(Photo: Edward Jenner)
The VA Office of Research and Development has released three new research briefs covering progress in cancer treatment, chronic kidney disease care, and multiple sclerosis detection.
The studies, conducted by VA researchers across the country, focus on improving outcomes for Veterans through targeted therapies, patient-centered care, and earlier diagnosis. One study from VA San Diego researchers points to a possible new treatment option for gastric cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The research team identified a gene called PSMB8 that appears at high levels in patients with gastric cancer. This gene plays a role in the immunoproteasome, a protein complex linked to cancer severity.
Researchers tested carfilzomib, a drug currently approved to treat multiple myeloma, to see whether it could block PSMB8 activity. In mouse models implanted with human gastric cancer cells, carfilzomib slowed tumor growth, reduced cancer cell proliferation, and triggered cancer cell death. The findings suggest that targeting PSMB8 may lead to future treatment options for patients with gastric cancer, particularly those with high expression of the gene.
Another VA study examined the dietary challenges faced by Veterans living with chronic kidney disease. Researchers from the Seattle Denver Center of Innovation conducted interviews with 32 Veterans diagnosed with moderate to advanced CKD. The study found that strict and often conflicting dietary guidelines, combined with long-standing military habits, made it difficult for many Veterans to follow recommended nutrition plans.
Chronic kidney disease affects more than half a million Veterans, a rate significantly higher than among non-Veterans. While medications and diet can slow disease progression, researchers found that rigid food rules often discouraged adherence. The team recommended more personalized and flexible dietary approaches that consider military culture and social support to improve engagement and long-term success.
A third study explored the potential role of the mouth microbiome in understanding multiple sclerosis. Researchers from the Iowa City VA and the University of Iowa compared saliva samples from patients with relapsing remitting MS to those from individuals without the disease. They discovered differences in oral bacteria, including lower levels of early colonizing bacteria and higher levels of species linked to inflammation.
The researchers also identified changes in saliva metabolites, including reduced hypotaurine levels in MS patients. These findings suggest that saliva-based testing could one day support earlier detection of MS and provide insight into disease progression.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
