For the first time, researchers have created genetically modified fruit flies that can become addicted to cocaine. The flies will self-administer cocaine if given the option. The new model could prove immensely valuable for the development of new therapies to prevent and treat cocaine use disorder.

Researchers at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center identified a gene that plays a key role in prostate cancer cells that have transitioned to a more aggressive, treatment-resistant form. The gene can be indirectly targeted with an existing class of drugs, suggesting a potential treatment strategy for patients with aggressive subtypes of prostate cancer.

Patients with early-stage HER2+ breast cancer typically receive pre-operative multi-agent chemotherapy and anti-HER2 antibodies, followed by surgery and possibly more chemotherapy. The CompassHER2 pCR trial is evaluating a less intensive, reduced chemotherapy approach, the first large-scale study of its kind, but more follow-up is needed to assess its impact on survival. Meanwhile, researchers are reporting rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) at time of surgery, detailing which patients are most likely to benefit from the new approach.