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 phase III international clinical trial found that treatment with apalutamide significantly improved overall survival by 33% compared to standard-of-care therapy. The study also showed apalutamide delayed disease progression, increasing the time until chemotherapy was needed.
A large study has demonstrated that enzalutamide improves outcomes for men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, with an overall survival rate of 80% after three years. This new treatment option is especially relevant for men who cannot tolerate chemotherapy and have a lower burden of disease.
Researchers have found a safer way to treat T-ALL, a type of leukemia mainly affecting children. The breakthrough involves targeting specific versions of the gamma-secretase complex, which stops cancer growth without causing toxicity.
A recent study published in The FASEB Journal found that some cancer cells switch to alternative molecular mechanisms to evade anti-cancer therapies. Researchers identified several existing and new drugs that specifically target these 'cancer cell escape routes'.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System found a 17% increased risk of death among people taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for up to 10 years, with deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and upper gastrointestinal cancer.
Boosting type 1 interferon production has been shown to clear viral infections and increase immunity against cancer in an animal model. Glycolysis-derived lactate plays a critical role in limiting RLR signaling, which enables the activation of type 1 IFN production.
Researchers identified a genetic switch in breast cancer cells that boosts Keratin-80 production, making cells more rigid and prone to invade nearby tissues. The study suggests targeting this switch with a different drug could help reverse resistance and prevent cancer spread.
A new study presented at ASCO 2019 shows that brigatinib is effective in patients who have received another next-generation ALK inhibitor. The 40-50 percent response rate suggests that brigatinib may be a useful treatment option for these patients. Detailed molecular analyses will help determine the characteristics of patients sensitiv...
Researchers found that the combination of ibrutinib and venetoclax was highly effective in achieving complete remission with undetectable minimal residual disease in high-risk CLL patients. The study also showed that this combination therapy had no new toxic effects compared to individual agents.
A team of researchers developed a macrocyclic peptide, HiP-8, that selectively inhibits active Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), a protein promoting cancer cell invasion and survival. HiP-8 shows high affinity for HGF and has potential as a PET imaging probe and anti-cancer drug.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment approach for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) that targets the Notch signaling pathway with greater safety and efficacy than previous treatments. The findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, show promise for translating this therapy to patients.
A new urology care model developed by Flinders University focuses on supporting bladder cancer patients' partners and family, addressing their daily impacts and needs. Health professionals can capitalize on this by providing clear information, counseling, and support to manage the shock, fear, and treatment of bladder cancer.
The partnership aims to increase HPV vaccine uptake, which causes over 33,000 cancers annually. UVA will launch a multipronged campaign to educate healthcare workers and the public on the importance of HPV vaccination.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System are using a unique approach to understand cell communication via pannexin channels. By discovering how cells communicate, they aim to manipulate the channels to better treat major health threats such as high blood pressure and fatty liver disease.
A recent study found that children with cancer wait an average of 6.5 years longer than adults to access new drugs. Researchers at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center are advocating for improved pediatric trial timelines. The delay can lead to a lack of effective treatments for life-threatening diseases.
A recent study published in Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that about 3% of brigatinib patients experience shortness of breath within hours of starting the drug. However, with appropriate supportive care, most patients can rapidly build tolerance and continue on the drug without incident.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have made a significant discovery regarding tumor dormancy, a state of inactivity that allows cancer cells to evade detection and recurrence. By targeting senescent cells, they hope to develop novel therapeutics that can eliminate dormant tumor cells and prevent disease recurrence.
Researchers have developed a new technique called BiGluc, which enables the visualization of glucose metabolism in real-time in cancerous tumors. This non-invasive imaging method could lead to more effective cancer treatments by identifying the metabolic requirements of different tumors.
A new approach to targeting cancer cells has been developed by UC Riverside researchers, who have found that drugs targeting other amino acids like lysine and tyrosine can be more effective. The study provides novel avenues for deriving potent and selective PPI antagonists
A new genetic basis of a type of brain aneurysm has been identified, suggesting that an existing cancer drug can counter its effects. Researchers have discovered 'gain-of-function variants' in the PDGFRB protein, which causes it to remain locked in a hyper-active form.
A Stanford study of California teens found that owning marketing materials for e-cigarettes and other alternative tobacco products increases their likelihood of trying these products. The study suggests that stricter regulations are needed to restrict such marketing, which can lead to nicotine addiction.
