In a medical breakthrough that could transform breast cancer care, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have shown it’s possible to detect and destroy the “sleeper” cells that cause the disease to return years after treatment.

In a landmark clinical trial, researchers used existing, repurposed drugs to eliminate these hidden cells in most breast cancer survivors, pushing survival rates above 90 per cent. The findings, published in Nature Medicine, offer the strongest proof yet that breast cancer recurrence may no longer be inevitable.

The principal investigator, Dr Angela DeMichele of Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine, said, “The lingering fear of cancer returning is something that haunts many breast cancer survivors. Our study shows that by targeting dormant tumour cells, we can prevent recurrence—and give survivors a real chance at a lasting cure.

“This changes the game. We finally have a proactive strategy—not just waiting for cancer to come back, but stopping it before it does,” DeMichele said.

The trial, known as CLEVER, enrolled 51 breast cancer survivors who had completed treatment but still harboured microscopic traces of dormant tumour cells, also called minimal residual disease (MRD). Standard scans cannot detect these cells, which can “wake up” years later and fuel incurable metastatic cancer.

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Patients received either one or two study drugs, both already FDA-approved for other conditions. The results stunned researchers. Dormant tumour cells were cleared in 80 per cent of participants, and the three-year survival without recurrence exceeded 90 per cent for patients on single therapy and reached 100 per cent for those on combination therapy.

Further, only two patients have relapsed after more than three years of follow-up.

“This sleeper phase is the window where cancer is most vulnerable. explained senior author Dr Lewis Chodosh, chair of Cancer Biology at Penn. Surprisingly, drugs that don’t work against active tumours can be highly effective against dormant cells. That’s the key—we’re hitting cancer while it’s asleep,” explained senior author Dr Lewis Chodosh, chair of Cancer Biology at Penn. The trial builds on decades of Penn research uncovering how dormant breast cancer cells survive in the body, sometimes for decades, and what biological pathways sustain them. By targeting autophagy and mTOR signalling—mechanisms that help the sleeper cells persist—the researchers found a way to wipe them out before they reactivate.

The implications are profound. Until now, breast cancer survivors at risk of recurrence had little more than “watch and wait”. For the 30 per cent of patients whose cancer returns, the disease has been incurable.

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The Penn team is now preparing larger clinical trials to confirm the results and explore whether this approach can be applied to other cancers with similar dormant-cell behaviour.

For millions of breast cancer survivors worldwide, the research opens the door to a future where remission means freedom—not fear.

Delayed breakfast linked to early death for elderly

How late you eat breakfast could be more important than you think. A major new study has revealed that older adults who push their first meal of the day to later hours face a higher risk of illness and even early death.

The research, published in Communications Medicine by scientists at Mass General Brigham and collaborators in Turkey, tracked nearly 3,000 people in the UK for more than two decades. The results were clear: as people age, breakfast and dinner times creep later, but those who delay breakfast are more likely to suffer from depression, fatigue, poor sleep, and declining health, and they die sooner.

“Breakfast timing may be an easy-to-monitor marker of health in older adults,” said lead researcher Hassan Dashti, PhD, RD, of Massachusetts General Hospital.

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“Our findings show that late breakfasts are tied not only to health challenges but also to higher mortality. This gives fresh meaning to the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”

The team found that people genetically inclined to be “night owls” also tended to eat later, compounding risks as they aged. Meanwhile, those who stuck to consistent and earlier meal routines showed signs of healthier ageing and greater longevity.

The findings could spark a rethink of popular diet trends such as intermittent fasting, which often encourages delaying the first meal. While the approach may benefit younger adults, the study suggests it could be harmful for seniors.

For doctors, families, and carers, the message is simple: watch the clock. A later breakfast may be more than just a habit – it could be a warning sign.
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A new study from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has revealed that just 30 minutes of vigorous exercise—either resistance training or high-intensity interval training—can reduce cancer cell growth by up to 30 percent. The research, led by PhD candidate Francesco Bettariga, focused on myokines, proteins released by muscles during exercise that possess anti-cancer properties.

The study found that a single workout session significantly boosted myokine levels, even in breast cancer survivors whose bodies have been compromised by treatment.

Blood samples taken before, immediately after, and 30 minutes post-exercise showed a 20–30 per cent reduction in cancer cell proliferation due to the surge in myokines. While this effect has been observed in healthy individuals, Bettariga’s study is among the first to confirm similar benefits in cancer survivors.

