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 identified a biomarker that better categorizes patients who would respond to FGFR inhibitors, improving clinical trial design. Combining FGFR inhibitors with chemotherapy has the potential to improve treatment outcomes.
A Phase III trial shows that peptide-receptor radionuclide therapy significantly improves patient wellbeing, particularly in advanced midgut neuroendocrine tumors. Lutathera treatment provided more relief for patients than high-dose octreotide, with improved quality-of-life metrics and fewer side effects.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center identify novel inhibitor (R)-9bMS that targets epigenetic modification of the androgen receptor gene, blocking growth in resistant prostate cancer cells. The discovery offers a new therapeutic option for castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who do not respond to enzalutamide.
Researchers have discovered a way to increase the effectiveness of doxorubicin in treating colon cancer while minimizing its toxic side effects. The new combination therapy uses aldose reductase inhibitors to block oxidative signals that drive cancer growth.
A new strategy for treating glioblastoma, a difficult-to-treat brain tumor, has shown promising results in mice by combining medications that disable two proteins. This approach could potentially extend or save the lives of patients diagnosed with this lethal form of cancer.
Researchers at SLU have identified a key molecular pathway driving cancer-related bone pain and discovered a potential solution with an existing drug. A new study provides hope for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
The ALEX trial demonstrates alectinib's superiority over crizotinib as first-line therapy for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, with improved progression-free survival and brain metastasis outcomes. Alectinib achieved a 53% reduction in progression risk and 68.4% one-year progression-free rate compared to crizotinib.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells sense their environment's stiffness, slowing down movement with specific drug combinations. This finding has potential for regenerative medicine applications, such as improving adult stem cell therapy.
The Warren Alpert Foundation Prize recognizes scientists who elucidated fundamental mechanisms in cancer's ability to evade immune surveillance. The five honorees' work led to the development of effective immune therapies for several types of cancer, turning the tide in the global fight against cancer.
Scientists have applied iPANDA, a novel approach for analyzing high-throughput transcriptomic datasets, to identify the earliest signaling harbingers of malignant transition in OSCC. The study reveals that dysregulation of these signaling networks occurs even before precancerous cells invade and acquire malignant potential.
Dasatinib demonstrated significant benefits in a phase II clinical trial for pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), with 75% of patients experiencing progression-free survival after treatment. The study also showed minimal toxicities and improved quality of life for patients.
A new study by SWOG found that publicly funded cancer trials have saved over 3.34 million years of life, with a estimated cost of $125 per life year gained. The study analyzed data from 193 Phase III randomized trials and estimated the cumulative life years gained from each trial.
Researchers found that two FDA-approved immunotherapy drugs, dabrafenib and trametinib, are well-tolerated and result in a 50-54% response rate among patients with advanced BRAF-mutated papillary thyroid cancer. This breakthrough could change the standard of care for this rare but aggressive form of thyroid cancer.
A web-based tool enables patients to report symptoms in real time, triggering alerts to clinicians, resulting in a median survival of 5 months longer. Patients experience improved quality of life and are able to tolerate chemotherapy longer.
A new cancer medicine, larotrectinib, has demonstrated compelling evidence for treating a range of advanced cancers. The therapy, which targets TRK fusion proteins, resulted in responses in 76% of patients across 17 different types of cancer. After 12 months of treatment, 79% of responding patients remained progression-free.
The immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab has been shown to shrink tumors in patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer, regardless of prior treatment. In a Phase II clinical trial, the drug demonstrated activity in both PD-L1-positive and -negative tumors.
Researchers have created a method to produce P450 enzymes in bacterial cell factories, which are also involved in the biosynthesis of active ingredients used in cancer drugs. The process could facilitate large-scale production of these enzymes, allowing for more efficient treatment of diseases such as cancer and psoriasis.
A study published in Journal of Palliative Medicine suggests that patients with life-limiting illnesses may not feel abandoned if their doctor wants to discontinue statin medications. Most patients reported benefits from stopping statins, including improved quality of life and reduced medication costs.
A study found that combining therapies targeting polyADP ribose polymerase (PARP) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors showed promise in treating RAS-mutant cancers. The combination therapy was effective in multiple tumor models, regardless of mutations in tumor suppressor genes.
