A new immunotherapy combination extends survival in patients with advanced endometrial cancer, with patients receiving durvalumab plus olaparib living almost one year longer than those treated with chemotherapy alone. The treatment was particularly effective for patients with mismatch repair proficient tumors, who have traditionally ha...
Eight new members have joined the Board of Visitors at UT MD Anderson, bringing vast expertise in law, business, and finance to advance the institution's mission to end cancer. The new members will support the institution's fundraising efforts, including the $2.5 billion 'Only Possible Here' campaign.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has awarded Lakeisha Keller-Davis, RN, MSN, CMSRN, and Ellen C. Mullen, Ph.D., APRN-BC, with the 2026 Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing. The awards recognize exceptional patient care, clinical practice, leadership, and commitment to improving patient outcomes.
The Phase 1b FURTHER trial revealed that firmonertinib achieved durable antitumor activity in patients with EGFR PACC-mutated non-small cell lung cancer, with 43% and 68% objective response rates at 160mg and 240mg daily doses, respectively. Patients with complete clearance of EGFR PACC mutations from their blood experienced higher res...
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center has made significant advancements in cancer care, including the development of a covalent Werner helicase inhibitor, which showed promising antitumor efficacy in a Phase 1 trial. Additionally, a multicenter clinical trial found that tile-based radiation therapy improved tumor control and lowered the risk of...
Researchers developed an AI model, SPACER, that analyzes gene activity to understand immune cell recruitment to tumors. The tool reveals that local signals attract immune cells and mucins create physical barriers to keep them away, with potential implications for cancer therapies and autoimmune disorders.
The Texas Lone Star Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2027-2032 aims to eliminate cervical cancer in Texas by targeting vaccination, screening, and access expansion. The plan, developed by a statewide coalition, aligns with the 2024 Texas Cancer Plan and calls on policymakers and health systems to join the effort.
A new study found that personalized support and navigation services significantly increased genetic testing of hereditary cancers among immediate family members, with 73% uptake among at-risk relatives. The study revealed that with navigation support, genetic testing uptake for BRCA increased from 51% to 73% among family members in six...
Researchers found implanting collagen tiles during brain surgery to deliver targeted radiation therapy improves tumor control, lowers recurrence risk, and increases overall survival. Patients treated with tile-based radiation therapy had a 1.3% rate of recurrence at the surgical site compared to 15.4% in the control group.
Researchers analyzed over 800 radiation treatment plans, finding that planner choices, not machine accuracy, drove differences in dose delivery. A genomic test evaluated tumor genetic material, predicting long-term outcomes and identifying patients who may benefit from hormone therapy. This study advances radiation oncology, enabling m...
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, developing a targeted antibody that improves outcomes for patients with advanced lung cancer who have faced treatment resistance. The treatment, which combines ivonescimab with chemotherapy, has been shown to extend disease control and ...
The study found that pre-existing immune cells capable of recognizing and attacking donor-derived CAR T cells can lead to immune rejection, while certain CAR T cell populations with
Researchers developed an AI model that uses routine chest CT scans to identify patients at risk of pneumonitis, a potentially life-threatening form of lung inflammation. The model, called CIPHER, achieved high predictive power and maintained strong performance despite differences in patient populations and imaging protocols.
Energy Transfer and Sunoco have donated $2.2 million to support pediatric cancer research at UT MD Anderson, marking the highest-ever gift amount from their annual employee campaign. Since 2014, the company's employee fundraising efforts have resulted in over $20 million donated to the institution.
Researchers identified a previously unknown pathway that prostate tumors leverage to suppress the immune system, reshaping the tumor microenvironment to resist treatment. Combining B7-H3-targeted therapy with MEK inhibition improved antitumor responses and prolonged survival in preclinical models of castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Researchers identified a link between B cell activity and immunotherapy-related colitis, a common side effect of cancer treatments. Higher B cell levels before treatment were associated with increased colitis risk, and depleting B cells reduced colitis severity.
The conference will explore next-generation biologics and immunotherapies, targeted protein modulation, and emerging therapies for oncogenic drivers. Experts will discuss the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating therapeutic development.
Researchers found that nearly 77% of patients treated with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experienced improvements in symptoms, with 8 of 10 patients remaining in remission. FMT may offer a quick and effective treatment to mitigate immunosuppressive treatment complications and restore a healthier balance of gut bacteria.
A new study suggests that most patients with localized appendix cancer can avoid chemotherapy after surgery, with fewer than 10% experiencing recurrence. The study identified specific tumor characteristics and genomic alterations that may help doctors predict which patients are at higher risk of recurrence.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells with RET mutations produce higher levels of the OPG protein, which disrupts bone renewal and blocks destruction, favoring bone accumulation. Measuring OPG levels via blood tests could identify and monitor patients with aggressive disease.
Researchers discovered that psilocybin prevents nerve injury and associated symptoms in preclinical models, protecting sensory nerve endings and preserving touch sensation. Psilocybin may offer a new intervention for preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, improving patients' quality of life.
Daraxonrasib demonstrated durable responses in pretreated patients with RAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, with an objective response rate of 42% and median progression-free survival of 8.3 months. The therapy's safety profile, while notable, is considered manageable compared to chemotherapy options.
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center is honoring the exceptional leadership of Dr. Peter Pisters, who announced his retirement to focus on his next career chapter. Dr. Jeffrey E. Lee has been named interim president, effective immediately, and will work closely with Pisters until the end of September.
Researchers at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that BRAF plays a key role in developing and maintaining chronic nerve pain caused by nerve damage. Using BRAF inhibitors reduced pain sensitivity in preclinical models, suggesting therapeutic potential for treating chronic nerve pain.
