Cancer

Metastatic pancreatic cancer — cancer that has spread from the pancreas to other tissues and is responsible for most patient deaths — changes its metabolism and is “reprogrammed” for optimal malignancy, according to new findings reported Jan. 16 in Nature Genetics.

Nearly 39,000 new cancers associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Although HPV vaccines can prevent the majority of these cancers, vaccination rates remain low across the country.

Tumors cause the intracellular material surrounding them to stiffen. Softening this protective layer could make existing cancer treatments more effective, according to new research.

Researchers in the Schools of Medicine and Engineering at Vanderbilt University have discovered a proteomic “signature” from the airways of heavy smokers that could lead to better risk assessment and perhaps new ways to stop lung cancer before it starts.

Lifestyle factors like cigarette smoking and red meat consumption are known to be associated with an increased risk of colon polyps that can lead to colorectal cancer.

A novel drug that targets the protein RSK blocked aggressive breast cancers from metastasizing in an animal model.

Max Hermsdorfer, center, served as patient ambassador for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt at the recent Nashville Predators Hockey Fights Cancer Night.