Hi-tech nanoknife treatment to kill kidney tumour

Leeds: A pioneering procedure has been carried out in by a University of Leeds specialist using a hi-tech ‘nanoknife’ technology to destroy cancer cells using pulses of high voltage electrical current. The technique has been used in the UK previously to treat liver and pancreatic cancer, but this was the first such procedure on a kidney tumour, and also the first time the nanoknife technology has been used in Leeds. Dr Tze Wah, of the School of Medicine, led the team which undertook the procedure on 59-year-old Alan Speight, from Dewsbury.  The treatment took less than two hours and after a night in hospital Mr Speight was able to return home.

Wilms tumors: Genetic triggers uncovered

German Cancer Research Center: For childhood kidney tumors, scientists from Würzburg and Heidelberg have identified a series of previously unknown genetic causes. A lack of microRNA prevents kidney precursor cells from maturation. Instead they remain in an embryonic state in which rapid growth is one of their fundamental tasks.