Gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk: an observational and Mendelian randomization study
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 30-Apr-2025 09:08 ET (30-Apr-2025 13:08 GMT/UTC)
This study explores the relationship between gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk through both observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) methods. The research aims to clarify the inconsistent findings from previous studies regarding the association of gallstones and cholecystectomy with various types of cancers, particularly in Chinese adults.
Patients with active cancer who developed a blood clot, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), and were treated with blood-thinning medication for at least six months, followed by an additional 12 months of low-dose apixaban, experienced similar VTE recurrences and less bleeding as similar patients who received a full dose of the oral blood-thinning medication over the same extended period. These findings from the API-CAT trial were presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25).
Investigators at Mass General Brigham have uncovered how resistance to chemotherapies may occur in some cancers. Researchers focused on a pathway that harnesses reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill cancer cells. The study found that mutations to VPS35, a key player in this pathway, can prevent chemotherapy-induced cell death. These results, published in Nature, could help pinpoint treatment-resistant tumors.
The members of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) have elected Keith T. Flaherty, MD, Fellow of the AACR Academy, as the AACR President-Elect for 2025-2026. Flaherty will become President-Elect on Monday, April 28, during the AACR’s Annual Business Meeting of Members at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 in Chicago, Illinois and will assume the Presidency in April 2026 at the AACR Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), commonly referred to as glioblastoma, is a malignant intracranial tumor derived from glial cells, and has the highest degree of malignancy with the poorest prognosis and survival rates. Despite recent advances in treatment, the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma remains poor. Hence, identifying more effective therapeutic diagnostic targets to improve patient outcomes remains an elusive goal in GBM research.