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.
A toxin linked to brentuximab vedotin has shown compelling antitumor activity in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphomas, including diffuse large B cell lymphoma. The study found that 40% of DLBCL patients had an objective response, with a median duration of 36 weeks.
Researchers have identified a specific genetic mutation driving Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia in up to 30% of patients. A new drug targeting this mutation shows promise in animal studies, offering hope for targeted treatment options.
A novel drug regimen featuring bortezomib has been shown to improve outcomes for patients receiving stem-cell transplants from mismatched and unrelated donors. The regimen reduced severe acute GVHD rates and treatment-related mortality, leading to better overall survival and relapse-free survival.
A recent study from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who were as old as 74 fared as well with stem cell transplantation as did younger patients. The study analyzed the records of 67 patients and showed no statistically significant differences in overall survival at four years between...
A gene therapy trial has shown promising early results for the 'bubble boy' disease, with 8 out of 9 children treated well. The study used haploidentical transplants and high-dose post-transplantation cyclophosphamide to improve outcomes for patients who were previously ineligible due to a lack of matching donors.
Researchers identify rare anemia syndrome Pearson Syndrome in patients with congenital anemia, emphasizing the importance of correct diagnosis and treatment. The condition has a different disease course and requires tailored treatment approach.
A large study of over 30 years found that eating a daily handful of nuts significantly reduces the risk of death from any cause. The study also found that regular nut-eaters were more slender than those who didn't eat nuts, contradicting a common worry about weight gain.
A study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a gene fusion that fuels the growth of some lung adenocarcinomas, making targeted therapies effective for patients with specific genetic changes. The finding suggests that drugs targeting NTRK1's protein product could be effective in treating these patients.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a protein that increases with endurance exercise and boosts brain health by promoting the growth of new nerves involved in learning and memory. The discovery provides a molecular pathway for exercise's effects on cognitive function, particularly in older adults.
Researchers have identified a genetic target, BCL11A enhancer, that controls hemoglobin production in red blood cells. This discovery opens the door to precise targeting of sickle cell disease with potential benefits without off-target effects.
A new survey of nearly 5,000 tumor samples has identified 140 regions with scrambled genetic code believed to contain many undiscovered cancer genes. The mapping gives researchers a starting point to search for oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes.
A new drug, CMX001, has been shown to prevent a common and sometimes severe viral disease in patients receiving stem-cell transplants. The study found that patients taking the drug were 90% less likely to develop cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection than those taking a placebo.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that married patients with cancer live longer than unmarried patients, with cancers diagnosed at an earlier stage. Social support from spouses is thought to be driving this improvement in survival rates.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reinforces the value of colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer prevention. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 90,000 people and found that colonoscopy lowered cancer-occurrence rates in both the distal and proximal sections of the colorectum.
A survey of young women with breast cancer found many overestimate the benefits of prophylactic mastectomy, despite knowing it has little impact on survival rates. The study suggests that improving risk communication and addressing anxiety are crucial to helping patients make informed decisions.
Researchers have discovered significant genomic differences between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma types of cervical cancer. High rates of PIK3CA mutations were found in both subtypes, while KRAS mutations were only present in adenocarcinomas. These findings suggest that targeted therapies may improve patient outcomes.
A large international clinical trial found pazopanib to be superior to sunitinib in terms of quality of life, with fewer side effects and lower risk of complications. The study's results suggest that pazopanib may become the preferred treatment for advanced kidney cancer patients.
A new vaccine has shown promise in boosting the immune system's ability to attack leukemia cells in post-transplant patients. The personalized tumor vaccine, which includes the patient's own irradiated leukemia cells combined with an immune stimulant, has been shown to induce a strong and selective immune response.
Women who survived childhood cancer face an increased risk of infertility, but nearly two-thirds conceive after trying unsuccessfully for at least a year. The study found that 64% of survivors conceived after six months, compared to 55% in the control group.
A study provides statistically-based guidelines for determining suitability of stem cell transplants in older patients with MDS. Reduced intensity transplants are recommended for high-risk patients, while non-transplant treatments are preferable for lower-risk patients.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that active surveillance and watchful waiting are safe alternatives to initial treatment for men with low-risk prostate cancers. These strategies can lead to better quality of life and reduced healthcare costs, with some patients experiencing up to 13 months additional quality-a...
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are partnering to establish a network of sites for clinical trial testing in community oncology settings. This partnership aims to increase trial enrollment and advance innovative blood cancer therapies, ultimately saving lives.
Researchers found that crizotinib boosts median disease progression time to 7.7 months, compared to 3 months with standard chemotherapy, in patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring an abnormal ALK gene.
