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 comprehensive molecular portrait of KRAS has been established, revealing its key role in pancreatic cancer progression and resistance to treatment. The study identifies ERK as a critical regulator of KRAS activity, with implications for developing targeted therapies.
The University of Oklahoma has been awarded a $1.2 million grant to lead a Phase 1B clinical trial for the treatment of prostate cancer when it begins to spread beyond the prostate. The trial combines two existing drugs, relugolix and enzalutamide, which may provide more effective treatments for aggressive prostate cancer patients.
A Phase III trial led by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found proton therapy to be non-inferior to traditional radiation therapy in treating head and neck cancer. The study revealed a significant reduction in malnutrition and feeding-tube dependency with proton therapy.
A study led by Washington State University scientists found that inhibiting CDK7 could help prevent heart damage associated with doxorubicin, a commonly used cancer chemotherapy medication. The researchers also discovered that CDK7 inhibition enhances the medication's cancer-killing capability.
A new study by ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group aimed to address disparities in breast cancer care for Black patients. The trial found that tailoring research to the needs of underserved groups is effective, with docetaxel showing lower rates of peripheral neuropathy and dose reductions compared to paclitaxel.
Pharmaceutical genomic testing can optimize drug dosages and minimize adverse events in treating metastatic prostate cancer. By understanding an individual's genetic variations, clinicians can tailor treatments more effectively.
A study by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center found that durvalumab, a targeted immunotherapy for lung cancer, exceeded official cost-effectiveness thresholds in four countries: the US, Brazil, Singapore, and Spain. The drug's high cost-effectiveness ratio was due to its extended lifespan and quality-of-life benefits.
A study found that moderate-to-vigorous exercise bouts increased natural killer cells' ability to kill cancer cells and made them more susceptible to antibody therapy. This could hold promise for improving treatment outcomes for some forms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A novel therapy has been developed to reprogram macrophage immune cells, shifting their balance toward antitumor activity. The treatment, JHU083, blocks the use of glutamine in tumors, reducing growth and triggering cell death. It also boosts immune-activating macrophages, recruiting tumor-killing T-cells and natural killer cells.
Researchers found no significant 'participation effect' in cancer trials, contrary to common belief among patients and healthcare providers. The study's results provide reassurance that not enrolling in a trial doesn't disadvantage a patient's survival outcomes.
A new study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering shows that targeted cancer treatment using antibody-displaying extracellular vesicles reduces tumour growth and improves survival in mice. The treatment has the potential to be used against other diseases and cancer types, offering a more effective and fewer side effects compared t...
A team of POSTECH and ImmunoBiome has discovered a dietary-derived bacterial strain, IMB001, that induces nutritional immunity and boosts anti-tumor responses. The strain works by skewing tumor-infiltrating macrophages toward an inflammatory phenotype, leading to increased cell death of rapidly multiplying tumor cells.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group has launched the ComboMATCH-E5 trial, evaluating the combination of sotorasib and panitumumab in patients with KRAS G12C-mutated advanced solid tumors. The study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of the combination in this patient population.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a machine learning algorithm to simulate chemistry in drug discovery, synthesizing 32 potential multi-target cancer drugs. The new AI platform, POLYGON, can identify molecules with multiple targets, potentially delivering more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
Researchers have discovered a repurposed cancer drug that can convert acinar cells into insulin-producing cells, which could provide a new avenue for treating diabetes. The treatment partially improved hyperglycemia and persisted without additional treatment in diabetic mice and non-human primates.
A new study from MIT researchers has found that many genes involved in drug metabolism follow a circadian rhythm, affecting how much of a drug is available and how effectively the body breaks it down. The study's findings have implications for developing better dosing schedules for existing drugs.
Researchers at CeMM and Pfizer have developed a novel method to measure the binding activity of hundreds of small molecules against thousands of human proteins. The study revealed tens of thousands of ligand-protein interactions that can now be explored for drug development.
MIT engineers have developed a closed-loop drug-delivery system that can improve chemotherapy outcomes by continuously monitoring patients and adjusting dosage. The new system, called CLAUDIA, uses commercially available equipment to analyze blood samples every five minutes and adjust infusion rates in real-time.
The FDA has approved the use of N-803, an immunotherapy drug, in combination with BCG for treating patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who did not respond to conventional treatment. The approval is based on a trial led by UCLA's Dr. Karim Chamie, which showed improved outcomes and longer overall survival rates.
