A Phase III trial has demonstrated the survival benefit of proton therapy compared to traditional radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancer patients, with improved overall survival at five years. Proton therapy also resulted in reduced toxicities and feeding tube dependence, highlighting its potential as a standard treatment option.
Researchers present promising new data from two ongoing studies of pivekimab sunirine targeting CD123 in treating two aggressive blood cancers, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). The triplet regimen including pivekimab sunirine showed high response rates and enabled stem cell transpla...
A new study by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center researchers identified CD40 overexpression as a potential biomarker associated with improved overall survival in angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (AITL). This discovery could lead to therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for this challenging disease.
Patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes experienced strong responses with fewer side effects when treated with a five-day azacitidine compared to shorter durations. The five-day regimen offered the best balance of safety and efficacy, demonstrating improved event-free survival and overall survival.
The TRANSCEND FL trial demonstrates the effectiveness of lisocabtagene maraleucel in achieving durable remissions and favorable safety profiles in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma. The therapy produced a 97% overall response rate, with most patients remaining in remission after three years.
The Phase II trial of anito-cel demonstrated a high overall response rate of 97% and complete response rate of 68% in patients with refractory multiple myeloma. The therapy also showed a favorable safety profile, with manageable side effects.
Researchers developed an antibody therapy called 77A that targets HSP70, a heat shock protein helping tumors evade the immune system. The treatment showed strong antitumor effects by enhancing immune cell activity in laboratory models of multiple cancer types.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant discoveries in the treatment of rare bile duct cancers, with zanidatamab showing promising results. Additionally, a study identified RASH3D19 as a target to overcome treatment resistance in KRAS-mutant cancers.
A specific protein, RASH3D19, activates the RAS signaling pathway involved in aggressive tumor growth and resistance to KRAS inhibitors. Blocking RASH3D19 improves outcomes in preclinical models, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
A study compares five DNA foundation language models across 57 diverse datasets to identify their strengths and weaknesses in predicting gene expression, identifying genomic components, and detecting harmful mutations. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate models based on specific genomic tasks.
A new study by University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center researchers has identified a myeloid mimicry pathway that drives tumor hyper progression following immunotherapy in renal medullary carcinoma, highlighting specific targets for overcoming treatment resistance.
Zanidatamab demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with HER2-positive biliary tract cancer, achieving response rates of up to 51.6% and improving symptoms such as pain levels. The trial's results support the emerging role of zanidatamab as a treatment paradigm for this rare and aggressive cancer.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered that inflexible DNA within nucleosomes regulates the positioning of INO80, a chromatin remodeling complex. This unique mechanism allows INO80 to position itself on the surface of nucleosomes at the right location.
Researchers at MD Anderson have discovered bacterial genetic and cellular elements within brain tumor cells, potentially influencing tumor behavior. Inflammation may also drive the earliest stages of lung cancer, with targeting proinflammatory pathways emerging as a potential early intervention approach
Researchers have discovered a new class of BRCA1 mutations that can be targeted by HSP90 inhibitors, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with breast cancer. The study found that these mutations are more resistant to PARP inhibitor treatment but can be overcome with low-dose HSP90 inhibition.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has been awarded $29 million by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to support impactful prevention programs and groundbreaking cancer research. The funding will also enable the recruitment of a CPRIT Scholar.
A study published in Nature Medicine found bacterial genetic and cellular elements inside brain tumor cells, potentially influencing tumor progression and treatment outcomes. The researchers also linked these bacterial elements to specific immune and metabolic responses in brain tumors.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has launched a historic $2.5 billion philanthropic campaign to end cancer, with an initial $1.9 billion raised. The campaign focuses on expanding reach, expediting breakthroughs, and elevating the patient experience.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center are sharing new insights on training the immune system to improve patient outcomes. Key findings include the potential of gut microbiome manipulation in improving immunotherapy responses and developing novel treatments for patients with EGFR-positive lung cancer.
Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center discover that inflammation is responsible for driving the earliest stages of lung cancer, identifying potential targets for early intervention and suggesting a promising approach to intercepting lung cancer development.
A comprehensive molecular analysis of renal medullary carcinoma identified overexpression of TROP2 and the Hippo pathway in patients. The study found sacituzumab govitecan to result in partial responses and stable disease in heavily pretreated RMC patients.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center identified distinct cellular microenvironments in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tumors, providing a framework to develop therapies that engage the patient's immune system. Additionally, a study found widespread misbeliefs about the cancer risks of alcohol among Americans, highlighting the need f...
A new study found that more than half of American adults misunderstand the link between alcohol consumption and cancer. Alcohol drinkers are particularly likely to believe drinking has no effect on cancer risk. Correcting these misbeliefs may strengthen adherence to U.S. Surgeon General’s guidelines for lowering cancer risk.
The Allison Institute's third annual scientific symposium featured a panel discussion with five Nobel laureates, highlighting breakthroughs in cancer vaccines, immunotherapy, and immunology research. The event also recognized scientific achievement and leadership through award presentations.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has honored two outstanding nurses, Kimberly Vanderhorst and Terri Lynn Dunn, with the 2025 Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing. The award recognizes exceptional patient care and a commitment to excellence in clinical practice.
A study by University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers has identified seven distinct cellular microenvironments in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) tumors. These microenvironments showed different mixes of cells and patterns of communication between tumor B-cells and immune cells.
