Anna Megdell
Science writer and editor

Megdell joined the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center communications team in 2022. Prior to that she served as the natural sciences writer for the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Contact: megdella@med.umich.edu

megdell
cancer cells microscope blue green
Health Lab
Certain gene signaling rewires tumors after immunotherapy
For some patients, immunotherapy furthers tumor progression instead of halting it. What distinguishes those who benefit from those who don’t?
 Mouse model of human colorectal cancer
Health Lab
High levels of ammonia in colon tumors inhibits T cell growth and response to immunotherapy
In mouse models and serum samples, an FDA-approved drug that lowers ammonia levels made the tumors more sensitive to treatment.
 cell slides under microscope
Health Lab
P53 could be key to therapies for salivary gland cancer
Mouse models show that activating a non-mutated form of the gene could lead to developing therapies for this deadly form of cancer. 
 ovarian cancer tumor under microscope lab note
Health Lab
Machine learning creates opportunity for new personalized therapies
In cell-line and mouse models of ovarian cancer, researchers developed an interdisciplinary approach to identify metabolic vulnerabilities in certain genes that could be targeted to kill cancer cells.
 human silhouette groin zoom prostate
Health Lab
Study suggests commonly used prostate cancer treatment rewires engine of prostate tumors
Biopsies from the same patients before and after treatment reveal how a specific drug reprograms prostate tumors.
 outline of person with red dot in throat
Health Lab
What clinical trials can teach us
A clinical trial in head and neck cancer explored ways to improve clinical outcomes for patients. Although the trial failed, researchers found insight into new ways to address treatment resistance.
 myeloma purple green
Health Lab
Researchers find link between genetic mutations and cancer treatment resistance
Patients with relapsed multiple myeloma are resistant to commonly used treatments. Researchers are one step closer to understanding the genetic reason why.
 microscopic collagen tumor green blue
Health Lab
Dynamic cells linked to brain tumor growth and recurrence
In mice, researchers have discovered the presence of oncostreams, highly active cells connected to how brain tumors grow and invade healthy tissue.
 microscopic tumor cellular blue green
Health Lab
Viral proteins key to tumor model in mice
Researchers have figured out how to create a mouse model of a rare but fatal skin cancer, a scientific discovery 10 years in the making.
 Microscopic slide of purple cancer cells
Health Lab
High fat diet, unregulated athletic exercise endurance enhancers linked to risk of pancreatic cancer
A study suggests substances touted to improve athletic performance can activate a receptor that accelerates the progression of pre-cancerous lesions to pancreatic cancer in mice.
 lymph nodes breast cancer under microscope
Health Lab
Study finds nanomedicine targeting lymph nodes key to triple negative breast cancer treatment
In mice, nanomedicine can remodel the immune microenvironment in lymph node and tumor tissue for long-term remission and lung tumor elimination in this form of metastasized breast cancer.
 women doc looking ay xray up on bright board
Health Lab
Simple changes in care reduced heart exposure during lung cancer radiation treatment
By raising awareness about the correlation between increased radiation exposure and cardiac events, average doses were reduced without minimizing cancer treatment. 
 pink brain cross section pink tumor
Health Lab
Spinal fluid sampling used to track treatment response in pediatric glioma
Findings suggest this method could provide data about tumors sooner than MRIs alone.
 Doctors huddled with masks and labcoats on looking at book
Health Lab
For glioblastoma, a new clinical trial fosters innovation and hope
The trial advances basic science research on the relationship between purine levels and treatment resistance to develop new treatment options for patients.
 cell in red with black background with lab note written
Health Lab
Researchers find natural mechanism to sensitize cancer to immunotherapy
A study defines how a type of cell death occurs from a protein and fatty acid found inside the body.
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