National Cancer Institute awards UCLA $9.1 million in research grant to advance early detection of cancer
(Image credit: UCLA Health)
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have received a total of $9.1 million in grants from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to advance liquid biopsy technology to advance early detection of cancer. detection. Optimization of liquid biopsy technology will significantly improve treatment methods and models, and effectively reduce the number of deaths caused by cancer.
Liquid biopsy is a promising non-invasive medical test that uses a small amount of blood to help scientists gain insights into the genetic makeup of tumors. Analyzing blood components can also help doctors gain valuable information about genetic mutations, alterations and other molecular changes associated with the presence of cancer.
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With the support of grants,
We will move forward with current testing,
By creating comprehensive therapies that combine information from multiple modalities
Detects liver, colorectal, liver, lung, and early gastric cancer .
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– Dr. Xianghong (Jasmine) Zhou
Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
Scientist, UCLA Health Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Developing of liver cancer test for early detection
(Image credit: UCLA Health)
Principal investigator Jasmine Zhou, Ph.D., along with Steven-Huy Han, Ph.D., Samuel French, Ph.D., and Vatche Agopian, Ph.D., of Didi Geffen School of Medicine and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, will use the first grant from the National Cancer Institute to develop and validate integrated blood, Imaging and clinical data for to detect early-stage liver cancer . a liquid biopsy method
Liver cancer is one of the cancer types with the highest mortality rate. Although the medical community overall has made progress in reducing liver cancer overall is still increasing due to common factors such as obesity and alcohol abuse . liver cancer mortality, the incidence of
The team headed by Dr. Jasmine Zhou has previously developed a highly sensitive, cost-effective method for cancer detection using cell-free DNA methylomes, and successfully tested it on a group of patients with liver disease. They plan to expand their research, refine their methods, and collaborate with other institutions to create a comprehensive approach that combines genetic, imaging, and clinical information to optimize the detection of early-stage liver cancer .
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The ultimate goal of our research
It is to reduce liver cancer . the mortality caused by
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– Steven-Huy Han, MD
Zhou, Han and French were joined by Ph.D.s on the UCLA team, which also included Dr. Wenyuan Li and Dr. Weihua Zeng from Pathology Sarah Dry from Pathology ; Dr. Kevin King, Dr. Did Lu, Dr. Steven Raman, Kyung from Radiology Dr. Sung and Dr. Holden Wu. and Laboratory Medicine; Dr. Frank Alber from Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics; Dr. Jihane Benhammou, Dr. Gina Choi, Dr. Mohamed El Kabany, Dr. Sammy Saab, Dr. Akshay Shetty and Dr. Jasleen Singh; Dr.
Use cell-free DNA methylation analysis for early detection of multiple cancers
(Image credit: UCLA Health)
The second grant from the National Cancer Institute will be used to optimize cell-free DNA methylomes for early detection of colon , gastric , liver and lung cancers .
Principal investigators on this phase include Dr. Jasmine Zhou and Dr. Wenyuan Li, as well as Dr. Robert Bresalier of MD Anderson Cancer Center. The team has already achieved promising results in preliminary studies and plans to improve the study’s overall technical performance by improving data analysis and effectiveness study models across multiple clinical groups.
In addition, they will work with industry partners to optimize cell-free DNA methylome technology to enable wider clinical application of the technology, and enter the data into a secure cloud computing platform to facilitate decentralized testing.
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If successful, this test will provide useful information for colon cancer , stomach cancer ,
liver and lung cancer. Transformative improvements in early detection and treatment of
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– Dr. Wenyuan Li
The UCLA team on the research project also includes Drs. Han, Alber and Zeng, as well as Drs. Shuo Li from Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Dr. Ashley Prosper from Radiology.
(Image credit: UCLA Health)
About UCLA Health’s Liver Cancer Treatment Program
The liver is the organ responsible for digestion and removal of toxins from the body, and primary liver cancer begins in the liver. At UCLA Health, we treat many types of liver cancer , including:
Hepatocellular carcinoma ( liver cancer ): The most common form of liver cancer . Hepatocellular carcinoma can be caused by cirrhosis of the liver or scarring of the liver .
Angiosarcoma . : A rare cancer that starts in blood vessels in the liver
Cholangiocarcinoma : A slow-growing cancer that originates in the lining of the liver or bile ducts.
Hepatoblastoma: A rare cancer of infants and children. It usually occurs in children younger than 5 years old and may cause early puberty in older children.
Metastatic liver cancer : A cancer that originates elsewhere in the body and spreads to the liver.
From diagnosis to treatment, UCLA Health Medical Center cares for you. Our comprehensive liver cancer services include:
1. of liver cancer Diagnosis
To get an accurate diagnosis of liver cancer , your care team may order one or more of the following tests based on your symptoms:
Blood tests: A set of laboratory tests that check liver function.
Advanced Imaging: Provides clear images of the liver and surrounding organs. Your specialist may order an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan.
