A new study from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that at least 3% of normal breast tissue cells in healthy women contain chromosome abnormalities associated with invasive breast cancer, which may guide future approaches to early detection.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center present promising new treatments, including a gastric cancer therapy using T cell antigen coupler technology. Additionally, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are shown to improve responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung and melanoma cancers.
The institute will accelerate discovery and development of cell therapies, integrating MD Anderson's unique research expertise to advance impactful treatments. Key findings include successful CAR T cell therapy approvals and preclinical studies in solid tumors.
Tiffany Richards, a seasoned oncology nurse supervisor, receives the prestigious award for her exceptional patient care and dedication to clinical excellence. She joins an elite group of nursing professionals who have made significant contributions to advancing cancer treatment.
Jennifer Bickel, M.D., is named MD Anderson's inaugural Vice President and Chief Wellness Officer, focusing on employee well-being, professional fulfillment, and community resilience. She will lead the development of a groundbreaking wellness institute to foster engagement, psychological safety, and professional fulfillment.
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that patients who quit smoking within six months of their cancer diagnosis saw improved longevity. Smoking cessation led to a 22%-26% reduction in cancer-related mortality and increased survival time from 2.1 years for smokers to 3.9 years for abstainers.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant advancements in understanding tissue regeneration, with a focus on epigenetic regulation and retrotransposon suppression. MicroRNAs have also been identified as potential biomarkers for COVID-19 severity in cancer patients, while a novel protein complex drives lung regenera...
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated that combining anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy with mutation-directed targeted therapy extended overall survival in patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. The median OS across all cohorts was 19 months, compared to five months for historical data.
A study at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that adding CTLA-4 immune checkpoint inhibitors to durvalumab and chemotherapy improved overall response rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival for patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer harboring STK11 and/or KEAP1 mutations.
Recent advances in radiation therapy have improved breast cancer outcomes with reduced side effects. Researchers at MD Anderson have demonstrated the benefits of hypofractionation in reducing lymphedema risk and improving treatment tolerance.
A Phase II trial found that a novel combination of decitabine, venetoclax, and ponatinib achieved complete remission in 80% of patients with advanced-phase chronic myeloid leukemia. The treatment showed promise even in patients with high-risk features and those who had received multiple prior therapies.
The Phase I/II trial of AZD8205, a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor ADC targeting B7-H4, demonstrated partial responses in ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancers. Notably, only two patients experienced severe toxicities, indicating a favorable safety profile.
A new study found that Americans from minority groups, current smokers, and those with lower education or income levels are more likely to be exposed to tobacco content on streaming services. The research revealed an estimated 12.4% of American adults were exposed to tobacco promotion on these platforms.
Natural killer cells engineered to express interleukin-21 demonstrate sustained antitumor activity against glioblastoma stem cell-like cells both in vitro and in vivo. IL-21 NK cells exhibit a stronger metabolic fitness than those expressing IL-15, leading to improved tumor control.
Researchers found that adding metastasis-directed radiation therapy to standard chemotherapy improved progression-free survival by 7.8 months in patients with oligometastatic pancreatic cancer. The approach also showed increased immune responses and longer survival times.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found fewer side effects with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), with similar survival outcomes compared to 3D-CRT. The study validated heart exposure as an important radiation planning objective, revealing better five-year overall and progression-free survival rates for IMRT.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a small molecule compound that restores physiological levels of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), reducing cellular senescence and tissue inflammation. TERT restoration also spurred new neuron formation with improved memory and enhanced neuromuscular function.
Researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have engineered CAR NK cells with CD28 costimulation to improve antitumor activity and persistence. These cells demonstrated high cytotoxicity against CD70+ tumor cells in preclinical models, suggesting a promising approach for cancer therapy.
A Phase III trial led by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found proton therapy to be non-inferior to traditional radiation therapy in treating head and neck cancer. The study revealed a significant reduction in malnutrition and feeding-tube dependency with proton therapy.
Sharon Giordano and Richard Gorlick will be honored with Special Awards at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting for their dedication to improving cancer treatment and patient outcomes. Their research has made significant contributions to the field of oncology, with a focus on breast cancer and pediatric oncology.
Researchers found no significant improvement in overall survival after systemic therapy for patients with very advanced solid tumors. The study highlights the importance of providers focusing on palliative and supportive care options that have been demonstrated to improve quality of life and survival.
A Phase III study found that perioperative nivolumab plus chemotherapy significantly improved event-free survival in patients with resectable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment also showed higher rates of pathological complete response and major pathological response compared to chemotherapy alone.
A new study from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that increasing treatment plan doses or altering regimens significantly improves cessation success for persistent smokers who previously tried to quit and failed. Varenicline was more effective than combined nicotine replacement therapy in aiding smokers to quit.
Cancer screening rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer are significantly lower in US federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) compared to the general population. Screening use in FQHCs varies widely across states, with some achieving high rates while others fall below 35%.
Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a new method for developing immunotherapy drugs using engineered peptides. The approach improved tumor control and prolonged survival in preclinical models of breast cancer.
Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center present early-phase clinical data demonstrating the efficacy of a new combination therapy, an antibody-drug conjugate, and molecularly selected patients in treating lymphoma and gastric cancers. The studies show promising initial results with improved response rates and overall survival.
