Maxillary Sinus Neoplasms

Researchers have developed a method for classifying difficult-to-diagnose nasal cavity tumors. Researchers at LMU and Charité hospital in Berlin have developed a method for classifying difficult-to-diagnose nasal cavity tumors. Although tumors in the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinus are confined to a small space, they encompass a very broad spectrum with many tumor types. As they often do not exhibit any specific pattern or appearance, they are difficult to diagnose. This applies especially to so-called sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (SNUCs). Now a team led by Dr. Philipp Jurmeister and Prof. Frederick Klauschen from the Institute of Pathology at LMU and Prof. David Capper from Charité University Hospital as well as the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) ), partner sites Munich and Berlin, has achieved a decisive improvement in diagnostics. The team developed an AI tool that reliably distinguishes tumors on the basis of chemical DNA modifications and assigns the SNUCs, which the methods available before now have been unable to distinguish, to four clearly distinct groups. This breakthrough could open up new opportunities for targeted therapies. Tumor-specific DNA modifications Chemical modifications in DNA play a vital role in the regulation of gene activity. This includes DNA methylation, whereby an extra methyl group is added to the DNA building blocks. In earlier studies, the scientists had already demonstrated that the methylation pattern of the genome is specific for different tumor types, because it can be traced back to the tumor's cell of origin. "On this basis, we've now recorded the DNA methylation patterns of almost 400 tumors in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus," says Capper. Thanks to an extensive international collaboration, the researchers managed to compile such a large number of samples even though these tumors are rare and comprise only about four percent of all malignant tumors in the nose and throat area. Four tumor groups with different prognoses For the analysis of the DNA methylation data, the researchers have developed an AI model that assigns the tumors to different classes. "Due to the large volumes of data involved, machine learning methods are indispensable," says Jurmeister. "To actually recognize patterns, we had to evaluate several thousand methylation positions in our study." This revealed that SNUCs can be classified into four groups, which also differ in terms of further molecular characteristics. Furthermore, these results are clinically relevant, as the various groups have different prognoses. "One group takes a surprisingly good course, for example, even though the tumors look very aggressive under the microscope," says Klauschen. "Whereas another group has a poor prognosis." On the basis of the molecular characteristics of the groups, researchers may also be able to develop targeted new therapy approaches in the future.

The Cayman Biomedical Research Institute (CABRI) is pleased to announce a call for proposals that support essential research on specialized pro-resolving mediator (SPM) analytical methods. There is a critical need for basic research on analytical methods used for specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). SPMs are a family of lipid metabolites derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that promote the resolution of inflammation and have been detected in several experimental models and human conditions. However, researchers using mass spectrometry-based methods have been in conflict with each other, and do not agree on how much, if any, SPMs are present in biologically relevant contexts. Hence, continued research on SPM analytical methods is necessary for this field to move forward. CABRI is offering research grants in amounts up to $100,000 to support this need. We encourage anyone seeking to provide clarity to SPM analytical methods to apply for these research grants. Research proposal applications may be submitted on the CABRI website. These applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. CABRI is a nonprofit foundation that supports research on rare illnesses and orphan diseases. As part of CABRI’s commitment to the greater scientific community, CABRI awards research grants to academic scientists that address basic science research objectives with the highest unmet needs. See some of CABRI’s past research grant recipients here. Contact CABRI with any questions about this funding opportunity. About CABRI CABRI is a private foundation nonprofit located on the research campus of Cayman Chemical Company. Since our beginnings in 2005, we have been dedicated to helping those poorly served by the for-profit medical and pharmaceutical establishment. Our main focal areas are: Rare disease research including: Congenital lamellar ichthyosis Type I Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) Mastocytosis B cell lymphoma Basic research support including PI grants, undergraduate work/study grants, and research travel grants CABRI is committed to researching, treating, and understanding rare cancers such as SNUC, orphan diseases, and genetic defects. Many rare diseases remain without sufficient funding for research due to lack of awareness. CABRI is fighting to change this reality and extend compassionate support to those affected and their families. Our SNUC research is focused on studying the entire DNA composition of SNUC tumors to pinpoint each mutation and alteration with respect to the normal human sequence. About Cayman Chemical Cayman Chemical Company helps make research possible by supplying scientists worldwide with biochemical tools used to understand cancer, neurochemistry, oxidative injury, endocrinology, atherosclerosis, and other human health challenges. Our scientists are experts in the synthesis, purification, and characterization of biochemicals ranging from small drug-like heterocycles to complex biolipids, fatty acids, and many others for use as research reagents and qualified standards. We are also highly skilled in all aspects of assay and antibody development, protein expression, crystallization, and structure determination. In addition, Cayman Contract Services provides discovery and pre-clinical development services to the global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research markets. Our diverse suite of services leverages a team of over 150 highly skilled scientists with expertise in medicinal chemistry, structure-based drug design, complex multi-step organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, sample analysis, and custom assay development. Cayman performs generic drug development and production in both Ann Arbor, Michigan and Neratovice, Czech Republic.

