A Phase I/II study found substantial and occasional complete regression of widespread tumors in patients with treatment-resistant metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with blood stem cell transplants. Three patients achieved total regression, while seven showed partial regression of disease.
A nationwide consortium of nine institutions aims to improve treatment outcomes for children with neuroblastoma by testing new therapies and sharing research information. The project has already shown promising results in improving disease-free survival rates and may lead to faster development of effective treatments.
A new study shows Bexxar produced tumor shrinkage in 97% of patients with advanced-stage, low-grade non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Most patients achieved complete remission, with no sign of cancer, and molecular remissions lasting up to three years.
A study of 42 breast cancer patients found that those who chose experimental treatments had higher levels of psychological distress, despite similar physical abilities. Researchers suggest that these women may feel a greater need to feel in control and desperate for effective treatment options.
A major study on colon cancer prevention found no link between dietary changes and reduced polyp recurrence. Despite initial hopes, researchers now recommend regular screening and colonoscopies for those with existing polyps.
Researchers developed an intensive treatment combining radiation and chemotherapy to control locally advanced head and neck cancer, achieving complete local control for 92% of patients. The therapy increased long-term survival to 55%, with most side effects resolving after treatment.
Actor Christopher Reeve was awarded the UCSD-Salk Institute Service Award for his tireless efforts to raise awareness of the importance of basic research for human biology and disease. The award recognized his unwavering personal campaign to increase public and legislative awareness of the need to support basic research in health.
Researchers report encouraging early results in a novel gene therapy designed to improve the clinical course of hemophilia B, with two patients requiring significantly less infused clotting factor to treat symptoms. No adverse side effects were experienced by any of the patients treated.
Abgenix is initiating a Phase III clinical trial comparing its antibody, ABX-CBL, to standard therapy for patients with steroid-resistant graft-versus-host disease (srGVHD). The trial aims to assess the survival rate of patients receiving higher doses of ABX-CBL.
A new pediatric cancer program in El Salvador has shown remarkable success, achieving remission and cure rates of over 80% for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This model program, developed by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, aims to improve survival rates for children with cancer worldwide.
Researchers found that stem cells provide a higher two-year survival rate (70%) compared to marrow transplants (45%) for certain high-risk blood cancer patients. The study suggests that stem cell transplants may offer fewer relapses with fewer complications.
A study using polymerase chain reaction detects MRD in long-term CML survivors, finding that approximately 25% of patients had evidence of disease at some time after transplant. The team aims to identify patients who appear cured but may still harbor disease and benefit from early therapeutic intervention.
Sulindac has been shown to cause the regression of benign colon polyps, helping prevent colon cancer development. The drug inhibits cancer cell growth by promoting programmed cell death and preventing NF-kB activation.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have isolated hematopoietic stem cells using a specific marker, enabling laboratory production of all types of blood cells. This breakthrough has the potential to alleviate blood shortages for transfusions and develop innovative approaches to bone marrow transplants and gene therapy.
Researchers have developed a new method to identify and isolate stem cells from umbilical cord blood using an enzyme that changes a fluorescent tag. This technique could help investigate fundamental questions about stem cells and potentially improve success rates of stem cell transplants by eliminating unwanted mature blood cells.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that 74% of adhesive tape specimens were colonized by pathogenic bacteria, which can contribute to serious diseases. Discarding the outer layer of tape significantly reduced bacterial growth, making it a simple way to reduce the risk of hospital infections.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a new approach to bone marrow transplantation that prevents graft-versus-host disease by inactivating antigen-presenting cells. This technique targets T cell stimulation, reducing immune system suppression and potentially improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Rice University and the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center have tracked the path that a polymer-DNA complex takes through a cell to its nucleus, where the new DNA can be read. This study improved our understanding of gene delivery and provided new knowledge for designing better nonviral carriers.
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals that the transferrin cycle plays a limited role in iron transport, instead focusing on concentrating iron in red blood cells. The research may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of iron metabolism disorders.
High-dose cyclophosphamide treatment achieved complete remissions in five patients with autoimmune disorders, while partial remissions were maintained in two. Patients experienced improved kidney function and reduced medication doses.
