A study by City of Hope researchers found that the ApoE4 gene increases the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. The team created brain cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 and discovered that those with ApoE4 were more susceptible to infection, damage, and cell death.
A new risk assessment tool, CARG-BC Score, helps oncologists make personalized treatment recommendations for elderly patients with early-stage breast cancer. The score combines eight disease and patient-reported predictors to predict the likelihood of severe chemotherapy side effects.
Researchers at City of Hope developed a cancer-killing virus called CF33 that targets hard-to-treat tumors and stimulates an immune response. The oncolytic virus demonstrates increased PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and causes them to die, leading to lasting anti-tumor immunity.
A recent study published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians found that little effort has been made to increase older adult participation in cancer clinical trials, despite the disproportionate impact of cancer on this age group. The researchers called for a more inclusive approach, recommending that trials ask targeted questions an...
A phase 1 clinical trial of sotorasib (AMG 510) demonstrated anti-cancer activity in patients with heavily pretreated advanced solid tumors. Patients with non-small cell lung cancer had a 32% response rate and median progression-free survival of 6.3 months.
A new study by City of Hope researchers found that Black patients are less likely to receive chemotherapy and have a higher chance of death compared to white patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The study suggests that all patients with liver metastases should be evaluated for surgery, regardless of race.
Researchers at City of Hope found that Andrographis paniculata, a natural botanical, is effective in killing chemo-resistant colon cancer cells when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. The study's goal was to develop a non-toxic treatment that could succeed in killing cancer cells.
Researchers successfully combined two immunotherapies to target and eliminate difficult-to-treat solid tumors. The combination showed a powerful, synergistic effect, leading to prolonged protective anti-tumor immunity in mice.
A study found that patients with metastatic kidney cancer who had a greater variety of gut microbes responded better to immunotherapy, and that eating a high-fiber diet may help improve treatment outcomes. The researchers suggest that modulating the gut microbiome during therapy could impact responses to therapy.
Researchers found that some mutations actually generate 'noise' that can counteract cancer development, leading to a dead end. New drug combinations aim to reactivate suppressed pathways to disrupt oncogenic signal transduction in cancer cells.
Physician-scientists use a comprehensive genomic analysis tool to determine the best treatment plan for each individual patient. The study suggests that mutations in the TERT gene can predict a patient's response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Researchers found persistent DNA methylation changes in blood cells and stem cells associated with metabolic memory and future diabetic complications. The study provides evidence of a link between epigenetics, glycemic history, and complication development, offering potential biomarkers for early intervention and prevention.
Scientists at City of Hope and TGen found that circulating immune cell dynamics can inform how patients respond to immunotherapy. The study's findings highlight an important predator-prey relationship between immune cells and tumor response.
City of Hope scientists have developed two potent small molecules, CS1 and CS2, which inhibit the FTO protein and suppress tumor growth in various cancers. The compounds demonstrate significant anti-tumor effects and improved overall survival in mice with acute myeloid leukemia and breast cancer.
Researchers at City of Hope have identified a novel microRNA biomarker that can detect lymph node metastases in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which makes up about 80% of all pancreatic cancer cases. The test has an accuracy level of 78% and could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for patients.
City of Hope researchers used lab-grown brain organoids to study the effects of cytomegalovirus on unborn babies, finding that a strain of HCMV can cause microcephaly by disrupting calcium signaling and brain development. The model could help identify potential therapies for the condition.
Researchers found a toxic fungus previously thought to not be infectious in the sinus tissues of a man with refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia. The team successfully treated the infection using available antifungal drugs.
The City of Hope's innovative platform enables researchers to access and analyze the data from the California Teachers Study, a 25-year study on cancer, heart conditions, and Alzheimer's disease. This move aims to fast-track scientific discoveries and improve quality of life for people worldwide.
Researchers developed a new CAR T cell therapy using chlorotoxin, a component of scorpion venom, to target glioblastoma cells. The therapy showed promise in killing tumor cells while ignoring healthy tissue.
Researchers at City of Hope have discovered a link between the circadian rhythm gene BMAL1 and the suppression of tumor growth in obese and prediabetic mice. The study found that mice without the BMAL1 protein experienced accelerated breast tumor growth, suggesting that increasing BMAL1 levels may slow cancer progression.
A phase 2 randomized trial study found that patients who received the Triplex vaccine had 50% fewer CMV complications and developed immunity against the virus. The vaccine showed promise as a potential therapy for transplant recipients with weakened immune systems.
City of Hope scientists have found that aspirin appears to reduce tumor growth and inhibit recurrence of colorectal cancer. The right dosage of aspirin is being identified to act as a prophylactic without triggering dangerous side effects.
A City of Hope-led study found that tivozanib improved progression-free survival for patients with renal cell carcinoma who had tried two or more treatments, compared to the FDA-approved sorafenib. The study suggests that targeted therapy may be a better option for repeat kidney cancer patients.
City of Hope researchers have created a modified CRISPR gene editing tool that improves the accuracy and efficiency of cutting out undesirable genetic information. The new design has shown promise in treating HIV and sickle cell disease by increasing desirable mutations and improving activity at specific target sites.
