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 Dartmouth Health have found that HPV vaccines effective in the US may not provide adequate protection for women in low- and middle-income countries due to differing prevalence of HPV strains. This has significant implications for cervical cancer prevention and treatment in these regions.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells generate a high number of errors when copying their DNA under treatment, fuelling resistance. Combining targeted therapy with DNA repair mechanism-targeting drugs may lead to more effective therapeutic strategies.
A new technology has been developed to rapidly create homogeneous antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that target specific sites on cancer cells. The USC team's approach offers improved efficiency and potential enhanced stability, effectiveness, and safety compared to current methods.
Researchers have identified key changes in a molecular pathway that plays critical roles in human development, blood pressure regulation, inflammation, and cell death. The findings provide a blueprint for drug development and shed light on how common medications interact with the target.
A review of 56 randomized clinical trials found that cognitive behavior therapy is superior to other psychotherapies in reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. CBT was most effective in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
Basic research funding for cancer therapies reached $64 billion, with the NIH contributing $20 billion and other institutes providing the majority of the remaining funds. This funding enabled the development of innovative immunotherapies for cancer.
SYNB1891, an engineered E. coli Nissle strain producing cyclic di-AMP, demonstrates anti-tumor activity and generates immunological memory in preclinical models of cancer. The therapy is being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma.
Researchers found that children with birth defects are more likely to develop certain types of cancer, including neuroblastoma and hepatoblastoma, and are diagnosed earlier in life. The study compared data from nearly 14,000 children with cancer to those with cancer and one or more birth defects.
Researchers identified key features of tumors that influence response to immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs in advanced kidney cancer. Unlike other types of cancer, high infiltration by CD8 T cells actually led to a worse outcome, contradicting previous observations.
Myeloma Drug Sensitivity Testing (My-DST) uses liquid biopsies to test drug effectiveness on patient samples. The approach shows promise in predicting real patient responses, and may guide drug development for multiple myeloma treatment.
A WPI-led research team has identified drugs that target triple-negative breast cancer tumors in mice without inducing toxic side effects. The targeted therapies use molecular recognition units to specifically target the tumors, reducing their sizes and eliminating them.
A transgenic mouse model of HLH has been found to be effective in treating severe COVID-19 patients by calming the 'cytokine storm', a common feature of children battling secondary HLH. Ruxolitinib showed promising results, with 90% of patients showing CT scan improvement within 14 days.
Researchers identified an enzyme, p38α kinase, as crucial for metastasis, which is the primary cause of cancer deaths. By blocking this enzyme using an inhibitor, they successfully reduced melanoma's spread to the lungs and prolonged survival time.
A phase III clinical trial has shown that immunotherapy drug 'avelumab' significantly improves survival in patients with the most common type of bladder cancer. Treatment with avelumab resulted in a 31% reduction in risk of death and extended median survival by over seven months.
Oncologists are calling for more time spent on education about palliative care and discussing 'bad news' with patients. Research shows cancer doctors have limited coaching in this area, which can impact patient preferences for treatment or palliative care.
Researchers found that cancer therapy can trigger the formation of large, aggressive cells with multiple chromosomes. A scientist is now developing a drug to prevent or treat these rogue cells, which can lead to cancer recurrence.
Researchers identified WWP1 mutations as a genetic driver of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome-associated cancer. The study found that WWP1 variants lead to abnormal activation of the enzyme inhibiting PTEN function and contributing to cancer development, suggesting a new therapeutic target.
Scientists develop method to preserve beneficial properties of polyphenols and flavonoids in cancer treatment, resulting in highly effective and low-toxicity therapies.
Researchers have discovered a new class of immunotherapy that targets myeloid immune cells and slows tumor growth by inhibiting the c-Rel molecule. The treatment showed promising results in both human cells and mouse models, shrinking tumors by up to 80% and reducing immune suppressor cells.
Olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, targets genetic mutations in advanced prostate cancer patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2. The FDA approved the drug for homologous recombination repair gene-mutated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Researchers discovered that lumefantrine, an FDA-approved anti-malarial drug, can inhibit the genetic element Fli-1 controlling resistance to radiation and chemotherapy in glioblastoma multiforme. Lumefantrine also suppresses tumor cell growth and inhibits key processes regulating cancer invasion and spread.
