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.
A new vaccine has shown promise in stimulating a powerful immune response against melanoma tumors, with 10 patients still alive three years after treatment and no signs of disease in four cases. The vaccine, made using a weakened cold virus, was safe and relatively easy to produce, with minimal side effects.
Researchers identify unsuspected gene C/EBP-beta as key mediator of cyclin D1 action in human tumors. The technique combines data from the Global Cancer Map and gene chips to pinpoint gene interactions that lead to cancer.
Researchers discover mutant gene in mice causing premature ovarian failure, which may be factor in human infertility and cancer. The findings provide a molecular foothold into the process of egg activation and maturation, potentially leading to new contraceptive methods.
A phase II multicenter collaborative study found that Velcade significantly reduced disease in 67% of patients with advanced multiple myeloma, with some achieving complete or near-complete responses. The drug has shown great potential to improve patient outcomes in this incurable disease.
A mutated protein combination is responsible for excessive sugar production in the liver, leading to high blood glucose levels. Researchers have identified PGC-1alpha and FOXO1 as key proteins that form a powerful switch for gluconeogenesis, and blocking their interaction may lead to effective diabetes treatment.
Researchers discover that ovarian tumor cells can 'switch back' to a normal state, making them vulnerable to chemotherapy. This finding represents a crucial step toward the discovery of new anti-cancer drugs.
A team of scientists has identified a cancer-causing gene in childhood kidney tumors, which may lead to more precise diagnoses and effective treatments. The discovery was made using molecular tests on tumor cells from patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma, a disease difficult to treat due to its unclear molecular origins.
Researchers have discovered that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) block the IL-6 activation of STAT1, a protein that triggers malignant growth in colorectal cancer cells. The findings could lead to new treatments for the disease.
Researchers used a novel technique to identify and precisely locate all predicted C. elegans genes, finding that 56% did not match the actual genes. The success in the worm genome suggests it can be applied to the human genome, bringing scientists closer to an accurate map.
A phase I clinical trial found that antibody therapy increased the effectiveness of cancer vaccines in patients with metastatic melanoma and ovarian cancer. The treatment, which blocks CTLA-4, elicited a potent immune response and killed cancer cells.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discover that a rare blood disorder HES is caused by a fusion of genes creating a cancer-causing gene, which can be inhibited by the imatinib drug. The study shows that patients with HES respond well to the treatment, offering new hope for this aggressive disease.
The new center at Dana-Farber will conduct therapeutic antibody research, providing high affinity human single-chain antibodies to support cancer research globally. Marasco's laboratory has constructed a large phage display library to quickly isolate antibodies against various cancer targets.
A new computerized survey has been developed to identify cancer survivors who are in greatest need of psychological counseling. The study found three key risk factors associated with psychological distress: dissatisfaction with physical appearance, poor physical health, and treatment with cranial radiation.
Researchers have discovered a new six-drug chemotherapy regimen that significantly improves the overall survival rate of Ewing's sarcoma patients to 72% without metastases. The treatment has become routine care for patients with localized disease and has marked a substantial improvement in survival rates.
A new vaccine technique has shown promise in boosting the natural immune response to tumors in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The vaccine was found to be non-toxic and well-tolerated, with some patients remaining disease-free for over three years after vaccination.
Researchers have created a zebrafish model that can help pinpoint genes accelerating or delaying the spread of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The model will enable testing of novel drugs against the disease, potentially leading to new treatments for cancer patients at risk.
Researchers found that UV radiation triggers melanoma formation by dismantling the Rb pathway in skin pigment-producing cells. This discovery suggests a new way to distinguish cancerous moles from non-cancerous ones, potentially saving lives.
A recent study found that a rare genetic disease is caused by the shortening of telomeres, leading to premature aging symptoms like hair loss and slow wound healing. The researchers discovered that telomere dysfunction disrupts chromosome function, resulting in cellular chaos and organ failure.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that combination therapy of cytarabine, daunorubicin, and Mylotarg achieved complete remission in 83% of evaluable participants. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no significant increase in side effects.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified a gene signature that distinguishes leukemia patients who can be cured with intensive chemotherapy from those who require bone marrow transplantation. Patients with high HOX11 expression survived for three years and were most likely cured, while those without it had poorer outcomes.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found a promising new treatment for patients receiving stem cell transplants. The combination therapy of sirolimus and tacrolimus reduced the risk of GVHD to 13%, compared to 30% in normal cases.
A new 'designer' drug has shown activity in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with 13 of 15 patients experiencing reductions in abnormal white blood cell counts. The experimental compound targets a specific genetic flaw, offering a more targeted approach to conventional chemotherapy drugs.
