Researchers discovered that HER-2 protein receptors can travel into the nucleus and turn on genes associated with different carcinogenesis pathways, including COX-2. This finding may change treatment strategies and open up new avenues of research.
Researchers have identified a protein tag that is unique to cancer cells and can be targeted by a drug delivery system. The strategy showed effectiveness in laboratory tests and animal models, and the team plans to test it next in human tumors.
Researchers developed a novel gene-based therapy that substantially decreased tumor size and eliminated cancer cells in experimental mice. The treatment, which uses recombinant adenoviruses encoding interferon-alpha, showed promise in responding to even resistant bladder cancer cell lines.
Researchers have uncovered a powerful new cancer-fighting property of Herceptin, which targets HER-2 positive breast cancer cells. The study found that high levels of PTEN in tumor cells predict response to the drug, and offers potential combination therapy with PI3K inhibitors.
A mouse model of Werner's syndrome reveals a link between aging and cancer development, suggesting that telomere shortening accelerates disease progression. The study suggests that genomic instability is a common denominator in both aging and cancer, with telomere length playing a key role.
A new study has found that patients with high levels of circulating tumor cells in their blood have shorter progression-free survival and overall survival rates compared to those with low levels. The presence of these cells can predict prognosis more accurately than other factors, allowing for more tailored treatment decisions.
Researchers found that 35% of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer exhibited impairments in verbal learning and memory functions before treatment. After treatment, 61% demonstrated 'chemobrain' declines in memory and learning, with improvements seen in 50% one year later.
A study published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that blocking hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) significantly impairs tumor growth by damaging the vascular microenvironment. The tumors were smaller and had thin-walled, lumenless blood vessels compared to control mice.
A study found that targeting the Pak1-DLC1 interaction can prevent breast cancer growth. The researchers discovered that when DLC1 is modified, it interferes with cell death signals, allowing cancer cells to survive and multiply.
A Phase III clinical trial of Tarceva and chemotherapy showed no overall benefit in survival or response, but a subgroup analysis found young non-smokers treated with Tarceva survived longer than those using chemotherapy. The study suggests that this class of drug may not function well when combined with chemotherapy.
In a Phase III trial, over 65% of early-stage HER-2 positive breast cancer patients achieved a complete response rate when treated with Herceptin and chemotherapy. The results were so striking that the trial was halted early after accruing 42 patients.
A new biologic drug, Lipo-ATRA, offers long-term disease-free survival to patients with rare acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) without traditional chemotherapy. In a small trial, approximately one-third of patients remained in remission for over five years after treatment.
Researchers found tumor disappearance and shrinking in four out of nine patients with advanced melanoma treated with CP-675,206. The antibody works by blocking a negative regulator of the immune system, allowing it to attack cancer cells. A Phase II study is now underway to further investigate the treatment.
A Phase II clinical trial suggests that RAD001, targeting mTOR, can decrease uterine tumor size in recurrent endometrial cancer. The treatment offers new hope for patients with advanced and recurrent cases, which account for about 7,000 deaths annually.
Dr. Bernard Levin, a colorectal cancer expert, is honored by ASCO for his significant contributions to preventing and managing cancer. He will deliver an acceptance lecture on June 6, highlighting his leadership in multidisciplinary programs in research, service, and education.
Researchers have found that male breast cancer incidence has increased by 26% over the past 25 years, with men being diagnosed at a later stage than women. The study also revealed differences in tumor biology, including higher rates of estrogen receptor-positive tumors in men.
A study at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that Tibetan yoga improved sleep quality and reduced need for sleep medication in lymphoma patients. Despite no differences in other quality of life measures, the brief 7-week study suggests potential benefits of Tibetan yoga as a stress-reducer in cancer patients.
Researchers successfully converted muscle stem cells into cells showing properties of neurons through the use of an artificial gene. This breakthrough suggests that stem cells may be 'flexible' and able to develop into different cell types, paving the way for potential neuroregeneration techniques.
A five-year study found that high dietary intake of alpha-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, significantly reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer. The researchers also found that gamma-tocopherol offered no protection against bladder cancer.
Researchers found that early exposure to environmental toxins reprograms the uterus to promote tumor growth in genetically susceptible rats. This new model of gene-environment interaction may explain why some people develop cancer while others don't, especially considering inherited BRCA1 mutations.
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.