MIT engineers have developed a closed-loop drug-delivery system that can improve chemotherapy outcomes by continuously monitoring patients and adjusting dosage. The new system, called CLAUDIA, uses commercially available equipment to analyze blood samples every five minutes and adjust infusion rates in real-time.
The ALEXANDRA/IMpassion030 phase 3 trial found that adding atezolizumab to chemotherapy after surgery did not improve survival for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer patients. Researchers also found no benefit in different sub-groups, such as those with lymph node spread and PD-L1 positive cancer.
A large retrospective cohort analysis found that neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved overall and progression-free survival for locally advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma patients. The study also showed that platinum-based chemotherapy was well-tolerated, with low treatment-related mortality.
A team of researchers found that diffuse anaplasia (DA) subtype of Wilms tumor grows despite high DNA damage and TP53 mutation, leading to resistance to chemotherapy. The study suggests that DA histology emerges through accumulating DNA damage and CNAs, creating selection pressure for TP53 mutations.
A study found that the 21-gene breast recurrence score test may underestimate chemotherapy benefits for young Black women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The researchers recommend lowering the test's cutoff point to ensure accurate treatment recommendations for all patients regardless of race or ethnicity.
Researchers discovered that cisplatin chemotherapy enhances the immune system's ability to fight bladder cancer by modulating the immune response and damaging DNA in cancer cells. This approach may lead to durable disease control in a subset of patients with metastatic bladder cancer.
Senescent tumour cells generated by chemotherapy can create an environment that helps tumour cells escape treatment. Eliminating these cells with immunotherapy boosts the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Two phase-3 clinical trials demonstrate a significant increase in overall survival and progression-free survival for bladder cancer patients treated with immunotherapy combinations. The studies show a 22% reduction in the risk of death compared to chemotherapy alone, providing a promising new approach for treating advanced bladder cancer.
A Phase III trial found that patients who received perioperative immunotherapy had a 32% lower chance of disease recurrence, progression, or death compared to those who only received chemotherapy. The treatment also showed higher rates of pathologic complete response and improved event-free survival.
A clinical trial has shown that combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy nivolumab significantly improved outcomes in patients with advanced bladder cancer. The study found nearly twice as many patients with no evidence of disease after treatment, and a median complete response of 37.1 months.
A Phase III trial found that combining durvalumab and olaparib with chemotherapy reduces disease progression in advanced endometrial cancer patients by 45%, compared to 29% with durvalumab alone. The combination also shows benefits in MMR-proficient subgroups, offering new treatment options for these patients.
A new study published in JNCCN found that the adoption of clinical research results led to a significant increase in the use of shorter adjuvant chemotherapy periods, with CAPOX becoming more widely used. The study also revealed disparities in treatment patterns, with Black patients being more likely to receive shorter chemotherapy reg...
Researchers discovered that high blood glucose levels make pancreatic cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy, which could lead to improved treatment outcomes. In a mouse model and clinical data, the study found a nearly 40% lower risk of death among patients with elevated glucose levels compared to those with normal levels.
Scientists identified a process by which enzymes help prevent heart damage in chemotherapy patients. Enzymes normally found in mitochondria move to the nucleus, keeping cells alive. This discovery suggests new methods for testing individual patient responses and potentially preventing heart damage from chemotherapy.
A retrospective study found a 24% response rate to Docetaxel among patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer who experienced progression on immunotherapy. The median progression-free survival was 3 months, suggesting chemotherapy may still play an important role in treatment after immunotherapy failure.
A recent clinical trial showed that cemiplimab plus platinum chemotherapy can prolong survival in patients with advanced lung cancer, improving their quality of life. The treatment also reduced symptoms such as pain and cough, and delayed clinically meaningful deterioration.
Scientists successfully opened the blood-brain barrier using a novel ultrasound device, delivering chemotherapy to treat glioblastoma patients. The treatment increased drug concentrations by 4-6 times and was safe and well-tolerated.
A new meta-analysis finds that Black patients are 71% more likely to experience heart damage following chemotherapy treatment. The study highlights the need for further research into underlying factors contributing to these disparities to reduce cardiovascular risk associated with chemotherapy.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found a significant reduction in disease growth when combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy in patients with advanced endometrial cancer. The study resulted in a 70% risk reduction in the deficient mismatch repair group.
The NRG-GY018 trial found that pembrolizumab significantly improved progression-free survival outcomes in women with stage III-IV or recurrent endometrial cancer, particularly those with mismatch repair deficient tumors. The treatment also demonstrated improved overall survival and quality of life outcomes.
