1 in 3 cancer patients may experience serious cardiovascular side effects from treatment. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC), through its Council of Cardio-Oncology is launching a dedicated conference to focus on the growing epidemic. Taking place on 20 and 21 June in Florence, Italy, the conference will emphasise multidisciplinary collaboration. Highlights include joint sessions with related organisations, as well as interactive workshops, and case-based sessions. 

A recent study from the Institute of Biomedicine at the University of Eastern Finland shows that the glucocorticoid receptor can both promote and inhibit prostate cancer progression, depending on the circumstances.

Inspired by advances in cancer therapy, a team at the Buck Institute has engineered immune cells equipped with specialized targeting devices called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that can distinguish and respond to tau tangles and various forms of toxic amyloid plaques, both of which are implicated in Alzheimer’s disease pathology. The proof-of-concept study, now online at the Journal of Translational Medicine, holds the promise of being able to precisely deliver therapeutic drugs directly to affected areas of the  brain with fewer side effects.

When it comes to advanced cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, over half of doctors would consider assisted dying for themselves, but preferences seem to vary according to their jurisdiction’s legislation on euthanasia, reveal the results of an international survey, published online in the Journal of Medical Ethics. And most say they would prefer symptom relief rather than life sustaining treatment for their own end of life care, indicate the responses.