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 new study using a cryo-electron microscope provides critical information for developing anti-nausea drugs that are effective against cancer patients' vomiting side effects. The high-resolution images reveal the attachment site of widely-used setron drugs on serotonin receptors, offering insights into how their design might be improved.
A gene test can identify prostate cancer patients who are likely to respond to a new type of treatment that uses radioactive particles to kill cancer cells. The test detects genetic weaknesses in DNA repair genes, which is linked to high levels of PSMA on the surface of cancer cells.
A new mathematical model describes how highly concentrated antibody solutions separate into different phases, similar to an oil and water mixture. This separation can reduce the stability and shelf-life of some drugs that use monoclonal antibodies.
A Northwestern University study found that many deadliest cancers, such as colon, lung, and liver cancer, receive significantly less nonprofit research funding than breast cancer, leukemia, and other well-funded types. This underfunding could impact research, drug development, and FDA approvals for these life-altering diseases.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have identified a cellular mechanism that contributes to drug resistance in colon cancer. The study found that KRAS proteins can transfer between cancer cells via long, thin extensions called tunneling nanotubes, leading to more aggressive and invasive cancer behavior.
Researchers have discovered the precise mechanism behind 5-Fluorouracil resistance in cancer, revealing a previously unknown protein called BOK as the key to understanding this phenomenon. Without BOK, cancer cells become dormant and can survive chemotherapy treatment before mutating into more aggressive forms.
A new study reveals a significantly higher prevalence of anal cancer precursors in women living with HIV compared to previous reports. The researchers recommend developing cost-effective detection and management strategies for this population.
The University of Colorado Cancer Center is enrolling patients in a Phase II clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of Rucaparib, a PARP inhibitor, as maintenance therapy for endometrial cancer. The trial aims to determine the drug's ability to prevent cancer cell growth and death in patients with metastatic or recurrent disease.
Researchers found adding pembrolizumab to definitive treatment increased overall average PFS by 19.1 months, compared to 6.6 months in historical averages. The study showed the treatment did not lead to new safety issues or decreased patient quality of life.
A new study found that combining targeted drugs palbociclib and crizotinib is significantly more effective against cancer cells in the laboratory than either drug used alone. The combination approach may broaden the clinical use of palbociclib beyond breast cancer to include other tumour types.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found a correlation between pre-pregnancy body-mass index (BMI) in mothers and subsequent cancer diagnosis in their offspring. Children born to severely obese mothers had a 57% higher risk of developing leukemia before age 5.
A study published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology highlights the need for tailored skin cancer prevention programs to reach non-white and younger populations. The research found significant gaps in sun protective knowledge and behavior among these groups, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive community-based solutions.
Researchers propose a 'first-strike' and 'second-strike' strategy to tackle metastatic cancer. The approach aims to eliminate the entire cancer population by sequencing drugs, rather than relying on maximum tolerated dose therapy. This could lead to better outcomes for patients with widespread disease.
Scientists at the University of Toledo have discovered a new class of cancer-killing agents that target and destroy cancer stem cells. These findings hold promise for developing effective treatments for sarcomas and a subtype of breast cancer known as claudin-low breast cancer.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a novel set of MYC promoter G-quadruplex stabilizers that demonstrate anticancer activity in human cancer cell cultures. The agents downregulate the expression of the MYC oncogene, which is overexpressed in cancer and associated with all aspects of cancer development.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that patients with diabetes who have an empathetic GP are at a lower risk of early death. The study analyzed data from 867 individuals and found that those with better experiences of empathy had a significantly lower risk of death over the subsequent 10 years.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified a new drug combination that is effective against metastatic uveal melanoma cells. The combination of an MEK inhibitor and a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, such as panobinostat, has been shown to prevent resistance to the MEK inhibitor and enhance its anti-tumor properties.
Researchers found that immune cells were six times more active in tumours resistant to cetuximab. Immunotherapies designed to boost the immune system could be effective against these cancers. A phase II clinical trial has begun to test this approach.
Researchers have identified how precision cancer drugs work, enabling new applications and combination therapies. The discovery reveals the role of PARP proteins in DNA repair, increasing sensitivity to radiation therapy and potential for treating aggressive cancers.
Researchers discovered that bats have higher levels of ABCB1 protein, which reduces DNA damage and cancer incidence. Blocking ABCB1 in bat cells triggers toxic chemical accumulation, leading to cell death. This finding could lead to future therapies for humans to prevent or treat cancer.
