Global Study Seeks to Unravel Secrets of 'Super Survivors' in Cancer Treatment

GB
Published:

Doctors have launched the first global study aimed at understanding why certain cancer patients, dubbed 'super survivors', manage to excel in their recovery despite severe diagnoses. Named the Rosalind study, this initiative will compile data from large groups of these extraordinary patients.

Led by Dr. Thankamma Ajithkumar at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, the study seeks to examine patients with aggressive cancer types, including extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, where only 3% to 5% of patients survive beyond five years following diagnosis.

Historically, survival disparities were often attributed to luck or chance, but Dr. Ajithkumar emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation to uncover reliable predictors of longevity. "We will have a much larger database to say more confidently that this is what is making you live longer," he stated.

Among those participating in the study is Katherine Webster, a stage four glioblastoma survivor who defied her prognosis after surgery and intensive treatment. "I never believed I was going to die," she reflected, highlighting the significance of a positive mindset throughout her battle.

The research will involve examination of biological data from more than 1,000 patients across over 40 countries, including contributions from eight UK cancer centers. Researchers aim not only to satisfy curiosity about survival mechanisms but also to potentially identify new drug targets for cancer treatment.

Co-founder of Cure51, the biotech startup overseeing the project, Nicolas Wolikow, expressed an ambitious goal: to "kill cancer" within 20 years by replicating the biological mechanisms seen in super survivors for broader patient populations.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from United Kingdom

UK Woman Exposes Yoga Center's Exploitative Practices in Shocking Report

A woman from Oxfordshire has revealed her harrowing experience at the Tara Yoga Centre in London, alleging it operated as a front for a sex cult led by Gregorian Bivolaru, who faces multiple criminal charges. According to a report by The Sun, the woman, who sought spiritual healing, became ensnared in a sex trafficking ring masquerading as a yoga institution. The woman recounted being invited to a retreat where sexual activities were promoted under the guise of spiritual awakening. She described disturbing encounters with Bivolaru, where she was led to believe that sexual relations with him would facilitate enlightenment. This alarming narrative surfaced as Bivolaru was arrested by French police in November 2023 on serious charges including human trafficking and rape. During the raid, authorities rescued 58 women from poor living conditions. The Tara Yoga Centre, which promotes Bivolaru's teachings, is part of the Movement for Spiritual Integration into the Absolute, operating in the UK and 28 other countries. The woman's testimony highlights concerns over exploitation disguised as spirituality within such organizations.
GB

Scientists Near Breakthrough in Lab-Grown Eggs and Sperm Technology

Researchers in the UK are on the verge of creating eggs and sperm through in-vitro gametogenesis (IVG), a technique that could revolutionize reproduction and allow single individuals and same-sex couples to have biological children, according to a report from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) released on January 30, 2025. The process involves generating gametes from skin or stem cells, potentially making it feasible for children to be born using lab-produced sperm and eggs within the next decade. Experts note that while this advancement could alleviate age-related infertility issues, it also raises significant ethical and medical risks. Concerns about genetic screening and the possibility of creating multiple embryos have led the HFEA to urge caution and recommend legal and ethical regulations before the technology is implemented. There are fears that such advancements could inadvertently lead to eugenics practices by allowing parents to select embryos based on desired traits. As discussions continue, the technique has not yet been made available as a medical treatment. Legal changes from the British Parliament will ultimately determine its future application.
GB

UK Government Moves to Ban Bee-Killing Pesticides Amid Ecological Crisis

The UK government is taking steps to ban three neonicotinoids—clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam—set to address severe threats to bee populations, according to multiple reports. This decision follows scrutiny from the Office for Environmental Protection regarding the emergency use of thiamethoxam, which has been permitted annually since 2021 despite its harmful impact on pollinators, reported The Guardian. Ecologist Dave Goulson from the University of Sussex emphasized the dangers of these pesticides, stating that "one teaspoon is enough to deliver a lethal dose to 1.25 billion honeybees." He noted that these neurotoxins not only jeopardize bees but also other insects and organisms dependent on them. The proposed ban is a response to the declining pollinator populations critical for crop production. Emma Hardy, the Environment Minister, expressed the necessity of protecting these insects, stating that maintaining a "healthy environment is vital to our food and economic security." Advocates have called for a comprehensive national pesticide plan to ensure stronger regulations moving forward.
GB