Research on the drugs used to treat cancer and how well they work. Covers immunotherapy, chemotherapy-free regimens, biosimilars, targeted drugs, and treatment costs.
Researchers have found that depleting copper levels in the body can greatly reduce the ability of cancer cells to metastasize, including aggressive breast cancer. The discovery provides hope for developing more effective treatments for high-risk triple-negative breast cancer.
The KEYNOTE-811 trial demonstrates a significant improvement in objective response rate (74.4%) and tumor size reduction compared to trastuzumab and chemotherapy. The combination of pembrolizumab, trastuzumab, and chemotherapy markedly reduces tumor size and induces complete responses in some patients.
A novel medical cooling system for preventing Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is being developed by the University of Huddersfield and Paxman. CIPN causes pain or sensitivity in hands and feet, delaying treatment. The new device uses 'Human Centred Design' to deliver stable cooling, tolerable over chemotherapy duration.
Researchers have discovered that a common class of targeted therapies can help more colorectal cancer patients than previously thought. By analyzing cell studies and computer modeling, the team identified 10 distinct RAS mutations that do not preclude the use of EGFR inhibitors, which are already approved for other uses.
Cancer cells secrete type III collagen to stay dormant, and when levels decrease, they wake up and create metastatic cancer. Researchers found that enriching the environment with collagen can force cells to remain in a dormant state and prevent tumor recurrence.
Researchers have discovered that NOR-1 protein can provide broad protection against heart damage following cancer treatment. Administering the protein directly may reduce heart risk, at least in laboratory tests.
Researchers found a novel therapy called AVID200 safe and well-tolerated, with modest improvements in symptom burden, anemia, and spleen enlargement. The therapy needs to be combined with other drugs to optimize impact in patients.
Researchers identified three prototypical RNA-expression states in pancreatic cancer cells and found that altering the tumor microenvironment can drive tumor cells to become more susceptible to certain drugs. This discovery opens up new possibilities for personalized medicine and targeting specific drug responses.
IN8bio is developing a genetically modified gamma-delta T cell technology to treat glioblastoma multiforme. Preclinical studies published in Scientific Reports show significant improvement in survival outcomes, and a Phase I clinical trial is underway at UAB.
Investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine identified significant age-related differences in tumor characteristics across various cancers, suggesting potential for personalized treatment approaches. They found that tumors from younger patients showed advanced signs of aging and more mutations associated with aggressive disease.
A recent study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital found that mutations in the DDX3X gene are responsible for chemotherapy resistance in some blood cancer patients. The study also discovered that STAT inhibitors can effectively kill lymphoma cells with DDX3X mutations, providing hope for new treatment options.
A new protein variant called CLIP-170S allows cancer cells to dodge chemotherapy drugs, rendering them ineffective. Researchers discovered this variant in more than 60% of patients with gastric cancer and are exploring a combination therapy involving imatinib to overcome resistance.
A research team developed an AI framework that analyzes protein interactions to predict effective and low-toxicity cancer drug combinations. The framework, GraphSynergy, outperforms conventional models in identifying synergistic combinations.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists found that blocking a signaling pathway in brain immune cells can protect against Alzheimer's disease features in a preclinical model. The results suggest a new strategy to block the development of the disease or slow its progression.
A recent review article describes a class of viruses known as oncolytic viruses, which have the remarkable ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are exploring these viruses for cancer therapy, with some showing promising results in stimulating an immune response against cancer.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have successfully treated high-risk neuroblastoma in mice using a combination of precision medicines, showing potential for a curative treatment. The study's results suggest that patients with this form of childhood cancer may benefit from drug treatment with ATR inhibitors.
The AACR and Pelotonia launch a grants program to recognize five influential female researchers in breast and gynecologic cancers. Nomination deadlines are January 14, 2022, with awards presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2022.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a new compound that can disable the MTDH gene, which is essential for cancer progression and metastasis. The compound shows promise in treating major human cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers.
Research found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may reduce the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. PPI use was associated with worse survival rates and a significant decrease in the benefit of immune therapy treatment.