A study of 298,434 patients found that married women had a better prognosis after breast cancer diagnosis compared to single or divorced patients. Single patients showed improved outcomes only among white patients and those aged over 35 with hormone receptor-positive tumors.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discover that the anticonvulsant drug papaverine blocks the binding of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) to its receptor, reducing inflammation in sepsis and cancer. The study uses a novel computer-based docking approach to find alternative uses for existing drugs.
Researchers developed a computer model that simulates the metabolism of cancer cells, identifying effective drug combinations and predicting tumor growth inhibition. The model has been tested for colorectal cancer and shows promise for other types of cancer, potentially reducing development time and cost.
Researchers found that Medicare beneficiaries with high annual drug spending may pay more out-of-pocket for generics than brands if they use expensive specialty drugs. The study's lead author argues that policy changes are needed to address the issue and ensure generic drug users aren't overpaying.
Research suggests that PI3K inhibitors, a new class of cancer drugs, may cause an increase in pre-cancerous lesions in the pancreas of mice fed high-fat diets. The findings urge doctors to consider a patient's weight before prescribing these drugs, especially for those with pancreatic cancer who are obese.
Researchers have shown that high doses of cyclophosphamide stimulate an immune system attack on lymphoma cells, resolving long-standing questions about the drug's mode of action. The discovery suggests a novel way to spark an immune system strike on certain cancers, particularly those with aggressive characteristics.
Researchers at the University of Akron have developed 3D tumor models that more accurately replicate human tumors than traditional 2D cultures. These models are being used to test new drugs and understand the drivers of triple-negative breast cancer, a type of cancer with limited treatment options.
Researchers found that cancer cells respond differently to targeted drugs based on tumour type and genetic weaknesses. The study suggests rethinking precision medicine and designing clinical trials with both gene faults and tumour type in mind.
A new clinical trial has successfully treated women with HER2-positive breast cancer who have no other treatment options by combining Herceptin with chemotherapy. The two-in-one treatment extended life for patients with high and low levels of the HER2 protein, offering a promising solution to drug resistance.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that introducing a default physician order into electronic health records reduced daily imaging for cancer patients with advanced cancer by half. This change also saved an average of two minutes per session, resulting in faster treatment courses.
Scientists have identified a novel pathway allowing subcutaneously administered antibodies to bypass the immune system's traditional route. This breakthrough discovery enables targeted delivery of antibodies to the draining lymph node, potentially revolutionizing treatments for inflammatory diseases and cancers.
Researchers developed an algorithm to identify pediatric oncology patients in EHR data, narrowing down patient cohorts for clinical studies. The tool improved accuracy and efficiency in patient selection, paving the way for more effective research on childhood cancers.
Researchers sequenced canine cancer cell lines to identify human-like genetic changes driving canine cancers. The study found 61 genetic variants that match known drivers of human cancer, and showed sensitivity to human medicines.
Researchers found that children with chromosomal defects were almost 12 times more likely to develop cancer than those without birth defects. Children with non-chromosomal defects had a 2.5 times increased risk of cancer compared to those without birth defects.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study reveals that combining immunotherapy with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition sensitizes cancers to anti-PD1 therapy. HDAC inhibitors upregulate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins, presenting antigens to T cells and making them effective against cancer cells.
Jason S. Lewis, PhD, has received the 2019 Paul C. Aebersold Award from the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) for his outstanding contributions to basic nuclear medicine science. His research focuses on developing radiopharmaceuticals for targeted diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
A plant-based diet followed by a man with Crohn's disease led to complete mucosal healing and remission after removing animal products from his diet. The study supports the idea that high-fiber, plant-based diets may benefit patients with Crohn's disease.
Researchers discovered that DBC1 protein helps regulate normal anti-cancer functions and that restoring its expression can prevent cancer development and increase therapy effectiveness. The study found that maintaining DBC1 levels in cancer cells exposed to certain drugs triggers a substantially increased response to treatment.
A human-on-a-chip model developed by Hesperos, Inc. realistically replicates the responses of cancer treatments, enabling more accurate and efficient preclinical testing. The model demonstrated efficacy and toxicity of anticancer drugs on various cell lines, informing treatment decisions for individual patients.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to map the properties of water in breast cancer cells, which can help understand how chemotherapy drugs work and potentially lead to new treatments. This approach may also be useful for diagnosing other diseases.