Researchers at City of Hope have developed a new CAR T cell therapy targeting the B cell-activating factor receptor (BAFF-R), which showed remarkable tumor regression and prolonged survival in animal models. The therapy may potentially be used as a first-line treatment for patients who relapsed after CD19 immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers from City of Hope have identified a subgroup of colorectal cancer patients who, despite having many immune cells in their tumors, experience poorer health outcomes due to an overactive immune system. These patients may benefit from immunotherapy to reduce disease recurrence and improve survival rates.
Researchers have identified a potential combination targeted therapy for a deadly type of leukemia found in some infants, which was linked to high levels of the BCL6 protein and poor outcomes. The therapy involves 'turning off' the BCL6 protein using ABT-199, promising a lifesaving treatment option for babies and young children.
Researchers discovered that natural killer (NK) cells can express PD-L1 and provide anti-tumor activity when treated with checkpoint inhibitors. PD-L1+ NK cells can control tumor growth by killing tumors and secreting cytokines, providing a new immunotherapeutic avenue.
City of Hope scientists develop blood test to forecast breast cancer recurrence risk in patients with solid tumors. The innovative approach aims to personalize treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.
A new study suggests that a probiotic-derived molecule from Bacteroides fragilis can temper the immune system and prevent fatal brain inflammation caused by herpes simplex virus infection. The findings provide an exciting proof of principle for the potential therapeutic benefits of certain prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics.
Researchers found that tumor mutation score is associated with responses to immunotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Patients with high mutation scores are more likely to respond to immunotherapy, while those with low scores may benefit from chemotherapy.
Researchers at City of Hope have been awarded $7.5 million to develop new treatments for CTCL, a disfiguring and incurable cancer affecting about 3,000 individuals annually. The grant will support the development of personalized medicine and immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers created metallocorrole/protein nanoparticles that can both survive longer in the body and better snipe disease targets. The theranostics have huge chemotherapeutic potential, potentially shortening treatment duration and diminishing side effects for cancer patients.
A new study found that many commercial cell lines used for laboratory studies are mislabeled as minority ancestry, leading to a lack of diversity and hindering the development of precision medicine for underrepresented populations. Researchers call for more diverse biospecimens to be used in scientific investigations.
Researchers at City of Hope have developed a synthetic DNA molecule that disables tumor defense systems while inducing immune responses, eliminating difficult-to-treat prostate cancer in experimental models. The novel two-step strategy relies on two opposite actions of the same 'hot and cold' molecule to remove obstacles to treating me...
Xiuli Wang's research aims to create a single infusion therapy that can treat HIV, eliminating the need for lifelong antiretroviral drug treatment. The innovative approach combines chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells with a cytomegalovirus vaccine to stimulate the immune system.
A new stem cell model developed by City of Hope researchers provides insight into the disease pathway of Alexander disease, a rare nervous system disorder. The study found that therapies targeting CHI3L1 protein may be able to treat Alexander's disease or leukodystrophic diseases.
A new gene-editing technology has been discovered by City of Hope scientist Saswati Chatterjee, which can efficiently correct genetic defects in human blood cells. The platform uses adeno-associated viruses to deliver corrective DNA sequences, offering a promising approach for treating diseases such as sickle cell disease and hemophilia.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has awarded City of Hope $3.7 million to develop a phase 1 clinical trial for glioblastoma patients that will genetically engineer their stem cells to better tolerate chemotherapy's side effects, allowing them to receive higher doses of the therapy. The trial is expected to star...
A recent study published by City of Hope found that regular use of low-dose aspirin (81mg) reduces the risk of breast cancer in women. The study analyzed data from 57,164 participants in the California Teachers Study and found an overall 16% lower risk of breast cancer in women who took low-dose aspirin at least three times a week.
Researchers have identified a way to prevent graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplants while preserving anti-cancer effects on fighting leukemia and lymphoma. By depleting specific donor T cells, the regimen may stop GVHD without subduing cancer-killing immune cells.
Researchers found that breast cancer cells express reelin, a protein typically found in the brain, to disguise themselves and avoid detection. This allows them to form new deadly brain tumors, leading to high mortality rates among women with HER2-positive breast cancer.
City of Hope researchers presented phase 1 clinical trial results for novel leukemia and lymphoma treatments, including targeted radiation and antibody therapy. The studies showed promising safety and efficacy outcomes, paving the way for future trials and potential improved patient outcomes.
A new study from City of Hope has found that stimulating the TLX gene can prompt growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, leading to faster learning and better memories. This discovery could provide a new strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases and age-related memory loss.
City of Hope researchers discovered that breast cancer cells can masquerade as neurons, allowing them to hide from the immune system and spread to the brain. The study found that these cancer cells exploit the brain's chemicals and proteins to deceive the immune system.
Rectal cancer patients may benefit from additional chemotherapy before surgery for better outcomes. City of Hope researchers also investigated the effectiveness of palliative care in late-stage lung cancer patients, finding significant gaps in current care.
Researchers identified phytochemicals in mushrooms that block aromatase enzyme activity, potentially reducing estrogen levels and killing hormone-dependent breast cancers. Early-stage studies show promise in preventing breast cancer recurrence and treating lung cancer.