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University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center


Single-cell analysis of metastatic gastric cancer finds diverse tumor cell populations associated with patient outcomes

Researchers developed a gene expression signature that robustly predicts patient survival in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, a form of metastatic gastric cancer. The signature is associated with tumor cell populations and lineage compositions, offering potential for tailored treatment strategies.

Large-scale cancer proteomics study profiles protein changes in response to drug treatments

The study generated a valuable resource to aid in predicting drug sensitivity, understanding therapeutic resistance mechanisms, and identifying optimal combination treatment strategies. The dataset includes expression changes in over 200 clinically relevant proteins across more than 300 cell lines after treatment with 168 different com...

Study identifies characteristics of infused CAR T cells associated with efficacy and toxicity in in patients with large B-cell lymphoma

A study at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that monitoring early changes in circulating tumor DNA can predict patient outcomes. Infused CAR T cells with certain characteristics are associated with better treatment responses, while those with exhaustion signatures may experience poor outcomes.

Next-gen bioinformatics tool enables big data analysis without programming expertise

A new bioinformatics tool called DrBioRight has been developed to enable biomedical researchers to conduct routine analyses of large datasets without specialized expertise in bioinformatics or programming languages. The tool uses a natural-language interface to allow users to ask questions and receive intuitive analysis results.

New study from MD Anderson and BridgeBio's Navire Pharma shows SHP2 inhibition overcomes multiple therapeutic-resistance mechanisms in lung cancer

A preclinical study from MD Anderson and BridgeBio's Navire Pharma shows that SHP2 inhibition can overcome osimertinib resistance in lung cancer. The study found that IACS-13909 suppressed tumor cell proliferation and caused tumor regression in various activated kinase-driven models.

Lung cancer trial of RET inhibitor selpercatinib achieves durable responses in majority of patients with RET gene fusions

The Phase I/II LIBRETTO-001 trial found that selpercatinib achieved durable objective responses in the majority of participants with RET gene fusions, including an ORR of 85% in previously untreated patients. The study also showed promising results in patients with brain metastases and thyroid cancers.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 26, 2020

Targeted therapy combination effective for patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma and BRAF mutations

A Phase II trial conducted at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found a 51% overall response rate in patients with BRAF-mutated cholangiocarcinoma treated with dabrafenib plus trametinib, providing a much-needed treatment option for patients with treatment-resistant advanced disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 17, 2020

Study shows frequently used serology test may not detect antibodies that could confirm protection against reinfection of COVID-19

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that some commercially available serological tests only detect N-protein antibodies, which may not indicate immunity to reinfection. S-RBD antibody detection is considered a better indicator of protection against COVID-19 reinfection.

Implementation of social distancing policies correlates with significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission

The study found that social distancing policies implemented in the US and globally led to significant reductions in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with an estimated 1.57 million cases prevented over a two-week period. The researchers also observed a strong correlation between decreased mobility and reduced virus transmission.

Combination biomarker predicts response to immune checkpoint therapy in patients with advanced bladder cancer

Researchers discovered a novel combination of biomarkers from baseline tumor tissues that predict improved clinical responses and prolonged survival in patients with advanced bladder cancer. ARID1A mutations and CXCL13 expression were associated with better overall survival, suggesting potential patient selection improvements.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 17, 2020

Study finds no overall survival benefit, but improved quality of life with talazoparib in advanced BRCA-mutated breast cancer

The Phase III EMBRACA trial found talazoparib improved patient-reported quality-of-life measures and had a tolerable safety profile in patients with metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer and BRCA1/2 mutations. However, the study did not demonstrate a statistically significant overall survival benefit due to subsequent treatments.

Immunotherapy effective in metastatic prostate cancers with specific markers of immune activation

A Phase II trial found patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who showed active T-cell responses in their tumors experienced prolonged survival after ipilimumab treatment. Researchers identified biomarkers associated with improved responses, including higher T-cell density and interferon-γ signaling.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 1, 2020

Study provides new understanding of mitochondria genome with potential for new avenues of treatment for multiple cancers

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant progress in understanding the mitochondrial genome and its role in cancer. The study found that hyper-mutated cases in kidney, colorectal, and thyroid cancers suggest oncogenic impact with signaling pathway activation.

CD19 CAR NK-cell therapy achieves 73% response rate in patients with leukemia and lymphoma

The CD19 CAR NK-cell therapy achieved a 73% response rate in patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), with no major toxicities reported. The treatment was administered in an outpatient setting, and responses were evident within one month following infusion.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2020

Study demonstrates liquid biopsy as effective predictor of stage III melanoma relapse and treatment

A study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that circulating tumor cells were associated with a decrease in relapse-free survival at six months, and this association persisted at a 54-month longer-term follow-up. This suggests that CTC assessment may be useful in identifying patients at risk for relapse who could benefit from m...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 3, 2020

Lung cancer screening decision aid delivered through tobacco quitlines improves informed decision-making

A study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center shows that a lung cancer screening decision aid delivered through tobacco quitlines effectively reaches a screening-eligible population and results in informed decisions about lung cancer screening. The decision aid, which explains eligibility, risks, and benefits, encoura...

B-cell enrichment predictive of immunotherapy response in melanoma, sarcoma and kidney cancer

Researchers found that B-cell markers were associated with improved overall survival in patients with advanced melanoma and soft-tissue sarcomas. B cells located within specialized immune-cell clusters (TLS) were predictive of response to checkpoint blockade, suggesting a dynamic interaction between immune components.

Study shows protein inhibitor as potential treatment approach for common mutations found in non-Hodgkin lymphomas

A study at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center showed a potential new approach to treating follicular lymphoma and DLBCL through manipulation of molecular programs controlled by CREBBP. Inhibition of HDAC3 restores immune programs lost as a result of CREBBP mutations, paving the way for immunotherapy approaches.

Researchers identify immune-suppressing target in glioblastoma

A study by researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center identified a subset of immune macrophages that resist treatment with anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade in glioblastoma patients. The team found that these CD73-expressing macrophages were associated with decreased survival, and that targeting them with combinatio...

Adding tucatinib to drug combination extends survival for advanced HER2+ breast cancer patients

The trial showed that adding tucatinib to capecitabine and trastuzumab improved progression-free and overall survival in advanced HER2-positive breast cancer patients, regardless of whether they had brain metastasis. The treatment combination also increased the overall response rate compared to standard care.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 11, 2019