Researchers found that bowel cancer cells can escape the immune system through epigenetic changes, leading to limited changes in how the cancer presents itself. This understanding could lead to targeted and effective treatments for patients with bowel cancer, particularly those who respond well to immunotherapy.
The TORPEdO trial found that intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is as effective as proton beam therapy (PBT) in treating head and neck cancer. Both treatments delivered similar outcomes in terms of survival and quality of life, with IMRT being more widely available.
Cancer Research UK scientists have found that pre-cancer cells develop faults in autophagy, a cell recycling process. This discovery may help predict or reverse the start of pancreatic cancer, a difficult-to-treat disease linked to 6,900 deaths in the UK every year.
Researchers have developed a test that can predict chemotherapy resistance in cancer patients, based on chromosomal instability signatures. This test has the potential to personalize treatment and reduce side effects for patients.
Researchers created an algorithm called PRRDetect to identify tumors with faulty DNA repair mechanisms, which are more sensitive to immunotherapy. The algorithm could help doctors tailor treatments to individual patients and improve treatment outcomes for cancers such as lung and brain tumors.
A new genetic testing technique is being developed to help young cancer patients receive more targeted and less toxic treatments. The test analyzes DNA released into the bloodstream by cancer cells, offering a less invasive way to monitor tumor progression and identify new treatment targets.
Scientists are investigating whether resveratrol, a compound found in red grapes, can prevent bowel cancer. The COLO-PREVENT trial is testing multiple potential prevention drugs, including aspirin and metformin, to see if they can slow down tumour growth and reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
The researchers aim to establish targets for the vaccine by identifying proteins on the surface of early-stage ovarian cancer cells recognized by the immune system. If successful, clinical trials will begin to test the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing ovarian cancer, potentially offering a solution for women at high risk.
A glowing marker dye attached to a special marker molecule enables surgeons to visualize prostate cancer cells in real-time, allowing for more precise removal of cancerous tissues and preservation of healthy tissue. This technology has the potential to reduce the chances of cancer recurrence and minimize life-changing side effects.
Researchers identified 618 proteins linked to 19 types of cancer, including 107 in people diagnosed over 7 years prior. These proteins may be used to detect cancer earlier and prevent it altogether. Further research is needed to understand their role and develop reliable tests.
The HPV vaccination programme is helping to close health inequalities in cervical cancer, with most cases prevented in more deprived groups. The study found that the vaccine reduced cervical cancer incidence rates by nearly 90% and pre-cancerous conditions by around 95% in women who received routine vaccination at 12-13 years old.
The CAP trial found that PSA test screening led to a small reduction in prostate cancer deaths, but also resulted in overdiagnosis of 1 in 6 cancers. The study suggests that the benefits of screening do not outweigh the potential harms.
Developed by scientists from the University of Oxford, the LungVax vaccine uses technology similar to the highly successful Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine will train the immune system to recognise and attack abnormal lung cells with neoantigens.
A study by Cancer Research UK reveals that mortality rates have dropped by 37% in men and 33% in women, with significant reductions in cervical cancer and lung cancer. However, cancer cases are on the rise overall, and researchers warn of an immense challenge ahead to maintain progress.
Two new studies reveal that UK cancer patients face long waits for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, leading to poorer outcomes. The research highlights the need for a strategic approach to addressing treatment variation and improving cancer services in the UK.
Researchers have discovered that tumours with mitochondrial DNA mutations are up to two and a half times more likely to respond to immunotherapy, opening a new avenue for improving cancer treatment. This finding could enable doctors to identify patients who would benefit most from immunotherapy before starting treatment.
A new study funded by Cancer Research UK reveals that smoking tobacco causes 20.8 million years of life loss each year, with four preventable risk factors contributing to over 30 million years of life lost annually. The study suggests that action on a global scale could save millions of lives from preventable cancers.
Researchers analyzed autopsies of 14 patients with advanced melanoma, finding that changes to tumor DNA can cause resistance to treatment. The study sheds light on the final stages of cancer and may lead to new treatments for patients with advanced disease.
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.
Cancer Research UK launches a global consultation for the Cancer Grand Challenges initiative, inviting researchers, patient advocates, and the public to submit ideas for tackling cancer's toughest challenges. The consultation aims to identify select challenges that could revolutionize cancer research, with the goal of shaping funding a...
Scientists have identified a protein that regulates cancer cell spread and normal tissue cell shedding, potentially leading to new treatments. The research suggests that metastasis is not an abnormal process limited to cancer but a normal process used by healthy cells.
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.
Scientists have identified 21 common DNA faults that occur in cancer, which can guide doctors to targeted treatments. The AI algorithm, inspired by Netflix's content recommendation system, categorizes genomic data to predict cancer behavior and outcomes.
A recent study funded by Cancer Research UK has found that excess weight almost doubles a woman's risk of developing womb cancer. The study analyzed genetic samples from over 120,000 women and found that markers such as fasting insulin and testosterone increase the risk of womb cancer.
A study found that over a third of cancer patients in the UK were diagnosed through emergency routes, with older and advanced cancer patients being disproportionately affected. The researchers called for better symptom awareness, reduced barriers to screening, and additional diagnostic capacity to improve early diagnosis.
