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 MD Anderson Cancer Center report high response rates of 90% among frontline-treated patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). The study, led by Naveen Pemmaraju, presents a novel targeted therapy targeting CD-123, a cell surface receptor expressed in BPDCN and other hematologic malignancies.
The combination therapy of NIR178 and spartalizumab has shown activity in non-small cell lung cancer patients, with two complete responses and 14 patients experiencing stable disease. The treatment was well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild to moderate.
Researchers have found a drug combination that made tumors disappear in mice with neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. The CBL0137/panobinostat combination was more effective than single drug treatments and showed promise for reducing side effects and increasing survival rates.
Researchers found two genomic tests, MammaPrint and BluePrint, can predict patient response to new treatments. These tests identified subgroups of patients with high-risk tumours more likely to respond to specific therapies.
A new drug, IPdR, has been shown to be safe and effective in boosting radiotherapy for patients with various gastrointestinal cancers. The drug, a prodrug that converts into the active IUdR, can be taken orally and creates high levels of IUdR in the bloodstream, making cancer cells more susceptible to radiation.
ZW25, an antibody targeting the HER2 receptor, has shown encouraging anti-tumour activity in patients with advanced cancers driven by HER2. The median time patients survived without disease progression was 6.21 months, and 13 experienced tumour shrinkage.
Researchers have found a new therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer, RIP1 Kinase, which can be used in combination with other immune-boosting therapies to increase survival rates. The study shows that the drug GSK547 helps to mount a more aggressive attack against tumor cells, doubling survival to 50 days in mice.
Researchers have found a potential Achilles' heel in micrometastasis that could be targeted with medications to reduce the risk of full-blown metastasis. Blocking calcium transfer through gap junctions and mTOR pathway results in cancer cell death or growth inhibition.
A groundbreaking new study by UC Davis researchers has found that obesity can hinder immunotherapy treatments, but also improve survival rates in some obese patients. The study discovered that increased leptin levels in obese individuals correlate with enhanced expression of PD-1 checkpoint protein.
Researchers have discovered a gene signature biomarker that can predict which patients will respond to immune therapy based on the extracellular matrix's stiffness around cancer cells. The study suggests that stiffening of the ECM barrier may physically block the immune system.
A Phase II study found a combination of azacitidine and nivolumab therapy resulted in a 33% overall response rate and 22% complete remission rate for patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. The drug combination was particularly effective in patients who had not previously received hypomethylating agents, with an overa...
Melbourne scientists discovered how mutant p53 promotes cancer development by 'tackling' the normal protein and blocking its protective role. This allows cancer cells to undergo further genetic changes that accelerate tumour growth.
Researchers have identified a drug that inhibits the signalling pathway of enzyme MEKK3, a process contributing to cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM), a leading cause of stroke in young people. A suitable candidate, Ponatinib, is currently used to treat cancer patients and may offer a non-invasive treatment option.
Researchers aim to understand KLF2's role in vascular health and disease, targeting inflammation and narrowing of arteries. The team seeks to develop novel strategies to sustain KLF2 levels and treat cardiovascular disorders.
Researchers have developed a new strategy against HER2-driven lung cancers using tarloxotinib, a potent HER2/EGFR inhibitor that is more active in low-oxygen conditions than existing therapies. This innovative approach has shown significant promise in treating patients with HER2 lung cancer.
A new 'lab on a chip' technology allows for individualized cancer treatments that target specific tumor cells with high specificity. This breakthrough reduces the cost and time required to develop effective treatments, potentially revolutionizing T cell therapy for cancer.
Researchers at Georgia Tech developed an open source decision support tool using machine learning to analyze RNA expression tied to patient outcomes with specific drugs. The system predicted the chemotherapy drug that had provided the best outcome 80 percent of the time, and its accuracy could improve with additional patient records.
Researchers discovered that melanomas produce BRAF proteins that become active complexes with MEK, making them resistant to RAF-inhibiting drugs. Blocking this complex can restore the potency of the therapy.
The CanSUR summer program at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine will support 32 undergraduates annually in cancer-focused research. The five-year NIH grant will provide a solid foundation in cancer science and laboratory experience.
