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 recent paper emphasizes the importance of public health and prevention measures in combating cancer. The authors highlight successes in lung cancer reduction and vaccine development, suggesting that these efforts have brought about significant improvements in mortality rates. By prioritizing prevention, researchers aim to drive meani...
A combination of palbociclib and fulvestrant delays cancer growth in around two thirds of women with advanced hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. The treatment allowed many patients to delay the start of chemotherapy.
A new treatment combination of palbociclib and fulvestrant has been shown to significantly extend progression-free survival in women with stage-4 breast cancer. The study found that patients treated with the combination experienced a prolonged disease control, which may translate to improved survival.
Researchers found that beta-blockers can decrease the invasive growth of aggressive breast cancer cells by blocking the beta2-adrenoceptor, a cell surface protein stimulated by adrenaline. This discovery suggests beta-blockers could be a useful adjuvant therapy for some aggressive breast cancers.
Researchers found that early MRI screening can reduce breast cancer mortality in female survivors of childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma who received chest radiation. The study suggests that starting screening at age 25 with MRI can be more effective than mammography, but may lead to false positives.
Researchers developed a new method called PRISM to test potential drug compounds on cancer and other cell lines simultaneously, allowing for pooling and testing of multiple cell lines. This approach promises to accelerate the search for targeted therapies by better representing the broad genetic diversity of disease.
A University of Colorado study reveals a weak link between MN1 and aggressive AML, suggesting EPZ-5676 as a potential tool to break this link. The drug inhibits chromatin regulators Mll1 and Dot1l, which are essential for MN1's leukemia-causing effects.
The Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP) trial is a groundbreaking collaboration that uses genomic profiling to match patients with promising new treatments. With the addition of nivolumab, an FDA-approved immunotherapy, the trial offers innovative therapies for advanced stage squamous cell lung cancer.
A single dose of trastuzumab kick starts an immune response in certain HER2-positive breast cancers, with women having the highest rate of immune response being those with the HER2-enriched subtype. The immune-cell-activating properties of trastuzumab are likely related to the subtypes of breast cancer.
A study found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease and a history of cancer did not experience a significant increase in cancer risk when treated with anti-TNF therapy. In fact, 96% of patients were still alive and cancer-free after one year.
PharmaMar has initiated a Phase II clinical trial for its antitumor drug PM184, targeting hormone-receptor positive and HER2-negative breast cancer patients. The trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of PM184 on four-month progression-free survival and assess safety and pharmacological profiles.
Researchers develop adaptive therapy that adjusts drug dose based on tumor response, controlling growth and allowing 60-80% of mice to be weaned off the drug. The treatment approach stabilizes tumors by maintaining a small population of drug-sensitive cells to suppress resistant cell growth.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a DNA 'Trojan horse' that can deliver cancer drugs into resistant cells, effectively killing them. The capsule made of folded up DNA hides the invading force, allowing it to bypass cell defenses and accumulate in cancer cells.
A consensus meeting of experts has established a framework for classifying bladder cancers based on genetic mutations. This development aims to improve patient outcomes by stratifying patients according to their tumor characteristics and response to therapy.
A study from Lund University in Sweden found that childhood cancer survivors who received certain types of chemotherapy may experience impaired eye movement and balance. The study, which included 23 childhood cancer survivors, compared their eye movement skills to those of healthy individuals of the same age.
Researchers have discovered how nutlins work by activating the body's natural cancer-suppressing mechanism, gene P53, and triggering programmed cell death in blood cancer cells. This breakthrough paves the way for more precise and personalized medical treatments for cancer.
Researchers link NSAIDs with ruthenium and osmium ions to destroy cancer cells, while leaving most normal cells alone in lab tests. The combination shows promise as an effective treatment for ovarian cancer and potentially reduces side effects.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute found that hypoxia in tumors lowers STAT3 activity, allowing myeloid-derived suppressor cells to differentiate into tumor-associated macrophages. A combination of an experimental STAT3 inhibitor and sialidase showed substantial antitumor activity
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital report that inducing cytotoxic T cell infiltration into lung tumors can make them sensitive to checkpoint blockade. Combining chemotherapy with immune checkpoint therapies achieves long-lasting control of tumor growth in animal models, expanding the potential for effective treatment.
