Revolutionary Research on Personalized Cancer Treatment Using Zebrafish Avatar discussed at GMU
Ajman (Press Release): Gulf Medical's University and Thumbay Research Institute of Precision Medicine marked the Research Day, sharing insights from leading minds on the region’s first pilot research on personalized precision medicine programme using the Zebrafish Avatars to treat cancer- with the first phase focusing on the care of patients suffering from colorectal and breast cancer. The study’s findings aim to help researchers and oncology healthcare providers to design more tailored and effective treatments based on genetic screening, data on tumor progression and subsequently assessing the need and efficacy of chemotherapy versus other advanced surgical alternatives. In this way, the research further intends to reduce the trial-and-error response in oncology medicine combined with the preservation of organ function and, improve the overall quality of life.
Dr. Rita Fior, PhD, Group Leader Champalimaud Center for the Unknown, elaborated, “The research has been conducted by developing Zebrafish xenografts with a very clear goal of personalized medicine. We live in a world with such amazing technology that helps us to go to the moon, fly planes, zoom over the world, advanced technologies in biology, sequencing of whole genomes, etc. However, once a patient is diagnosed with cancer, they are most likely to be treated with chemo or radiotherapy- although many new amazing targeted therapies are being developed and great advances have been made. By directly challenging the cells and measuring the response to direct perturbation, we have found good predictive analysis that can aid the entire process of diagnostics, therapy, and tailor it to the needs of the specific
individual.”
An avatar is an animal that has been incubated with a person’s cancer cells so that doctors can test drug effectiveness on the animal tumor first. With several avatars, doctors can test several treatments. But obtaining a tumor assay from a mouse avatar could take months. And people fighting cancer don’t have months. In recent times, the Zebrafish has successfully created human cancer avatars where the tumors are ready to be assayed in just four days.
Speaking about the research, Professor Hossam Hamdy, chancellor, Gulf Medical University, said, “As the leading health professions’ education institution in UAE, Gulf Medical University looks forward to playing a central role in the advancement of oncology diseases research landscape, incorporating the rich multi-factorial data to tailor treatment and significantly reduce the risks associated with chemotherapy. We are confident that our work will contribute to UAE’s efforts in spearheading the growth and development of the healthcare sector.”
On similar lines, Prof. Salem Chouaib, Director of the Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, stated, “In every area of cancer, treatments have largely functioned on a one-size-fits-all basis because we didn’t have tools to do any better. Going forward, the advancements in precision medicine will help in determining whether patients are likely to benefit from a particular therapy, longer survival and fewer toxic effects of chemotherapy.”
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