Patients receiving mRNA-based COVID vaccines showed improved survival rates and responses to immunotherapy, especially in 'cold' tumors with low PD-L1 expression. The study suggests that these vaccines can reprogram immune responses against cancer, potentially improving outcomes for patients with treatment-resistant disease.
The VT3989 trial demonstrated a disease control rate of 86% in refractory mesothelioma patients, with notable partial responses and stable disease. The YAP-TEAD inhibitor also showed an encouraging safety profile, supporting continued clinical development in this unmet clinical need.
A Phase II clinical trial led by researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated significant tumor shrinkage and disease control in patients with advanced pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Belzutifan showed a 26% objective response rate, with sustained clinical benefits for those who responded to treatment.
A randomized trial found that patients with metastatic clear-cell renal carcinoma lived longer without disease progression when treated with lenvatinib and everolimus compared to cabozantinib. The study suggests that lenvatinib plus everolimus may offer a more meaningful benefit as second-line treatment for these patients.
Researchers at MD Anderson have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that explains how bacteria can drive treatment resistance in patients with oral and colorectal cancer. The study also identifies a new biomarker for improved immunotherapy responses in solid tumors.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which certain bacteria can induce quiescence in cancer epithelial cells, making them resistant to chemotherapy. Understanding this microbe-tumor relationship may lead to the development of smarter therapies that can target treatment-resistant cancers.
Researchers found that SBRT and surgery had similar 10-year outcomes for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, with radiation offering quality-of-life benefits. The study also showed a higher acute complication rate caused by surgery.
Recent advances in radiation oncology are expected to improve cancer care, including shorter treatment times and early disease detection. Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center share updates on key trends, including the search for actionable biomarkers and proton therapy advancements.
A new study found that sugary drinks can fuel metastasis in preclinical models of advanced colorectal cancer by activating an enzyme called sorbitol dehydrogenase. This pathway is also targeted by statins, common heart drugs. Reducing sugary drink consumption and targeting this enzyme may offer opportunities to reduce metastasis.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Springer Nature will host a free conference on the tumor ecosystem, featuring presentations on cancer immunology, microbiome, disease evolution, and metastasis. Researchers can register for the event and submit abstracts to share their findings.
Phoenix SENOLYTIX and MD Anderson Cancer Center announced a cross-licensing agreement to further develop inducible switch technologies for use in cell and gene therapies. The partnership will enhance the development of these technologies, which can be used as safety features to regulate cell therapy activity.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant advancements in treating kidney cancer, including the use of metastasis-directed targeted radiation therapy to delay systemic treatments. Additionally, preliminary data from an ELI-002 vaccine trial showed promise in delaying relapse of KRAS-mutated pancreatic and colorectal cancers.
A new genome-wide CRISPR screening tool has been developed to enhance the antitumor activity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cell therapies. By removing key gene targets, researchers have improved both innate and CAR-mediated NK cell function, increasing cytotoxicity against cancer cells.
Researchers found that cancer cells break down nerve protective covers, triggering chronic inflammation and immune exhaustion, making treatment resistant. Targeting the nerve injury pathway can reverse this resistance and improve treatment response.
A new multi-institutional study confirmed that the NSD2 protein can be targeted with a new drug, blocking it effectively reprogrammed DNA structure, reversed and prevented cancer growth in preclinical models of KRAS-mutant lung and pancreatic cancers. Targeting the brain-liver pathway with electronic wearables could prevent cancer-asso...
MD Anderson is ranked No. 1 in the nation for cancer care, with consistent improvements across various specialties. The institution received high performing ratings for common adult procedures and conditions, including colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, and leukemia treatment.
Researchers will evaluate technology as a clinical tool for personalized cancer therapy, with potential to test various treatments on patient biopsies. The collaboration aims to obtain CAP/CLIA certification and conduct clinical studies to validate the utility of organoid-based assays.
Researchers at MD Anderson identified specific co-mutations in KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that improve treatment response to ATR inhibitors. Additionally, chemotherapy was found to drive changes to the genome and clonal architecture of blood stem cells, increasing the risk of secondary malignancies.
A Phase II study found that 87% of patients with stage III melanoma remained alive and disease-free four years after treatment with nivolumab and relatlimab. Researchers identified unique biomarkers associated with better outcomes, including high TIGIT levels and low B7-H3 levels.
A new genetic marker, PPP2R1A mutations, has been linked to improved survival rates for patients treated with immunotherapy in ovarian and other cancers. Targeting this biomarker may further enhance treatment outcomes, suggesting a potential new therapeutic target.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, including improved outcomes for elderly patients with IDH-mutant AML who are not eligible for intensive chemotherapy. Additionally, new targeted therapies have been approved as frontline treatments, while pre-surgical radiation therapy may offer an alte...
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has earned its sixth Magnet designation and first Magnet with Distinction rating, reflecting outstanding patient care, leadership, innovation, and expertise among its 5,300 nurses. This achievement validates the vital role of nursing in cancer care.
Researchers identified three subgroups of patients with large B-cell lymphoma who have different levels of benefit from CD19 CAR T cell therapy. The study provides new insights to guide physicians toward the best clinical pathways for patients based on tumor biology.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant progress in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by combining chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. They found that pre-surgical combination therapy showed promising results, with high rates of pathological complete response and major pathological response.