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 Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have published a study on K-80003, an anti-cancer agent that prevents activation of the PI3K pathway, resulting in inhibition of cancer cell growth.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered that methotrexate, an arthritis drug, shows promise in treating Polycythemia Vera, a type of blood cancer affecting 3,000 people annually. The treatment has been shown to suppress JAK/STAT pathway activation and normalise blood counts in mice models.
Research funded by Cancer Research UK identified NOX4 as a common mechanism responsible for cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) formation in tumours. Targeting this enzyme could lead to new treatments and improve existing therapies.
Researchers have developed a new class of anti-cancer agents targeting cancer cells' 'Achilles' heel', improving outcomes for aggressive triple negative and HER2-positive breast cancers. The treatment, S63845, was found to be highly effective when combined with standard therapies.
A study published in The Oncologist found that cancer patients with delirium who visit emergency departments are more likely to be admitted to hospital and die earlier. Delirium can be caused by various factors, including advanced cancer itself, medications, or infections.
A study by the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium identified HER2 mutations in 24 lung cancer patients (3%), with median survival doubling when treated with HER2-directed therapy. This finding suggests a significant population of HER2+ lung cancer patients, highlighting the need for targeted therapies.
Researchers found an increased mutation rate in genes, including TP53, among African-American patients with smoking-related cancers. The study suggests that these genetic differences may contribute to resistance to chemotherapy and poorer outcomes.
The NRG-RTOG 0436 trial found that adding an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor to a chemo-radiation regimen does not improve overall survival for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. The trial showed no significant benefit from the addition of EGFR inhibitor cetuximab to standard treatment.
Researchers identified a cellular signaling pathway blocking immune cell infiltration into bladder tumors, explaining the limited success of checkpoint immunotherapy. The finding suggests targeting this pathway could enhance treatment effectiveness when combined with checkpoint immunotherapy.
A new method developed by an international research team uses yeast cells to speed up drug discovery by linking compounds to cellular processes they target. The study found that natural compounds derived from soil microbes hold promise as potential medicines against various diseases, including infections and cancer.
The first Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Care identifies powerful tools to prevent dementia. Nonmedical interventions such as social contact and exercise can reduce the incidence of dementia by up to 20% in early life and 15% in late life, according to a new report.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center have discovered a novel synthetic lethality screen to discover molecules that target genetically modified yeast lacking NF1. The team identified one lead candidate called Y100, which disrupts tumor cell growth and induces oxidative stress causing death of NF1-deficient cancer cells.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have been awarded a $5.8 million CIRM grant to develop an immunotherapy that targets cancer stem cells using CAR T-cell therapy. The treatment aims to improve the ability of immune cells to target and kill multiple types of cancers.
A molecular analysis of tissue mismatch between donors and recipients predicted which recipients needed high doses of immune modulating drugs. The study found a strong correlation between low medication levels and low molecular mismatch scores, allowing physicians to tailor treatment to individual patients.
A new screening method using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology has revealed new drug targets that could potentially enhance the effectiveness of PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors, a promising class of cancer immunotherapy. The study identified Ptpn2 as a key gene that makes tumor cells more susceptible to PD-1 blockade.
Researchers at the GW Cancer Center discovered that removing the HDAC11 enzyme from T-cells enhances their ability to attack cancer tumors. The study highlights this enzyme as a key regulator of T-cell function and a potential target for immunotherapy.
A Massachusetts General Hospital research team found that anti-angiogenic drugs induce a microenvironment that suppresses immune systems actions, allowing tumors to grow. Developing a potential strategy to overcome this mechanism, the researchers identified CX3CL1 as an attractive target for immunotherapy.
The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor class of oral drugs has been found to be generally well-tolerated in treating hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer. The most common side effect is a temporary and dose-dependent decrease in white blood cells, which usually returns to normal with dosage adjustments.
Researchers at UCSF developed a computational method to analyze open-access data and identify new treatments for cancer. The method, called Reverse Gene Expression Score (RGES), predicts drug efficacy by analyzing molecular characteristics of real tumors. Four drugs were identified with potential to treat liver cancer and other diseases.
A preclinical study published in PNAS found that BMTP-11 targets high-risk osteosarcoma and shows anti-tumor activity. The treatment has the potential to reduce cumulative side effects associated with current treatments, which often cause health problems and organ damage.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a novel approach to treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which safely increases treatment success and reduces negative side effects. The study, led by Professor Richard Clark, shows that CML patients with stable responses to treatment can reduce their medication dosage befor...
