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 have identified mechanisms of resistance to tazemetostat in epithelioid sarcoma and rhabdoid tumors, leading to the development of a combination therapy strategy. The therapy uses an epigenetic treatment approach to target specific mutations that drive cancer growth.
A new proteogenomics study provides insights into how drug resistance develops in acute myeloid leukemia, offering a potential path forward for treatment. Researchers identified specific proteins and molecular locations that play a key role in determining protein activity, which could help doctors switch to alternative medications.
A combination of two cancer drugs has shown promise in treating malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), a type of cancer that is notoriously hard to treat. The study found that the combination therapy of SHP2 inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors suppressed tumor growth and triggered cell death in mouse models.
AI-based personalized medicine is developing rapidly, enabling tailored therapies for individual patients. However, existing regulatory frameworks create significant challenges for approving these novel treatments.
A Phase 3 clinical trial found that combining testosterone-blocking drugs prevents cancer spread and extends treatment time in patients with relapsed prostate cancer. The approach is more effective than single-drug treatment in delaying cancer progression.
Dr. Mikhail V. Blagosklonny, a renowned oncologist, shares his personal journey with metastatic brain cancer and challenges conventional treatment approaches. He argues that targeted drugs alone cannot cure lung cancer, but preemptive combinations may offer hope.
Researchers identified genetic variants that predict response to treatment for preterm birth, a condition affecting one in 10 infants. High levels of mutations in certain genes are associated with lower response rates, suggesting a precision framework for future drug development.
Researchers developed a new reagent called t-BuSF to improve the synthesis of sulfur-containing compounds used in medicines. The use of t-BuSF decreased reaction times and improved stability, enabling efficient production of these compounds.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a key protein in prostate cancer cells' resistance to docetaxel. Blocking this protein, CHRM1, with dicyclomine restored the effectiveness of docetaxel and reduced tumor growth.
A new study published in Oncogene highlights the effectiveness of MDX-124, a therapeutic drug targeting annexin-A1, which promotes tumour progression. High annexin-A1 expression levels correlate with poorer overall survival in various cancers.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic have developed a peptide therapeutic that blocks aggressive cancer cells from multiplying rapidly. The treatment disrupts the molecular processes behind cancer growth and induces tumor cell death, making it a promising new strategy for treating triple-negative breast cancer.
A systematic analysis of cancer cells identifies 370 candidate priority drug targets across 27 cancer types. Researchers used machine learning methods to find promising targets and linked them to specific biological markers and genetic features.
A new trial found that combining anti-angiogenic drugs with chemotherapy led to more young people seeing their tumors shrink, from 18% in the control group to 26%. Patients who received Bevacizumab additionally had better one year progression-free survival rates.
The Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine has hit a major milestone of returning clinical genetic results to over 30,000 patients, making it a leader in providing personalized patient care. The center is also studying pharmacogenomics and providing results to guide drug selection and dosing.
Researchers have developed a new method to generate cyclic peptides that can target diseases and be administered orally, overcoming challenges in protein binding. The approach enables high-throughput screening and has shown substantial bioavailability in rats, opening possibilities for treating various diseases.
Researchers have developed a novel method to produce a selective anticancer precursor substance. The synthesis involves the reaction of metal-active oxygen species with nitrile, utilizing cost-effective metals at lower temperatures. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities in developing innovative drugs against cancer.
A study by the University of Sydney and University of Warwick found large gaps in evidence regarding opioid medicines for cancer pain. Non-opioid medicines, including aspirin, may be as effective as opioids for background cancer pain.
A recent review of opioid medicines for cancer pain found surprisingly large gaps in evidence regarding their true benefits. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be at least as effective as some opioids for background cancer pain, offering potential alternatives to reduce dependence and waning analgesia over time.
A study found that over 13% of cancer drug trials in China used suboptimal control arms, which may lead to biased results and patient harm. The researchers highlight the need for refining trial design to generate optimal clinical evidence.
Researchers have decoded the factor driving rapid growth of T cell lymphomas, revealing a 'sugar appetite' that triggers processes leading to tumor growth. The discovery provides new hope for treating aggressive cancer types, with existing medications potentially effective against these tumors.
Researchers at the University of Turku found that bexmarilimab therapy alters macrophage behavior to promote anti-tumor immune defense. The therapy was well-tolerated and stabilized disease progression in patients with advanced-stage cancer, inducing tumor-associated macrophage and lymphocyte activation.
