DR. ELI T. ZIV, M.D.

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This study looked at how safe and effective microwave ablation (MWA) is for treating lung cancers, both primary and metastatic, involving 669 tumors from 383 patients over more than a decade. The results showed that MWA had a local control rate of 90.3% after one year and 84.7% after two years, meaning the treatment successfully kept the tumors from growing for that period. It also found that using standard power settings during the procedure led to longer times before the cancer came back, without increasing the risk of side effects. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with lung cancer by providing effective treatment options and informs doctors about how to optimize their approaches.

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This study looked at a new way to treat pancreatic cancer using a mixture of two substances (bumetanide and ethiodized oil) injected directly into the blood vessels leading to the tumors in pigs designed to mimic human cancer. The results showed that this treatment reduced tumor size by about 10.3%, while tumors in untreated pigs grew by 45%. These findings are significant because they suggest a promising method for targeting pancreatic cancer without causing significant side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients with pancreatic cancer by potentially offering a safer and more effective treatment option.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a treatment called Yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases, involving 39 patients who underwent 57 treatments. The researchers found that 45% of patients experienced local tumor progression within one year, but the overall survival rate was a median of 31 months. Patients with a tumor growth rate higher than 20% were at greater risk for recurrence, and only 3.5% experienced serious complications requiring hospitalization. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases and their doctors by providing insights into treatment risks and outcomes.

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This study compared two approaches to breast cancer screening: risk-based screening based on individual risk factors versus standard annual mammograms. Researchers found that risk-based screening led to a similar rate of advanced cancers (30 per 100,000 person-years) compared to annual screening (48 per 100,000 person-years), while significantly reducing the number of mammograms performed. However, this new method did not lower the number of breast biopsies taken. Who this helps: This benefits women undergoing breast cancer screening, especially those with varying risk levels.

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This study looked at genetic testing results in women aged 40 to 74 who had no history of breast cancer, as part of the WISDOM trial. Out of nearly 23,100 women tested, 714 (or 3.1%) were found to have harmful genetic variants linked to breast cancer. Importantly, almost 30% of these women had no family history of breast cancer, suggesting that many people who could benefit from genetic testing currently do not meet the criteria for it. Who this helps: This helps women at risk for breast cancer, particularly those with no family history.

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This study looked at why people, especially those identifying as Black, experience more severe allergic reactions called angioedema when taking certain blood pressure medications compared to White individuals. Researchers found that Black patients have up to five times more risk of this reaction, due to a mix of genetic factors and social influences, including alcohol use. They discovered new genetic markers that help explain these differences and suggest a more personalized approach to prescribing medications rather than relying on race. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who take RAAS inhibitors, especially those at higher risk of angioedema.

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This study examined the gene activity in the blood of non-Hispanic Black individuals with asthma to understand how the disease develops and worsens. Researchers found specific gene patterns that change when asthma first starts and just before it gets worse, including changes in pathways related to immune response; for example, certain genes were more active in people with controlled asthma than in those with uncontrolled asthma. This matters because identifying these changes could lead to new treatments that help prevent severe asthma attacks. Who this helps: This helps patients with asthma, especially within non-Hispanic Black communities.

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This study looked at breast tumors from 748 Hispanic/Latina women in California and compared them to tumors from 388 non-Hispanic White women. The researchers found that while the general tumor profiles were similar, Hispanic/Latina women had more mutations in a specific genomic area and were more likely to have a positive immune environment linked to their Indigenous American ancestry. This is important because understanding these differences could lead to more tailored treatments and better patient outcomes based on ancestry. Who this helps: This helps Hispanic and Latina women by providing insights for personalized cancer treatment.

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This study looked at the relationship between a substance in our blood called insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and the risk of developing multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Researchers analyzed data from over 444,000 people in the UK Biobank and found that higher levels of IGF-I were associated with an increased risk of multiple myeloma, with a hazard ratio of 1.11 for each standard deviation increase in IGF-I. Additionally, they noted a 27% higher risk of multiple myeloma linked to genetically determined IGF-I levels. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and researchers studying cancer risk factors.

