Researchers have found that Nembutal, a sedative, can suppress the growth of colon cancer cells by inhibiting gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. The study suggests a novel approach to treating cancers with neurotransmitter receptors on their surfaces.
Researchers from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a novel approach to gene therapy that harnesses mesenchymal progenitor cells (MSC) to target cancer metastasis. The strategy has shown promising results in animal studies, with MSC gene therapy curing up to 70% of mice implanted with human ovarian cancer.
Researchers found a strong association between monkey virus DNA and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, suggesting the virus could play a role in its development. The study suggests that targeting the virus could help prevent its development and offers new therapeutic strategies.
A new imaging probe detects small tumors in the brain, providing crucial information to surgeons during operations. The technology uses near-infrared fluorescence optical imaging to identify tumor margins and improve surgical treatment.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that pairing Gleevec with high-dose chemotherapy produces a synergistic effect in patients with Philadelphia-positive ALL, resulting in complete remissions that have lasted up to 29 months. The two-year disease-free survival rate is 85 percent, offering a promisi...
A higher dose of Gleevec was found to lead to increased remission in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), with 28% of patients achieving complete molecular response after 18 months. The treatment showed improved results over time, with a significant reduction in disease progression.
A novel gene therapy delivery system using stem cells has been developed to target and attack tumors, regardless of their location in the body. The system, which uses human mesenchymal progenitor cells, has shown promising results in tests with mice with various types of cancer, including ovarian, brain, breast, melanoma, and leukemia.
A study found that EGFR-positive breast cancer patients had worse disease-free and overall survival rates compared to those with negative EGFR expression. The findings suggest potential prognostic significance of EGFR status in breast cancer.
A recent study found that over 20% of patients with estrogen-negative breast cancer had a complete pathologic response to treatment, compared to just 5% in estrogen-positive cancers. The researchers suggest that endocrine therapies may be a more effective initial treatment for these patients.
A study found that patients with high levels of low molecular weight cyclin E have aggressive, invasive breast cancer, and the protein may be a better predictor of patient outcome than current markers. This altered form of cyclin E can induce genetic instability, making tumors unresponsive to treatment.
A study of 362 patients has shown that breast conservation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a safe and effective alternative to mastectomy for many patients. The key to success lies in careful patient selection and coordination among treatment specialists, with low rates of local-regional recurrence reported.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that ARF is a crucial regulator of both cell growth and division, two critical processes in cancer development. By inhibiting B23, another protein involved in cellular growth, ARF can control the cell cycle and prevent uncontrolled cell proliferation.
The Sisters Peer Counseling in Reproductive Health after Treatment (SPIRIT) program provides free peer counseling to address concerns faced by African-American breast cancer survivors. The four-year study aims to empower survivors and address cultural and socio-economic factors that contribute to conservative attitudes about sexuality.
A new study reveals that patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy lived an average of 31 months longer than those treated with surgery alone. The combination therapy showed a 66% greater chance of surviving bladder cancer.
Two studies found that paclitaxel-based chemotherapy regimens and mini-transplants can help preserve ovarian function in younger patients. The paclitaxel regimen improved a woman's chance of regaining her ovarian function, while mini-transplants showed better results in preserving ovaries compared to high-dose chemo.
A new monoclonal antibody combination therapy has been found to be highly effective in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia, with a remarkable 69% complete remission rate. The treatment, which combines two chemotherapy drugs with Rituximab, shows promising results across all age groups and stages of the disease.
A new study found that chemotherapy and radiotherapy together reduce surgery and removal of the voice box due to cancer recurrence. The combination treatment was associated with a significantly lower rate of surgeries compared to standard therapy or radiotherapy alone.
A new chemotherapy regimen combining docetaxel with cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil has been shown to significantly improve survival rates in late-stage stomach cancer patients. The study found a nearly 80% higher chance of tumor shrinkage and a reduced risk of cancer growth.
Researchers found that men with male breast cancer are more likely to be older when diagnosed, have later stage disease, and ductal papillary cancers. The study suggests important biological differences between male and female breast cancer.
Researchers found that a standard dose of Gleevec is as effective and less toxic than doubling the dose for treating GIST. The study confirms that Imatinib is remarkably sensitive to Gleevec and is the best therapy for treating these tumors, even with metastasis.
Researchers found that gefitinib can slow lung cancer tumor recurrence when used as maintenance therapy following chemotherapy. The study suggests that gefitinib may keep cancer cells dormant for a period of time.
A combination of bevacizumab and erlotinib has shown a 21 percent response rate in patients with recurrent stage IIIb or IV lung cancer, with five patients experiencing partial responses and tumor stabilization for over a year. The treatment was well-tolerated with mild to moderate toxicity.
Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that combining Gleevec with chemotherapy resulted in significant drops in PSA levels in some patients, indicating potential therapeutic benefit. The combination therapy showed slow but sustained responses, suggesting a valid target in prostate cancer treatment.
Researchers found a slight benefit of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with metastatic breast cancer, experiencing delayed tumor progression despite poor prognosis. The study's findings suggest a potential
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a gene screen that can accurately predict which chemotherapy regimens will be effective for patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. The test is 75% accurate in forecasting complete eradication of cancer, eliminating the need for trial and error.
In a Phase II clinical trial, C225 and docetaxel combination achieved a 25.5% tumor shrinkage rate in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, significantly higher than the median response rate of 5-10%. The results are encouraging and suggest further development of this treatment approach.
A Phase II study shows that administering ADVEXIN, a p53 drug, directly to tumors can improve the results of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer. The treatment resulted in dramatic tumor shrinkage and minimal residual tumor cells.
Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that the novel proteasome inhibitor PS-341 works synergistically with certain chemotherapy agents but not others, suggesting a critical role of sequence in treatment efficacy. The findings have important implications for future clinical trials and potential cancer treatments.
A study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found a link between lower dietary folate intake and increased risk of bladder cancer, particularly in individuals with genetic instability. The researchers suggest limiting exposure to DNA-damaging agents and consuming foods rich in folates to reduce the risk.
Researchers identified lifestyle factors that predict prostate cancer recurrence in treated patients. Patients with low body mass index, regular exercise, and annual screenings had lower risk of progression.
A study found a nearly two-fold increased risk of lung cancer among relatives of smokers, but no evidence of an increased risk among relatives of non-smokers. The researcher hopes to identify high-risk subgroups and develop tailored interventions or screening programs.
Women with circulating tumor cells in their blood have a median survival of less than 24 months, compared to over 24 months without them. The presence of cancer cells in the blood predicts prognosis more accurately than other factors, indicating a possible link between blood-circulating tumor cells and aggressive breast cancer.
Researchers found women with hypothyroidism are 57% less likely to develop aggressive, estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. The study suggests a possible biological role of thyroid hormone in breast cancer and offers novel preventive strategies.
Researchers found that celecoxib capsules stop the Sp1 transcription factor from activating genes associated with cancer growth. This led to reduced production of VEGF, a key angiogenic factor that feeds tumors. The study provides a novel molecular mechanism for celecoxib's antitumor activity and may lead to tailored treatment options.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that statin drugs can prevent breast cancer cells from growing by blocking proteins that inhibit cell cycle progression. The study suggests that potent anti-cancer drugs could be developed based on the unconverted form of statins.
Researchers found that a combination of endostatin and radiation therapy reduced new blood vessel growth in mice with squamous cell cancer. After radiation, endostatin blocked the growth of new blood vessels, leading to long-term survival and tumor control in 40% of mice.
Researchers discovered a link between genetic markers and prostate cancer spread in African-American men. The study found that the ratio of MMP to E-cadherin accurately predicted cancer metastasis.
A study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals a strong correlation between the loss of AP-2( transcription factor and the progression of different human gliomas. The findings suggest that this gene acts as a tumor suppressor, controlling various genes involved in cell proliferation and invasion.
Researchers found that a vitamin A derivative, 9-cis retinoic acid, increased RAR-_ gene expression and reduced precancerous lesions in former smokers. While promising, the treatment also showed side effects, and further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness.
A recent study found that high levels of cyclin E are closely associated with aggressive breast cancer, making it a powerful predictive marker. The presence of low molecular weight forms of cyclin E also showed strong prognostic value, indicating a higher risk of recurrence and spread.
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center receives $12 million SPORE grant to support head and neck cancer research, focusing on genetic susceptibility markers, angiogenic therapy, and other areas. The grant aims to accelerate progress in prevention, treatment, and early diagnosis of the disease.
Researchers conducted a Phase I clinical trial of endostatin, showing that it decreases blood flow to tumors and promotes the death of cancer cells. The study also found minor anti-tumor activity in two patients, but no long-term responses were seen.
A research team led by Dr. Rakesh Kumar has discovered a new form of a protein associated with aggressive forms of cancer, including breast cancer. MTA1s appears to intercept the key protein receptor responsible for communicating with estrogen inside cells.
Researchers found that ATG significantly improved the ability of patients to produce healthy blood cells, allowing them to stop blood transfusions. The treatment has also shown potential in preventing progression to leukemia and improving quality of life for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.