Researchers from Fred Hutch Cancer Center are showcasing promising new treatments for various types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, and early-stage breast cancer. The findings suggest that experimental drugs, triple immunotherapy, and novel sarcoma vaccines may provide extended progression-free survival p...
A recent study by the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that physicians paid by pharmaceutical companies had higher odds of prescribing their drugs for two types of cancer. The researchers analyzed prescription patterns for Medicare patients with metastatic kidney cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia, and found a consiste...
Researchers at Stanford University have created a computer algorithm called MiSL that identifies pairs of cancer-associated genes, known as synthetic lethals, which could be targeted with drugs. This approach aims to develop less-toxic treatments for various cancers by pinpointing the genetic partners of well-known cancer mutations.
The university will investigate genetic determinants of Barrett's Esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, developing a new molecular marker for detection. The research aims to improve non-invasive diagnostic approaches and treatment of esophageal cancer.
Scientists at Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a radiopharmaceutical for advanced cancer identification, using the technetium-99 isotope. The medication targets cancer receptors and can accurately determine tumor size and location.
Scientists at Rice University have developed analogs of potent anti-tumor agents, which show superior properties and exhibit potent cytotoxicities against certain cancer cells. The new compounds were tested on kidney cancer and human uterine sarcoma cell lines, including a drug-resistant cell line.
Researchers from ETH Zurich have defined the three-dimensional structure of ABCG2, a human multi-drug transporter. The protein recognizes and transports over 200 substances, including toxins and medications, making it a double-edged sword in cancer treatment and drug development.
Researchers discovered a biochemical signaling process that causes densely packed cancer cells to break away and spread the disease. The combined use of two existing drugs disrupts this process, significantly slowing cancer's tendency to travel.
Researchers discovered that a molecule called PD-L1 can mask pain by suppressing nociceptive neuron activity via PD-1. This finding could lead to the development of predictive tests and treatments for pain, as well as new ways to assess immunotherapy treatment efficacy.
Scientists have created a library of 308 compounds to test drug combinations for new therapies. A study found a synergy between flutamide and phenprocoumon that efficiently killed prostate cancer cells, targeting the androgen receptor. The CLOUD library is ideal for discovering new applications for approved active ingredients.
A new study confirms high-ventilation cigarettes have no health benefits and likely contributed to the rise of lung adenocarcinoma. Researchers call for immediate action from the FDA to regulate or ban the use of ventilation holes.
Researchers have discovered that directly injecting a tumor suppressor activator into a cancer can increase tumor destruction, while reducing toxic side effects. The agent, nutlin-3a, activates the natural p53 gene, which helps immune cells target and kill cancer cells.
A new nanofluidic device enables rapid testing of protein drugs produced by living cells, offering continuous monitoring and automated quality control. The system can analyze small protein samples in 30-40 minutes, with potential future miniaturization for real-time point-of-care checks.
A recent study found that a cancer drug called ibrutinib can reduce allergic skin test reactivity by 80-90% in patients with certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. The treatment also showed promise in preventing reactions to common airborne allergens, such as cat dander and ragweed.
A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California reveals that reducing glucose-regulated protein GRP78 can halt pancreatic cancer development and prolong survival. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could lead to a novel approach in treating KRAS-mutation related cancers.
AbeXXa Biologics identifies targets for cancer treatment from thousands of intracellular proteins, potentially resulting in effective immunotherapies for broad patient groups. The company is developing T cell receptor-like antibody-drug complexes to kill tumor cells with low peptide/HLA targets.
Researchers analyzed data from large-scale studies of erectile dysfunction medication users and found an overall 11% increase in melanoma risk. However, they attribute the increased risk to detection bias rather than a direct cause-and-effect link between medications and melanoma.
A multi-institutional research team analyzed nearly 11,000 human cancers to identify molecular changes involved in cancer development. They confirmed previously known pathways and discovered new ones, such as IDH1 and VHL, which may be linked to targeted therapy.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that smokers who received customized, frequent emails with quitting tips and social support had higher cessation rates than those who received non-tailored emails or no email support. The success rate was highest among those receiving daily or near-daily guidance.
The FDA approves brigatinib as a second-line therapy for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, demonstrating a 54% response rate and 12.9-month progression-free survival. Brigatinib's longer control duration compared to other next-generation ALK inhibitors suggests its broader spectrum of coverage against resistance mechanisms.