A study by Washington State University researchers suggests that inhibiting CDK2 activity can alleviate chemotherapy-induced heart damage in rodents. The finding could be used to develop treatment strategies and drugs to reduce heart disease risk in cancer survivors, particularly those treated with doxorubicin.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel chemical synthesis method that can modify antibiotics, making them more effective against drug-resistant infections. The technique uses an amino acid called selenocysteine as a 'handle' to link peptides and small-molecule drugs.
A team of researchers from the University of North Texas Health Science Center discovered a new approach to combating melanoma by targeting the NGLY1 protein. The study found that when normal cells are inhibited, they survive, but cancer cells with low or no NGLY1 activity die quickly.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered a previously unknown molecular vulnerability in two rare, aggressive cancer types, synovial sarcoma and malignant rhabdoid tumors. The study identifies the ncBAF complex as a key player in these cancers' proliferation and growth.
A study in mice suggests that targeting pre-cancerous stem cells could prevent bowel cancer in people with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a condition that increases the risk of developing the disease. Researchers found that treating these stem cells with existing cancer drugs, such as cisplatin, can halt tumour development.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology researchers identified a new mutation, METex14, in 14% of sGBM patients, leading to more aggressive tumor growth. A promising MET kinase inhibitor, PLB-1001, has been shown to target these tumors with remarkable potency.
A new study reveals that states expanding Medicaid from 2011 to 2017 experienced a significant 27% increase in prescriptions for hormonal therapy medications compared to non-expansion states. This rise was attributed to increased access for previously uninsured women who required long-term treatment with these life-saving drugs.
Researchers discovered that a drug inhibiting glutamine metabolism improves certain immune cells' function while suppressing others. Inhibiting glutaminase activity protects against inflammation and disease in mouse models of various conditions.
Researchers identified potential cancer drugs that disrupt normal chromosome division in cancer cells and induce errors when dividing DNA, posing double trouble for tumor growth. This new approach could inform the development of more effective therapies targeting various types of cancers.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified blood-based biomarkers that may help identify patients at greatest risk of developing autoimmune side effects from immunotherapy. The study found that levels of certain cytokines were particularly low before treatment in patients who developed immune-related adverse events.
A low-fat diet has been shown to increase the survival rate of obese children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia by five times compared to a high-fat diet. This dietary intervention could potentially help kill cancer cells and improve treatment outcomes.
A NUS study found that overexpression of ADAR1 and irregular RNA editing of NEIL1 are key factors in MM progression and drug resistance. The study offers novel insights for new therapeutic strategies.
The partnership aims to reduce cancer health disparities among African-American, Asian-Pacific-American, and Hispanic-American communities in the NYC-Philadelphia corridor. It will focus on multidisciplinary research, community outreach, and education to improve quality of life and health outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a molecular diagnostic test that can assess breast cancer risk based on Osteopontin variants. The test helps patients and doctors make informed decisions about treatment options, weighing aggressive intervention against waiting for potential progression.
A small observational study suggests that rose geranium oil spray can help alleviate nasal vestibulitis, a common and painful condition caused by cancer drug treatment. The study found that 55% of participants experienced moderate benefit from using the oil, with some reporting complete symptom resolution.
A small study found that rose geranium oil spray in sesame oil base helped reduce the severity of nasal vestibulitis symptoms, which are common side effects of chemotherapy. The oil was used by 20 women on chemotherapy, with most reporting moderate to substantial benefits.
Scientists have developed novel conjugates made from antibodies and a kinesin spindle protein inhibitor, showing high effectiveness in vitro and tumor models. The linker between components allows for tuning the activity of the cytostatic drug, reducing side effects in cancer treatment.
Scientists have discovered how the Seneca Valley Virus interacts with tumor receptors, allowing it to selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. The study provides detailed images of the virus and its receptor, enabling researchers to design improved cancer therapies.
Biophysicists at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a Raman microscopy method to detect cancer drug resistance in tumour cells. The new approach shows effectiveness in non-mutated cells but remains ineffective in mutated cells, similar to clinical observations.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting CDK9, a DNA transcription regulator, reactivates genes silenced by cancer. This leads to restored tumor suppressor gene expression and enhanced anti-cancer immunity. The new epigenetic drug strategy shows broad effectiveness against cancer in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that tetracycline antibiotics target human cytosolic ribosomes, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating cancer and pathological inflammation. The study provides a crucial foundation for further drug discovery and treatment development.
