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 Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have found a way to attack a process that tumor cells use to escape the effects of standard cancer drugs. The discovery highlights how targeting specific metabolic requirements of cancer cells can prove effective in their selective eradication.
Researchers create micro-sized gas bubbles coated with cancer drug particles that can be directed to a specific tumour using magnets and ultrasound. This innovative technique aims to overcome limitations of chemotherapy by delivering drugs directly to the core of the tumour.
Researchers discovered YEATS domain proteins as the first reader of histone lysine crotonylation, a critical epigenetic mark. This discovery has implications for human disease, particularly in cancers such as leukemia and glioblastoma.
Researchers identified mechanisms that allow TRK-fusion lung cancer cells to evade targeted therapies. Specific genetic changes, including amino acid positions in TRK fusion genes, confer resistance to LOXO-101. This study's findings may have implications for other kinase-driven cancers treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
A phase I study of LOXO-101 demonstrated efficacy in reducing tumors in six patients with TRK fusion-positive cancers, including sarcoma, thyroid, and non-small cell lung. The study showed significant tumor regression in all six patients, with one patient experiencing a 17% tumor reduction.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that guadecitabine, when combined with standard chemotherapy, is safe and may overcome resistance to irinotecan in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The study showed stable disease for most patients and a partial response in one patient.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center made significant progress in immunotherapy for advanced Merkel cell carcinoma, with longer response times than standard chemotherapy. Precision prevention of colorectal cancer showed that preventing diseases may not be 'one size fits all', highlighting the need for tailored approaches. Addit...
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center reported encouraging correlations between immunologic biomarkers and responses to treatment with nivolumab in the first-ever phase II clinical trial for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. Five patients treated with nivolumab experienced significant tumor size reductions.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a modified flu virus that can re-sensitize resistant pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy. The virus enhances the efficacy of the drug by preventing cancer cells from repairing themselves, leading to increased cell killing with lower doses.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing a new strategy to combat cancer metastasis by targeting an enzyme called P-Rex1. Tumor cells produce high levels of P-Rex1, allowing them to spread and become mobile.
A recent mouse study found that antioxidants in certain antidiabetic medications can accelerate the spread of colon and liver cancer. The findings suggest that these medications, which are commonly used to treat diabetes, may not be safe for diabetic patients with cancer.
Scientists at UNC School of Medicine and Sanford Burnham Prebys discovered a human protein, NLRX1, that represses the innate immune response to HIV. This finding provides critical insight into improving HIV antiviral therapies and has implications for cancer treatment.
A study found that older black women are less likely to receive trastuzumab, a targeted drug improving survival by nearly 40%, than white women. Approximately half of women in the study did not receive any therapy, highlighting disparities in access to proven yet expensive treatment.
A new study found that married patients with cancer fare better than unmarried ones, but the benefits vary by demographics. Unmarried individuals, particularly men, experience higher mortality rates compared to their married counterparts. The study also showed that birthplace and acculturation impact cancer survivorship.
A public repository of patient-derived cancer models has been established to share this technique widely. The Public Repository of Xenografts (PRoXe) contains biopsy tissue collected from patients with leukemia and lymphoma, allowing researchers worldwide to access the portal and create PDX models for testing drugs.
Dendritic cells, the 'generals' of T cell responses, produce and release CTLA-4, a brake on T cells that inhibits anti-cancer responses. Removing this brake with ipilimumab enables robust T cell priming against cancer.
The study reveals a new activation mechanism for protein kinase G I (PKG I), which may prevent unnecessary inhibition and enhance its activity. This discovery could lead to the design of drugs that target PKG I, providing new therapeutic options for diseases associated with PKG I dysfunction.
A new study reveals that cancer cells can adapt to treatment by actively co-opting blood vessels from nearby tissues, leading to drug resistance. The researchers hope their findings will lead to the development of new therapies targeting vessel co-option, which could be particularly effective when used alongside existing treatments.
A new computational tool, parabolic personalized dosing (PPD), successfully tested in a pilot trial accurately predicts the optimal drug dose for an individual patient. PPD harnesses clinical data to account for various factors influencing drug response, including age, ethnicity, and genetics.
