Researchers have found that the novel targeted therapy NPI-0052 effectively treats acute leukemia in animal models by preventing cancer cells from being purged of damaged proteins. This approach has shown greater efficacy than its predecessor bortezomib when combined with other agents.
Researchers found a strong association between HRT use and decreased breast cancer incidence, with a 6.7% decline between 2002 and 2003. The lowest rate seen since about 1987 was maintained in 2004, primarily in estrogen-receptor-positive cancers.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have successfully delivered a cancer-suppressing gene into tumors of stage 4 lung cancer patients via an intravenously administered lipid nanoparticle. The gene, FUS1, was found to be active in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer tumors.
Researchers found that Hodgkin's disease survivors with higher chromosomal aberrations are two-and-a-half times more likely to develop another type of cancer. Chromosomal breaks, particularly those on one chromosome arm, may serve as a biomarker for predicting second primary tumor risk.
A protein called tissue transglutaminase (TG2) protects human pancreatic cancer cells from autophagy, a form of programmed cell death, researchers found. Inhibiting TG2 led to a drastic reduction in its expression and telltale signs of autophagy in the cancer cells.
A study of 17 studies from nine countries found that removing and examining more lymph nodes during colon cancer surgery improves patient outcomes. The research suggests that knowing how far a cancer has spread leads to tailored treatment, ultimately resulting in better survival rates for patients.
A phase III clinical trial found that the first antisense drug, oblimersen, improved response rates in CLL patients who remained sensitive to chemotherapy drug fludarabine. The study showed a four-fold increase in 'CR/nPR' in these patients compared to those no longer responding to fludarabine.
Researchers have developed a new genomic microarray test that accurately identifies the ER and HER-2 status of breast tumors, which can inform personalized treatment planning. The test showed 90% accuracy for both receptors, comparable to existing pathology tests.
Researchers developed a simple and accurate two-gene test that distinguishes between gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS) with near perfect accuracy. The Top Scoring Pair analysis approach has potential for wider application in individualized diagnosis and treatment of other types of cancer.
Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that aspirin significantly improves survival rates among cancer patients with low platelet counts who experience heart attacks, even when taking anticoagulants. Aspirin also showed benefits for patients with normal platelet counts.
A study at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that combining cromolyn with chemotherapy reduced pancreatic tumor growth by 85% compared to control animals. The combination also increased the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy.
A new analysis suggests that the decline in breast cancer incidence between 2002 and 2003 was largely due to the reduction of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use. The study found a 7% relative decline in breast cancer cases, with an absolute decline of about 14,000 fewer women diagnosed in 2003 compared to 2002.
A Phase II trial found that 86% of patients with inflammatory breast cancer responded to lapatinib-chemotherapy, offering new hope for treatment. The study also showed that 25-30% of patients responded within two weeks of treatment alone.
Researchers developed genomic tests to predict breast cancer response to chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, with promising results in clinical trials. The tests showed high accuracy in predicting treatment response and patient outcomes, offering new hope for personalized treatment planning.
Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center report clinical activity of MK-0457 against T315I BCR-ABL mutation in CML and ALL, and JAK-2 mutation in myeloproliferative disorders. The drug shows minimal side effects and has potential to benefit patients with these rare and aggressive cancers.
Researchers have found that the experimental drug ABT-737 can destroy AML blast, progenitor and stem cells, potentially providing a new way to treat cancer. Combining ABT-737 with another agent may overcome resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered a novel 'Trojan Horse' agent, VEGF121/rGel, that completely prevented bone tumor development in 50% of mice. The agent stops specialized cells within the bone from chewing up bone material to make room for implanted tumors to grow.
African-American women with breast cancer had lower survival rates and larger, later-stage tumors compared to Hispanic and Caucasian women. Research suggests intrinsic biological differences in the disease contribute to these disparities.
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patients who have multiple active molecular pathways in their blood and bone marrow samples tend to have a poorer prognosis. Targeting just one pathway is unlikely to be effective due to cross-activation, requiring the development of multi-drug therapies.
Researchers found that a defective version of the NPRL2 tumor suppressor gene makes lung cancer cells resistant to cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug. Gene therapy targeting this gene may restore sensitivity to cisplatin, offering new hope for treating resistant lung cancer.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new molecular pathway that helps breast cancer cells survive. The pathway involves estrogen, BCA3 protein, and SIRT1, and has potential as a target for chemotherapy enhancement.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that celecoxib, a commonly used painkiller, significantly reduced the incidence of potentially pre-malignant colorectal polyps by 36% in patients taking a daily dose. The study involved over 1,550 participants and showed a greater effect on advanced adenomas.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a nanoparticle delivery system that targets ovarian cancer cells, reducing tumor size and incidence by up to 98%. The fatty spheres loaded with siRNA also attack the tumor's blood supply, inducing cell suicide and increasing cell death among cancer cells.
A study of 173 patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with Herceptin found a 28% incidence of cardiac toxicity, but most cases could be reversed with treatment. The majority of patients improved with cardiac treatments and were able to resume Herceptin treatment.
A single gene, BRIT1, plays a pivotal role in launching two DNA damage detection and repair pathways, suggesting its function as a previously unidentified tumor suppressor gene. The gene is under-expressed in human ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer cell lines, and its disruption leads to genomic instability.
