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.
A real-world study found that mailed self-collection HPV tests significantly increased cervical cancer screening participation among never- and under-screened US women. Women who received the self-collection kits were more than twice as likely to participate in screening compared to those who received only a telephone reminder.
A Phase I/II study has demonstrated promising efficacy and high response rates for patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendric cell neoplasm (BPDCN) treated with pivekimab sunirine (PVEK), an antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD123. The overall response rate was 85%, including a complete response rate of 70%.
A new therapy combining pembrolizumab with targeted therapies before surgery improved tumor removal and overall survival for patients with BRAF-mutated anaplastic thyroid cancer. The treatment increased response rates and showed better outcomes compared to standard therapy.
A Phase III trial led by MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrates a triplet combination of encorafenib, cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 significantly improves progression-free survival and overall survival in BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. The regimen offers a clear survival advantage over standard chemotherapy alone.
A new study from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reveals that nearly 60% of U.S. adults are unaware or uncertain of the link between alcohol and cancer, despite established connections. The findings highlight the need for improved public awareness and urge clinicians to speak with their patients directly.
Researchers identified a new biomarker, TTF-1, that predicts survival outcomes for patients with advanced KRAS G12C-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with sotorasib. Patients with low TTF-1 levels responded poorly to sotorasib, while those with high TTF-1 levels showed improved outcomes.
Christopher Flowers is being recognized for his commitment to mentoring young oncology professionals. He has advanced the development of multiple new treatments and helped characterize disparities in outcomes among patients with lymphoma.
Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center present notable studies on immunotherapy and CAR T cell therapy for various cancer types. These findings show promising results for patients with aggressive and rare cancers.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant discoveries in three key areas of cancer care. In a study on sickle cell disease, the team found that the disorder can suppress immunity by altering DNA structure in CD8+ T cells, leading to potential strategies for improving immunotherapy responses. Meanwhile, a biomarker-...
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has been awarded $21.4 million by CPRIT to support cancer research efforts and faculty recruitment. The institution is grateful for the continued funding, which will help advance future potential breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
The $150 million gift from Kinder Foundation will create a joint venture between UT MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children's Hospital, aiming to end childhood cancer. The center will be the nation's largest and most comprehensive pediatric cancer center focused exclusively on children.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have made breakthroughs in understanding pancreatic cancer metastases and identifying potential biomarkers for treatment-resistant pancreatic cancer. A comprehensive spatial map provides insights into lineage shifts in cancer cells transitioning from primary tumors to organ-specific metastases.
AIC100 demonstrated encouraging responses and an acceptable safety profile in patients with two types of advanced thyroid cancer, including anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) and relapsed/refractory poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PTDC). The therapy showed significant tumor shrinkage and disease control in 56% of patients.
A Phase Ia/Ib trial found that zongertinib demonstrated clinical benefits for patients with advanced HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those with specific HER2 mutations. The treatment showed a 71% objective response rate and manageable side effects.
A clinical trial found that LUT014, a topical BRAF inhibitor, significantly reduced the severity of acne-like skin rashes caused by targeted therapy for colorectal cancer. Patients who received LUT014 had improved quality of life and were able to continue receiving their cancer treatment with reduced side effects.
A Phase II trial found durable antitumor activity in patients with BRCA1/2 mutations treated with olaparib and pembrolizumab, with 8.3% complete response rate
The treatment demonstrated early signals of efficacy, with 65.7% of patients experiencing lasting stable disease, and was generally well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild and manageable.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center present promising results from clinical trials in three minisymposia abstracts. The studies explore personalized vaccine combination therapy for colorectal cancer, radiotherapy to avoid toxicities of systemic treatments for kidney cancer, and engineered exosomes to silence mutant KRAS in pancrea...
Five MD Anderson researchers will receive the AACR Scientific Achievement Awards for their significant contributions to translational research and oncology leadership. The honorees include Robert Bast, Ronald DePinho, Christopher Flowers, Han Liang, and another researcher not specified in this article.
John N. Weinstein, MD, PhD, chair of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, has been elected Fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy. He made significant contributions to advancing our knowledge of molecular profiles of cancer through multi-omic studies and data analysis.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that adding copper-loaded agents to radiotherapy can overcome radioresistance in preclinical models of thoracic cancer. A novel blood-based biomarker, OSMR, has also been identified in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which shows prognostic potential and can help ident...
A Phase I trial demonstrates AFM13-NK cells are safe and highly effective in heavily pretreated patients with refractory CD30-positive lymphomas, achieving an overall response rate of 92.9% and complete response of 66.7%. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no cases of cytokine release syndrome or graft-versus-host disease.
The new facility will offer a range of services including ambulatory surgery, expanded diagnostic imaging, and outpatient procedural services. It is designed to provide comprehensive cancer care for adult patients with low-to-medium acuity needs.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center made several key discoveries, including the spatial organization of cancer-associated fibroblasts across various cancers and a study on treatment resistance in SMARCA4-mutant lung cancer. These findings highlight the importance of investigating cell populations in their spatial context to better...
Lauren Byers, a lung cancer clinician and prevention expert, was elected for her contributions to small cell lung cancer research. Paul Scheet, chair of Epidemiology, was recognized for his extensive work in genetic epidemiology and cancer genomics.
Jeffrey E. Lee, M.D. has been appointed Chief Medical Executive at MD Anderson, succeeding Dr. Peter WT Pisters. With over 34 years of tenure, Lee will lead the institution's efforts in research, patient care, prevention, and education. He brings a strong track record of leadership and clinical expertise to the role.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant breakthroughs in understanding pancreatic cancer's evolutionary process and developing new treatment strategies. They also discovered that surgical resection can enhance antitumor response in patients receiving immune checkpoint therapy for advanced kidney cancer.
The F. W. Bert and Mae Dean Wheeler Nurse Leadership Academy at MD Anderson aims to cultivate oncology nurse leaders through coaching, mentoring, and continuous learning opportunities. The academy will focus on empowering nurses to reach their personal and professional goals, driving industry change and improving healthcare systems.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified biomarkers for predicting treatment response in metastatic breast cancer and found a potential target for tumor progression in pancreatic cancer. Additionally, they discovered that abnormal chromosome changes predict survival in patients with secondary acute myeloid leukemia.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed a novel antibody-toxin conjugate that stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The new approach combines the benefits of ADCs with immunotherapies, allowing the body's natural immune response to limit side effects and prevent tumor recurrence.