Research on the drugs used to treat cancer and how well they work. Covers immunotherapy, chemotherapy-free regimens, biosimilars, targeted drugs, and treatment costs.
A VCU study reveals an experimental cancer drug called AR-12 may be effective against SARS-CoV-2, inhibiting viral infection and replication. The oral treatment has shown promise in previous studies, including against other viruses like Zika and influenza.
A phase 1 clinical trial of sotorasib (AMG 510) demonstrated anti-cancer activity in patients with heavily pretreated advanced solid tumors. Patients with non-small cell lung cancer had a 32% response rate and median progression-free survival of 6.3 months.
A major trial shows olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, is more effective than modern hormone treatments in slowing down prostate cancer growth and spread. Patients with genetic alterations in DNA repair genes who received olaparib had a median overall survival of 19.1 months.
A phase III clinical trial led by Queen Mary University of London shows that immunotherapy drug avelumab significantly improves survival in patients with the most common type of bladder cancer. Avelumab resulted in a 31% reduction in risk of death and extended median survival by over seven months.
Scientists have identified enzymes ASB13 and USB20 that regulate the recycling of a dangerous protein called SNAI2, which helps cancers metastasize. Targeting these enzymes may provide a way to control SNAI2's aggressiveness and prevent cancer progression.
A study presented at ESMO 2020 found significant variations in access to cancer medicines and clinical trials across European countries. Western European nations tend to have more clinical trials, while Eastern and Central European countries face barriers due to limited infrastructure and resources.
Researchers found a sixfold variation in itraconazole levels in tumor samples of lung cancer patients treated with the drug at a fixed dose. The levels correlated with tumor shrinkage and growth inhibition. Higher blood and tumor levels led to greater decreases in tumor volumes and reductions in new blood vessel formation.
A $11.4 million NIH grant has funded the advancement of a novel drug candidate, SBP-9330, targeting a neuronal signaling pathway underlying addictive behaviors to treat nicotine addiction. The drug is expected to be effective in reducing nicotine self-administration and may broaden its indication to other types of addiction.
A team of scientists has unraveled the molecular basis underlying colorectal cancer by discovering how mutations in RNF43 activate the Wnt signaling pathway. This finding provides potential treatment options for certain types of colorectal cancer.
Researchers at Babraham Institute used cellular signalling knowledge to discover ERK5 protein's binding location affects inhibitors, potentially leading to unwanted cell growth. This finding prevents wasted resource in commercial pharmaceutical companies' drug discovery efforts.
Smokers have worse chemotherapy response and higher mortality rates from bladder cancer, with a higher risk of cancer recurrence. Former smokers also fare poorly in these categories.
A preclinical study from MD Anderson and BridgeBio's Navire Pharma shows that SHP2 inhibition can overcome osimertinib resistance in lung cancer. The study found that IACS-13909 suppressed tumor cell proliferation and caused tumor regression in various activated kinase-driven models.
Researchers found a combination of olaparib and capivasertib to be effective against advanced cancers, including those that stopped responding to chemotherapy. The treatment targets two weaknesses in cancer, DNA repair and AKT addiction, offering new hope for patients with drug-resistant cancer.
Researchers found that patients on immunosuppressive therapy are not at increased risk for contracting COVID-19. In fact, some medications may even lower hospitalization rates. However, multiple medication regimens may increase susceptibility to the virus.
A new UCLA study identifies two key drivers of the immune system's attack on cancer cells: T cell infiltration and interferon-gamma signaling. The research found that blocking immune checkpoints amplifies interferon-gamma signaling, leading to enhanced antitumor immune responses.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine reveals that biological sex has a small but significant impact on gene expression in every type of human tissue. The researchers found over 37% of genes were expressed differently in males and females, with diverse molecular functions involved, including disease-related traits.
Researchers developed DNA-based nanovaccines that stimulate killer T cell immunity, resulting in tumor control. The synthetic vaccines enhanced CD8 T cell activation and induced muscle cell apoptosis, attracting macrophage infiltration and activating immune responses.
A major clinical trial found that a blood test can reliably match women with advanced breast cancer to effective targeted treatments by tracking disease evolution and mutations. The plasmaMATCH trial showed promising results, validating the use of liquid biopsies in routine care for patients with rare subtypes of breast cancer.
