Adult childhood cancer survivors who underwent nephrotoxic therapies or kidney surgery had worse kidney function that did not recover over time. The study found a significant decline in glomerular function after treatment and a higher risk of premature chronic renal failure.
A new marker called isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) has been identified as a non-invasive diagnostic marker for lung cancer, with high sensitivity and specificity in detecting non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). IDH1 levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with lung cancer compared to healthy controls.
Researchers identified seven potential candidate genes as targets for melanoma immunotherapy, including cancer-testis genes and melanoma-related genes. The NCI is currently conducting clinical trials using this technology to treat various cancers.
A new method uses a combination of techniques to detect genetic variations that initiate colon cancer. The technique achieved high sensitivity and was able to detect APC variations in 41 out of 80 samples, including previously unknown variations.
A new study found that poor oral health is associated with an increased risk of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can cause oropharyngeal cancers. Good oral hygiene practices can help prevent HPV infection and its related cancers.
A phase I clinical trial shows that diffuse, large B-cell lymphomas resistant to chemotherapy can be reprogrammed to respond using the drug azacitidine. Patients whose tumors do not respond to standard therapies are being treated with a combination of approaches, including high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.
A study found that prostate cancer aggressiveness is established at tumor formation and does not change over time. The proportion of patients diagnosed with advanced-stage cancers decreased by more than six-fold after widespread PSA screening, while high Gleason grade cancers remained stable.
Researchers generated a comprehensive list of cancer-specific genetic variations and made them available to the public. The extensive data set has the potential to dramatically enhance understanding of relationships between specific cancer-related genetic variations and drug response.
Researchers identified a new molecular pathway involving the gene ZNF365 that may predict worse outcomes for patients with breast cancer. Abnormalities in this pathway can lead to genomic instability and an increased risk of developing tumors.
Researchers identified genetic variations associated with breast cancer risk among women on tamoxifen and raloxifene therapy. Women with favorable variations of the ZNF423 and CTSO genes are more likely to respond to prevention therapy, while those with unfavorable variations face a five-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Researchers identified novel FGFR gene fusions across various cancer types, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for patients. The study's findings have the potential to identify actionable mutations that can be treated with precision therapies.
A subset of metastatic colorectal cancers responds to anti-EGFR drugs but develops resistance within months. The study found that MET gene amplification drives this resistance, and a blood test can detect its presence prior to relapse.
A new Raman spectroscopy algorithm can accurately diagnose breast cancer and its associated lesions, reducing the need for repeat biopsies. The algorithm showed positive predictive values of 100% and negative predictive values of 96% for detecting breast cancer with or without microcalcifications.
Researchers identified biochemical changes in cancer cells that render them vulnerable to PARP inhibitors, which showed promise as a novel treatment strategy for cisplatin-resistant cancer. The study found that high levels of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 and elevated amounts of poly (ADP-ribosyl) were linked to resistance to cisplatin.
The number of cancer survivors in the US is projected to increase from 13.7 million in 2012 to 18 million by 2022, with two-thirds of those over age 65. The report highlights disparities in survival rates across different cancer subtypes.
Ganetespib shows greater antitumor activity against ALK-positive NSCLC and overcomes crizotinib resistance in mice xenografted with human cancer cells. The drug is effective for treating patients who have become resistant to FDA-approved targeted therapy.
Researchers characterized how the functionality of genetically engineered T cells administered therapeutically to patients with melanoma changed over time. A new population of T cells emerged at around one month that exhibited tumor-killing characteristics through epitope spreading, suggesting a potential cause for the transient response.
Researchers identified a set of genes associated with lipid metabolism that may help identify women at risk for hormone receptor-negative breast cancer. These genes were found to be overexpressed in the unaffected breasts of women with estrogen receptor-negative disease.
A mouse study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that removing visceral fat reduces the development of intestinal tumors. The study also showed gender differences in how adiposity affects cancer risk, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to reduce abdominal obesity and promote weight loss.
Researchers identified microRNA expression signatures that define the progression of Barrett's esophagus into esophageal adenocarcinoma. A small number of microRNAs, including miR-375 and the miR-17-92 family, may differentiate Barrett's esophagus from esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Research found that obesity increases the risk of colorectal cancer with a specific molecular characteristic, known as CTNNB1-positive cancer. Physical activity, on the other hand, was linked to a lower risk for this type of cancer.
Researchers have identified a biomarker that may identify neuroblastomas sensitive to BET bromodomain inhibitors. Neuroblastoma cells with MYCN amplification were found to be sensitive to these drugs in preclinical studies. The discovery offers new hope for treating this devastating childhood cancer.
A new drug combination has shown promise in preventing head and neck cancer in high-risk patients. The combination of erlotinib and celecoxib was found to be more effective in inhibiting the growth of human SCCHN cell lines compared to either drug alone.
Researchers identified miR-7 as a metastasis suppressor that suppressed cancer stem-like cells' ability to metastasize to the brain. The miR-7/KLF4 axis played a critical role in cancer stem-like cell brain metastasis, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic or therapeutic target for predicting or treating brain metastases.
Research found that a large majority of head and neck cancers have deregulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, but this doesn't necessarily mean the tumor is dependent on it for survival. The study used tumor explant model to distinguish driver mutations from passenger mutations, which could help stratify patients for response to mTOR inhibitors.