A new AI-based approach, PERCEPTION, uses single-cell transcriptomics to predict patient response to cancer drugs and monitor resistance. The approach was validated in three clinical trials for multiple myeloma, breast, and lung cancer, with promising results.
Scientists at CNIC have identified mechanisms by which anthracyclines damage the hearts of cancer patients, leading to cardiac injury. The study suggests that a protein-enriched diet may prevent muscle atrophy caused by anthracycline chemotherapy.
Researchers have developed a new treatment that uses tailored doses of anti-cancer drugs released directly into the surgical cavity to treat liver cancer. The approach has shown promise in reducing recurrence rates and minimizing chemotherapy side effects, with potential applications for other types of cancer.
A study reveals that melanomas can 'break' parts of their BRAF gene through genomic deletions, creating alternative versions that resist targeted therapy. This discovery opens new avenues for developing effective treatments for patients with BRAF mutations.
The NCCN 2024 Annual Conference shared updates on improving cancer care worldwide, including plenary sessions on drug shortages and hereditary cancer risk. Key takeaways include the need for transparency around oncology supply chains and the importance of genetic testing to reduce cancer risk.
Researchers identified how AML cells develop resistance to first-line treatments by up-regulating multiple signalling pathways. Targeting RAS family proteins shuts off this route, preventing cancer cell death.
A study found that only 43% of accelerated approval drugs demonstrated a clinical benefit in confirmatory trials after five years. The study analyzed 129 cancer drugs approved between 2013-2023 and found that 63% were converted to regular approvals, but 22% were withdrawn due to lack of efficacy.
Most cancer drugs granted accelerated approval show no benefit in overall survival or quality of life within five years. Patients should be informed about the limited effectiveness of these drugs.
A phase 2 study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute investigators found notable activity in pre-treated patients with a difficult-to-treat form of endometrial cancer, including six out of 16 patients experiencing tumor reduction. The combination of mirvetuximab soravtansine and pembrolizumab met its primary endpoint and showed promise for ...
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center presented abstracts on new potential drugs and targets for treating various types of cancer. A study found that a brain-permeable drug called AM-101 sensitizes brain metastatic tumors to radiation, improving survival in preclinical animal models.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a novel therapeutic strategy using existing medications to inhibit bone metastasis in breast cancer patients. The combination of drugs improved survival rates and reduced bone metastases in animal models and human tissue samples.
Researchers have found that combining DNMT and EZH2 inhibitors activates viral mimicry in cancer cells, making them more susceptible to attack by the immune system. The combination therapy has shown potential in treating colorectal cancers and other solid tumors, with an upcoming Phase I clinical trial planned.
Researchers have identified a protein, NPEPPS, that enables cisplatin-resistant cancer cells to become responsive to treatment. This discovery could increase patient eligibility and make platinum-based therapies more effective.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found that two enzymes, APOBEC3C and APOBEC3D, promote resistance to chemotherapy drug gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells. Removing these enzymes can kill cancer cells by stymieing DNA repair.
Patients from socially vulnerable areas show increased treatment adherence when treated at 340B-participating hospitals compared to non-participating hospitals. The study found no difference in use between 340B and non-340B hospitals but noted improved adherence among patients from disadvantaged areas.
Adding ribociclib to hormone therapy improves invasive disease-free survival by 90.4% at three years, distant disease-free survival by 90.8%, and recurrence-free survival by 91.7%. The study found a 25% relative reduction in recurrence rate for patients with stage 2 or 3 HR-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer.
A new genetic test has identified patients with triple negative early-stage breast cancer who are unlikely to respond to immunotherapy drugs. The test, called ImPrintTN, can predict a patient's likelihood of responding to these treatments and help avoid severe side effects.
Researchers identify mitochondrial priming as a key driver of multi-drug resistance in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia. A new technique called dynamic BH3 profiling reveals anti-cancer drugs capable of overcoming resistance.
Researchers propose combining osimertinib with gefitinib to increase progression-free survival rates in EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients. A comprehensive PC approach could dramatically boost PFS for 80% of patients, eliminating harm and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers have deciphered trabectedin's precise mechanism of action, revealing its ability to induce persistent DNA breaks in cancer cells. This disruption of the transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) pathway leads to long-lasting DNA breaks that ultimately kill cancer cells.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study finds that financial distress affects up to 33% of cancer patients in Canada, causing direct, indirect, and emotional costs. The authors suggest supporting home care, improved benefit plans, and pharmacare to alleviate the financial burden on patients and their families.
