Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a blood test that can detect early-stage lung cancer using genome sequencing. The test, which analyzes free-floating DNA in the blood, has shown promise in detecting lung cancer with a low rate of false positives.
Researchers found that most oncologists discuss medical marijuana with patients and nearly half recommend it, but only 30% feel knowledgeable enough to make recommendations. The study suggests a discrepancy between attitudes and practices regarding medical marijuana's utility in oncology.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Broad Institute identified five genetic subtypes of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which can help predict individual patient outcomes and guide personalized treatment. The analysis revealed clear links between specific genetic signatures and how patients respond to standard treatment.
Researchers have found that blood biopsies provide highly detailed genetic information that agrees well with bone marrow tests. This breakthrough could lead to more personalized treatment plans for patients with multiple myeloma, as the disease's progression can vary over time.
Researchers developed a new approach using biodegradable gels containing immune-stimulating drugs to deliver immunotherapy directly to the surgical site, preventing tumor recurrence and metastasis. The method showed promising results in mice with breast, lung, and melanoma tumors, offering hope for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a specific mechanism by which estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers become resistant to standard therapies and metastasize. DNA mutations in the estrogen receptor gene cause tumors to grow even without estrogen, leading to treatment-resistant disease.
A comprehensive dataset of cancer cell metabolites has been compiled, showing consistent increases or decreases in certain metabolites across multiple tumor types. The study's findings offer insights into the metabolic programming between normal and cancer cells, with potential applications for novel therapies.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a genetic mechanism that influences whether cancer cells resist or respond to immunotherapy drugs. The discovery reveals potential new drug targets and may aid efforts to extend the benefits of immunotherapy treatment to more patients.
Researchers have discovered that experimental diabetes drugs can make cancer cells more vulnerable to traditional chemotherapy agents. The combination of carboplatin and one of the experimental compounds, SR1664, sensitized lung tumor cells and triple-negative breast cancer cells in laboratory models, leading to reduced tumor growth.
Dr. Benjamin Ebert has made significant contributions to understanding the genomic landscape of adult myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and its impact on both hematologic malignancies and cardiovascular disease. He is also known for his work on precision medicine and his innovative approaches to treating diseases.
A study has identified an agent that can reverse resistance to a targeted therapy in some cases of leukemia. Azacitidine was found to reactivate cells that had become resistant to the treatment SL-401 by reversing DNA methylation, making them vulnerable to the drug again.
A Phase 1 trial of the targeted agent BLU-285 demonstrated rapid and durable responses with minimal adverse effects in patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis. The study found that 72% of evaluable patients achieved an overall response, with 100% having disease control.
A new study demonstrates techniques to track genetic changes in multiple myeloma over time using cell-free DNA found in blood. This approach potentially provides a more representative view of the disease throughout the body than traditional bone marrow biopsies.
A study showed that treating younger patients with a combination of chemotherapy and a molecularly targeted drug significantly improves response over traditional chemotherapy alone. The therapy combination resulted in a complete response rate of 37% compared to 20% historically, with ongoing maintenance showing deepened responses.
Daily low doses of interleukin-2 (IL-2) have been found to be safe and beneficial for patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease, including significant improvements in pediatric patients. IL-2 therapy boosts the production of inflammation-damping Treg cells, providing a mechanism for promoting tolerance in patients with chronic GVHD.
Scientists sequenced 186 bone marrow biopsies from patients with smoldering multiple myeloma, identifying mutations more frequent in high-risk patients. The study also found that cell-free DNA sequencing may help monitor patients with myeloma and its precursor conditions.
Preliminary results from a clinical trial of nivolumab indicate effectiveness and significant side effects, prompting further trials in this group. The drug ipilimumab also produced responses in nearly one-third of patients with relapsed hematologic malignancies after an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a protein called Bclw that protects nerves from degeneration. Adding Bclw to nerve axons before exposure to chemotherapy drugs may prevent peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discover that CDK4/6 inhibitors not only halt cancer cell division but also spur the immune system to attack and kill cancer cells. The findings suggest that combining these drugs with immunotherapies may lead to greater anti-cancer effects.
A new screening method using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology has revealed new drug targets that could potentially enhance the effectiveness of PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors, a promising class of cancer immunotherapy. The study identified Ptpn2 as a key gene that makes tumor cells more susceptible to PD-1 blockade.
A personal neoantigen vaccine has been shown to stimulate a potent, safe, and highly specific immune response in melanoma patients. The vaccine targets distinctive 'neoantigens' on tumor cells, inducing a focused T cell response against several tumor neoantigens.
Researchers found that savolitinib, a MET inhibitor, showed significant tumor shrinkage and stable disease in 18% of patients with MET-driven papillary renal cell carcinoma. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with longer time to cancer progression in MET-driven tumors compared to those without the abnormality.
A combination of a PARP inhibitor and a kinase inhibitor showed significant tumor shrinkage in 36% of patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, a surprising improvement over solo PARP inhibitor treatment. The treatment was well-tolerated, with four patients discontinuing due to toxicity.
A new study found that continuing checkpoint inhibitor treatment after tumor growth can significantly extend survival for some head and neck cancer patients. The research, based on a phase 3 clinical trial, showed that 57 of 139 patients who continued treatment had a median survival period of 12.7 months.
A combination of two drugs targeting molecular pathways controlled by the RAS gene has shown promise in treating RAS-driven lung, ovarian, and thyroid cancers. Patients with heavily treated cancers have experienced long-term clinical benefit from the treatment, including one patient on treatment for over two years.