Researchers leverage AI to analyze healthcare data and identify new targets for effective therapies and accelerate drug development in aging research. AI can tailor cancer treatment more precisely to individual patients' unique aging profiles, optimizing treatment outcomes and minimizing risks.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered how anti-cancer drugs can prevent fibroblast activation, a protective barrier around pancreatic tumors. The therapy reduces tumor growth and slows disease progression in mice and human patients, offering a promising treatment for pancreatic cancer.
A phase III trial found that tucatinib plus trastuzumab emtansine extended progression-free survival in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, particularly those with brain metastases. The combination reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 24.1% and improved outcomes for pati...
A recent study published in Lancet Oncology has found that measuring blood hormone levels can identify post-menopausal women who are most likely to benefit from anastrozole, a medication used to prevent breast cancer. The study suggests that inexpensive blood tests could be used to personalize preventive therapy for these women.
Researchers from Japan have discovered a novel targeted molecular therapy using microRNA-451a to suppress the progression of gemcitabine-resistant biliary tract cancers. The study found that miR-451a significantly diminished cell proliferation, induced cell death, and reduced chemoresistance in cancer cells.
Scientists have developed a drug-eluting hydrogel that provides sustained, pH-dependent drug co-delivery and promotes anti-tumor immune responses, reducing tumor cell proliferation and growth. The treatment shows promise in treating hepatocellular carcinoma, with enhanced efficacy compared to traditional methods.
A new study at the University of Turku discovered that plixorafenib inhibits multiple signaling pathways in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, showing promise for treatment. The drug was originally developed for melanoma and lung cancer, but its effectiveness against cSCC is significant.
A phase 2 trial found that durvalumab is safe and may benefit overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients with borderline performance status. The study also showed stable quality of life and a lower incidence of severe treatment-related adverse events compared to platinum doublet chemotherapy.
Researchers investigate nanoparticles for cancer treatment, hoping to reduce side effects and improve efficacy. La-Beck's lab aims to understand the body's interaction with nanoparticles and their impact on tumor growth and immune responses.
Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center found that redispensing unused cancer medications can result in significant cost savings and reduced waste. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, suggests that by reissuing up to two-thirds of wasted medicine packaging, annual savings could amount to tens of millions of euros.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have pieced together the lesser-known DNA repair pathway, polymerase theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ), which is upregulated in patients with hereditary breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer. The discovery could lead to new therapies for cancer by targeting this pathway.
Researchers at Hokkaido University found that cancer stem cells cause macrophages to age, suppressing their antitumor activity. Supplementing mice with nicotinamide mononucleotide restored macrophage function and prevented tumor growth.
Researchers found that people with overweight or obesity who took semaglutide for over 3 years had a 20% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease. The study showed significant weight loss and improved cardiovascular outcomes in adults without diabetes.
Experts call for urgent measures to address discrimination against patients fleeing war or conflict zones, those with serious mental illnesses, and frail elderly patients. Guidelines for treating advanced breast cancer should prioritize patient preferences and involve multidisciplinary care teams.
Researchers identified key factors in DNA repair, revealing the 'proofreading' portion of polymerase epsilon helps prevent strand breakage. This knowledge arms scientists with ways to enhance anti-cancer drug effectiveness and develop new diagnostic methods.
A drug currently in clinical trials as a cancer therapy can also stimulate pancreatic beta cells to secrete insulin, revealing a new mechanism for insulin regulation in type 2 diabetes. The preclinical discovery provides a new chemical tool for probing the biology of diabetes and could lead to better treatments.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified the mechanism by which the MAF protein promotes breast cancer metastasis, revealing a key interaction with the estrogen receptor. This finding opens up new therapeutic options for patients with high MAF levels, who may benefit from treatments aimed at preventing metastases.
Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body survive for longer if treated with pyrotinib. The new drug targets proteins involved in HER2-positive breast cancer and shows a 22% reduction in risk of death compared to lapatinib.
Researchers developed a new class of drugs targeting PRMT5 enzyme, exploiting genetic vulnerability in tumor suppressor genes. Early clinical trials show promising results for patients with specific types of cancer, including melanoma and mesothelioma.
CNIO researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism of action for the first oncogene, c-Src. The study reveals that c-Src can autonomously activate itself through autophosphorylation, leading to cancer formation. This finding has significant implications for the development of new drugs targeting this enzyme.
