Scientific facts from top world wild research teams

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By Dr. José-Ramón Blanco's team ,  https://doi.org/10.3390/  (2-3 minutes to read)

1. Background: The article discusses whether people who have had COVID-19 for a long time (known as long COVID) might have a higher risk of getting cancer. This concern arises because we know some viruses can increase the risk of cancer.
2. Long COVID: After recovering from the initial COVID-19 infection, some people continue to experience symptoms like fatigue and weakness for a long time. This condition is called long COVID.
3. How Viruses Can Lead to Cancer: The article explains that certain viruses are known to cause cancer. For example, some well-known viruses like the one that causes hepatitis can lead to liver cancer.
4. COVID-19's Effects on Cells: One of the ways COVID-19 might increase cancer risk is by causing changes in our cells. The virus might make cells age faster or behave in ways that could lead to cancer.
5. Inflammation: Long-lasting inflammation, which can happen after a COVID-19 infection, is known to increase the risk of cancer. The article explores whether long COVID might cause this kind of ongoing inflammation.
6. Virus Remaining in the Body: There's a possibility that parts of the COVID-19 virus might stay in the body longer than we thought. This could potentially lead to long-term health effects, including an increased risk of cancer.
7. Direct Effects of the Virus: The article also explores the idea that COVID-19 might directly affect genes that protect us against cancer. If these genes are affected, it could potentially lead to an increased cancer risk.
8. Immune System Impact: COVID-19 can weaken the immune system. Since a strong immune system helps protect against cancer, this weakening could potentially increase cancer risk.
9. Interesting Observations: Surprisingly, some studies mentioned in the article have noted unexpected decreases in cancer during COVID-19 infection, suggesting a complex relationship between the virus and cancer.
10. Conclusion: The article concludes that while there are some theories and early observations, there is still a lot we don’t know. More research is needed to understand if there is a real link between long COVID and an increased risk of cancer.

Cancers (Basel). 2020 Feb; 12(2): 353. Published online 2020 Feb 4. doi: 10.3390/cancers12020353 (2 minutes to read)

In the ever-evolving field of medical science, early detection of cancer remains a pivotal aspect of increasing survival rates and improving patient outcomes. A recent groundbreaking study by Martin Metzenmacher and his team has opened new horizons in this realm, introducing a novel, non-invasive method for early cancer detection using digital-qPCR and circulating cell-free RNA (cfRNA). This article delves into the study's findings and implications, shedding light on how these advancements could be a game-changer for early cancer screening.

The research, published in the "Cancers" journal, explored the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and real-time droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) to analyze cfRNA in the plasma of cancer patients. The study encompassed a diverse group, including individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer (PDAC), malignant melanoma (MM), and urothelial bladder cancer (UBC), as well as healthy controls. The key objective was to assess the feasibility of using cfRNA as a biomarker for early cancer detection.

Key Findings:The researchers identified 192 overlapping upregulated transcripts in NSCLC and PDAC, primarily noncoding RNA. Notably, the study highlighted the potential of a specific transcript, POU6F2-AS2, in distinguishing NSCLC patients from healthy individuals. Moreover, the cfRNA yield and abundance of POU6F2-AS2 transcripts showed remarkable accuracy in differentiating PDAC patients from healthy controls. These findings underline the efficacy of cfRNA in early cancer detection, with a focus on noncoding RNA, which historically has been less explored in cancer diagnostics.

Implications for Early Cancer Detection:The implications of this study are profound. Traditional methods like imaging and biopsies, though effective, have limitations, including invasiveness and potential for false positives. The non-invasive nature of the cfRNA and digital-qPCR method offers a comfortable and safer alternative for patients. This approach not only enhances the accuracy of early cancer detection but also holds the promise of detecting multiple cancer types through a simple blood test.

Digital-qPCR stands out due to its precision and sensitivity in quantifying DNA or RNA. This method's ability to detect rare genetic materials makes it particularly suitable for early cancer detection, where the tumor load is often minimal. By combining digital-qPCR with cfRNA analysis, we can now identify cancer-specific changes in RNA, paving the way for early intervention and treatment.

What This Means for You:For individuals at risk of cancer or those seeking reliable early detection methods, this study offers hope and a new avenue for screening. By opting for a digital-qPCR based test, you're choosing a cutting-edge, less invasive, and highly accurate method for early cancer detection. This approach aligns with the latest scientific advancements, ensuring that you receive the best possible care in your cancer prevention journey.

Conclusion:The breakthrough study by Metzenmacher and his team is a significant stride forward in cancer diagnostics. By harnessing the power of digital-qPCR and cfRNA analysis, we're on the cusp of transforming how we detect and manage cancer at its earliest stages. Embracing this technology means embracing a future where early detection and successful treatment of cancer become more achievable than ever.