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Investigational drug may combat brain tumors by targeting cancer cells' fat production

A new study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers reveals that an investigational drug called YTX-7739 can delay the growth of brain tumors and increase their sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy. The drug works by inhibiting de novo lipid synthesis, a process used by cancer cells for energy production.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 18, 2023

A new genetic test improves ovarian cancer treatment

A new genetic test has been developed to identify ovarian cancer patients who benefit from PARP inhibitors, a treatment option with significant improvements in prognosis. The test has been optimized for the Finnish population and is clinically approved, allowing for targeted treatment and reduced adverse effects.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·DateJan 9, 2023

Immune system B-cells can help predict HER2-positive breast cancer treatment response

A new study found that measuring activation of immune-system B cells may be better than measuring either T-cell activation or total number of immune cells in and around a tumor. The findings suggest that six signatures of immune cell gene activation from B cells were associated with higher elimination rates and better survival outcomes.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 5, 2023

DOACs more effective, cost-effective compared to LMWH for cancer-associated thrombosis

A cost-effectiveness analysis of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for cancer-associated thrombosis found that DOACs are more medically effective and cost-effective. The most cost-effective DOAC, apixaban, was also shown to be the least costly anticoagulant.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 26, 2022

Comparing the cost-effectiveness of treatments for blood clots in cancer patients

A new study examines the cost-effectiveness of anticoagulation strategies for blood clots in cancer patients, finding that direct oral anti-coagulant (DOAC) drugs are more effective and cost-effective than low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). DOACs were favored as being more effective and less costly than LMWH in base-case analysis but...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 26, 2022

Cellular messengers improve cancer therapy

Extracellular vesicles from immune cells have been shown to activate the immune system in mice with skin cancer, rendering them sensitive to checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The treatment improved survival rates when used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCancer Immunology Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022

New biomarker strategy devised to screen for, diagnose deadly heart complication from cancer treatment

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a new biomarker-based strategy to screen for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis, which can cause muscle damage and liver injury. Early detection of these biomarkers can lead to earlier treatment and improved survival rates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2022

3D-patient tumor avatars: Maximizing their potential for next-generation precision oncology

The use of 3D-patient tumor avatars (3D-PTAs) is crucial for guiding treatment decisions in precision oncology. These avatars, including patient-derived organoids, 3D bioprinting, and microscale models, can accurately depict a tumor with its microenvironment, enabling the testing and prediction of therapeutic drug efficacy.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCancer Cell·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 20, 2022

Artificial DNA kills cancer

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed artificial DNA that can target and kill cancer cells by binding to microRNA molecules. The DNA triggers an immune response that not only kills cancer cells but also prevents further growth of cancerous tissue.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2022

Technique for tracking resistant cancer cells could lead to new treatments for relapsing breast cancer patients

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have identified a method to track and kill resistant cancer cells in mice. By tagging different types of breast cancer cells with unique genetic barcodes, they were able to identify which cells are evading chemotherapy and target them specifically with a new treatment approach.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2022

Mouse study suggests new therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discovered that common cancer treatments cause long-term damage to heart tissue by activating a key inflammatory signaling pathway. Inhibiting this pathway may reduce the risk of cancer survivors developing heart disease later in life.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

A double bind for cancer

Researchers found that simultaneously targeting two signalling switches can severely inhibit tumour angiogenesis, cancer growth and metastasis in multiple models of cancer. This approach has the potential to restrict a cancer's ability to escape therapy by rapidly destroying the VEGF receptor when both receptors are targeted.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCancer Research Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Low-carb diet may help patients with diabetes achieve better weight loss and glucose control in short term compared to a low-fat diet

A randomized controlled trial found that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet helped patients with type 2 diabetes achieve better weight loss and glucose control over a 6-month intervention compared to a high-carb, low-fat diet. However, changes were not sustained 3 months after the intervention.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2022

Could new cancer drugs come from potatoes and tomatoes?

