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German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)


New AI system provides treatment recommendations for complex blood cancers

Researchers developed an AI-powered assistant, HemaGuide, that analyzes physician reports, combines with current guidelines and scientific literature, and generates treatment recommendations. The system has shown high accuracy across all types of blood cancers, aligning with expert decisions in nearly 82% of cases.

Fat hack protects against cell death

Researchers at German Cancer Research Center discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which senescent cells protect themselves from oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Senescent cells produce large amounts of triglycerides, which store sensitive polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes, making them resistant to ferroptosis.

AI learns from animals: New approach to improve surgical imaging

Researchers developed an AI approach that enables knowledge transfer across species boundaries, allowing AI to learn from animal image data and apply it to human tissue. The method, called xeno-learning, overcomes the need for large amounts of annotated human image data, making surgical procedures safer and more precise.

mRNA revitalizes aging immune systems—the liver as a fountain of youth

Researchers have demonstrated that mRNA technology can be used to transform the liver in mice into a temporary source of important immune regulatory factors that are naturally lost during aging. This restores the formation of new immune cells, allowing older animals to develop robust immune responses again and fight tumors effectively.

Acidic tumor environment promotes survival and growth of cancer cells

Researchers found that cancer cells in a tumor environment with acidosis can switch to more efficient energy production, using networks of mitochondria instead of fragmented structures. This adaptation helps cancer cells survive under adverse conditions, and could lead to new treatments targeting the energy metabolism of tumors.

Childhood brain tumors develop early in highly specialized nerve cells

Researchers have identified where and when the most aggressive subgroups of childhood brain tumors develop, revealing that they arise from precursor cells of highly specialized nerve cells. The study suggests that genetic changes occur many years before clinical symptoms appear, paving the way for possible early detection methods.

New approaches against metastatic breast cancer: mini-tumors from circulating cancer cells

Scientists cultivate stable tumor organoids directly from blood samples of breast cancer patients, revealing a molecular signaling pathway that ensures cancer cell survival and resistance to therapy. The team develops an approach to specifically eliminate these tumor cells in lab experiments.

Chromosomal chaos promotes therapy resistance in leukemia cells and opens up new treatment approaches

Researchers analyzed chromosomal chaos in leukemia cells and found that genetic and non-genetic factors drive functional heterogeneity. They identified therapeutic targets and alternatives for resistant subclones, providing a model for early identification of leukemia stem cells.

Language model „UroBot“ surpasses the accuracy of experienced urologists

Researchers developed AI chatbot UroBot to answer complex urology questions with high accuracy, exceeding human urologists. The model justifies its answers based on European Society of Urology guidelines and has been tested on 200 specialist questions, achieving an accuracy rate of 88.4%.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalESMO Real World Data and Digital Oncology·DateOct 9, 2024

Validated targets for personalized cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive mass spectrometry-based method to detect mutation-derived tumor neoepitopes, which are recognized by the immune system. The new protocol enables the detection of low-abundance peptides in minimal tissue samples, paving the way for personalized cancer immunotherapies.

Prostate cancer: Can AI help to avoid unnecessary biopsies?

Researchers have developed an AI-based system that can predict the risk of prostate cancer more accurately than traditional methods. The new tool combines MRI images and deep learning to identify low-risk patients who may not need a biopsy, potentially sparing them from unnecessary procedures and reducing complications.

Physical training improves quality of life in advanced breast cancer

A randomized controlled trial found that structured exercise programs significantly improved the quality of life and reduced fatigue in women with metastatic breast cancer. The program, which included twice-weekly training sessions, also showed improvements in pain, shortness of breath, and social participation.

Predicting cancer risks on the basis of national health data

Researchers developed a predictive model using Danish health data to quantify individual cancer risks for 20 types of cancer, achieving an accuracy of 81% over a lifetime. The model enables risk stratification and can inform targeted early detection tests, potentially reducing unnecessary procedures and false positives.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2024

Colorectal cancer: Tracking down subtypes

A meta-analysis suggests combining microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) can optimize prognostic assessment in early-stage colorectal cancer. Patients with high MSI and TIL had the best prognosis, while those with low immune cells found in the tumor tissue had a poor outcome.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

Prostate cancer screening: longer screening intervals are safe with low baseline PSA

A new study suggests that longer screening intervals for prostate cancer are safe and effective when the initial PSA test is conducted at a young age. The PROBASE trial found that only 0.45% of men with low-risk PSA levels developed high PSA levels, indicating an increased risk of prostate cancer. This finding supports the idea of rais...

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalEuropean Urology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2024