UF Health Cancer Center researchers, led by Daohong Zhou, M.D., and Guangrong Zheng, Ph.D., have discovered a safer and more effective anticancer drug to target leukemia, lymphoma, and breast and lung cancers. Known as DT2216, the drug acts on a protein called B-cell lymphoma-extra-large, or BCL-XL, which fuels the growth of malignant cells and strengthens their resistance to therapy. The researchers demonstrated in mathematical and mouse models that DT2216 suppressed the growth of several tumors on its own and in combination with other drugs. READ MORE

A group led by UF Health researcher Dorina Avram, Ph.D., found out how one molecular “switch” influences the immune system — a finding they say has major implications for future treatments for immune system diseases and cancer. The absence of a specific gene — known as Bcl11b — in regulatory T cells triggers fatal systemic inflammation in mice. When the Bcl11b gene is absent, T cells are unable to function normally to control multiorgan inflammation in the lungs, liver, skin and kidneys. READ MORE

A study by UF Health researchers, including Ali Zarrinpar, M.D., Ph.D., found that Hispanics, as well as the elderly and people with diabetes, have a higher risk of developing liver cancer. The findings showed alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which are distinguished by the patient’s alcohol consumption, share the same cancer risk factors, suggesting demographic differences may be what puts some patients more at risk of developing liver cancer. Those over the age of 60 are almost four times more at risk while Hispanics and diabetics are nearly two times at risk. READ MORE

UF Health researchers sifting through millions of electronic health records found evidence that nine drugs already being used to treat other health conditions may also have the potential to improve cancer survival. The researchers, led by Yonghui Wu, Ph.D., hope that with additional study, some of these drugs — currently used to treat noncancerous health conditions such as high cholesterol, acid reflux, hypertension and diabetes — could be repurposed as effective cancer treatments. READ MORE

UF researchers, led by Christian Jobin, Ph.D., have found a link between colorectal cancer in mice and the most commonly reported bacterial cause of food poisoning in the United States. One of the key findings of the current cancer study is that using inflammatory inhibitors in a mouse model prevented both inflammation and cancer, suggesting the capability to manipulate cancer-causing activity of C. jejuni. It’s possible that carrying C. jejuni may also put humans at higher risk of cancer. READ MORE

UF researchers, led by David Nelson, M.D., and Haesuk Park, Ph.D., examined the clinical and economic outcomes of direct-acting antiviral therapy, which cures hepatitis C in nearly 95% of patients. When left untreated, hepatitis C can cause liver cancer; cirrhosis, or liver scarring; and other serious liver problems. In a finding the researchers called “disturbing,” 70% of hepatitis C patients in the nationwide health insurance database analyzed in the study had not received treatment, reflecting expensive drug costs and prior authorization policies. READ MORE

A group led by UF Health researcher Naykky Singh Ospina, M.D., authored an analysis of the medical literature to give physicians a handy reference on strategies for the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of thyroid nodules. It’s critically important to have a discussion with the patient about the best approach given their situation, clinical presentation and their estimated risk of thyroid cancer. The researchers hope physicians discuss the clinical evidence and collaborate with patients when making the decision on whether to do a biopsy or monitor with ultrasound. READ MORE