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 at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified four distinct physical properties of cancer, including elevated solid stress and increased stiffness, which contribute to its sustained growth and destructive power. These findings point to new research opportunities and treatment approaches.
HSE Faculty of Chemistry scientists discovered a new anti-cancer molecule, diphenylisoxazole, which is easily synthesized using available compounds. The molecule inhibits tubulin polymerization and shows effectiveness on both sea urchin embryos and human cancer cells.
Researchers at ChristianaCare's Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute have identified a link between two crucial signaling pathways in the development and growth of colon cancer. The study found that an imbalance between WNT and RA signaling can lead to the evolution of colorectal cancer from stem cell populations.
A team led by Dr. Katherine L. Nathanson has been awarded $5.4 million to continue researching the genetic risk factors of testicular cancer, which affects men aged 15-45 in the US and Europe. The study aims to identify novel susceptibility genes and provide data for surveillance of high-risk individuals.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have discovered that cancer alters the three-dimensional structure of chromosomes to create a comfortable home for itself inside cells. This remodeling is linked to changes in gene expression and can be targeted with specific drugs, offering new approaches to cancer treatment.
The study demonstrated a paradigm shift in treating AML, proving that genetic information matching leads to better survival rates than traditional one-size-fits-all treatment. Patients who opted for precision medicine experienced lower early death rates and superior overall survival compared to those receiving standard of care.
A new 'next generation' BRAF inhibitor, PLX8394, has shown promising results in an early patient trial for treating various types of cancer. The treatment, taken with cobicistat, resulted in a partial response in 22% of patients, including those with glioma and bowel cancer.
The KRYSTAL-1 phase I/II clinical trial has shown that adagrasib can shrink tumours and is well-tolerated by patients with non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and other solid tumours. The KRAS G12C mutation affects approximately 14% of lung adenocarcinomas and 4% of colorectal cancers.
Researchers found that high concentrations of sunitinib in tumors, but not blood plasma, are associated with improved patient outcomes. The study's results suggest a safer and more effective treatment strategy for patients with advanced cancers.
The ESMO Asia Virtual Congress 2020 examined the efficacy of new therapies for prevalent cancer types in the Asia-Pacific region. The scientific program featured key research areas, including neo-adjuvant immuno-oncology and molecular stratification.
Renowned scientist Sir Peter Ratcliffe emphasizes the importance of passion-driven research in science, contrasting it with the expectation to solely focus on COVID-19. He draws from his own research on hypoxia and its role in various human diseases, highlighting the potential of this field for drug discovery and treatment.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a new precision cancer drug for blood cancers that targets enzymes modifying proteins for cell signalling. The treatment, PCLX-001, has shown promising results in killing various types of cancer cells while leaving non-cancerous cells unharmed.
Researchers created an experimental AI platform called DrugCell that matches tumors to the best drug combinations. The system was trained on over 500,000 cell line/drug pairings and validated in laboratory experiments, showing promise for precision cancer therapy.
Research reveals thymoquinone's ability to induce apoptosis and DNA damage in 5-Fluorouracil-resistant colorectal cancer, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic agent. The compound targets CSCs enriched from both sensitive and resistant cell lines, suggesting a promising effect on chemoresistant cells.
Researchers found that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), commonly used for high blood pressure and heart failure, may increase the likelihood of responding to anti-PD(L)1 therapy. Patients taking ARBs showed a statistically significant improvement in objective response rate and complete response rate compared to those not taking them.
A genome-wide association study found two genetic variants associated with high blood pressure and kidney toxicity in cancer patients treated with bevacizumab. The variants, rs6770663 and rs339947, can be used to predict which patients are at risk of severe side effects.
Researchers have identified silent ancient DNA elements in our genome that, when reactivated, stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. The discovery of ADAR1, an enzyme used by cancer cells to evade detection, opens up a new field of cancer therapies.
Researchers developed a new method to test potential cancer drugs in mice, allowing them to evaluate multiple genetic variants of the same cancer. This approach could accelerate the development of better treatments by increasing the number of tumour models tested with fewer animals.
Three new trans-Atlantic research teams will tackle neuroblastomas, Ewing sarcoma and other difficult-to-treat cancers in children. They aim to develop precision radiotherapy, re-engineer T-cells for immunotherapies and target cancer-causing gene mutations.
Researchers found that combining Th1 cytokines IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha with the small molecule Akt antagonist MK-2206 maximizes indicators of apoptotic cell death in breast cancer cells. The study also suggests a combined therapy approach for Akt-targeting drugs that incorporates recombinant Interferon-gamma.
