A study by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals that doxorubicin's cardiotoxicity is linked to the Top2b enzyme, which drives DNA damage and affects heart muscle metabolism. The discovery could lead to a simple blood test to predict sensitivity to the drug.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that low depressive symptoms and longer telomere length are associated with prolonged survival in bladder cancer patients. Patients with short telomeres and high levels of depression have a three-fold risk of mortality.
A study found that enzyme levels in routine blood tests are a better predictor of liver cancer risk than hepatitis infection or other factors. The research used data from over 428,000 people and predicted 91% of liver cancer cases.
A team of researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center has identified the LIFR protein as a novel suppressor of breast cancer metastasis. The study found that restoring LIFR expression or function could be used to block the spread of breast cancer. Loss of LIFR is associated with poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a promising therapy for NRAS-mutant melanoma patients. By combining two drugs that inhibit proteins Mek and Cdk4, scientists found that the combination shrinks tumors in genetically engineered mouse models.
Researchers analyzed data from 29,423 adult patients and found no statistically significant increased risk of any type of cancer in those treated with biologic response modifiers. This study provides reassuring information for patients considering these therapies for their disease.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center show how PKM2 contributes to brain tumor formation and growth by influencing histone proteins. Higher levels of PKM2 expression and H3 phosphorylation are correlated with shorter survival and higher grade tumors.
Genomic deletions in cancer cells eliminate tumor-suppressor genes, but also expose vulnerabilities to other essential genes. Researchers found that targeting the redundant function of these genes can kill malignant cells. The study identified ENO1 and ENO2 as key targets for therapy.
A recent study found that radiation therapy after lumpectomy can help prevent mastectomy in early-stage breast cancer patients, particularly those with high-grade tumors. The research, published in the Journal Cancer, contradicts current national treatment guidelines.
Researchers identified six genes with driving mutations in melanoma, three of which have recurrent 'hotspot' mutations caused by UV light exposure. The study provides potential targets for new treatments and offers insights into the frequency and characteristics of driver mutations.
A preclinical study found that normal p53, a tumor suppressor gene, makes breast cancer chemotherapy with doxorubicin less effective. Senescent cells produced by non-mutated p53 fueled the relapse of tumors. The research challenges the existing paradigm and is another step closer to personalized cancer medicine.
Researchers found that Skp2 E3 ligase promotes Herceptin resistance in breast cancer by activating the Akt kinase, which also regulates glucose metabolism. The study suggests that blocking Skp2 could inhibit glycolysis and provide a new approach to cancer treatment.
In a phase I clinical trial, dabrafenib successfully shrank tumors in 9 out of 10 patients with brain metastases. The drug also showed activity in other cancer types with the BRAF mutation. Researchers recommend an oral dose of 150 mg twice daily for future trials.
A hybrid vaccine has demonstrated a 43% reduction in risk of recurrence, with an estimated rate of 10.3% compared to 18% in control group, in patients with varying levels of HER2 expression.
Researchers identified a cell surface protein ganglioside GD2 that flags breast cancer stem cells as potent tumor-generating cells. A small molecule drug triptolide inhibits GD3 synthase, essential to GD2 production, and stymies cancer growth in preclinical tests.
Researchers discovered a population of low-PSA prostate cancer stem cells that are resistant to hormone therapy and chemotherapy. These cells can differentiate into other cancer cell types and have long-term tumor-propagating capacity.
A study from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) is associated with a higher risk of later mastectomy, increased radiation-related toxicities and post-operative complications compared to traditional whole breast irradiation.
Researchers discovered that mutant Kras manipulates metabolic pathways to support tumor growth and progression in pancreatic cancer. The study found that turning off the oncogene caused tumors to regress and metabolic changes correlated with gene expression changes.
Researchers create iPhage particles that penetrate cells using penetratin, targeting specific organelles like mitochondria and ribosomes. They discover a peptide ligand that disrupts ribosomal function, killing cancer cells and reducing cell survival in malignant and non-malignant cells.
Researchers found four proteins dysregulated by the PI3K/mTOR pathway associated with poor survival in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. These findings suggest potential new prognostic factors and therapeutic targets for treatment.
A combination of cixutumumab and temsirolimus shrank tumors in some patients with treatment-resistant Ewing's sarcoma or desmoplastic small-round-cell tumors, with two achieving complete responses. The study suggests that managing side effects is vital to maintaining the therapy and slowing disease progression.
Researchers identify non-canonical activation of Gli1 protein through the mTOR pathway, promoting esophageal cancer development. A combination of RAD-001 and GDC-0449 inhibits tumor growth by targeting both pathways.
A phase III clinical trial shows that ruxolitinib relieves severe symptoms and extends survival in patients with myelofibrosis. The drug also shrinks swollen spleens, a hallmark of the disease, and improves quality of life for many patients.
Researchers found that Aurora-A phosphorylates p73, preventing it from detecting DNA damage and triggering programmed cell death. This allows cancer cells to resist chemotherapy and radiation treatment, making them harder to treat.
A study employing mouse models and genomic analysis of human tumors identified the Smad4 gene as a driver in bone metastasis, while 14 other genes were found to be associated with human prostate cancer prognosis. Telomerase activation confers new strengths on tumors, enabling them to progress and acquire deadly characteristics.
