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 found that auranofin reduces the survival rates of ovarian cancer cells with depleted BRCA1 levels, increasing their sensitivity to the drug. This suggests auranofin's potential as a clinical treatment for ovarian cancers with BRCA1 deficiency.
A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals that a group of protein kinases, specifically PKN2, play an essential role in congenital birth defects such as spina bifida. The researchers also found that these kinases may be potential cancer drug targets, particularly for pancreatic and breast cancers.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute used patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models to test a combination of targeted therapies against relapsed melanoma. A MET inhibitor called capmatinib, when combined with BRAF and MEK inhibitors, showed significant tumor regression in all animals, suggesting a possible new mechanism of resistance.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield discovered that dasatinib can switch off signals in a protein implicated in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, leading to a 40% improvement in zebrafish with the condition. The drug has potential as a treatment for slowing muscle deterioration and improving symptoms in patients.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that statins increased overall survival among late-stage SCLC patients, while other medications showed no benefit. Radiotherapy was also identified as an independent predictor of survival.
A new injectable agent, LUM015, has been tested in a trial and found to identify cancerous tissue in human patients without adverse effects. The technology could significantly change the treatment of sarcoma by allowing surgeons to remove 100% of the tumor on the first attempt.
Researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have identified a powerful new drug with unparalleled strength against forms of neuroblastoma that resist crizotinib. The study found that PF-06463922 showed more profound inhibition of ALK than crizotinib, leading to rapid and sustained regression in animal models.
A new study finds that Medicaid programs provide inadequate help for smoking cessation, with 10% of smokers receiving anti-smoking medication. States vary in their efforts to support smokers, with some providing more access than others.
The canSAR database has been upgraded with 3D protein structures and maps of cancer communication networks, allowing scientists to design new treatments more effectively. The updated database will enable researchers to identify key targets for future cancer drug discovery and develop innovative drugs more rapidly.
Researchers have discovered a triple therapy approach that could make treatment-resistant lung cancers susceptible to therapy. The combination of two experimental drugs and radiation therapy was found to be effective in mice with KRAS-related gene mutations.
A new study by Sylvester researchers describes the immune system's response to tumor development, highlighting the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway's potential suppression of colorectal cancer. Impaired STING responses may enable damaged cells to evade the immune system.
The new oral drug Palbociclib has shown promise in combating various types of cancer beyond breast cancer, including lymphoma, sarcoma, and teratoma. Early trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in slowing tumor growth and improving survival rates in patients with these conditions.
Researchers have identified NORAD, a long noncoding RNA, as crucial in maintaining proper chromosome numbers. Absence of NORAD leads to genomic instability and cells losing or gaining whole chromosomes.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism of resistance and re-sensitization to first-generation ALK inhibitors in a patient with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. The study highlights the importance of repeat biopsies and molecular profiling to uncover novel resistance mechanisms.
Researchers have developed a computer model that applies social network analysis techniques to identify new ways of treating cancer. The model maps the interactions between cancer-causing proteins, predicting which ones will be most effectively targeted with drugs.
A study found that NSAIDs and opiates had no significant difference in pain scores, but NSAID use was associated with more rescue medication. Smaller chest tubes reduced pain, but efficacy has not been proven.
Mutations in follicular lymphoma have revealed new molecular targets for potential treatments, according to researchers at Queen Mary University of London. The mutations identified allow tumours to evade normal restrictions on growth, making existing therapies less effective.
A new system, TCRN, facilitates data and biospecimen sharing among cancer centers to speed up cancer research findings. This federated network uses advanced text processing technology to promote translational research across all cancer centers.
Researchers have found a class of drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors, can eliminate kidney toxicity caused by cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy agent. The combination therapy shows promise in reducing inflammation and cell death in the kidneys.
New research reveals that current genome analysis approaches miss detecting complex cancer mutations in well-known genes that could be targeted by existing drugs. The developed software tool, Pindel-C, identifies a large number of such events in critical cancer genes.
Researchers have found that tumors driven by IDH1 mutations are vulnerable to depletion of metabolite NAD+, which supports the development of new treatments. Inhibiting NAD+ levels can induce the death of IDH1-mutant tumor cells and inhibit tumor growth in animal models.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center describe how p53 gene mutations activate mTORC1, leading to abnormal cell proliferation. The study identifies a potential target for existing drug pemetrexed, which may have greater clinical utility against cancers with p53 dysfunction.
