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.
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.