Angiography: An imaging test that uses a special dye to see blood vessels in the liver. X-rays capture images of blood vessels to show the location and size of tumors, and doctors then use this information to determine the stage of cancer development.
Liver biopsy: A sample of tumor tissue used to check for damage or signs of disease, including cancer.
2. Liver cancer genetic research: Our genetic counselors and oncologists work together to determine the cause of liver cancer and assess your risk for future disease. Using this information, we can help you make important decisions about your health.
3. Liver cancer recovery support: When you or a loved one has cancer, it can be helpful to find a support community you can rely on. The Simms/Mann-UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology (more information below) can provide patients with counseling services, spiritual support, meditation, nutrition and other group activities. and support.
About UCLA Health Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center
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The UCLA Health Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center , a testament to the center’s excellence in medical education and treatment. UCLA Health Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center has a strong partnership with our health system and continues to provide outstanding cancer care and preventive community outreach programs.
A comprehensive cancer center
UCLA Health Medical Center has been consistently ranked as one of the “Best Cancer Centers” in California by U.S. News and World Report, and among the best in the United States; among them, UCLA Health Medical Center Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center ranks No. 1 in California and Los Angeles. One, it is also one of the four major cancer centers in the United States.
Patients will benefit from comprehensive care and support services from physicians, clinics, centers and hospitals in more than 40 scientific fields and disciplines.
Ties to UCLA
UCLA is a world-class academic institution integrating research and teaching, and UCLA Health has been consistently rated as one of the “Best Medical Centers in the Western United States” and “Top Hospitals in the United States” by U.S. News and World Report. one.
There are more than 500 doctors and scientists in our comprehensive medical system, of which more than 200 UCLA Health doctors have won the reputation of “America’s Best Doctors”. The medical team is committed to the most cutting-edge technologies and treatments for cancer detection, providing the most cutting-edge technologies and treatments. Good experimental and traditional cancer treatments.
State-of-the-art cancer treatment
UCLA Health’s Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center has earned an international reputation for its development of new cancer therapies, cutting-edge experimental models, and optimized use of traditional therapies. Successful targeted therapies such as Herceptin, Herceptin, and Sprycel all originated from basic research conducted in UCLA laboratories and subsequent clinical trials.
interdisciplinary research model
We have more than 350 doctors and scientists in the fields of immunology, genetics, geriatrics, hematology, public health, dentistry and nursing, who jointly provide patients with comprehensive, professional cancer services and treatments.
More than just cancer treatment
Within the UCLA Health medical center system, patients can receive a full range of services: in early detection, cancer prevention, related education, health conditions, nutritional guidance, and mental health . professional support
Network distribution
UCLA Health’s clinics, hospitals and treatment centers are located in Westwood, Los Angeles, California and throughout Southern California and the Central Coast, and clinical trials are conducted in California and throughout the United States.
About Sims/MAN-UCLA Comprehensive Oncology Center
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At Sims/Mann-UCLA Comprehensive Oncology Center, our team is dedicated to caring for your body, mind and spirit as you recover, fueling the exceptional clinical care you receive at UCLA Health.
Our integrative oncology experts deeply understand the connection between physical and mental health. When most patients face the challenges brought by cancer, they hope to optimize their health status as a whole. The patients’ families, friends and caregivers also need professional information and guidance to help the patients recover. The rehabilitation support provided by our center includes (but is not limited to) the following aspects:
Nutritional assurance during and after cancer treatment
Sleep problems with cancer and treatment
mental and emotional health
Logistics and financial matters related to cancer diagnosis and treatment
Our multi-professional team provides the best combination and use of medications
We work together to provide holistic care and promote collaborative relationships between patients, loved ones and healthcare providers.
Meet the principal investigators
Dr. Xianghong (Jasmine) Zhou
Dr. Zhou’s research focuses on using precision medicine and big data analysis to carry out early detection of cancer.
Steven-Huy Han, MD, FAASLD, AGAF
Dr. Han’s key research directions include: 1) developing serum biomarkers for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk groups (including patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B infection); 2) studying hepatitis B- related liver cancer of the pathology Physiology, trying to elucidate the relationship between hepatitis B virological status, serum biomarkers and liver cancer development tendency; 3) study the relationship between MR imaging of pre-HCC lesions, serum biomarkers and HCC development tendency.
Samuel French, MD, PhD
Dr. French’s research targets the detection and treatment of hepatitis C liver virus-mediated cancer , focusing primarily on proteomic approaches. He also continues to study gene expression that identifies early hepatocyte dysplasia.
Why Choose UCLA Health Medical Center?
At UCLA Health, patients benefit from the most advanced cancer care models and comprehensive care and support services from physicians, clinics, centers and hospitals from more than 40 scientific and medical disciplines. This multidisciplinary approach can help patients and families cope with the immediate and long-term effects of cancer, maximizing their well-being throughout and beyond treatment.