A new compound has been found to reverse the allegiance of innate immune system cells, turning them from tumor enablers into tumor opponents. When combined with chemotherapy or another immunotherapy, it significantly extended the period of tumor remission.
A new drug, letermovir, has shown significant promise in preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in stem cell transplant patients, with only mild side effects and improved survival rates. The study found that 61% of patients receiving a placebo developed CMV infection, compared to 38% of those treated with letermovir.
Researchers discovered genetic mutations in TP53, RAS pathway genes, and JAK2 gene associated with shorter survival and increased relapse risk after stem cell transplant. The findings provide a guide for identifying patients most likely to benefit from a transplant, enabling personalized treatment strategies.
A recent study among over 1000 colorectal cancer patients found that about 10% carry mutations associated with increased cancer susceptibility. The research recommends genetic testing for all patients to identify these risks and prevent future cases. This expanded approach could also benefit at-risk family members by providing earlier ...
A new study found that a 'prudent' diet rich in whole grains and fiber can lower the risk of colorectal cancer by altering the balance of microorganisms in the digestive tract. Participants with tumors containing Fusobacterium nucleatum had a sharply lower risk, but those without the bacteria received no extra protection.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that genetic abnormalities can guide patients' treatment for pediatric brain tumors. The study analyzed over 200 tumor samples, revealing clinically relevant genetic changes in 56% of cases, which can impact diagnosis and treatment with approved drugs or agents.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered that brain and heart tissues in young children are more prone to apoptosis, making them vulnerable to chemotherapy and radiation damage. This understanding may lead to new treatments to selectively block apoptosis in healthy tissues while maintaining sensitivity in cancer cells.
A study from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that 30% of lymphoma patients with autologous transplants carry genetic mutations increasing their risk of developing second blood cancers and dying from other causes. The most commonly mutated gene was PPM1D, associated with an abnormal condition called CHIP.
A phase 1 clinical trial has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of a combination of two targeted agents, ibrutinib and TGR-1202, in treating relapsed or hard-to-treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The regimen showed promising results, with one patient achieving complete remission.
Researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that an immunotherapy-based drug combination can prevent progression of high-risk 'smoldering' multiple myeloma, causing tumor shrinkage in 82.6% of patients. The treatment was well-tolerated with low toxicities and resulted in remission for many patients.
Researchers found that children with Down syndrome did not experience higher rates of relapse or treatment-related mortality compared to other children treated on the same protocols. However, they suffered more treatment-related mucositis and infections. The study suggests that supportive care can help mitigate these complications.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found that an immunotherapy drug called nivolumab can induce lasting remissions in patients with recurrent or refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma and primary testicular lymphoma. Four out of five patients treated with the drug showed a complete response to treatment.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a unique genomic signature and chromosomal changes that drive sensitivity to chemotherapy in testicular tumors. The findings suggest that testicular cancers are already primed for self-destruction, making them highly susceptible to treatment.
A study published in Nature Genetics found that certain genetic mutations more frequently occur in male cells, potentially leading to cancer. The researchers identified six genes on the X chromosome that are more likely to be mutated in males, suggesting a new theory behind the sex disparity in cancer incidence.
The largest genomic tumor profiling effort showed that large-scale clinical application of the methods is technically feasible, but faces significant challenges and unanswered questions. The study found that at least one actionable mutation was discovered in about two-thirds of patient samples, which could inform treatment decisions.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that cabozantinib exceeded sunitinib in progression-free survival and overall response rates for patients with metastatic kidney cancer. The study showed a 20% lower risk of death associated with cabozantinib treatment.
A new study reveals that exhausted T cells, which often fail to combat chronic infections and cancer, use a distinct set of molecular circuits. By targeting specific genes involved in PD-1 expression, researchers hope to improve CAR T cell therapy by re-tooling these cells to be more aggressive and effective against cancer.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found that CML stem cells die in response to inhibition of the protein Ezh2, suggesting a potential cure for some patients. Adding Ezh2-targeting agents to standard treatment could dramatically shorten the treatment period and achieve a cure.
Researchers developed a precision-engineered gene therapy virus that selectively silences BCL11A, reducing signs of sickle cell disease and increasing fetal hemoglobin production. The approach has the potential to substantially increase the ratio of non-sickling versus sickling hemoglobin.
Researchers found that overweight patients with metastatic kidney cancer had significantly longer survival and decreased risk of death compared to normal-weight counterparts. FASN gene expression was also found to be decreased in obese patients, which could explain their better treatment outcomes.
A study found that outpatient bloodstream infections associated with central lines in pediatric transplant and cancer patients result in significant economic burdens. The median charges for treatment totaled $37,000 for a six-day hospital stay, highlighting the need to prevent these infections.
A new study published in Cancer found that uninsured and Medicaid-covered men with testicular cancer had a higher risk of death from the disease compared to insured patients. The researchers analyzed outcomes and insurance status for 10,211 men diagnosed with testicular cancer between 2007 and 2011.
A Dana-Farber Cancer Institute study found that repeated doses of an immunotherapy drug, ipilimumab, restored complete remission in some patients with relapsed blood cancers after a stem-cell transplant. The treatment reduced cancer in 59% of the patients.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a natural molecular pathway that enables brown and beige fat cells to burn calories as heat rather than store them as fat. The discovery raises the possibility of a new approach to treating obesity, diabetes, and other related metabolic disorders.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that surgery to remove a cancerous kidney can lengthen the lives of patients receiving targeted therapy for metastatic kidney cancer. Patients who undergo the procedure survive for a median period of 17.1 months, compared to 7.7 months for those who don't receive the surgery.