August brings advances in the field of cancer treatment and detection, thanks to the partnership of scientists and physicians. Scientists persevered in their research to find a new molecule to help improve cancer immunotherapy treatment. The well mapped brain of a locust and its sense of smell is aiding scientists with cancer detection. New research warns that a diet high in saturated fats can increase chances of bladder cancer in males.

New Molecule Could Improve Cancer Immunotherapy’s Effectiveness and Accessibility

We have developed a molecule that can inhibit PD-1/PD-L1 binding and remind the immune system that it needs to attack the cancer reports technologynetworks.com . This molecule uses the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer. In the past, immunotherapies have been expensive and challenging to manufacture. Until this new molecule, immunotherapies primarily worked on cancer that did not have solid tumors. With the help of Computer Aid Drug Design (CADD), they were able to find the best structure for the molecule. This new molecule is more cost effective and easier to manufacture. This new immunotherapy treatment is effective on solid tumors, expanding the types of cancer that can be treated. Patients will be able to take immunotherapy orally from home, instead of intravenously which is how it is currently given. Immunotherapy will be more affordable and effective for patients, dramatically improving cancer patient outcomes. Find more information here.

Researchers Hack Locust Brains to Help Diagnose Cancer by Smelling Them

In their quest to find a technology that can “sniff” out cancer, researchers at Michigan State University have revealed that locusts can not only “smell” the difference between cancer cells and healthy cells, but they can also distinguish between different cancer cell lines reports interestingengineering.com. Researchers have already mapped out the locust’s brain, they understand it’s neural circuits and olfactory sensors. Using electrodes over the locust brain, scientists can see responses to gas samples and can create chemical profiles. Cancer cells emit chemicals that differ from healthy cells. Locusts can smell the cancer chemicals. This method can work with any cancer that introduces volatile metabolites into the breath. Plans are in progress to develop a closed system with a portable sensor to use for detection. The earlier the detection of cancer, the higher the chances of patient survivability. Find more information here.

Too Much Saturated Fat Could Increase Bladder Cancer Risk in Men- What Are the Signs?

The research, funded by the World Cancer Research Fund, found that consuming too much saturated fats increased the risk of bladder cancer in men by 37%, while women who ate monounsaturated fatty acids and plant-based oils (such as olive, coconut, and sesame oil) decreased their risk of the disease by 27% reports newschain.com . The quality of the fat eaten effects developing bladder cancer. There is an even higher risk of developing bladder cancer with certain conditions such as type 2 diabetes, repeated bladder infections, repeated kidney stones, and long-term indwelling urinary catheter use. Smoking causes an increased risk of this cancer also. Symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, dark urine, frequent urination and urgency, pain with urination, and pain in the lower abdomen. A physician uses urine microscopy, cystoscopy with biopsy, CT scan, or MRI for diagnosis. The treatment of bladder cancer involves tumor removal or removal of the bladder. It is often recommended to have treatment with chemotherapy and radiation as well. Find more information here.