Researchers found that elevated galectin-1 levels correlate with tumor burden and adverse clinical characteristics in newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma patients. The study suggests using galectin-1 as a biomarker to predict patient outcomes and inform treatment decisions.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have isolated a previously unknown protein in muscles that spurs their growth and increased power following resistance exercise. The protein, PGC-1 alpha-4, controls the activity of two molecular pathways involved in muscle growth.
A new study demonstrates that a targeted therapy, selumetinib, and chemotherapy work better together than chemotherapy alone in treating patients with KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. The combination improved patient survival by 3.2 months and showed significant tumor shrinkage, offering hope for a potential new treatment strategy.
A new targeted drug, regorafenib, has demonstrated its ability to control metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in patients who have become resistant to all existing therapies. The treatment improved disease control and survival rates for nearly four months longer than placebo.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that patients who discussed end-of-life care several months before their death were less likely to receive aggressive therapy and more likely to enter hospice care. These conversations enabled patients to think through their options more carefully, leading to better quality ...
A study found that aspirin use significantly improves survival rates for patients with a specific gene mutation, but has limited impact on those without. The study suggests a new genetic marker to predict therapy effectiveness.
A nationwide study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that 69% of advanced lung cancer and 81% of advanced colorectal cancer patients believe chemotherapy can cure their disease. However, skilled clinicians can set realistic expectations without losing hope or trust.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have successfully shut down breast cancer and leukemia in mice by targeting abnormal proteins that control cell growth. The study found that inhibiting cyclin D1 or D3 proteins halts cancer growth, while normal cells remain unaffected.
Researchers developed a novel method to determine how ready acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells are to die, helping cancer specialists choose treatments more effectively. The tool measures the 'primed to die' status of AML cells by apoptosis, allowing for better prediction of patient outcomes and personalized treatment decisions.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that the protein TRPV4 is highly expressed in white fat cells, enabling them to burn calories instead of storing excess energy. The study provides a potential target for treating obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found a small molecule, P5091, that triggers programmed cell death in drug-resistant myeloma cells. Combining P5091 with other therapies enhances its anti-myeloma effects.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Baylor College of Medicine developed a small molecule compound, JQ1, that generates reversible birth control in male mice by disrupting spermatogenesis. The study showed a decrease in sperm count and quality without affecting testosterone production or offspring health.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a new class of genes, dubbed CYCLOPS, that may serve as an Achilles' heel for many forms of cancer. These genes, which are essential to all cells but have been disrupted in cancer progression, can be targeted with drug molecules to block cancer cell proliferation.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a new type of energy-burning fat cell, called 'beige fat,' which may have therapeutic potential for treating obesity and diabetes. Beige fat cells can burn off calories rather than store them, unlike 'white fat' cells.
Researchers have identified a prototype compound that can directly activate the BAX protein, leading to apoptosis in cancer cells. This new paradigm for designing cancer drugs may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
A novel compound has shown significant benefits in patients with KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, improving treatment response and survival times. The study's findings suggest a potential effective treatment for this common subtype of lung cancer.
Scientists develop a synthetic peptide that disables cancer cells' survival defenses by targeting protein targets, suppressing cancer growth in mice. The compound's synergistic anti-cancer activity with other drugs holds promise for treating relapsed and refractory blood cancers.
A phase II clinical trial found that abiraterone acetate, a hormone-depleting drug, can nearly eliminate or eliminate tumors in patients with aggressive cancers isolated to the prostate gland. The study showed promising results, encouraging further research into new treatments for high-risk prostate cancer.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered that advanced pancreatic cancers in mice cannot survive without the mutant Kras oncogene, which rewires key metabolic pathways. The study suggests that targeting these altered metabolic pathways might be a potential approach to treat the deadly cancer.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that adding bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer in patients over 65 did not significantly increase survival rates. The treatment approach was previously approved by the FDA but failed to show substantial benefits.
Researchers found that people with strong social connections tend to eat more fruit and vegetables, but also consume sugary drinks and fast food. Social responsibilities may limit time and energy for healthy behaviors in low-income individuals.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reveals that rapamycin triggers diabetic-like symptoms in some patients through activity of protein YY1. The researchers found that mice without the YY1 protein were protected against the effects, raising caution about the use of rapamycin.
US cancer death rates have declined between 2004 and 2008, with a decrease in cancer diagnoses for men and women. The rate of new cancer diagnoses decreased an average of less than one percent per year, while death rates from all cancers continued to fall.
A new website provides access to genomic data on chronic lung disease, making it easier for researchers to analyze and gain insights. The site offers a range of data types and tools for different user groups, including quantitative scientists, basic investigators, and translational scientists.
Scientists have identified a genetic marker that predicts which breast and ovarian cancers will respond to platinum-based chemotherapies. The marker, found on chromosomes within cancer cells, flags tumors unable to repair DNA damage caused by platinum agents, offering new hope for aggressive triple-negative breast cancer patients.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered a subtype of ovarian cancer that is susceptible to anti-angiogenic drugs, which block blood vessel formation. The subtype accounts for approximately one-third of all serous ovarian cancers and may benefit from therapies currently being tested in other cancers.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that most terminally ill cancer patients discuss end-of-life care with their physicians, but often too late. The conversations tend to occur under stressful hospital conditions and are typically led by non-oncologists.
