A new study from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center found that nearly half of women with advanced breast cancer in the US are not receiving life-saving post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT), despite evidence-based guidelines outlining its benefits. The study suggests that better strategies, such as requiring compliance for accreditation a...
Research at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that customizing targeted therapies based on a patient's specific gene mutations can lead to higher response rates, survival, and failure-free survival compared to non-matched patients. This approach has shown promise in treating solid tumors with gene aberrations.
The study found that the vaccine improved response rates by 16% and progression-free survival by 2.2 months in patients compared to those without the vaccine. The researchers aim to broaden their approach using mixtures of peptides and other immune-stimulatory agents.
A personalized vaccine uniquely tailored for each patient extends disease-free survival by 14 months, with improved response in patients with a specific biological marker. The trial's findings have the potential to usher in a new age of cancer vaccines.
A phase II study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that an antibody-guided chemotherapy drug eradicated or greatly reduced ALL cells in 61% of patients with resistant or recurrent disease. This makes it a potential most active single-agent therapy for ALL.
A new study from MD Anderson Cancer Center found that yoga improved physical functioning, general health, and reduced cortisol levels in women with breast cancer. Yoga also helped patients find meaning in their cancer experience and report positive life changes after treatment.
A new genomic test has shown promise as a predictor of chemotherapy response and survival benefit in women with invasive breast cancer. The test combines multiple signatures, including estrogen receptor status, endocrine therapy response, chemotherapy resistance and sensitivity, to predict treatment outcomes.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered WWP2's role in regulating PTEN, a tumor suppressor protein. WWP2 binding to PTEN leads to its degradation, allowing cancer cells to grow uncontrollably.
Low health literacy is a significant barrier to quality care for elderly cancer patients, but using simple and effective assessment tools can help. Nurses can assess patients' literacy levels and tailor communications to match their understanding, improving communication and health outcomes.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center developed two sets of gene expression profiles that predict response to erlotinib treatment for patients with no guiding indicators. The biomarkers, which cover 88% of patients without EGFR mutations, may have a broad impact on identifying patients who benefit from the drug.
Researchers discovered a single genetic variation associated with a 19% decrease in bladder cancer risk and longer telomeres, which guard against chromosomal damage. The finding provides new clues for understanding the causes of bladder cancer and developing therapies to reduce cancer risk.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles loaded with siRNA to silence cancer-promoting genes in ovarian cancer, selectively shrinking or destroying tumors. The nanoparticles use high-density lipoprotein (HDL) as a delivery vehicle, which is taken up by cancer cells and not healthy tissue.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is conducting a Phase III randomized clinical trial to examine whether acupuncture can prevent xerostomia, a debilitating side effect of radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. The study aims to determine if true acupuncture effectively prevents radiation-induced xerostomia and im...
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new mechanism driving lung cancer metastasis, involving the suppression of microRNA miR-200 by Jagged2. The study found that low levels of miR-200 may indicate susceptibility to Notch inhibitors currently in clinical trial.
A newly discovered activity of the p53 gene activates microRNA miR-200c to reverse epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells. The study offers a potential therapeutic strategy for targeting tumor-initiating cells with stem cell characteristics.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered that overproduction of the EZH2 protein promotes growth of breast cancer stem cells. The team also identified two drugs that block the molecular events leading to breast tumor-initiating cell formation, which drives cancer progression.
A Phase III trial found that everolimus significantly improved progression-free survival for patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, reducing the risk by 65% and increasing median progression-free survival by over six months. Common side effects include stomatitis, rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and infections.
A targeted delivery combination has been developed to selectively cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to brain tumors, enabling imaging and treatment. The approach uses a peptide that mimics iron, binding agent glides through the blood-brain barrier to target glioblastoma tumors.
A new UT MD Anderson study finds that brief pre-surgery stress management training can improve immune outcomes and lower mood disturbances in men with early-stage prostate cancer. The study's results suggest that managing stress has biological as well as psychological benefits, which may have an effect on aspects of disease.
The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation is granting $150 million to support genetic-analysis based research, diagnosis and treatment of cancer at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center found that a specific microRNA, miR-34a, suppresses prostate cancer stem cells and metastasis by targeting the surface protein CD44. The study provides a strong rationale for developing new treatment options for prostate cancer.
A study discovered a microRNA-TP53 circuit that explains the link between chromosome deletion and less aggressive forms of CLL. MicroRNAs miR-15a and miR-16-1 inhibit tumor-suppressing gene TP53, while its increased expression leads to indolent CLL. This mechanism may also contribute to chemotherapy resistance.
A protein called CDK1 deactivates the cancer-causing enzyme EZH2 by attaching a phosphate group, preventing cancer cell migration and invasion. This process also plays a crucial role in bone formation.
Researchers found that people with higher levels of folate in their red blood cells were more likely to have two tumor-suppressing genes shut down by methylation. Folate supplementation may lead to increased DNA methylation, potentially increasing the risk of diseases including cancer and other aging-related conditions.
High expression of TRIM24 in breast cancer correlates with poor survival, as it disables tumor suppressor p53 and stimulates estrogen receptor activity. The study suggests that TRIM24 could be a therapeutic target to prevent breast tumorigenesis.