A metabolic pathway up-regulated in certain breast cancers promotes disease progression by activating the cell signaling protein Arf6, according to a recent study. Statin-like drugs may be effective treatments for patients whose tumors express high levels of Arf6 signaling proteins.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that afatinib significantly extended time to disease progression in patients with advanced urothelial cancer and at least one of two specific genetic abnormalities. The treatment also showed promise for patients without these mutations, although the response rate was lower.
Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) has shown protective effects in mice with burn injuries, stimulating G-CSF production to bolster immune cells' ability to fight bacteria. Increased neutrophil levels mediate this protection.
The Endocrine Society recommends against using compounded hormone medications, citing potential risks and side effects. FDA-approved treatments are considered safer and more effective for treating hormone disorders.
Researchers at VIB have discovered that killed tumor cells can be used as a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to prevent cancer cell growth. This finding opens up new perspectives for using necroptosis in immunotherapy and screening for cancer drugs that induce this type of immunogenic cell death.
A recent study discovered that microRNA miR-181a suppresses tumor cell proliferation and survival in highly aggressive large B-cell lymphomas by reducing NFkappaB signaling. This finding provides hope for developing novel therapies targeting this pathway.
Researchers discover circular RNAs involved in tumor growth and progression, suggesting a new path to cancer treatments. The study provides insights into the role of non-coding RNA in human biology and disease.
A recent study published in The BMJ has confirmed the association between diabetes drug pioglitazone and an increased risk of bladder cancer. The study analyzed data from over 145,000 patients treated with diabetics drugs between 2000 and 2013, finding a 63% increased risk of bladder cancer with pioglitazone use.
Researchers have discovered that a cancer drug can effectively treat venous malformations, a condition characterized by deformed blood vessels. The treatment uses a topical cream that targets the mutations causing VMs, offering new hope for patients with this often incurable condition.
A new tool, IMPACT, interprets whole-exome sequencing data to identify candidate genes linked to cancer and recommends FDA-approved targeted treatments. The tool has been validated in patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma, showing its potential to accelerate precision medicine.
Two studies by Penn researchers found that high out-of-pocket costs for specialty drugs reduce their use, particularly for cancer treatments. The studies suggest that cost-sharing policies under Medicare Part D are limiting access to life-saving therapies.
A team of scientists has identified a possible use for the leukemia treatment drug Imatinib in treating type 2 diabetes. Gleevec was found to lower insulin resistance by controlling PPARγ, reducing the risk of hyperglycemia and obesity.
Researchers found that cancer cells have a resilient ability to repair nuclear envelope rupture during cell migration, but this process compromises genomic integrity. The study highlights a potential weakness in metastatic cancer cells and an opportunity for developing novel anti-metastatic drugs.
Researchers have identified a link between adult-onset diabetes and certain cancers, highlighting the role of bromodomain (BRD) proteins. The study suggests that targeting BET proteins may be beneficial for both conditions.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that most female childhood cancer survivors can conceive, but male survivors are less likely to father a child due to chemotherapy exposure. Female survivors treated with certain drugs like ifosfamide and cisplatin may face challenges conceiving, particularly after age 30.
A new two-drug combination significantly reduces the number and size of precancerous polyps in the small intestine of hereditary cancer patients. Researchers found a 71% overall reduction in polyps, with most side effects being tolerable, offering a promising prevention treatment for this high-risk patient group.
Researchers have created tiny particles that can be precisely controlled by magnetic fields and generate electric fields, revolutionizing medicine and regenerative therapy. These 'Janus' particles can target cancer cells with precision and efficiency, eliminating side effects.
Researchers have identified 11 molecules capable of binding to the PSMA biomarker, making them potential treatments for prostate cancer. These ligands are suitable for synthesizing and have good pharmacokinetic parameters, increasing their effectiveness in clinical trials.
A study found that a drug combination of sulindac and erlotinib effectively reduced duodenal polyp burden and number in familial adenomatous polyposis patients. However, the treatment was associated with acne-like rash and other adverse events.
The new WHO Model List of Essential Medicines includes tumour-specific indications for 46 essential medicines, empowering oncologists to demand quality care. The list aims to reduce disparities in survival outcomes and bring cancer care to developing worlds.
Researchers at Caltech demonstrate that nanoparticles can selectively target tumors while leaving adjacent healthy tissue intact. The study's findings suggest the presence of the EPR effect in humans, which could lead to more effective cancer therapies with fewer side effects.
