Research on new and better ways to treat cancer. Covers radiotherapy, targeted microdroplets, nerve-injury protection, drug combinations, and tumor models.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to understand how the tumor microenvironment affects cancer therapy. The model suggests strategies to
The UVA Weber Symposium will discuss the latest research and advancements in metastasis, a complex area of cancer research and care. The event will bring together top scientists and physicians to present findings on cancer metastasis, genetics, and treatment considerations.
A phase Ib/II trial evaluated the triple combination of famitinib, dalpiciclib, and fulvestrant in HR+/HER2− breast cancer, meeting initial efficacy targets with a confirmed objective response rate of 51.9%. However, the regimen showed no superiority over standard first-line treatments and was terminated early due to safety concerns.
A randomized trial found that five-treatment stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) provided excellent long-term cancer control and better urinary continence and sexual function compared to surgery. SBRT offered clear advantages for urinary continence and sexual function, with 91% of patients remaining free from biochemical or clin...
Patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases lived 17.4 months with radiosurgery, compared to 8.6 months with whole brain treatment. Radiosurgery was associated with a 40% lower risk of death. The study challenges the long-standing reliance on whole brain treatment for SCLC brain metastases.
A randomized phase 2 trial found that five treatments of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) better preserved physical function and reduced fatigue compared to 28 treatments of conventional radiation therapy with chemotherapy. Rates of cancer remaining in lymph nodes did not differ significantly between the groups.
A phase 3 trial found that delivering focused radiation therapy over three to five sessions after surgery for a large brain metastasis reduced cancer recurrence and improved survival. Patients who received multi-session treatment lived nine months longer than those treated in a single session without significantly increasing side effects.
Zhen Xu, U-M Engineering professor, wins Golden Goose Award for development of histotripsy, a noninvasive cancer treatment. The technology has been used to treat over 5,000 patients worldwide and has the potential to treat various diseases, including brain diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers found implanting collagen tiles during brain surgery to deliver targeted radiation therapy improves tumor control, lowers recurrence risk, and increases overall survival. Patients treated with tile-based radiation therapy had a 1.3% rate of recurrence at the surgical site compared to 15.4% in the control group.
A multi-institutional trial found that ultra-low-dose radiation therapy relieved painful bone lesions from multiple myeloma for most patients, with 81% achieving pain control without additional radiation. Treatment side effects were limited to low-grade fatigue.
A large U.S. insurance claims analysis found that fewer than 30% of patients with hormone receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer remained adherent to endocrine therapy for five years after lumpectomy. Younger age and radiation therapy omission were associated with lower adherence rates.
A Chinese registry report presents real-world perioperative and survival outcomes for surgically treated pancreatic cancer patients, achieving high overall survival rates and encouraging surgical safety metrics. The study emphasizes the need for national-level benchmarks and standardized clinical protocols for pancreatic surgery in China.
The Momentum conference brings together European cancer research leaders to discuss ways to accelerate the adoption of new cancer research advances and strengthen cross-border collaboration. The event aims to shorten the path from scientific discovery to clinical practice, ultimately benefiting patients sooner.
Studies on hypofractionated postmastectomy radiotherapy, proton therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, and stereotactic body radiation therapy for Ewing sarcoma showcase improved patient outcomes. The findings also suggest potential benefits for short-course radiation therapy access and patient navigation in cancer centers.
A new trial will determine whether chemotherapy provides additional benefit for patients with high anatomic risk but low genomic risk. The RxFINE-Low trial will enroll 2,000 postmenopausal women and men with high anatomic risk breast cancer and low genomic risk, and follow them for up to 10 years.
Researchers developed an AI model that uses routine chest CT scans to identify patients at risk of pneumonitis, a potentially life-threatening form of lung inflammation. The model, called CIPHER, achieved high predictive power and maintained strong performance despite differences in patient populations and imaging protocols.
A new, incisionless liver cancer treatment called histotripsy was associated with low rates of laboratory toxicity and procedural complications in a real-world review of 972 patients. However, the study found that 11% of patients died within 30 days, suggesting that advanced cancer and overall disease burden may be contributing factors.
Binghamton University researchers received funding to develop artificial intelligence-powered cancer diagnostic tools and RNA therapeutic drug delivery systems. The projects aim to improve treatment decision time and reduce toxicity risks, potentially saving lives.
Researchers identified a previously unknown pathway that prostate tumors leverage to suppress the immune system, reshaping the tumor microenvironment to resist treatment. Combining B7-H3-targeted therapy with MEK inhibition improved antitumor responses and prolonged survival in preclinical models of castration-resistant prostate cancer.
