Research on the drugs used to treat cancer and how well they work. Covers immunotherapy, chemotherapy-free regimens, biosimilars, targeted drugs, and treatment costs.
Experts warn that new drugs for advanced breast cancer are unaffordable and may lead to unequal treatment access worldwide. The consensus panel recommended prioritizing most effective treatments and using next-generation sequencing for personalized medicine.
Researchers have discovered a new way to understand cancer and its vulnerabilities by targeting FSP1, a protein that helps cancer cells survive. The study found that FSP1 inhibitors can effectively reduce the growth of metastatic melanoma cells in lymph nodes.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has announced three winning research proposals for the 2025 ASTRO-AstraZeneca Small Cell Lung Cancer Therapy Challenge. The selected projects aim to improve therapies and outcomes for patients with limited-stage SCLC through immunotherapy and radiation techniques.
Researchers developed TAMENDOX to supplement (Z)-endoxifen in patients with CYP2D6 enzyme deficiency, improving drug concentration and effectiveness. The new therapy was well-tolerated, showing promise as an alternative to aromatase inhibitors for premenopausal women.
A new clinical trial found that adding a PSMA-targeting agent to stereotactic radiation therapy doubled progression-free survival in patients with limited metastatic prostate cancer. The study also showed that the treatment delayed hormone therapy by 24 months and improved local control.
A new randomized study validates a predictive gene expression test that identifies patients with recurrent prostate cancer who will benefit from adding hormone therapy to radiation. The test, PAM50, groups tumors into molecular subtypes and predicts treatment outcomes.
A recent analysis reveals a modest decline in new and additional opioid prescriptions for patients with cancer from 2016 to 2020. For patients with metastatic cancer, prescribing remained stable for those reporting any pain but declined steeply for those reporting no pain.
A new class of targeted therapy showed promise in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in pet cats, with 35% of patients experiencing controlled disease. The drug, which targets the transcription factor STAT3, also raised levels of PD-1, a protein associated with an immune response to cancer.
Researchers found that combining aramchol with regorafenib killed liver and colorectal cancer cells more effectively than either drug alone, triggering stress responses and disrupting survival pathways. The combination was especially effective in cells with a genetic variant called ATG16L1 T300.
A study at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research found that inactivation of a stress pathway makes ER+ breast cancer cells ignore stress signals, allowing them to evade treatment. The JNK pathway acts as a cellular alarm system, and its disruption leads to treatment resistance.
Researchers at Peking Union Medical College Hospital have developed bi-functional molecules combining PD-1 blockade with precision IL-2 delivery to revive 'sleepy' T cells. This combination enhances immune cell response, reducing toxicity and improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Cancer cells with abundant circular DNA elements (ecDNA) carrying oncogenes like MYCN are resistant to chemotherapy. Combining standard chemotherapy with a secondary therapy targeting these senescent cells leads to improved outcomes in mouse models of neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma.
A groundbreaking cancer drug, KCL-HO-1i, has shown promise in making chemotherapy-resistant cancers more responsive to therapy by targeting a key defence mechanism used by tumours. In preclinical models, the drug has already demonstrated effectiveness in laboratory tests using mouse models of breast cancer.
Researchers found that Fen1 protein improves cell tolerance to alovudine by counteracting the toxic effect of 53BP1. This discovery promises new cancer treatments and biomarkers for cancerous cells with Fen1 deficiency.
Researchers developed pH-responsive graphene-based nanocarriers that can target cancer cells, achieving efficient and safe drug delivery. The material's surface charge adapted to the acidic tumor environment, allowing it to bind and enter cancer cells while avoiding healthy tissues.
This book presents cutting-edge approaches to combat cancer, including exosomal delivery systems, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and immunotoxin therapy. Natural compounds are also examined for their anticancer potential.
A study from Gladstone Institutes reveals that genetic risk factors for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and stroke exert their effects in blood vessels and immune cells. The research provides a detailed look at how genetic variants function across all major brain cell types, revealing distinct mechanisms for different diseases.
Researchers found that certain antibodies can reduce antitumor immune cells, highlighting the need to consider ADCC activity when designing or selecting ICI therapeutics. This study could help improve cancer treatment by engineering antibodies that avoid damaging essential immune cells.
Researchers discovered that statins selectively modulate key components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, leading to lower levels of tumor-promoting proteins and cancer-suppressing cellular behaviors. Statins downregulate SATB1 while increasing SATB2, making cancer cells less able to grow and spread.