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This research studied how the time it takes for interventional radiologists (IR) to perform procedures changes after they finish their training. The findings showed that in the first year of practice, on average, doctors significantly reduced their procedure times, with the Sirsphere treatment dropping from 232 minutes to just 155 minutes, and several other procedures also showing major time reductions. This matters because faster procedures can lead to better patient care and more efficient use of hospital resources. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing interventional radiology treatments.

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This study looked at microwave ablation (MWA) as a treatment for liver tumors caused by non-small cell lung cancer, involving 23 patients and 27 treatment sessions. The researchers found that 81.3% of the treated tumors were effectively managed, with patients living a median of 31.7 months after treatment, and a median time without tumor growth of 16.3 months. Keeping an adequate distance around the tumor during treatment helped reduce progress, especially for older patients and those without additional lung tumors. Who this helps: Patients with liver metastases from non-small cell lung cancer.

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This study looked at how well different genetic tools predict breast cancer risk in women of Latin American heritage. Researchers found that existing tools, which were primarily developed for European and Asian populations, did not work well for these women, especially those with more Indigenous American ancestry. However, by adding specific genetic markers relevant to this group, they improved prediction accuracy, showing that a tailored approach could better assess breast cancer risk. Who this helps: This benefits women of Latin American heritage by providing more accurate breast cancer risk assessments.

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This study looked at a procedure called transarterial embolization used to treat patients with lung tumors who were suddenly experiencing heavy coughing up of blood, known as hemoptysis. Out of 37 patients treated, 31 (about 84%) saw improvements in their symptoms within 24 hours. While the average survival after treatment was just 18 days, the procedure was found to be safe with no serious side effects reported. Who this helps: This helps patients with primary and metastatic lung tumors experiencing sudden hemoptysis.

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Researchers studied whether a computer program, called a large language model, could effectively pull important health information from records of patients who had microwave ablation for lung tumors. They looked at data from 20 patients, analyzing 104 radiology reports and 37 clinic notes, and found that the program could accurately identify key health outcomes, like tumor recurrence and complications, 85% to 100% of the time. This is significant because it shows that using this technology can make it easier to analyze patient data and improve research in lung treatments. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working in lung cancer treatment.

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This study looked at how our understanding of the immune system's response to cancer has improved, especially with treatments like immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and adoptive cell therapy (ACT). Researchers found that while these therapies can be life-changing for some patients, many do not benefit due to complex factors like genetic differences and the nature of the cancer itself. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing better treatments and improving outcomes for more patients. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients seeking more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how a specific mutation (TP53) in liver cancer affects the survival and progression of patients treated with a procedure called transarterial embolization (TAE). It found that patients with the TP53 mutation had a shorter average survival of 15.2 months compared to 31.2 months for those without the mutation. Additionally, those with the mutation experienced quicker tumor progression at the treatment site, with 65.4% showing local progression within 6 months, compared to 40.8% for those without the mutation. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients with liver cancer by helping them understand the risks associated with TP53 mutations.

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This research looked at how genetics affects a person's risk of developing multiple cancers, especially after they have already had one. The study involved nearly 85,000 cancer patients and over 420,000 healthy individuals, finding six genetic variants linked to increased risk for people with multiple primary tumors. Specifically, it showed that issues with telomeres (the protective ends of chromosomes) and immune system problems play crucial roles in this increased risk, which could help in developing better prevention and treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for multiple cancers and their doctors in understanding genetic factors for better monitoring and intervention.

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This study looked at how certain genetic variants influence gene expression by analyzing over 14,000 RNA samples from diverse populations. Researchers found that many genetic signals related to gene expression are more complex than previously understood, revealing 34,107 signals linked to traits, of which 7,096 are associated with additional regulatory changes. This is important because it helps improve our understanding of the genetics behind various traits and diseases, leading to better insights for developing targeted treatments. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors who are studying genetic factors in diseases.

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This study looked at how a person's genetic risk for autoimmune diseases might predict whether they would need to stop using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) due to side effects known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Researchers found that patients with a higher genetic risk were more likely to stop treatment early; for example, 4.8% of patients in the highest genetic risk group discontinued treatment because of irAEs within three months, compared to only 2% in the lowest group. This information is important because it could help doctors identify which patients are at higher risk for these side effects and make better treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for cancer.

