Medicine and Dentistry

When should preventive mastectomy be offered for women at higher risk of breast cancer

More women at higher risk of breast cancer should be offered a mastectomy, according to researchers at Queen Mary and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

A breath test could help us detect blood cancers

Molecules exhaled in the breath may help detect blood cancer, according to new research from Queen Mary University of London. The findings could enable the development of a blood cancer breathalyser, providing a rapid, low-cost way to detect disease. This tool may be particularly useful for areas with limited access to specialist equipment or expertise. 

Short-term digital mental health interventions reduces depression and anxiety in Ukrainian children and adolescents displaced by war

In a first of its kind randomised controlled trial, researchers found delivering a problem solving digital mental health intervention to young Ukrainian refugees significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. The findings show that a small, low-cost, scalable intervention delivered in schools through mobile devices may support the mental health of millions of displaced young people.

New drug offers hope of cure for hormone-driven high blood pressure

The commonest single cause of high blood pressure can be reversed with a new class of medicine, according to results from a clinical trial led by Queen Mary University of London. 

New understanding of how red blood cells are created could make artificial blood easier to make

Studies undertaken by researchers at Queen Mary and University of Konstanz have identified a critical chemical signal in the development of red blood cells. The discovery will help make the manufacture of artificial blood more efficient.

New drug tackles uncontrolled hypertension caused by aldosterone dysregulation

Results from a clinical trial of a novel aldosterone synthase inhibitor, lorundrostat, found it significantly reduces systolic blood pressure in adults with uncontrolled hypertension (uHTN) or resistant hypertension (rHTN).

Professor Sir Jack Cuzick awarded CRUK's inaugural Outstanding Achievement in Cancer Prevention Research Award

Professor Cuzick has been honoured for his exceptional and sustained contributions to the field of prevention research. His research has made transformative contributions to cancer prevention on a global scale.

Women will receive home testing kits for cervical cancer, a move informed by Queen Mary research

Queen Mary’s research on self-sampling for cervical cancer was highly influential in the decision to offer home testing kits for cervical cancer screening, which has been announced today as part of the upcoming NHS 10 Year Plan.

New research identifies four epidemiological stages of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

The research, published in Nature, gives an opportunity for health-care systems to pinpoint where their region sits on this trajectory and provides a clear roadmap for anticipating and managing the growing burden of IBD today and in the future.

Largest twin study explores whether the environment affects people differently depending on their genes

An international team including researchers from Queen Mary have identified genetic factors that may make some individuals more or less sensitive to the environments they experience.

Antibiotics taken during pregnancy may reduce preterm births

A study of almost 1000 pregnant women in Zimbabwe found that a daily dose of a commonly used, safe and inexpensive antibiotic may have led to fewer babies being born early. Among women living with HIV, those who received the antibiotic had larger babies who were less likely to be preterm.

New injection could help millions with high blood pressure

Results from a clinical trial led by researchers from Queen Mary University of London, published yesterday in JAMA, show that giving people with high blood pressure an injection every six months can lead to a meaningful, sustained reduction in their blood pressure.

Professor Claudia Langenberg and Professor Jonathan Grigg elected as Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences

Two Professors from Queen Mary join 54 exceptional biomedical and health scientists elected by the Academy to its prestigious Fellowship.

Professor Morris Brown elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

Professor Morris Brown MD FRCP FMedSci FRS has been elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of sciences. He is one of 90 outstanding scientists from the UK and internationally who have joined the prestigious body this year.

Beyond ‘one size fits all’: Study reveals ethnic differences in breast cancer development and outcomes, demanding tailored care approaches

Women of African or South Asian genetic ancestry tend to develop breast cancer and die at a younger age than women of European ancestry, according to new research by Queen Mary University of London. The study also found important genetic differences in these women’s cancers that could impact their diagnosis and treatment.

Dementia Action Week: the importance of a timely diagnosis

As many as 1 in 4 men and 1 in 3 women will develop dementia in their lifetime. Getting a timely diagnosis is important as it allows people to understand and get treatment for their symptoms, access help and support, and plan for the future.

Centre for Bone and Joint Health established at Queen Mary

The Centre for Bone and Joint Health at Queen Mary brings together experts across musculoskeletal care to drive research that improves the health of people with bone and joint disorders and injuries.

New study sheds light on health differences between sexes

The results of an international study led by researchers from Queen Mary University of London’s Precision Healthcare University Research Institute (PHURI) shed new light the underlying biological mechanisms which cause differences in health risks, symptoms and outcomes between males and females.  

New combination treatment could extend the lifetime of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

The results of the MIROCALS randomised clinical trial showed that adding low-dose interleukin-2 (IL2LD) to standard treatment for this degenerative disorder slowed functional decline and extended the lifespan of people with ALS.

Blood test for many cancers could potentially thwart progression to late stage in up to half of cases

A single blood test for the chemical signals of many different types of cancer could detect the disease at its early stages, making it easier to treat for almost 50% of patients

New algorithms can help GPs predict which of their patients have undiagnosed cancer

Two new advanced predictive algorithms use information about a person’s health conditions and simple blood tests to accurately predict a patient’s chances of having a currently undiagnosed cancer, including hard to diagnose liver and oral cancers. 

A new era for healthy ageing: ACHA launches in North East London

The Academic Centre for Healthy Aging (ACHA) is a landmark collaboration between Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London, and Barts Charity, focused on improving the health, wellbeing, and care of older adults in north-east London and beyond.

Breakthrough approach for diagnosing TB could significantly improve detection

A new strategy for tuberculosis (TB) screening, proposed by a team of researchers led by Queen Mary University of London, provides a solution to problems with current TB screening, which does not always accurately detect disease.

Professor Sir Mark Caulfield elected member of the Medical Research Council

Professor Caulfield, Vice-Principal (Health) at Queen Mary, joins twelve other senior figures from health, science, and medicine on the Council.

Testing patients for just three genes could help prevent three quarters of avoidable side effects of certain medications

A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that 9% of all adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported to the UK medicines regulator are associated with medications where side effect risk is partly dependent on patient’s genes. Of this subset of ADRs, 75% were associated with only three genes that impact how the body processes medication. Genetic testing before prescribing could therefore help avoid ADRs in these cases. 

Underfunding may contribute to higher mortality for patients in Latin America receiving surgery

An international study of the health outcomes of people receiving surgery across 17 Latin American countries found 1 in 7 developed significant complications leading to longer hospital stays and a greater risk of death.

Blog: Why lived experience is so important: a review of Patient and Public involvement in health research

Heather Mah from the Wolfson Institute of Population Health has conducted a review of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in health research in the UK. In her scoping review, she critically examined how PPI benefits both people with lived experience and researchers, and on the impact taking part can have on participants.

New report highlights the role of community engagement in reducing health inequalities for Black African and Black Caribbean communities in the UK

The report by the Partnership for Black People’s Health (PBPH) highlights the urgent need for culturally appropriate health interventions, a demand for greater representation, and the necessity for Black-led initiatives within healthcare. 

Queen Mary research leads the way in tackling tuberculosis

Researchers at Queen Mary are building on many years of ground-breaking studies into tuberculosis (TB) to reveal new insights into this disease and its long-term effects.

Improved emergency and critical care could save lives of critically ill patients in Africa

An international study of acute hospitals across Africa found a large and neglected burden of critical illness, and a high incidence of preventable deaths due to issues with the provision of basic critical care.