A new CAR NK cell engineering approach requires two signals to eliminate target cells, improving tumor specificity and enhancing anti-tumor activity. This strategy mitigates NK cell exhaustion and fratricide, leading to better focus on and attack of only the tumor cells.
Researchers identified a specific gut bacterium responsible for antibiotic-induced GVHD after stem cell transplants. A sugar supplement was found to improve gut health by distracting the bacteria from attacking mucin in the intestinal lining, reducing complications such as GVHD.
A new study provides valuable insights into the roles of B cells and plasma cells in early-stage lung cancer biology, highlighting their influence on tumor development and treatment outcomes. The research also reveals environmental factors and molecular features that contribute to the landscape of infiltrating immune cells.
In a Phase I/II trial, selpercatinib demonstrated a 44% objective response rate across multiple tumor types, including pancreatic and colorectal cancers. The study found responses regardless of cancer type or prior treatment history, confirming RET fusions as a tissue-agnostic target.
In an international clinical trial, 63.3% of patients with stage II-IV cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma saw their tumors nearly or completely disappear when treated with immunotherapy before surgery. The anti-PD1 therapy cemiplimab was well-tolerated and met its primary endpoint with a pathologic complete response rate of 50.6%.
The study found an overall response rate of 57% and disease control rate of 83% in 23 patients with diverse cancer types. These results validate RET as a tissue-agnostic target with sensitivity to RET inhibition.
Researchers discovered cancer cells produce a unique collagen that alters the tumor microbiome and promotes cancer progression. Loss of this collagen reduces cancer cell proliferation and boosts anti-tumor immune response, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.
Combination chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX before surgery increased survival in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, outperforming FOLFIRINOX plus radiotherapy. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in improving outcomes for these patients.
The study found an overall response rate of 32% across all patients with EGFR exon 20 mutations, varying depending on the location of the mutation. Near-loop insertions showed a 46% overall response rate, while far-loop insertions had no response rate.
Researchers found higher AR signaling and better response rates for female patients treated with BRAF/MEK inhibitors. Blocking the AR improved response to BRAF/MEK targeted therapy in both males and females.
Researchers developed a mathematical technique to measure total tumor-specific mRNA levels from bulk tumor sequencing data, associating higher mRNA levels with reduced patient survival. The study suggests this approach could serve as a prognostic biomarker for various cancers, guiding treatment selection.
A new genetic study published in Nature Genetics found that roughly one in five invasive breast cancers following ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are genetically unrelated to the original DCIS. The findings provide a deeper understanding of DCIS biology and suggest that DCIS should be considered a risk factor for the development of inv...
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found distinct gut microbiome signatures associated with immunotherapy response in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The study identified a link between gut microbiome signatures and immune checkpoint blockade response in melanoma, NSCLC, and sarcoma.
A Phase II study found that immunotherapy before surgery improved median progression-free survival and overall survival for undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and recurrent dedifferentiated liposarcoma patients. The treatment also showed an association between intratumoral B-cell receptor repertoire and survival.
The study found that combination chemoimmunotherapy with ibrutinib improved progression-free survival over standard chemoimmunotherapy in patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma. The median PFS was 80.6 months with the ibrutinib combination versus 52.9 months in the control arm.
Researchers developed an ultrasound-guided cancer immunotherapy platform that generates systemic antitumor immunity and improves immune checkpoint blockade efficacy. The Microbubble-assisted UltraSound-guided Immunotherapy of Cancer (MUSIC) approach demonstrated complete tumor eradication rates of up to 60% in breast cancer models.
MD Anderson research highlights new treatments for skin cancers, including novel therapies. The institution also showcased improved goals of care programs, which demonstrated significant reductions in ICU mortality and improved patient outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals adolescent and young adult leukemia survivors have shorter life spans than those without cancer. The study found inferior long-term mortality outcomes persist even decades after treatment, impacting quality of life and overall survival.
Researchers at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center identify IL-6 as a key player in immunotherapy toxicity. A novel strategy combining IL-6 blockade with immune checkpoint blockade shows promise in reducing autoimmune side effects while preserving antitumor efficacy.
Researchers found that vitamin E boosts immunotherapy responses by stimulating dendritic cell activity, leading to improved antigen presentation and enhanced antitumor immunity. Vitamin E treatment also showed promise in combining with cancer vaccines and immunogenic chemotherapies.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant advancements in treating neuroendocrine tumors with combination therapy, identified consensus subtypes for hepatocellular carcinoma to improve treatment selection, and found a targetable vulnerability in urothelial cancer due to MTAP loss.
Researchers developed a bioinformatics platform called REFLECT to predict optimal combination therapies based on co-occurring tumor alterations. The tool selected combinations that resulted in improved patient outcomes across pre-clinical and clinical studies, leading to increased durable responses.
Researchers found that combining durvalumab with novel agents like oleclumab and monalizumab increased major pathological response rates compared to solo durvalumab. The study also identified key immune cell signatures associated with treatment outcomes.
Researchers have discovered two distinct classes of cancer-associated fibroblasts that accumulate in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and play opposing roles. The study suggests that targeting these unique cell populations may improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
Researchers developed a novel drug to reduce airway mucus that exacerbates common lung diseases. The treatment works by blocking the secretion of mucins, which can block airways and cause life-threatening symptoms.