Researchers found that second-generation antihistamines block histamine binding to HRH1, improving cytotoxic T cell activation and reducing resistance to immunotherapy. High plasma histamine levels in patients were correlated with worse responses to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a natural substance, a flavonoid, that can inhibit cancer cells' ability to defend themselves against chemotherapy by targeting efflux pumps. This could lead to more effective treatment and potentially even combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki and Aalto University have developed a gel-grown mini-breast cancer model that can effectively treat hormone-dependent breast cancers. The discovery opens new avenues for hormonal therapies, individual drug responses, and drug resistance mechanisms.
Researchers discovered that chemotherapy drugs can affect protein synthesis in muscle cells, even at low doses. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment and exercise rehabilitation programs, suggesting that even non-oxidative stress effects of chemotherapy should be considered.
Researchers developed a novel model to identify specific genes and genetic alterations in multiple myeloma, stratifying the cancer's severity via DNA and RNA sequencing. This model revealed diverse subtypes and high-risk patients beyond current classifications.
A functional precision medicine study demonstrates that treatment selection based on results from drug sensitivity testing can be clinically useful in patients with aggressive hematological cancer. The approach combines deep molecular profiling with comprehensive drug sensitivity testing to advance the therapy decision-making system.
Researchers have developed fish-shaped microrobots that can guide themselves to cancer cells using magnets, where a pH change opens their mouths to release chemotherapy. The microrobots demonstrate promising capabilities for targeted cancer treatment, but need further improvements in size and tracking methods.
A recent study published in JNCCN found that only 31% of hospitals have immediate availability of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a crucial blood cancer medication. This medication is essential for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia, which has a better prognosis when treated appropriately. The lack of ATRA availability poses a signi...
A Mount Sinai study reveals that young adult cancer patients exhibit distinct genetic hallmarks and immune system responses compared to their older counterparts. These findings suggest personalized treatment approaches for young adults with various types of cancers.
A new study by the Regenstrief Institute found that lack of protocols or standard operating procedures in the recovery room is a significant barrier to administering post-operative chemotherapy to reduce bladder cancer recurrence. The researchers identified 58 Michigan urologists who reported this as a major obstacle, emphasizing the n...
Women with breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation and dying from heart-related issues within the first year. The condition was more common in women who did not receive surgery or radiation as their initial treatment.
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center discovered how a common gene mutation disrupts cells' ability to suppress tumors. The mutation in the UTX gene forms tiny droplets that help prevent tumor formation.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that leptin cancels out the effects of Tamoxifen, making it ineffective for obese patients with breast cancer. Researchers suggest that interventions targeting leptin or Med1 may improve Tamoxifen's success in this group.
St. Jude researchers have identified a possible risk for late effects of treatment with the experimental cancer drug CX-5461, which targets topoisomerase II beta (TOP2β) instead of RNA polymerase 1. The study highlights the need for close monitoring of patients enrolled in ongoing clinical trials.
Researchers at West Virginia University have received FDA approval for a new drug to treat uveal melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer. The drug, MTI-201, targets specific biomarkers in diseased cells, allowing for more precise treatment with minimal damage to healthy cells.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found a new treatment option for inoperable pleural mesothelioma using immunotherapy agent durvalumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with epithelioid tumors experienced higher survival rates, including some who remained tumor-free after completing the trial.
According to experts, half of patients with two common subtypes of advanced breast cancer may live for five years or longer. The new guidelines also aim to improve treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer patients.
Researchers discovered a new biomarker, inactive AMPK (lo-P-AMPK), that may predict immune evasion in lung cancer. The finding could enable better personalized care for lung cancer patients by identifying those most likely to benefit from immunotherapies.
Researchers have identified genetic mutations in genes CBP and p300 that drive radiation resistance in head and neck tumors. Inhibiting these proteins with certain drugs makes tumor cells more susceptible to radiotherapy.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that combining copper ions with a drug once used for treating alcoholism kills medulloblastoma cancer cells and prevents new ones from forming. The therapy also curtails the creation of cancer stem cells, which initiate tumor growth and recurrence.
Researchers found that inhibiting the MAP2K7-JNK pathway with 5Z-7-oxozeaenol induces apoptosis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study used murine models and human patient-derived xenografts to evaluate the anti-leukemic capacity of 5Z7O, which showed synergistic induction of cytotoxicity when combined with dexamethasone.
