Researchers developed a new two-subtype system to classify pancreatic cancer tumors based on treatment response data from clinical trials. The study found that patients with basal-like tumors showed poor responses to common therapies and worse survival outcomes.
UNC Lineberger researchers have discovered a method to identify triple negative breast cancer tumors that will respond to immunotherapy. The findings, published in the journal Cell, could help guide patients to the right treatments and lead to new approaches to make drugs work in cancers that don't initially respond.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a potential approach to block medulloblastoma growth by targeting the GSK-3 signaling pathway. By blocking this pathway, they may be able to control tumor growth and reduce debilitating side effects from radiation and chemotherapy.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center will study the impact of financial navigation services on rural cancer patients in North Carolina. The study aims to connect patients with potential financial support resources and reduce financial toxicity associated with cancer care.
Researchers will develop novel metrics to gauge the impact of tobacco ads on adolescent smoking and vaping rates. The grant aims to improve the selection of effective ads for youth tobacco prevention campaigns.
A $2.7 million NCI grant will fund research on warning labels for little cigars and cigarillos, which have higher use rates due to smaller pack sizes and lower taxes compared to cigarettes.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a hyperactive cell signal contributing to tumor growth in aggressive blood cancer. They developed an experimental therapeutic compound, UNC3810A, that targeted and slowed tumor growth by blocking the hyperactive Tyro3 protein.
Researchers found that Ohio Medicaid's switch to managed care saved $145 million annually due to lower prescription claims prices. The study highlights the need for policy changes to address opaque pricing practices and anti-competitive tactics used by pharmacy benefit managers.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a new way to attach Fluorine-18, a widely used PET imaging isotope, to existing compounds. This breakthrough enables the creation of novel PET agents from existing drugs, opening up possibilities for tracking pharmaceuticals and diagnosing diseases like cancer.
A new blood test may help personalize treatment for patients with HPV-linked head and neck cancer. Characteristics such as high circulating tumor HPV DNA levels before treatment and rapid clearance of the virus were linked to improved outcomes.
A study found that only 15% of men in North Carolina with low or intermediate-risk prostate cancer who chose active surveillance followed recommended monitoring guidelines. This suggests that patients may not be adhering to the guidelines, which include regular PSA tests and biopsies. The study's authors call for further research into ...
Researchers have discovered a correlation between estrogen byproducts and survival rates for women with breast cancer, with higher levels of the "good" metabolite associated with reduced mortality. The study suggests that measuring these byproducts may help predict prognosis after breast cancer diagnosis.
Researchers found that obesity at older ages is linked to worse outcomes, with higher tumor growth in obese mice compared to lean mice. They also discovered a connection between leptin, a biological signal released by fat tissue, and increased numbers of tumor-initiating cells.
The study analyzed tumor DNA from 843 patients with colorectal cancer, identifying associations between genetic mutations and treatment responses. Patients with microsatellite instability had longer survival when treated with bevacizumab, while those with high tumor mutational burden lived longer than those with less variation.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have made a promising discovery in treating pancreatic cancer by making cells reliant on autophagy, a process of cellular recycling. A novel treatment strategy combining an autophagy inhibitor with another compound has shown increased efficacy in laboratory studies.
The growing number of cancer survivors, particularly those over 65, poses a significant challenge in delivering follow-up care due to their multiple health issues. Risk-stratified cancer follow-up care is recommended as a solution to address the supply and demand gap.
A multi-pronged effort will be launched to combat cervical cancer in Malawi, with a focus on early screening and same-day treatment of precancerous lesions using thermocoagulation. The project aims to increase the number of women screened and treated, and decrease loss to follow up.
Researchers found that breastfeeding and family history of breast cancer had no impact on the increased risk. Risk peaked five years after childbirth, with a 80% higher risk compared to childfree women, but decreased by age 50. The study could inform screening decisions and prevention strategies.
Researchers reported promising early results from a clinical study of genetically engineered immune cells that recognize and fight cancer cells. The treatment generated excellent responses when used after chemotherapy, with 71% of patients achieving complete response.
Scientists at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center develop a computer algorithm to analyze breast cancer images and identify tumor characteristics. The AI system achieves high accuracy in distinguishing between low-intermediate and high-grade tumors, as well as estrogen receptor status and molecular subtypes.
Researchers found that mailing self-collection kits to test for high-risk human papillomavirus infection detected high-risk HPV in all cases of women with high-grade, abnormal cervical precancerous growths. This approach has the potential to boost cervical cancer screening, especially among low-income women who are overdue for testing.
A new blood test developed by UNC Lineberger researchers demonstrates the ability to track HPV-linked head and neck cancer patients after treatment, reducing the need for costly imaging scans. Preliminary findings show that patients with positive blood tests had a higher risk of developing recurrence.
A study estimates that prostate cancer screening and treatment for older men costs Medicare over $1.2 billion annually. The majority of this cost goes towards treating low-grade disease with Gleason scores of 6, which may not significantly impact life expectancy.
A team of researchers from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center made important discoveries about the genetics of mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL), a rare blood cancer with features of both myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating childhood brain cancer by using stem cells to track down and deliver a drug to destroy medulloblastoma cells. The approach has shown promising results, shrinking tumors and extending life in laboratory models.
