A new laboratory test, called Dynamic BH3 Profiling, can predict which cancer treatment will be most effective against a particular type of cancer within less than 24 hours. The test measures how vigorously tumor cells respond to different cancer drugs and has been shown to consistently predict the best treatment in clinical trials.
A comprehensive catalog of genetic mutations has been published for 279 head and neck cancers, revealing distinct genetic profiles for HPV-positive and -negative patients. This finding may lead to the development of targeted therapies and improved outcomes for these cancer types.
A new study found that vitamin D boosts immune function, reducing colorectal cancer risk. Researchers analyzed data from over 170,000 participants and discovered a link between high vitamin D levels and lower rates of colorectal tumors with immune cells.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that a combination of lower-intensity chemotherapy and targeted drug trastuzumab significantly reduced the risk of cancer recurrence in women with small, HER2-positive breast tumors. After three years, 98.7% of participants were alive and free of invasive breast cancer.
Researchers discovered a possible genetic link between brain inflammation and oxidative stress in children with leukemia treated for cancer. Variants in four genes related to these processes were significantly associated with neurocognitive effects, raising hope for potential interventions to reduce long-term cognitive late effects.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered an effective treatment for small cell lung cancer using the compound THZ1, which targets tumor cells' basic survival machinery. Clinical trials are underway to test its safety and efficacy in human patients.
A study found that cancer's gene-control system is disordered, allowing tumors to adapt and evade therapy. The disorder in methylation patterns - a process controlling gene expression - contributes to cancer progression and heterogeneity.
A phase 1 trial of ipilimumab, an immune checkpoint blocker, found clinical benefit in 45.4% of relapsed transplant patients, with notable responses in Hodgkin lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome. The six-month survival rate was 65%, with four patients remaining on treatment.
A study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that a narrow subset of myeloma cells is responsible for metastasis. The researchers identified 11 genes with functional roles in metastasis and proposed these as potential targets for therapies.
A phase 2 multicenter trial of ABT-199 found encouraging results in patients with relapsed or resistant acute myelogenous leukemia, with five patients achieving eradication and several more experiencing stable disease. The oral inhibitor targets the BCL-2 protein, which is linked to resistance and poor prognosis in AML patients.
Researchers report successful stem cell transplants in patients with dyskeratosis congenita using immunosuppressive drugs only, avoiding radiation and conventional chemotherapy. All four participants are alive and well after transplant, with no significant toxicities or infections.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that levels of two microRNAs, let-7e and 106b/25, can predict progression-free survival in multiple myeloma patients. The study suggests that these microRNAs may also help doctors determine which patients are likely to have the best responses to different types of therapy.
In a groundbreaking clinical trial, nivolumab achieved complete or partial remission in 87% of patients with resistant Hodgkin lymphoma. The treatment targets the immune system, reactivating T cells to attack cancer cells.
A promising immunotherapy drug, MPDL3280A, shows improved efficacy in patients whose immune cells initially attack cancer but are shut down by PD-L1. Researchers found that tumor expression of PD-L1 in surrounding immune cells is a key indicator of response to the treatment.
A pre-clinical study finds that a specially crafted compound can disrupt the production of MYCN protein, causing tumors to shrink with little or no harm to normal cells. The approach uses an alternative mechanism to target the defective transcriptional mechanisms involved in cancer growth.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that combining ipilimumab with sargramostim improved overall survival by nearly five months and reduced serious side effects. The treatment combination also showed a higher one-year survival rate of 68.9% compared to 52.9% in the ipilimumab-only group.
Researchers identified RNF43 mutations in 20% of colorectal and endometrial cancers, suggesting a potential biomarker for targeted treatments. The mutation affects the Wnt signaling pathway, making tumors sensitive to new inhibitors currently in clinical trials.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reveals that a half-day educational program can help women manage side effects of ovary-removing surgery, including vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and anxiety. Participants reported significant improvement in sexual health, self-image, and emotional well-being after the program.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified two previously unknown mutations in a cancer patient's DNA that led to an extraordinary response to the drug everolimus. The study highlights the potential of personalized medicine and may help develop new therapeutic strategies for other patients with similar mutations.
A new form of gene therapy for SCID-X1 appears effective and safe, correcting the disease with a functioning immune system in seven out of eight patients. The therapy's long-term safety is still being monitored, but preliminary results suggest a reduced risk of leukemia compared to previous trials.
A team of scientists identified a rise in branched-chain amino acids as an early indicator of pancreatic cancer development, occurring years before symptoms appear. The breakthrough discovery has the potential to spur progress in detecting and treating the disease.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a novel compound that impedes the spread of multiple myeloma to bones in mice. By targeting the microenvironment, the compound alters the bone marrow environment, making it less hospitable to cancer cells, and slows disease progression and prolongs survival.
Researchers have solved a longstanding puzzle in neuroscience by revealing the three-dimensional atomic structure of netrin-1, a guidance protein that can attract or repel brain cells. By understanding how this protein works, scientists may be able to develop new ways to steer cell behavior and potentially treat diseases such as cancer.
A large DNA analysis has identified several new genetic markers that signal increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The markers are variations in the inherited DNA code at particular locations along chromosomes.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that subgroups within tumors drive growth, rather than the fastest-proliferating cells. Targeting these growth-driving cells could improve treatment outcomes and prevent tumor expansion.
