A study by MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that the enzyme PKM2 controls cell division, promoting tumor cell proliferation. PKM2's role in regulating cytokinesis was also identified as crucial for brain tumor development and malignant tumor progression.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a protein complex called CSN and its subunit CSN6 as a key factor in cancer development. The study found that inhibiting CSN6 can quickly destabilize the master cancer gene Myc, greatly impairing tumor growth and metastasis.
Researchers found that altering the p53 gene family causes rapid regression of tumors deficient in or lacking p53. Existing diabetes drugs that impact the same gene-protein pathway might be effective for cancer treatment.
Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center identified a long non-coding RNA called BCAR4 as playing a key role in the hedgehog signaling pathway's contribution to breast cancer metastasis. The study suggests that targeting this pathway with locked nucleic acids may provide a new approach for treating aggressive breast cancers.
Incidence rates of colon and rectal cancers among 20-34 year olds are projected to increase by 90% and 124.2%, respectively, by 2030. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity contribute to the rising trend, while screening efforts in older patients have led to a decline in incidence rates among those over 50.
Researchers found that proton therapy costs comparable to traditional radiation therapies, challenging the assumption that it's more expensive. The study suggests that insurance coverage should be considered, enabling patients to participate in clinical research.
Cancer exosomes, tiny particles released by cells, contain proteins that promote tumor growth and metastasis. Researchers have identified Dicer as a key player in this process, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered a new 'reader' protein, YEATS, that plays a crucial role in gene activation and DNA packaging. The study suggests that manipulating YEATS domains could lead to the development of new cancer treatments.
A large-scale population-based study found that removing the entire lobe of lung may offer better overall survival compared to partial resection and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy. The study also suggests that SABR may be a suitable alternative to surgery for elderly patients with multiple medical problems.
A study published in Science found that sequencing a single region of a localized tumor can identify most cancer-driving genomic aberrations. The researchers identified 20 known cancer gene mutations across all regions of the same tumor, suggesting a potential connection to relapse.
Researchers discovered that mutations in the PIK3R1 gene, particularly R348, can activate ERK and JNK signaling cascades, enabling tumor growth. Targeted therapies may need to focus on these mutant tumors, offering a potential new approach for treating endometrial and colon cancers.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center identified a genetic variant near the KLK3 gene that can predict aggressive prostate cancer in GS7 patients. The study found a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the KLK3 gene associated with disease aggression, providing potential biomarkers for personalized treatment.
A new study by MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that cancer cells traveling to other sites have different energy needs from their original tumor site counterparts. The study suggests that targeting the protein PGC-1 may be a potential therapeutic approach for breast cancer patients.
A new vaccine candidate, GP2, has shown a 57% reduction in recurrence rates among high-risk breast cancer patients. The vaccine targets CD8+ cells and was combined with an immune stimulant to enhance its effectiveness.
A study from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that women with Stage I disease who underwent breast conserving therapy (BCT) had superior five-year overall survival rates compared to those who received a mastectomy or BCS, even after adjusting for other risk factors.
A recent MD Anderson study found that socio-economic barriers continue to preclude women from receiving breast-conserving therapy, despite overall rates improving. The study identified disparities related to insurance, income, and education, with significant disparities still existing in areas outside the medical field.
Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered genetic mutations in a subset of endometrial cancer patients that are associated with a more lethal form of the disease. The identification of these mutations could lead to the development of targeted treatments and improved patient outcomes.
A new animal model reveals that SENP2 deficiency leads to seizures and sudden death due to hyper-SUMOylation of potassium channels. This finding may lead to new treatment opportunities for SUDEP, which affects epilepsy patients at a rate 20-fold higher than the general population.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that protein ZEB1 helps breast cancer cells repair DNA damage caused by radiation therapy, making them more resistant to treatment. This finding has significant implications for the development of new treatments targeting ZEB1 and other proteins involved in radioresistance.
Researchers predict that effective new drugs and widespread screening will reduce hepatitis C cases, prevent liver cancer and deaths. By 2036, the disease is expected to affect only one in 1,500 people in the US.
Researchers discovered two distinct molecular clocks operating at different stages of tumor growth, with implications for chemotherapy resistance and prognosis. The study used single-cell genome sequencing to profile thousands of cells, providing insights into genomic diversity and its potential clinical applications.
A new study found that physicians play a crucial role in determining whether older men with low-risk prostate cancer receive treatment or undergo active surveillance. Researchers identified significant variations in treatment and observation rates among urologists, with urologist characteristics accounting for more than double the rate...
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) rely on the HER3 receptor protein to metastasize to the omentum, a fatty tissue covering abdominal organs. High expression of HER3 is associated with shorter survival in ovarian cancer patients.
A study published in Nature Communications found that pseudogene expression profiles can help explain how cancer occurs and aid in discovering new biomarkers. This knowledge is crucial for developing targeted therapies and predicting patient outcomes.
A study at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center used the Sleeping Beauty gene transfer system to modify T cells and fight invasive Aspergillus fungus. The approach has implications for genetically modifying T cells to target carbohydrate antigens, broadening their application in treating pathogens and malignancies.
Pancreatic cancer tumors rely on Yap1 when mutant Kras is blocked, fueling tumor recurrence. Researchers found that Yap1-driven tumors resemble a poor-prognosis subtype of pancreatic cancer.
