Research on chemotherapy and its side effects. Covers nerve-injury prevention, gold-nanorod therapy, less-intensive regimens, and combination treatments.
A new study by WVU researcher William Walker found that the blood-brain barrier is dynamic and more receptive to chemotherapy at night. This could lead to better treatment outcomes for patients with brain metastasis.
Researchers discovered that cyclotides from violets increase the power of TMZ in killing glioblastoma cancer cells by up to eight-fold. This breakthrough could lead to better treatment options for patients with this fatal form of brain cancer.
Researchers discovered a protein, syndecan-2, that helps identify and deploy blood stem cells for treatments. Transplanting only cells expressing syndecan-2 could make blood stem cell transplants more efficient and less toxic.
The NRG-RTOG 1010 clinical trial found that adding trastuzumab to chemoradiation and surgery did not improve disease-free survival for HER2-positive esophageal adenocarcinoma patients. Despite this, the study highlights future research opportunities to explore combining trastuzumab with other HER2-targeting agents.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and targeted therapies may mount inadequate immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination. The authors recommend antibody level testing and booster vaccinations for these patients.
A retrospective analysis of 13 clinical trials found that most combination therapies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors worked due to independent drug action, rather than synergy or additivity. This discovery has implications for cancer clinical trial design and may help improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at VTC have developed a promising three-pronged approach to treating glioblastoma, a lethal brain cancer. By inhibiting two specific proteins with temozolomide, they created an effective 'triple combinational therapy' that overcame chemoresistance.
A new combination immune therapy treatment extends cancer patients' lives while reducing toxic side effects and improving their overall health. This study found that the treatment was less toxic than other drugs on the market, providing an added benefit for patients' quality of life.
Scientists develop hairy cellulose nanocrystals to capture and remove excess chemotherapy drugs from the blood. The nanocrystals effectively removed over 6,000 milligrams of doxorubicin per gram, increasing DOX capture by two to three orders of magnitude compared to existing methods.
Researchers developed a new class of nanomaterials that capture chemotherapy drugs before they interact with healthy tissue, reducing off-target effects. The highly efficient approach captures DOX at a capacity more than 3,200% higher than other platforms.
A new post-surgery approach for treating HPV-related throat cancer uses low-dose radiation and spares the majority of patients from chemotherapy. The trial found high survival rates and quality of life in patients at medium risk for recurrence.
The KEYNOTE-811 trial demonstrates a significant improvement in objective response rate (74.4%) and tumor size reduction compared to trastuzumab and chemotherapy. The combination of pembrolizumab, trastuzumab, and chemotherapy markedly reduces tumor size and induces complete responses in some patients.
A novel medical cooling system for preventing Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is being developed by the University of Huddersfield and Paxman. CIPN causes pain or sensitivity in hands and feet, delaying treatment. The new device uses 'Human Centred Design' to deliver stable cooling, tolerable over chemotherapy duration.
IN8bio is developing a genetically modified gamma-delta T cell technology to treat glioblastoma multiforme. Preclinical studies published in Scientific Reports show significant improvement in survival outcomes, and a Phase I clinical trial is underway at UAB.
The study used multigene sequencing to identify genomic alterations in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Patients with genomic alterations ranked as ESCAT I/II saw improved progression-free survival with targeted therapies matched to their genomic changes, while those without these alterations did not benefit from the treatment.
Researchers used imaging mass cytometry to analyze protein expression and cell location in tumor samples. High density of antigen-presenting cells with high PD-L1 and IDO expression was associated with higher pathological complete response rate in patients treated with atezolizumab plus chemotherapy.
A new protein variant called CLIP-170S allows cancer cells to dodge chemotherapy drugs, rendering them ineffective. Researchers discovered this variant in more than 60% of patients with gastric cancer and are exploring a combination therapy involving imatinib to overcome resistance.
A recent study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital found that mutations in the DDX3X gene are responsible for chemotherapy resistance in some blood cancer patients. The study also discovered that STAT inhibitors can effectively kill lymphoma cells with DDX3X mutations, providing hope for new treatment options.
A large clinical trial has found that postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer and a 21-gene recurrence score of 25 or lower can safely skip chemotherapy. In contrast, premenopausal patients with positive nodes and low RS scores benefit from chemotherapy.
A research team developed an AI framework that analyzes protein interactions to predict effective and low-toxicity cancer drug combinations. The framework, GraphSynergy, outperforms conventional models in identifying synergistic combinations.