A study analyzing 10 years of data on children with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) found that early detection through newborn screening and transplantation significantly improves survival rates. Children transplanted before 3.5 months old had excellent survival, regardless of donor source or infection status.
Scientists have identified four biological subtypes of stomach cancer based on shared mutations and molecular abnormalities, promising to guide clinical trials for improved therapies. The new classification could lead to targeted treatments for aggressive cancers with a high five-year survival rate below 25 percent.
A new study has identified a molecular cause of cachexia and suggests a potential treatment using an anti-PTHrP antibody. The research found that blocking the effects of PTHrP can prevent wasting and improve muscle mass in mice with lung tumors.
Researchers discovered a genetic partnership between KRAS and YAP1, enabling cancer cells to survive in the absence of KRAS. This 'escape mechanism' must be blocked alongside shutting down oncogene KRAS to kill tumor cells.
A recent study suggests that expanded health coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may lead to better cancer outcomes for young adults. The study found that patients with insurance coverage were more likely to receive definitive therapy and had a higher survival rate compared to uninsured individuals.
A new trial found that giving chemotherapy immediately to men with newly diagnosed, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer can extend their survival by more than a year. The study showed significant benefits in both overall and high-extent disease populations.
A clinical trial has shown that a combination of drugs, including olaparib and cediranib, can significantly improve progression-free survival for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. The study found that the combination therapy doubled the benefit of using olaparib alone.
A phase I and II clinical trial demonstrated a near doubling of progression-free survival benefit for the combination therapy compared to olaparib alone. The study results showed significant improvement with the use of the combination drug therapy for recurrent ovarian cancer, suggesting a new treatment option for patients.
Researchers found improved health outcomes but suggest less frequent screening may be as beneficial in detecting heart disease. The current CHF screening guidelines for pediatric cancer survivors should be re-examined, and alternative methods of screening may be more effective.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified natural human antibodies against MERS, a severe respiratory disease with a mortality rate of over 40 percent. These 'neutralizing' antibodies prevented the virus from attaching to host cells, offering a possible development of antibody-based immunotherapy.
A team of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute investigators have uncovered a connection between Down syndrome and the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during childhood. The study found that an extra copy of chromosome 21 leads to abnormal B cells that grow uncontrollably, increasing the risk of ALL.
Researchers have found several molecular alterations that drive the cancer, including mutations and epigenetic changes. The study identifies potential new targets for drug treatments, including existing drugs that could block specific mutations.
A study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found wide variation in oncologists' attitudes towards offering cancer gene testing, with those having high genomic confidence more likely to prescribe the test. The survey revealed that 42% of doctors approved telling patients about uncertain test results, highlighting concerns about delivering ...
Researchers identify two rare mutations in the mTOR gene associated with a complete response to everolimus and pazopanib, leading to improved treatment options for patients. The study provides new insights into personalized medicine and targeted therapies for bladder cancer.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Johns Hopkins University found that an immune system-based therapy called nivolumab can produce lasting remissions in melanoma patients, with some patients remaining alive after two years without treatment. The therapy has been shown to block PD-1, a protein that restrains the immune syst...
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that the normal enzyme SYK pairs with mutated FLT3 to promote AML progression and resistance to treatment. Combination therapy involving SYK and FLT3 inhibitors showed significant promise in treating AML.
A large-scale study found that almost 90 percent of children with low-grade gliomas are alive 20 years after treatment, with a significant difference in survival rates between those who received and did not receive radiation. The study highlights the importance of reducing long-term toxicity risk when treating these tumors.
A combination of two drugs has successfully halted the growth of lung adenocarcinomas carrying KRAS mutations, a common genetic subtype of lung cancer. The treatment targets KRAS's accomplices rather than the gene itself, and its potential as a clinical trial is being explored.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict how tumors will behave and which treatments are most effective, focusing on genetic diversity within tumors. The study found that tumors with less genetic diversity are more likely to respond to treatment, providing new insights into personalized cancer care.
Scientists have identified a mutated gene causing papillary craniopharyngiomas, a type of benign but devastating brain tumor. A targeted therapy approach using BRAF inhibitors may improve treatment outcomes, with plans for clinical trials underway.
Perphenazine, a 50-year-old antipsychotic medication, has been found to actively combat cells of difficult-to-treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by turning on the cancer-suppressing enzyme PP2A.
A nationwide study found that adding carboplatin to standard chemotherapy significantly increased tumor shrinkage in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The results suggest that carboplatin could be used as an alternative or addition to current treatments.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Yale University found that moderate daily exercise can decrease joint pain in postmenopausal women taking aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer. After a year, joint pain scores decreased by 20% in the exercise group compared to 3% in the non-exercise group.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found a combination chemotherapy and targeted therapy reduced cancer recurrence in women with small, HER2-positive tumors. After 3.6 years, only 0.5% of patients experienced cancer recurrence.
Pediatric leukemia patients can now safely receive intravenous infusions of a reformulated chemotherapy agent, allowing for less frequent treatment and reduced pain. The study found similar efficacy and toxicity profiles between the IV PEG-asparaginase and IM native formulations.