Two leading research groups independently discovered ONC201's ability to activate the integrated stress response, a powerful anti-cancer pathway. This understanding supports Oncoceutics' oncology indications and demonstrates ONC201's potential as an important therapeutic.
A new test has shown that patients with advanced bowel cancer who have high levels of two proteins can benefit from a combination of drugs, leading to improved cancer growth. The test could help select the best treatment for each individual patient, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
Cancer patients face financial distress due to rising medication costs, according to Dr. Scott Ramsey's editorial. To address this issue, policy interventions are proposed, including price negotiations with manufacturers and greater transparency of pricing.
Researchers created a nanoparticle formulation of a targeted cancer drug that selectively targets tumors while sparing healthy tissue. The nanoparticle-encapsulated version showed improved efficacy and reduced side effects in rodent trials.
Researchers have identified a dozen FDA-approved drugs that reactivate tumour suppressor genes through an epigenetic mechanism, targeting intracellular calcium levels. These cardiac glycosides and antibiotics may rapidly become available for clinical validation and treatment of cancer patients.
A new implantable device delivers a toxic 4-drug cocktail directly to pancreatic tumors, limiting widespread side effects and increasing drug delivery by at least three times. This innovative approach shows promising results in halting tumor growth and shrinking tumors, offering new hope for patients with this deadly cancer.
Researchers found four Ly6 genes are overexpressed in various cancers, leading to poorer survival rates and drug resistance. The study uses big data analysis to identify novel targets for new drugs.
Researchers found that cancer cells kill off surrounding cells to make room to grow, but drugs that prevent cell death might be effective at fighting cancer. Manipulating genetic variants in surrounding cells can contain tumors and prevent their spread.
The charity has funded 40 research projects worth over £6 million, including grants for innovative treatments and personalised medicine approaches. Six new projects aim to develop imaging techniques, epigenetic biomarkers, and targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
A national review suggests studying cancer in dogs can inform new drug therapeutics and accelerate human treatment, saving time and costs. The study highlights the genetic similarities between canine and human cancers, offering new targets for improving treatments.
The report reveals that high-income western countries and regions are driving the increase in opioid use, while poorer nations face significant barriers to access including affordability, lack of awareness, and onerous regulations
A record-breaking number of new drugs were approved last year, including biologics for rare diseases and cancer treatments. However, the high costs of these therapies pose a significant challenge for patients and the pharmaceutical industry.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers identified the mechanism of 5-azacytidine, a DNA-based drug that blocks HIV's ability to spread. The drug converts to a DNA form and infiltrates HIV when it turns RNA into DNA, stopping replication.
A team of researchers used a fruit fly model to identify a potential targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer, which may lead to improved overall survival. The study found that combining two FDA-approved drugs suppressed tumor formation and inhibited key genetic mutations associated with NSCLC.
An analysis of FDA advisory committee meetings found that over 90% of public speakers supported marketing approval for new cancer drugs, with many having financial ties to the companies. However, the study also highlights the importance of considering these ties when evaluating patient testimonies.
University of Oklahoma researchers discovered that chromosome instability is a key player in the development of colon cancer. By analyzing gene expression signatures and pathways, they found promising findings for new treatments and prevention strategies. The study's results bring excitement to the field of cancer research and may have...
A promising new cancer drug developed by CSIRO's Cancer Therapeutics CRC has been licensed to US pharmaceutical company Merck in a $730 million deal. The drug targets the protein PRMT5, associated with various cancers, and may also provide disease-modifying treatment options for blood disorders.
Experts have issued a framework to guide difficult prioritization decisions among children in need of scarce life-saving chemotherapy treatment. The modified utilitarian model maximizes total benefit from available supply, considering factors like curability, prognosis, and drug importance.
A multi-center study identified distinct molecular and clinical features in diffuse glioma patients, shedding light on disease progression. The findings may lead to improved treatment outcomes by enabling precise prediction of tumor growth and response to therapy.
The study confirms the importance of sugar to cancer survival and provides essential new information for developing PI3K inhibitor drugs. The discovery creates a previously unidentified link between a cancer cell's form and shape and its metabolic capabilities.