A new study found that experimental drugs changing energy supply in cells can halt tumor growth and extend survival in mice with cancers linked to IDH1 gene mutations. The research team discovered that cancer cells with low levels of a critical metabolic chemical, NAD, are more susceptible to these drugs.
The authors propose that lethal drugs' physical consequences should be listed as immediate cause of death and underlying condition as preceding antecedent cause. Harmonization with vital statistics registrars is crucial for consistency across provinces and territories.
A clinical trial found that anastrozole is as effective as tamoxifen in treating ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a very early form of breast cancer. Anastrozole offers a new treatment option for post-menopausal women with fewer side effects, such as womb and ovarian cancers.
Researchers found similar outcomes for disease recurrence between women taking anastrozole and those taking tamoxifen, but noted significant differences in side effects. Women on anastrozole had fewer endometrial and ovarian cancers, while those on tamoxifen experienced more major thromboembolic events.
A study of postmenopausal women with DCIS found that anastrozole and tamoxifen caused different symptom profiles. Hot flashes were more common in the tamoxifen group, while musculoskeletal complaints and vaginal problems were more prevalent in those receiving anastrozole.
A single dose of psilocybin significantly decreases anxiety and depression in cancer patients, with positive effects lasting up to 6 months. The study suggests that psilocybin may be a sufficient treatment for mood disturbances in cancer patients.
Scientists at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre discovered that blocking the master regulator of bone renewal, RANKL, stops osteosarcoma. The findings provide a strong rationale for using this drug to develop targeted therapy for patients.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a three-drug delivery system that targets cancer cells in the lymph nodes, reducing toxicity and resistance. The technology has shown success in laboratory animals and holds potential for treating various types of cancer that spread through the lymphatic system.
A gold standard data record has been established to improve cancer genome analysis and detect somatic mutations reliably. The record, obtained from interlaboratory testing, provides a basis for laboratories to evaluate their bioinformatic methods and thresholds for detecting specific mutations.
A study of over 21,000 women found that only 1 in 6 with increased breast cancer risk take preventive medication, despite being eligible for clinical trials. Most women who started the medication continued taking it for at least a year, but usage declined over time.
Patients who discontinued ibrutinib or idelalisib due to side effects experienced durable responses after switching to another kinase inhibitor, with a 50% objective response rate and 11.9-month median progression-free survival.
A phase I/II clinical trial found that acalabrutinib promotes high response rates and durable results in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia while producing minimal side effects. The drug's selective blockade of the BTK pathway may offer improved tolerability compared to other treatments.
Researchers have developed a novel method to reposition an FDA-approved anti-cancer compound for targeting liver cancer tumors. The 'triple attack' technique uses nanobubbles filled with the drug to specifically target cancer cells, minimizing harm to healthy tissue.
A team of researchers discovered non-coding RNA molecules in cancer cells that stimulate an immune response by mimicking pathogens. The findings suggest these molecules may play a significant role in mediating immune responses against cancer.
A mindfulness-based stress reduction program has been shown to improve attention and reduce mistakes on difficult cognitive tasks in breast and colorectal cancer survivors. The program, known as MBSR, provides a creative solution for managing cancer-related cognitive impairment, which can be incapacitating.
The Target Validation Platform provides a single, robust infrastructure that integrates high-level information from key sources of evidence. It enables communities to work together, making the hand-off from basic research to drug discovery smoother, and is expected to grow substantially as it integrates experimental project data.
A study of 87 CLL patients found 12 genetic mutations that can be targeted by therapies already available for other cancers, including PARP and BRAF inhibitors. These mutations were detected through next-generation sequencing and may offer new treatment options for patients who fail current therapies.
A multi-center study found ibrutinib to be more effective than chlorambucil in treating CLL, with a 97.8% overall survival rate after two years compared to 85.3%. Ibrutinib also improves hemoglobin and platelet levels.
A SWOG trial shows that adding bortezomib to lenalidomide and dexamethasone therapy in early treatment improves remission time and life expectancy for myeloma patients by about a year, compared to the standard two-drug regime.
