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Chemo for glioblastoma may work better in morning than evening

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that administering chemotherapy drug temozolomide in the morning improved overall survival by about 4 months compared to evening, with an average increase of 3.5 months in patients with MGMT methylated tumors. The study suggests that adjusting timing of standard treatment could enhance effectiveness.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuro-Oncology Advances·DateMar 31, 2021

BU researchers identify two drugs that delay bone marrow cancer development

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have found that PXS-LOX_1 and PXS-LOX_2 can slow primary myelofibrosis's disease progression in experimental models by inhibiting lysyl oxidase. These findings represent a possible novel avenue for treatment, potentially slowing cancer progression and easing symptoms.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Stem Cell and Therapy·DateMar 22, 2021

Starving tumors by blocking glutamine uptake

Researchers have identified a small molecule drug candidate that targets the uptake of glutamine in cancer cells, slowing the growth of melanoma and other cancers. The study, published in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, offers an exciting new therapeutic approach for treating tumors addicted to glutamine.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateMar 19, 2021

Important advance in research on future drugs

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have determined the 3D structure and mechanism of MGST2, an enzyme involved in oxidative stress and DNA damage. The study's findings reveal three functional units controlled by sophisticated movements, regulating vital functions and offering insights into future drug development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2021

Double trouble for drug-resistant cancers

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School and A*STAR discovered that inhibiting the Wnt signalling pathway with ETC-159 can reverse PARP inhibitor resistance in several cancer cell lines. This breakthrough could lead to novel anti-cancer treatments for cancers with overactive Wnt signalling, such as colorectal cancer.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 15, 2021

Can chips replace animal testing?

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed human-on-a-chip technology that allows for real-time monitoring of drug treatments in humans. The technology has the potential to significantly reduce testing and production time for drugs, saving time, money, and unnecessary suffering.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 9, 2021

Chemists boost boron's utility

Researchers have created a boron-containing chemical group that is 10,000 times more stable than its predecessors. This new group, called benzoxaboralone, can be added to compounds to provide desirable attributes such as improved protein-binding strength.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2021

Finding their comfort zone

Researchers discovered artificial microswimmers slow down and accumulate in low-fuel regions where their speed is minimized. This finding suggests a new strategy to improve targeted cancer therapy by delivering chemotherapy drugs to the most problematic cells.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 2021

Abundance of iron drives cell death and could inform novel treatments for neuroblastoma

A recent study found that MYCN overexpression leads to increased iron levels, which induce ferroptosis, a type of cell death. This vulnerability can be exploited by drugs blocking ROS elimination, making cancer cells susceptible to treatment. The researchers plan to test FDA-approved rheumatoid arthritis drugs in preclinical models.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 23, 2021

Hide-and-seek can lead to higher drug prices

A study by the University of Zurich found that 63% of drugs with rebates granted in Switzerland have low clinical benefits, while 49% have no significant benefit. The research highlights the need for transparent cooperation between European countries to improve drug pricing and patient access.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateFeb 17, 2021