TAK228 enhances radiation and chemotherapy for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT), two childhood brain cancers with poor prognosis. The drug reduces tumor cell proliferation and increases cancer cell death, particularly when combined with treatment.
Three case reports published in NEJM demonstrate the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy in gray zone lymphoma, a rare subtype of Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin forms of the disease. Nivolumab and pembrolizomab showed promising results in treating patients with PD-L1 over-expression.
Researchers at CNIO found that Plk1 inhibitors can cause hypertension and severe cardiovascular problems, suggesting a need for more thorough studies on protein functions. The study used laboratory mice to model human diseases, revealing the critical role of Plk1 in maintaining blood pressure.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that moderate to heavy coffee consumption was linked to a lower risk of death from various causes. The research, which analyzed data from over 215,000 participants, suggests that the association is not tied to caffeine.
Researchers found that SMAD4 loss is associated with cetuximab resistance and induction of MAPK/JNK activation in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. The study suggests that targeting pro-survival pathways may be a novel strategy for overcoming cetuximab resistance.
A new nurse-led intervention helps carers manage medication and cancer pain, offering a systematic and comprehensive approach to supporting carer management of pain medicines. The intervention promotes self-evaluation of competence and addresses carers' beliefs, knowledge, and skills.
Women who receive false-positive mammogram results are more likely to begin medication for anxiety or depression than those with immediate negative results. A 10-20% higher rate of prescription medications was found in patients requiring multiple tests to rule out a breast cancer diagnosis.
A personal neoantigen vaccine has been shown to stimulate a potent, safe, and highly specific immune response in melanoma patients. The vaccine targets distinctive 'neoantigens' on tumor cells, inducing a focused T cell response against several tumor neoantigens.
Researchers have developed a method to visualize cancer metastasis in whole organs at the single-cell level, enabling early detection of dormant or resistant cancer cells. This breakthrough uses transparent mice and advanced imaging techniques to create 3-D maps of cancer cells throughout the body and organs.
A consortium of researchers has performed a comprehensive genomic sequencing analysis of hundreds of patients with T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia, revealing new mutations and drug targets. The study identified 106 driver genes associated with cancer, including previously unrecognized mutations.
The University of Texas at Arlington has awarded three new seed grants for interdisciplinary research projects addressing skin cancer, rapid drug evaluation and mental health risks among homeless youth. The projects aim to develop innovative treatments and programs using cutting-edge technology.
Research found that genes responsible for differential RNA splicing contribute to tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance in African American men with prostate cancer. The study suggests these genetic variations lead to the production of protein isoforms that make tumors more aggressive, while also causing drug resistance.
Nicole F. Steinmetz receives two NIH grants to develop microscopic drug-delivery systems for triple negative breast cancer patients and patients at risk of serious blood clots. The funding will enable her team to explore mechanisms behind anti-tumor effects and develop dual-pronged therapeutic approaches.
The National Cancer Institute's Proteogenomic Translational Research Centers aim to bring proteogenomics to cancer patients. By analyzing blood samples, researchers hope to identify proteins that indicate response to specific treatments.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies found strong evidence that e-cigarette use increases the risk of subsequent cigarette smoking among adolescents and young adults. E-cigarettes may mimic smoking behavior through similar hand-to-mouth movements and contain nicotine, potentially enhancing addiction.
A recent study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University has discovered that injecting potato virus particles into melanoma tumors activates an anti-tumor immune response, halting tumor progression. Co-administering the nanoparticles with chemotherapy drugs yields the most potent benefit.
Researchers developed micro-cubes that can sponge up a hydrophobic anti-cancer drug and deliver it to cancer cells, showing increased potency against liver cancer cells and reduced harm to normal liver cells. The cubes retain their shape and release the drug in response to higher redox potentials found in cancer cells.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new antibody that can restore the effectiveness of chemotherapy rituximab in leukemia patients with natural resistance. The study found that adding the antibody to rituximab increased cancer cell death by 45% in five out of 11 patients.
Researchers found that distinct variations in protein expression levels, rather than genetic alterations, are linked to response or resistance to immunotherapy drugs. The study identified specific genes and proteins associated with tumor growth and immune evasion, paving the way for new therapeutic targets.
A new study found that nearly three-quarters of women relied on a support network to discuss their treatment options and attend appointments. Larger support networks were associated with more deliberation about treatment, suggesting patients are thinking through pros and cons.