Drs. Dennis Lo, Karen Mann and Ronald Przygodzki are recognized for their pioneering work in non-invasive prenatal testing and cancer detection using circulating nucleic acids. Their innovations have created a paradigm in prenatal medicine and advanced the field of molecular diagnostics.
Researchers at City of Hope found that Andrographis paniculata, a natural botanical, is effective in killing chemo-resistant colon cancer cells when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. The study's goal was to develop a non-toxic treatment that could succeed in killing cancer cells.
A new drug developed by University of Sheffield researchers could block signals from a hormone that helps cancer cells grow and spread, potentially improving life expectancy and quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients. The compound targets a specific receptor in cancer cells without affecting vital bodily processes.
A retrospective study from George Washington University found that spironolactone is not associated with increased risk of female breast cancer recurrence. The drug may be used as an additional treatment option for alopecia in female breast cancer patients who are disease-free.
Researchers found that 27% of immune checkpoint inhibitor recipients experienced irAEs, with 5% developing multi-organ irAEs sequentially. Multi-organ irAEs were generally amenable to satisfactory management and associated with better overall survival rates.
Researchers developed a novel drug delivery system that significantly enhances the effectiveness of treatment for melanoma. The system uses a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer to deliver two proven medications simultaneously at the tumor site, resulting in longer-lasting therapeutic effects and lower dosages.
A study analyzing nearly 900 kidney cancer patients identified novel biomarkers and gene signatures associated with treatment response. These findings could help personalize treatments for patients based on their individual tumor characteristics.
Researchers develop a hydrogel-based delivery system that releases an anti-rejection drug slowly over time, providing enhanced protection for transplanted hearts. The system, called MTH, was shown to improve graft survival rates and reduce immune response.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered two experimental drugs that can suppress the growth and spread of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by affecting its blood vessels, oxygen levels, and other environmental factors. The findings highlight the potential of these drugs for NSCLC treatment.
A large study of over 260,000 participants found no evidence that blood pressure lowering drugs increase the risk of cancer. The research analyzed data from 31 trials and investigated five antihypertensive drug classes, including ACE inhibitors and beta blockers.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that life expectancy for Black men in Washington, DC, was on average 17.23 years shorter than for white men, while Black women had a gap of 12.06 years. The study attributed these disparities to factors such as heart disease, homicide, cancer, and socioeconomic conditions.
A new breast cancer treatment developed by UIC researchers has shown safety and effectiveness in Phase 1 clinical trials, with no toxic side effects reported. The drug, TTC-352, halted disease progression in six patients with metastatic breast cancer, offering a promising alternative to traditional hormone therapy.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed an improved type of PROTAC that enhances intracellular accumulation and functions, not only as a degrader but also as an inhibitor of the target protein. The study's findings suggest the possibility of applying this strategy to improve PROTACs for clinical applications.
A majority of patients with medullary thyroid cancer treated with selpercatinib lived for more than a year without disease progression. The drug showed high efficacy and good tolerability, with response rates of up to 79% and manageable side effects.
Researchers developed a world-first technique to improve cancer treatments by analyzing fresh patient tumour biopsies within 30 minutes of collection. The 'Drug uptake in ex Vivo tumours' technique helps pharmaceutical and technology companies design future cancer drugs.
Researchers adapted principles of quantum control to calculate alternative interventions for infection and cancer. They developed a mathematical algorithm that can design and speed up specific interventions to prevent or overturn drug resistance, offering a promising approach to defeating drug-resistant diseases.
The European Society for Medical Oncology has issued its first recommendations on the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for patients with metastatic cancers. The guidelines recommend routine NGS use for four specific cancer types, while also allowing patients to order larger gene panels if feasible and cost-effective. The recomme...
A study by Hokkaido University scientists found that Interleukin-34 is a prognostic marker and drug target for Triple Negative Breast Cancer. High levels of IL-34 were associated with poor prognosis in TNBC patients.
A new mechanism for anticancer drug resistance has been discovered in gastric cancer, involving a molecule called Annexin A6. The molecule is secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts and taken up by gastric cancer cells, leading to increased resistance to treatment.
Scientists at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre discover a promising approach to identify the best patients for targeted therapy in triple negative breast cancer. Using patient-derived cell lines, researchers found a correlation between levels of RB1 protein and decreased growth in cancer cells.
A new study discovered that GULP1 is a key regulator of the NRF2-KEAP1 signaling axis in urothelial carcinoma. GULP1 knockdown led to increased tumor growth and resistance to cisplatin treatment.
Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered a molecule that can activate the STING protein to help patients fight cancer. The optimized STING-activator, SR-717, dramatically suppressed tumor growth and boosted immune cells in an animal model of aggressive melanoma.
Adult cancer survivors are more likely to misuse prescription opioids compared to those without cancer. The study found a significant association between cancer diagnosis and increased opioid misuse.
A new study from Lund University found that PDE5 inhibitors can improve prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. The study revealed a 18% lower risk of death and reduced metastases among men who used the drugs after diagnosis.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsens existing health disparities in cancer patients, with marginalized communities facing poorer treatment outcomes. Healthcare providers must acknowledge these disparities to deliver equitable care.
Recent advances in treatment have led to a sharp reduction in lung cancer mortality rates in the US, with non-small cell lung cancer deaths decreasing faster than incidence. The study found significant improvements in survival for both men and women, particularly after the introduction of targeted therapies.
A McGill-led study unlocks the behavior of an enzyme involved in cancer cell spread, revealing a delicate interaction between PRL3 and magnesium transport proteins crucial to colorectal cancer growth. This finding calls into question long-standing hypotheses about PRL3's role in cancer spread.
A new study aims to investigate how chemotherapy affects children's brain development and cognitive function, particularly sensory processing, memory, and attention. The researchers hope to develop protective interventions to prevent permanent harm from 'chemo brain'.
Researchers successfully reduced metastatic spread by using medication treatment around the time of surgery, preventing development of metastases. The study found a significant reduction in metastasis development rate in treated patients compared to those receiving a placebo.
A new study uses patient-specific tumor organoids to identify the most effective chemotherapy protocol for treating advanced stages of colon and appendiceal cancer. The approach shows promise in tailoring treatment to individual patients, potentially increasing life expectancy.
Researchers efficiently synthesized cepafungin I, a natural compound with promise as an anti-cancer agent, using a lean new process that overcame its complex molecular structure. The compound targets the proteasome, a strategy used by many existing cancer medications.
A new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers finds that Medicare Part D plans favor generic drugs over brand-name counterparts, with only 0.9% of plans covering only the brand name in 2019. Generic drugs were often on the same or lower cost-sharing tier as brand names, saving patients out-of-pocket costs.
Researchers at GW Cancer Center demonstrate that HDAC6 inhibitors can both enhance immunotherapy's effectiveness and decrease breast cancer's invasiveness, offering new treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer patients.
Disulfiram, used to treat alcoholism, has shown potential against SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting viral replication and reducing glutathione levels, while neratinib, an experimental breast cancer treatment, also demonstrates effectiveness in blocking coronavirus protease M pro.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that molecular characteristics can refine prognostic recommendations for AML patients under age 60. The study detected mutations in several categories, which were associated with better or worse outcomes and may help improve treatment choices.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have discovered a novel drug target, PPP1R1B, that stops the spread of pancreatic cancer in mice. Increased levels of this protein have been found in tumor samples from people with metastatic pancreatic cancer, suggesting it has therapeutic potential.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute develop new models to study molecular characteristics of lung and pancreas tumors driven by NTRK1 mutations. The findings aim to identify effective treatments for patients with NTRK1-driven cancers, which have proven resistant to current therapies.
Researchers studying cichlid fishes aim to understand genetic mechanisms controlling facial development, which may also apply to humans. The study's findings could help determine if certain medications prescribed for human diseases might cause facial malformations in unborn babies.
A blood test can predict which cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy, a treatment option for advanced cancers. The test analyzes changing levels of tumour fragments in the blood to identify those who will respond well to the treatment.
Researchers at CeMM developed a scalable strategy to discover novel molecular glue degraders, which can eliminate disease-causing proteins by targeting the cellular protein quality control system. The study identifies a set of novel compounds that induce the degradation of cyclin K, essential in many cancer types.
A new study from UC San Diego researchers reveals that an investigational drug candidate called tipifarnib shows promise in treating head and neck cancer tumors with mutations in the HRAS gene. The findings support the idea that HRAS represents a druggable oncogene in HNSCC, providing a precision therapeutic option.
Dr. Britta Will, an assistant professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, has won the prestigious Pershing Square Sohn Prize for her innovative cancer research. Her studies focus on understanding mechanisms that create and sustain cancer stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.