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This study looked at how safe and effective two types of treatments, hepatic arterial embolization (HAE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE), are for patients with liver cancer resulting from pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PACC). They found that patients who received these treatments had an average time without tumor growth of about 6.8 months, and patients who had multiple treatments experienced a longer average time of 22.3 months. Overall, about 67% of patients were still alive one year after starting treatment, indicating that these therapies can help manage this aggressive cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma and their doctors by providing new treatment options.

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This study examined the use of yttrium-90 radioembolization, a type of radiation therapy, to treat liver tumors caused by thymic carcinomas in three patients. The researchers found that this treatment can be effective for liver metastases, which are often challenging to treat, providing a new option for these patients. This research is significant because it offers hope for better outcomes for those suffering from rare cancers like thymic carcinoma. Who this helps: Patients with thymic carcinoma that has spread to the liver.

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This study looked at how well microwave ablation (MWA) works for treating lung tumors that came from colorectal cancer. Researchers found that the treatment led to a high local tumor control rate, with 91.9% of patients free from local tumor growth after one year, and many patients (74.7%) were able to avoid chemotherapy for at least two months after the procedure. The median time without chemotherapy was 12 months for patients with only lung tumors compared to just 4 months for those with additional tumors elsewhere in the body, highlighting that MWA can significantly improve treatment outcomes for some patients. Who this helps: This benefits colorectal cancer patients with lung metastases, especially those without additional tumors.

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This study looked at the genetic factors linked to peanut allergies in Black individuals. Researchers found that certain gene variations, specifically the HLA alleles 13:02 and 01:02, were connected to higher risks of peanut allergy and severe reactions called anaphylaxis. For instance, having the 13:02 allele nearly doubled the likelihood of having a peanut allergy compared to those without it. Understanding these genetic links is crucial because it can help improve diagnosis and treatment for peanut allergies in specific populations that are currently underrepresented in research. Who this helps: This helps patients with peanut allergies, particularly Black individuals who are disproportionately affected.

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The PRIMERO study looks at how respiratory illnesses in young children might lead to asthma, particularly among Puerto Rican kids who face higher rates of both issues. Over 2,100 mother-child pairs were enrolled, and researchers found that out of 6,076 respiratory illnesses tracked, 38.4% affected the lower lungs. This research is important because it will help us understand how early exposure to respiratory viruses may influence asthma development in at-risk children. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially young children and their families dealing with asthma and respiratory issues.

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The study examined the factors that contribute to shrimp allergy and sensitization in a large group of patients from metropolitan Detroit. Researchers found that out of nearly 3 million patients, 4,709 reported having shrimp allergies, with higher rates observed in Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American, and Latino individuals compared to White individuals. Additionally, the study revealed that older age, being female, having asthma, and lower household income were linked to higher rates of shrimp allergy, highlighting the role of both environmental and genetic factors in these allergies. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with shrimp allergies and healthcare providers by improving understanding of risk factors associated with these allergies.

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This study looks at various minimally invasive techniques used by interventional radiologists to treat lung tumors and manage symptoms in patients with thoracic cancers. The findings show that procedures like percutaneous ablation are effective and safe, particularly for patients with other health issues or those dealing with a limited spread of cancer. These approaches can significantly improve patients' quality of life by relieving symptoms and making treatments more accessible. Who this helps: Patients with lung tumors and associated symptoms.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a treatment called thermal ablation for patients with small cell lung cancer that had spread to the liver. Out of six patients treated, all had successful procedures, and the average survival time after treatment was about 14.3 months. Although the time before the tumors progressed again was relatively short at 2.9 months, patients had longer control of their tumors when treated again, averaging 25.9 months. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with advanced small cell lung cancer and their doctors by exploring new treatment options.

