image: Ajay Goel, Ph.D., M.S., City of Hope chair of molecular diagnostics and experimental therapeutics
Credit: City of Hope
This roundup highlights a promising early screening method identifying precancerous esophageal disease, recommendations to improve cancer-focused community outreach, details on how aging breast cells can be used as valuable biomarkers for early cancer detection, and an innovative infusion catheter that could improve health outcomes.
To learn more about research at City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. with its National Medical Center named top 5 in the nation for cancer by U.S. News & World Report, subscribe to City of Hope Research Spotlight.
Scientists develop first blood test for precancerous esophageal disease
Acid reflux can damage the esophagus, causing its lining to thicken and develop red lesions. A high-risk condition known as Barrett’s esophagus often precedes esophageal adenocarcinoma.
City of Hope scientists conducted a multicenter international study in its quest to develop a new screening test for early detection of both diseases, reports the journal Gut.
Led by Ajay Goel, Ph.D., M.S., City of Hope chair of molecular diagnostics and experimental therapeutics, the team searched for genetic patterns in 792 patient blood samples from four different countries. Using advanced sequencing techniques and a machine learning model, the researchers pinpointed biomarkers consistently found at higher levels in patients with esophageal disease.
Zeroing in on the six most common markers, the team created a new test that showed high accuracy in identifying patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma and Barrett’s esophagus. Dubbed EMERALD (short for esophageal microRNAs of Barrett, adenocarcinoma and dysplasia), the diagnostic was even able to detect Barrett’s esophagus in patients who suffered from frequent acid reflux.
The findings offer promise for improving early screening of those at risk of precancerous esophageal disease. For more information, see Gut.
Reflecting on the state of cancer-focused outreach and engagement in the Black community
Community outreach and engagement (COE) is a key component to be recognized as a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. As a result, COE has deeply influenced how NCI-designated cancer centers identify, study and address their communities’ needs, reports an article by the Alliance of Black COE Scientific Directors that was recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
COE requires specialized scientific knowledge and should be integral in the planning and deliverables of a cancer center’s clinical practice and research programs, emphasizes co-author Kimlin Ashing, Ph.D., City of Hope deputy director for the division of health equities. Yet results cannot be achieved by the COE team alone. Success depends on engagement across all sectors of a cancer center.
Noting that Black COE leaders are uniquely positioned to offer insight into the field, Dr. Ashing and her peers formed the Alliance of Black COE Scientific Directors. The group explores how to advance the science and practice of COE in terms of population-level cancer survival, survivorship outcomes and disparities.
The article describes considerations for COE metrics, leadership, scope and substance, including:
- Need to involve minority group members and those with expertise in national COE leadership
- Lack of consistent criteria for evaluating COE program elements and evaluator qualifications
- Need for substantial financial investment in COE
- Potential misalignment of community priorities and cancer center objectives
- Professional development of COE staff and leaders
- Need to cultivate the next generation of COE leaders
- Expanding scope of COE across cancer centers and communities
For more information, see the Journal of the National Cancer Institute paper.
Study uncovers mechanism linking aging and cellular dysfunction in breast cancer
Most breast cancers originate in the luminal epithelial cells that line the ducts of the mammary gland. In an eLife paper, City of Hope scientists uncovered what influences luminal cells to change as women age — and in young women facing an elevated risk for breast cancer.
Earlier studies revealed that the chronological age of nearby myoepithelial cells drive the biological age of luminal cells, but the mechanism underlying the relationship remained unclear.
Led by Mark LaBarge, Ph.D., City of Hope professor of population sciences, the team discovered that gene expression grows increasingly noisy as myoepithelial cells age, leading to fluctuations as genetic instructions are copied from DNA into RNA. These changes disrupt how luminal cells communicate with each other, how the immune system operates and how cancer spreads.
By adjusting the expression of these noisy genes in older myoepithelial cells, the scientists were able to limit age-related changes in luminal cells. The finding offers a conceptual target for potential intervention.
In addition, the discovery suggests that genes displaying age-related changes in luminal cells predict breast cancer types and could serve as valuable biomarkers for early detection and personalized treatment strategies.
For more information, see the eLife study.
Mother Nature inspires innovative catheter for precise treatment of liver tumors
City of Hope interventional radiologists have developed a new type of catheter that infuses immunotherapy drugs directly into liver tumors, says a Scientific Reports study.
A team led by Edward Boas, M.D., Ph.D., City of Hope associate professor of diagnostic radiology, created a new type of infusion catheter that is connected to a small port under the skin. This setup allows for easy access and the long-term delivery of multiple drugs into tumors without subjecting patients to repeated procedures.
Inspired by the structure of a honeybee's stinger, the innovative design uses tiny barbs that anchor the catheter in the tumor. Side holes allow the drug to flow into the tumor tissue.
Doctors currently inject immunotherapy drugs directly into tumors; however, patient movement and breathing can often dislodge the catheters. By offering better control of drug dosage, timing and delivery, the newly designed catheter could reduce side effects and lead to more effective treatment.
For more information, see the Scientific Reports study.
Awards and Honors
- Jenny Paredes, Ph.D., staff scientist, received the ASH Outstanding Abstract Achievement Award, presented by the American Society of Hematology.
- Natalie Smith, clinical research associate, received the 2024 ASH Abstract Achievement Award, presented by the American Society of Hematology.
- Mike Minh Fernandez, B.S., graduate student Department of Systems Biology, received the ASH Hematology Inclusion Pathway Graduate Student Abstract Achievement Award, presented by the American Society of Hematology.
- Xueer Wang, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow, Department of Systems Biology, received the 2024 ASH Abstract Achievement Award, presented by the American Society of Hematology.
Grant Awards
Xiuli Wang, Ph.D., City of Hope professor of hematology and hematopoietic cell transplantation, and Ryotaro Nakamura, M.D., City of Hope hematologist-oncologist and Jan & Mace Siegel Professor in Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, were awarded a $3.7 million grant for a National Cancer Institute-funded project entitled “CMV-specific CD19 CAR T cells amplified in vivo using CMV Triplex vaccine for B-NHL.”
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About City of Hope
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHopeTM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.