Recent studies have shown that Clioquinol exhibits anti-tumor activities in various cancer cell lines, inhibiting growth and inducing cytotoxicity. However, its clinical efficacy is limited due to poor absorption by tumor cells. Researchers are exploring novel combinations, delivery methods, and analogues of Clioquinol for improved can...
Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered a way to convert an antagonist CD40 antibody into an agonist, which can stimulate the immune system and cure cancer more effectively. The study shows that this
The UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has been awarded a $5.75 million grant to study the role of obesity in the development of pancreatic cancer. The research aims to understand how inflammation from obesity influences tumor formation and develop prevention strategies for high-risk individuals.
Scientists are conducting a randomized trial to assess the efficacy of ibrutinib, a blood cancer treatment, in reducing supplemental oxygen needs and shortening hospital stays for COVID-19 patients. The goal is to improve survival rates among those with breathing problems caused by the virus.
A new study by The Institute of Cancer Research reveals that delays in cancer surgery due to the Covid-19 pandemic could result in thousands of additional deaths. The modelling suggests that a three-month delay would lead to an additional 4,755 deaths and 92,214 years of life lost.
YIV-906, a first-in-class botanical drug candidate developed through NFCR funding, commences Phase IIB clinical trials for hepatitis B-associated liver cancer. The drug has demonstrated safety and promising efficacy in early-stage trials and may improve survival and quality of life for patients.
A newly identified biomarker could help scientists pinpoint which cancers are vulnerable to treatment with biguanides, a common class of medications used to control blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes. The biomarker is linked to the gene MYC and has been found to be regulated by microRNAs that target certain cancer cells.
Researchers developed TransPRECISE to combine molecular data, drug profiling, and cancer cell lines to understand tumor behavior. The tool accurately predicted potential therapeutic efficiency of drugs and identified key targets.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio identified key drivers of tumor plasticity, a phenomenon where cancer cells change their behavior to evade treatments. The study found that targeting these genetic signals could increase therapy effectiveness and potentially cure more cancers.
A new LAT1 inhibitor has been developed that can induce apoptosis in cancer cells without affecting brain amino acid homeostasis. The inhibitor was tested in vitro and found to be hemocompatible, making it a promising treatment option for various cancers.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism for regulating RAS enzyme activity that will inform therapeutic strategies for inhibiting mutated RAS proteins involved in cancer. The study found that close proximity on the cell membrane is required for one RAS protein to interact with other RAS proteins.
A new study by SWOG Cancer Research Network found that simple text reminders do not improve breast cancer hormone therapy adherence. The study enrolled 724 post-menopausal women and tested the effectiveness of brief, twice-weekly text messages reminding them to take their medication.
A new treatment combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab has significantly improved survival for people with hepatocellular carcinoma, reducing mortality risk by 42% and increasing cancer response rates. The therapy is being reviewed for FDA approval under a Real-Time Oncology Review pilot program.
The EULAR 2020 study investigates the connection between breast cancer, anti-hormonal therapy, and rheumatoid arthritis. The results show that the risk of breast cancer in women with RA is lower than in women with healthy joints, and no association was found between anti-hormonal breast cancer prophylaxis and later RA.
The Cancer IO project aims to drive creation of a Finnish IO ecosystem and national IO growth strategy, boosting business competitiveness and individualization of care. With 10 million euros funding, the project will support top-level research and development of cancer immunotherapy treatments.
Menkes disease is a rare genetic disorder caused by a copper deficiency, leading to severe brain damage and neuromuscular deficits. Researchers from Texas A¼M have found promising results using the cancer drug elesclomol to deliver copper to tissues and restore energy production.
A clinical trial found that olanzapine significantly improved patient quality of life by reducing nausea and vomiting scores. The study showed that patients who received olanzapine reported less vomiting, better appetite, and better well-being compared to those who received a placebo.
Researchers identified two previously overlooked genes as potential new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment and male infertility. RMPs play a key role in the RNA modification process, adding or removing chemical groups to the sequence, and altering the original code copied from DNA.
Researchers developed a new conjugated drug, Nav-Gal, that selectively removes senescent cells, minimizing harm to healthy cells and reducing toxicity. The use of this compound in combination with chemotherapy may be a promising strategy for treating cancer.