A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that Elenagen significantly reduced chronic osteoarthritis pain scores in dogs, achieving a 90% success rate. The therapy works by reprogramming aged or dysfunctional mesenchymal stem cells, which then produce anti-inflammatory signals and restore their regenerative capacity.
A combination of two approved cancer medications may slow or reverse Alzheimer's symptoms by reversing gene expression changes in neurons and brain cells. Researchers analyzed public data from deceased donors and found a link between these drugs and reduced risk of developing the disease.
A new treatment approach using cyclophosphamide has been found to prevent most graft-versus-host disease in mismatched transplants. The study shows that 80% of patients are alive after a year, similar to outcomes seen in fully matched transplants.
A new study from Uppsala University found that most men with prostate cancer who receive recommended treatment have a good prognosis, with a lower risk of dying from prostate cancer than other causes. The study's findings highlight the importance of assessing a patient's life expectancy in choosing an appropriate treatment strategy.
A new study reveals that SETD1B plays a critical role in supporting the growth of aggressive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, particularly in those with FLT3-ITD mutations. By targeting SETD1B, researchers believe it may be possible to develop more effective treatments.
The new NCCN Guidelines Navigator tool offers an interactive platform for accessing evidence-based guidelines, facilitating easier searching and navigation. The initiative aims to improve patient care and outcomes by providing healthcare professionals with up-to-date recommendations.
Two Purdue researchers received funding to advance university innovations. Andrew Mesecar aims to develop new treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma using patented enzyme inhibitors. Meanwhile, Pablo Zavattieri is working on a patent-pending system to address saltwater intrusion in the Panama Canal.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have turned a deadly fungus into a potent cancer-fighting compound. The new compound, called asperigimycins, has shown promising results against leukemia cells, rivaling FDA-approved drugs.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is targeting hard-to-treat cancers and boosting HPV vaccination rates with a $3.4 million funding from CPRIT. The institution will expand its core facilities laboratories to increase researchers' ability to identify therapeutic targets and develop new cancer technologies.
A new study of 591 women with early-stage breast cancer found that nearly two-thirds opted for continued endocrine therapy beyond the initial five years. Patients with higher-risk stage 2 disease were more likely to continue treatment, highlighting potential benefits in extending hormone-based therapy for these patients.
Recent advances in tissue-agnostic cancer drugs have resulted in highly effective treatments, but few are approved for children. Oncologists argue that these drugs should be licensed for all ages due to their effectiveness and fewer side effects. The researchers suggest that age-agnostic approvals could be made through analyzing electr...
A new drug combination has shown significant improvements in overall survival for patients with advanced breast cancer who have the PIK3CA gene mutation. The treatment, which includes inavolisib, palbociclib, and fulvestrant, was found to extend median overall survival by 7 months compared to the placebo group.
The CompassHER2 trial found that neoadjuvant THP led to a pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of 64% in patients with early-stage HER2-positive, ER-negative breast cancer. Lower ER expression levels resulted in higher pCR rates among ER-positive tumors.
A phase 2 trial found that combining avelumab and cetuximab significantly extended median progression-free survival in patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The combination showed synergistic effects, suggesting a potential new standard of care for this patient population.
Researchers at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified AEG-1 as the active regulator of inflammation responsible for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Eliminating AEG-1 using targeted therapies could provide a critical strategy for managing CIPN in cancer patients.
Researchers at UCSF found that certain gut bacteria can reduce chemotherapy side effects by clearing excess drugs and producing the protective vitamin K2. Patients with more beneficial bacteria had fewer side effects, suggesting that probiotics may help mitigate chemotherapy's impact.
A new study at the University of Turku identified conditions under which Bexmarilimab activates the immune system against cancer. The drug was shown to trigger B cell-mediated immune responses in healthy tissue adjacent to tumors. This could lead to more accurate patient selection and improved treatment outcomes.
A research team from the University of Copenhagen has developed a biotechnological method to produce Taxol, a widely used cancer drug. The new method involves cloning taxol-producing genes and inserting them into yeast cells, making it more cost-effective and sustainable than traditional chemical synthesis.
UT Dallas bioengineers have created an enhanced light-activated immunotherapy approach to target advanced stomach cancer. Lab-designed molecules are primed with far-red or near-infrared light to activate the immune system against stubborn cancer cells, reducing side effects.
A new clinical trial has shown that a lower dose of radiotherapy can lead to higher levels of complete disappearance of cancer and fewer short-term side effects. The treatment approach, led by Professor David Sebag-Montefiore, aims to reduce the burden on patients and healthcare systems.
