Researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center are presenting new developments in immunotherapy and proteomics at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting. A new adoptive T-cell therapy for ovarian cancer has shown promising results, while a vaccine adjuvant has boosted immune responses to sarcomas.
A new study found that rhinovirus, a common cause of the 'common cold', can lead to pneumonia and death in bone marrow transplant patients. The virus is more common than previously thought and is often overlooked in this population.
Thirteen outstanding graduate students in biological sciences were recognized for their exceptional work and diversity of research topics, ranging from evolvability to mitochondrial disease. The award recipients will receive a certificate, travel expenses, and honorarium, and have the opportunity to present at an award symposium on the...
The Nextstrain software tool has won the first-ever international Open Science Prize for its ability to track genetic mutations during disease outbreaks. The platform makes it easier to share and analyze genetic sequencing data, aiming to speed discoveries and improve human health.
Scientists have made an important breakthrough in identifying specific T cells that can fight cancer, using a new method to track the diverse members of a patient's immune system. The study found that these 'rare' cells are more effective in patients who undergo complete remission after T cell infusion.
The APOLLO network partners with the Paulovich Laboratory to develop a panel of tests to measure key proteins in tumors, enabling targeted cancer treatments. The effort aims to improve precision-based medicine by combining genomic and proteomic approaches.
Researchers have discovered 30 genes as potential therapeutic targets for reversing Rett syndrome, a severe form of an autism spectrum disorder affecting approximately 15,000 girls and women globally. The study, led by Dr. Antonio Bedalov at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, aims to reactivate the silenced MeCP2 gene in affected individuals.
A new study suggests that increasing KLL-specific T cells infiltrating the tumor improves patient survival in Merkel cell carcinoma. The research team found that about 20% of patients have T cells specific for this target, which is associated with better outcomes.
The new guidelines recommend forego routine axillary lymph node dissection in most women with no evidence of cancer on sentinel node biopsy. This approach can reduce the risk of painful and costly side effects such as lymphedema, infections, and reduced range of motion.
A new blood test can detect Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) earlier and more effectively than traditional imaging studies. The test uses an immune system marker to identify patients at high risk of recurrence, allowing for earlier treatment with immune therapy.
A group of 12 high-risk acute myeloid leukemia patients who received genetically engineered immune cells are still in remission after over two years. The treatment was successful in recognizing and destroying cancer cells, with no relapse observed in this cohort.
A small early-phase trial of CAR T-cell immunotherapy developed at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center showed a high percentage of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) experienced tumor shrinkage or disappearance after treatment. The therapy targeted CD19, a molecule found on the surface of CLL cells.
A portable device enables medical staff to genetically modify blood stem cells at a lower cost and with reduced staffing requirements. The technology has the potential to make gene therapy more accessible to patients in developing countries, reducing the need for expensive clean rooms.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center report promising results from an early-phase study of CAR T cell treatment, achieving complete remission in 50% of patients. The study's findings suggest that a defined composition of CAR T cells can increase efficacy while minimizing toxic side effects.
A recent study found that cord blood transplants may be the best option for high-risk leukemia patients, offering a lower risk of relapse compared to traditional transplants. Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that these patients have better outcomes against leukemia and related bone marrow disorders.
A nationwide study found that bone marrow-derived stem cells improved psychological well-being and reduced graft-vs.-host disease symptoms in transplant recipients. These patients were also more likely to return to work after five years.
Researchers found that certain immune cells can recognize cancerous changes before a human tumor is clinically recognizable. However, these T cells are quickly silenced by the tumor, making them non-functional. The study's findings highlight potential strategies to rescue and improve immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors.
A study published in Cancer Research found that obese women who lost weight through diet or exercise significantly lowered levels of angiogenesis-related proteins in their blood. This suggests a potential link between weight loss and reduced cancer risk, although further research is needed to confirm the association.
A study found that over 10% of men with metastatic prostate cancer have inherited mutations in DNA repair genes, more than four times the general population rate. These mutations could benefit from targeted treatment already approved for ovarian cancer patients.
The article introduces a new 'game plan' for oncologists to incorporate new therapies and approaches into clinical guidelines quickly. CancerLinQ, a web-based rapid-learning system, will provide point-of-care clinical decision support with the latest evidence-based recommendations.
A new study found that infants produce broadly neutralizing antibodies within the first year of HIV infection, which could accelerate path to HIV vaccine. The novel antibodies, produced relatively quickly after infection, may improve HIV-vaccine design by mimicking infant immune response.
A small clinical trial found that combining checkpoint inhibitors with T-cell therapy may boost treatment effectiveness for metastatic melanoma. Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center suggest this approach could be beneficial for fighting other cancers as well.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves sleep quality and reduces insomnia in women through all stages of menopause. The therapy also helps with hot flashes, reducing their interference with daily functioning.
A clinical trial has shown that 27 of 29 advanced leukemia patients went into remission after their T cells were genetically engineered to fight cancer. The therapy, known as CAR T-cell therapy, uses a synthetic receptor molecule to empower the T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center are developing engineered T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. Preliminary data from a clinical trial shows promising results in treating acute myeloid leukemia, with patients experiencing stable disease and significant tumor regression. Next-generation strategies aim to improve ant...
