Gothenburg, Sweden: Variants in the DHDDS gene cause a severe neurodegenerative condition, characterised by tremors, seizures, coordination and learning difficulties, usually manifesting in early childhood. This Parkinson’s-like condition is extremely rare, and until recently, parents were told that there was nothing that could be done to slow down its progression. But now, researchers from The […]
2026
Integrating genetic origin data with tumour analyses enables better prediction of survival
Gothenburg, Sweden: New research to be presented at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics shows that a cancer patient’s genetic ancestry can have a significant effect both on how their disease progresses and their survival. In the largest study of its kind, researchers examined nearly 1,900 specific genetic changes in tumours […]
Adding genetic data to steroid prescribing can help predict side effects
Gothenburg, Sweden: Oral corticosteroids (OCSs) are widely used and effective in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. They work by reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and calming the immune system. However, over one in ten patients develop side effects, particularly if they use steroids over a long period. Until […]
New non-invasive prenatal testing technique gives results comparable to invasive methods, with advantages in both safety and cost
Gothenburg, Sweden: While non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has revolutionised prenatal diagnostics by allowing the detection of a number of genetic problems in a foetus, it is currently limited and thus misses many genetic causes of abnormalities. But a new technique, presented to the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics, introduces a technology […]
Weight loss treatments linked to lower risk of obesity-related cancers in people without diabetes
A study of more than 229,000 obese adults without diabetes in the United States has shown that weight loss drugs are associated with a decreased risk of obesity-related cancers. The research found that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as semaglutide (brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (brand names: Mounjaro and Zepbound), were associated with […]
Experts call for women’s heart centres to tackle inequality in diagnosis & care
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. Women are more likely to have undiagnosed and untreated cardiovascular disease. Dedicated women’s heart centres are needed to improve diagnosis, treatment and care. Sophia Antipolis, France – 26 May 2026. Women are more likely to face delays in diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and, as a […]
Common food preservatives linked to high blood pressure and heart disease
The study of 112,395 people includes detailed analysis of diet and food ingredients. Researchers found eight preservative food additives linked to high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. The highest risks were in people who ate the most preservatives. Sophia Antipolis, France – 21 May 2026. Eating foods that contain common preservative food additives may increase […]
Just two radiotherapy sessions given over eight days can treat prostate cancer without any extra side effects
Stockholm, Sweden: Two larger doses of radiotherapy for prostate cancer cause no additional side effects compared to the standard five doses of radiotherapy, according to results presented at the Congress of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO 2026). Experts say the research brings us one step closer to safe and effective radiotherapy in […]
Breast cancer that has begun to spread could be controlled for longer with targeted radiotherapy
Stockholm, Sweden: Treating breast cancer that has begun to spread around the body with targeted radiotherapy could help patients to live longer without their cancer getting worse, according to the results of a small randomised controlled trial presented at the Congress of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO 2026) [1]. Once cancer has […]
Meeting an AI doctor before a real-life consultation improves cancer patients’ understanding and reduces stress
Stockholm, Sweden: Cancer patients who interact with an artificial intelligence (AI) avatar doctor before they meet their real-life consultant feel more knowledgeable and less stressed, according to research presented at the Congress of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO 2026) [1]. The study was presented by Dr Adam Raben, Chair of Radiation Oncology […]