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A donation that could help cure blood cancer

A study published in Leukemia found that cord blood transplantation (CBT) was more effective than matched related donor transplantation (MRDT) for patients with refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML). The study compared the survival rates of 1,738 CBT-treated patients with those of 713 MRDT-treated patients, revealing...

SourceOsaka University·JournalLeukemia·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2022

Plant scientists find recipe for anti-cancer compound in herbs

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a new pathway for producing the anti-cancer compound thymohydroquinone, found in plants like thyme and oregano. By understanding this process, plant scientists can engineer plants to produce higher levels of beneficial compounds or synthesize them in microorganisms.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2021

New research in JNCCN raises concerns about clinical trial bias from undisclosed censoring

A recent study published in JNCCN found that 33 out of 81 studies lacked transparency on censoring, which can introduce bias and affect trial results. The researchers emphasize the need for improved transparency and reporting in clinical trials to ensure patients and clinicians make informed decisions.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateDec 15, 2021

New study reveals how epithelial cells in the body naturally eliminate “precancerous” ones

Researchers have identified a novel immune-like mechanism by which healthy epithelial cells recognize and eliminate precancerous cells through a MHC class I-LILRB3 interaction. This process generates mechanical force to extrude the precancerous cells from the body, offering new hope for cancer prevention and treatment.

SourceWaseda University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

New study in primary liver cancer calls for novel strategies targeting a dynamic landscape of heterogeneous tumors

Researchers have described a dynamic genomic landscape of tumour heterogeneity in hepatocellular carcinoma, highlighting the need for novel strategies targeting heterogeneous tumors. The study, published in National Science Review, used multi-omic data to reveal variations in genetic and transcriptomic profiles across patients.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNational Science Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2021

Breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor mutations may benefit from early switch to fulvestrant/palbociclib

A recent study found that patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who experience rising ESR1 mutations before disease progression can benefit from an early switch to fulvestrant plus palbociclib. This approach yields a statistically and clinically significant gain in progression-free survival, potentially justifying its a...

Smart transformable nanoparticles promise advances in tumor diagnoses, treatment

Researchers have developed smart transformable nanoparticles that can alter their size and shape in response to physiological conditions, improving particle circulation, biodistribution, and targeted therapy for cancer theranostics. These particles promise enhanced tumor diagnoses and treatment by adapting to the physiology of tumors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Cancer registry improves understanding of rare ovarian tumor

Researchers at Hokkaido University analyzed hundreds of women with ovarian granulosa cell tumors to improve understanding of the disease progression and response to therapy. They found that early-stage tumors rarely spread beyond the ovaries, and fertility-sparing surgery may be considered for younger patients.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalGynecologic Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 3, 2021

New review highlights cancer-crushing viruses

A recent review article describes a class of viruses known as oncolytic viruses, which have the remarkable ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are exploring these viruses for cancer therapy, with some showing promising results in stimulating an immune response against cancer.

SourceArizona State University·JournalCancers·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 30, 2021

Fasting-mimicking diet is safe, may modulate metabolism and boost antitumor immunity in cancer patients

A fasting-mimicking diet was found to be safe and biologically active in cancer patients, with potential benefits for modulation of metabolism and enhancement of antitumor immunity. The study demonstrated significant reductions in blood glucose and growth factor concentrations, as well as enhancements in intratumor T-cell infiltration.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 17, 2021

High cell membrane tension constrains the spread of cancer

Research reveals that cancer cells have softer membranes than normal cells, but stiffening them can prevent abnormal changes in structure and motility. Stiffened breast cancer cells lost the ability to spread to the lungs in mouse experiments, suggesting a potential strategy for cancer treatments.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2021

Engineers devise a way to selectively turn on RNA therapies in human cells

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed a way to selectively turn on gene therapies in target cells by detecting specific messenger RNA sequences. This technology can fine-tune gene therapies for applications ranging from regenerative medicine to cancer treatment, potentially reducing side effects and increasing efficacy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 28, 2021

Serial radiation therapy is safe and effective as alternative treatment to systemic therapy for kidney cancer

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center reported that serial stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a safe and effective treatment for oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma. The study showed promising results, with a median progression-free survival of 22.7 months and minimal toxicity.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateOct 27, 2021

Targeting cancer at the nanoscale

Scientists at Osaka University developed a novel system for targeted cancer radiation therapy using gold nanoparticles labeled with astatine-211. The nanoparticles are highly toxic to cancer cells while remaining localized, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Nanobiotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Percutaneous image-guided microwave and cryoablation for lung sarcoma

A retrospective cohort study of 27 patients with sarcoma lung metastases found high primary technical success rates for percutaneous image-guided microwave and cryoablation. The treatment modality and tumor location did not affect local progression, and smaller tumors showed lower cumulative incidence of local progression.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2021

Using the microbiome to promote muscle growth in muscle loss conditions such as ageing and cancer

A new study found that a healthy gut microbiome is essential for skeletal muscles to grow after exercise. Researchers used mice with antibiotics to disrupt the microbiome, showing reduced muscle growth compared to healthy mice. The findings support previous studies linking the gut microbiome to muscle health.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2021

Early signs of efficacy of new targeted agents and immunotherapies reported for multiple cancers at ESMO Congress 2021

New targeted therapies are being developed to target genetic alterations in cancer cells, such as the ARID1A mutation found in 10-50% of solid tumours. Early clinical trials suggest that these agents may be effective in treating multiple cancers, including breast, ovarian, and gastric cancer.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 24, 2021

High burden of liver, stomach and cervical cancers among the Hispanic/Latino population highlights access to care challenges

The report reveals a high risk of preventable cancers among Hispanic/Latino population, with 2-fold higher rates of liver and stomach cancers. Access to quality prevention, early detection, and treatment services is crucial for reducing the cancer burden in this population.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2021

A T-cell power-up for tumor treatments

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have discovered a way to boost the effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapy for treating solid tumors, including breast and melanoma. By engineering CAR T-cells to produce an enzyme called adenosine deaminase, they break down an immune-suppressive microenvironment, allowing cancer-killing cel...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021