A new scale called the Geriatric Oncology-Potentially Inappropriate Medications (GO-PIMs) Scale was found to be more effective at predicting frailty than conventional methods. The scale identifies high-risk medications linked to falls and fatigue, allowing oncology teams to deprescribe them and improve patients' overall health.
Researchers have discovered a functional link between STING signaling and immunometabolism, suggesting that PET imaging could measure the pharmacodynamic effects of STING-activating drugs. This approach may enable a whole-body analysis of immune activation in humans, guiding clinical development of anti-tumor therapy.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that opioid prescriptions declined for US patients with both cancer and non-cancer pain between 2012 and 2019. The proportion of people receiving any opioid prescription dropped from 49.7% to 30.5% for non-cancer pain and from 86.0% to 78.7% for cancer pain.
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a cancer therapy model that utilizes a protein degrading system to transiently degrade and reduce the PD-1 protein, which blocks immune function. This approach has shown high therapeutic efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell growth in mice.
Researchers developed a small molecule that effectively controls tumor growth by inhibiting PD-1/PD-L1 binding, overcoming accessibility and cost issues of existing antibody treatments. The new molecule has advantages in terms of affordability and oral administration, making immunotherapy more accessible to all cancer patients.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that even terminally exhausted T cells retain some capacity to function again. They identified approaches to overcome exhaustion by targeting co-stimulation pathways and reprogramming T cells to be resistant to hypoxia, a common tumor microenvironmental signal.
ARID1A-deficient bladder cancers are sensitive to combination therapies with the EZH2 inhibitor GSK-126 and inhibitors of PI3K, acting synergistically. The research found that tumors deficient in ARID1A protein have elevated levels of PIK3R3 and phosphoAKT.
The University of Cincinnati is conducting a study on a potential new treatment for pancreatic cancer using SapC-DOPG, a nanotechnology drug delivery system. The treatment has shown promise in reducing tumor growth by 50-80% in animal models and aims to develop an effective immunotherapy treatment.
Researchers investigated the effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, PD-L1, and mucin expression in rectal cancer patients. The study found that nCRT exposure was associated with higher mucin expression and a non-significant difference in PD-L1 expression, suggesting an immunosuppressive phenotype.
A study found that a majority of online pharmacies selling imatinib, a chronic myeloid leukemia therapy, are uncertified and operate unsafely. Patients may face risks of nonadherence, treatment failures, and adverse events if they use these pharmacies.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a new target for treating high-risk neuroblastoma, a deadly pediatric cancer. A novel compound called SHP099 has shown promising results in shrinking tumors and killing cancer cells.
A multi-national study found that over half of clinical trials leading to FDA-approved anticancer medicines are not available for independent scrutiny. The lack of transparency hinders the use of data for further research into the safety and efficacy of medicines.
Researchers discover gene AVIL responsible for deadly brain tumor also causes two forms of childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma. Blocking AVIL activity prevents formation of the disease in lab samples and mouse models.
A study of over 500 patients with multiple myeloma reveals a high prevalence of genetic alterations in oncogenic pathways, leading to treatment resistance. The research found a specific link between RASopathies and mutations in these pathways, offering new insights into the development of resistance mechanisms.
A new study from MIT and Broad Institute researchers analyzed interactions between nanoparticles and nearly 500 types of cancer cells, revealing thousands of biological traits that influence cell response. The findings could help tailor drug-delivery particles to specific types of cancer.
Researchers have found a promising new combination therapy that uses immunotherapy alongside a drug blocking a common gene mutation in lung cancer. The study suggests this combination may be effective in 'immune hot' tumours, which are more likely to respond.
Scientists from A*STAR and NUS Cancer Science Institute identified a key cancer progression mechanism that could lead to more effective treatments. The discovery involves reactivating the hTERT gene, which is responsible for prolonging telomeres in cancer cells.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have discovered that combining anti-rejection medication with immune checkpoint inhibitors can significantly reduce the risk of organ rejection and eliminate cancer cells in a quarter of patients. The study involved 22 patients with renal transplants and incurable locally advanced or met...
Researchers have developed bacteria-based biohybrid microrobots that can navigate through viscous tissues and deliver chemotherapy directly to tumors. The microrobots use near-infrared light to melt liposomes containing drugs, triggering release in acidic environments.
Researchers from Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center found that adding brentuximab vedotin to standard chemotherapy treatment improves overall survival in patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma. The study showed that the drug has a positive impact on overall survival, regardless of other treatments administered later in the course of care.
