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 meta-analysis of 20 randomised trials found that patients' sex may impact the efficacy of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Women showed a lower survival benefit compared to men, regardless of cancer type and drug administered.
Scientists have discovered a new compound, metarrestin, that significantly reduces metastasis in human prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer in mice. The compound was found to blow up the complex marker PNC, which indicates cancer cells' ability to spread.
A University of Arizona-led team has discovered the full pathway for activating a protein kinase enzyme, revealing its dynamic movement is crucial for activation. This finding may lead to the development of new anti-cancer drugs that target kinases.
A study by NYU Langone Health and the VA found that increasing numbers of veterans with non-aggressive prostate cancer are opting for watchful waiting or active surveillance. This shift towards more conservative treatment reflects a reversal in decades-long overtreatment, bringing care more in line with best practice guidelines.
Researchers found that patients with mutations in DNA repair genes like ATM and RB1 tend not to live as long as those without. These mutations can make tumor cells more susceptible to certain treatments, bringing potential hope for targeted therapies.
The new model allows researchers to conduct multiple clinical trials across several cancer types, lessen expenses, and increase the likelihood of finding medical solutions. This approach has already led to a new standard of care for chronic myeloid leukemia treatment and expanded program opportunities.
Researchers have identified over 100 potential new targets for cancer treatment using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry technology, which could lead to the development of personalized medicine and targeted therapies.
Children with high-grade brain tumors could benefit from targeted treatment personalized to their genetic mutations. Research found that Avastin, an adult cancer drug, improved survival rates in children with specific MAPK gene mutations.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new method to screen for potential cancer drugs using three-dimensional ball-like aggregates of cells called spheroids. They have identified one compound that affects a key cancer-driving protein, paving the way for more effective treatments.
A new computational strategy simplifies complex cancer biomolecular data by emphasizing patient-to-patient variation in molecular signatures of cancer cells. This approach aims to provide a personalized treatment plan by analyzing the genetic makeup and impaired biological pathways of individual patients.
Cancer cells express specific sugar receptors that can be targeted for better drug delivery. Researchers are developing nanocarrier formulations to accumulate in tumor sites and minimize side effects.
A daily tablet has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of blood clots in cancer patients, with a lower rate of recurrence compared to traditional anticoagulant treatment. The study also found increased bleeding risks with the oral drug rivaroxaban.
Researchers have identified a new vulnerability in drug-resistant melanoma that can be exploited to selectively kill cancer cells. By targeting this vulnerability with vorinostat, resistant tumor cells are killed while sensitive cells remain alive.
A recent study found that the majority of eligible patients receive cancer immunotherapy drugs within four months of FDA approval. However, the researchers noted that these patients are often older than those in clinical trials, which could impact treatment effectiveness.
A randomized clinical trial found that flushing the bladder with a chemotherapy drug immediately after surgery significantly reduces the chances of bladder cancer returning. The study, published in JAMA, showed a 34% reduction in the risk of recurrence for patients receiving the treatment.
A new study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine identified an enzyme that helps cancer cells make the building materials they need to quickly proliferate. Inhibiting this enzyme could slow down cancer growth, leading to more effective treatments.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine's Kellogg Eye Center report cases of uveal effusions and eye inflammation caused by immunotherapy treatments. Ophthalmologists emphasize the importance of referring patients with eye problems to an ophthalmologist, while oncologists should ask about medications that may be causing symptoms.
Researchers created a pioneering 3D cancer model to replicate complex tumor behavior and accelerate treatment development. The model can mimic patients' tumors, allowing doctors to identify the best treatment option based on simple biopsies.
A study published in Health Affairs found that generic options did not significantly reduce prices for the cancer therapy imatinib (Gleevec) after nearly two years of competition. The price drop was only 10 percent, which is significantly lower than expected estimates of 80 percent.
Researchers have discovered that an enzyme called UGT8 drives the progression of basal-like breast cancer, but found that zoledronic acid inhibits UGT8 and prevents its spread. The drug may offer a new hope for treating this aggressive form of breast cancer, which is largely untreatable.
A targeted 'click-to-release' chemotherapy approach has shown promising results in mice, demonstrating effective anticancer effects against ovarian and colon cancers. The innovative method, developed by Tagworks Pharmaceuticals, releases a large quantity of chemotherapy drug quickly, attacking the tumor cells.