Clinical trials show substantial increase in leukemia-free survival among AML patients treated with Maxamine Therapy. The treatment has been shown to prevent relapse and prolong remission while maintaining a good quality of life.
A new experimental compound, CMA-676, demonstrates promising efficacy in treating acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) with an antibody-targeted chemotherapy approach. The treatment shows a remission rate of approximately 40% comparable to standard combination chemotherapy regimens.
Researchers found that stray maternal cells in umbilical cord blood transplants can engraft and cause graft-versus-host disease symptoms. Treatment involves withdrawing anti-GVH medications, allowing the immune system to reject transient maternal cells.
A clinical trial demonstrates that TPO, administered with G-CSF, boosts stem cell migration and increases the number of patients eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation. The treatment significantly improves re-growth of blood cells after chemotherapy.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that umbilical cord blood transplants can cure genetic diseases in children, with an overall survival rate of 68% and 80% success rate in patients under 2 years old. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to the successful outcomes.
Researchers found that cord blood can restore bone marrow even with partial matches, offering hope to patients who need transplants. Four children received 'haplo-identical' sibling umbilical cord blood transplants and showed promising results.
A phase I trial has shown that adding mature stem cells to an umbilical cord blood transplant increases the success rate of transplants in children. The 'booster' cells were given to patients after growing in a laboratory setting for 12 days, and 19 out of 28 patients had successful transplants.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have discovered that a combination of the diabetes drug Troglitazone and Accutane can permanently inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and induce programmed cell death. The treatment has shown no adverse effects on healthy cells in laboratory studies and animal experiments.
The UT Southwestern pediatric laboratory now has a Time-of-Flight mass spectrometer, allowing for local analysis of chemotherapeutic drugs and other substances. This technology aids in identifying molecular minutiae, potentially resolving side effects such as fatigue and cognitive problems associated with chemotherapy.
Oregon Health & Science University scientists begin human trials of a targeted drug therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia, aiming to eliminate leukemia cells with a faulty gene. The investigational drug has shown success in destroying BCR-ABL cells in mice and animal trials.
Researchers found cancer cells self-destruct when glucose is cut off, suggesting a potent new way to fight cancer with few side effects. The discovery was made using a compound that disrupts glycolysis, the process that produces energy from sugar, and could be used in combination with existing treatments.
Researchers discovered a genetic defect in ALL1 gene duplication that signals poor prognosis and shorter survival time in AML patients. Patients with this defect require aggressive treatment, including allogenic bone marrow transplant, to improve survival rates.
Top researchers gathered at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to discuss breakthroughs in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, aiming for improved cure rates and reduced side effects. Rearrangement of the ETV6/TEL gene is associated with favorable treatment outcomes, enabling safer alternatives to radiation therapy.
Researchers successfully transferred a normal human beta globin gene into mice bone marrow cells, achieving long-term expression and high levels of production. This breakthrough holds promise for the treatment of sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia.
Weiss's research focuses on controlling Il-4 gene expression to develop therapeutic strategies against detrimental effects. Published in top journals, her work aims to improve understanding of Il-4 production regulatory mechanisms.
Scientists activate protein receptor to stimulate cell death in brain tumors, potentially sparing normal brain tissue. The therapy shows promise in treating nearly untreatable primary central nervous system lymphomas.
Researchers at the University of Rochester and UCLA have discovered a novel way to target HIV by genetically engineering a mutant tRNA primer that disrupts the virus's replication process. The approach, which has been patented, opens up new avenues for gene therapy in AIDS treatment.
Scientists have isolated and cloned the gene responsible for Fanconi anemia (FA), a rare disorder causing severe bone marrow failure, birth defects, and leukemia. The discovery enables the development of a quick diagnostic test for 65% of FA patients and may lead to better treatments, including gene therapy.
Duke University researchers identify a new target for stopping drug resistance in cancer cells by targeting the cellular pump that expels chemotherapy drugs. The study found that certain immunosuppressive drugs can block this pump by removing a vital activator, FKBP12, allowing chemotherapy drugs to be effective.
Researchers at Duke University successfully demonstrate that placental blood can be used as a reliable alternative to traditional bone marrow donors for transplantation. The study's findings pave the way for innovative treatments in hematology and immunology.