Credit: Paweł Czerwiński, unsplash
Targeting cancer’s waste disposal system
Researchers in South Korea are using nanoparticles to break cancer cells’ waste management system. It’s early days yet, but the team believe that targeting the tiny units that help process cellular waste could be used to destroy tumours within the body with minimal damage to healthy cells. Read the full story in New Atlas.
Cervical screening switch to be rolled out in Scotland
Scotland is rolling out a new way of testing samples obtained from cervical screening. The test will remain the same for the person attending screening, but the order in which samples are tested for human papillomavirus (HPV) and cell changes has switched, now looking for HPV first. The approach has been shown to be much effective at preventing cervical cancer and will ‘improve health outcomes for women and ultimately save more lives,’ says Scotland’s chief medical officer. England and Wales have already made the switch to HPV primary testing. BBC News has this one.
The latest on coronavirus for people with cancer
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop, the reporting on COVID-19 and how it will affect cancer patients increases. This week, The Guardian reported on preparations for cargo plane pilots to replace couriers in delivering vital stem cells to patients amidst global travel-bans. For a summary of the latest guidance for people living with and recovering from cancer, read our blog post.
New graphic warnings coming to US tobacco products
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled that 11 new graphic warnings must be placed on the top 50% of the front and back of cigarette packs sold in the US from 18 June 2021. This comes after years of legal battles in which tobacco companies fought to appeal the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act by the US Congress that gave the FDA regulatory authority over tobacco companies. New Atlas has more on the latest ruling.
The questions raised by genetic testing
Sarah Elizabeth Richards explores the currently “unanswerable” questions raised by genetic testing in this opinion piece in The Washington Post (£).
And finally…
Researchers are developing a new therapy that combines chemotherapy and light therapy. And early signs look promising. The drug, known as Ru-Pt, killed more cancer cells than either of the treatments when used alone. But as New Atlas explains, there’s a long road ahead before the treatment is tested in people.
Alex Lathbridge is a senior news and content officer at Cancer Research UK
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Sam Abd March 22, 2020
The steps you take to avoid the flu and other respiratory infections will also help protect you from the coronavirus:
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 to 30 seconds, always after coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have access to running water, use an alcohol-based hand cleanser that is at least 60% alcohol.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Stay away from people who are sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick.
• Don’t share makeup, food, dishes or eating utensils.
• Take your daily asthma medicines to keep your asthma under control.
danny March 30, 2020
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