Researchers found that inhibiting telomerase triggers alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) in cancer cells, leading to increased expression of PGC-1ß gene. Targeting PGC-1ß weakens mitochondria function and enhances anti-telomerase therapy.
Researchers have developed a reformulated imatinib that prevents and reverses morphine tolerance in rats, offering new hope for treating chronic intractable pain. The study's findings suggest the potential to reduce debilitating side effects associated with morphine use.
Researchers found a powerful cause-and-effect relationship between elevated platelets and ovarian cancer progression. Tumors stimulate platelet production, which strengthens the disease, reducing survival rates in patients with thrombocytosis.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that fetal exposure to radiation increases the risk of developing testicular cancer in male mice. The research suggests that DNA-damaging agents, such as radiation, may be responsible for the increasing incidence of testicular cancer in young Caucasian men.
A new immunotherapy for companion dogs with advanced-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma improves survival by nearly four-fold, increasing median tumor-free survival by nine months. The treatment combination prolongs survival while maintaining quality of life.
Research team led by Edward T. H. Yeh discovers that SENP1 regulates SUMOylation of STAT5, essential for lymphoid development of T and B cells. Without SENP1, STAT5 cannot be activated or recycled, leading to severe defects in immune cell development.
Researchers identified a molecular loop between mutated Kras, NF-κB, and IL-1α, which perpetuates inflammation, tumor growth, and poor survival in pancreatic cancer. This discovery suggests targeting IL-1α as a potential treatment avenue to block the elusive target of mutated Kras.
Researchers found that prostaglandin E2 accelerates colorectal cancer development by silencing tumor-suppressing genes and increasing DNA methylation. Combining anti-inflammatory and demethylating agents reduced tumors by up to 93% in mice with colorectal cancer.
A new prognostic model developed by researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has identified three risk groups for patients with treatment-related myelodysplastic syndrome, each with different survival prospects. The model incorporates multiple factors, including age, cytogenetics, and serum hemoglobin levels,...
A Phase II clinical trial of 75 AML patients treated with vorinostat and chemotherapy resulted in an 85% remission rate. Higher-risk patients showed a complete response rate of 100%, while those with -5/-7 cytogenetic alterations fared less well. The Phase III trial will compare this combination to standard-of-care frontline therapies.
A Phase I/II clinical trial for patients with relapsed or resistant chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) showed impressive potential for PCI-32765, a B cell receptor inhibitor, achieving durable remissions and minimal toxicity. The study demonstrated six-month progression-free survival of 90-92%.
Researchers found that combining everolimus and exemestane significantly improved progression-free survival by 4.2 months, with a clinical benefit rate of 50.5% in the combination arm. The study suggests a new approach for treating hormone-resistant breast cancer, which may change treatment practices.
A retrospective study found that women treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation therapy have a two-fold increased risk for subsequent mastectomy, most likely due to tumor recurrence or local complications. APBI brachytherapy was also associated with higher incidence of acute and late toxicities compared to traditional whole ...
A study published in Annals of Oncology found that nearly half of male breast cancer patients on tamoxifen experience significant side effects, including weight gain and sexual dysfunction. The research highlights the need for better understanding and awareness of treatment risks and benefits.
Researchers developed a new anti-obesity medication that targets fat cells, reducing body weight and abdominal circumference in rhesus monkeys. The treatment showed promise in improving insulin resistance and reversing metabolic syndrome, potentially providing a non-surgical solution to obesity.
A new study found that older women with breast cancer are not experiencing the same improvements in treatment and detection as younger women. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, reveals a discrepancy between age groups when it comes to breast cancer outcomes.
A team of researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) has an unexpected role in regulating cell proliferation and tumor formation in brain cancer. PKM2's ability to bind to beta-catenin in the cell nucleus is essential for its function, and its levels are correlated with brain t...
Researchers have identified four new 'ZIP codes' in the human blood vessel network that could help fight cancer, obesity and other diseases. These shared addresses were found to be associated with specific receptors and ligands, opening up new avenues for targeted therapies.
A study published in Cancer Cell reveals that the coupling of proteins FoxM1 and beta-catenin promotes glioblastoma development. The researchers found that this protein connection supports the self-renewal and differentiation of glioma-initiating cells, cancer stem cells thought to drive glioblastoma multiforme.
Women with high-grade ovarian cancer who have BRCA2 genetic mutations live longer and respond better to platinum-based chemotherapy. The tumors are more vulnerable to DNA-damaging agents, which could lead to effective treatment combinations.
Research at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that couples counseling significantly improves sexual satisfaction and function for prostate cancer survivors and their partners. Internet-based sexual counseling was shown to be equally effective as traditional sex therapy.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that targets breast cancer stem cells, eliminating them and increasing chemotherapy effectiveness. The therapy, VISA-claudin4-BikDD, was shown to reduce tumor volume by 75% and extend survival in mice.
A Taiwanese study found that exercising for 15 minutes a day can reduce mortality risk and extend life expectancy. The study involved over 416,000 participants and showed a significant benefit of moderate exercise even at low volumes.
A specialized regulatory T cell that expresses three specific genes has been discovered to shut down the mass production of antibodies in the immune system. This finding has potential implications for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases.
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has introduced a comprehensive lung cancer screening program to detect the disease early. With computed tomography (CT) scans, the program reduces lung cancer-specific mortality by 20%, improving health outcomes for high-risk individuals.