The Cayman Biomedical Research Institute (CABRI) is pleased to announce that applications for our undergraduate fellowships and scholarship program are open. Undergraduate fellowships are available on a competitive basis to undergraduate students who have been offered an unpaid research position by a qualified principal investigator. Up to $5,000 per semester is available to each mentee-mentor team, with the entire amount paid as compensation to the undergraduate. The principal investigator will be responsible for the mentorship and guidance of the student during the period of the award. “These fellowships are an excellent training opportunity for undergraduates to expand their knowledge outside the lecture hall,” said Kourtney Goode, Academic Relations Coordinator at Cayman Chemical. “Hands-on research is an equally valuable learning experience that introduces a student to a potential career path and fosters the growth of their talents.” Undergraduate fellowship applications may be submitted on the CABRI website from August 22nd to September 18th, 2022, and awardees will be notified by October 16th, 2022. As part of CABRI’s commitment to help college-bound students continue their education after losing a parent or guardian to sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) or B-cell lymphoma, scholarships are available to support the continued education of these students. Scholarship applications are accepted throughout the year and are available on the CABRI website. CABRI is a nonprofit foundation that helps reduce the impact of rare diseases by funding research and supporting expanded opportunities for emerging scientists and families affected by these diseases. Contact CABRI with any questions about these funding opportunities. About CABRI CABRI is a private foundation nonprofit located on the research campus of Cayman Chemical Company. Since our beginnings in 2005, we have been dedicated to helping those poorly served by the for-profit medical and pharmaceutical establishment. Our main focal areas are: Rare disease research including: Congenital lamellar ichthyosis Type I Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) Mastocytosis B-cell lymphoma research Basic research support including PI grants, undergraduate work/study grants, and research travel grants CABRI is committed to researching, treating, and understanding rare cancers such as SNUC, orphan diseases, and genetic defects. Many rare diseases remain without sufficient funding for research due to lack of awareness. CABRI is fighting to change this reality and extend compassionate support to those affected and their families. Our SNUC research is focused on studying the entire DNA composition of SNUC tumors to pinpoint each mutation and alteration with respect to the normal human sequence. About Cayman Chemical Cayman Chemical Company helps make research possible by supplying scientists worldwide with biochemical tools used to understand cancer, neurochemistry, oxidative injury, endocrinology, atherosclerosis, and other human health challenges. Our scientists are experts in the synthesis, purification, and characterization of biochemicals ranging from small drug-like heterocycles to complex biolipids, fatty acids, and many others for use as research reagents and qualified standards. We are also highly skilled in all aspects of assay and antibody development, protein expression, crystallization, and structure determination. In addition, Cayman Contract Services provides discovery and pre-clinical development services to the global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research markets. Our diverse suite of services leverages a team of over 150 highly skilled scientists with expertise in medicinal chemistry, structure-based drug design, complex multi-step organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, sample analysis, and custom assay development. Cayman performs generic drug development and production in both Ann Arbor, Michigan and Neratovice, Czech Republic.