MiraKind

Our new understanding of genetics impacts your health and disease risk.

MiraKind was founded as a nonprofit research organization in 2013 by Joanne Weidhaas, MD, PhD., following her discovery of the KRAS-variant, an inherited genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of cancer. The KRAS-variant was the first inherited mutation of its kind, as cancer risk can be modified for people with the KRAS-variant by lifestyle decisions. Every year scientists like Dr. We

idhaas discover hundreds of novel genetic markers that could benefit millions of patients. Unfortunately, very few of these discoveries make it beyond the research laboratory for validation. Dr. Weidhaas founded MiraKind to change this by breaking down the barriers between doctors, scientists, and patients to validate these novel findings, and to ask the questions that will lead to actionable strategies to reduce cancer risk and suffering. MiraKind’s research is patient-centered from start to finish, with the ultimate goal of empowering patients so that, together with their doctors, they can make the best decisions for their health and lifestyle. Our research is guided by one question: How can we enhance health and longevity for all individuals?

05/21/2026

Most cancer diagnostic tests take years to reach patients. MiraKind's research registry is changing that—by putting patients at the center of the process from the very beginning.

Through our registry, patients get early access to promising new tests while helping us understand what works, what doesn't, and what truly matters in the clinic. Their experiences shape how these tests are developed and used.

Learn how. https://mirakind.org/how-mirakinds-research-registry-helps-patients-access-and-shape-impactful-new-cancer-tests/

05/13/2026

Predicting Radiation Side Effects: PROSTOX Webinar with Interesting Updates!

On April 27th, AnCan hosted Dr. Joanne Weidhaas to share the latest on PROSTOX, genetic tests that help patients with localized prostate cancer understand their personal risk for late urinary side effects before radiation therapy begins.

Check out the webinar at the link in the comments 👇👇👇

05/06/2026

May is Oncology Nursing Month. A time to honor nurses who bring hope, strength, and compassion to every cancer journey. 💛
Thank you for all you do.

05/01/2026

May is National Cancer Research Month, and it is a reminder of why the work we do at MiraKind matters so much.

Our research investigates newly discovered microRNA-based, inherited genetic variants. Patients with these variants respond differently to external stresses, which can lead to disease development, as well as predict different responses to treatments. Understanding these genetic variants has incredible potential to make advances in both disease prevention and personalizing treatment.

Because knowledge is not just power. In cancer, it can be the difference.

Visit MiraKind.org to learn more.

04/28/2026

🎗️ For head and neck cancer patients, standard treatment (chemotherapy plus radiation) works well, but it can come with some of the toughest side effects in cancer care.

Acute toxicity affects about 90% of patients and shows up during or within the first 3 to 6 months after radiation. About half of patients have severe side effects that can even interrupt treatment. One example is mucositis, which can cause painful mouth sores and make eating or drinking difficult, sometimes leading to a feeding tube.

Late toxicity develops 6 months or more after treatment and affects about 50% of patients. One common example is dysphagia, where swallowing and speech become harder because of scarring and stiffening in the tissues.

Because of this, researchers are trying to better understand which patients might be able to handle less intensive treatment, using biomarkers to help guide those decisions.

Learn more about these biomarkers in our blog:https://mirakind.org/personalizing-treatment-for-head-neck-cancer-patients/

04/23/2026

Did you know that head and neck cancers are increasingly linked to HPV, not just to***co or alcohol?

About 30% of cases today are tied to HPV, and that number continues to rise. Even more surprising, most people who get HPV never realize they have had it.

Certain high-risk strains can disrupt normal cell function over time and eventually lead to cancer. Early symptoms often resemble a cold or allergies, which means the disease is frequently diagnosed at a later stage.

Patients with HPV-positive cancers often respond better to standard treatment with radiation and chemotherapy. However, these treatments can still cause some of the most challenging side effects in cancer care.

Because these side effects can be so difficult, researchers are working to identify which patients might safely receive less intensive treatment, an approach known as "de-escalation."

Want to learn more about how our research is shaping more personalized treatment options? Link in the comments! 👇

04/16/2026

Finding the right treatment for head and neck cancer is still a major challenge.

Standard chemotherapy plus radiation is effective, but the side effects can be severe for some patients. Attempts to “de-escalate” treatment have not consistently maintained outcomes and side effects.
A key gap remains: there is currently no reliable way to predict who can safely de-escalate therapy or who is at higher risk for toxicity.

New research from MiraKind and UCLA is exploring how genetics could help predict which patients are more likely to benefit from treatment and who may be at higher risk for toxicity.

A step toward more informed, personalized care.

Learn more on our blog, link in the first comment!

04/10/2026

If you missed the Prostate Forum of Orange County’s virtual fireside chat with Dr. Joanne Weidhaas, you can watch the recording on demand here!

https://youtu.be/ZMXQXs3dePY?si=3Icox3MWB3M2v3cs

04/07/2026

Head & neck cancers can affect the mouth, throat, voice box, and more.

Common risk factors include:
• To***co use (smoking or chewing)
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• HPV (a common virus)

Understanding your risk can help you take steps to protect your health.

04/02/2026

April is Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month. 🤍♥️

Head & neck cancers make up nearly 5% of cancer cases worldwide. They impact more people than many realize.

These cancers can develop in several areas, including:

🤍 Mouth & oral cavity (lips, tongue, gums)
🤍 Throat (pharynx)
🤍 Voice box (larynx)
🤍 Nasal cavity & sinuses
🤍 Salivary glands

The challenge? Early symptoms are often subtle and easy to dismiss as allergies or a common cold. There is no routine screening, which means the disease can advance quickly and become more difficult to treat.

Awareness is key.

Common symptoms may show up as:

🤍 A sore throat that won’t go away
🤍 Trouble swallowing
🤍 A lump in the neck or mouth
🤍 Ongoing hoarseness
🤍 Sores in mouth
If something feels off and doesn’t go away, get it checked.

Awareness matters. Early detection matters. 🤍♥️

03/31/2026

Why do BRCA mutations affect breasts, ovaries, and the prostate? 🤔

A big part of it is how these tissues grow and change. When BRCA proteins aren’t working properly, cells can’t repair DNA as they should. In fast-dividing, hormone-driven tissues, this damage is more likely to build up over time.

For women, that means breast and ovarian tissue. For men, it’s the prostate.

Want to learn more? https://mirakind.org/brca-mutations-prostate-cancer/

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https://www.mirakind.org/

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