Researchers found that DNA methylation analysis can predict cancer versus normal tissue with over 95% accuracy, identifying metastases with 97% correctness. This method could improve outcomes by providing more accurate diagnoses, particularly for indolent or aggressive tumors.
A British exit from the EMA could delay the availability of new medicines to the UK market, according to an independent health economist. The author argues that removal from the EMA would jeopardize access not only to emerging treatments but also cheaper off-brand counterparts once patents expire.
Scientists harness immune system's detection of cancer proteins to improve treatment, showing 20% complete response in preclinical melanoma models. The 'sticky' nanoparticles work synergistically with immunotherapy drugs to increase immune cell response.
Researchers found that savolitinib, a MET inhibitor, showed significant tumor shrinkage and stable disease in 18% of patients with MET-driven papillary renal cell carcinoma. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with longer time to cancer progression in MET-driven tumors compared to those without the abnormality.
A new study shows that immunotherapy nivolumab improves quality of life for patients with advanced head and neck cancer, while traditional chemotherapies cause decline in quality of life from the start of treatment. The drug sparks the immune system into action against cancers, greatly increasing survival rates.
A study published in Cell Chemical Biology highlights the need for new treatment approaches for treatment-resistant prostate cancer. Researchers found that effective steroidal anti-androgens share common metabolic activities, suggesting a potential strategy to improve efficacy.
A team of researchers at McMaster University has identified a unique feature of cancer stem cells that can be exploited to kill the deadly cells. By understanding this feature, they discovered an important protein called Sam68, which allows existing drugs to work on cancer cells, causing them to die.
A patent study has identified chemically modified marine-derived microtubule-targeting agents with significant antiproliferative potency against a wide range of cancers. These drugs offer potential for overcoming multidrug resistance and improving cancer therapy outcomes.
Researchers found gilteritinib, an FLT3 inhibitor, to be a well-tolerated treatment that led to frequent clinical responses in patients with the FLT3 gene mutation, a common cause of relapsed leukemia. The drug showed promising results in a first-in-human study, with response rates tracking with the degree of FLT3 inhibition.
The game, developed by Imperial College London researchers, challenges players to dock molecules into proteins while learning about the science. The 3D version, BioBlox3D, aims to crowdsource protein docking problems through citizen science challenges.
A new three-in-one blood test developed by researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research can pick out men with advanced prostate cancer who are likely to benefit from treatment with PARP inhibitors. The test detects early signs of resistance and monitors cancer's evolution over time, allowing for timely adjustments to treatment.
Researchers developed a new drug delivery platform that uses ultrasound waves to trigger the dispersal of chemotherapy-containing nanoparticles precisely at tumor sites. The platform resulted in a two-fold increase in targeting efficacy and a dramatic reduction in both tumor size and drug-related toxicity.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has announced the 2017 class of Pew-Stewart Scholars for Cancer Research, five early-career scientists conducting groundbreaking research on finding cures for cancer. The scholars will receive flexible funding to invest in their work and investigate promising avenues to slow or stop cancer development.
New research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine finds that lenvatinib improves overall survival rates in older thyroid cancer patients who are resistant to standard radioiodine treatment. The drug is well-tolerated and has a significant impact on patient outcomes.
Children as young as 8 years old can reliably assess experimental therapy effects on symptoms and quality of life. Self-reported patient outcomes could be a new endpoint in clinical trials, enabling clinicians to better manage side effects.
A new study suggests that the experimental drug GGTI-2418 can block a specific protein from degrading another protein that helps kill cancer cells. This discovery has important implications for treating cancers with defective PTEN, as it may allow for a combination of inhibitors to target multiple pathways involved in tumor growth.
Cancer researchers at GW Cancer Center investigate how mantle cell lymphoma cells develop resistance to targeted therapy Ibrutinib. They found that the cells adapt by activating alternative pathways, such as PI3K-AKT-mTOR, allowing them to continue progressing.
A team of researchers has discovered a potential treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy by repurposing a compound originally developed to treat cancer. The compound, SU9516, works by boosting muscle repair and regeneration in affected muscles.
Researchers challenge existing understanding of MLL-translocation leukemia by finding that MLL2, not MLL, is the most appropriate target for drugs. The study shows that silencing wildtype MLL has no effect on disease development, but combining it with MLL2 knockout leads to significant reduction in leukemia.