A new cancer immunotherapy that targets two immune-evading tumor tactics has shown promising results in an early clinical trial. The drug, tebotelimab, blocks both PD-1 and LAG-3 proteins, leading to a double-digit response rate in patients with advanced solid tumors or blood cancers.
The study found that precision oncology therapies require genomic biomarker screening for patient selection and have expanded over the years. The analysis showed a slow expansion in approvals from 1998 to 2017 and a rapid increase from 2017 to 2022, with 86 out of 198 approved drugs classified as precision oncology drugs.
Researchers identified YB-1 as an attractive therapeutic target for pleural mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Indirect targeting of YB-1 via histone deacetylase inhibitors showed promise in enhancing chemo- and radiotherapy sensitivity.
A new cancer drug candidate has been found to restore the effectiveness of the immune system in fighting tumors, including melanoma, bladder cancer, leukemia, and colon cancer. The drug works by lowering a toxic compound called MTA, which impairs normal functioning of immune cells and blocks immunotherapies.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified promising cancer drug targets by combining precise genome engineering and protein activity profiling. They used base editing to alter thousands of possible drug targets, then integrated the data with chemical proteomic information to pinpoint hundreds of potential targets.
Researchers have developed a novel zebrafish xenograft platform to screen for novel treatments for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. The platform uses zebrafish avatars to model glioblastoma cells from individual patients, allowing researchers to identify patient-specific targets and potential treatments.
Armida Labs, a UCR-founded pharmaceutical company, has received a $400,000 NIH Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop its breakthrough pancreatic cancer therapy Targefrin. The grant will enable the company to gather industry-standard data for human clinical trials.
Men with metastatic prostate cancer in Sweden experienced an average survival rate increase of six months after dual treatment was introduced from 2016 onwards. This improvement coincides with the gradual rollout of 'dual treatment', combining standard hormone therapy and chemotherapy or androgen receptor blockers.
Researchers at MedUni Vienna discovered that dormant tumor cells surviving chemotherapy can be targeted through the inhibition of P-glycoprotein, opening new possibilities for delaying relapse. This breakthrough could represent a step forward in treating aggressive triple-negative breast cancer, which has limited treatment options and ...
A new drug called vorasidenib has been shown to significantly slow tumor growth and extend the average time until tumor growth in patients with grade 2 IDH-mutant gliomas. This breakthrough could offer a first early treatment option for these cancer patients, potentially improving their quality of life.
Researchers combined three highly potent cancer drugs in a single prodrug that is activated in tumor cells, resulting in improved efficacy and reduced side effects. The new approach has shown promise as a potential solution to reduce the burden on patients' bodies during cancer treatment.
A study found that 80.3% of patients with metastatic breast cancer who received standard care treatment with alpelisib developed hyperglycemia, with 40.2% experiencing serious hyperglycemia. Lifestyle interventions and medication may help improve blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of needing to discontinue the drug.
Researchers at Linköping University develop a new method to deliver strong compounds specifically to bacteria, allowing for efficient and safe treatment of infections. The TOUCAN strategy uses nucleases to target bacterial DNA, reducing side effects associated with current antibiotics.
University of Queensland researchers have identified a novel molecule that could overcome cancer drug resistance and prevent tumour regrowth in cancer patients. The newly discovered molecule is not currently a target for treatment, opening the potential for new drug development to combat this major cause of death in cancer patients.
Researchers from MedUni Vienna developed a new approach to fighting resistant cell lines in small cell lung cancer by combining two already available therapeutic agents. The study reveals the molecular mechanism underlying therapy resistance and provides a promising basis for research into successful new therapies.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new class of near-infrared-activated photo-oxidants that can effectively kill cancer cells without requiring oxygen. The discovery offers a promising direction for developing anti-cancer drugs and could overcome existing limitations of photodynamic therapies.
A study published in the Chinese Medical Journal reveals that methotrexate can be an effective treatment for liver cancer with a specific genetic mutation. The drug works by disrupting nucleotide synthesis in cancer cells, making it a promising alternative to current first-line treatments.
Researchers have discovered two FDA-approved and EMA-approved drugs that inhibit prmt5, a protein linked to promoting tumor growth in several cancers. These repurposed drugs show promise in reducing cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth.
Researchers discuss new drugs available for HER2-positive breast cancer patients with brain metastasis, showing improved outcomes and quality of life. The development of targeted therapies has led to better survival rates among these patients.