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Study details rare cardiac side effects of immune checkpoint cancer therapies

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine details two cases of acute and unexpected fatal myocarditis that occurred in melanoma patients following treatment with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab. High-dose corticosteroids were initially administered, but both patients died due to the severe immune reaction.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 3, 2016

Danish researchers behind new cancer images

Researchers at Aarhus University combined two scanning technologies to create high-resolution images of cancer tumors in mice, providing detailed mapping of blood vessels. This method could lead to the development of more effective drugs and personalized treatment plans.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMicrovascular Research·DateOct 21, 2016

Cancers causing the largest loss of healthy life years associated with known major preventable risk factors

Eleven cancers causing most loss of healthy life years in the US are closely associated with preventable risk factors like smoking and alcohol. Lung cancer accounts for 24% of the burden, followed by breast, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, leukemia, liver, brain, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and ovarian cancers.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 18, 2016

Cold medicine could stop cancer spread

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that a nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug used for treating colds can suppress the spread of bladder cancers and reduce chemoresistance in mice. The study identified the metabolic enzyme aldo-keto reductase 1C1 (AKR1C1) as a key player in cancer progression.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 17, 2016

Targeting fat to treat cancer

A team of researchers at the Salk Institute has found a way to obstruct the creation of fat molecules in cancer cells, stalling their growth. This approach involves inhibiting an enzyme called Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase, which is crucial for lipid synthesis activity.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 12, 2016

Roadmap to get new cancer scans into clinic

A team of international scientists has outlined 14 recommendations to improve the adoption of new cancer scans in clinics. The guidelines aim to address challenges such as variability in methodologies and lack of reproducibility across laboratories.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature Reviews Clinical Oncology·DateOct 11, 2016

A new strategy for choosing cancer drugs

Researchers at MIT and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute developed a novel way to test tumors for drug susceptibility using a device that measures single-cell masses. They successfully tested this approach with glioblastoma and acute lymphocytic leukemia, finding that susceptible cells reduce growth rates while resistant cells continue unaf...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 10, 2016

Antibody drug conjugates may help personalize radiotherapy for patients with cancer

Researchers have identified a strategy to selectively sensitize certain cancer cells to radiation therapy using antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), which could improve tumor control and reduce treatment-related side effects in HER2-positive tumors. The study shows promise in sensitizing these cancers to radiation and chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2016

How gut microbes help chemotherapy drugs

Researchers identify two gut bacteria that activate cancer-fighting T cell immune responses, enhancing the effects of cyclophosphamide. These microbial-driven immune responses predicted longer progression-free survival in advanced lung and ovarian cancer patients treated with chemo-immunotherapy.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateOct 4, 2016

Recommended weekly physical activity level may offset some of alcohol's lethal harms

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that engaging in regular physical activity may help mitigate the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. The research analyzed data from eight British population cohorts and discovered a positive correlation between moderate to high levels of physical...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateSep 7, 2016