Generic drugs are increasingly inaccessible due to pharmaceutical companies' strategies to delay market entry. These tactics include pay-for-delay deals, authorized generics, and product hopping, which can lead to higher prices for patients.
Researchers have discovered a molecule that blocks cancer stem cells' ability to survive and replicate. The compound, LF3, targets the Wnt signaling pathway and reduces tumor growth in living animals.
Biomedical engineers have created microscopic 'depots' to trap drugs inside cancer tumors, increasing their effectiveness. The technique uses nanocarriers and enzymes to release the drugs gradually, maximizing their impact on tumor growth.
Researchers create synthetic nanoparticles that can deliver miRNA-based therapies to late-stage liver cancer, inhibiting tumor growth and extending survival. The breakthrough addresses a major challenge in treating aggressive liver cancer, offering hope for patients with limited treatment options.
Researchers discovered a new cellular pathway where activation of TRIB3 gene causes tumour cell death by autophagy. The drug enhances anti-tumour effect of standard chemotherapies with low toxicity and high tolerability.
A team from the University of Leicester has published a detailed description of the protein Sam68 linked to many types of cancer. The high-resolution structure provides an opportunity for scientists to develop drugs targeting this protein.
Researchers found African-American children and adolescents with Hodgkin lymphoma had significantly lower overall survival rates at 25 years compared to their white and Hispanic counterparts. The study, published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer, analyzed data from over 7,800 patients across Florida and the US.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that CDK4/6 inhibitors alter the metabolism of pancreatic cancer cells, revealing a biologic vulnerability. By targeting altered tumor metabolism with other drugs, it may be possible to positively impact cancer treatment.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation awarded over $4.39M to 23 researchers conducting innovative cancer research, including four Breakthrough Scientists awards. These grants aim to support novel ideas and therapies in basic and translational cancer research.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have solved the atomic structure of a unique ubiquitin ligase complex, which plays a key role in modulating the immune system. The study reveals significant therapeutic potential for developing novel drug targets for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
The University of Chicago Medicine will receive a $5 million donation from the Hospira Foundation to create the Hospira Foundation Professorship in Oncology. This professorship will support research aimed at discovering new therapies and treatments for cancer.
A new study suggests that combining PARP inhibitors with c-MET inhibitors may improve treatment outcomes for patients with breast cancer and high c-MET expression levels.
Researchers identified DDA as a potent tumor suppressor metabolite derived from cholesterol and histamine cross-metabolization. Its discovery reveals a new metabolic pathway in mammals, potentially leading to the development of novel anticancer therapies.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have created a new cancer treatment that uses immune bubbles to deliver chemotherapy directly to tumors. This innovative approach reduces the need for high doses of chemotherapy, potentially leading to more effective treatment with fewer and milder side effects.
Researchers have discovered a way to light up a common cancer drug, allowing them to see where the chemo goes and how long it takes to get there. This breakthrough could lead to more personalized medicine and better understanding of how cells interact with drugs.
A recent study suggests new potential drug targets and combinations for treating breast cancer, including signaling proteins and proteins that regulate cell growth pathways. The research identifies candidate genes essential to cancer cell survival and validates a gene as a target for further study.
Changes in childhood cancer treatment and follow-up care have reduced deaths from late effects and extended lives of long-term survivors. Better screening guidelines and reduced radiation therapy have contributed to the decline in deaths.
Seven scientists with novel approaches to fighting cancer have been named recipients of the Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award. The grant funds cancer research by exceptionally creative thinkers with 'high-risk/high-reward' ideas, aiming to significantly impact cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
A recent US study found that minority and ethnic groups are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at younger ages than non-Hispanic whites. The study reveals that these groups have twice the risk of developing the disease before age 50, with advanced stages at diagnosis.
Researchers from the Repurposing Drugs in Oncology project have found that diclofenac, a common painkiller, has significant anti-cancer properties. The study suggests that existing non-cancer drugs may represent a valuable source of novel therapies for cancer treatment.
A new study reveals that docetaxel retains effectiveness in patients with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with abiraterone. Following abiraterone, 40% of patients experienced a 50% reduction in prostate-specific antigen (PSA), demonstrating the activity of this drug sequencing.