The new NCCN Guidelines for Patients with Cancer explain the importance of assessments to tailor cancer care to every person, regardless of age. The guidelines stress the need for support and validation for older adults, who face unique issues such as memory function and treatment interactions with other medications and conditions.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is hosting a public webinar highlighting key findings from Alliance and Alliance Foundation Trials studies presented at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting. The webinar will feature treatment advances for breast, lung, and prostate cancers, and will include patient representatives to provide insigh...
For appropriately selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, preserving the bladder can be a curative treatment option, and trimodal therapy is recommended as an alternative to radical cystectomy. The guideline also provides guidance on radiation therapy after surgery and for patients with metastatic or symptomatic disease.
Researchers used a rapid autopsy program to analyze 104 tumors from 20 patients, revealing the genomic architecture and natural history of metastatic bladder cancer subtypes. The study identified distinct differences between subtypes, including how they develop metastasis and respond to treatments.
Researchers found that mindfulness-based cancer recovery and tai chi/qigong helped participants manage common challenges after cancer treatment, including fatigue, pain, and sleep difficulties. These mind-body interventions improved symptoms by targeting the psychological aspect of pain and promoting overall well-being.
A new survey by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) reveals that 100% of cancer centers in the US are experiencing a shortage for at least one anti-cancer agent, with 94% noting a shortage of ifosfamide. The survey also found that 71% of centers are experiencing a shortage of carboplatin, a key chemotherapy used to treat v...
Researchers propose a new therapeutic perspective for pancreatic cancer, viewing radiotherapy as a tool capable of modulating the immune system and enhancing immunotherapy. The review highlights promising approaches currently being evaluated, including targeted radiotherapy and combination with next-generation immunotherapies.
NTU Singapore scientists have developed microdroplets that deliver large amounts of gene-silencing molecules into cancer and immune cells, reducing colorectal tumor growth by 67% in mice. The approach targets two proteins that cancer cells exploit to evade immune attacks, and could potentially cost 5-10 times less to produce than curre...
Researchers discovered that psilocybin prevents nerve injury and associated symptoms in preclinical models, protecting sensory nerve endings and preserving touch sensation. Psilocybin may offer a new intervention for preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, improving patients' quality of life.
A real-world observational study found no significant survival benefit from post-surgery immunotherapy in NSCLC patients with pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. The study suggests that these patients may already derive the maximum benefit from neoadjuvant therapy alone.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed new drug combinations for liver cancer using mini-tumors, which retained key characteristics of the original tumor. The study identified several potent anti-tumor effects and combination therapies that could be effective despite significant biological differences between tumors.
A new study suggests that carefully selected patients with recurrent DIPG may experience longer survival and improved quality of life after receiving a third course of radiation therapy. The study analyzed 12 patients and found that median survival was 27 months, substantially longer than typically reported for DIPG.
Researchers at IIT Gandhinagar develop a gold nanorod-based platform for ER-targeted cancer treatment, combining targeted drug delivery with photothermal therapy. The approach induces ER stress-mediated autophagy and apoptosis in cancer cells.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that a less-intensive combination of azacitidine and venetoclax was more effective in treating acute myeloid leukemia, with patients tolerating treatment better and spending less time in the hospital. The combination also led to more patients reaching stem cell transplantation.
Scientists at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discovered a protein called lysyl oxidase that helps triple-negative breast cancer cells survive. Blocking LOX creates a weakness, which can be exploited with a second drug to block tumor growth without chemotherapy.
Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men, with 60% diagnosed in men 65 and older. Clinical trials like Alliance's help improve early detection and treatment, reducing mortality rates by half since 1993. These trials also explore new treatments and survivorship strategies.
Researchers from Pusan National University developed an injectable system to deliver radiation directly within keloid tissue, providing a minimally invasive approach to treat abnormal scars. The microgels enabled rapid and efficient radiolabeling, and therapeutic efficacy was demonstrated in mice carrying patient-derived keloid tissue.
A UCLA study found that patients with cancer who used biosimilars had lower average monthly costs for insurers and patients, with savings of $3,820 for insurers and $39.50 for patients. The study also found that biosimilar entry led to lower prices and declining market share for the original branded biologic drugs.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center and Boston University have developed a scalable method for generating CD4+ helper T cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), overcoming a longstanding challenge in the development of stem cell-based immunotherapies. This breakthrough could help advance efforts to create off-the-shelf CAR-T...
A review suggests targeting LRG1 could provide a new approach to cancer therapy, with extracellular blockade and intracellular degradation potentially addressing different components of LRG1 biology. This could complement established anti-angiogenic treatments and enhance apoptosis in cancer cells.