A study found that pharmacogenomic testing can help providers avoid prescribing antidepressants with undesirable outcomes. The test, which analyzes genes related to drug metabolism, resulted in a significant improvement in depression symptoms compared to usual care.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed novel complex-peptide hybrids that induce programmed cell death in apoptosis-resistant cancer cells through paraptosis. The compounds, syn-6 and anti-6, inhibit cell death by uncoupling mitochondrial calcium uptake and inducing cytoplasmic vacuolization, leading to cell death.
Researchers have found that high levels of iron can generate toxic free radicals, which damage lipids and ultimately lead to cell death. The team is exploring the use of compounds like JKE-1674 to induce ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to treatment.
A study using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database found that married individuals had better survival prospects than divorced or widowed people. The researchers developed a nomogram to predict 3-5 year survivals, with marital status being one of several independent prognostic factors.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 5, 2022
A new classification system for colorectal cancer has been proposed, grouping cancers into five subtypes based on epithelial status, microsatellite status, and fibrosis. This update could inform targeted drug development efforts and improve treatment approaches for patients with different biological characteristics.
Researchers found that tumour stem cells with Mex3a protein activity remain in a latent state, conferring resistance to chemotherapy. After treatment, these cells are reactivated, leading to cancer relapse. Removing the Mex3a gene makes colorectal cancer cells highly sensitive to chemotherapy.
Experts outline a framework for treating cancer pain in patients with opioid use disorder or prescription opioid misuse. The study highlights the need for better integration of addiction treatment in cancer care, particularly prescribing methadone and buprenorphine.
Researchers have discovered eight potential leukemia-killing compounds that target mitochondria, inducing mitophagy to weaken cancer cells. The compounds showed significant synergy with existing chemotherapy drugs, offering a deadly one-two punch against leukemia.
A large clinical trial found treating anal precancerous lesions reduces the risk of developing anal cancer in people with HIV by 57%. The study highlights the need for screening and treating high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) as the standard of care for older HIV+ individuals.
Researchers used chemoproteomics to profile 53 HDAC drugs and found many had additional targets beyond their intended HDACs. The study identified MBLAC2 as a common off-target protein that affects extracellular vesicle accumulation.
Researchers have discovered that a cancer drug could slow the progress of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mice by increasing muscle fibre resilience. The findings suggest that the drug may help delay disease progression and improve mobility for patients, potentially serving as an adjunct to emerging gene therapy approaches.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered a novel combination therapy that effectively treats chemo-resistant triple-negative breast cancer. The treatment combines two existing FDA-approved drugs, ceritinib and enzalutamide, to target the growth of cancer cells, showing promise for improving treatment outcomes.
A recent survey revealed significant gaps in cancer screening among women aged 50-64, with rates as low as 50% for colorectal cancer and 46.5% for both cancers. The study found that patient-centered approaches to screening can facilitate timely testing and management of abnormal results.
A large study found that adult cancer survivors have a 42% greater risk of cardiovascular disease than those without cancer. The highest risks were seen in breast, lung, colorectal, and hematological/lymphatic cancers, while prostate cancer did not significantly increase the risk.
Researchers have found a new approach to treat cancer by using plasma treatment, which induces apoptosis in cancer cells without harming normal cells. The equivalent total oxidation potential (ETOP) has been defined as a plasma dose, providing a dose-response relationship for different cell types.
The study found that autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was underutilized in community settings, but maintenance therapy after standard therapy improved outcomes for patients over 65. Maintenance rituximab after bendamustine and chemotherapy regimens also significantly extended times to disease progression and overall survival.
Researchers have developed a new therapeutic agent from Brazilian lapacho tree bark that targets acute myeloid leukemia cells while minimizing toxic effects on healthy cells. The compound is attached to an antibody that binds specifically to cancer cells, delivering the drug directly to its target.
Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute discovered that prostate cancer cells hijack the circadian rhythm to become resistant to hormone therapy. The study found that proteins regulating the circadian clock play a crucial role in tumor cell survival, offering a potential target for new treatment strategies.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet has identified a key mechanism behind treatment resistance in a deadly form of kidney cancer. By increasing mitochondrial content in cancer cells, researchers found that these cells became susceptible to the cancer drug sorafenib. This breakthrough offers hope for more targeted cancer treatments.