Researchers developed a computational approach called CellTrek to combine parallel gene-expression profiling methods, creating spatial maps at single-cell resolution. The tool provides detailed information on individual cell types' location within tissues, enabling unique biological insights.
The ZUMA-12 trial shows axi-cel achieved a high rate of complete response in patients with high-risk large B-cell lymphoma, with an estimated overall survival rate of 91% at 12 months.
A randomized Phase III trial showed a significant overall survival benefit with ribociclib plus endocrine therapy for postmenopausal patients with HR+ and HER2- metastatic breast cancer. The median survival was 63.9 months, and the six-year survival rate was 44.2%, compared to 51.4 months and 32% for placebo.
A study published in Nature Medicine defines distinct subgroups of stem cells that expand during MDS treatment and drive resistance. Researchers found that targeting these specific stem cell classes with therapies like venetoclax may improve outcomes for patients with disease progression.
Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center developed a novel PET imaging tool to selectively monitor inflammation and innate immune activity. The new radio-labeled molecule, [18F]4FN, is more specific and robust than existing agents, offering potential for early biomarker detection of immune-related adverse events.
Researchers found trametinib to significantly improve progression-free survival and objective response rate in low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. The median PFS was 13 months, while the ORR was 26%.
Scientists at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Northwestern Medicine identified naturally occurring vesicles containing ACE2 protein in patients' blood that can prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. These evACE2 act as decoys to lure the virus away from cells, preventing infection.
A blood test combining a four-marker protein panel with an independent model improves lung cancer risk assessment, identifying 9.2% more cases for screening and reducing referrals by 13.7%. The study shows the potential to determine who may benefit from lung cancer screening with improved accuracy.
The combination of relatlimab and nivolumab doubled progression-free survival benefit compared to nivolumab alone, with significant benefits across pre-specified subgroups. The treatment was associated with a lower risk of disease progression or death.
Patients with sufficient fiber intake had improved progression-free survival and response to immunotherapy in melanoma. A high-fiber diet was associated with slower tumor growth and increased CD4+ T cells in pre-clinical models, supporting the potential benefits of dietary interventions on cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated axi-cel's efficacy in treating high-risk lymphoma patients with enhanced responses and prolonged survival benefits. The study showed improved outcomes for patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with an estimated 81% overall survival rate at 24 months.
The Phase II trial demonstrated a significant clinical response to belzutifan, with 49% of patients experiencing objective responses and 96% reaching progression-free survival after 24 months. This breakthrough treatment offers new hope for patients with VHL disease-associated kidney cancer.
Researchers found that antihistamines improve responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients, particularly those with pre-existing allergies or high plasma histamine levels. The study suggests targeting the histamine receptor HRH1 may be a useful treatment approach.
A Phase II study shows that combination treatment with nivolumab and ipilimumab improves overall survival in patients with asymptomatic melanoma brain metastases, with an overall survival rate of 71.9% at three years. The treatment demonstrates durable responses, even in symptomatic patients.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center reported that serial stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a safe and effective treatment for oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma. The study showed promising results, with a median progression-free survival of 22.7 months and minimal toxicity.
The study found that participants who completed the Active Living After Cancer program showed significant improvements in physical activity, six-minute walk distance, and mental health. The program is effective for minority and medically underserved cancer survivors and can be implemented through a community-based model.
A Phase III trial showed a significant overall survival benefit of 63.9 months with ribociclib, compared to 51.4 months with hormone therapy alone. The estimated six-year survival rate was 44.2% with ribociclib, compared to 32% for placebo.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center presented new findings on novel therapeutic approaches, including cell therapy for solid tumors and antibody drug conjugates targeting TROP2. The therapies achieved partial responses in six patients, with an overall response rate of 35.3% and disease control rate of 70.6%.
Pancreatic cells display adaptive response to repeated inflammatory episodes, reprogramming gene expression and epigenetic regulation that cooperates with mutant KRAS to promote tumor formation. Inflammation drives long-term changes in epithelial cells that select for cancer-causing mutations.
A study identifies four novel subgroups of EGFR mutations that predict drug response, offering a more accurate framework to match patients with targeted therapies. The findings reveal that certain mutations respond better to specific classes of TKIs, providing new clinical opportunities for approved treatments.
A significant association was found between statin use and improved outcomes in women with stage I-III triple-negative breast cancer. Statin use was associated with a 58% relative improvement in breast cancer-specific survival and a 30% relative improvement in overall survival.
Researchers found a 40% objective response rate for patients with advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab. The treatment was well-tolerated, with improved progression-free and overall survival rates compared to standard chemotherapy.
A study found specific gut microbiota signatures correlate with high-grade adverse events and response to combined CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade treatment. The research identified a potential new strategy to treat toxicity while maintaining response through IL-1R inhibition or manipulation of the gut microbiota.
Researchers engineered NK cells to resist immune suppression and eliminated glioblastoma stem cells using inhibitors targeting TGF-β receptors. The study suggests a combinatorial approach of NK cell-based immunotherapy with disruption of the TGF-β signaling axis for treating glioblastoma.
Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that combination ibrutinib and venetoclax provided lasting disease remission in patients with newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), with a three-year overall survival rate of 96%