A real-world study of 1,752 patients with stage III or IV ovarian cancer found that adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy improved overall survival for those with advanced disease and residual cancer. Benefits were mostly seen in high-risk patients, not the general population.
Researchers discovered 500 cryptic peptides found only in pancreatic tumors, which could be targeted by vaccines or engineered T cells to attack the cancer. The peptides were identified using immunopeptidomics and shown to slow down tumor growth in mice.
Researchers at TUM developed an AI-powered algorithm to predict kidney damage in prostate cancer patients undergoing lutetium-177 PSMA therapy. Early detection could enable personalized treatment adjustments to prevent organ damage.
A Phase Ia/Ib trial found that zongertinib demonstrated clinical benefits for patients with advanced HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those with specific HER2 mutations. The treatment showed a 71% objective response rate and manageable side effects.
A new voluntary program, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), could greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs for Medicare patients taking expensive oral cancer drugs. By spreading annual costs across 12 monthly payments, patients can avoid large upfront payments and make treatment more affordable.
Researchers developed an AI platform that tracks cancer biomarkers to personalize treatment dose adjustments for patients with advanced solid tumors. The study resulted in optimal doses being administered to 97.2% of patients, with average reductions of 20%.
Researchers at Tulane University identified a potential new way to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) using an FDA-approved cancer drug. The treatment works by blocking the CTLA4 protein, which blocks overactive T cells, allowing the immune system to clear out damaged cells that cause lung scarring.
A UT Health San Antonio-led discovery could redefine drug discovery by turning IV medications into orally administered treatments for brain cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other complex conditions. The new strategy uses a protein receptor called CD36 to efficiently deliver large molecules into cells.
Researchers have discovered that pyrvinium pamoate, a common pinworm medication, can inhibit cancer cell growth and reverse neuroendocrine features in Merkel cell carcinoma. The medication also reduced tumor growth in mouse models of the disease.
Researchers at Duke University and colleagues discover a way to improve the uptake of cancer-fighting drugs called PROTACs by leveraging the CD36 protein. This approach delivered up to 23 times more potent treatment without compromising stability or solubility, paving the way for effective medications.
The University of Missouri is partnering with a consortium to design and license a new research reactor, NextGen MURR, which will produce critical medical isotopes for cancer treatment. The project aims to enhance Missouri's role as a leader in nuclear science and medical research.
Researchers at Keio University developed a method to grow millions of functional liver cells, revolutionizing drug testing and regenerative therapies. The breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for liver diseases and accelerate the development of new organoids.
University of Virginia researcher Natasha D. Sheybani has received a $5.5 million grant to advance her research on focused ultrasound technology for breast cancer immunotherapy. Her work aims to enhance the safety, effectiveness, and precision of immunotherapy drugs.
Natasha Diba Sheybani, a UVA researcher, has received a $5.5 million grant to develop safer and more precise breast cancer treatments using focused ultrasound technology. Her work aims to overcome key bottlenecks in current treatments and improve patient outcomes.
A new study found that both employed people with obesity and employer representatives acknowledge the impact of obesity on future health problems and perceive lifestyle change alongside anti-obesity medications as the most effective approach for maintaining weight-loss reduction. Cost of medication coverage remains a significant barrie...
Researchers have developed drug-delivering aptamers that target and kill leukemia stem cells, reducing the need for high doses of chemotherapy. The aptamers pair well with existing drugs like daunorubicin to deliver a targeted one-two knockout punch against cancer.
A French research team has discovered that an organogold(III) complex accumulates selectively in the mitochondria of lung cancer cells, demonstrating its potential as an anticancer treatment. The complex's antitumor activity is attributed to its interactions with specific biological molecules, disrupting their function.
A novel AI-based method called scNET combines gene expression data with networks of possible gene interactions to identify biological patterns in response to drug treatments. The system reveals complex mechanisms underlying cellular behavior, providing insights for new therapeutic approaches.
A new study suggests that blood cancer patients receiving Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors should continue their therapy while getting vaccinated against COVID-19. The IMPROVE trial found no improvement in antibody responses when BTKi therapy was paused for three weeks around the time of vaccination.
A new study has found that a lower dose of the blood-thinning medication apixaban is as effective as the full dose in preventing recurring blood clots in patients with active cancer. Patients who received the lower dose experienced fewer bleeding complications and similar VTE recurrence rates compared to those on the standard dose.
A single-center retrospective study analyzed clinical data, imaging, histopathological manifestations, genetic testing results, and treatment effects in 48 WD patients. The study found age at diagnosis, K-F ring presence, and higher immunoglobulin G levels were associated with cirrhosis risk factors.