A new study has revealed that breast cancer drug lapatinib can cause breast cancer cells to grow more rapidly in some situations. The findings could lead to safer treatment decisions and improved drug design in the future. Researchers hope their results will inform how doctors select patients who may benefit most from these drugs.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered that a cancer drug, Marimastat, can help treat tuberculosis by improving the structural integrity of leaky blood vessels in granulomas. This allows antibiotics to penetrate and attack the disease-causing bacteria more effectively, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
A large-scale study of thyroid cancer genetics has identified specific genes driving the disease and found that certain cancers can benefit from immunotherapy. The research also found amplifications of key receptor tyrosine kinases in anaplastic thyroid cancers, suggesting a potential target for treatment with lenvatinib.
A study found that New York City firefighters exposed to the 9/11 World Trade Center disaster site are at an increased risk for developing myeloma precursor disease, which can lead to the blood cancer multiple myeloma. The prevalence of MGUS was nearly twice as high in firefighters compared to a non-exposed group.
Researchers at the University of California - Berkeley have discovered the molecular structure of human telomerase, a key enzyme in aging and cancer. The detailed picture reveals possible drug-target sites, allowing for more targeted treatments to be developed.
Researchers discovered that baricitinib prevented graft-versus-host disease and even reversed established cases in mouse studies. The drug boosts immune cells to fight cancer while keeping donor T cells from attacking vital organs.
Melissa Chua, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the Alpha Omega Alpha Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship to conduct research on brain tumors. She is investigating the potential of combining oncolytic virotherapy and immunotherapy for glioblastoma treatment.
Researchers developed a method to 'decorate' gold nanoparticles with proteins, allowing drugs to target specific areas in the body. This technology can improve drug delivery and overcome biological barriers.
Researchers have developed primary pancreatic organoid tumor models using magnetic nanoparticle assembly, enabling high-throughput phenotypic drug screening. These 3D structures allow for the testing of drug-like molecules against patient-derived cancer cells, providing insights into potential patient outcomes.
Using UT Southwestern's largest lung cancer cell library, researchers identified 170 chemicals that could be developed into treatments for non-small cell lung cancer. The team also found biomarkers to predict patient responses and therapeutic targets, paving the way for personalized cancer care.
A new report from the Academy of Medical Sciences warns of the urgent need to address the global burden of multiple serious illnesses. The report suggests that millions worldwide suffer from life-long disability and premature death due to ineffective treatment of people with multiple health conditions.
To address escalating costs of targeted cancer drugs, a Penn-led group proposes three solutions: defining minimum clinically meaningful effect sizes for FDA approval, Medicare negotiating prices for targeted cancer drugs, and prioritizing effective treatments by clinical benefit and price. The recommendations aim to balance clinical be...
Researchers at Cardiff University have developed a new non-toxic method for delivering anti-cancer drugs to specific parts of the body, reducing harsh side effects. The new nanotube delivery method was found to be effective in treating breast cancer, with reduced rates of metastasis and tumour growth.
Researchers have discovered a faster, more cost-effective way to determine which DNA mutations cause human bowel cancer. A new preclinical pipeline uses gene editing technology (CRISPR) to rapidly engineer normal colon cells with DNA changes, allowing for real-time monitoring of growing cancers.
A pre-clinical study has revealed that combining OX40 agonist antibody and GSK2366771 may enhance the immune system's ability to kill melanoma tumors deficient in PTEN. The combination appears to 'step on the gas', revving up T cells and providing extra power to more efficiently kill cancer cells.
Researchers at the Abramson Cancer Center have discovered promising immunotherapy combinations for treating glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, and pancreatic cancer. CAR T cell therapy combined with checkpoint inhibitors has shown enhanced effectiveness in glioblastoma, while targeting a novel immune checkpoint in head and neck cancer...
Researchers have systematically mapped connections between 625 breast and ovarian cancer genes and nearly every FDA-approved chemotherapy for these cancers. The map reveals new genetic factors that determine the response of tumor cells to common classes of chemotherapy treatment.
Scientists developed a high-speed microscopy platform that can measure tumor sensitivity to drugs in hours, rather than days, and has shown promising results in treating melanoma
Researchers used single-cell imaging to study how melanoma cells evade drug action and acquire resistance to BRAF-inhibitor dabrafenib. The study found that 10% of treated cells reactivated the MAPK signaling pathway within 2-3 days, allowing them to signal through the pathway even in the presence of BRAF inhibition.
