Research on new and better ways to treat cancer. Covers radiotherapy, targeted microdroplets, nerve-injury protection, drug combinations, and tumor models.
A novel cell therapy using patient T cells has shown preliminary effectiveness in treating relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma. The treatment, which is safer than existing CAR T cells, improved survival rates and objective clinical responses in patients with active disease.
A new study found that acute exercise maintains the immune system's natural killer cell count at a normal level in prostate cancer survivors. Exercise appears to be safe and beneficial for these individuals, with no significant alterations in immune cell mobilization during treatment.
A team of researchers used a mouse model to test the best therapeutic option for a type of relapse sarcoma. The study found that two treatment regimens administered to a patient with lung metastasis helped extend their disease-free period to 46 months.
A new CT scan method splits a full X-ray beam into thin beamlets to deliver the same quality of image at a significantly reduced radiation dose. The technique has been shown to reduce exposure by up to 90% while maintaining image resolution, offering potential benefits for medical research and patient safety.
Dr Patricia Ganz shares her expertise on assessing quality of life in cancer patients, with a focus on breast cancer survivorship. She highlights the importance of centering patients' needs in both US and UK healthcare systems.
Research has found that cancer patients diagnosed over 24 months ago are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 infection. Patients from Asian ethnicity or receiving palliative treatment were also at a higher risk of death from COVID-19.
The OneChain Immunotherapeutics spin-off aims to develop CAR-T therapies for rare leukaemia subtypes like coT-ALL, which affects children and has a poor prognosis. The spin-off is funded by €3M and will enable the transfer of research knowledge from academia to clinical use.
Researchers have identified a specific type of neuron that plays an important role in gait recovery in mice, using machine learning to pinpoint the cells involved. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for paralysis and advance biomedical research.
A study published in Nature Genetics confirms decades-old hypothesis that metastatic disease hijacks tissue-specific developmental programs. The researchers analyzed epigenetic data from patient-derived samples and identified thousands of sites across the prostate genome regulating gene expression.
A study found that mailing colorectal cancer screening kits to Medicaid enrollees boosts screening rates by 23.2% and saves costs compared to a reminder-only approach. The mailed kit alternative requires an additional cost of $116 per person screened, but significantly improves screening in low-income populations at a reasonable cost.
Fox Chase Cancer Center and Ben-Gurion University have received a $320,000 grant to test an immune-stimulating antibody developed by BGU researcher Angel Porgador for treating multiple myeloma. The antibody helps the immune system kill multiple myeloma tumor cells and may work on many different types of tumors.
Ketone bodies, produced during fat metabolism, may have therapeutic benefits against COVID-19, seasonal flu and other respiratory infections. Researchers propose testing ketone supplementation to bolster muscle function and attenuate delirium among infected survivors.
The review analyzes the design and implementation of RCTs for COVID-19 treatments, identifying common characteristics and limitations. Key takeaways include the importance of standardized reporting and the need for further research on treatment outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new analytical approach called single-cell higher-order testing (scHOT) that enables the study of broad changes in gene behavior within human tissue. The method has been successfully tested on mice and identified novel pairs of genes that co-vary in expression, providing insights into neurodevelopmental dis...
A new study identifies a cancer cell hierarchy originating from a single type of cancer cell, which can be targeted to slow cancer growth. Rapidly dividing cancer stem cells are the earliest detectable cancer cells in the hierarchy and make a promising target for therapy.
Researchers have found that RNA is critical in the process of cell differentiation, serving as a bridge between genes and epigenetic machinery. Without RNA, the system cannot work, making it essential for life. The study's findings could lead to the development of new RNA-targeted therapies.
Moffitt researchers discovered deltaNp63 protein plays a key role in facilitating cancer spread by oscillating its expression. The protein is overexpressed in many primary tumors and metastases, and its silence is required for cancer cells to undergo EMT.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity for the oncology community to reassess and eliminate low-value practices. By discouraging unnecessary in-person visits, testing, and treatments, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and optimize resource allocation.
A new radiomics model can identify early stage lung cancer patients at high risk for poor survival outcomes and require aggressive follow-up or adjuvant therapy. The model uses two radiomic features to stratify patients into three risk groups, which may have more aggressive cancer despite early detection.