A Penn-developed machine learning tool helps sustain end-of-life care discussions with cancer patients, tripling the rate of those discussions. The study shows that clinicians engage more in conversations when prompted by an algorithm and a behavioral nudge.
International scientists challenge their colleagues to make Artificial Intelligence (AI) research more transparent and reproducible to accelerate the impact of their findings for cancer patients. The authors offer numerous frameworks and platforms that allow safe and effective sharing of data, computer code, and predictive models.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine discovered that skin cells communicate with each other through protein signals to stop growing and prevent cancer. This finding could lead to new treatment options and potentially prevent melanomas from developing in the first place.
Research shows that intensive smoking cessation counseling for newly diagnosed cancer patients improves quality of life, reduces complications and increases survival. The study found that providing six months of inexpensive tobacco cessation support at diagnosis can result in significant cost savings and improved health outcomes.
The Tumor Neoantigen Selection Alliance (TESLA) has discovered five characteristics that strongly indicated which cancer markers were most likely to generate an immune response. The data model accurately predicted 75% of effective neoantigen targets and filtered out 98% of ineffective ones.
Researchers have discovered a combination of MEK and SHP2 inhibitors effective in targeting the mechanism driving cancer growth in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours. The treatment has shown promise in both cell culture and mouse models, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes for patients.
A pay-for-performance program increased prescriptions of high-quality, evidence-based cancer drugs by 5.1 percentage points without significantly changing total spending on care. The program improved the rate of high-value prescribing in oncology, leading to better patient outcomes and longer life expectancy.
Scientists have developed a technique that quickly identifies optimal synergistic combinations of anticancer drugs, reducing tumour growth by 80% and outperforming chemotherapy. The technology, called TGMO, achieves results in under two weeks, paving the way for personalized, effective, and safe cancer treatment.
Researchers found that 91% of patients with limited stage DLBCL who received no radiation were alive five years after treatment. A PET scan after three cycles of R-CHOP can determine if patients need additional chemotherapy or radiation. This approach may improve patient outcomes and reduce toxicity.
Researchers have developed a new hyperpolarisation technique to monitor cancer drug efficacy, potentially replacing tissue biopsies. The method detects biomarkers like FOXM1, indicating drug resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
Researchers at Lund University identified and tested a drug effective against neuroblastoma, showing promising results with tumor growth prevention and prolonged survival in mice. The KSP inhibitor has been shown to be especially effective against the aggressive variant, which often has poor prognosis.
Preliminary results from two large clinical trials investigating a new PD-1-based immune therapy for metastatic cervical cancer suggest improved response rates and potential new treatment options. The trials involved over 150 patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer and tested the combination of balstilimab and zalifrelimab.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a non-invasive method for concentrating and releasing drugs in the brain with pinpoint accuracy using focused ultrasound. The new technique aggregates drugs at specific sites, reducing dosage requirements by 1,300 times, and preserves physiological barriers between blood and nervous tissue.
The Zero Childhood Cancer Personalised Medicine Program has identified the molecular basis of childhood cancers in over 90% of cases and found at least one new potential treatment option in 70% of children. Early results show that tumours shrank or stopped growing in 30% and 40% of cases, respectively.
Researchers developed a new nanoscale metal-organic framework design to deliver targeted, personalized vaccines for cancer treatment. The approach leverages radiation treatment and the adaptive immune response to kill cancer cells directly and trigger an immune response against tumor cells.
Researchers found that patients receiving personalized cancer therapy had improved survival rates and longer progression-free periods compared to those with unmatched treatment plans. The use of next-generation sequencing allows for more precise targeting of cancer cells.
A recent study published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians found that little effort has been made to increase older adult participation in cancer clinical trials, despite the disproportionate impact of cancer on this age group. The researchers called for a more inclusive approach, recommending that trials ask targeted questions an...
The NeoALTTO BIG-06 trial found that women who achieved pathological complete response (pCR) after treatment had better long-term survival without cancer recurrence. Patients receiving both lapatinib and trastuzumab in combination also had a higher rate of pCR, resulting in improved overall survival rates.
The OU College of Medicine is launching a mobile classroom to promote diversity in health professions, aiming to recruit and retain students from rural and underserved areas. The grant-funded initiative will provide hands-on experience for young people across Oklahoma, particularly in smaller communities with limited resources.