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This study looked at how losing certain proteins, DAXX and ATRX, affects pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) cells when exposed to treatments that cut off blood supply (ischemia) or use radiation. Researchers found that cells without these proteins survived better after ischemia but were more sensitive to radiation. In patients, those with the DAXX/ATRX mutation had a much longer time without disease progression—22 months compared to just 6 months for those without the mutation. Who this helps: Patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

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This study examined how effective bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is for treating coughing up blood (haemoptysis) in patients with lymphoma and leukaemia. Out of 5 patients treated, 80% had successful results immediately after the procedure, but 2 had their symptoms return later, and 3 patients died within 30 days due to respiratory issues. This research is important because it shows that BAE can be a safe treatment option for some cancer patients who experience this serious symptom, even though more studies are needed to understand the best approach. Who this helps: Patients with lymphoma and leukaemia experiencing haemoptysis.

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This study looked at genetic factors that increase the risk of breast cancer, specifically in Hispanic and Latina women. Researchers found that a specific genetic change in the FANCM gene greatly increases the risk of developing estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancer. Their analysis showed that women with this genetic change have about 6.7 times higher odds of developing this type of breast cancer, highlighting the need to include FANCM in routine genetic testing for breast cancer risk. Who this helps: This benefits Hispanic and Latina women at risk for breast cancer.

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This study looked at a new way to personalize breast cancer screening by using genetic risk scores to guide which women should be screened and how often. It involved over 21,000 women and found that using these genetic scores changed screening recommendations for 14% of younger women (ages 40-49) and 10% of older women (ages 50-74). This is important because it suggests we can better tailor screening based on individual risk, potentially leading to more effective and efficient healthcare. Who this helps: This benefits women undergoing breast cancer screening and healthcare providers involved in their care.

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This study focused on understanding the genetic factors linked to breast cancer by analyzing data from a large group of over 159,000 breast cancer patients and more than 212,000 healthy individuals from various ancestry groups, including African, East Asian, European, and Hispanic/Latina. The researchers discovered that the genetic risk for breast cancer does not significantly differ across these ancestral groups, suggesting a common genetic architecture, with important shared markers related to different cell types involved in the disease. This matters because it helps create a clearer understanding of breast cancer risk that can guide future research and treatment strategies for diverse populations. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing insights that can improve prevention and treatment approaches for breast cancer across different ethnic groups.

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This research focused on different subgroups of patients with type 2 (T2) asthma to better understand why some patients respond poorly to targeted treatments. The study found a new subgroup called "T2-high asthma with Altered B Cell response" (T2ABC), which showed a 24% increase in asthma attacks despite treatment with an anti-IgE drug. This discovery matters because it highlights that standard treatments may not work for all patients, prompting the need for more personalized treatment strategies based on genetic profiles. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 2 asthma and their doctors by providing better insights into tailored treatment options.

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This study looked at how quickly liver tumors grow in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who were treated with a procedure called transarterial embolization (TAE). Researchers found that patients whose tumors doubled in size within 2.5 months had significantly worse overall survival after treatment. Specifically, these patients had a higher risk of dying, especially if they had higher levels of a tumor marker and poorer health performance scores. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and patients with liver cancer in understanding the prognosis and tailoring treatment strategies.

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This study looked at the link between a woman's ancestry and the genetic mutations found in her breast cancer tumors. Researchers found 91 specific differences in tumor genes based on ancestry, with certain mutations being more common in specific groups—like a gene called PIK3CA in women of European descent and EGFR in women of East Asian ancestry. These findings are important because they can guide personalized treatment options and improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with breast cancer.

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The WISDOM Study looked at how to better plan breast cancer screening based on each woman's risk factors, comparing this approach to traditional annual screenings. Involving over 46,000 women, the study found that 61% were randomly assigned to screening groups, and the majority of women who chose their own screening method preferred the risk-based approach. This matters because it shows that personalized screening could lead to better health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits women at risk for breast cancer and healthcare providers.

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This study reviewed research about the Duffy-null variant, a genetic trait, to understand how it affects patient care. They examined 2,737 studies and found 44 relevant ones that showed people with this variant had lower white blood cell counts and might be more resistant to malaria. However, there wasn't enough information on how this knowledge can be used in everyday medical decisions, like setting safe blood cell count levels for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers optimize treatment plans for patients with the Duffy-null variant.