Scientists create virtual tumors to test drug treatments, achieving an 85-86% correlation with lab results. The goal is a patient-specific workflow for early diagnosis and effective treatment identification.
Researchers analyzed canine cell lines to understand cancer development and metastasis, identifying key gene switches that could be targeted with novel therapeutics. The study provides a basis for further research into personalized medicine for dogs with cancer.
The Beat AML collaboration has identified over 10 cell signaling pathways and mutations that may contribute to disease progression in acute myeloid leukemia. Researchers have also found promising therapeutic approaches, including disrupting the cancer cell microenvironment and targeting key inflammatory pathways.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology reveals that cancer drug prices vary significantly between European countries, with some nations paying up to 388% more than others for the same medication. The UK and Mediterranean countries have the lowest average unit manufacturer prices for a group of 31 originator cancer drugs, while German...
A new study published in Annals of Oncology shows that abiraterone acetate is effective in treating aggressive prostate cancers, even those with high Gleason scores. The treatment extended progression-free survival by up to 16.5 months in patients previously treated with docetaxel.
Researchers from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting their latest hematology research at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. Highlights include the discovery of a potent inhibitor of Lysine demethylase Lsd-1, which augments pro-differentiation effects in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and targeting ...
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered a specific group of proteins decrease, triggering changes in the cancer microenvironment and accelerating growth of therapy-resistant CSCs. A targeted monoclonal antibody treatment effectively impaired CSC regeneration and made them easier to target with existing therapies.
A team of researchers discovered how a new anti-leukemia drug, JQ1, works by inhibiting BRD4 and causing the NSD3-short protein to 'fly apart', disrupting cancer cell growth. The NSD3-short protein acts as an adaptor protein, coupling BRD4 to CHD8, and has four distinct functions necessary for AML cells to thrive.
The study found that prices for all surveyed classes of brand-name drugs increased by an average of 401%, with topical antineoplastic drugs experiencing the largest percentage increase at 1240%. Psoriasis medications had the smallest average percentage increase, rising by just 180%.
Scientists have mapped out the human genome to identify essential genes for cell survival, revealing a core set of over 1,500 genes. The findings suggest that each tumor relies on a unique set of genes that can be targeted by specific drugs, offering hope for devising new treatments.
The latest Special Issue in ecancermedicalscience explores the intersection of biomarkers, screening and prevention using pharmaceutical agents. Researchers discuss validated biomarkers, chemoprevention and its challenges, as well as innovative approaches like circulating free-micro RNAs and circulating tumour DNA.
A preclinical study finds that AR-42, an HDAC inhibitor, preserves muscle health and function while stopping life-threatening muscle wasting associated with advanced cancers. The experimental agent was shown to have a strong protective effect against tumor-associated muscle wasting in two preclinical models.
Immune cells called Langerhans cells can uniquely repair DNA damage caused by radiotherapy, making them resistant to treatment. Researchers found that mimicking immunotherapy drugs can block this ability, preventing immune response and improving radiation therapy effectiveness.
A team of U of T engineers has developed a way to grow cancer cells in the form of a rolled-up sheet that mimics the 3D environment of a tumour, offering a way to speed up drug development and ask new questions about cell behavior. The single-layer design makes it easier for other lab researchers to adopt the process.
Researchers found p53 blocks PDL1 protein, which halts immune attack on lung cancer cells. High levels of p53 and miR-34a increase survival rates in patients with lung cancer.
Health experts argue that pharmaceutical companies abuse the Orphan Drug Act by marketing drugs for common conditions, generating billions in profits. The law was designed to encourage rare disease treatments but has instead led to high medication costs and monopolies.
A recent study by Georgetown University researchers reveals that wheelchair users are approximately 36% more likely to die in road traffic collisions. The majority of fatal crashes occurred at intersections with poor pedestrian infrastructure, indicating the need for improved accessibility and safety measures.
A new personalized method for testing drug effectiveness in multiple myeloma predicts the best treatments for individual patients. The test suggests commonly prescribed drugs or combination therapies, as well as optimal dosages.
Researchers at Brigham Young University create a system to speed up vaccine production by storing the biological machinery in a freeze-dried state. This allows labs to rapidly produce vaccines with just the addition of water, reducing the time from months to days.