Researchers have successfully treated horse melanomas using Amblyomin-X, a protein derived from tick saliva. The treatment resulted in tumor shrinkage and remission in some cases, with no adverse reactions reported. Further analysis of signaling pathways revealed activation of the innate immune system's rapid response.
Researchers from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University discovered how nanoparticles, particularly iron oxide nanocubes and nanoclusters, can selectively target and activate specific genes in liver cancer cells, leading to apoptosis and autophagy. This breakthrough could lead to personalized cancer therapy and diagnostic tools.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have created orthotopic patient-derived xenograft models representing a variety of pediatric brain tumor types. These models are molecularly characterized and available through a cloud-based data portal, enabling researchers worldwide to access them.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute finds that an online CBT-I program significantly alleviates insomnia and improves overall quality of life in AYA cancer survivors. The program helps correct maladaptive sleep habits developed during treatment.
Researchers inhibited a specific protein to decrease megakaryocyte numbers in an experimental model, showing promise for treating myeloproliferative neoplasms. The study's findings suggest a potential complementary or alternative therapy for this debilitating disease.
UCI researchers have discovered a protein responsible for genetic changes in various cancers and identified potential targets for effective therapy. By monitoring RNA hotspots, the team found that targeting the APOBEC3A protein's activity could disrupt cancer cell vulnerabilities.
Researchers from University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center propose using multigroup, adaptively randomized trials to compare multiple COVID-19 interventions. This design may reduce adverse outcomes during trials and enable faster implementation of effective treatments.
Research by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found significantly higher medical costs for treating metastatic breast cancer in younger women compared to earlier-stage cancer patients or those without cancer. Treatment continues for longer and includes end-of-life care, contributing to high costs.
A single-center retrospective study of 282 patients with early or locally advanced lung adenocarcinoma found that EGFR-mutated lung cancer had increased rates of metastatic recurrence. Early identification of these recurrences is crucial, given the improved post-relapse survival observed in this population.
A good vitamin D status is associated with a lower cancer risk, particularly in colon and blood cancers. Vitamin D responsiveness varies between individuals, affecting their need for supplementation.
Researchers report a case of hyperprogression in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with immunotherapy combinations, highlighting the need for biomarker development and treatment strategies. Cabozantinib shows promise in controlling hyperprogression, but clinical trials are needed to identify optimal approaches.
A team of scientists has discovered key factors controlling the genome maintenance and replication of KSHV, a virus responsible for lymphatic vascular cancer. The study reveals that two central proteins regulate gene expression on DNA, supporting tumor formation and representing new therapeutic targets.
A new study found that fecal transplants can reduce intestinal permeability in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition associated with metabolic syndrome and autoimmune diseases. The treatment shows promise for improving gut health and preventing further inflammation.
New phenothiazine derivatives containing phenyl groups show high potential for use as photochemical agents in surgical operations and cancer treatment. The compounds' stability was ensured through the formation of binary associates, providing greater absorption in near-infrared spectrum.
A new machine learning approach classifies gliomas into low or high grades with near-perfect accuracy, enabling clinicians to choose the most effective treatment strategy. Researchers developed the method using MRI scans from over 200 patients and achieved an accuracy rate of 97.54%, outperforming state-of-the-art approaches.
University of California, Berkeley researchers Lydia Sohn and Molly Kozminsky introduce cellular mechanophenotyping to study cancer cell behavior. They aim to measure the mechanical properties of cells to reveal their ability to develop and spread.
Autoimmune diseases, common in the US after cancer and heart disease, are a mystery due to compromised tolerance. A $1.95M NIH grant will fund research to understand why the immune system attacks its own body.
Researchers at UT Arlington are using machine-learning algorithms and computational biology to refine lung cancer treatments. The project aims to customize patient treatment based on individualized prediction models that integrate pathological images and molecular profiling data.
A new study found that age does not necessarily disqualify older patients from breast cancer surgery, but serious adverse events are rare. Surgery can have a negative impact on quality of life and functional independence in older patients.
A new study by the American Cancer Society finds that racial disparities in cancer mortality result in significant economic losses, with $3.2 billion in lost earnings avoided in 2015 if non-Hispanic black cancer deaths and earning rates had been equal to those of non-Hispanic white cancer patients. The study highlights the importance o...