Researchers used CRISPR to analyze over 8,000 gene fusions in human cancer cell lines, finding that 90% do not play an essential role in cancer. A new fusion, YAP1-MAML2, was identified as critical for progression of multiple cancers, offering a potential new drug target.
Researchers discovered that MEK inhibitors activate Wnt signalling pathway in colorectal cancer cells, leading to accumulation of tumor cells with stem cell characteristics. This explains why these drugs are not effective in treating colorectal cancer.
BCL-2 protein deregulation and transcriptional reprogramming contribute to Venetoclax resistance; researchers suggest targeting CDK7 as effective strategy to prevent resistance. Studies provide insights into drug resistance mechanism in B-cell lymphomas, paving way for potential co-treatment strategies.
Researchers developed molecules from the immune system of a parasitic sea lamprey that can deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to brain tumors. The matrix-targeting strategy allows drugs to accumulate in the extracellular matrix, sidestepping cell membrane problems and potentially increasing therapeutic doses.
A Yale study reveals how cediranib, a cancer drug of limited use, stops certain cancer cells from repairing their DNA to survive. The combination of cediranib with olaparib may deliver a lethal blow in cancers that rely on a specific DNA repair pathway.
Researchers have identified a promising therapeutic target for metastatic prostate cancer by inhibiting the PHLPP2 protein, which stabilizes the oncogenic protein MYC. This finding has implications for treating other cancers driven by MYC and could lead to efficient new drugs.
Long-term opiate therapy rates persistently high for at least five years in cancer survivors, increasing over time. Cancer survivors diagnosed later had higher opioid prescribing rates than those diagnosed earlier.
A new study suggests that a probiotic-derived molecule from Bacteroides fragilis can temper the immune system and prevent fatal brain inflammation caused by herpes simplex virus infection. The findings provide an exciting proof of principle for the potential therapeutic benefits of certain prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics.
Scientists have identified a promising compound, PHT-7.3, that shrinks KRAS-driven tumors in mice by targeting the protein's partner, Cnksr1. The study provides a potential treatment for KRAS-positive cancers, which currently have no effective therapy.
The Humanwide program at Stanford Medicine combines cutting-edge tools and a collaborative team-based method to provide proactive, personalized care. The pilot program successfully identified previously overlooked health conditions and future health risks in patients, setting them on a path to avoid serious medical problems.
The Damon Runyon Physician-Scientist Training Award provides physicians with research skills and experience to become leaders in translational and clinical research. The award addresses financial burdens that deter physicians from pursuing a research career, offering up to $460,000 over four years.
A new program aims to prevent substance abuse among children and parents, offering tailored classes and social norms campaigns to reduce alcohol and e-cigarette use. The initiative, funded at $1.4 million, also provides referrals to support groups and smoking cessation classes.
Researchers have discovered a new type of drug that targets the genetic weakness in 'diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma', a devastating childhood brain cancer. The treatment also shows promise for patients with stone man syndrome, a rare genetic disease where muscles and ligaments turn to bone. Clinical trials are expected to begin in 2021.
A meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 130,994 patients found that pre-diagnosis statin use reduced the risk of early death from any cause and cancer by 15% and 18%, respectively. Post-diagnosis statin use also showed lower mortality rates
A Canadian study estimates that over one-third of cancer cases in Canada can be prevented through a combination of policymaking and education. The ComPARe project analyzed the burden of cancer in Canada caused by modifiable lifestyle, environmental, and infectious agent risk factors.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered a small molecule drug, IACS-10759, that targets metabolic reprogramming and inhibits OXPHOS, leading to marked growth inhibition in ibrutinib-resistant mantle cell lymphoma cells. The study provides hope for patients with this incurable B-cell lymphoma.
A study published in Developmental Cell suggests that pairing YAP/TAZ inhibitors with another drug, such as trametinib, may extend their benefit to patients. The researchers found that YAP/TAZ promotes growth by regulating glucose metabolism in cancer cells.
Research reveals men treated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with 5-α-reductase inhibitors experienced a two-year delay in prostate cancer diagnosis and were twice as likely to have advanced disease. PSA suppression from these medications led to delays in diagnosis, potentially resulting in worsened clinical outcomes.
A recent clinical trial at the Stephenson Cancer Center found that patients with stage two, three, or four ovarian cancer can expect about 75 months of survival when their tumors are completely removed. The treatment regimen that caused fewer difficult side effects was just as effective as those with more severe side effects.
