CTRC scientists report new insights about BRCA1 gene

March 4, 2016

Scientists from the Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) in San Antonio on March 4 published work that provides deeper insight into how the Angelina Jolie gene, BRCA1, functions in normal breast tissue and how its loss results in breast cancer.

3d Render DNA Structure


Holding breath may protect heart during radiation therapy

February 8, 2016

A technique using a new form of surface imaging available at only one site in South Texas—the Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC)—is expected to reduce women’s risk of long-term cardiac side effects from radiation therapy when treating left-sided breast cancer.

woman getting heart checked


Scientists learn how poxviruses defeat the body’s host defense

January 25, 2016

Smallpox virus, which killed millions of humans through the ages, ranks among the world’s most feared bioterrorism agents. Human monkeypox continues to occur sporadically in remote African villages. In a new report, virologists from the School of Medicine at the Health Science Center and their collaborators at Oklahoma State University demonstrate how poxviruses such as smallpox defeat […]

Pox


Team focuses on Special K’s antidepressant effect

January 25, 2016

At its best, the drug ketamine relieves depression within two hours and its beneficial effect on patients may last a week. At its worst, ketamine, the party drug “Special K,” is addictive and may send recreational users into hallucinations and delusions. Some have experienced disorientation that they call the “K-hole.” Because of the potential for […]

man with clinical depression


New chair of Department of Medicine named

January 5, 2016

W. Brian Reeves, M.D., currently professor and vice chair of medicine and chief of the Division of Nephrology at the Penn State College of Medicine, has been selected as chair of the Department of Medicine in the School of Medicine, Dean Francisco González-Scarano, M.D., announced.

W. Brian Reeves, M.D.