A study by researchers from the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that doctor-patient discussions about lung cancer screening are often brief and one-sided, failing to address potential harms. The conversation quality was rated as poor, with only a few minutes spent discussing the issue on average.
Researchers discovered a new protein, ZHX2, that over-accumulates in cells lacking VHL gene function, promoting cancerous growth and potentially serving as a novel therapeutic target for clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The study's findings suggest a potential new approach to treating the most common type of kidney cancer.
A study at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that mailing colorectal cancer screening tests to patients insured by Medicaid increased screening rates for this population. The project resulted in a nearly 9 percentage point increase in screening rates compared to patients who just received a reminder.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that different mutations in the PIK3CA gene drive glioblastoma growth, but not a single targeted drug. However, combination therapies show promise, particularly with buparlisib and selumetinib.
A large-scale study found that higher body fat is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, analyzed data from over 758,000 women under the age of 55 and found that as BMI increased, breast cancer risk decreased, particularly among younger women.
A collaborative effort has discovered molecular features of testicular germ cell cancers, identifying potential mutations and other molecular changes. The study found signs of duplicated DNA and defects in DNA methylation, which could inform future efforts to improve treatment decisions and help monitor patients for cancer recurrence.
A study of nearly 10,500 US prostate cancer patients found that more frequent PSA monitoring did not improve long-term survival rates. The research suggests that once-a-year monitoring may be sufficient for most patients.
Researchers found that a type of lung cancer's spread is facilitated by immune cells forming clots in tumors. These clots allow tumor cells to migrate and spread to other parts of the body. The study identifies a new target for potential metastasis treatment.
Researchers developed a mouse model of luminal bladder cancer to study its therapeutic efficacy, focusing on checkpoint inhibitors and neo-antigens. The model revealed lower levels of immune cells in luminal tumors and differences in neo-antigen expression between subtypes.
A study by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that parenting concerns significantly impact the quality of life of mothers with late-stage cancer. The study surveyed 224 mothers and discovered that these concerns contribute as much to their emotional well-being as day-to-day physical functioning does.
A new study found that breast cancer places a significantly greater financial burden on black women than white women, with 58% of black women experiencing negative financial impact compared to 39% of white women. Black women were more likely to experience barriers to care due to cost, lose jobs or private health insurance.
Researchers found that using nanoparticles to bind molecules can trigger immune cells more effectively against cancer in laboratory studies. The combination of two therapeutics on a single nanoparticle showed higher rates of T-cell stimulation and tumor attack than separate deliveries.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center created tissue-engineered models of metastatic cancer that reflect the microenvironment around tumors. The models, which mimic liver and lung tissues, closely replicate human metastasis characteristics, including 'signet ring cells' linked to poor prognosis.
A study by University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that cigarillo packaging with colors and flavors increases their appeal, even when text or pictorial warnings are present. The findings suggest that stricter regulations on imagery, such as plain packaging, may reduce cigarillo use.
Triple negative breast cancer brain metastases typically have lower numbers of immune cells, but those present are responsive to checkpoint inhibitor therapies. Researchers aim to increase immune cell presence and responsiveness to improve treatment outcomes.
Pancreatic cancer cells rely on autophagy for fuel, a process that can be blocked with an ERK inhibitor. Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center report a synergistic effect when combining the ERK inhibitor with a compound that blocks autophagy to starve cells completely.
A University of North Carolina-led study has found that physicians who received payments from pharmaceutical companies were more likely to prescribe those companies' drugs for two cancer types. The study analyzed prescriptions for Medicare patients with metastatic renal cell cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia, finding a significant as...
Researchers discovered that some cancers are genetically similar, despite originating from different organs, and grouped them into new subtypes. The study's findings support an additional cancer classification system, which could lead to improved treatment options for patients.
Researchers have developed a method to capture circulating tumor cells, which could provide an additional way to track treatment progress or screen for disease. The technology shows promise in reducing the number of circulating tumor cells during successful radiation therapy, suggesting potential as a predictive biomarker.
Researchers identified genetic patterns in primary and matched metastatic cancers, finding that cells often break away as a collection rather than spreading as a single cell. This insight may lead to better treatments or approaches to prevent its spread at the onset.
A team of researchers has genetically engineered cancer-killing immune cells to hunt brain tumors displaying CSPG4, a highly prevalent molecular target. The approach holds promise for controlling tumor growth in glioblastoma patients, who currently have limited treatment options with survival benefits of less than a year and a half.
A phase I clinical trial has shown some promise for an investigational compound designed to block a hyperactive cell growth signal in advanced melanoma and other cancers. Three patients experienced partial responses to the treatment, similar to response rates seen with other treatments such as MEK inhibitors.
Research found that women with estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer had an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight compared to those with other types. The study also showed a lower birth rate among breast cancer survivors, with only about 8% having children by 10 years after diagnosis.
Researchers discovered that nuclei play a crucial role in cell movement, particularly in 3D environments. Cells lacking nuclei or disconnected from the cytoskeleton exhibit reduced mobility on soft surfaces and fail to move in three-dimensional matrices.
A five-year, nearly $12 million study will compare the effectiveness of two radiation treatments for prostate cancer, proton therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The study aims to determine if proton therapy has fewer side effects compared to IMRT.