The study reveals how the protein binds to ligands and inhibitory antibodies, providing insights into its molecular function. The findings may lead to better targeted therapeutic approaches in the future.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have improved the ability of a protein to repair oxidative DNA damage, creating a new drug development concept. The technique can lead to improved treatments for diseases involving oxidative stress.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center developed a targeted immunotoxin that delivers into breast ducts, eliminating visible and invisible precancerous lesions in laboratory studies. The treatment showed strong cancer-killing effects in all cell lines and was well-tolerated in mouse models.
A systematic review of 84 studies found insufficient evidence that multivitamins or supplements can prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer in healthy adults. In contrast, diet and exercise are key to maintaining health. Whole fruits and vegetables contain a mixture of vitamins, phytochemicals, fiber, and other nutrients that act syn...
A population-based study found that patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who experienced hot flashes while on adjuvant hormone therapy had worse outcomes and a higher risk of early treatment discontinuation. The study suggests that managing side effects may not be enough to prevent treatment discontinuation, highlight...
A joint study by Finnish and US researchers has found a new combination of drugs that is effective against T-acute leukaemia, with temsirolimus and dasatinib showing enhanced synergistic effect. The therapy has shown promise in eradicating leukaemia cells in zebrafish and human disease.
Researchers identified a three-gene signature in multiple myeloma tumors that predicts a positive response to selinexor-based therapy. The discovery could improve patient selection for targeted agents and expand the use of the drug into patients who haven't failed other therapies.
A research team from Tokyo University of Science has developed a new method to create copolymers with different metal species, which have potential uses in catalysis and drug discovery. The technique allows for controlling the composition of metal species in the resulting polymer.
Researchers have developed a molecule that uses nanotechnology, chemotherapy and a monoclonal antibody to target glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive type of brain cancer. The treatment showed promise in isolated cells and animal models, with significant reductions in tumor volume and no increased toxicity.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a substantial disruption to cancer clinical trials in the US, with a 46% decrease in new patient accruals and a 24% decrease in newly activated trials between March and May 2020. However, both patient accruals and trial activations have gradually recovered since then.
A new study from Tel Aviv University developed a unique treatment for AIDS that may be developed into a vaccine or a one time treatment. The treatment involves engineering type B white blood cells to secrete anti-HIV antibodies in response to the virus.
Researchers developed a rapid blood assay that measures the magnitude and duration of immunity to SARS-CoV-2, allowing large-scale monitoring of population immunity. The test takes less than 24 hours to perform and is scalable to use broadly in the population.
Researchers at University of Calgary have identified a molecule in the nervous system that enhances sensitivity to pain, potentially treating chronic pain with existing anti-cancer drugs. The discovery could offer an alternative to opioid-based pain medication, which can lead to tolerance and addiction.
A new study suggests that probiotic bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus, may enhance the effectiveness of tamoxifen and other endocrine-targeted therapies in reducing ER+ breast cancer risk. The researchers found elevated levels of Lactobacillus in breast tissue of mice treated with tamoxifen, leading to decreased breast tumor formation.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are studying how lipids help fortify lung cancer cells and if targeting them can lead to better outcomes. The team discovered that lipids play a crucial role in cancer cell growth, membrane fortification, and energy production.
A drug targeting IDH1 mutations in select cancers also inhibits wild-type form under certain conditions, making it a promising therapeutic option. Laboratory experiments and mouse models demonstrate the efficacy of Ivosidenib against various cancer types, including pancreatic, colorectal, ovarian, and lung cancer.
A phase 3 randomized study showed that momelotinib significantly improved outcomes for patients with myelofibrosis, a rare and fatal bone marrow cancer. The oral pill met all primary and secondary endpoints, showing a trend toward overall survival benefit within six months.
ERX-41 effectively kills various cancer types, including triple-negative breast cancer, by exploiting a previously unexploited vulnerability. The compound targets endoplasmic reticulum stress and increases protein folding errors, leading to cancer cell death, offering new hope for treating these aggressive cancers.
Researchers from China have developed a novel bioconjugate that can suppress the growth of K-Ras mutant pancreatic tumors. The conjugate, which targets folate receptors and macropinocytosis, was found to be highly cytotoxic and effective at suppressing tumor growth.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dostarlimab was effective in treating a subtype of rectal cancer, showing remarkable responses and resolving difficult symptoms. The treatment offers a more effective and less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy and radiation.
A new study found that patients with multiple myeloma who received a three-drug combination therapy had improved progression-free survival if they underwent an autologous stem cell transplant soon after treatment. The use of maintenance lenalidomide also conferred substantial clinical benefit.