Researchers found that certain glycoalkaloids in plants like potatoes and tomatoes can inhibit cancer cell growth and promote cancer cell death. These compounds have huge potential for future treatments and may be used to develop new cancer drugs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 7, 2022

Development of the technology to break down the shield which prevents the penetration of drugs and immune cells into intractable cancers

Researchers developed polymeric micelles to reprogram tumor microenvironment, enhancing nano-immunotherapy efficacy in mouse breast cancer models. The treatment response can be predicted from ultrasound shear wave elastography measurements prior to treatment initiation.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

Mount Sinai study uncovers inflammatory markers that may predict a response in certain patients to COVID-19 immunotherapies

A Mount Sinai study found that certain inflammatory markers can predict which patients are more likely to respond to COVID-19 immunotherapies. The researchers identified a subtype of COVID-19 patients with hyperinflammation who could benefit from pacritinib, an anti-cancer drug.

Internal medicine physicians call for improved access and quality in health care for incarcerated patients

The American College of Physicians recommends policies to improve healthcare access and quality for incarcerated patients, including adequate funding and timely access to necessary services. The organization also supports treating substance use disorders as an alternative to incarceration.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Longest follow-up of patients with early breast cancer shows radiotherapy does not improve survival after 30 years

A 30-year follow-up study of patients with early breast cancer found that radiotherapy does not improve overall survival rates after 10 years but reduces the risk of recurrence in the same breast. The study's findings challenge traditional concepts of long-term anti-cancer benefits of radiotherapy.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2022

Researchers demonstrate in mice a new way to deliver medication to malignant brain tumors

Researchers demonstrate a new way to deliver medication to malignant brain tumors in mice, using a modified peptide that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The study shows promising results, with a 50% increase in survival rate for treated mice, and offers hope for future treatment breakthroughs.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2022

Molecular basis of resistance to one of the main treatments for multiple myeloma identified

Researchers at CNIO have identified epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation, as a key mechanism behind resistance to proteasome inhibitor drugs in multiple myeloma. This finding suggests that methylation levels in the PSMD5 gene can predict treatment response and potentially reverse resistance.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

‘Click’ chemistry may help treat dogs with bone cancer, MU study finds

Researchers at the University of Missouri have successfully used click chemistry to deliver radiopharmaceuticals specifically to tumors in large dogs with bone cancer, increasing effectiveness and minimizing circulation. This breakthrough could pave the way for click chemistry-based treatments for humans with cancer in the future.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022

DNA 'nanotransporters' to treat cancer

Researchers have designed DNA-based transporters that can deliver precise concentrations of drugs, potentially improving cancer treatment. These nanotransporters can also be programmed to prolong the effect of a drug and minimize its dosage, reducing side effects.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2022

Preliminary data suggest that ROS1 inhibitor, NVL-520, is well-tolerated and active in non-small cell lung cancer: first results from ARROS-1 phase I clinical trial

In the ARROS-1 trial, 48% of patients achieved partial responses to NVL-520, with responses seen across all dose levels and in heavily pre-treated patients. The treatment also showed promise for brain metastases, with three out of three patients experiencing measurable response or no emergence of new metastases.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2022

Experimental drug to treat liver cancer shows evidence of activity with manageable side effects

A new experimental drug has shown promising results in treating liver cancer, with two patients experiencing a partial response to the treatment. The drug, NMS-01940153E, targets an enzyme that plays a critical role in cell division and growth, and its side effects are manageable.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2022

Anti-cancer drugs, olaparib and adavosertib, work best when given sequentially in patients with advanced tumours driven by DNA damage response mutations: results from Phase Ib STAR clinical trial

A Phase Ib clinical trial found that sequential administration of PARP inhibitor olaparib and WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib is safe and well-tolerated, with promising signs of anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced cancers driven by DNA damage response mutations. The combination showed durable responses in patients with resistant c...

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2022