A Phase I/II trial led by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found saruparib effective against HRR-deficient breast cancers, demonstrating a favorable safety profile and high response rate. The drug's low dose-reduction rate compared to approved PARP inhibitors may enable longer treatment duration.
MD Anderson researchers presented studies on combination therapies for AML and lung cancer, tumor microbiomes in immunity, and improved HPV screening. Genetic markers predict extended survival with KRAS inhibitors and may identify patients who benefit from novel combinations.
Scott Kopetz recognized for his development of novel therapies for BRAF-mutated colon cancer, while Elizabeth Travis awarded for her research on radiation effects on normal tissues. Their work has defined current practices in medical and radiation oncology.
Padmanee Sharma, a physician-scientist at MD Anderson, has been elected Fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy. Her groundbreaking research on immune checkpoint therapies has led to FDA approvals for treatments against metastatic bladder and kidney cancer.
A new atlas of lung cells reveals transitional alveolar cell state harboring KRAS mutations in normal lung cells, which can lead to lung adenocarcinoma. This finding opens doors for developing new detection strategies.
A Phase II trial found that neoadjuvant immunotherapy significantly reduced residual tumor and improved overall survival for patients with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, with 90% having less than 15% viable tumor cells remaining. The treatment approach is a promising option for patients with limited systemic therapy options.
A Phase II trial found that durvalumab plus ceralasertib provided the greatest clinical benefit in patients with immunotherapy-resistant non-small cell lung cancer, with improved overall survival and objective response rates. The combination showed a manageable safety profile.
A Phase I trial demonstrated that a vaccine targeting KRAS mutations delayed relapse in patients with high-risk pancreatic and colorectal cancer. The vaccine induced significant T cell responses, which correlated with reduced risk of relapse.
A Phase III trial demonstrates significantly improved progression-free survival and remission rates for patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma treated with the oral combination of ibrutinib and venetoclax. The treatment achieved an overall remission rate of 82% and a median PFS of 31.9 months.
Researchers developed a new radiation therapy approach combining a sensitizing drug with stereotactic body radiation therapy, resulting in higher progression-free survival and overall response rates. The treatment reduced toxicity while increasing its effectiveness in treating locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
A Phase III trial found that patients who received perioperative immunotherapy had a 32% lower chance of disease recurrence, progression, or death compared to those who only received chemotherapy. The treatment also showed higher rates of pathologic complete response and improved event-free survival.
A Phase III trial found that combining durvalumab and olaparib with chemotherapy reduces disease progression in advanced endometrial cancer patients by 45%, compared to 29% with durvalumab alone. The combination also shows benefits in MMR-proficient subgroups, offering new treatment options for these patients.
Researchers discovered that lactate-producing intratumoral bacteria drives resistance to radiation therapy. Cancer cells respond to radiation by rewiring metabolic signaling pathways using lactic acid instead of glucose.
Researchers developed a novel method using extracellular vesicles to deliver mRNA for cancer therapy, overcoming challenges of accurate targeting and production. The approach shows promise for treating hard-to-treat tumor types by reversing immunosuppressive environments and making tumors detectable to the immune system.
Researchers found that high-intensity exercise training reduced inflammatory markers and increased immune cells in the colon of Lynch Syndrome patients. This non-randomized study suggests that exercise may be a valuable 'lifestyle prescription' for reducing cancer risk in these individuals.
Researchers discovered age-related differences in how the liver filters the bloodstream, affecting nanomedicine distribution and effectiveness. Younger livers are more efficient at filtering out toxins but also filter out beneficial treatments.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that combination immunotherapy with durvalumab and novel agents outperforms durvalumab alone in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer. The study showed higher major pathological response rates for combination therapy, with some regimens inducing up to 31.3% of MPR.
Researchers at MD Anderson successfully reduced inpatient opioid use by 50% and median prescription volumes to zero after pancreatic cancer surgery. This approach achieved effective pain control for patients without increasing the risk of opioid dependence.
Researchers found that CAR NK cells lose metabolic fitness when competing with tumor cells for nutrients, leading to resistance. Engineering cells with IL-15 enhances metabolic fitness and provides a longer-lasting anti-tumor response.
A new single-cell study provides deeper understanding of the evolution of the tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer. Researchers identified six unique ecotypes, or collections of cell states, within the tumor microenvironment and discovered a potential new therapeutic target, SDC2.
A blood-based four-protein panel and personalized risk model can predict an individual's risk of dying from lung cancer, improving sensitivity and specificity compared to current guidelines. The test has the potential to save lives by determining the need for lung cancer screening on a personalized basis.
A new study has created the world's largest map of normal breast tissue, highlighting 12 major cell types and 58 biological cell states. The atlas also identifies differences based on ethnicity, age, and menopause status, providing a powerful resource for researchers studying breast cancer and other diseases.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified disparities in end-of-life immunotherapy treatment, highlighting the need for further examination to ensure quality care. A new study also reveals a novel target to improve immunotherapy responses in KRAS-mutant lung cancer and strategies to manage immune-related toxicities.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have engineered a new model of aggressive renal cell carcinoma, highlighting molecular targets and genomic events that trigger chromosomal instability. The loss of interferon receptor genes plays a pivotal role in allowing cancer cells to become tolerant of chromosomal instability.