A preclinical study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that chronic stress hormones stimulate tumor growth and spread in mice with ovarian cancer. Reducing stress using a medication commonly prescribed for heart disease slows tumor growth.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a natural mechanism to prevent apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. The discovery reveals that adding ATP to cancer cells may actually impede apoptosis, highlighting a new potential target for cancer therapies.
Research finds obese patients have a 99% greater risk of developing biochemical failure and a 66% increased risk of tumor recurrence. Obesity can be an independent predictor of poor outcomes in prostate cancer, suggests the study.
A phase I clinical trial reveals nilotinib has a relatively favorable safety profile and demonstrates activity against drug-resistant CML, with notable improvements in chronic phase CML patients. However, the agent shows less activity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients and may require careful monitoring for cardiac events.
Researchers found that a new drug, imatinib, destroys the blood vessels that feed prostate cancer cells, preventing tumor growth and metastasis. In a mouse model, tumors were significantly reduced when treated with a combination of imatinib and chemotherapy.
Apo2L/TRAIL, a new cancer drug, has shown activity in treating advanced cancers with minimal side effects. The agent selectively induces programmed cell death in cancer cells while sparing normal cells, offering hope for targeted treatment options.
Participating in a daily yoga program during breast cancer treatment has been shown to improve physical function, general health, and social functioning among women. The study also found significant reductions in sleep-related daytime dysfunction and fatigue, but no impact on depression or anxiety.
Researchers develop a modified virus that targets telomerase-positive cancer cells, inducing autophagy to kill them. The treatment reduces tumor size and extends survival in mice with malignant glioma. Autophagy is a protective process that cells use to consume part of themselves when nutrients are scarce.
Researchers recommend pre-screening to avoid worst liver damage caused by chemotherapy drugs. The study found that irinotecan was associated with steatohepatitis and oxaliplatin with sinusoidal dilation, which can lead to liver disease and failure.
Researchers have developed a new hybrid virus that can target tumors systemically to deliver an imaging or therapeutic gene, allowing for the monitoring of drug effectiveness at the molecular level. This breakthrough could lead to improved diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of human cancers.
Research reveals chemotherapy works better for ER-negative tumors, with significant survival benefits, while tamoxifen is effective but less impactful for ER-positive tumors. Modern chemotherapy regimens show promise for treating ER-negative patients.
Researchers developed a prototype model to gauge lung cancer risk based on medical history and genetics. The model predicts increased risk in heavy smokers with emphysema, as well as those with inefficient DNA repair capacity.
Researchers found that combining a PI3K inhibitor with Herceptin can reverse lack of response in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. The addition of a PI3K inhibitor showed significant benefit in halting tumor growth, especially in tumors lacking PTEN protein.
A study published at the AACR annual meeting found that a history of allergies and asthma significantly reduces the risk of developing brain tumors. Individuals with allergies or asthma had a lower risk of glioblastoma, mid-grade anaplastic astrocytoma, and low-grade gliomas compared to those without these conditions.
Researchers found a significant increase in cancer risk among first-degree relatives of lung cancer patients, particularly young onset cancers. The study's findings suggest that genetic factors play a crucial role in the development of lung cancer and other types of cancer.
A randomized Phase III clinical trial found decitabine improved treatment outcomes for myelodysplastic syndrome patients, achieving a 17% complete response rate. The median time to progression was also significantly longer in treated patients compared to those receiving supportive care.
A study at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that Z-DNA, a twisted shape of DNA, can cause genetic instability and breaks in human cells, particularly in those with Burkitt's lymphoma. The research opens up a new field of inquiry into the role of DNA shape in genomic instability and cancer.
Researchers have developed a 'nanoshuttle' that uses viral particles to precisely home to disease, where it can perform various functions such as destroying tissue or emitting signals. The system has the potential to deliver stem cells to damaged areas, potentially treating heart disease and cancer.
Women with Lynch syndrome have an equal risk of developing endometrial and colon cancers, and are at high risk for additional cancers. Prophylactic surgeries, such as hysterectomy and ovary removal, significantly reduce the risk of these two gynecological cancers.
A new point-of-care test has been shown to detect recurrent bladder cancer more effectively than traditional lab tests. The NMP22 assay detected 49.5% of recurrences, while urine cytology detected only 12.2%, resulting in a significantly higher detection rate when used with cystoscopy.
A new tool has been developed to silence genes in specific tissues using RNAi, allowing researchers to determine the function of a single gene in a single tissue without blocking its essential functions in other tissues. This technique could potentially be used in humans to knockdown mutant or overexpressed genes that cause human disea...
A new clinical trials method is proposed to improve patient care by incorporating Bayesian approaches in trial design. The frequentist statistical method used today is considered too rigid and limits innovation, whereas the Bayesian approach allows for continuous updating based on interim results.
Researchers found that nonmelanoma skin cancers are strongly associated with UVB radiation, but melanoma patients have a different response. The study suggests that melanoma may be resistant to UVB-induced chromosomal breaks, increasing the risk of more serious cancer.
Researchers found marked improvement in chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia patients treated with AMN107. The drug, taken in pill form, outperforms Gleevec by up to 50 times in shutting down cancer-causing tyrosine kinase.
New research suggests that smoking after cancer diagnosis can lead to poorer treatment outcomes, with up to one-half of patients continuing to smoke or relapsing. Tobacco use is now recognized as a critical variable in clinical trial results, and addressing it through cessation efforts can improve success rates and quality of life.