A recent study published in the British Journal of Haematology investigated COVID-19 infection outcomes in blood cancer patients, finding that most recovered despite weakened immune systems. Age and co-existing health conditions were significant factors in determining patient outcomes.
A randomized phase 3 trial found no improvement in progression-free survival for carfilzomib compared to the standard treatment bortezomib. Carfilzomib was associated with higher very good partial response rates but more severe toxicities, including cardiac and renal issues.
A new test developed by researchers at the University of Birmingham uses complex sugars to detect prostate cancer earlier and with greater accuracy. The test identifies glycans in blood that are associated with different cancers, allowing for more precise diagnoses.
A new method, called localized electroporation, enables repeated, non-destructive sampling of cells to study dynamic processes over time. This allows researchers to investigate how enzymatic activity varies between healthy cells and cancerous tumor biopsies.
Dana-Farber nurse-scientists have received major research grants to develop innovative smoking cessation programs and study the causes of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The projects aim to improve lung health and treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
A recent Danish study found that having a child with cancer does not increase the risk of parents experiencing separation or divorce. The researchers also discovered that children with cancer do not negatively impact parents' future family planning decisions.
A study found that breast cancer survivors underutilize recommended strategies for reducing fatigue, despite high prevalence and persistence. The analysis also revealed differences in utilization of physical activity and supportive care depending on the type of fatigue experienced.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, bladder cancer patients with low-risk tumors can be safely managed with active surveillance, while those with high-risk tumors should proceed with active treatment. For muscle-invasive bladder cancer, radical cystectomy with urinary diversion is recommended.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant challenges for cancer patients receiving immune-engaging treatments, according to a recent study. The authors highlight the need for healthcare providers to balance the benefits of these treatments with the increased risk of severe illness during the pandemic.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer found that molecular testing rates for lung cancer are less than 50% in most countries. The most frequent barrier to testing was cost, followed by quality/standards and access.
Research identified potentially treatable genetic mutations in prostate cancer patients who did not respond to PSMA-targeted therapy. Targeted next-generation gene sequencing found mutations in six out of seven patients, including alterations in DNA damage-repair genes such as TP53, ATM, and CHEK2.
Researchers developed a novel biosensor to diagnose and monitor autoimmune disorders, measuring autoantibody concentration and activity with high sensitivity. The tool enables the creation of new diagnostic criteria and approaches to treatment, offering improved accuracy and reliability.
Glioblastoma cells acquire radiation resistance by dumping exosomal microRNA miR-603, leading to increased protein production and insensitivity to radiation. This study reveals a new therapeutic strategy for overcoming cancer cell resistance.
A Swedish study of over half a million women reveals that early mammography screening significantly lowers the rates of advanced and fatal breast cancers. The analysis found a 41% reduction in fatal breast cancers and a 25% reduction in advanced breast cancer cases among screened participants.
The updated guidelines reflect a shift towards outpatient care and non-emergency surgery for left-sided colonic diverticulitis. Key findings include the preference for minimal colectomy approaches when expertise is available, and an increased focus on evidence-based recommendations.
A recent analysis of published studies found that many cancer survivors lack awareness of financial toxicity and are unprepared for its impacts. Despite coping mechanisms, they still have unmet needs for managing financial toxicity.
University of Virginia researchers are pioneering a new approach using focused ultrasound to deliver treatments directly into the brain. The technology, which can selectively open the blood-brain barrier, has shown promising results in treating conditions like Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and brain tumors.
A new multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) trial platform is proposed to evaluate potential therapies for Parkinson's disease, potentially accelerating the search for a cure. This approach has already been successful in other diseases, such as prostate and renal cancer, and could speed up trials by eliminating unsuccessful treatments early.
Researchers analyzed over 2700 C. elegans genomes to understand the causes of mutations. They found that DNA damage and inaccurate repair mechanisms can lead to mutations, which are a root cause of cancer. The study challenges the assumption of a single cause for mutational signatures in cancer genomes.
A recent study found that advancing age is not a barrier to effective cancer treatment for older adults. The PREOP risk score tool helps guide treatment decisions by assessing factors such as nutritional status and physical condition.
A new study reveals significant immune changes occur early in multiple myeloma development, including increased natural killer cells and loss of memory T cells. These findings may lead to personalized treatment strategies based on the immune microenvironment of each patient's disease.