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University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center


Distinct classes of fibroblasts in tumors play opposing roles, promoting or restraining pancreatic cancer growth

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Ribociclib added to endocrine therapy extends survival in postmenopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2022

Newly developed radio-labeled molecule enables real-time imaging of innate immune activity

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Nano-sized vesicles with ACE2 receptor could prevent, treat infection from current and future strains of SARS-CoV-2

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2022

High-fiber diet associated with improved progression-free survival and response to immunotherapy in melanoma patients

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.

Axi-cel CAR T cell therapy shows enhanced responses and continued benefit for high-risk lymphoma patients

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 11, 2021

Belzutifan induced strong responses in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated kidney cancer

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 24, 2021

Combination immunotherapy improves survival for patients with asymptomatic melanoma brain metastases

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 10, 2021

Serial radiation therapy is safe and effective as alternative treatment to systemic therapy for kidney cancer

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateOct 27, 2021

Active Living After Cancer program improves physical functioning of breast cancer survivors

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.

Classifying EGFR mutations by structure and function offers better way to match non-small cell lung cancer patients to treatments

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.

Study identifies gut microbes associated with toxicity to combined checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma patients

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.

Targeted therapy pralsetinib safely effectively treats lung and thyroid cancers with RET alterations

Researchers found that pralsetinib achieved an overall response rate of 70% and complete response rate of 11% in patients with no prior systemic treatment for advanced RET fusion-positive NSCLC. In the thyroid arm, the ORR was 71% in patients with treatment-naïve RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 9, 2021

Mitochondrial enzyme found to block cell death pathway points to new cancer treatment strategy

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that targeting the mitochondrial enzyme DHODH can induce ferroptosis and suppress tumor growth in cancer cells. The study suggests a new therapeutic strategy for inducing ferroptosis, which could have broad implications for treating various types of cancer.

Single-cell map of early stage lung cancer and normal lung sheds light on tumor development, new therapeutic targets

Researchers created a spatial atlas of early-stage lung cancer and normal lung tissue at single-cell resolution, providing insights into tumor development and immune cell interactions. The study identified CD24 as a new immunotherapy target for lung cancer treatment, correlating with poor clinical outcomes and shortened survival.

Antiviral T cells safe and effective for treating debilitating complication common after stem cell transplants

A Phase II trial found that BKV-specific T cells from healthy donors are safe and effective in treating debilitating complications after stem cell transplants. Patients experienced rapid responses, with 81.6% showing improvement after 28 days, and no cases of severe GVHD or toxicities.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 30, 2021

Researchers identify surface protein as a new osteosarcoma therapeutic target for antibody-drug conjugates

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new surface protein, MT1-MMP, as a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma. The protein is highly expressed on the surface of osteosarcoma cells but not in normal human tissues, making it an attractive target for antibody-drug conjugate therapy.

New sequencing approach finds triple-negative breast cancers continue accumulating genetic changes during tumor growth

A novel method for single-cell DNA sequencing has enabled faster and deeper study of chromosome evolution in triple-negative breast cancers. The technique revealed that these cancers undergo continued genetic copy number changes after an initial burst of chromosomal instability, which may explain why treatments are not always effective.

Study finds high tumor mutation burden predicts immunotherapy response in some, but not all, cancers

A new study found that a high rate of genetic mutations within a tumor (high tumor mutation burden) can predict clinical responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in certain cancer types, such as melanoma, lung and bladder cancer. However, this was not the case for other cancers, including breast, prostate and brain cancers.