A new study finds that microRNA 135b drives the growth of bowel cancers and is a vital 'worker' for several important cancer genes. Testing levels of this molecule could identify patients with aggressive disease, while drugs targeting it may prevent tumour growth and reduce resistance.
A study by The Institute of Cancer Research identified mutations in the DNA methyltransferase gene, DNMT3A, in 13 children with a newly described condition called 'DNMT3A overgrowth syndrome'. The condition causes intellectual disability and unusual growth in children, but has no link to cancer risk.
The trial found that men treated with the more intensive radiotherapy regime had a 55% survival rate without disease progression, compared to 43%. The study also showed that dose-escalated radiotherapy reduces the need for follow-up hormone treatment and is safe in the long term.
Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research have discovered that screening for certain genetic mutations in men with a family history of prostate cancer can predict the development of aggressive forms of the disease. The study identified 13 'loss of function' mutations in eight DNA repair genes, which significantly increase the risk...
A new study found that some common genetic variants may be indicators of rare mutations with greater influence on disease risk in prostate cancer. The research identified four common genetic variants associated with a small increase in risk, but also discovered an alternative explanation - a small proportion of men with these variants ...
A new whole-body MRI scan has improved the treatment of myeloma cancer by accurately imaging the spread of cancer throughout the bone marrow. The scan showed high accuracy in identifying patient response to treatment, reducing the need for painful biopsies.
A new radiotherapy technique uses a computer-controlled table to deliver high doses of radiation to tumors quickly and precisely, while sparing vulnerable organs. Researchers found that this method can substantially reduce the amount of radiation delivered to healthy tissue in patients with various types of cancer.
Researchers have identified a new family of proteins called glutamate intramembrane proteases, with the founding member Rce1 playing a key role in transforming healthy cells into cancer cells. This discovery could help lead to new targets for precision drug treatment and potentially develop new ways to stop Ras in its tracks in patients.
Researchers used DNA sequencing to create a family tree for individual cancer cells, revealing unique branching patterns and distinct sub-populations. This technique could help identify key mutations driving tumor growth and develop targeted treatments more effectively.
A new study published in Clinical Cancer Research has found a dual-pronged strategy of combining two experimental cancer drugs to be an effective treatment for childhood cancer rhabdomyosarcoma. The study showed that the combination of AZD8055 and AZD6244 reduced tumour growth and blocked off escape routes, leading to improved outcomes.
A new study found that targeted treatment and conventional chemotherapy can be effective in treating ovarian cancer, particularly in women with BRCA gene mutations. The treatment combination showed promising results in patients who had previously developed resistance to PARP inhibitor drugs.
Research shows that DNA methylation plays a key role in generating non-genetic differences between sister cells, which could lead to cancer treatment breakthroughs. The study highlights the importance of controlling DNA methylation to reduce variation in cancer cells and increase treatment efficacy.
Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for squamous cell lung cancer by targeting a specific protein called DDR2, which interacts with collagen to protect against cancer growth. The findings could lead to the development of targeted therapies for this previously untreatable form of lung cancer.
A genetic variant linked to a cell's internal clock has been associated with myeloma, a common type of blood cancer. The study identified four new genetic variants linked to myeloma, bringing the total number to seven.
Researchers found that giving chemotherapy drug carboplatin before radiotherapy could reduce relapse rates and allow radiation doses to be lowered in men with stage IIA and IIB testicular seminoma. The study showed improved treatment outcomes and reduced long-term side effects.
Researchers have designed a blood test that can detect aggressive prostate cancers by analyzing the pattern of gene activity in blood cells. The test, which reads genetic changes like a barcode, can accurately identify patients with advanced prostate cancers and predict their survival time.
A whole-genome scan can help identify large-scale chromosomal damage, enabling doctors to choose the most effective treatment option for children with neuroblastoma. The study recommends that all children diagnosed with neuroblastoma worldwide have a whole-genome scan as part of their treatment.
A new study finds that enzalutamide significantly extends life and improves quality of life in men with advanced prostate cancer. The fourth drug in two years to demonstrate this effect, it offers improved treatment options for men with the disease.
Researchers found a significantly lower risk of life-threatening side-effects in patients taking part in Phase I trials of new-style targeted cancer therapies. The study also identified characteristics that put patients at higher risk, such as being sicker when joining the trial.
A recent study found that hormone-suppressing drugs reduce oestrogen levels in obese women, but their levels remain more than double those of normal-weight women. This suggests that overweight and obese women may benefit from changes to their treatment, highlighting the need for personalized care.
Researchers have found a way to overcome drug resistance in childhood cancer by combining crizotinib with an mTOR inhibitor. This combination has shown promise in treating aggressive neuroblastoma tumors that are resistant to current treatments.