A team of Weill Cornell Medicine investigators developed a computer model that helps scientists efficiently develop protein-degrading therapies. The new model could lead to more targeted treatments for cancer, particularly those with cancer-causing mutations.
PCORI awards funding for new patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research, addressing key healthcare questions and generating evidence for better-informed decisions. The projects will focus on emergency, hospital, and surgical care, as well as mental and behavioral health, to improve health outcomes.
Researchers found that radiation to the thymus during NSCLC treatment increased cancer spread and mortality risk in patients with relatively healthy thymus. Thymic health scores were associated with T-cell diversity, longevity, and cancer outcomes.
New research from Mass General Brigham suggests that protecting the thymus during cancer therapy may improve outcomes. The study found that patients with unimpaired thymic health before radiotherapy had the most favorable outcomes, while those with higher radiation doses to the thymus had significantly worse overall survival.
A new preclinical study shows that combining HER3-DXd with olaparib significantly improves treatment responses in lung cancer models. The combination therapy induces irreparable DNA damage in cancer cells and stimulates the immune system to combat the disease.
Researchers developed a nanoplatform that addresses three barriers to TNBC immunotherapy by eliminating Tregs, destroying cancer cells, and activating innate immunity. In preclinical studies, the platform achieved 100% complete tumor regression and extended median survival beyond 70 days.
Researchers used super-resolution microscopy to track cancer drug sunitinib inside living cells, revealing its impact on cellular systems. The study found that sunitinib triggers a cascading breakdown of the systems that power, organize, and sustain the cell, contributing to cell function loss and survival.
A chemotherapy-free combination of targeted therapies showed encouraging results in patients with HR-positive, HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, offering a potential first-line treatment option. The regimen produced durable responses while maintaining a manageable safety profile for many patients.
Researchers at MIT developed a new cell-preservation technique using naturally occurring sugars, reducing the need for a chemical preservative. This approach significantly improves the viability and function of CAR-T cells, making them easier to deploy in hospitals.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology have developed hybrid compounds that simultaneously reduce cancer cell viability and inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. The compounds showed strong activity against aggressive cancer cells and certain bacteria and fungi, outperforming currently used drugs.
A new intraoperative imaging platform called ULTRA combines rapid tissue clearing, stimulated Raman scattering microscopy, and AI-based virtual staining to perform deep 3D histological imaging. This enables the visualization of key histological features across different glioma subtypes and facilitates glioma margin analysis.
Researchers developed a new therapeutic that targets cancer cells without harming healthy ones, significantly shrinking tumors in mice. The treatment, Pro-LYTAC, is activated within tumor cells and directed to lysosomes for degradation, restoring immune recognition of cancer cells.
The updated guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on radiation therapy for adult patients with pancreatic cancer, clarifying its role in various settings. It recommends radiation therapy for patients with resectable, locally advanced, and metastatic disease, as well as those with recurrent or palliative needs.
A randomized clinical trial of 698 patients with localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer found that stereotactic body radiotherapy was not superior to moderately hypofractionated IMRT for disease-free survival at 3 years. However, SBRT showed better bowel-related quality of life compared to IMRT.
A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that preoperative chemo-immunotherapy was more effective than immunotherapy alone in reducing tumor size in patients with head and neck cancer. The study analyzed data from 86 adults with head and neck cancer treated between July 2024 and March 2026, and showed that pat...
Recent research explores the use of nanomaterial-based drug delivery to increase treatment efficacy for glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor with poor prognosis. Stimuli-responsive and biomimetic nanomedicines are designed to overcome the blood–brain barrier and deliver drugs selectively within tumors.
Researchers reviewed grant data from 2015-2022, supporting investment in a strong evidence base for obesity and cancer research. Key areas of focus include obesity's impact on cancer treatment and survivorship, as well as disparities in cancer outcomes.
Researchers identified NUDT5 as a key player in the molecular mechanisms determining whether cells succumb to or survive 6-TG. Targeted protein degradation revealed that degrading NUDT5 protects cells from the drug's toxic effects.
Scientists at Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute and University of Glasgow identify a new pathway for delivering antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) into cells, enhancing the effectiveness of ASO-based therapy for pancreatic cancer and other diseases. The researchers found that ASOs enter cells via endocytosis and bind to specific rec...
Researchers identified two immune cell populations present in both initial and recurrent arthritis flares, suggesting an immune-memory disease. These cells may serve as biomarkers for high-risk patients or to guide targeted therapies to reduce side effects.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF discovered a pair of genetic edits that make CAR-T cells more effective against solid tumors. The new CRISPR screening platform enables the study of gene edits on CAR-T cells inside living mice, uncovering therapeutic targets previously missed in conventional cell culture systems.