A new analysis found that targeted cancer drugs increase the risk of fatal side effects, including bleeding and heart attacks. The study recommends caution when using these drugs in patients at high risk for complications.
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center awarded Dana-Farber Cancer Institute a $10 million grant to support the expansion of its pioneering cancer imaging research program. The new facility will enable better diagnosis, targeted therapies, and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a mechanism by which micronuclei disrupt chromosomes, leading to cancer-causing gene mutations. The findings suggest that whole chromosome aneuploidy may promote cancer in a similar way to other genomic alterations.
A team of researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has isolated a natural hormone from muscle cells that triggers key health benefits of exercise. The protein, called irisin, has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and reduce white fat, promoting the development of 'good' brown fat.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have created a peptide cocktail that sparks a stronger diverse immune response in laboratory culture than individual peptides. The combination of four antigenic peptides is believed to provide an effective therapeutic application for patients with multiple myeloma and related diseases.
Scientists have identified a gene mutation that underlies the vast majority of cases of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. The mutation causes tumor cells to produce a distorted protein, leading to activation of NF-kB and growth of Waldenstrom's tumor cells.
Researchers have developed a therapy using FT1050 that improves stem cell engraftment in umbilical cord blood transplant recipients, allowing for faster recovery and reduced complications. The treatment accelerates the process of stem cells taking root in patients, resulting in improved outcomes.
Researchers discovered nine frequently mutated genes in CLL that may help predict disease progression and guide treatment. The study identified new cancer pathway aberrant RNA splicing, which could lead to novel targeted treatments.
A team of US-based and Rwandan physicians have developed an innovative approach to delivering expert care to children with lymphoma in rural Rwanda. Through this 'twinning' model, American-trained pediatricians supervise Rwandan-trained generalists, supported by weekly conference calls from U.S.-based pediatric oncologists.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers have identified a mechanism that triggers inflammation in the liver and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. They demonstrated that a particular micro-RNA, miR-124, can be harnessed to treat or prevent liver cancer.
A new meta-analysis of randomized studies involving 4,141 prostate cancer patients found no difference in cardiovascular deaths between those receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and those who didn't. The study suggests that ADT may not increase the risk of fatal heart attacks for men without a history of heart disease.
A phase I study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that low-dose IL-2 therapy reduced symptoms of chronic graft-versus-host disease in half of patients, with significant improvements in skin and liver function. The treatment also allowed some patients to taper off or stop immune-suppressing medications.
A two-drug combination therapy, involving a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and rBPI21, has shown promising results in mice with radiation exposure. The treatment was effective even when administered a day after the exposure, offering hope for rapid response to public health threats.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a test that can predict how effective chemotherapy agents will be against a patient's tumor cells. By measuring the proximity of cancer cells to self-destruction, researchers found that tumors with higher mitochondrial priming are more susceptible to chemotherapy.
Researchers have discovered strikingly high levels of Fusobacterium in colorectal tumors, suggesting a potential role in the disease. The findings offer an enticing lead for further research into diagnosing, preventing, and treating colon cancer.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found that a common cancer protein, cyclin E, plays a crucial role in memory formation and may be implicated in Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting the activity of cyclin E, researchers believe they can improve memory function.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed prototype drugs with powerful anti-diabetic effects without the severe side effects of current medications. The new compounds target PPAR-gamma, a metabolic regulator controlling fat cell development, and block phosphorylation to minimize risk.
Researchers developed a small molecule called JQ1 that targets the bromodomain protein BRD4, switching off the MYC gene and slowing down cancer cell division. The study showed promising results in treating multiple myeloma and other cancers driven by MYC.
Researchers found that cancers can become resistant to cetuximab by using an alternative signaling pathway activated by the ERBB2 protein, which is not affected by the drug. Combining cetuximab with ERBB2 inhibitors may be an effective therapy for these patients.
Scientists create first large-scale map of a plant's protein network, revealing evolutionary process and disease mechanisms. The study, published in Science, uses Arabidopsis thaliana to uncover how microbes disrupt plant defenses against disease.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found six abnormal genes that are both cancer-causing and metastasis-promoting in melanoma skin cancer. These genes can be used to predict whether human melanoma tumors are likely to spread, enabling doctors to cure the disease by intervening early.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a novel subtype of breast cancer that grows in response to androgen but not estrogen. The study reveals the signaling pathways involved in its growth and demonstrates that drugs capable of blocking these pathways can inhibit tumor growth.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered a new approach to make more types of tumors susceptible to PARP inhibitor treatment. By blocking the cell-cycle protein CDK1, which supports BRCA1 repair function, cancer cells become vulnerable to DNA-damage agents and ultimately die.