A recent study published by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has shown that a targeted therapy called sunitinib is effective in treating patients with advanced kidney cancer. The study found that sunitinib significantly improved progression-free survival and tumor shrinkage compared to standard treatment with interferon-alpha.
Researchers discovered that a protein called MEF regulates the quiescence of blood stem cells, enabling them to recover more efficiently after treatment with chemotherapy or radiation. This could lead to improved recovery and reduced myelotoxicity in cancer patients.
A new study confirms the survival benefit of intra-abdominal chemotherapy, also known as intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy, for most women with advanced ovarian cancer. The treatment has shown an overall survival period of approximately one year after optimal debulking surgery.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have successfully treated sickle cell disease in human models using stem cell-based gene therapy with RNA interference. The treatment corrected the production of abnormal hemoglobin and restored normal blood flow, offering new hope for patients.
Researchers found that drugs inhibiting MEK selectively inhibit growth of cancer cells with BRAF and RAS mutations, leading to clinical trials for patients with melanoma, colon, breast, and lung cancers. The study identifies a novel class of targeted therapies, which may be more effective and less toxic than traditional chemotherapies.
A study published in JAMA found that patients with melanoma are at a higher risk of developing multiple primary melanomas. The study identified characteristics of patients at risk and estimated the five-year risk of MPM to be significantly higher for those with positive family history or dysplastic nevi.
A study of 199 families with multiple cases of breast cancer found that women from these families do not have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Despite this, the genetic mechanism for up to half of hereditary breast cancer remains unknown, prompting ongoing research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Researchers found that prostate tumor growth is arrested through cellular senescence, which stops cells from proliferating and responding to normal growth signals. Drugs that support p53 function may delay progression of prostate cancer by triggering cellular senescence.
A study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has identified a gene set associated with breast cancer metastasis to the lungs. The researchers found that over half of patients with tumors carrying this genetic 'thumbprint' developed lung metastases, whereas only 10% of those without it did.
Researchers have successfully isolated and differentiated human mesenchymal stem cells from embryonic stem cells, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods. These cells can differentiate into multiple cell types, including bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle, with high purity and unlimited availability.
The study reveals the first complete look at the structure of SUMO-1 and its conjugation to other molecules within the complex. Understanding this process could lead to novel anticancer therapies by targeting sumoylation, which promotes cell division.
The Tri-Institutional Stem Cell Initiative aims to decipher molecular codes responsible for human cellular diversity and design cell-based therapies. This collaboration will bring together researchers from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, and The Rockefeller University to explore stem cell biology.
The Rockefeller University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center are collaborating on stem cell research to understand the biology of stem cells. Researchers are working together to identify cancer stem cells and develop cell-based therapeutic strategies for diseases like Parkinson's.
A randomized trial found that the ALL-2 regimen of cytarabine with high-dose mitoxantrone improved complete remission rates and survival outcomes for patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia. The regimen demonstrated a significant survival advantage, particularly in patients with the Philadelphia chromosome genetic predisposition.
A new kidney cancer drug has shown a partial response rate of 40% in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, significantly higher than the standard treatment's 15% response rate. The medication, SU11248, was well-tolerated and had significant side effects, but offered improved survival rates for some patients.
Researchers found that tumors developing secondary resistance to Tarceva and Iressa had an additional EGFR mutation, rendering the drugs ineffective. The discovery highlights the need for alternative targeted therapies for patients with KRAS mutations.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have identified a new oncogene called Pokemon, which is essential for cancer cell growth and transformation. The discovery opens up new avenues for targeted therapy, with a focus on blocking the protein's function to prevent cancer progression.
Research reveals that cancer cells can become resistant to treatment by acquiring P-glycoprotein from neighboring cells, rendering chemotherapy ineffective. This phenomenon has significant implications for tumor behavior and genomic analysis, highlighting the potential benefits of studying protein transfer between cells in tumors.
Researchers used embryonic stem cells to rescue congenital heart defects in mice by releasing signals that corrected neighboring heart cells. The study found a critical role of the Id protein and two signaling molecules, IGF-I and WNT5a, in this process.
A recent study by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center researchers used multiple methods to detect SV40 DNA, RNA, and protein in human pleural mesothelioma samples, finding no evidence of a significant role for SV40. The team also discovered that common laboratory plasmid vectors may be causing false-positive results in assays.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have discovered a new protein that plays a key role in cancer progression. The study found that the loss of PML function disrupts TGF-b signaling, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor development.
Researchers found that black patients are more likely to receive care from physicians who report inadequate access to high-quality diagnostic imaging, sub-specialists, and other essential resources. This disparity in care may be driven by differences in the physicians' access to local services and specialists.
Researchers have found a novel agent, SU11248, to be highly effective in treating advanced renal cell carcinoma. The treatment has shown significant activity in patients whose cancer had failed to respond to standard therapy.
A study confirmed that BRCA2 mutations are linked to prostate cancer, with a risk 4.8 times higher than in healthy individuals. The results suggest that prostate cancer screening may begin at age 50 for men carrying these mutations.