Researchers developed a first-in-class therapy targeting MYC, a protein involved in 70% of cancers, by disrupting its relationship with GSPT1. This approach showed strong anti-cancer activity in multiple types of blood cancers, including treatment-resistant models.
UT MD Anderson recognized 58 faculty members for their exceptional contributions to cancer research, patient care, and education. The institution also honored six early-career Faculty Scholars, six recipients of the Faculty Achievement Awards, and six faculty members with UT MD Anderson's most prestigious endowed faculty awards.
Researchers found that tumors can damage peripheral nerves before chemotherapy begins, leading to potential nerve damage and chronic pain. The study challenges the conventional thought that peripheral neuropathy is mostly due to chemotherapy treatment.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has named the 2026 Andrew Sabin Family Fellows, a group of 10 researchers advancing cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The fellows receive $100,000 over two years to focus on innovative research.
Research at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center has identified biomarkers to identify patients with resectable NSCLC who benefit most from perioperative immunotherapy. The center also found that the composition of donor cord blood may influence CAR NK cell therapy outcomes.
Researchers identified two immune cell populations present in both initial and recurrent arthritis flares, suggesting an immune-memory disease. These cells may serve as biomarkers for high-risk patients or to guide targeted therapies to reduce side effects.
Researchers discovered that immunosuppressed patients with non-melanoma skin cancer have macrophages that fail to communicate effectively, leading to tumor progression. The study's findings suggest that boosting the functionality of these immune cells may lead to new treatment opportunities for these patients.
UT MD Anderson has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report for 12 consecutive years, with top rankings in two adult specialties and six common procedures and conditions earning High Performing ratings.
A study found that reshaping the gut microbiome with antibiotics can significantly reduce liver clearance and double chemotherapy delivery to tumors. This approach has potential as a strategy to enhance nanoparticle-based cancer drugs.
A new study reveals that rapid-acting antidepressants like ketamine and psychedelics work by changing communication signals between the immune system and brain, suggesting a shared neuroimmune pathway. This finding may help identify patients most likely to benefit from these treatments.
Researchers discovered a signaling pathway activated by acidic tumor environments that drives resistance to PARP inhibitors. Blocking the pathway resensitizes tumors, suggesting a potential new therapeutic strategy for overcoming acquired resistance.
Researchers found that immature NK cells in donated cord blood can undermine CAR NK cell therapy by creating false targets for therapeutic cells to attack. Removing these cells before manufacturing improves therapy outcomes, persistence and antitumor activity in preclinical models of lymphoma and ovarian cancer.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant progress in treating rare brain infections with a virus-specific T cell therapy, achieving an overall response rate of 56.8% in patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The center also introduced a novel CAR T cell therapy for hard-to-treat kidney ...
A study published in Cancer Research identified an immune pathway that promotes the progression of oral precancerous lesions into head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers found that targeting a key inflammation signal known as interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) could help restore immune surveillance and prevent high-risk lesions...
Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which T cells attack and eliminate acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. The discovery reveals that AML cells use a CD64-dependent pathway to evade traditional MHC recognition, potentially explaining why AML is sensitive to immune-based treatments.
Researchers created a comprehensive single-cell map of the tumor immune microenvironment in multiple myeloma and its precursor conditions. The study identified five distinct subtypes, or 'ecotypes,' that capture meaningful insights into signaling pathways and genetic programs not fully explained by disease stage alone.
Researchers discovered that KRAS inhibitors significantly reduced tumor growth and triggered cancer cell death in advanced preclinical models of appendiceal adenocarcinoma. In a clinical cohort, all evaluable patients experienced a marked reduction in serum tumor markers, indicating effective treatment with these drugs.
Researchers discovered a new epigenetic therapy that remained effective in treatment-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) through activating the Hippo pathway, a tumor-suppressing pathway linked to cancer growth and drug resistance. The therapy, NTX-301, consistently reduced leukemia cell survival more effectively than existing hypom...
A new preclinical study has identified a gut bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila, that helps prime intestinal stem cells for faster recovery after radiation treatment. Fasting increases the population of this bacterium, which produces a small molecule that changes histone tags to allow gene expression in intestinal cells.
A study published in Cancer Cell identified a six-gene signature in microscopic colorectal cancer liver metastases that may help predict recurrence after treatment. The findings suggest these tiny tumor deposits could serve as a tissue-based marker of residual cancer cells, recurrence risk and chemotherapy resistance.
A new method called ATTACH identifies strong interactions between T cells and cancer-specific proteins to isolate effective tumor-reactive T cells. This approach overcomes key challenges in immunotherapy development, offering a rapid and accessible way for isolating rare immune cells.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that inotuzumab ozogamicin effectively clears measurable residual disease in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, leading to improved long-term survival outcomes and durable responses.
Researchers identified why some patients with rare blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) leukemia don't respond to tagraxofusp. Severe TET2 gene mutations and low TXNRD1 enzyme levels contribute to resistance, suggesting these biomarkers could predict treatment outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified genetic factors that determine whether prostate cancers are susceptible to ferroptosis. SPOP mutations and CHD1 deletions could serve as biomarkers to help identify patients who may benefit from emerging ferroptosis-based therapies.
The study identified two proteins, BCL2 and MCL1, as predictive biomarkers for matching patients to specific drug combinations. Combining BRAF-MEK inhibitors with a BCL2 inhibitor induced tumor regression in previously resistant tumors.
Researchers discovered how ATRX mutations reprogram gene regulation architecture to fuel glioma growth and progression. Targeting genes downstream of ATRX slowed cancer progression in preclinical models.