Researchers found that administering anti-inflammatory treatments before surgery can eliminate the spread of cancer cells and promote prolonged survival in animal models. These findings suggest a potential paradigm shift in cancer treatment approaches, particularly for patients undergoing resectable cancers.
Researchers found that FOLFIRINOX prolonged patients' lives by an average of 22.2 months, increasing the chances of complete tumor removal through surgery. More than two-thirds of cancers responded well to treatment, allowing for surgical removal.
The Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences supports young researchers investigating connections between embryos and their mothers, tick-borne diseases, and sensory information processing. The program aims to drive significant scientific discoveries by investing in promising scientists at the beginning stages of their careers.
CNIO researchers identified new drug combinations that prevent therapy resistance in mice with glioblastoma by targeting the RAS pathway and telomere maintenance. The study found effective synergistic effects and increased life expectancy in mice by up to 80%.
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame have developed small drug-targeting molecules that can deliver potent drugs to desired sites of disease, including cancer. The molecules use a 'homing' cue to attract drug molecules to sites bearing a tumor, reducing toxic side effects.
Scientists have created a hydrogel that attracts chemotherapy drugs to tumors in mice, reducing side effects caused by the drugs acting on healthy cells. The approach uses cucurbituril to target therapies to a tumor, resulting in improved treatment outcomes and reduced toxicity.
Researchers have identified a potential treatment for leukemia by repurposing a heart failure medication. The study found that proscillaridin A preferentially attacks leukemic stem cells, driving the spread of cancer.
Scientists create synthetic metabolic pathway to access essential isoprenoids, overcoming challenges in extraction, cultivation and cost. This breakthrough enables researchers to produce these valuable molecules directly from microbes.
Boehringer Ingelheim and the University of Dundee have extended their collaboration to develop novel protein degradation medicines targeting cancer-causing proteins. The structure-based design approach has yielded a highly potent and selective drug candidate, making it freely available via Boehringer Ingelheim's open innovation portal.
Scientists have discovered a small molecule drug that can stop cancer cells from becoming resistant to chemotherapy. The compound, JH-RE-06, works by thwarting cancer's ability to survive and adapt to DNA damage caused by traditional chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin.
SMU researchers develop a new approach to treat drug-resistant prostate cancer cells using a protein inhibitor and chemotherapy. The method shows promising results, increasing sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapeutics without harming healthy cells.
Researchers discovered a compound that blocks a DNA repair pathway, increasing cell killing with cisplatin and preventing mutations. In mouse models, tumors shrank more when treated with the combination of the compound and cisplatin, suggesting improved treatment outcomes.
Recent advances in organoid technology are revolutionizing cancer research, allowing for personalized drug testing on individual patient cells. Meanwhile, integrating organoids with organ-on-a-chip technology may overcome control challenges and enhance physiological realism, paving the way for more advanced biomedical applications.
A researcher is using a $2.3 million grant to study the mechanisms by which bacteria in the colon may trigger cancer development. The goal is to develop prevention strategies, such as probiotics, to stop the triggering of the immune response.
Researchers at Université de Montrêal discovered a molecular indicator for cancer progression, enabling precision medicine. They found that SRC kinases chemically modify SOCS1, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation in cancers.
A UCLA-led study found that combining hormone therapy with the drug ribociclib significantly improved overall survival in premenopausal women with advanced hormone-receptor positive breast cancer. The study showed a 70% survival rate after 42 months compared to 46% for those receiving only hormone therapy.
A new test developed by UT Southwestern Medical Center aims to identify kidney cancer patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy. The test uses a diagnostic tracer to visualize tumors and assess PD-L1 expression, which can predict treatment response. The approach has shown promise in early studies.
The POLO trial shows that olaparib significantly reduces the risk of disease progression or death in metastatic pancreatic cancer patients with BRCA mutations. Progression-free survival was 7.4 months on the olaparib arm, compared to 3.8 months on the placebo arm.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have successfully treated cancer patients with HIV using immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab. The study found that the drug was safe and effective in patients with well-controlled HIV, offering hope for inclusivity in future clinical trials.
The NCI-MATCH trial found a combination of dabrafenib and trametinib to be effective in treating patients with BRAF mutations across 17 distinct tumor types, including several rare cancer types. The treatment showed promising activity outside of currently approved FDA indications.