Researchers from Kazan Federal University have developed a gene-cell preparation that uses membrane vesicles to target and kill cancer cells. The technology has shown promise in treating various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colon cancer.
Metastases in malignant melanoma can use an alternative process to access the circulatory system, where a blood vessel divides into two parallel vessels. This finding challenges traditional research on tumor growth and may lead to new treatment options for metastatic cancer.
A Singapore clinical trial has introduced a new way to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma by combining nivolumab, an immunotherapy drug, with yttrium-90 resin microspheres radioembolisation. The study shows promising results in treating intermediate and advanced HCC, with an overall response rate of 30.6%.
Researchers developed two model systems to study peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer patients. Biomarkers were identified, including severe mutations of the BRCA2 gene, which predict therapy response. These findings offer new hope for treating advanced cases.
A new, bacteria-based system can detect cancer cells and release therapeutic drugs directly into them, leaving healthy cells intact. The technology has shown promising results in preclinical tests on mice, particularly for liver cancer.
ImCheck's ICT01 selectively activates Vγ9Vδ2 T cells through all three isoforms of BTN3A, overcoming prior limitations. The therapy demonstrates anti-tumor activity in solid and hematologic cancer models.
A new study from MIT reveals that calorie-restricted diets slow tumor growth in mice by reducing fatty acid availability, while ketogenic diets have limited effect. The findings offer insight into how dietary interventions might be combined with existing or emerging drugs to help patients with cancer.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh and Prairie View A&M University developed an algorithm to repurpose cancer drugs for pulmonary hypertension, a devastating lung disease. Two compounds improved human cells and rodent markers, supporting broader drug-repurposing platform use.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to treat cancer by combining chemotherapy, tumor injury, and immunotherapy. In mouse studies, the treatment eliminated tumors completely in nearly half of the mice and showed promise against various types of cancer.
Two new studies examine rising cancer drug spending in the US, finding that many patients receive treatments with no documented overall survival benefit. The studies suggest that the combination of regulatory, pricing, and reimbursement policies contributes to wasteful healthcare spending.
Researchers discovered that leukemia cells immediately unresponsive to treatment have high levels of SAMHD1, while those with acquired resistance use the enzyme DCK to activate nucleoside analogues. This finding may lead to better cancer therapies.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System have discovered a new treatment target for osteoporosis and bone loss from rheumatoid arthritis. A cellular protein called ELMO1 promotes the activity of osteoclasts, which break down bone, leading to excessive bone degradation.
Scientists from Duke-NUS and Xylonix are developing novel immunotherapies for treating cancer and COVID-19 complications using liposome drug formulations. The goal is to enhance the uptake of 010DS-Zn by tumours for improved therapeutic effects.
Researchers created polymersomes that target highly invasive cancer cells, delivering anticancer drugs and preventing metastasis. The nanomachines showed strong antitumor effects in breast cancer models, inhibiting lung metastasis and prolonging survival.
Researchers conducted a functional test to identify effective therapies for advanced hematological cancers, achieving significant positive outcomes with 56 patients receiving individually tailored treatment. The study demonstrates the clinical feasibility and efficacy of personalized medicine in breaking resistance to prior therapies.
A phase II clinical trial has shown that the DNA alkylation drug DM-CHOC-PEN improved survival in adolescent and young adult patients with central nervous system cancers. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no severe toxicities observed, and showed potential for combination with other treatments.
Researchers found that a cancer chemotherapy drug can restore memory and cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting blood vessel growth. The study suggests repurposing approved anti-cancer drugs as treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, potentially shortening clinical development time.
University of Delaware chemical engineer Catherine Fromen aims to improve the delivery of therapeutic medicines to the body by studying how they interact with mucosal interfaces. Her research focuses on designing medicines that can overcome natural defenses in the lungs and gut, with potential applications for diseases such as lung can...
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified 14 genes that can cause and three that can prevent weight gain, offering a promising lead in developing new treatments for obesity. The findings were made using a worm model of obesity and automation to test hundreds of genes.
A new study reveals that high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in liver cells are associated with resistance to hepatitis C virus infection. Lipid peroxidation occurs on PUFA-enriched membranes where viral replication machinery is anchored, ultimately shutting off its ability to replicate the viral genome.