Researchers found that patients with aggressive leukemia had few complications and mounted a strong immune system attack after receiving a cancer vaccine shortly after a stem cell transplant. The study suggests that the approach may be more effective than traditional transplant alone, with higher survival rates.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered the mechanism behind a DNA repair-blocking approach to cancer treatment, suggesting that these drugs can sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy. The findings also indicate that normal cells may be protected from DNA damage by these inhibitors.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute engineered mouse cells to produce brown fat, a natural energy-burning type of fat that counteracts obesity. Transplanted into adult mice, the synthetic brown fat precursors burned excess energy at a high rate.
Researchers discover how androgen receptor switches to a new set of genes, leading to increased cell division and tumor progression. This finding may lead to the development of gene-targeted therapies to shut down the alternate growth program.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that higher selenium levels can worsen prostate cancer outcomes for men carrying a specific SOD2 gene variant. Men with the highest selenium levels and this variant had a 40% lower risk of aggressive disease, while those with the lowest levels were twice as likely to develop it.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a cancer-causing gene, GOLPH3, which can spur cancer cell growth and is linked to effective treatment with rapamycin. The study also found that high levels of the protein may serve as a biomarker for tumors responding well to this chemotherapy drug.
Researchers analyzed 24 clinical trials involving over 6,000 AML patients to find that donor stem cell transplant (SCT) in first remission significantly improves survival and reduces disease relapse for those with intermediate-risk disease. This approach is now considered the preferred treatment for this group.
Cancer cells have been found to rarely undergo explosive divisions, with resulting daughter cells often surviving only a few days. The extra centrosomes cause an unequal pull on some chromosomes, leading to chromosomal instability and irregular numbers of chromosomes.
A new study reveals that combining chemotherapy agents with 5FU increases disease-free survival for patients under 70, but does not provide similar benefits for those aged 70 and older. The research found that the aggressive treatment strategy is better tolerated by younger patients, while older patients may experience more side effects.
A study of 409 metastatic colorectal cancer patients found that 10% were worried about paying for supportive medications, while fewer than 15% adopted money-saving strategies. Despite this, only 12% discussed drug costs with their physicians.
A new blood test combined with PSA screening accurately detects prostate cancer over 90% of the time, reducing false-positives and potentially eliminating tens of thousands of unnecessary biopsies. The six-gene molecular diagnostic test improved specificity and sensitivity compared to PSA alone.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a method to fold sheets of DNA into multilayered objects with precise control. These structures can be used as custom-made biomedical nanodevices, such as smart delivery vehicles that target specific molecular targets.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that patients who draw on religion to cope with their illness are more likely to receive intensive, life-prolonging medical care as death approaches. This study suggests that physicians tend to comply with religious patients' wishes for more aggressive care.
A study found that patients who had end-of-life conversations with their doctors had significantly lower health-care expenses ($1,876 vs. $2,917) and better quality of life during their final week. The study suggests a strategy to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient care.
A survey of US and Canadian pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant physicians found that only 50 out of thousands of transplants involved privately banked cord blood. The respondents generally recommended against private cord blood banking unless a family member is at risk for a blood disease requiring a stem cell transplant.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified human monoclonal antibodies that neutralize a broad range of influenza A viruses, including avian and seasonal flu. The antibodies bind to the conserved stem region of the virus, preventing viral entry into host cells.
A new study found that clinicians override over 90% of drug interaction and allergy alerts, highlighting the need for improved decision support systems to enhance patient safety. The researchers recommend reclassifying alert severity, providing an option to suppress alerts, and customizing them for a clinician's specialty.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute develop a framework to evaluate the quality of protein interaction maps, finding that only 20-30% of interactions are captured by current techniques. The study also introduces a tool kit for verifying interactions and creates an expanded map of the interactome in Caenorhabitis elegans.
Researchers found two insulin-related proteins that predict survival chances in colorectal cancer patients. High IGFBP-1 levels were associated with lower mortality rates, while high C-peptide levels increased the risk of overall death and other conditions.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified a trigger point on a naturally occurring death protein that helps the body get rid of unwanted or diseased cells. The newly found trigger may be exploited as a target for designer drugs that force malignant cells to commit suicide.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified five new mutations in the ALK gene responsible for growth and survival signals in neuroblastoma cells. A small molecule inhibitor, TAE684, halted proliferation and brought on cell death in test cells with these mutations.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that end-of-life discussions can lead to improved quality of life for patients and their loved ones. Patients who had these conversations were more likely to accept comfort care and received less aggressive medical treatment.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a previously unsuspected gene, CDK8, as a cancer-causing gene in many colon cancers. The study suggests that blocking CDK8 may be useful against tumors driven by overactive beta-catenin.
