HONG KONG -- The mutational mechanism of a rare and deadly brain cancer has been uncovered by scientists from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, providing new therapeutic lead to the disease.Starting off at nerve cells around the spine and brain, lower-grade glioma (LGG) is the early form of sGBM -- one of the deadliest brain cancers. While sGBM can be treated with surgery or an oral chemotherapy drug, most of these malign tumors would mutate and return with mortality rate reaching almost 100 percent.In their latest study made public on Monday, the team led by Wang Jiguang, assistant professor at the university's Division of Life Science and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, analyzed and integrated the genomic data of 188 sGBM patients, including newly collected samples from Chinese mainland and South Korean patients.The study found that about 14 percent of the sampled sGBM patients displayed mutations in this gene.Taking reference from this discovery, the university's collaborators, Jiang Tao and his team from Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and Beijing Tiantan Hospital, identified a drug molecule named PLB-1001 that can reach the tumors in the brain.The molecule shows remarkable potency in selectively targeting sGBM tumors and those displaying further gene mutations.The clinical trial of PLB-1001 on 18 recurrent patients at late cancer stage returned with a partial positive response in two patients.After being prescribed a daily dosage ranging from 50 to 300 mg at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, the two patients experienced significant tumor shrinkage, with relieved symptoms and little side effects, lasting for more than 12 weeks.The outcome of this clinical trial is significant in a sense that it furthers the knowledge about sGBM treatment, Wang said, adding that developing computational models on cancer evolution helps predict cancer cells' future behavior and prioritize treatment options.Wang said more studies on PLB-1001 are needed to see if it can be used in conjunction with other drugs in achieving more persistent results.The findings were published in scientific journal Cell on Nov 29. custom rolex braceletblue silicone wristbandscustomized silicone braceletspersonalized rubber band braceletssiliconeband ca
The media center for the upcoming annual sessions of the national legislature and top political advisory body opened on Tuesday to reporters from home and abroad.The center said more than 3,000 journalists have registered to cover the two sessions - the plenary session of the National People's Congress and the plenary session of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. The CPPCC session will start on March 3 and NPC session on March 5.For the first time, reporters will have a chance to interview NPC deputies along a newly planned deputies' passage in the Great Hall of the People, similar to the ministers' passage at previous sessions, said He Shaoren, director of the media center.The ministers' passage, also known as the ministers' red carpet, is the 100-meter passage near the northern gate of the Great Hall of the People through which ministers and other high-ranking officials must walk through before entering the meeting hall. During the two sessions, the corridor is usually crowded with reporters trying to raise questions to ministers and glean information from their quick responses.This year, many NPC deputies will be invited to take media questions in a similar fashion so the session will be more open, He said.There also will be a series of news conferences during the upcoming two sessions, such as on China's foreign policy, reform and development and fiscal policy, he said.The media center, at Beijing's Media Center Hotel, has set up a main news conference hall, interview rooms, receptions for journalists from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and foreign journalists.The official website of the center provides information from the sessions and interviews. Reporters also can use its public computer ports and free Wi-Fi and have access to free drinks and snacks.Zhou Wen, a reporter at China Women's News, said it is convenient to write and send out her stories with the facilities at the media center.The computers and internet here are quite handy. But I wish there would be more information about the delegations, NPC deputies and CPPCC (National Committee) members once the two sessions start, she said. plain rubber wristbandsmake rubber braceletssilicone wristbands bulkwristband custom silicone braceletscheap custom wristbands free shipping<%2fcenter>
