Researchers identified distinct spatial tumor-immune ecologies that differentiate stable disease from progressive disease in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Tumors that progressed were characterized by immune suppression before treatment began, while stable disease tumors showed stronger colocalization of immune cells. Machine lea...
Researchers created a more realistic mouse model of eye cancer that replicates genetic changes found in human patients, allowing for better study of disease evolution and development. The model reveals molecular biomarkers linked to aggressive tumors, providing new clues for risk assessment and treatment strategies.
Researchers developed a blood-based DNA marker called protein epiScores to predict colorectal cancer recurrence and survival. Four markers were linked to increased risks of recurrence and death, with one marker associated with an 80% higher risk of death.
Researchers developed a new method to predict how cancer cells evolve by gaining or losing whole chromosomes, mapping favorable or harmful changes. ALFA-K quantifies how whole-genome doubling helps cancer cells survive high levels of chromosomal instability, laying the groundwork for evolution-aware approaches to cancer treatment.
A new study found that a widely used genomic test can accurately identify African American men with early prostate cancer at high risk of recurrence. The Decipher classifier linked to faster recurrence rates and supports more personalized treatment choices. Genomic testing may help better match patients with the right treatment intensi...
A new biomaterial platform induces local accumulation of immune cells, forming structures similar to those found in tumors. This model could lead to therapies that stimulate TLS formation and boost antitumor immunity.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center report the first clinical activity of a RAS inhibitor in patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma, achieving complete and partial responses in two patients. The therapy blocks downstream signaling that drives tumor growth and immune escape, while activating the immune system to fight cancer.
Scientists at Moffitt Cancer Center identify distinct approaches to combat drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer, targeting RAS and CDK12/13 pathways. Combining therapies delays or prevents resistance, extending treatment response.
A new gene expression profile-based test can accurately stratify melanoma patients by their likelihood of having sentinel lymph node metastasis, guiding treatment planning and prognosis. The test adds value for shared decision-making in selecting patients for unnecessary surgeries.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have been awarded a $22.4 million grant to lead groundbreaking studies and clinical trials for leptomeningeal disease, a devastating complication of breast and other cancers that spreads to the coverings of the brain and spinal cord. The funding will support four years of research and two clinical t...
A phase 1B clinical trial found that combining avelumab with whole brain radiotherapy provides a safe and effective treatment option for patients with leptomeningeal disease, with 67% of patients alive three months after treatment. The study also showed an adaptive immune response to treatment, reducing levels of regulatory T cells.
Moffitt researchers develop machine learning model to predict urgent care visits for lung cancer patients, incorporating patient-reported outcomes and wearable sensor data. The study shows improved prediction accuracy and provides insights into the interaction of symptoms, sleep quality, and lab results with risk.
Researchers created a genetically engineered model of lung cancer in naked mole rats, showing that these animals require multiple genetic mutations for tumors to form. The study reveals that tumors developed highly diverse and infiltrated by immune cells, opening the door to future studies on tumor microenvironment.
A new study reveals that lymphoma can accelerate the biological aging of the immune system and other tissues, leading to increased inflammation, impaired protein balance, and altered iron regulation. The effects were not limited to immune cells, with markers of aging also appearing in blood vessels, kidneys, and intestines.
A new study by Moffitt Cancer Center researchers has found that cancer-induced nerve injury weakens the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. The study shows that cancer cells infiltrate and damage tumor-associated nerves, triggering an inflammatory response that ultimately suppresses the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
A new study from Moffitt Cancer Center found that a combination of immune-targeting drugs, including TIM-3, was effective in shrinking tumors in lab models of treatment-resistant melanoma. The triplet therapy also restored immune function and led to complete tumor regressions in some cases.
The study aims to create a path forward for improved treatment, access to clinical trials, and personalized care for communities with limited access to care. Recent studies highlight the need to address systemic barriers that prevent many people from receiving advanced care.
Moffitt researchers will present numerous oral and poster presentations covering a wide range of cancer types, including lung, breast, cervical and biliary tract cancers. The center's experts are also available to comment on various cancer research and care topics before and during the meeting.
The study found key differences in tumor biology between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic white veterans, but similar survival outcomes when both groups had equal access to care. The research highlights the importance of broadening access to genomic tools and prioritizing equity in cancer treatment.
Moffitt researchers identified a link between immune cell longevity and tumor antigen stability in patients unresponsive to TIL therapy. This knowledge may lead to improved treatment strategies using gene editing and reintroducing missing antigens.
Researchers found that people living with HIV in lower-income and less educated areas were 27% less likely to receive curative cancer treatment. The study highlights the need for policies and community-level interventions to address social factors of health and ensure equitable cancer care for all patients
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute have discovered a way to enhance immunotherapy for NRAS-mutant melanoma. Blocking nitrosylation triggers immunogenic cell death, attracting immune cells to destroy cancer cells and limiting tumor growth.
The ImmunoVerse podcast features conversations with leading physicians and scientists in immunotherapy, highlighting groundbreaking discoveries and their impact on cancer care. Launched by Moffitt Cancer Center, the podcast aims to spark conversation, inspiration, and hope for those affected by cancer.
Dr. Michael J. Schell, Ph.D., a researcher at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, has been elected Fellow of the American Statistical Association. He has made significant contributions to cancer research through statistics, developing widely used statistical tools and methods for analyzing complex clinical data.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found that a natural protein called CD40L can improve the speed and success of TIL manufacturing, potentially benefiting more patients. The study showed that CD40L-enhanced TILs grew successfully in 67% of samples when used, compared to 33% without it.