A phase III clinical trial found that palbociclib improves overall survival in women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The drug, used in combination with standard treatment, led to a clinically meaningful improvement in median overall survival, even in patients who showed sensitivity to prior hormone therapy.
Researchers have created a comprehensive summary of human cancer genes, known as the Cancer Gene Census. The resource catalogues over 700 genes involved in cancer and describes their functions across different types. This knowledge will help scientists find drug targets and design treatments tailored to individual cancers.
A study found that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) drugs increase the risk of lung cancer by 14% compared to angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). The risk is highest among patients using ACEIs for over five years, particularly those who use them for more than 10 years.
The partnership aims to find new cancer drugs and attract diverse researchers to focus on cancers with increased risk of incidence and mortality among African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. The program will also enhance current researchers' awareness and knowledge of cancer health disparities.
Researchers developed a new combination treatment that flips the switch on melanoma cells by targeting Bcl-2, MCL-1, and DRP-1 proteins. The approach killed melanoma cells and cancer stem cells in laboratory tests, offering an alternative option for patients who don't respond to current treatments.
A new study shows that targeting the specific genomic mutation PIK3CA in hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer patients significantly improves progression-free survival. The study found that nearly twice as long PFS was observed in patients with PIK3CA mutations treated with alpelisib compared to the placebo gr...
A new immunotherapy combination shows durable clinical benefits in patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer, with 60% objective response rate and 84% of patients experiencing tumour shrinkage. The treatment is also well-tolerated, with manageable side effects.
A new approach to treating advanced anal cancer is safer and more effective than current treatment, according to a randomised clinical trial. The study found that a chemotherapy combination of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel performed better in terms of survival rates and safety compared to Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.
Oncologists require more education on the use of biosimilars, which could increase patient access to innovative therapies due to economic constraints. ESMO supports their use as cheaper alternatives to reference biologics, promoting sustainable and widely accessible cancer care.
The combination of avelumab and axitinib improved progression-free survival (PFS) by 6.6 months in previously untreated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, with confirmed objective response rates of 55.2% and 25.5%. The study's findings support the potential of this new treatment approach for patients with advanced RCC.
A Phase III clinical trial shows that combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy improves progression-free and overall survival for patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The study's results establish a new standard of care in PD-L1+ patients and provide hope for those diagnosed with this aggressive form of breast cancer.
A study found huge variations in time between European countries to reach health technology assessment decisions on new cancer drugs, with some taking over a year. The average decision time was longer than one year in England and Scotland compared to Germany and France.
The ESMO 2018 Congress emphasizes the importance of integrating scientific advances into sustainable treatments, ensuring optimal cancer care reaches those who need it. Research highlights variations in European countries' approval times for new cancer drugs, emphasizing the need for timely reimbursement decisions.
Researchers discovered Src activates mTORC1 through amino acid signals, found to be hyperactive in cancer. Src's malfunction leads to continuous signaling for cell growth and cancer progression.
Children with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher mortality rate compared to peers without the condition, particularly if diagnosed before age 18. Careful monitoring is crucial for individuals diagnosed in childhood, especially those with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center has received a $3 million NIH grant to investigate racial disparities in colorectal and breast cancer. The research program aims to identify genetic biomarkers for cancer specific to high-risk populations and promote medical and social policies that benefit communities.
Scientists discover that healthy oesophagus tissue contains hundreds to thousands of mutations per cell by middle age, with only a dozen genes driving competition. The study reevaluates the role of some cancer genes in light of normal tissue sequencing, raising new questions about ageing and disease progression.
Researchers at City of Hope have developed a synthetic DNA molecule that disables tumor defense systems while inducing immune responses, eliminating difficult-to-treat prostate cancer in experimental models. The novel two-step strategy relies on two opposite actions of the same 'hot and cold' molecule to remove obstacles to treating me...
Researchers have released a massive dataset detailing molecular makeup of tumor cells from over 500 AML patients, enabling rapid advancement in clinical trials. The dataset includes how individual patients' cells responded to various drugs, providing insights into targeted therapies for specific subsets of AML cells.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that papaverine inhibits mitochondrial respiration and sensitizes model tumors to radiation. The study suggests that modifying the papaverine molecule could lead to a new class of radiosensitizing drugs with fewer side effects.