In a Phase II clinical trial, VELCADE (bortezomib) produced partial responses in 32% of patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma. The overall response rate was 35%, with some patients continuing to show positive responses nearly a year after treatment.
A Phase II study of CC-5013, a thalidomide-like compound, has shown significant anti-myeloma activity with measurable responses in about 50 percent of evaluable patients. The drug has been well tolerated, with evidence that the daily dosing regimen has fewer side effects than the twice daily schedule.
Researchers found a genetic 'signature' in some solid tumors that predicts their tendency to spread. This signature is present in early stages of cancer and can be detected at diagnosis, supporting the idea that primary tumors are pre-configured to metastasize.
Researchers have isolated a key component of cell death signals that can be targeted to prevent cancer growth. By understanding how these signals interact, scientists hope to develop new anti-cancer therapies.
A clinical trial found that defibrotide reversed severe veno-occlusive disease (VOD) in over one-third of stem cell transplant recipients. The treatment also showed improved survival rates for patients, with many long-term survivors reported.
A study suggests that a high-starch diet may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer in overweight and sedentary women. Women with diets heavy in starchy foods were found to be more than two-and-a-half times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than those with low glycemic loads.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a chemical switch called PGC-1 that can transform fast-twitch fibers into slow-twitch fibers, increasing muscular endurance. This finding could lead to the development of a new drug to manipulate muscle fiber type and improve muscular function in patients with medical conditions.
Research suggests that African-Americans with colon cancer fare equally well when receiving the same treatment as white patients, dispelling long-held theories about innate biological differences. The study found no significant disparities in survival rates between the two groups five years after treatment.
A new study from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute finds that a worksite program combining smoking cessation with occupational health and safety initiatives significantly increased quit rates among blue-collar workers. The program's success suggests that similar approaches could be effective in other industries.
Patients with ER-negative tumors who received chemotherapy had a 15% increase in disease-free survival and 89% overall survival rate. In contrast, those with ER-positive tumors did not show additional survival benefits from chemotherapy. The study suggests tailoring cancer treatments to patient characteristics.
Researchers found that melanocytes, pigment-producing skin cells, are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation due to a protective mechanism involving the MITF gene. This mechanism allows them to survive solar radiation, making melanoma treatment challenging.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified six new breast cancer-susceptibility genes, expanding the current list of eight known genes. The discovery provides a promising lead for developing targeted treatments and genetic tests to gauge inherited breast cancer risk.
A recent study has challenged the long-held notion that African-Americans with prostate cancer have a poorer prognosis than their white counterparts. Researchers found that, when treated within clinical trial settings, African-American patients survived for an average of 15 months, comparable to 14-month survival rates for whites.
A survey of oncologists reveals that most enroll patients in clinical trials for access to advanced treatment options rather than advancing future therapy. This challenges the conventional view that research is conducted primarily for scientific progress and improving treatments.
Researchers discovered new genes that play a crucial role in the formation of oligodendrocytes, a type of cell responsible for transmitting nerve signals. The findings may lead to more accurate diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors, as well as insights into diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Researchers have identified the mechanism behind tamoxifen's side effects, which may lead to the development of safer alternative medications. The study found that tamoxifen and raloxifene work differently in various cell types, with potential implications for breast cancer treatment.
A new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention suggests that dietary habits can significantly reduce colon cancer risk in individuals with a family history of the disease. Eating a diet high in folic acid, low in alcohol intake, and moderate in methionine may help lower this risk.
A national clinical trial comparing minimally invasive and standard colon cancer surgeries found that laparoscopic-assisted colectomy patients experienced slightly shorter hospital stays and reduced pain medication needs, but no significant differences in post-operative pain or quality-of-life scores. The study suggests that while mini...
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a method for detecting unknown microorganisms in human tissue, leveraging DNA sequencing data. The technique, called computational subtraction, has shown promise in identifying novel infectious agents in mysterious chronic diseases.
Researchers have discovered a genetically distinct form of leukemia that affects infants in their first year, characterized by abnormal gene activity and stuck cell development. The 'Mixed Lineage Leukemia' may be treatable with designer drugs targeting its specific weak points.
A new study found that 71% of adult cancer patients knew they might not benefit directly from participating in clinical trials, while less than 40% recognized potential risks or discomfort. Despite this, patients were highly satisfied with the informed consent process and reported no pressure from physicians.
A new study found that activating immune system cells called iNKT cells can protect mice from developing diabetes. The researchers discovered that increasing the production of these cells could be a basis for preventive treatments for people with a genetic risk of diabetes.