Researchers from Université Libre de Bruxelles discovered a protein named RHOJ that controls resistance to chemotherapy in cancer cells. By silencing RHOJ, cancer cells become sensitive to chemotherapy, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
A Phase II trial led by researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated that adding ipilimumab to a neoadjuvant combination of nivolumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy resulted in a major pathologic response in half of all treated patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment also...
Researchers discovered that quiescent ovarian cancer cells secrete follistatin, which induces resistance in neighboring cells and worsens survival rates. Targeting this protein may improve chemotherapy response and boost survival in patients with aggressive ovarian cancer.
Tumour cells exhibit an innate randomness in their ability to respond to chemotherapy, which can lead to resistance. Researchers identified a marker for resistance and propose combining chemotherapy with drugs targeting this 'noise' to improve treatment outcomes.
A new study found that chemotherapy alters the immune cell landscape in pancreatic cancer, reducing checkpoint molecules and increasing tumor growth. The research suggests that this may lead to resistance to subsequent immunotherapy, highlighting the need for further study on combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy.
Researchers found that female lymphoma patients who received afternoon chemotherapy had a 12.5 times reduced mortality rate and a 2.8 times decreased cancer recurrence rate compared to morning treatment. This is due to the body's natural circadian rhythm, which affects white blood cell counts and bone marrow proliferation.
A Cancer Research UK-funded clinical trial found that chemotherapy before surgery reduces the chance of colon cancer returning within 2 years by 28%. The study involved 1,053 patients and showed significant benefits in terms of preventing cancer recurrence.
Researchers at the University of Bergen have developed a method to predict cancer patient survival within hours of chemotherapy. By analyzing protein ERK1/2 levels in blood samples, they can identify patients who are responding or not responding to treatment, enabling early intervention.
The E1910 trial found that adding blinatumomab to standard front-line consolidation chemotherapy improved overall survival and kept most patients in remission. The treatment, which targets malignant B cells, demonstrated its effectiveness in patients with a good prognosis after an initial round of chemotherapy.
A nationwide retrospective study showed that adjuvant chemotherapy after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery significantly improved overall survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, regardless of lymph node status or resection margins. The study included nearly 900 patients and was published in JAMA Oncology.
Patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative tumors treated with ribociclib plus endocrine therapy had fewer adverse events and longer progression-free survival compared to those treated with combination chemotherapy. This treatment approach may allow for the avoidance of chemotherapy in aggressive patients.
Research found that male rats exposed to ifosfamide during adolescence had offspring and grand-offspring with increased incidence of diseases, including kidney and testis problems. The study's epigenetic analysis revealed changes passed down through sperm and ova, indicating a potential risk for future generations.
A study published in JACC: CardioOncology found that exercise during chemotherapy improves long-term cardiorespiratory fitness and alleviates adverse effects of cancer treatment. After treatment, an exercise program can recover lost function. The optimal timing of exercise intervention is during chemotherapy.
Researchers have discovered immune cell types that could be targeted to develop specific immunotherapies in chemotherapy-resistant breast cancers. The study found that certain immune cells, such as neutrophils and natural killer cells, were unable to effectively fight cancer cells due to gene expression changes.
A Saint Louis University researcher has identified a potential treatment for 'chemo-brain', a debilitating side effect of chemotherapy that affects patients' quality of life. The treatment targets the molecular events underlying this deficit and repurposes an already-approved FDA drug to reduce cognitive impairment.
Researchers have successfully prevented neuropathic pain associated with chemotherapy in mice treated with oxaliplatin. A Sigma-1 receptor antagonist prevents the development of neuropathy by modulating the TRPA1 ion channel, offering hope for a new therapy to treat debilitating side effects.
The POSEIDON trial found that patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who received a combined therapy of tremelimumab, durvalumab and chemotherapy experienced longer overall survival compared to those who received chemotherapy alone. KRAS/STK11/KEAP1 mutations did not impact the benefit of the triplet regimen.
A team of researchers developed a nanoparticle probe that can detect an indicator of heart damage from chemotherapy. Experiments revealed that intermittent fasting before chemotherapy can prevent this damage and preserve cardiac function.
Researchers found that tumour stem cells with Mex3a protein activity remain in a latent state, conferring resistance to chemotherapy. After treatment, these cells are reactivated, leading to cancer relapse. Removing the Mex3a gene makes colorectal cancer cells highly sensitive to chemotherapy.
