The Geographical Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) grant supports region-specific cancer research, education, outreach, and training needs. Moffitt serves as the hub for GMaP Region 2, which includes partner institutions in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Puerto Rico.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center develop adaptive therapy to keep resistant cells in check, prolonging survival without disease progression in mouse models of triple-negative and ER+ breast cancer. The approach is being tested in a clinical trial for prostate cancer patients.
A combination of durvalumab and tremelimumab has been found to be effective in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, with 23% achieving a complete or partial response. The treatment also appears to be active in PD-L1-negative tumors.
Moffitt Cancer Center researchers discovered TBK1 plays a novel role in promoting cell division through interacting with CEP170 and NuMA proteins. Disrupting TBK1 activity prevents chromosome separation and mitosis progression.
A broad-spectrum approach to cancer treatment and prevention is being developed by researchers, focusing on low-toxicity agents from plants and foods that target multiple pathways involved in cancer development. The approach aims to improve upon current targeted therapies and reduce costs associated with toxicity and treatment duration.
A combination of lenalidomide and rituximab produced a durable response in mantle cell lymphoma patients, with an overall response rate of 92%. The treatment maintained an anti-tumor response for up to three years.
The Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department at Moffitt Cancer Center has been awarded a $10.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to develop new strategies to prevent and treat cancer by exploiting Charles Darwin's concept of natural selection.
Researchers discovered that approximately 70% of different antibiotic sequences lead to resistance, highlighting the importance of careful ordering. The approach may help prevent antibiotic-resistant bacteria and could be tested in laboratory trials.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center are developing a blood test using microRNAs to identify and characterize precursor lesions that can progress to pancreatic cancer. The test may help differentiate between low- and high-risk lesions, allowing for more informed personalized medical management decisions.
A recent study by H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center researchers found a significantly higher frequency of BRCA mutations in young black women with breast cancer, particularly among those under 50. This discovery may contribute to the disparity in aggressive breast cancer rates among black women compared to non-Hispanic white women.
A study found that white patients and larger, well-supported institutions have higher participation rates in pharmacogenomic trials. Conversely, racial diversity at hospitals decreases participation rates for both white and nonwhite patients.
A study by Moffitt researchers found significant economic and health disparities in the LGBTQ community, including higher rates of poverty, lack of health services, and certain types of cancer. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and targeted interventions to address these disparities.
Researchers have developed a genetic test that analyzes tumor sensitivity to radiation therapy, with findings suggesting metastatic colon tumors are more resistant to radiation than primary tumors. The study suggests personalizing radiation therapy for patients may be possible through this test.
The Moffitt Cancer Center has received a $3.6 million grant to investigate the long-term use of e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking strategy. The five-year study will enroll 2,500 e-cigarette users and follow them for 24 months to gather data on their effectiveness.
A study by Moffitt Cancer Center researchers highlights the need for stress management tools for Latina women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Despite facing significant stress-inducing factors, many patients reported a lack of access to these resources.
Researchers found that increased levels of fibronectin create a protective environment reducing the effectiveness of BRAF inhibitors. Targeting both tumor cells and their adaptive responses is crucial for improved therapeutic outcomes.
Researchers found that Polyphenon E, a green tea extract, reduced combined rates of prostate cancer and atypical small acinar proliferation, as well as decreased levels of prostate-specific antigen in men with premalignant lesions. The study suggests that EGCG, the most abundant catechin in green tea, may play a role in these effects.
A phase I study of ruxolitinib found no dose-limiting toxicities and improved symptoms in 15 evaluable CMML patients. Hematologic improvement and partial responses were observed, particularly in patients with B symptoms.
Nivolumab has shown promise as a therapeutic agent for improving survival rates in melanoma patients. The most common adverse events were fatigue, pruritus, diarrhea, and rash, which were primarily low-grade and manageable with immunomodulatory agents.
The combination of MEDI4736 and tremelimumab has been shown to have manageable toxicity and clinical activity in advanced NSCLC patients, including those with PD-L1 negative tumors. Eight out of 31 evaluable patients achieved a partial response.
A phase 3 international trial found that ipilimumab improved recurrence-free survival in advanced stage melanoma patients who underwent surgical resection. The study showed that patients with microscopic metastatic disease responded best to ipilimumab treatment.
Differences in tumor cell metabolism lead to more aggressive behavior in the center of a tumor. Mathematical modeling shows that cells with high glucose metabolism and acid production become invasive and cause tumor recurrence.
A new study by Moffitt researchers found that men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer have a higher risk of cognitive impairment. The study also identified a possible genetic link between the GNB3 gene and cognitive problems during ADT treatment.
A new study by Moffitt researchers found that younger men and those with a lower body mass index are more prone to experiencing hot flashes during androgen deprivation therapy. The study analyzed patient characteristics and DNA to identify genetic factors associated with an increased number of hot flashes.
Moffitt scientists developed a novel technique to analyze the MDMX protein, revealing its auto-inhibitory segment that controls p53 activity. This discovery may help identify patients more likely to respond to an MDMX-targeted cancer drug.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered a novel mechanism controlling lung cancer stem cell growth, suggesting that targeting YAP1 protein could lead to new therapeutic targets. The study found that YAP1 interacts with OCT4 and SOX2 proteins, regulating stem cell self-renewal and tumor growth.
