A Phase II study found erlotinib to be relatively well-tolerated and demonstrated encouraging activity in previously untreated patients 70 years or older with advanced lung cancer. The study showed a median survival of 46 weeks, with 60% of patients experiencing partial response or stable disease.
A study published in Cell reveals that PGC-1 alpha, a metabolic regulator, plays a crucial role in the development of porphyria symptoms. Fasting and certain drugs can trigger attacks, which can be treated with high-carbohydrate diets and glucose feedings.
Researchers found that gefitinib (Iressa) was significantly effective in treating lung cancer cells containing a mutant EGFR molecule, while cetuximab (Erbitux) had little effect. The study suggests that mutations in the targets of designer drugs critically influence their effectiveness.
Researchers found that non-cancerous cells surrounding young breast cancers undergo epigenetic modifications, altering gene function and signaling to tumor cells. This discovery may lead to early cancer diagnosis or predicting cancer risk through detection of epigenetic alterations.
Researchers discovered an overcopied MITF oncogene in melanoma cells, associated with poorer treatment outcomes. Targeting this gene may provide a new target for highly specific therapies for metastatic melanoma patients.
Researchers used high-resolution DNA scanning to identify regions of chromosomes with genetic errors in lung cancer cells. The study found five new areas with copy-number changes, including deleted and over-copied genes, which could lead to targeted therapies.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified regions of irregular gene copy numbers in non-small cell lung cancer cells, pointing to a large number of previously unknown cancer-causing genes. The study also found that certain genes, including p63, play a role in the development of squamous cell carcinomas.
Researchers have discovered a novel combination of Velcade and tubacin that is more than twice as effective in killing resistant myeloma cells. This breakthrough could improve patient outcomes by overcoming resistance to existing treatments.
A new study found that exercise can reduce the risk of colon cancer recurrence and death by 40-50% in early-stage patients. Patients with high activity levels, ranking in the top two-fifths of the group, experienced this benefit.
A prospective study of 846 patients with stage III colon cancer found that regular aspirin use reduced the risk of recurrence by 55% and mortality by 48%. COX-2 inhibitors showed similar benefits, with no effect seen from acetaminophen use.
A recent study published by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that moderate alcohol consumption may elevate the risk of breast cancer in some postmenopausal women. The researchers analyzed data from over 122,000 registered nurses and discovered a higher incidence of breast cancer among those who consumed small amounts of alcohol daily.
A new study found that women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer are nearly four times more likely to have a Factor V Leiden mutation, which increases the risk of blood clots. The research suggests testing for this mutation could help identify women who may benefit from alternative treatments or anticoagulants.
A new mathematical model simulates 10-year disease-free survival in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer. The model reveals that the best treatment strategy depends on tumor biology, recommending tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitor treatment for different cases.
Researchers found that adding docetaxel to a combination chemotherapy regimen increased complete pathological response rates by 89% for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The treatment is expected to result in high survival rates, including 95% two-year and 90% five-year survival rates.
A recent study published in Developmental Cell reveals a crucial molecular pathway involved in the development of precancerous stomach lesions, which could lead to improved diagnosis and prevention strategies. The research, conducted by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists, identified a key player in this signaling pathway as a tran...
The mathematical model developed by Sandra Lee and Marvin Zelen provides quantitative predictions of the mortality benefits of different screening schedules. The study suggests that annual screenings from age 50 to 79 can reduce mortality by 37%, while starting mammograms at age 40 reduces overall risk of death by five percent.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a new compound, AMN107, which targets Bcr-Abl kinase protein responsible for CML growth. In laboratory cell cultures and mice with the disease, AMN107 demonstrated effectiveness in killing CML cells and inducing longer remissions compared to Gleevec.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a new hybrid targeted therapy, AMN107, which kills CML cells more effectively than Gleevec and triggers longer remissions in mice. The study's findings suggest that AMN107 may be an effective treatment option for patients with Gleevec-resistant disease.
Researchers have identified a possible strategy for treating acute viral infections by blocking cellular signaling pathways that viruses depend on for reproduction. The approach, using an experimental cancer drug called CI-1033, has shown promising results in laboratory samples and lab mice infected with viruses similar to smallpox.
Researchers found a biochemical switch, PGC-1beta, in liver cells that triggers the harmful effects of saturated and trans fats. The discovery offers hope for developing drug therapies to lower cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that communication between primary-care physicians and patients can reduce medication-related problems. The researchers discovered that 25% of patients experienced adverse drug events, many of which were preventable, due to a lack of reporting or inadequate doctor response.
Scientists have created a comprehensive map of brain genes that regulate brain development, linking specific genes to specific brain locations. The Mahoney Transcription Factor Atlas will aid researchers in studying brain tumors and other disorders.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that the loss of hair color is caused by the gradual dying off of adult stem cells, which become depleted and make errors. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of graying and potentially inform treatment for malignant melanoma.
Researchers found that blocking CDK2 activity may control deadly skin cancer without harming normal cells. The study's findings suggest a therapeutic window for a drug that suppresses melanoma growth by shutting down CDK2 activity, potentially leading to a new treatment option.