A recent study has found a dramatic increase in lung cancer incidence in women, with many cases occurring in non-smokers who stopped smoking years ago. The study also reveals that women's response to targeted therapies is more favorable than men, raising questions about the differences between male and female lung cancer.
A study found that gefitinib is effective for patients with non-small cell lung cancer who are female, never smoked, and have a specific type of cancer. The researchers identified two key factors associated with sensitivity to the drug: having adenocarcinoma with bronchioloalveolar features and never having smoked.
The new guidelines recommend limiting treatment to patients at expected risk for metastatic disease and only evaluating drugs with demonstrated clinical activity. The guidelines also require significant proportion of patients to show decline or no increase in PSA and prostate-cancer specific survival.
A new nomogram developed by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center accurately predicts the likelihood of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients. The model considers various pathological factors, including tumor size and type, estrogen-receptor status, and detection methods.
Scientists at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center discovered that the amount of PTEN protein produced affects prostate cancer progression. Mouse models showed varying levels of PTEN protein led to aggressive or benign tumors, suggesting novel clinical strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
A 10-year study found high doses of radiation improved outcomes for patients with localized prostate cancer, regardless of risk group. Minimal side effects were observed despite higher radiation doses.
Gefinitib, a designer drug targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor, has shown efficacy in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer. In a phase II clinical trial, 43% of patients experienced symptom improvement and 12% showed partial radiographic responses.
A study discovered a link between rare BRCA2 gene mutations, Fanconi anemia, and childhood brain tumors. Four families with affected children carried two BRCA2 mutations, resulting in both conditions diagnosed at an average age of 3.5 years.
Researchers found that combining anti-angiogenic and Hsp90 inhibitor drugs completely inhibited tumor growth in Id deficient mice, but had limited effect in mice with normal Id function. The study suggests a new approach for treating advanced breast cancer.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have successfully differentiated stem cells into genetically matched dopamine neurons, mimicking normal brain cell development. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's-like disease in humans.
A study of 54 BRCA-positive women found that MRI improved sensitivity in detecting breast cancer, but a significant number had abnormal exams that were later determined not to be cancerous. No woman developed cancer within 12 months of a normal MRI exam.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that targeted therapy erlotinib caused dramatic tumor regressions in some patients with BAC, particularly those who never smoked. The treatment was effective in 25% of patients with advanced BAC, offering a new approach to managing this disease.
Researchers found that nearly half of men with elevated PSA levels had returned to normal levels after a year or more, making unnecessary biopsies possible. Repeating the PSA test after waiting at least six weeks may reduce unnecessary procedures and small incidental tumors.
A recent study provides the first genetic evidence that damage to blood vessels feeding tumors plays a primary role in tumor regression. Damage to endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, can induce apoptosis, leading to tumor death. The study's findings suggest possible new clinical approaches for radiation therapy.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have developed a DNA-based vaccine that triples the survival rate for dogs with advanced melanoma. The vaccine, tested in nine dogs with no side effects, shows promise for treating this aggressive cancer in humans.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a mathematical model predicting lung cancer risk based on age, sex, and smoking history. The tool helps balance the risks and benefits of screening for high-risk individuals.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center successfully eradicated cancer in mice using targeted immunotherapy with engineered human T cells. The study, published in Nature Medicine, demonstrates the first-in-vivo efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy with engineered human T cells in mice.
Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in the DKC1 gene that causes a rare, fatal X-linked recessive disease characterized by premature aging, bone marrow failure, and increased cancer risk. The study suggests that ribosome dysfunction, rather than telomerase impairment, is the primary cause of this syndrome.
A clinical trial showed that dose-dense chemotherapy regimens improved disease-free and overall survival in breast cancer patients by 7-12 percentage points. The regimens, which involve giving drugs more frequently, resulted in fewer side effects and less neutropenia compared to conventional therapy.
A study published in Immunity reveals that the MEF protein plays a critical role in the development and function of natural killer cells, which can recognize and kill cancer cells. The findings provide a new target for therapeutic interventions, potentially improving bone marrow transplant strategies.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discovered that cancer cells containing high levels of Myc protein cannot activate p21 gene production, leading to cell death. The study's findings suggest a potential strategy to increase chemotherapy effectiveness by favoring apoptosis over citostasis.
Researchers discovered a possible novel pathway for colon cancer in humans, associated with a single BLM mutation. The study found that almost two percent of patients with colon cancer carried the BLMAsh mutation, compared to less than one percent of healthy individuals.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have uncovered the function of the BRCA2 protein, which interacts directly with DNA to repair genetic damage. This new understanding sheds light on how mutations in the BRCA2 gene contribute to inherited breast and ovarian cancers.
Researchers discovered a drug that protects fertility and offspring in mice after radiation exposure. S1P-based pharmacological approach preserves ovarian function without propagating genetic damage.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that a healthy diet does not significantly affect Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels over a relatively short period. The researchers believe that longer-term dietary effects on prostate cancer are still unknown.
Researchers develop genetic fingerprint technique to distinguish between various subtypes of adult soft-tissue sarcomas, leading to improved diagnosis and targeted therapies. The technology also helps predict patient outcome and resistance to treatment.