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.
A fish model experiment reverses an earlier finding linking early life UVA exposure to melanoma development. The study finds that UVB exposure is a significant cause of melanoma in the model, contradicting previous research. This new evidence sheds light on the role of UVA and UVB in skin cancer.
Researchers identify a mechanism to turn developmental genes on and off as an embryo matures, involving the SUMO/SENP2 system. The study provides new insights into epigenetic control and its role in development, cancer, and neurological diseases.
Researchers developed a novel statistical model to guide targeted therapies based on molecular signatures in tumor biopsies, showing promising results in treating stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. The study found that four drugs targeting specific molecular pathways led to improved disease control and overall survival.
A large study found that consuming well-done meat increases the likelihood of developing bladder cancer, especially in people with genetic variants. The risk was higher for those who ate high amounts of red meat and had unfavorable genotypes in the HCA metabolism pathway.
Researchers found that MiRNA-21 interferes with trastuzumab (Herceptin) therapy by blocking the PTEN gene, leading to tumor suppressor loss and increased resistance to the drug. Overexpression of miRNA-21 was correlated with poor patient response to Herceptin and disease progression in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.
A study by researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has identified a potential new therapy for brain tumors by analyzing DNA methylation patterns. The discovery may help identify patients with more favorable outcomes and offer a targeted treatment approach.
Researchers found that stress-activated protein protects fugitive ovarian cancer cells from programmed death, allowing them to escape the primary tumor and metastasize. The study suggests that restoring cancer cells' vulnerability to anoikis could suppress tumor growth and metastasis.
An international team of researchers has discovered a four-protein complex that promotes breast cancer metastasis. The complex, involving Myc, Skp2, Miz1, and p300, is a key regulator of RhoA gene expression. Targeting this complex could lead to the development of new drugs to thwart breast cancer migration and invasion.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a new way to predict prognosis in pediatric leukemia patients using a common complete blood count test. The study found that combining the minimal residual disease indicator and absolute lymphocyte count provides better results than MRD alone, identifyin...
A combination of Vitamin A acetate and TRAIL kills precancerous colon polyps while sparing normal tissue, providing a potential new avenue for chemoprevention. The regimen, tested in mouse models and human colon cancer tissue, appears to address the issue of continuous long-term therapy required for current chemopreventive drugs.
A study by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals that US cancer centers have varying levels of palliative care programs and services, with NCI-designated centers having more comprehensive programs. Despite the differences, there is strong support for integrating palliative care into oncology care.
Disabling the Skp2 gene after oncogenic stress induces cellular senescence in cancer cells, restricting tumor growth. Researchers believe this could lead to novel agents that suppress tumor development in common types of cancer.
Researchers have developed a new method for growing 3-D cell cultures using magnetic levitation, which more closely resembles the body's natural tissue structure. The technique has shown promising results in preclinical drug tests and may revolutionize cancer research.
Breast cancer patients with early-stage disease and one lymph node metastasis have a low risk of recurrence without post-mastectomy radiation. Researchers found no significant difference in the 10-year risk of recurrence between women with lymph node spread and those without, highlighting the need for individualized treatment approaches.
Researchers found that adding tests to cystoscopy increases costs and false positives, while cystoscopy alone is the most effective in detecting tumors. The study suggests that clinicians can make judicious use of urinary markers to reduce costs and anxiety for bladder cancer patients.
Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center developed a new assessment tool to measure the severity of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) symptoms, which can complicate stem cell transplantation. The tool, MDASI-cGVHD, assesses symptoms on a scale of zero to 10 and correlates with patient reports of overall quality of life.
A large population-based study found that contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) offers a survival benefit to a select group of breast cancer patients, primarily those under 50 years old and ER-negative. The procedure was associated with a 4.8% increased survival rate at five years for these patients.
Researchers have developed two potential drug candidates that block cancer-promoting pathways in novel ways. The peptides offer a new approach to interfere with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) pathways.
ATM senses DNA damage, ordering repairs or cell death, while also responding to oxidative harm outside the nucleus. This discovery reveals a potential way to activate tumor-suppressors without damaging DNA.
M.D. Anderson researchers discover that low-molecular-weight (LMW-E) forms of cyclin E render aromatase inhibitor letrozole ineffective in women with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancers. A CDK2 inhibitor can reverse letrozole resistance, offering a potential treatment option for patients.
Researchers discovered leukemia cells rely on fatty acid metabolism to grow and survive. Inhibiting this process makes them vulnerable to drugs that induce cell death, providing a potential new approach to treating leukemia and other cancers.
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered that cancer stem cells inhibit T cell response and evade immune attack on glioblastoma multiforme. Differentiation of these cells into other neural types can restore the immune response, offering new hope for treatment.
Researchers found that cancer drugs targeting PDGFR can impair the heart's ability to respond to stress, increasing risk of heart failure. The study suggests aggressive control of high blood pressure may reduce cardiac toxicity caused by these agents.
A new study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals racial disparities in radiation therapy rates for early stage breast cancer patients, with black women less likely to receive standard treatment. The study examined over 37,000 patients and found significant variations in radiation rates across different regions.
Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center identified an association between mucinous carcinoma and multiple undetected tumors, contrary to its long-considered favorable prognosis. The study suggests that these patients may need more treatment and additional screening.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a novel detection method that can identify circulating tumor cells (CTCs) after they undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), rendering them undetectable by current methods.
Researchers found that genetic variations in the Sonic Hedgehog pathway increase the likelihood of bladder cancer recurrence, reduce survival time, and limit response to immunotherapy. Patients with certain variations had a significantly shorter recurrence-free survival time compared to those without.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have found that second-line CML drugs, such as nilotinib and dasatinib, provide quicker and better responses compared to traditional front-line therapy, imatinib. The studies show improved complete cytogenetic response rates and major molecular response rates in patient...
A phase II clinical trial shows that carfilzomib induces a response in 45% of patients with relapsed or resistant multiple myeloma, reducing neuropathy side effects. The drug also demonstrates good tolerability and dose flexibility.
Researchers identified 18 single-point genetic variations linked to recurrence and secondary cancer in early-stage head and neck cancer patients. Genetic variations in miRNA biogenesis genes and binding sites were associated with an increased risk of recurrence or secondary primary tumors.
A JAK2 inhibitor has been shown to provide significant and durable relief for patients with myelofibrosis, a rare and debilitating bone marrow disorder. The drug has demonstrated a 33% reduction in spleen volume and improvements in quality of life, exercise capacity, and fatigue.