Research from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that African American women with early-stage invasive breast cancer were 12% less likely to receive axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy, a minimally invasive technique. The study also showed that those who received older, more invasive axillary lymph node dissection ...
A study by MD Anderson Cancer Center found that needle biopsy is underused in breast cancer diagnosis, with many patients undergoing unnecessary excisional biopsies. Surgeon influence was also a significant factor, with certain characteristics associated with a higher rate of excisional biopsies.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology recognizes MD Anderson leaders Gabriel Hortobagyi, Waun Ki Hong, and John Mendelsohn for their significant contributions to cancer research. Mendelsohn is known for his discovery of the monoclonal antibody Erbitux, while Hong has made groundbreaking advances in treating head and neck cancers.
A combination therapy of vermurafenib, cetuximab and irinotecan has shown significant improvements in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, achieving a 50% response rate in an early Phase I trial. The treatment targets BRAF-mutated patients who have previously shown poor response rates to single-agent therapies.
A new software tool, pVAAST, has been developed to identify genetic mutations that contribute to an individual's increased risk of developing complex diseases. The tool combines two statistical methods, linkage analysis and association tests, to find disease-causing gene mutations more efficiently.
Researchers found that reducing the frequency of bisphosphonate treatment from monthly to every three months after one year was non-inferior to continuing monthly treatment in terms of efficacy. The study also showed a reduced risk of serious side effects, including kidney-related adverse events.
Researchers used large population-based data to compare six common chemotherapy regimens, identifying those with the highest risk of hospitalization. The study found that TAC and AC+T were associated with high hospitalization rates in younger patients, while all regimens except ddAC+P had higher risks for older patients.
Scientists have discovered a potential new target for cancer immunotherapy, peptide antibodies that deplete immune-suppressing MDSCs without harming other vital cells. The treatment showed promising results in preclinical experiments, shrinking tumors and improving outcomes.
Fibrous tissue in pancreatic tumors actually supports an immune attack that slows tumor progression but cannot overcome it. Immunotherapy could be a promising new avenue for guiding treatment, offering hope for patients with low levels of fibrosis in their tumors.
Researchers found that high expression of tumor-suppressor ZMYND11 is associated with longer survival for patients with triple-negative breast cancer. ZMYND11 inhibits gene activation by connecting to a methylated histone variant, thereby fine-tuning gene expression in cancer cells.
Researchers analyzed genomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and identified three molecular clusters in lower-grade brain tumors. Tumors with IDH1/IDH2 mutations and co-deletion of chromosome arms 1p and 19q have a median survival of around eight years, while those without these mutations have a median survival of only 18 months.
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that blocking prolactin signaling can induce autophagy in cancer cells, leading to their death. In preclinical research, treatment with a prolactin-mimicking peptide reduced tumor weight by 50% and led to increased expression of autophagy genes.
Physician Emil J Freireich and scientist Jim Allison have been elected as fellows of the American Association for Cancer Research Academy, known for their contributions to cancer treatment and immunotherapy. Their work has driven significant innovation and progress against cancer, leading to improved survival rates for patients.
Researchers found that CT scans can predict chemotherapy effectiveness by analyzing tumor density and contrast uptake. This breakthrough could lead to personalized treatment plans for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Researchers identified cancer markers and a previously unknown gene role in airways of smokers with lung cancer, suggesting earlier detection and treatment strategies. The study found that normal-appearing tissue near tumors has tumor-associated molecular abnormalities, potentially aiding in diagnosis and treatment.
Women with breast cancer who practiced yoga during radiation therapy experienced improved ability to engage in daily activities, better general health, and regulation of cortisol levels. Yoga also helped find meaning in the illness experience, which declined over time for women in other groups.
A new hypothesis suggests that leprosy has existed for millions of years, with roots dating back to around 10 million years ago. The disease is believed to have evolved from a common ancestor of two known leprosy bacteria, which underwent reductive evolution resulting in a lean genome and loss of free-living ability.
Researchers have identified 32 genes with recurring defects in muscle-invasive bladder cancer, offering a roadmap for targeted treatments. The study also found frequent alterations in chromatin regulation and viral DNA involvement in bladder cancer development.
Two proteins, phospholipase Cγ1 and growth factor receptor bound protein 2 (Grb2), compete for binding to FGFR2 with distinct effects on cancer cell behavior. High levels of Plcγ1 lead to increased metastasis, while high Grb2 levels inhibit this process.
Patients with head and neck cancers who received IMRT experienced improved outcomes, including a statistically significant improvement in cause-specific survival compared to those treated with conventional therapy. The study found that IMRT reduced treatment-related side effects while delivering effective cancer treatment.
Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered that exosomes, tiny particles shed by cancer cells, contain the entire genetic blueprint of cancer cells. This finding could lead to a blood test that detects cancer gene defects and helps physicians treat patients earlier.
A study from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that 37% of younger, early-stage breast cancer patients underwent unnecessary staging tests, including PET, CT, and tumor markers. Women with PPO insurance coverage and those under 35 years old were at higher risk of receiving these tests.
A phase II clinical trial at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center showed that a combination of rituximab and pidilizumab sparked complete responses in 19 out of 29 patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma, with a response rate of 66%. The treatment had a mild side effect profile, with no grade 3 or 4 adverse events.
Researchers found that PKM2 controls mitosis, allowing cancer cells to safely divide and promoting brain tumor growth. Depleting PKM2 led to programmed cell death in tumor cells.