The article explores the benefits and drawbacks of personalized medicine, highlighting concerns over data ownership and access to cancer treatments. It proposes changes within the industry to achieve a more value-based pathway to drug development, prioritizing low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers developed a prototype drug that directly activates a tumor suppressor protein, preventing lung cancer tumors in mice. The study's findings suggest the potential for broad applicability to various human cancers, including breast, prostate, and childhood cancers.
A Phase III clinical trial has shown that an immediate infusion of gemcitabine after bladder cancer tumor removal significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. The study found a 34% reduction in recurrence risk, with no additional side effects compared to a saline infusion.
Researchers discovered that normal cells recognize and attack transformed cells through metabolic changes, including mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated glucose uptake. These changes play a crucial role in eliminating early-stage cancer cells.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine discovered a protein called free C3d that stops cancer's ability to prevent the immune system from destroying cancer cells. The study showed an 80-90% decrease in cancerous tumors, and free C3d has potential as a cancer vaccine and treatment.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a surprising mechanism for resistance to immune checkpoint blockade, where macrophages rapidly remove drugs from T cells. The study suggests that targeting macrophages could improve treatment efficacy in patients.
A clinical trial funded by the National Eye Institute shows that monthly eye injections of Avastin improve visual acuity on average from 20/100 to 20/40, comparable to Eylea. Macular edema decreased significantly in both groups, with higher resolution rates in the Eylea group.
Recent studies identified targeted therapies that improved benefits for patients with pancreatic cancer, including one with an ALK gene mutation. The assessment of actionable alterations is now part of routine care at UPMC.
Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, a world-renowned expert in cancer therapies, is honored by Columbia University with a gold medal for his outstanding accomplishments in clinical medicine. This recognition marks the 250th anniversary of P&S, one of the nation's most accomplished medical schools.
A Rutgers University study suggests that lithium, used to treat bipolar disorder, may prevent brain cell damage and stop the chemical glutamate from sending signals to other cells. The research found that lithium and rapamycin protected nerve cells in the brain and stopped further brain cell damage.
Researchers found that platelets release TGF-beta to suppress T cells and promote immune tolerance to certain cancers. Adding antiplatelet drugs like aspirin may improve adoptive T cell therapy against melanoma and other cancers.
A large data set has revealed genetic variations that are more common in black women with breast cancer, which could lead to more personalized risk assessments and improved treatment outcomes. The study also found that black women were more likely to develop aggressive breast cancer subtypes.
A new blood test can detect multiple copies of the androgen receptor gene in men with advanced prostate cancer, indicating a lower likelihood of responding to targeted treatments. The test could help doctors personalize treatment options for patients.
Recent studies by TGen and UNC Lineberger researchers provide insight into glioblastoma's evolution and how to combat this aggressive brain tumor. The studies reveal that mutations affect how cancer starts and evolves, while combining drugs targeting PI3K and MAPK pathways show promise as a therapeutic approach.
A commentary and editorial in Reproductive BioMedicine Online argue that a registry of egg donors is needed to monitor long-term health risks, citing five case histories of women who developed breast cancer after donation. The authors highlight the lack of data on this topic and call for increased transparency about potential risks.
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center used TACC's advanced computers to discover a potential new cancer drug, mebendazole, which can selectively inhibit TNIK enzyme activity. Virtual screening and molecular modeling approaches identified this compound as a strong candidate for further exploration.
Researchers used CRISPR genome editing technology to target unique DNA sequences formed by fusion genes, cutting out mutated DNA and replacing it with a gene that leads to cancer cell death. This approach improved survival rates in mouse models of aggressive liver and prostate cancers.
The WorldQuant Initiative combines advanced molecular profiling technologies with quantitative methods to analyze genomic data, enabling the prediction of disease risk and outcomes. Researchers will leverage predictive tools to improve diagnosis and treatment for various illnesses.
Researchers will test drug Selumetinib on patients after endoscopic removal of stage I gastric cancer. The goal is to reverse pre-cancerous metaplasia and prevent cancer recurrence.
A study found that only 18 out of 47 cancer indications approved by the NHS Cancer Drugs Fund showed statistically significant benefits, with a median overall survival benefit of 3.2 months. The majority of drugs failed to show meaningful clinical benefits when considering quality of life and toxic side effects.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust have reported outstanding results from a long-term follow-up study on patients with CLL. The study, which used a selective BTK inhibitor, showed durable remissions without new toxicities in most patients.