Researchers discovered PDE5 inhibitors can reverse chemotherapy resistance by targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts, potentially shrinking oesophageal tumours more than chemotherapy alone. The treatment is already proven to be safe and well-tolerated, with promising results in a phase I/II clinical trial.
A new blood test has been developed to identify colon cancer patients who can safely avoid chemotherapy, reducing the number of patients treated with unnecessary treatment. The test assesses levels of circulating tumour DNA and could revolutionise chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer patients.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that a cellular stress state predicts a poor chemotherapy response in ovarian cancer patients. High-stress tumours with an inflammatory microenvironment may resist chemotherapy, making combination therapies a potential solution.
A new synthetic substance, PECS-101, has been shown to prevent neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy while improving cancer treatment outcomes. The study, conducted in mice, found that PECS-101 had no adverse effects and did not cause dependence.
A ketogenic diet has been shown to triple survival time in mouse models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma when combined with chemotherapy. The diet reduces circulating glucose and depresses insulin levels, which can enhance the antitumor effects of chemotherapy.
A moderate exercise programme was shown to improve chemotherapy success rates and reduce negative side effects in oesophageal cancer patients. The study found that exercise can be safely included as part of cancer treatment, potentially benefiting more patients.
A new study by WVU researcher William Walker found that the blood-brain barrier is dynamic and more receptive to chemotherapy at night. This could lead to better treatment outcomes for patients with brain metastasis.
A novel medical cooling system for preventing Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is being developed by the University of Huddersfield and Paxman. CIPN causes pain or sensitivity in hands and feet, delaying treatment. The new device uses 'Human Centred Design' to deliver stable cooling, tolerable over chemotherapy duration.
A recent study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital found that mutations in the DDX3X gene are responsible for chemotherapy resistance in some blood cancer patients. The study also discovered that STAT inhibitors can effectively kill lymphoma cells with DDX3X mutations, providing hope for new treatment options.
A large clinical trial has found that postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer and a 21-gene recurrence score of 25 or lower can safely skip chemotherapy. In contrast, premenopausal patients with positive nodes and low RS scores benefit from chemotherapy.
Researchers have identified a drug compound that makes pancreatic cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy, reducing tumor size by about half and improving survival rates. The combination of ATI-450 with chemotherapy also mitigates side effects, including nausea and fatigue, in mice with human pancreatic cancer cells.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a natural substance, a flavonoid, that can inhibit cancer cells' ability to defend themselves against chemotherapy by targeting efflux pumps. This could lead to more effective treatment and potentially even combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers discovered that chemotherapy drugs can affect protein synthesis in muscle cells, even at low doses. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment and exercise rehabilitation programs, suggesting that even non-oxidative stress effects of chemotherapy should be considered.
A new study by the Regenstrief Institute found that lack of protocols or standard operating procedures in the recovery room is a significant barrier to administering post-operative chemotherapy to reduce bladder cancer recurrence. The researchers identified 58 Michigan urologists who reported this as a major obstacle, emphasizing the n...
A study published in Psycho-Oncology found that breast cancer patients with low resilience are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and poor health-related quality of life during chemotherapy. Patients with high resilience, on the other hand, were less likely to develop depression and reported better health outcomes.
Researchers identified ALRs as key genetic factors influencing treatment response to radiation and chemotherapy. Cells deficient in ALRs are more resistant to radiation and chemotherapy, while those with higher ALR levels are more sensitive.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to prime the tumor environment to make chemotherapy more effective for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. By reducing stiffness and density of connective tissue, cancer spread was reduced by up to 50%. The study paves the way for a clinical trial to assess the therapy approach's effectiveness.
Patients with certain gene mutations are at high risk of fatal chemotherapy toxicity, with a 25-times increased risk detected in those with uncommon DPYD variants. The study suggests that adding pre-treatment screening may help prevent avoidable deaths without interrupting standard care.
The Phase III POSEIDON trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) treated with chemotherapy plus durvalumab and tremelimumab. Durvalumab combined with tremelimumab and chemotherapy reduced the risk of death...
A multicenter clinical trial tested the use of lurbinectedin in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which did not meet its primary end point of overall survival. However, the combination of lurbinectedin and doxorubicin was found to be active in patients with SCLC after one prior platinum-based chemotherapy.
Lindsey Macpherson, a UTSA neuroscientist, has received a $450,000 award to research ways to restore the sense of taste in chemotherapy patients. Her team will study mice and potentially partner with dental schools to translate findings into human treatments.