A series of Canadian studies found that conspicuous alcohol labels can increase awareness of drinking harms and guidelines, leading to a 6.9% decrease in total sales of alcohol. The labels provided information on the risks of alcohol consumption or drinking guidelines, improving knowledge of alcohol-related health risks such as cancer.
A large study of cancer patients with COVID-19 reveals a dramatically high case-fatality rate of 28%, significantly higher than the overall US mortality rate. The study emphasizes the importance of preventing cancer patients from contracting COVID-19 and closely monitoring for dangerous symptoms.
A new study by researchers from the University of Zurich and Harvard Medical School found that the high cost of cancer drugs in the US is not always justified. The study analyzed the costs of 65 cancer drugs in five countries and found no correlation between monthly treatment costs and clinical benefit.
A new form of local chemotherapy using a mitomycin-containing reverse thermal gel has been shown to be effective in treating low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer, allowing patients to keep their kidney. The treatment has a high complete response rate and is associated with manageable side effects.
A clinical trial found that a breast cancer drug called olaparib is more effective than targeted hormone therapy at keeping advanced prostate cancer in check. The study showed significant delays in disease progression for men with faulty DNA repair genes.
Scientists at Washington State University have discovered candidate genes that could be used to manufacture Taxol more quickly and efficiently. The genes, characterized by lead researcher Mark Lange, will enable engineers to develop organisms that can produce the cancer-fighting drug.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study reveals significant variation in how drug side effects are reported, potentially leading to misinformation about a drug's safety. The study suggests standardizing reporting methods could improve the accuracy of risk assessments and drug licensing.
Patients receiving 177Lu-DOTATATE radiation therapy may experience travel delays at U.S. ports of entry due to residual radiation activity; carrying a travel card with treatment information can help alleviate this issue.
MIT engineers have devised a way to speed up drug development by rapidly testing how well drugs are absorbed in the small intestine. The new system uses pig intestinal tissue grown in the lab to test thousands of different versions of a drug in just hours.
A phase II randomized trial found that continuous dosing of BRAF and MEK inhibitors improved progression-free survival by nine months compared to intermittent treatment, which failed to show significant benefits. The study, led by the SWOG Cancer Research Network, enrolled 249 patients with common melanoma mutations and showed that con...
Researchers found that immunotherapy 'checkpoint' inhibitor treatment before surgery eliminated cancer evidence in nearly half of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. The treatment approach may reduce surgery extent and slow tumor relapses.
Prolgolimab, a Russian original PD-1 inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma. The drug demonstrated significant antitumor activity and manageable safety in a phase II study, with 42 out of 126 patients experiencing an objective response.
Scientists have developed a multi-functional graphene-based nanomedicine that targets cancer cells with enhanced anticancer activity. The material, which combines three types of molecules for improved tumor targeting and drug delivery, shows promise for future biomedical applications.
A combination of immunotherapy agents encourages immune cells to consume tumors and alert others to attack, boosting survival for glioblastoma patients. The therapy, tested in a mouse model, successfully shrank tumors and extended life, with 55% of animals surviving over the course of the study.
A new AI model has been developed to classify colorectal polyps on histology slides with high accuracy, performing as well as practicing pathologists. The model was trained on a dataset from 24 different institutions and evaluated on an external dataset, demonstrating its generalizability.
A new targeted drug, adavosertib, has demonstrated strong activity against uterine serous carcinoma (USC), a hard-to-treat form of the disease. In nearly one-third of patients, tumors shrank in response to the treatment.
Metformin activates fat metabolism that promotes survival of dormant breast cancer cells during estrogen deprivation, suggesting context-dependent effects on cancer cells. This discovery informs ongoing clinical trials and guides the development of new therapeutic targets to selectively kill cancer cells.
Researchers have discovered a gene signature, USC73, that can identify women with rare and aggressive uterine serous carcinoma who are unlikely to respond to standard chemotherapy. The high USC73 score is associated with poor patient survival, cancer cell proliferation, and low rates of complete response to treatment.
A case series of lung cancer patients taking osimertinib (Tagrisso) revealed a rare twist in the right side of their colon, cecal volvulus. Doctors using this drug with EGFR+ non-small cell lung cancer patients should watch for these cases alongside more expected side effects.
A recent study published in Nature Cancer has revealed a critical pathway that regulates the production of PD-L1, a protein used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. By targeting this pathway, researchers hope to develop more effective cancer immunotherapies.