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The research also explored how consistent exercise improves body composition, reducing fat mass and increasing lean muscle – key factors in lowering inflammation, a known driver of cancer recurrence and mortality.

Fat tissue releases inflammatory markers that can fuel tumour growth and suppress immune function. Exercise, by reshaping body composition, helps neutralise this threat.

Quick fixes to reduce fat mass, such as dieting alone, would not have the same beneficial effects. Bettariga emphasised that weight loss without exercise fails to preserve muscle mass and does not stimulate the production of beneficial myokines.

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This study adds to a growing body of evidence positioning exercise as medicine – not just for prevention, but as a therapeutic tool during and after cancer treatment. With implications for treatment protocols worldwide, these findings could help redefine survivorship and recovery.

You never want to reduce your weight without exercising, because you need to build or preserve muscle mass and produce these chemicals, which you can’t do through just diet alone.

Whether you’re a cancer survivor or simply health-conscious, the message is clear: 30 minutes of sweat could be a powerful shield against cancer.

Federal Government on Friday unveils plans to establish Medical Rehabilitation Centres for Persons with spinal cord injury across the country, with a strong focus on neuro rehabilitation.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa disclosed this in Abuja at the Symposium with the theme: ‘Fall prevention, Spinal Cord protection, empowering lives, enhancing opportunities’, to commemorate the 2025 world spinal cord injury day organised in collaboration with the Spinal Cord Injury Association (SCIAN) FCT Chapter And Brain and Spine Foundation Africa.

Hon. Isa who delivered the keynote address at the occasion reiterated President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve towards advancing spinal cord health and disability inclusion in Nigeria, by ensuring that persons with disabilities, including those with spinal cord injuries, are empowered to live full, dignified, and productive lives.

He disclosed that, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is fully aware of this reality and is working assiduously to improve the quality of life for Nigerians living with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities.

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“Through targeted interventions, provision of assistive devices, and promotion of inclusive policies, the government is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that no citizen is denied access to health, dignity, and opportunity.

“Partnership for Rehabilitation: Specifically, my office, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities has partnered with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria (MRTB) to establish Medical Rehabilitation Centres across the country, with a strong focus on neuro rehabilitation.

He said: “This initiative is currently at the Situation Assessment Stage carefully evaluating existing structures, identifying gaps, and laying the groundwork for the development of a National Policy on Rehabilitation and a Strategic Plan.

“When fully implemented, this framework will transform the rehabilitation landscape in Nigeria and offer renewed hope to countless individuals and families.”

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In her address, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Chapter, Comrade Grace Ike expressed grave concern over the globally statistics which indicated that over 15 million people live with spinal cord injuries, contributing to more than 4.5 million years lived with disability.

According to the record, in 2019 alone, nearly one million new cases were recorded. Road crashes and falls account for over 700,000 of those injuries.

Comrade Ike who was the Special Guest at the 2025 World Spinal Cord Injury Day, who pledged the Union’s resolve to support for Persons with Disabilities including persons with spinal cord injury, called on Policymakers to strengthen road safety laws, workplace protections, and health systems.

“To our communities: create safer environments and raise awareness. To the Media: amplify stories that matter and keep disability at the heart of the public agenda. And to every individual: take personal responsibility—at home, at work, and on the road.”

On her part, Chairman, Spinal Cord Injury FCT chapter, Chioma Maureen Egede observed that the theme for 2025, ‘Fall Prevention, Spinal Cord Protection,’ could not be more timely or urgent.

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“Falls remain one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries globally, and here in Nigeria, the impact is felt deeply—across homes, workplaces, and public spaces. This theme challenges us to act: to educate, to innovate, and to advocate for safer environments and stronger support systems.

“As Chairman of the Abuja Chapter, I am proud of the strides we’ve made in rehabilitation, peer support, and public engagement. But today reminds us that our work is far from over. We must continue to push for inclusive infrastructure, accessible healthcare, and policies that prioritize prevention and dignity for all.

“Let us use this day to amplify voices that are often unheard. Let us celebrate the courage of those living with spinal cord injuries, and honor the tireless efforts of families, caregivers, and medical professionals who walk this journey alongside them.

“Together, we can build a future where spinal cord injuries caused by falls are not a tragic norm, but a rare exception. Let this gathering be a spark—igniting change, inspiring action, and strengthening our resolve.”