A study of over 67,000 men found blacks are 35% less likely than whites to undergo PSA testing, with disparities in healthcare access and education levels potentially contributing factors
Researchers tested the oral compound PKC412 in patients with Myeloproliferative Disease (MPD) and saw symptoms improve. The drug targets a specific genetic mutation, blocking abnormal tyrosine kinases that cause uncontrolled cell division and growth.
Scientists successfully eliminated leukemia in genetically modified mice by disrupting the BCL-2 protein. The study provides strong support for a new paradigm of cancer treatment involving targeted apoptosis regulation.
Researchers stiffened a critical protein 'death domain' to target and destroy leukemia cells, showing promise for novel cancer treatments. The approach uses natural sequences to develop highly specific drugs, potentially unlocking new therapies.
Researchers developed first mouse embryos without D-type cyclins, which sparked hope for anti-cancer therapy. The triple-knockout mice followed a normal course of cell division until late stages, contradicting previous theory and experiments.
A randomized clinical trial found that combining six months of hormone therapy with radiation therapy reduced the risk of death from prostate cancer by two-fold. Patients treated with this combination therapy had a lower risk of requiring salvage hormone therapy in the long term.
Researchers found genes in stromal cells were overactive in early and late-stage breast cancer specimens. Targeting these components with cancer drugs might improve treatment effectiveness. The study identified two potential therapeutic targets: CXCL12 and CXCL14.
Researchers found that combining doxorubicin with dexrazoxane reduced heart damage in high-risk ALL survivors by 25 percent compared to doxorubicin alone. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, used blood tests to detect heart damage before it could be seen on echocardiograms.
Researchers have identified two types of hub proteins, 'party' and 'date', which interact with partner proteins in different ways. The study's findings suggest that removing non-hub proteins has little effect, while eliminating hubs causes a significant increase in connection length, implying a more complex network structure.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that 36 out of 181 patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia had at least one first-degree relative with the disease. The study also found no discernible differences in age of onset, blood counts, or genetic analysis between family and non-family forms of the disease.
A Phase II trial has shown SU11248 benefits more than half of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that have developed resistance to Gleevec, a widely used drug in treating the disease. The drug was found to be effective in shrinking tumors and stabilizing disease for extended periods.
A Phase III trial found Velcade to be more effective than dexamethasone in treating relapsed multiple myeloma, with a 58% increase in efficacy. The study showed improved survival and reduced time to disease progression for patients receiving Velcade.
Researchers found that African Americans with NSCLC were less likely to receive staging procedures, which led to fewer surgical interventions. Despite equivalent survival rates among those who underwent surgery, African Americans were more likely to decline surgery when recommended.
Researchers found that patients with certain EGFR gene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) respond well to treatment with Iressa, a kinase blocker. The study identifies the potential for screening patients for these mutations to predict treatment response and benefits ethnic populations differently.
Researchers used gene expression analysis to measure the activity of thousands of genes in adult T cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) patients. They identified a single gene, IL-8, that was highly expressed in resistant patients and found a group of 30 genes associated with complete remissions.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered that the MLL gene is necessary for the development of master stem cells that generate all mature blood cells. The study suggests that MLL is part of a select set of genes required for all definitive blood lineages in the embryo.
Researchers have identified TRIM5-alpha as a natural blocker of the HIV-1 virus, which could lead to new strategies for preventing infection that causes AIDS. The protein is found in human cells but is less effective than the monkey version, and its potency may vary among individuals.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a human monoclonal antibody that blocks SARS virus infection by neutralizing its entry into cultured cells. The antibody, isolated from a collection of 27 billion antibodies, shows promise in animal tests and could be developed for clinical trials to prevent and treat the disease.
A review of 26 studies found some evidence that cancer trial participants had better outcomes, with three studies suggesting improved outcomes. However, the limitations of the data made it difficult to establish a definitive link between trial participation and improved outcome.
A study of Medicare-eligible patients with lung, breast, colorectal, and gastrointestinal tumors found a rise in chemotherapy use and emergency room admissions near death. However, an increase in hospice care usage suggests that improved palliative services may reduce aggressive end-of-life treatment.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that mimics human pancreatic cancer, enabling the discovery of biomarkers for early detection and potential therapeutic targets. The model replicates the disease's progression and is poised to facilitate rapid testing of novel treatments.
A new study reveals that young breast cancer survivors are worried about their fertility and that healthcare providers often fail to address these concerns. The study's findings highlight the need for better education and support for women with breast cancer who want to have children.
A new study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute finds that surgery alone is not sufficient to treat DCIS, a common type of breast lesion. Recurrence rates were higher than expected, with 13 patients experiencing repeated DCIS lesions and four diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
A newly discovered protease enzyme, Taspase1, plays a crucial role in the MLL protein's dual-function. Blocking Taspase1 may provide a novel way to halt runaway cell proliferation in leukemia. Enzyme inhibitors with few side effects could be effective against various cancers.
Researchers at Dana-Farber and other Harvard-affiliated hospitals will study the human immune system's response to the vaccinia virus and other related viruses. The goal is to develop effective alternatives with fewer risks, addressing concerns about the current vaccine's complications in people with weakened immune systems.
Researchers discover dermcidin protein in 10% of invasive breast tumors, contributing to faster cell growth and cachexia. The finding may lead to new treatments for breast cancer and conditions like Alzheimer's disease.