Researchers found that combining PI3K inhibitors with anti-HER2 therapy can prolong treatment effectiveness by targeting the PI3K pathway, which activates anti-death protein survivin. High levels of survivin correlate with resistance to therapy, suggesting its measurement could predict treatment outcomes.
A new multiple gene expression profile test can predict the presence of harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in otherwise healthy women. The test showed a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 88%, and has the potential to replace expensive sequencing tests, making it an affordable option for high-risk carriers.
A new model developed by scientists can predict which patients with colorectal cancer will respond to chemotherapy. The model measures the stress required for a cancer cell to die without harming healthy tissue, and has been shown to robustly predict patient outcomes.
Drs. William Y. Kim and James W. Mier have received $250,000 grants to conduct innovative translational kidney cancer research. Their projects aim to personalize kinase therapy and explore the mechanism of HDM2 antagonists in blocking tumor angiogenesis.
A preclinical study found that androgen deprivation therapies may have adverse effects on prostate cancer growth and survival in men with precancerous conditions. The study's results suggest that reducing testosterone levels may encourage indolent tumors to become more aggressive as men age.
A preclinical study suggests that inhibiting mTORC1 with everolimus can suppress Myc-driven tumor initiation and growth. Everolimus caused tumor regression by inducing cellular senescence, rather than apoptosis.
A new screening approach identified potential anticancer drug combinations that target RAS and BRAF mutations in melanoma. The study found that pairing cholesterol-reducing drugs with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors showed efficacy against RAS-driven melanomas.
A new Dream Team project, Immunologic Checkpoint Blockade and Adoptive Cell Transfer in Cancer Therapy, aims to expand and optimize combinations of two novel immunotherapies. The team will unite laboratory and clinical efforts to develop durable responses in patients suffering from various types of cancer.
A preclinical study published in Cancer Research found that obesity and overfeeding during menopause together drive aggressive tumor growth and progression. Obesity-related metabolic changes allowed breast tumors to accumulate glucose and promote proliferation.
Kornelia Polyak and Mina J. Bissell will receive the AACR Outstanding Investigator Award for Breast Cancer Research and Distinguished Lectureship, respectively. The symposium presents a balance of clinical, translational, and basic research on breast cancer.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism by which normal stromal cells around ovarian cancer cells are converted into cancer-promoting cells. Altering microRNA expression in these cells enhances tumor growth and metastasis, providing new potential therapeutic targets.
A promising new approach to treating solid tumors with radiation has been developed, which uses an injectable substance that spontaneously assembles into a radioactive seed after injection. This technique shows great efficacy and minimal toxicity in a mouse model of cancer, providing a useful alternative to existing brachytherapy.
Researchers found that inhibiting PI3-kinase can convert BRCA-proficient triple-negative breast cancers into BRCA-deficient ones, making them sensitive to PARP inhibitors. This combination treatment showed promising results in preclinical studies and is now being tested in a clinical trial.
PARP inhibitor olaparib traps PARP proteins at DNA damage sites, leading to cell toxicity. Researchers identify genetic mutations that sensitize cells to trapped PARP complexes, suggesting new therapeutic targets.
A study found that survivors of cervical, blood, and colorectal cancers experience poorer physical and mental health-related quality of life compared to those with other types of cancer. The analysis estimated that 3.3 million and 1.4 million US cancer survivors face below-average physical and mental health, respectively.
Researchers have identified potential new prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for adult B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A study found that changes in the epigenetic code are linked to aggressive traits in the disease.
A recent study has found that non-Hispanic black women diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive tumors have a significantly increased risk for breast cancer death, particularly within the first three years after diagnosis. This risk is more pronounced among black women compared to non-Hispanic white women.
Claudia R. Baquet, M.D., M.P.H., is being honored for her contributions to cancer health disparities research. She will deliver the third annual AACR Distinguished Lecture on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities.
Researchers developed a noninvasive assay to monitor treatment response in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The assay measures androgen receptor signaling pathway activity in circulating tumor cells, allowing for early detection of resistance to treatment.
Researchers found that elevated hormone levels, except for DHEAS, tracked closely with increased risk for HR-positive breast cancer. Women in the highest 25 percent of SHBG levels had a 30% lower risk for breast cancer compared to those in the lowest 25 percent.
A nested case-control study found increased concentrations of estradiol and progesterone during early pregnancy associated with a heightened risk for HR-negative breast cancer. The study, presented at the 11th Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, included 223 cases and 417 controls.
Researchers found that green tea extract Polyphenon E inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor, promoting tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion. Women taking the extract had a significant reduction in hepatocyte growth factor levels, but no long-term effects were observed.
A team-based smoking cessation program with financial incentives improved abstinence rates among healthcare workers. The study found that team support created peer pressure and encouragement, leading to higher long-term quit success rates.
A recent study found that nearly 38% of lesbians in the US had not been screened for cervical cancer according to recommended guidelines. Women who disclosed their sexual orientation to healthcare providers were more likely to undergo routine screening, highlighting the importance of effective communication between patients and providers.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically active, and following a healthy diet significantly reduced mortality in elderly female cancer survivors. Researchers found that adherence to lifestyle guidelines resulted in an almost 40% lower risk for death compared to those who did not follow these recommendations.