Advanced genomic sequencing helped identify a potentially deadly fungus, Sarocladium kiliense, in tainted anti-nausea medication given to dozens of cancer patients in Chile and Colombia. The use of whole-genome sequence typing revealed nearly genetically indistinguishable isolates from patient samples and unopened medication vials.
Researchers have identified a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets both resistant tumors and FLT3-independent AML. The compound, MRX-2843, exhibits antitumor effects in culture and preclinical models, improving survival rates even in cases of tumors resistant to existing treatments.
Physician-scientists Ethan Dmitrovsky and Waun Ki Hong recognized for their efforts in cancer prevention and control. Dmitrovsky's work on retinoids has led to a significant impact on leukemia treatment, while Hong's research in cancer chemoprevention and personalized therapies has advanced the field.
A new study from MIT reveals that certain cancers develop a backup system to evade treatment, which can be detected in blood samples. Combining kinase inhibitors with another drug shows promise in improving results, according to researchers.
Researchers have discovered a new drug, HRX9, that targets the HOX gene family and induces apoptosis in mesothelioma cells. The study found that treatment with HRX9 resulted in complete loss of tumor blood vessels and widespread cancer cell death, offering new hope for patients.
A team of researchers at Houston Methodist developed an injectable nanoparticle generator that successfully eliminated lung metastases in mice, achieving a 50% cure rate for breast cancers. The innovative treatment strategy enables sequential passage through biological barriers to deliver the killing agent directly into cancer cells.
Researchers have identified a new combination therapy for the most aggressive form of medulloblastoma, a fast-growing type of pediatric brain cancer. The study found that combining two drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors, potently kills cancer cells with minimal toxicity.
Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that sulforaphane, a broccoli ingredient, increases the concentration of enzymes in colon cancer cells, making it more effective for chemotherapy. This natural compound can reduce medication doses and is non-toxic with no unwanted side effects.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a novel approach to improve cancer immunotherapy by recruiting T cells into tumors using a fusion protein called antibody-LIGHT. The study found that this strategy can overcome tumor resistance and increase the response rate to immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
Researchers identified a critical connection between the cancer-related gene Myc and cell-surface molecules that protect tumors from the immune system. The study found that reducing Myc expression led to lower levels of protective proteins CD47 and PD-L1 on tumor cells, enabling them to evade immune detection.
A new study from Mount Sinai found that light exposure therapy can decrease depressive symptoms among cancer survivors. Participants who received bright white light therapy showed improvement, while those with dim red light therapy experienced no change.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for synthesizing the potent anti-cancer agent trioxacarcin, which damages DNA and disrupts cancer cell replication. This breakthrough allows for more efficient production of these valuable molecules, enabling their study as potential new medications.
A new study found that a specific gene variant can speed up the metabolism of drugs in cancer patients, leading to poorer outcomes. This variant affects the CYP3A7 enzyme, which breaks down hormones and medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
A new study published in the Lancet found that sunitinib and sorafenib, widely used targeted therapy drugs for metastatic kidney cancer, have no effect on preventing return of the disease to increase life spans of patients suffering from advanced kidney cancer after surgery. The study involved 1,943 patients treated with one year of so...
A CWRU researcher is using plant viruses to detect and treat aggressive prostate and breast cancers. The lab will customize tobacco mosaic virus to target biomarkers of prostate cancer and deliver chemotherapy deep into breast tumor tissue.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have identified a gene target called GCNT3 that may offer promise in improving the treatment of pancreatic cancer. By targeting this gene, they theorized that multiple mucins could be shut down simultaneously, breaking down cancer's protective barrier.
The report emphasizes that patient harm is preventable with a systems-based approach, empowering patients and staff to take ownership of safety. The reports also suggest the need for standardized incident reporting methods and effective training to improve patient safety.
Geneticists at UNIGE sequenced DNA of skin tumors to determine genes responsible for cancerogenesis in basal cell carcinoma. New cancer genes MYCN, PTPN14 and LATS1 were identified, which can complicate treatment.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a combination therapy that targets the MYCN and BCL2 proteins to kill neuroblastoma cells. The therapy, which uses investigational drugs ABT-199 and MLN8237, shows promising results in laboratory experiments and advanced mouse models.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center have discovered that BRCA1 serves as a limiter on a gene called COBRA1, regulating breast cell growth. This finding provides new insights into how BRCA1 mutations increase breast cancer risk in women.