Researchers found that tumor mutation score is associated with responses to immunotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Patients with high mutation scores are more likely to respond to immunotherapy, while those with low scores may benefit from chemotherapy.
A study at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center identified a new therapeutic target in cancer cells, caseinolytic protease P (ClpP), which breaks down proteins within mitochondria. New anti-cancer agents called imipridones activate ClpP and cause cancer cell death via mitochondrial proteolysis.
A new Australian study aims to develop a framework for effective care to reduce cardiovascular disease in breast cancer survivors. The two-year project will create an integrated model of care, embedding cardiovascular risk management into breast cancer treatment.
Researchers at Penn Medicine found that chronic circadian disruption triggers cell proliferation and shifts the cell-cycle balance, leading to tumor growth. The study also suggests that timing cancer treatment according to an individual's circadian rhythm can improve disease outcomes.
A new study reveals that disrupting normal circadian rhythms promotes tumor growth and suppresses the effects of a tumor-fighting drug. Circadian rhythm disruption increases cell proliferation by activating key proteins involved in cell cycle regulation.
The global HER2 testing survey reveals major access and affordability issues in low and middle income countries, with some upper middle income countries also affected. The study suggests that governments need better information to set planning priorities for investing in infrastructure, testing, and treatment.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open shows that precision medicine can be a reality for pediatric tumours, identifying genomic anomalies to guide treatment and offer targeted therapies. The TRICEPS project has successfully enrolled 84 patients, leading to better patient management and more effective treatment options.
Researchers found that combining tumor-selective angiotensin blockers with immune checkpoint blockers significantly improves breast cancer treatment in mouse models. The combination treatment normalizes the tumor microenvironment, inducing changes in gene expression and activating immunosupportive pathways.
Researchers have discovered a protein, YTHDF2, that plays a key role in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), but not in healthy blood cells. This discovery holds promise for novel treatments with fewer side effects than current chemotherapy.
The WINTHER trial successfully matched personalized therapy to 35% of patients with advanced cancer, showing improved overall survival for those with a high degree of matching. The trial's strategy employed RNA expression testing to tailor treatment based on gene expression differences between tumors and normal tissues.
A new zebrafish model has been developed to visualize drug responses at single-cell resolution in live animals, identifying a promising treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma. The model allows for the assessment of combination therapies and direct visualization of drug responses, reducing costs and time required for clinical trials.
A Phase II trial led by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reports a 90% response rate for patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) treated with tagraxofusp. The treatment was effective regardless of prior therapy, and survival rates were relatively high at 59% and 52% at 18 and 24 months, respe...
A clinical trial has shown that targeted therapy tagraxofusp is effective in treating blastic plasmacytoid dendritic-cell neoplasm (BPDCN), a rare and aggressive blood cancer. The therapy, which targets the CD123 protein, has been approved by the FDA for use in BPDCN patients.
Researchers have created a new nanomachine that can deliver specific drugs to parts of the body with tight access barriers, such as pancreatic cancer and brain tumors. The Y-shaped block catiomer is less than one-fifth the size of previous nanoparticles, allowing it to pass through smaller gaps.
Researchers found that over two-thirds of atheists shed their label after a transformative experience, and most attributed long-term positive changes in life satisfaction and purpose. The study also revealed vivid memories of the encounter, with many participants reporting communication with a conscious entity and decreased fear of death.
Researchers found that treating patients with personalized, combination therapies improved response rates and overall survival in patients with therapy-resistant cancers. Highly matched patients showed a 50% response rate compared to unmatched or less well-matched patients.
Researchers have identified three medicinal plants from Mauritius with effective inhibitors of esophageal cancer cells, stopping their growth and contributing to their death. The extracts contain natural chemical compounds that restrain the G2/M stages transition in malignant tumor cells by activating AMPK signaling pathway.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can identify genetic faults in cancer patients' blood, enabling clinicians to select targeted treatment options. The study showed that 11 out of 100 patients were successfully matched with molecularly matched clinical trials.
New research finds elevated levels of fatty acid transporter protein 2 (FATP2) in immune-suppressing cells, which can slow tumor growth and aid cancer treatments. The study also discovered an energy-granting lipid that FATP2 produces and traffics into cells, leading to its potential as a therapeutic target.
Research reveals that T-regulatory cells, which suppress the immune response, are driving tumor resistance to radiotherapy. Inhibiting EphB4-ephrinB2 interaction reduces T-reg cell activity, allowing immune cells to target cancer effectively.