Researchers have found a two-drug combination to be safe and active in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome patients with additional diseases or poor performance status. The combination of 5-azacitidine and vorinostat has shown promising results, with 83% survival rate after 60 days.
A new study by researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that metastatic breast cancer patients with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) before or after treatment have shorter survival periods. Patients with higher percentages of epithelial cells or specific cellular transitions had higher chances for relapse. The study suggests that u...
Alexander V. Prokhorov, a behavioral scientist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, has been recognized for his innovative tobacco research and education programs targeting high-risk teens and young adults. His work includes developing video games and websites to teach healthy lifestyles and prevent tobacco use.
A clinical trial testing RG7112 has shown clinical activity and effectiveness in some patients with leukemia, including one patient in complete remission. The study suggests a potential new way to fight certain types of cancer with fewer side effects.
A Phase I trial indicates that ponatinib produces significant hematologic and cytogenetic responses in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who have developed resistance to standard treatments. The drug showed strong efficacy in patients with the T315I mutation, which is resistant to current therapies.
Researchers found that using erythropoietis-stimulating drugs with Herceptin resulted in reduced effectiveness of the cancer treatment. The study suggests that these drugs may activate similar downstream pathways as trastuzumab, causing antagonism between the two treatments.
A phase I clinical trial at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found an antibody loaded with an anti-cancer agent produced complete or partial remissions in 38 percent of patients with relapsed or therapy-resistant Hodgkin lymphoma.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center identified a key signaling pathway that promotes osteosarcoma metastasis when blocked in mice. The study found significant decreases in lung metastases by targeting the Notch pathway and Hes1 gene.
A new certified intervention, Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST), has proven to be more effective in long-term stress reduction compared to other psychological methods. Mothers of newly diagnosed patients were able to decrease their stress levels sooner and sustain them longer with PSST.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center found that TAp63, a tumor-suppressing protein, blocks cancer spread by activating Dicer and miR-130b. This discovery has far-reaching implications for understanding cancer development and metastasis.
A new study from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center estimates a tenfold shortage of radiation oncologists over the next decade, driven by growing demand for radiation therapy. The researchers propose stop-gap measures to address the gap, including team-care models and increased residency training programs.
A vaccine that targets a genetic mutation driving aggressive glioblastoma improved patient survival, with median overall survival of 26 months compared to 15 months for control group. Limited side effects were reported.
A novel JAK inhibitor has shown significant and lasting benefits for patients with myelofibrosis, a debilitating bone marrow disorder. The treatment produces substantial reductions in enlarged spleens, pain, fatigue, and improved quality of life.
A recent study found that Mexican-origin women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages and have higher mortality rates than non-Hispanic white women. The research highlights the need for tailored prevention and education strategies to address these disparities.
Researchers found that EZH2 promotes tumor growth by shutting down genes that block formation of new blood vessels. Silencing EZH2 in ovarian cancer tumors reduced average tumor weight by 62% and increased programmed death of tumor cells.
The study found that depleting SIK2 from ovarian cancers sensitized the cells to paclitaxel, making it more effective in stopping cancer growth. Levels of SIK2 protein are increased in approximately 30 percent of ovarian cancers and associated with poorer survival rates.
Researchers discovered that SUMO modifies RPA70, essential for DNA repair by homologous recombination. The connection offers a potential target to short-circuit repair, making cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and ionizing radiation.
A novel approach detects genetically abnormal cells in the blood of non-small cell lung cancer patients, increasing with disease severity. The study suggests that these circulating cells could be used to diagnose lung cancer earlier and monitor response to therapy.
A decade-long Phase III clinical trial found that selenium has no benefit in reducing the risk of developing lung cancer, either a recurrence or second primary malignancy. The study involved 1,522 Stage I non-small cell lung cancer patients and showed that selenium had minimal side effects but failed to demonstrate any protective effect.
Two new CML treatments, nilotinib and dasatinib, demonstrate improved efficacy over existing medications in treating drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia. Clinical trials showed significant increases in complete cytogenetic response and major molecular response rates compared to standard treatment.
A Phase III clinical study found that dasatanib provides quicker responses and better outcomes compared to imatinib for newly diagnosed CML patients. The study reported higher rates of confirmed complete cytogenic response and major molecular response in the dasatanib arm.
A large Phase III randomized trial of shark cartilage as a cancer agent found no survival benefit for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The study enrolled 379 newly-diagnosed patients and did not meet its primary endpoint: survival.
Researchers found that CA-125 change over time can detect invasive, high-grade ovarian cancers at curable stages in post-menopausal women. The study identified a promising first step towards screening, but acknowledges the need for further research and a large-scale randomized trial to confirm the findings.
A new surgical procedure called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been shown to increase the survival of children with desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), a rare and aggressive cancer. Patients who received HIPEC had a 3-year survival rate of 71%, compared to 26% for those who received only standard treatment.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have successfully transplanted adult stem cells into injured hearts, improving pumping efficiency for a year in a mouse model. The study used innovative imaging techniques to track the stem cells' location and performance over time.