Researchers found that giving patients a single dose of anti-PD-1 therapy before surgery can predict tumor response and patient outcomes. The study also revealed that immune cells active against cancer were present in patients with longer recurrence-free survival.
A phase I clinical trial of BLU-667, a novel precision-targeted drug, reports significant durable disease control in patients with RET-driven cancers. The study reveals an overall response rate of 37% for RET-driven cancers, with responses of 45% for non-small cell lung cancer.
A recent study by Tel Aviv University and Harvard University researchers highlights the challenges of nanoparticle-based cancer-targeting strategies. They suggest ways to refocus collaborative work, emphasizing personalized nanocarriers based on cancer type and biomarker profile.
Two targeted therapies, MLN128 and CB-839, individually target the metabolism of key nutrients glucose and glutamine, respectively, to treat squamous cell carcinomas of the lung. Researchers found that when used in combination, these drugs could reduce tumor growth in aggressive lung cancer.
Priya Prasad, MD, has received the David L. Rimoin Inspiring Excellence Award for her platform presentation on population-based hereditary cancer risk assessment during screening mammography. The award recognizes her commitment to enhancing the appropriate utilization of screening for hereditary cancers.
A clinical trial is underway to test an experimental peptide drug, ALRN-6924, which has shown promise against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by tripling the median survival rate in animal models. The drug targets p53 and MDMX/MDM2 proteins, blocking tumor growth in both mature and immature AML cells.
Researchers identified PDE5 inhibitors, like Viagra, as potential treatments for glioblastoma multiforme and other rare cancers. The study suggests these drugs may increase permeability to improve drug delivery to brain tumors.
Researchers found that adding trastuzumab to chemotherapy regimen for women with uterine serous carcinoma significantly increased progression-free survival time, from an average of eight months to 12.6 months. The treatment showed promise in reducing tumor growth and improving overall survival.
Researchers aim to eradicate chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) by targeting specific cancer cells. The team has discovered a binding site on CLL lymphocytes that pulls antibodies into the cells in minutes, allowing for more effective treatments.
Researchers have discovered a new class of drug that targets treatment-resistant cancers by inhibiting the action of enzyme CDK7. Early lab-based tests showed minimal side effects and successful suppression of tumour growth in various cancer types.
A University of North Carolina-led study has found that physicians who received payments from pharmaceutical companies were more likely to prescribe those companies' drugs for two cancer types. The study analyzed prescriptions for Medicare patients with metastatic renal cell cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia, finding a significant as...
Researchers used machine learning to classify abnormal protein activity in tumors, identifying potential 'hidden responders' who may benefit from specific therapies. The study combined genetic data with machine learning approaches to predict response to inhibitors affecting cancer cells with overactive Ras signaling.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge identified key anti-cancer drugs that could be used to treat transmissible cancers in Tasmanian devils. The study found that the two types of cancer are similar and likely arose due to the devils' susceptibility to developing these diseases.
A study found that only 16% of respondents were aware of drug shortages, and those with a personal history of cancer were more likely to be aware. Most respondents wanted to be informed about substitution due to shortages and would transfer care to avoid major differences in efficacy.
A promising class of drugs, known as CD40 monoclonal antibodies, could be the spark needed to light the fire in the immune system of patients who don't respond to cancer immunotherapies. These drugs activate antigen-presenting cells to prime tumor-specific T cell responses.
Researchers identified two transmissible cancers in Tasmanian devils, suggesting a genetic problem with cell regulation that increases disease risk. The effective drugs discovered may also play a role in wound repair pathways, potentially linked to the devils' frequent facial injuries.
Researchers found all frailty scores associated with future mortality, and some linked to cardiovascular disease but none to cancer. Certain scores outperform others for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular health outcomes.
The PDX Finder is a free global portal for cancer models, offering over 1900 clinically relevant models from multiple repositories. Researchers can search and submit their own models to accelerate collaborative research and time-saving.
A clinical trial has shown that a combination of checkpoint inhibitors and an immune stimulation drug can control the progression of non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment was administered in an outpatient setting and demonstrated significant prolonged survival in patients.
Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology developed a cheaper production method for the cancer drug Z-endoxifen, using a paper filter purification process inspired by filtering coffee. This approach reduces production costs to 1,000 times lower than the previous method.