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This study looked at improving a cancer treatment called microwave lung ablation, which is used for patients who can't have traditional surgery. Researchers developed a deep-learning model to predict how effective the treatment would be for individual patients. They tested this model on 113 treatments and found it could predict the area successfully, achieving a precision improvement of 11% over the standard estimates used by doctors. Who this helps: Patients needing cancer treatment who are not candidates for surgery.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of a treatment called transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC) who had already received a different treatment (transarterial embolization, or TAE). The researchers found that, on average, patients lived about 32.9 months after their initial HCC diagnosis, and those who had TARE after TAE lived an average of 10.6 months longer. Key factors that predicted longer survival included having a smaller tumor and better overall health. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver cancer, especially those who have had previous treatments.

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Researchers studied the length of telomeres, which are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, in a large group of over 211,000 people from different ancestries. They discovered that two genes, KBTBD6 and POP5, are important for regulating telomere length; specifically, when these genes were overexpressed in lab tests, they resulted in longer telomeres. This research is important because understanding how telomere length is controlled could provide insights into aging and related health issues. Who this helps: Patients concerned about aging and age-related diseases.

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This study looked at genetic differences in women with breast cancer to see how specific inherited variants (germline variants) relate to changes in tumor genes (somatic variants), specifically TP53 and PIK3CA. They found five inherited variants linked to TP53 mutations and 44 linked to PIK3CA mutations in a group of 2,850 European women. Notably, two variants near the ESR1 gene were strongly linked to the presence of TP53 mutations, which could help explain why some groups have more or different types of mutations in their tumors. Who this helps: This helps patients with breast cancer by providing insights that may lead to personalized treatment options.

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In this study, researchers looked at how genetic factors related to autoimmune disease can predict whether lung cancer patients will stop using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) due to side effects called immune-related adverse events (irAEs). They found that patients with higher genetic risk scores were more likely to stop treatment early; specifically, 7.2% of those in the top risk group discontinued treatment within three months, compared to 3.9% in the lower risk group. This is important because it means doctors could use genetic testing to better assess which patients are at higher risk for these side effects and may need closer monitoring or alternative treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for serious side effects from cancer treatments and their doctors.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a treatment called thermal ablation for patients with adrenal metastases caused by lung cancer. Of the seven patients treated, those undergoing this procedure had an average survival of nearly 48 months, and there were no serious complications reported. This is significant because it shows that thermal ablation can help control tumors and extend the lives of patients with this condition. Who this helps: This helps lung cancer patients with adrenal metastases.

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This study looked at how the order of two treatments, immunotherapy and transarterial embolization (a procedure that blocks blood flow to tumors), impacts survival in patients with advanced melanoma. Out of 65 patients, those who had immunotherapy both before and after embolization lived for an average of 22 months, compared to just 4.5 months for those who had immunotherapy only before the procedure. This is important because it shows that the timing of these treatments can significantly influence how long patients with this aggressive form of skin cancer survive. Who this helps: Patients with metastatic melanoma.

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This study focused on improving how we classify and treat children with asthma by using new DNA-based methods to predict how well certain medications will work for them. Researchers found that traditional markers like eosinophil counts and IgE levels are not reliable indicators of treatment response for many patients, especially those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Specifically, these markers only showed a strong link to medication effectiveness in patients with higher DNA methylation scores, suggesting they may not be suitable for guiding treatment decisions in all asthma patients. Who this helps: This research benefits children with asthma, especially from diverse backgrounds, by potentially leading to more accurate and equitable treatment options.

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This study looked at how effectively a procedure called transarterial embolization can manage bleeding in the lungs for patients with lung tumors, either from cancer that started in the lungs or from cancer that spread there. Out of 30 patients treated, 80% had successful procedures, and about 77% saw their bleeding stop, allowing them to go home after an average of 5 days in the hospital. However, patients still experienced a high rate of bleeding again later, and they survived an average of just over 6 months after treatment. Who this helps: Patients with lung tumors experiencing lung bleeding benefit from this treatment.

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This study looked at how common genetic factors might make some people more likely to develop multiple types of cancer. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 85,000 people with a single cancer and over 10,900 individuals with multiple cancers, finding key genetic markers linked to this increased risk. Specifically, they identified six significant genetic variants associated with developing multiple cancers, highlighting the roles of telomere maintenance and immune system issues in increasing cancer risk. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who are cancer survivors and may be at risk for developing additional cancers.