A forward genetic screen identifies potassium channel essentiality in SHH medulloblastoma maintenance.

Distinguishing tumor maintenance genes from initiation, progression, and passenger genes is critical for developing effective therapies. We employed a functional genomic approach using the Lazy Piggy transposon to identify tumor maintenance genes in vivo and applied this to sonic hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastoma (MB). Combining Lazy Piggy screening in mice and transcriptomic profiling of human MB, we identified the voltage-gated potassium channel KCNB2 as a candidate maintenance driver.

Telomere-based risk models for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of telomere length measurements as diagnostic biomarkers during early screening for lung cancer in high-risk patients.

Methods: This was a prospective study of patients undergoing lung cancer diagnosis at two Spanish hospitals between April 2017 and January 2020. Telomeres from peripheral blood lymphocytes were analysed by Telomere Analysis Technology, which is based in high-throughput quantitative fluorescent in situ hybridization.

ZIC1 is a context-dependent medulloblastoma driver in the rhombic lip.

Transcription factors are frequent cancer driver genes, exhibiting noted specificity based on the precise cell of origin. We demonstrate that ZIC1 exhibits loss-of-function (LOF) somatic events in group 4 (G4) medulloblastoma through recurrent point mutations, subchromosomal deletions and mono-allelic epigenetic repression (60% of G4 medulloblastoma). In contrast, highly similar SHH medulloblastoma exhibits distinct and diametrically opposed gain-of-function mutations and copy number gains (20% of SHH medulloblastoma).

Effect of a Single Live Group Music Therapy Intervention on Anxiety-State and Well-Being Levels During Chemotherapy: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial Protocol.

Introduction: Many cancer patients experience high levels of anxiety during chemotherapy, which can negatively impact their mental health and their physiological, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Different complementary therapies aim to attenuate these effects, including music therapy. Although there is preliminary evidence on the positive effects of music therapy and music-based interventions in chemotherapy wards, few studies report live group interventions delivered by accredited music therapists.