Moffitt scientists are using a new theory called the Big Bang model of cancer heterogeneity, which suggests that mutations occur early during tumor development. This approach has significant implications for treatments, as it recognizes that tumors can change during treatment and that current therapeutic approaches ignore this fact.
A lack of disclosure and elevated cancer risk are experienced by the LGBTQI community due to reduced access to healthcare and insurance. Researchers suggest training staff in LGBTQI competencies and collecting gender identity and sexual orientation data to improve patient care.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified a key protein signaling pathway involved in the growth and survival of brain tumor stem cells. The neurotrophin pathway controls nerve growth, survival and specialization, and inhibiting TrkB and TrkC receptors can decrease stem cell survival.
The HPV vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing cervical cancers caused by nine high-risk HPV types. If populations are vaccinated, approximately 90% of all cervical cancers worldwide can be prevented. The vaccine was found to be safe with no significant health concerns.
Experts suggest that targeted screening programs for middle-aged and older patients using newer diagnostic tools could significantly reduce melanoma mortality rates. Studies in Australia and Germany have shown a substantial decrease in melanoma-related deaths after implementing comprehensive skin cancer screening programs.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center discovered six microRNAs that can distinguish between high-risk and low-risk pancreatic lesions, offering a promising biomarker for early detection. This finding may lead to the development of a microRNA-based blood test to aid in predicting disease severity and foster new prevention strategies.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute found that low levels of tristetraprolin (TTP) protein are associated with more aggressive tumors and poorer prognosis in breast and lung cancer patients. A network of 50 genes linked to TTP is present in various tumor types, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies.
Moffitt researchers identify a key protein pathway involved in the spread of lung cancer, including beta-arrestin-1 and E2F1. Blocking this pathway may offer new therapeutic strategies to combat lung cancer metastasis.
Researchers developed a new technique called proximity ligation assays (PLA) to analyze protein complexes in cancer specimens, which may aid in patient treatment decisions. By focusing on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), they discovered that patients with high amounts of EGFR protein complexes had a better prognosis when tr...
Moffitt researchers found that high activity of cell surface protein EphA2 leads to aggressive behavior in melanoma cells treated with B-Raf inhibitor drugs. Targeting EphA2 may prevent disease progression and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers used computational modeling to examine the role of genetic mutations in cancer growth, finding that genes never observed in cancers may be the best targets for therapy. Targeting these 'never mutations' in combination with therapies targeting driver genes was found to be highly effective.
Synthetic lethality harnesses genetic differences between tumor cells and normal cells to minimize side effects on normal cells, while maximizing drug effects on cancer cells. This approach has shown promising results in treating breast cancer patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
A recent study by Moffitt Cancer Center researchers found that men who consume more alcohol have a significantly higher risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The study analyzed over 1,300 men and discovered that those who drank the most alcohol had an increased risk of HPV independent of their number of sexual partners.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered 23 new regions of the genome linked to prostate cancer risk, with testing potentially identifying men with a six times higher risk. This brings the total number of genetic variants linked to prostate cancer to 100.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute developed a liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry assay to analyze biomarkers in blood and tissue, helping identify therapeutic targets for melanoma treatment. The study identified alterations in cell signaling pathways in drug-resistant cells.
A new Moffitt Cancer Center study found that patients who received pre-test genetic counseling were more likely to recall having a discussion with their healthcare provider, suggesting improved quality of care. The study also showed that genetic health care providers ordered less expensive testing in cases where it was appropriate.
The study identified oncogenic driver genes in over 1,000 lung cancer patients and found that those with targeted treatments survived longer. The researchers aim to expand this technology to other types of lung cancer.
The American Society for Clinical Oncology has released new clinical guidelines for cancer-related fatigue, developed in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center. The guidelines recommend regular screening and treatment of fatigue in cancer patients after treatment, as well as addressing other contributing factors such as depression, p...
Moffitt Cancer Center's phase 3 study shows CPX-351 leads to higher remission rates compared to standard options in AML, offering a new game-changer for treatment. The innovative drug combination works by maintaining an optimal ratio of cytarabine and daunorubicin inside lipid vesicles.
Lung cancer cells use high levels of TGF-β to suppress NK cell activity, leading to reduced DAP12 expression and impaired cytotoxic pathways. The researchers identified a critical role for miR-183 in this process, providing new insight into the exploitation of immune evasion mechanisms by cancer cells.
Sentinel node biopsy has significantly improved 10-year disease-free survival rates and melanoma-free survival for melanoma patients, reducing the need for extensive lymph node surgery. The procedure has become a worldwide standard in diagnosing melanoma, thanks to Moffitt Cancer Center's pioneering role in its development and teaching.
A Moffitt Cancer Center study found that consistent HPV vaccine recommendations from family doctors are lacking, contributing to low vaccination rates. The research team recommends more HPV vaccine recommendations by family physicians to increase uptake.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered a control mechanism that can trigger the development of myelodysplastic syndromes by promoting inflammation and preventing healthy blood cells from developing. The study found that targeting this mechanism may lead to new treatment options for people with certain blood cancers.
A new study by Moffitt Cancer Center aims to investigate alternative screening methods and chemoprevention interventions for African-American and black men with prostate cancer. Researchers are also exploring the safety and effectiveness of isoflavones, a botanical agent, in reducing prostate cancer risk in this high-risk population.