Research reveals oestrogen's protective role in preventing fatty liver disease by targeting the TEAD1 protein. The discovery could lead to a new treatment for fatty liver and liver cancer, as well as earlier detection methods.
A recent study at Salk Institute evaluates the reliability of patient-derived organoids as a clinical model for pancreatic cancer. The findings reveal that organoids' gene expression and drug responses are not affected by commercial extracellular matrix brands, but one product increases growth rate.
Researchers have designed a candidate drug to target the K-Ras G12D mutation, responsible for nearly half of all pancreatic cancer cases. The molecule permanently modifies the mutation, stopping tumor growth in cancer cell lines and animal models.
Researchers investigated combining Sacituzumab govitecan with platinum-based chemotherapeutics for triple-negative breast cancer, urinary bladder carcinoma, and small-cell lung carcinoma. The study showed additive to synergistic antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo, with improved outcomes in tumor-bearing animals.
Researchers analyzed access to new treatments for early-stage lung cancer in Europe, highlighting existing disparities in healthcare systems and reimbursement structures. The study calls for a collective European approach to reduce inequalities in access to care.
The European LeukemiaNet has published two-part guidelines for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment, covering diagnostics, prognostic factors, response assessments, and comprehensive management. These recommendations are based on a decade of systematic work by European experts, improving the prognosis of adult patients with ALL.
Researchers at University at Buffalo propose a new approach to developing cancer drugs by determining the optimal placement of molecular linkers earlier in the process, reducing trial and error and increasing potency, according to a study published in Communications Chemistry.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona demonstrates that vorinostat, an anti-cancer drug, mitigates brain injuries and restores brain tissue after a stroke. Researchers found that the treatment not only protects the brain but also surrounding vessels, reducing inflammation and improving neurological deficits.
A study found that over half of cancer drugs approved through expedited pathways recover research and development costs within three years, despite lacking proof of added benefit. The researchers emphasize the need for better alignment between regulatory and reimbursement processes to promote effective drug development.
A new study found that many newly approved EU oncology drugs lack proof of added benefit, with over half recovering R&D costs within three years. This challenges the industry's claim that high drug prices are necessary to offset R&D expenses.
A combination of CS1002 and CS1003 showed promising anti-tumor activity and a manageable safety profile across various dosing ranges in patients with advanced solid tumors. The treatment was found to be effective in certain types of cancers, including melanoma and skin cancer.
A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo demonstrated that a drug, valemetostat, reduces tumor growth in blood cancer by targeting H3K27me3, a protein modification silencing tumor suppressor genes. The treatment restores expression of many tumor suppressor genes and sustains inhibiting tumor cell growth.
New research led by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that age-related changes in fibroblast cells enable pancreatic cancer tumor growth. The study found that older patients have poorer prognoses due to altered proteins released by fibroblasts, which promote cancer cell growth and spread.
A new study from the University of Ottawa proposes using vanoxerine, a drug initially developed for cocaine addiction, to potentially treat advanced colon cancer. Vanoxerine has been found to suppress cancer stem cell activity in colon cancer patients' tissues and tumours implanted in laboratory animals. The drug works by interfering w...
A new study published in The Lancet Oncology demonstrates that the drug enobosarm has anti-tumour effects in oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients, providing a novel approach to treatment. The study showed that enobosarm was well tolerated with no significant impact on quality of life.
Researchers identified mechanisms that cause ponatinib to harm the heart and found a promising treatment that could reverse this process. The treatment protects heart cells without diminishing the tumor-fighting efficacy of the drug.
Researchers have developed a new treatment combining immunotherapy with lab-cultivated T-cells from patients' blood, which significantly inhibits triple-negative breast cancer growth and metastasis. The treatment has shown promising outcomes in animal models, but further testing in humans is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
The study evaluated the effectiveness of ruxolitinib in treating relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Researchers found that ruxolitinib inhibited JAK signaling, leading to enhanced anti-tumor effects and improved patient outcomes.
A new study shows that inhibiting TACC3 can restore the effectiveness of T-DM1 in HER2-positive breast cancer cells, which have developed resistance. This is achieved by inducing immunogenic cell death and enhancing the response to the drug.
A new type of cell therapy has shown promising results in improving survival rates and reducing pneumonia among critically ill ARDS patients recovering from severe Covid-19. The invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy, known as agenT-797, triggered an anti-inflammatory response and activated anti-viral immunity.