A large-scale study has identified a range of genetic mutations and signaling pathways disrupted in glioblastoma, the most common adult brain cancer. The findings validate the potential of unbiased genome analysis to lead to paradigm-shifting discoveries and identify new targets for treatment.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a molecular switch that can convert muscle precursor cells into brown fat cells, which burn calories and release energy. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for obesity by activating the calorie-burning process in the body.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and UCSF have uncovered new origins for childhood brain tumors, suggesting that targeting the mutated cell-signaling pathway may lead to more effective treatment approaches. The findings hint that not all patients' tumors may be born from the same cells.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered that blocking p110beta molecule inhibits prostate tumor growth, suggesting it as a potential target for novel cancer therapies. The study, published in Nature, reveals p110beta's role in driving runaway cell growth when PTEN function is impaired.
A new study by scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that patients diagnosed with colon cancer who had abundant vitamin D in their blood were less likely to die during a follow-up period. The researchers identified 304 participants and followed them until death or 2005, whichever occurred first.
A study found that Black and Hispanic women are less likely than white women to receive follow-up radiation for early breast cancer, suggesting thousands may be undertreated. The disparity is attributed to various barriers, including logistical problems, insurance status, and patient preferences.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that chemotherapy can diminish ovarian reserve, making it harder for premenopausal breast cancer survivors to get pregnant. The research suggests that tracking breast cancer survivors' fertility after treatment is crucial.
Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reveals that smokers with stage III colon cancer have a 22% increased risk of recurrence or death compared to never-smokers. A 20+ pack year smoking history before age 30 was found to be particularly harmful, increasing the risk by 37%
A study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that black patients with advanced cancer were more likely to die in a hospital intensive care unit than white patients. The findings suggest that black patients may have a stronger preference for life-extending treatment, despite having a terminal prognosis.
A new study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that abnormal surrounding cells cause the walls of the ducts to deteriorate, enabling tumor cells to escape. The discovery may lead to screening tests and treatments targeting genetic abnormalities in cells lining the ducts.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute report the first case of metastatic melanoma driven into remission by a targeted therapy. A 79-year-old woman with abdominal tumors was treated with Gleevec (Imatinib) after lab tests revealed an abnormality in the KIT gene.
A new algorithm ranks abnormal genes according to their likelihood of contributing to cancer. The study found that a specific gene plays a crucial role in regulating tumor growth and that its loss triggers a shutdown of a key pathway, leading to unchecked cell proliferation.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that expanded palliative care services improve communication between families and caregivers, symptom management, and quality of life for children dying from cancer. The study also revealed a shift in where children are dying, with more dying at home or in hospice care.
Researchers found unsuspected treatable tumors in Li-Fraumeni syndrome patients using full-body PET/CT scanning. The study suggests that periodic scans could catch more tumors at a curable stage, but further studies are needed to confirm the benefits and risks.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found an alternate pathway to angiogenesis, triggered by PGC-1alpha sensing low oxygen levels. This discovery may offer new opportunities for treating heart and blood vessel diseases.
Researchers found that combining a cancer vaccine with monoclonal antibody therapy produces strong immune responses to tumors without severe side effects. The treatment approach shows promise for refining strategies in melanoma and ovarian cancer treatment.
A study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) often misperceive their risk of recurrence or dying from breast cancer, due to elevated anxiety. This can lead to poor treatment choices and negatively impact emotional well-being and health behaviors.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School have identified a target for an antibody-based HIV-1 vaccine by revealing the structure of a key surface protein. The discovery may help overcome challenges in developing a vaccine due to the virus's envelope protein variations and sugar molecules.
A combination of lapatinib and capecitabine significantly shrinks brain metastases in patients with aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer, with 10 patients experiencing a 50% reduction. The study's findings offer new hope for treatment options for women with advanced breast cancer who develop brain metastases.
A new 3-drug combination of bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone has achieved an impressive overall response rate of 98% in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The regimen has also shown a high-quality response rate of 52%.
A novel gene called HMMR has been identified as a potential breast cancer susceptibility gene, according to researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The gene's connections to BRCA1 and its role in centrosome formation have led scientists to believe it may contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found that many brain tumors and solid tumors require simultaneous inhibition of multiple cell-growth switches to be effective. Combining three or more targeted drugs may provide a cure for these cancers, as individual drugs often yield disappointing results.
Researchers found that people with low IGFBP-1 levels were twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those with higher levels. This protein's role in modulating insulin and IGF hormones may hold clues to the disease's development, potentially aiding in risk prediction.
Pediatric palliative care specialists are calling for increased research to address the unique physical, psycho-social, and clinical needs of children with complex chronic conditions. The study identifies six challenges that must be addressed to further the field, including access to care and resources.
Researchers found that a Western diet was associated with a three-and-a-half times higher risk of colon cancer recurrence in patients who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy. In contrast, a prudent-pattern diet did not significantly influence cancer recurrence or mortality.
Researchers found a new lung tumor-suppressor gene, LKB1, that blocks key steps of lung cancer development in mice. The study suggests LKB1 may be more powerful than other known suppressors and could influence non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists have identified a protein that prevents the body's immune system from recognizing and attacking Hodgkin lymphoma cells. They are now investigating targeted therapies to disable this molecular 'bodyguard' and boost a patient's ability to fight the blood cancer.