HONG KONG -- The mutational mechanism of a rare and deadly brain cancer has been uncovered by scientists from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, providing new therapeutic lead to the disease.Starting off at nerve cells around the spine and brain, lower-grade glioma (LGG) is the early form of sGBM -- one of the deadliest brain cancers. While sGBM can be treated with surgery or an oral chemotherapy drug, most of these malign tumors would mutate and return with mortality rate reaching almost 100 percent.In their latest study made public on Monday, the team led by Wang Jiguang, assistant professor at the university's Division of Life Science and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, analyzed and integrated the genomic data of 188 sGBM patients, including newly collected samples from Chinese mainland and South Korean patients.The study found that about 14 percent of the sampled sGBM patients displayed mutations in this gene.Taking reference from this discovery, the university's collaborators, Jiang Tao and his team from Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and Beijing Tiantan Hospital, identified a drug molecule named PLB-1001 that can reach the tumors in the brain.The molecule shows remarkable potency in selectively targeting sGBM tumors and those displaying further gene mutations.The clinical trial of PLB-1001 on 18 recurrent patients at late cancer stage returned with a partial positive response in two patients.After being prescribed a daily dosage ranging from 50 to 300 mg at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, the two patients experienced significant tumor shrinkage, with relieved symptoms and little side effects, lasting for more than 12 weeks.The outcome of this clinical trial is significant in a sense that it furthers the knowledge about sGBM treatment, Wang said, adding that developing computational models on cancer evolution helps predict cancer cells' future behavior and prioritize treatment options.Wang said more studies on PLB-1001 are needed to see if it can be used in conjunction with other drugs in achieving more persistent results.The findings were published in scientific journal Cell on Nov 29. numbered wristbands for events24 hour wristbandbracelet montre siliconecool silicone wristbands for guyscustom logo wristbands
HONG KONG -- A total of 363 teenagers were commended Saturday for their contribution under a Hong Kong Police scheme to foster the police-youth partnership.The teenagers, who are members of Hong Kong police's Junior Police Call (JPC) scheme, were awarded for their contributions in disseminating fight-crime messages, organizing and participating in community services and promoting the JPC, as well as their creativity in designing crime prevention tools.The JPC scheme is aimed at developing the youth's leadership and their sense of social responsibility, Acting Chief Superintendent of Police Public Relations Branch Yu Hoi-kwan said, adding that it also instilled positive values in youths and trained them to become future leaders.The annual commendation of JPC members has been continued for over three decades. In addition to the JPC Scheme Awards, a Fight Crime by Technology and Social Media Competition was also held this year to encourage youngsters to make use of their creativity to spread crime prevention messages via social media platforms.
