Evidence Based Research | Patient Resources

For sweet, salty, sour, and umami flavours, the tongue has only one type of receptor. For bitter compounds, the human tongue possesses at least 25 different chemoreceptors—and most of these bitter receptor types have multiple genetic variants, resulting in considerable individuality in responsivity to bitter substances. Though our understanding of bitter receptor function is limited, bitter receptors may have evolved to discourage the ingestion of toxins. However, their presence in many...

Recent research has investigated the use of dose-dependant herbal extract of Prunella vulgaris as neoadjuvant therapy in early stages of breast cancer. Researchers also examined the use of the herb together with the chemotherapy drugs taxane and concluded that in both cases, Prunella vulgaris The principles for treatment of breast cancer at different stages have been continuously refined. The commonly used methods are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, endo...

Drinking coffee or tea is associated with reduced risk for stroke and dementia, with the biggest benefit associated with consuming both beverages, new research suggests. Investigators found that individuals who drank 2 to 3 cups of coffee and 2 to 3 cups of tea per day had a 30% decrease in incidence of stroke and a 28% lower risk for dementia vs those who did not. "From a public health perspective, because regular tea and coffee drinkers comprise such a large proportion of the populat...

The gut microbiome can modulate the immune system and influence the therapeutic response of cancer patients, yet the mechanisms underlying the effects of microbiota are presently unclear. Spencer et al. add to our understanding of how dietary habits affect microbiota and clinical outcomes to immunotherapy. In an observational study, the researchers found that melanoma patients reporting high fibre (prebiotic) consumption had a better response to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy compared wi...

Thanks to our deeper understanding of the underlying biology and molecular mechanisms that govern cancer, we are gaining important ground in tackling the myriad mediators of this disease. Research continues to unravel the complex interactions and interplay between mutated cells and their surrounding biological landscape, stromal cells and inflammatory cells, and extracellular matrix proteins as key components of the tumour microenvironment, and the many socioeconomic factors that make up the...