A novel combination of oncolytic virus and immune checkpoint inhibitor has shown remarkable efficacy in treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, with a complete response rate of 57.1% at 12 months. The therapy demonstrated durable responses, with a median duration of response not yet reached after a median follow-up of 26.5 months.
A Moffitt study reveals cells have a previously unknown information processing system that enables rapid adaptation and sophisticated communication. Ion gradients across the cell membrane form an information network for quick cellular decision-making, bypassing traditional genetic instruction.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute discovered a new therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer by targeting the Jagged2 protein. Disrupting this signaling pathway activates anti-tumor immunity via Notch-induced functional reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages.
Alex Jaeger, a Moffitt Cancer Center researcher, has received the Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award for his project on exploiting MHC-II antigen presentation in cancer. His goal is to develop advanced immunotherapeutic strategies by understanding how distinct patterns of antigen presentation trigger specific T-cell pathways.
Dr. Tiffany Carson is part of the SAMBAI team, which will develop novel approaches to addressing cancer inequities in prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancers spanning diverse cohorts. The team aims to build a comprehensive measurement of social, environmental, genetic, and biological factors to define the causes of disparate outcomes.
A recent study from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center highlights the significant gaps in understanding and addressing the effects of hurricanes and extreme weather events on biological, psychosocial, and clinical outcomes among cancer survivors. The research reveals that these events can disrupt cancer care, exacerbate stress levels, an...
A large retrospective cohort analysis found that neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved overall and progression-free survival for locally advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma patients. The study also showed that platinum-based chemotherapy was well-tolerated, with low treatment-related mortality.
Researchers develop a novel genomic classification system that categorizes patients into 12 distinct groups based on their underlying genomic profiles. The individualized risk model, IRMMa, uses advanced statistical methodologies to generate tailored predictions of patient response to different therapies.
The study found that only 67.5% of trial publications reported patient-reported outcomes data, with a median time between publication and analysis of 10.5 months. The quality score of the data was low, with a mean score of 11.10 out of 24 points.
Researchers developed a new reagent called t-BuSF to improve the synthesis of sulfur-containing compounds used in medicines. The use of t-BuSF decreased reaction times and improved stability, enabling efficient production of these compounds.
Researchers identified key characteristics associated with improved CAR T outcomes in large B cell lymphoma, including a B-cell gene expression signature and high CD19 protein expression. Patients who received axicabtagene ciloleucel had better event-free survival compared to those receiving standard therapy.
Researchers found that the loss of RBFOX2 protein leads to increased cell migration, invasion, tumor development, and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. The study suggests alternative RNA splicing plays a critical role in pancreatic cancer progression.
In a new study published in Cancer Research, Moffitt researchers reveal how the antitumor activity of PTEN suppresses cancer-promoting activity through the AKT signaling pathway. PTEN's lipid phosphatase activity inhibits melanoma cell proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts in the brain secrete fucosylated poliovirus receptor that stimulates breast cancer migration and invasion. The researchers hope these findings will help develop better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for breast cancer brain metastasis patients.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center analyzed the mechanisms of action of anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/LAG-3 combination therapies, identifying specific subtypes of CD4 T cells that become activated. The study found differences in how these therapies affect CD4 T cells, leading to distinct anticancer effects.
The research team has successfully developed a noninvasive diagnostic biomarker panel for early oropharyngeal cancer detection, which can differentiate between early cases and controls. The next phase involves evaluating the oral biomarker panel among 100 early and 100 late-stage pre-treatment oropharyngeal cancer cases.
Moffitt researchers found that HDAC8 inhibition of EP300 leads to melanoma cell metastasis to the brain, while no significant impact on other organs was observed. This study provides evidence for a new therapeutic target to inhibit brain metastasis.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute demonstrate lorlatinib's activity against protein PYK2 in non-small cell lung cancer cells, revealing a potential path for repurposing the drug for other cancers. The study shows that combination therapy targeting ROS1, PYK2, and SRC results in enhanced cancer cell death ...
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute have identified a new drug, NFX-179, that can prevent the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with minimal side effects. The topical application of NFX-179 gel was shown to reduce tumor formation by up to 92% in pre-clinical models.
The five-year grant will utilize ecological and evolutionary principles to study non-small cell lung cancer growth and treatment resistance. Researchers aim to uncover novel therapeutic strategies that can suppress the evolution of resistance in this common type of lung cancer.
Researchers at Moffitt will develop novel targeted alpha-particle therapies for uveal melanoma and other rare melanomas. The grant will fund projects aimed at advancing the therapy's efficacy and personalizing its treatment.
The five-year grant will help create a multinational research partnership to gather data on prevention and treatment strategies for cancers caused by HPV and Epstein-Barr viruses among this population. Cancer is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV, with poorer treatment outcomes.
Moffitt researchers used mathematical modeling and dynamic biomarkers to identify characteristics of metastatic disease associated with better treatment outcomes. They found that larger metastases had longer treatment cycles, while those with faster cell turnover rates responded quickly to treatment.
Researchers found that breast cancer survivors experience a faster rate of biological aging, with higher rates of age-related diseases and physical cognitive decline. Radiation therapy was found to be particularly impactful on aging rates, contributing to the conversation on how to best treat and care for breast cancer survivors.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that higher c-reactive protein levels were associated with greater depression and less physical activity among patients with gynecologic cancers. However, most inflammatory markers were not linked to treatment-related symptoms.
