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Researchers discover a new type of lung cancer

Researchers have discovered a new type of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) with distinct biological signatures, paving the way for developing personalized treatments. The discovery involves a novel transcription factor called POU2F3, which is expressed in a specific subset of SCLC tumors and may be targeted by specific drugs.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 25, 2018

'Kiss of death' cancer

Monash researchers have created a computer model that can predict which combination of drugs will be most effective in treating triple negative breast cancer. The model, developed using genetic and treatment data from hundreds of patients, reveals a previously unknown combination of two drugs that may be successful.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 19, 2018

Proteins as a 'shuttle service' for targeted administration of medication

Researchers at FAU have successfully developed proteins that function like a shuttle to release medication directly in the body where it's needed. This breakthrough could enable targeted and tissue-specific administration of medication in future, potentially lowering doses and reducing side effects.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2018

Study unmasks scale of patient doctor divide

A recent study published in BMJ Open found that 7.6% of Britons reported experiencing preventable harm in primary care, with doctors often failing to take concerns seriously. The survey, conducted by University of Manchester researchers, highlights a significant divide between patient and clinician perspectives.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 13, 2018

MD Anderson Therapeutics Discovery team identifies and advances a drug that targets metabolic vulnerability and impairs cancer cell growth and survival

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's Therapeutics Discovery team has developed a drug called IACS-10759, which targets metabolic vulnerability in cancer cells. The drug, an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation, shows promise for treating acute myeloid leukemia and solid tumors.

Long periods of viral suppression shown to prevent cancer in aging HIV population

Researchers found that long-term viral suppression significantly reduces cancer risk in aging HIV-positive individuals, with lower rates seen in patients with sustained suppression compared to those with early or no suppression. The study highlights the importance of viral suppression in preventing cancer and may inform strategies for ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 11, 2018

Study of acute myeloid leukemia patients shows protein inhibitor drug safe and effective with durable remissions

A Phase I trial shows ivosidenib, a protein inhibitor drug, is safe and effective for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with IDH1 mutations. The study achieved an overall response rate of 41.6% and complete remission rates of 21.6%, with improved survival rates at 18 months compared to historical controls.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 2, 2018

Phase I trial finds experimental drug safe in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have found that treatment with cirmtuzumab measurably inhibited the 'stemness' of CLL cells, allowing most patients to forego additional therapy for over eight months. The drug targets ROR1, a molecule exploited by cancer cells to promote tumor growth and spread.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 1, 2018

Combination pack battles cancer

Scientists have developed a new approach to cancer therapy by combining two synergistic drug components into a dimer, which can be loaded into polymeric nanotransporters at exceptionally high concentration. This method reduces side effects and improves transport and accumulation of drugs in tumors.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 29, 2018

Lifestyle counseling program may reduce risk of certain cancers

A 5-year lifestyle counseling program for adult men was linked with a reduced risk of developing cancers related to overweight, diet, and smoking over 25 years. The study found that changes to a healthier diet and stopping smoking in adulthood can reduce the risk of some cancer forms.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMay 23, 2018

Sex, viruses and cancer

Researchers found that combining erectile dysfunction drugs with the flu vaccine can reduce cancer spread by over 90% in a mouse model. The treatment works by blocking immune cells that suppress the immune system after surgery, allowing natural killer cells to fight cancer more effectively.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalOncoImmunology·DateMay 17, 2018

Diagnosing breast cancer with an imaging pill

Researchers developed a pill that can detect breast cancer in mice using near-infrared light, reducing the need for mammograms and minimizing radiation exposure. The imaging agent was found to bind specifically to cancer cells with high accuracy, paving the way for potential future applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateMay 16, 2018