniques. It addresses concerns raised in the early...Mayo researchers invent targeted imaging probe to aid early Alzheimer's diagnosis
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic researchers have devised a way to produce enhanced MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) pictures of the destructive brain lesions that cause Alzheimer's disease. This advance using laboratory mice lays the foundation for the first imaging-based diagnostic test for living Alzheimer's disease patients....... The new technique is currently used only with specially-bred la...Survey shows new Mayo Clinic treatment for intractable low blood pressure
ROCHESTER, Minn. --Patients are generally pleased with a new Mayo Clinic drug treatment for a common form of impaired nerve transmission that causes dizziness and fainting when patients change position from lying down to standing up, and most want to continue using it. ... ...This finding on patients' satisfaction of the new drug treatment is especially welcome because drug treatments currently u...Mayo Clinic researchers restore lost immunity -- Possible breakthrough for AIDS
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic researchers have found a way to revive immunity in mice that have abnormal or deficient immune systems. The discovery may lead to a means of restoring immunity to individuals with immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS and cancer. Also, because the research involves an existing therapy, application may be possible in the near future. ...The research team, led by Ma...Mayo Clinic establishes landmark research program to predict and prevent alcoholism
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic has established a landmark research program in the genomics of addiction with the long-term goal of predicting and preventing alcoholism and other chemical dependencies....... The first step in the research will be to identify human genes that contribute to someone's vulnerability to alcoholism. The next step will be to develop ways to use the genetic information t...Avian influenza outbreaks create concern about human infection Mayo Clinic researchers warn
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- The occurrence of avian influenza in humans is a reminder of the vulnerability of people to an emerging pandemic, Mayo Clinic researchers warn in the current issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings. ......Mayo Clinic researchers review the latest outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 strain) that occurred recently among poultry in eight Asian countries. The researchers...Mayo Clinic researchers discover green tea component helps kill leukemia cells
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered that a component in green tea helps kill cells of the most common leukemia in the United States.... ...The research using laboratory cell cultures shows that a component of green tea known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) [epi-gallo-cat-ekin-3-gal-ate] helps kill leukemia cells by interrupting the communication signals th...Mayo Clinic researchers discover gene mutations that 'ignore' stress, lead to heart failure
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered genetic mutations in heart patients that make them vulnerable to heart failure because they produce an abnormal protein that can't decode stress messages from the body.... ...Mayo researchers are the first to realize that these proteins do not recognize the stress alarm. As a result, they can't properly respond to cue adjustments within...Mayo Clinic researchers identify testing for patients for prostate treatments
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayo Clinic researchers report in the current Mayo Clinic Proceedings that certain physical conditions in a patient, such as a low urinary flow or urinary pain, might help physicians assess a patients vulnerability to complications of internal radiation treatment for prostate cancer.... ..."The results offer physicians some simple and inexpensive pretreatment testing that...Doctor's statement in Mayo Clinic Proceedings reveals dark side of low-carb diets
WASHINGTON-- In its current issue, the Mayo Clinic Proceedings has published a letter explaining that the reason low-carb dieters often lose weight and sometimes show improvements in their cholesterol, blood sugars, and blood pressures is because they are, in essence, sickened by the diet. John McDougall, M.D., an advisory board member of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), expl...Mayo Clinic study helps patients with pancreatic cancer experience significantly less pain
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- The intense pain many patients with pancreatic cancer experience may be reduced by more than 50 percent using a nerve block technique along with the standard pain-relieving medications. That is the finding of a Mayo Clinic study that will be published in the March 3 edition of the (JAMA)....... The study also found that the neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB), the type of...