A new study of young women with breast cancer found that most opted for a mastectomy rather than breast-conserving surgery. Factors associated with this choice included genetic mutations, tumor characteristics, and high levels of anxiety. The researchers hope to shed light on why rates of mastectomies are rising among younger patients.
Researchers found a specific MYBL1 gene mutation in nearly 30% of diffuse low-grade gliomas, which may help diagnose and guide treatment. The mutated gene can cause tumors in mice, providing new leads for investigation into its function and potential diagnostic test.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that nearly two-thirds of children receiving stem cell transplants were readmitted to the hospital within six months for treatment of unexplained fevers, infections or other problems. Children who received donor cells were twice as likely to be readmitted compared to those with their own st...
A new study found that a commonly used US stem cell transplant regimen for advanced neuroblastoma in children was associated with more acute toxicity, particularly to the kidneys and liver. The study informed the recent decision of the Children's Oncology Group to switch to an equally effective European approach.
A study analyzing 203 children with retinoblastoma found that delays in diagnosis led to more invasive and life-threatening disease courses in non-white, Hispanic, or uninsured patients. The researchers aim to explore the causes of these delays and eliminate them.
A genetic biomarker, MYCN amplification, has been identified as a potential target for a new class of anti-cancer drugs in neuroblastoma patients. The study found that tumors with excess copies of the gene were highly sensitive to BET bromodomain inhibitors, leading to impaired cell growth and induction of cell death.
A phase 1 clinical trial found that a combination of sapacitabine and seliciclib showed anti-cancer activity in patients with incurable solid tumors and inherited BRCA mutations. The treatment demonstrated partial responses in four patients, stable disease for over a year in three others.
A phase I trial involving 29 patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer found one complete response and four partial responses to the antibody-drug conjugate DMUC5754A. The drug targets high-expression MUC16 protein in ovarian cancer cells, reducing adverse effects on healthy tissues.
Researchers used advanced amplification technology to detect abnormal DNA in blood samples from patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The new blood test found secondary resistance mutations in the KIT gene, which were missed by traditional tissue analysis.
Dana-Farber scientists have identified a novel glutamine pathway that fuels the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer cells, which may be vulnerable to targeted drugs. The research suggests that inhibiting this pathway could make tumors more susceptible to standard treatments without harming healthy tissues.
Researchers found a distinctive DNA mix-up and 20 mutated genes in esophageal adenocarcinomas, which may help diagnose the disease earlier and develop better treatments. The study also identified genes that can switch on cancer cells to invade surrounding tissue.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute used next-generation gene-sequencing technology to chart changes in CLL tissue samples from 149 patients. The study provides a strobe-like look at the genetic past, present, and future of CLL tumors, shedding light on why CLL often recurs after treatment.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Infusing CD8+ Treg cells into arthritis-prone mice shut down the inflammatory cascade that damages tissues and joints, significantly slowing disease progression.
Two new mutations have been discovered in the 'dark matter' of the cancer genome, occurring in 71 percent of malignant melanoma tumors. The highly recurrent mutations affect a promoter region adjacent to the TERT gene and may contribute to the development of melanoma.
Large-scale genomic sequencing reveals two DNA mutations driving 15% of meningiomas, a type of slow-growing brain tumor. The findings suggest targeted therapies may provide an effective treatment option for these patients.
Cancer death rates in US men and women declined between 2000-2009, while incidence rates increased among children under 14. The report highlights progress in childhood cancer mortality rates since 1975 but notes the need for improved early detection strategies.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that a small percentage of men treated for prostate cancer reported a perceived shortening of their penis, leading to regrets about treatment choice. The complaint was more common in men treated with radical prostatectomy or male hormone-blocking drugs combined with radiation therapy.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists identify EZH2 as a key player in prostate cancers that no longer respond to hormone-blocking treatments. The researchers suggest that drugs targeting EZH2's unexpected function could be an effective new treatment strategy for these aggressive cancers.
Researchers found that patients with a family history of colorectal cancer are more likely to develop tumors with low-level methylation of LINE-1, a molecular sign associated with an aggressive form of the disease. Testing for this sign may help identify patients in need of aggressive treatment and inform familial cancer-risk assessments.
A clinical trial at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that intensified chemotherapy significantly reduces relapse odds for young patients with B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The treatment regimen improved event-free survival rates to 76% five years after complete remission.
A phase 3 trial by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found an experimental drug combination for preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) did not significantly improve outcomes compared to the standard regimen. The treatment had some benefits, including reduced mucositis and faster engraftment, but also increased veno-occlusive disease risk.