Moffitt researchers develop CAR T cells that target prostate cancer biomarker PSCA, killing cancer cells and preserving bone health. Zoledronate treatment enhances antitumor activity with minimal toxicity.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that tumor-associated macrophage clustering in the stromal compartment is associated with poor outcomes. The study developed a score based on gene expression to predict macrophage clustering, which also predicted disease stage and survival.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified a critical pathway in the development of MYC-driven lymphoma, involving the chemical modification of eIF5A with hypusine. Inhibiting this process prevents lymphoma development and progression in mouse models, offering new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered a combination strategy that targets the STING signaling pathway, resulting in improved antitumor activity. Inhibiting methylation increases STING expression and activates immune cells, leading to enhanced antitumor immunity.
A new smoking cessation intervention, MAPS, has been shown to increase smoking abstinence rates in patients with cervical cancer or precancerous disease by over two-fold. The study found that extended treatment and sustaining the program may be necessary for long-term abstinence.
A new study found that antibiotic treatment and certain types of microorganisms in the gut can impact CAR T-cell therapy outcomes. Patients with higher levels of Bifidobacterium longum had improved overall survival rates, while those with other bacteria were associated with poorer responses.
The magrolimab plus azacitidine regimen resulted in a complete response rate of 33% and partial response rate of 75%. Patients with TP53 mutations showed improved overall survival rates compared to previous studies.
A phase 2 clinical trial shows that treating resectable stage 3 and 4 melanoma patients with pembrolizumab both before and after surgery greatly improves outcomes compared to pembrolizumab given only after surgery. This approach resulted in significantly longer event-free survival rates.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute discovered a new way to activate dendritic cells, which can produce strong anti-tumor immunity. The approach uses an oncolytic virus expressing CD40 ligand and IFNβ, reducing tumor size and activating immune cells in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
A phase 2 trial found that talimogene laherparepvec combined with chemotherapy provided strong responses and immune cell activation in 45.9% of patients with early stage triple-negative breast cancer. Tumor samples showed high levels of tumor-fighting T cells, indicating a potential for improved outcomes.
A new study published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics found that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective treatment for early stage lung neuroendocrine tumors. The three-, six- and nine-year local control rates with SBRT were 97%, 91% and 91%, respectively.
The institutions will develop trials to screen cervical cancer patients in low-resource countries, aiming to prevent advanced cancer. The collaboration aims to achieve the World Health Organization's goal of eliminating cervical cancer by adapting and innovating prevention strategies.
Moffitt researchers found that administering oral L-fucose increases TILs, reduces tumor growth, and enhances immunotherapy efficacy in animal models. Higher L-fucose levels in melanomas are associated with less aggressive disease and better responses to therapy.
Researchers developed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Radionuclide Therapy (FACT-RNT) questionnaire to identify key symptoms and side effects associated with radionuclide therapy. The tool aims to improve patient-centered care and guide treatment decisions for prostate cancer patients.
Researchers developed an approach to connect Spanish-speaking smokers with tobacco treatment delivered by state Quitlines, leading to improved treatment enrollment and smoking cessation outcomes. Patients who received treatment in Spanish completed more counseling calls and were more likely to report abstinence from smoking than those ...
Researchers found that high PERK activity correlates with poorer outcomes and lower anti-tumor immune cells in patients with melanoma. Inhibition of PERK promoted a type of cell death called paraptosis, which involved trafficking of immune cells to tumors and matured dendritic cells triggering anti-tumor T cell immunity.
The National Cancer Institute grants Moffitt Cancer Center a five-year, $3.7 million grant to develop digital tools and community outreach strategies to increase education on clinical trials and enrollment among Black and Hispanic patients and physicians in the Tampa Bay area. The goal is to improve health equity by ensuring trial demo...
Moffitt researchers found that cancer patients who believed in vaccine effectiveness and safety were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccination. High accepters were also more socioeconomically disadvantaged and lived with others, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
African American men are twice as likely to have more aggressive disease compared to non-African American men. Genomic biomarker tests like the Decipher score can identify patients with higher-risk disease, enabling tailored treatment approaches.
A phase 2 study found that combining nivolumab and ipilimumab showed a high response rate with durable results for patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. The addition of stereotactic body radiation therapy did not improve efficacy in this dual checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Moffitt researchers used computer modeling to demonstrate the impact of skin homeostasis on driver and passenger mutations. They found that larger subclones are likely due to persistence and older age, not selective sweeps.
Researchers identified high-risk patients with stage 3A disease and microscopic lymph node metastases who would benefit from adjuvant therapy. Patients with larger metastases had poorer outcomes, while those with smaller metastases had better survival rates similar to stage 1A disease.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered that cancer-associated fibroblasts can both promote and inhibit drug sensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer cells, depending on the type of tumor cell and drug used. The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways, such as the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway...
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center used mathematical modeling to study the impact of tumor size, immune cell populations, and interactions on cancer treatment outcomes. The models predicted optimal therapeutic approaches for different types of therapies, including cytotoxic chemotherapy and immunotherapies.
A new software program, Mistic, allows for the simultaneous viewing of tissue images through dimensionality reduction methods. The software enables the extraction of data from multiplexed images, facilitating the understanding of cancer biology and the development of new therapies.