A new drug delivery system has been shown to be effective in treating a rare form of eye cancer that has spread to the liver. The treatment, which was approved by the FDA in 2023, delivers a high dose of chemotherapy directly to the liver via percutaneous insertions.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute have discovered a promising new vaccine strategy for treating HER2-positive breast cancer. The innovative approach combines the HER2-targeting dendritic cell vaccines with standard chemotherapy, demonstrating both safety and positive response rates.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute have discovered a new way to boost cancer immunotherapy by targeting the MARCO protein, which significantly enhances tumor regression in melanoma. This approach could help overcome resistance to current treatments and improve outcomes for patients with treatment-resistant...
Moffitt Cancer Center has become the first standalone cancer center to open a Nikon Center of Excellence, highlighting its leadership in advanced imaging and cancer research. This partnership with Nikon will accelerate discoveries in cancer treatments and diagnostics.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute have identified a specific immune response that can prevent the spread of breast cancer cells within the body. Activating certain immune cells can stop dormant cancer cells from growing into new tumors, potentially leading to long-term survival.
A new community-based pickleball program called Project Rally is helping cancer survivors improve their physical and social well-being. The program has shown strong results in terms of participation, enjoyment, and physical improvements.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center discovered a biomarker that can predict which lung cancer patients with KRASG12C mutation are most likely to benefit from targeted treatments. The study found that tumors with higher levels of RAS-RAF protein interaction respond better to KRASG12C inhibitors.
A recent study led by H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center researchers found that artificial intelligence can help doctors make better decisions when treating cancer. The study showed that collaboration between AI and human judgment improves radiotherapy outcomes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.
A new study published in Neuro-Oncology found that asymptomatic brain metastasis is more common in stage 4 breast cancer patients than previously thought. The study suggests that doctors may need to rethink current screening guidelines for detecting brain metastasis in patients without symptoms.
A new review led by Moffitt Cancer Center researchers shows that genomic tests can provide more detailed information about prostate cancer. However, experts highlight the need for more data on the cost-effectiveness and clinical utility of these tests, as well as their impact on racial and ethnic groups.
Dr. Tiffany Carson, a co-leader at Moffitt Cancer Center, has been recognized as a Fellow in the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research for her contributions to cancer prevention and reducing racial disparities in obesity and cancer. She is contributing to the development of evidence-based interventions that improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that a type of cancer cell death called necroptosis can release a molecule called interleukin-1α, weakening the immune response and allowing tumors to grow faster. By blocking this molecule, cancer treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy may become more effective.
Researchers found a surprising link between high levels of methylmalonic acid and the weakening of CD8+ T cells, shedding light on potential pathways through which aging may promote lung cancer progression. Elevated methylmalonic acid levels disrupt energy production in immune cells, making it harder for them to fight cancer.
A new study by H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center researchers has uncovered crucial information about the incidence and risk factors of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infections among men in the US, Mexico, and Brazil. The study found that the risk of acquiring oral HPV was notably higher in the US compared to Brazil and Mexico.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute analyzed gamma-delta T-cell receptor landscape across 11,000 tumors, providing insights into their role in patient outcomes and treatment efficacy. The study's findings suggest that diversity and clonality of gamma-delta T cells can significantly impact patient survival.
Moffitt Cancer Center researchers have made a significant discovery about LAG3, a protein that suppresses the antitumor immune response. By understanding how LAG3 interacts with other proteins, they hope to develop more effective immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Researchers have developed a novel sulfur fluoride exchange (SuFEx) reagent that enables highly controlled production of crucial sulfur-based molecules. This innovation has resulted in the creation of over 70 new chemical compounds with immediate applications in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical development.
The study found that 29% of patients experienced progression-free survival at five years and 40% achieved overall survival. However, important survivorship issues were identified, including nonrelapse mortality rates of 16.2%, with over half occurring beyond two years post-treatment.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute propose a unified framework for understanding antifragility in complex systems, including cancer. The study suggests that applying principles of antifragility could lead to dynamic and responsive cancer therapies.
Researchers identified tissue-resident CD8 T cells and γδ T cells as key drivers of immunotherapy response in Merkel cell carcinoma patients. Patients with tumors containing these immune cells are more likely to respond to treatment, suggesting potential for enhanced outcomes.
The FDA approval of lifileucel, the first commercial tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, marks a major advancement in personalized cancer treatment. Moffitt researchers are expanding this therapeutic approach to treat other solid tumor cancer types, such as lung, sarcoma, cervical and bladder.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a groundbreaking synthesis method for producing withanolides, a class of compounds that inhibit cancer cell growth and induce cell death. The scalable production of these compounds will advance cancer research and treatment development, offering new hope for patients.
A new study introduces an adaptive therapy approach that could optimize PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy, offering a more personalized and potentially less toxic treatment option for patients. The research found that dose modulation based on tumor response was superior to skipping doses.
Researchers have uncovered key tumor-stroma interactions that drive drug resistance in melanoma leptomeningeal disease. The study identifies a potential therapeutic target by inhibiting SERPINA3-mediated signaling.
Moffitt's dedicated bioengineering department is revolutionizing cancer research through an interdisciplinary approach. This powerful platform combines engineering, physical sciences, and oncology to understand and treat complex cancer.