A researcher at the University of Oklahoma is conducting a study to investigate the role of menthol flavoring in smoking habits among young adults. The study aims to inform the FDA's decision on whether to ban menthol flavoring in cigarettes, which could reduce smoking rates among at-risk populations.
The Mark Foundation has launched a new funding program for novel cancer therapeutics. Two projects have been selected, focusing on Ewing sarcoma and leukemias, targeting USP7 and CBP/p300 enzymes with highly selective inhibitors.
Researchers found that changing gene expression first can improve the effectiveness of immunotherapies in battling aggressive pancreatic cancer. The study suggests a promising approach by administering an epigenetically-acting drug before immune checkpoint inhibition, doubling average survival time in preclinical models.
Researchers at University of Würzburg developed a drug that can disarm Aurora-A kinase, a protein that causes extensive damage in cancers like leukemias and neuroblastomas. The new PROTAC substance completely degrades the Aurora protein in cancer cells, leading to cell death.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio discovered that childhood chemotherapy changes the function of cells that repair heart injury, leading to increased risk of heart failure in survivors. The study found that damage to these cells may contribute to late effects seen in childhood cancer survivors when they become adults.
A repeated testing protocol for COVID-19 among patients with cancer was examined in a quality improvement study. The study found that asymptomatic cancer patients can be safely screened for COVID-19 without increasing the risk of infection.
A new study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a role in how prostate cancer patients respond to oral therapies like abiraterone acetate. The research found that bacteria in the gut metabolize the drug, leading to an increase in beneficial organisms with anti-cancer properties.
A clinical trial of selpercatinib has shown promising results for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, achieving high response rates and prolonged survival. The drug specifically targets cancers driven by mutations in the gene RET, with minimal side effects.
Researchers developed a framework to study metabolic processes in cancer cells using Raman spectroscopy and microscopy. The technique identified fatty acid synthesis and mono-unsaturation as new metabolic susceptibilities in cancer cells.
Genetic testing is cost-effective for newly diagnosed metastatic GIST patients, enabling clinicians to prescribe tumor-specific chemotherapy. This approach avoids ineffective treatment and reduces disease progression rates.
A new ATR inhibitor, BAY1895344, showed promising clinical benefits in a phase I trial for patients with advanced solid tumours and defects in genes that coordinate DNA repair. The drug was well-tolerated and stopped tumour growth in over half of patients.
Scientists at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified CDR1as, a circular RNA, as a key player in driving metastasis in lung squamous cell cancer. By targeting this molecule, researchers believe it may be possible to develop new treatments with fewer side effects.
Researchers develop a nano-carrier for medications that can control release in diseased cells only. Synthetic DNA structures stabilize the particles and can be triggered by microRNA molecules found in cancer cells.
TMDU researchers have engineered a material that can identify and target cancer cells using an antibody-supermolecule conjugate, potentially overcoming drug resistance. The new approach showed enhanced autophagic cell death with lower concentrations of the treatment.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that lung transplant patients who receive antifungal preventive medications have a significantly lower risk of death within the first year posttransplant. The study analyzed data from 667 patients and found that mortality risk was about twice as high in those not receiving treatment.
The study provides a comprehensive analysis of current clinical trials in pancreatic cancer, revealing that most trials focus on immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation. The authors conclude that these approaches have yet to strongly impact the disease, emphasizing the need for new discoveries and biomarkers.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have devised a novel approach to kill cancer cells using a nanoparticle coated with an amino acid that selectively targets and destroys cancer cells. The 'Trojan horse' nanoparticle, called Nano-pPAAM, was tested in lab experiments and found to be effective in killing cancer cells with high specificity.
A computational pipeline predicts tumour response to different cancer treatments by identifying complex response markers from the patterns of co-occurrence between cancer driver genes. The system achieved 66% accuracy in predicting responses, offering a key factor in precision medicine for patients.
Scientists at UT Austin identified a protein that promotes DNA damage in BRCA 1/2-mutated cancer cells, making them resistant to PARP inhibitors. The finding may help create more effective treatment plans for patients with these cancers.
Scientists uncover how pomalidomide reduces cancer cell growth by breaking down the protein ARID2, promoting MYC gene expression. This finding provides a plausible explanation for pomalidomide's efficacy in treating lenidomide-resistant multiple myeloma.
A Rutgers study found that college students with disabilities are more likely to misuse prescription pain relievers and have a higher prevalence of drug use disorder. The study also highlights the need for healthcare providers to be aware of the risk of drug misuse in this population.