A phase 2 clinical trial of pembrolizumab as a first-line systemic therapy for advanced Merkel cell carcinoma found that the treatment produced an objective response rate of 56% and sustained responses in 86% of patients. The study suggests that immunotherapy may be a promising approach for this aggressive type of skin cancer.
Researchers developed a risk prediction model integrating 19 environmental and lifestyle risk factors with 64 common genetic risk factors to identify individuals at high risk of developing colorectal cancer. The model aims to improve colonoscopies for those at higher risk, while avoiding unnecessary procedures for low-risk individuals.
The Women's Health Initiative has received the AACR Team Science Award for its pioneering research on hormone therapy and nutrition in cancer risk prevention. The program, which involved over 161,000 postmenopausal women, found significant increases in heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer risks with combination hormone therapy.
Scientists have created T cells that can recognize and destroy cancer cells in pancreatic tumors. The engineered cells were able to attack tumor cells for up to 10 days without harming healthy tissues.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center made significant progress in immunotherapy for advanced Merkel cell carcinoma, with longer response times than standard chemotherapy. Precision prevention of colorectal cancer showed that preventing diseases may not be 'one size fits all', highlighting the need for tailored approaches. Addit...
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have identified a tiny area of the mouse brain responsible for the innate fear response triggered by predator odors. This region, known as AmPir, is located in the olfactory cortex and plays a crucial role in perceiving smells, including those associated with fear.
A new study aims to identify individuals at highest risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma by analyzing DNA methylation patterns. The research team will use a two-year project to develop a screening test that can detect Barrett's esophagus patients who should start getting frequent endoscopies.
A new study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center suggests that precision oncology could be tailor-made for metastatic prostate cancer. A single metastasis within an individual patient provides consistent molecular information to guide therapy, and patients benefit from individualized treatment.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have devised a new approach to engineer T cells with improved efficiency and tracking capabilities, potentially speeding up and improving T-cell therapy. The technology uses a small protein tag to purify and track the engineered T cells.
Dr. Riddell will discuss recent advances in CAR T-cell therapy, which has shown sustained regression in previously relapsing cases of B-cell malignancies. His presentation aims to outline steps to improve targeting and reduce side effects.
Cancer patients face financial distress due to rising medication costs, according to Dr. Scott Ramsey's editorial. To address this issue, policy interventions are proposed, including price negotiations with manufacturers and greater transparency of pricing.
Researchers found that clusters of cancer cells migrate through the body together throughout all stages of metastasis. The study identified unique molecular signatures and genetic changes in these aggressive tumor clumps, including higher expression of desmosome genes and lower expression of antigen presentation genes.
A 14-year study of over 2,000 teen smokers found that one year of telephone counseling using motivational interviewing was insufficient to help them quit and stay quit. By the time they became young adults, two-thirds had gone back to smoking.
Scientists have discovered a gene responsible for dividing two related fruit fly species, providing insight into the evolutionary process of speciation. The gfzf gene plays a role in regulating cell cycle progression and may also contribute to the development of cancer.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of drug resistance in metastatic prostate cancer cells, which can be predicted using protein levels. The study found that high levels of 4EBP1 protein lead to decreased protein synthesis and resistance to PI3K pathway inhibitors.
A new study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers found that immunotherapy can boost survival from pancreatic cancer by more than 75% in mice, even without chemotherapy or radiation. The therapy targets mesothelin, a protein overproduced by virtually all pancreatic tumors.
Ghajar is investigating two approaches: keeping dormant cells asleep or destroying them altogether to prevent breast cancer metastasis. He aims to identify factors that keep cells asleep and profile molecules that mediate chemo resistance, potentially providing a lasting cure for cancer patients.
Researchers found that weight loss in combination with vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced chronic inflammation. The study, which involved over 200 postmenopausal women, showed that those who lost 5-10% of their baseline weight saw a 37% reduction in inflammatory biomarkers compared to the placebo group.
A clinical trial funded by the NCI will test the effectiveness of SmartQuit, a smoking-cessation smartphone app developed by Dr. Jonathan Bricker, against traditional quit-smoking programs. The trial, which involves over 1,600 adult smokers, aims to determine whether an ACT-based app is effective for smoking cessation.
A recent study found that obesity substantially increases prostate cancer risk in African-American men, while having a moderate effect on non-Hispanic white men. The research suggests that obesity may play an important role in the 'African-American race effect' on prostate cancer disparities.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that administering selenide intravenously after cardiac arrest significantly protects heart tissue, reducing damage by 88%. The nutrient selenium is taken up by injured tissues and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.
A new study found that regular use of aspirin and NSAIDs is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in those with certain genetic variations on chromosome 15. However, about 4% of participants with two rare genotypes on chromosome 12 had an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that a dose of iodide can significantly reduce the damage caused by reperfusion injury after a heart attack. The study found that intravenous infusions of sodium iodide reduced myocardial infarction damage by up to 75 percent in mice, and oral iodide showed similar protective effects.
Researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that CenH3, a foundational protein in cell division, is surprisingly absent in many insect species. This finding challenges the long-held assumption of its essentiality and provides insights into the evolution of centromeres and potential mechanisms for chromosomal instability.
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen plus progestin (E+P) trial resulted in a net economic return of $37.1 billion over 10 years, with $26.4 billion attributed to medical expenditure savings and $10.7 billion representing additional quality-adjusted life expectancy.