The study found that White people are more than twice as likely to get some types of cancer, including melanoma skin cancer and oesophageal bladder cancers, compared to Black, Asian or Mixed ethnic backgrounds. Black people are also more likely to get certain types of cancer, such as myeloma and prostate cancer.
A new study published in The Lancet Oncology found that aromatase inhibitors are more effective than tamoxifen at reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Aromatase inhibitors were shown to be particularly beneficial for younger women, reducing the risk of recurrence by 30%.
Researchers found that patients with colorectal cancer had a 57-93% decreased risk of death from their cancer depending on the presence and type of mitochondrial DNA mutations. Mitochondrial DNA mutations were present in almost 60% of tumour samples, suggesting potential for improved treatment outcomes.
A new treatment approach called 'organ preservation' uses radiotherapy followed by local keyhole surgery to remove only the part of the rectum affected by cancer. Patients who received this treatment reported fewer side effects, such as diarrhoea and the need for a permanent colostomy bag, compared to those who underwent major surgery.
The partnership aims to galvanize the global research community to make transformative leaps in cancer research. Researchers will be encouraged to think creatively and act boldly to address major challenges in understanding cancer.
Researchers found unique DNA damage patterns in cells lining the gut and bowel cancer tumours, linked to a specific strain of E. coli toxin colibactin. The discovery could enable early detection and prevention of bowel cancer through targeted screening tests.
England is off track to meet its 2030 smoke-free target, with projections suggesting a 20-year gap in smoking rates between the least and most deprived communities. To achieve the goal of a 5% smoking rate, significant funding for stop-smoking services and national education campaigns must be reinstated.
A genetic study found that long-term statin use may be associated with a 40% reduction in ovarian cancer risk in the general population and those with BRCA1/2 gene faults. The research used Mendelian randomization to analyze thousands of people's genetic data.
Scientists created a detailed map of breast cancer, showing how genetic changes affect the physical tumour landscape. This technique could provide doctors with an unparalleled wealth of information about each patient's tumour upon diagnosis.
Scientists have developed a new technique to analyze signaling molecules in individual cancer cells, revealing complex communication networks that contribute to tumor growth and treatment resistance. The technique, tested on bowel cancer cells, detected 28 key signaling molecules across six cell types in over 1 million cells.
A study found that people who quit smoking have more genetically healthy lung cells than current smokers, with a lower risk of developing into cancer. These 'protective cells' can help protect against lung cancer and may even allow new, healthy cells to actively replenish the lining of airways.
Bowel cancer screening tests can miss patients due to NHS staff shortages, particularly in England where lower haemoglobin levels warrant further investigation. Cancer Research UK calls for significant investment to train and recruit more staff to diagnose patients earlier.
Researchers have developed a new scanning technique using magnetized molecules to monitor breast cancer, detecting differences in tumor size, type, and grade. The scan reveals the 'topography' of tumors, providing detailed information on metabolism and identifying potential treatment options.
A new set of guidelines for Complex Innovative Trials (CID) aims to improve the quality and efficiency of clinical trials. The recommendations cover stages from trial planning to patient-facing documentation, with the goal of accelerating the development and approval of innovative treatments.
A new study found that genetic variations in non-coding regions of DNA can drive cancer development. Researchers analyzed over 6 million genetic variants and discovered correlations between specific SNPs and the expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes.
A new study by Cancer Research UK found that nearly 3,400 patients experienced avoidable delays in their cancer diagnosis. The reasons for these delays are complex and can include long waiting times for tests, vague symptoms, and pre-existing conditions.
Researchers have discovered that blocking MCL1 protein can eliminate melanoma cells more effectively, even in late-stage cancers. Combining MCL1 antagonist AZD5991 with existing treatments like vemurafenib has a 'double whammy' effect against cancer cells.
Researchers found vitamin D influences melanoma cells' behavior by slowing growth and reducing spread. This discovery could lead to new treatment approaches.
The UK will pioneer the use of FLASH radiotherapy and artificial intelligence in cancer treatment. Cancer Research UK RadNet aims to improve cancer survival by optimising and personalising radiotherapy.
A new transatlantic research alliance aims to develop radical new strategies and technologies to detect cancer at its earliest stage, improving survival rates. The International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection will accelerate breakthroughs in early detection, leading to quicker benefits for patients.
Researchers have discovered that patients' blood samples and tumour biopsies can reveal early signs of lung cancer spreading and becoming untreatable. The TRACERx project has identified possible causes of recurrence and developed new techniques to predict tumour aggression.
A cluster of interacting proteins found in Tasmanian devil facial tumours and human cancers could guide the development of new drug combinations that improve immunotherapy treatment effectiveness. Researchers suggest that a class of EZH2 inhibitors may help overcome immune evasion in cancer cells.
A study found that men with the BRCA2 gene fault are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and develop more serious tumours. Regular PSA testing could help detect these cancers earlier.
Cancer survival in the UK has improved since 1995, with significant increases in one-year and five-year survival rates for various cancers. Despite this progress, the UK still lags behind other high-income countries in cancer survival.
Brain tumor researchers will use advanced sequencing technology to build a functional map of the developing brain, allowing them to analyze all cells in unprecedented detail and potentially discover new drug targets. The team aims to understand how cells 'talk' to their neighbors to determine which signals drive cancer growth.