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.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified USP13, an enzyme that stabilizes the tumor-suppressor protein PTEN, preventing its destruction by the cell's proteasome machinery. This discovery provides a new avenue for treating cancers with low levels of PTEN.
A new phase III trial has shown that trastuzumab and anthracyclines can be given sequentially to achieve high pathological complete response rates in HER-2 positive breast cancer patients. The treatment regimens had similar cardiac safety profiles, with no significant difference between concurrent and sequential administration.
The Cancer Genome Atlas has characterized the genomic abnormalities driving glioblastoma multiforme, identifying 61 new mutated genes. Detailed clinical information is available for most cases, providing a resource for researchers to develop targeted therapies.
Research on an aerosol that induces a rapid immune response to prevent viral respiratory infections and asthma attacks has earned major funding from the National Institutes of Health. The NIH-funded project aims to translate preclinical findings to clinical trials to prevent asthma attacks.
Researchers at MD Anderson found that intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) reduces the use of feeding tubes by 50% compared to standard treatment. IMPT also lowers toxicity levels and preserves quality of life outcomes in patients with head and neck cancers.
Researchers found that high levels of miR-200 expression boost survival rates for patients with lung, ovarian, renal, and triple-negative breast cancers. MicroRNAs regulate gene activation and expression, and targeting IL-8 and CXCL1 can inhibit angiogenesis and cancer progression.
Researchers at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered that an inflammatory protein converts glioblastoma cells into their most aggressive form, leading to radiation resistance and reducing treatment effectiveness. Blocking the inflammatory response may improve outcomes for patients.
A 12-year study found CA-125 to have a 99.9% specificity in detecting high-grade invasive ovarian cancers at curable stages, while the test failed to detect two borderline cases. The study's results suggest CA-125 as a promising first step in early disease detection.
Researchers identified Skp2 inhibitor that blocks malignancy-promoting effects, shrinks tumors in preclinical studies. The compound suppresses prostate cancer stem cells, which play a role in cancer initiation and progression.
Scientists have identified four pathways involved in the formation of myofibroblasts that drive destructive runaway scarring in organs. These pathways provide leads for drug targets to control fibrosis.
In a Phase 2 study, ibrutinib demonstrated an overall response rate of 68% and complete response rate of 21% in patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma. The treatment showed promise with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy approaches.
Researchers have discovered a crucial signaling network between EGFR and MCM7 proteins, which plays a key role in DNA replication and cell growth. In breast cancer patients, high expression of Lyn and MCM7 is associated with reduced survival rates, highlighting a potential new target for cancer therapy.
Researchers found a strong correlation between MET protein levels and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype in colorectal cancer. This association suggests that MET protein may serve as a surrogate biomarker for aggressive colon cancer, potentially enabling personalized treatment approaches.
A new gene panel may help personalize therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients by identifying those most likely to benefit from bevacizumab. Researchers observed a significant association between lower mesenchymal signatures and better survival in patients taking the drug.
A Phase III study by MD Anderson Cancer Center found no overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) benefits for bevacizumab in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients. However, patients on bevacizumab experienced higher rates of toxicities and symptom burden compared to placebo.
Researchers found that EGFR gummed up the cell's miRNA-processing machinery, preventing tumor-suppressing microRNAs from developing. The epidermal growth factor receptor, known to promote cancer progression, fuels this effect by attaching phosphate groups to a key protein, disrupting its ability to process miRNAs.
Researchers found that living closer to a fast food restaurant was associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) among low-income African-American adults. The study controlled for factors such as household income, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors to determine the relationship between fast food density and BMI.
A study found that Peli1 promotes microglial activation and subsequent inflammatory response in the central nervous system, contributing to autoimmune inflammation. The protein's role in protecting against excessive inflammation was also discovered.
Researchers have discovered that protein Shc acts as a tumor suppressor by binding to and blocking the activation of cancer-promoting protein Erk. This finding has significant implications for treating various types of cancer, including ovarian and prostate cancer.
Gabriel Hortobagyi, a renowned breast cancer researcher, is being recognized for his contributions to advancing minority investigators in cancer research. He has developed groundbreaking therapies and treatment regimens that have become standard practices for managing breast cancer.
James Allison's discovery of the drug ipilimumab, which blocks CTLA-4 and treats T cells not cancer, has led to a significant increase in survival rates for patients with late-stage metastatic melanoma. The AACR-CRI award recognizes his contributions to cancer immunology and builds on Dr. Lloyd Old's pioneering work in harnessing the i...
Kantarjian's contributions to leukemia treatment have improved survival rates from 50% to 90% with BCR-ABL inhibitors. His work also led to standardization of combination therapies and FDA approval for ruxolitinib, a treatment for myelofibrosis.
Guillermina Lozano, Ph.D., has been recognized by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) with the Charlotte Friend Memorial Lectureship. Her pioneering work on the p53 tumor suppressor pathway has led to significant discoveries in cancer research.
Kenneth Tsai, M.D., Ph.D., has been awarded the Sixth Annual Landon Foundation-AACR INNOVATOR Award for Cancer Prevention Research. The project aims to map the molecular path from normal skin to squamous cell carcinoma, with the goal of identifying biomarkers and targets for chemoprevention and therapy.
Researchers discovered that knocking out the ∆N isoforms of genes p63 and p73 can restore tumor suppression in mice lacking p53. This allows other family members to compensate for the loss of p53, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.
A recent study found that male smokers with low levels of serum bilirubin are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer and dying from the disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 435,000 people in Taiwan and found that lower bilirubin levels were associated with significantly higher rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that varenicline significantly improved abstinence rates compared to bupropion and placebo. Smokers who took varenicline experienced better emotional functioning and lower levels of sadness, regardless of whether they abstained from smoking or not.
Researchers found that actin's monomeric form interacts with chromatin to regulate gene expression and genome stability. The discovery challenges the dogma that actin functions through polymerization, revealing a novel mechanism for nuclear actin.
A study published in Health Psychology found that endometrial cancer survivors who had higher daily self-efficacy tended to exercise longer and more intensively. This is significant because exercise is a crucial aspect of cancer survivorship, particularly for those who are overweight or obese.
UT MD Anderson scientists found that a common substance in cancer vaccines facilitates a buildup of T cells at the vaccination site, summoning more T cells and causing lesions. Switching to saline adjuvant reversed the effect, allowing T cells to target tumors. A new clinical trial is expected to test this concept.
Researchers have identified FOXC2 as a protein vital to the formation of cancer stem cells and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer. The study found that blocking FOXC2 with the FDA-approved drug sunitinib inhibited the growth of cancer stem cells and reduced metastasis in mice with triple-negative breast cancer.