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a natural substance, a flavonoid, that can inhibit cancer cells' ability to defend themselves against chemotherapy by targeting efflux pumps. This could lead to more effective treatment and potentially even combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers discovered that chemotherapy drugs can affect protein synthesis in muscle cells, even at low doses. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment and exercise rehabilitation programs, suggesting that even non-oxidative stress effects of chemotherapy should be considered.
Researchers have developed fish-shaped microrobots that can guide themselves to cancer cells using magnets, where a pH change opens their mouths to release chemotherapy. The microrobots demonstrate promising capabilities for targeted cancer treatment, but need further improvements in size and tracking methods.
A new UCL-led study found that people who survived childhood cancer have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, infections, and disorders of the immune system by age 45. The study also suggests that cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy face greater long-term health effects.
Researchers developed a blood test that can detect prostate cancer patients who are resistant to chemotherapy drug docetaxel, enabling early detection and personalized treatment. The test analyzes circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, revealing patterns that predict disease progression and survival.
Researchers at West Virginia University have received FDA approval for a new drug to treat uveal melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer. The drug, MTI-201, targets specific biomarkers in diseased cells, allowing for more precise treatment with minimal damage to healthy cells.
A phase 2 clinical trial shows durvalumab immunotherapy combined with standard chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival for patients with previously untreated malignant pleural mesothlioma. The study's findings provide insights into patient selection methods for this novel chemo-immunotherapy regimen.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found a new treatment option for inoperable pleural mesothelioma using immunotherapy agent durvalumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with epithelioid tumors experienced higher survival rates, including some who remained tumor-free after completing the trial.
Researchers have identified genetic mutations in genes CBP and p300 that drive radiation resistance in head and neck tumors. Inhibiting these proteins with certain drugs makes tumor cells more susceptible to radiotherapy.
Researchers in mice found that chemotherapy enhances cancer's spread by making blood vessel walls more receptive, allowing cancer cells to latch on. The study shows how a chemo drug like cyclophosphamide alters non-cancer cells' properties, facilitating the cancer cells' attachment and progression.
Researchers from MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Winship Cancer Institute discovered that pre-surgical anti-PD-1 immunotherapy is safe and effective for OCSCC patients. The studies identified potential molecular biomarkers in blood and tumors to predict treatment response.
A multi-center study demonstrated improved overall survival and quality of life for inoperable pancreatic cancer patients treated with MRIdian SMART, with a median survival of 26 months. The treatment showed low rates of major adverse events and was more effective than standard radiation therapy.
Researchers developed a molecular agent that can target lung and other cancer cells for imaging and treatment, distinguishing between healthy and cancerous cells. The new approach uses a unique chemistry method to tune the reactivity of the molecule, avoiding off-target effects.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to treat cancer by combining chemotherapy, tumor injury, and immunotherapy. In mouse studies, the treatment eliminated tumors completely in nearly half of the mice and showed promise against various types of cancer.
Researchers identified ALRs as key genetic factors influencing treatment response to radiation and chemotherapy. Cells deficient in ALRs are more resistant to radiation and chemotherapy, while those with higher ALR levels are more sensitive.
A peptide-drug conjugate called CBX-12 has been shown to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical cancer models by targeting the acidic environment of cancer cells. The treatment exhibited significantly delayed tumor growth, improved survival, and complete tumor regressions compared to immunotherapy alone.
A study found that chronic stress, measured by allostatic load, was associated with a lower likelihood of completing chemotherapy and lower overall survival rate in patients with lymph node-positive or high-risk lymph node-negative HER2-negative breast cancer. Allostatic load may be a better predictor than genetic ancestry for chemothe...
Researchers found that a cancer chemotherapy drug can restore memory and cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting blood vessel growth. The study suggests repurposing approved anti-cancer drugs as treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, potentially shortening clinical development time.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that the type of cancer treatment affects the vaccine response, with chemotherapy resulting in lower antibody levels. Vaccination is still recommended for cancer patients, but optimal protection requires ongoing measures.
Researchers found that cancer patients on chemotherapy had a lower immune response to the first two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. However, a third dose significantly boosted their immune response, reaching levels similar to those of healthy adults after two doses.
A City of Hope clinical trial showed that patients over 65 experiencing significantly fewer treatment-related side effects when a multidisciplinary team analyzed each case and introduced personalized interventions. The completion of advance directives was also higher in the experimental group.
Scientists at Temple University will explore the therapeutic potential of KLS-13019, a CBD analog that shows promise as an opioid alternative. The Phase 2 SBIR grant aims to test the compound's effects on rat models of neuropathic pain, shedding light on its safety and efficacy.
Researchers discovered a combination of two drugs can reduce inflammation following chemotherapy, preventing metastasis in pancreatic and liver cancer. The treatment targets the sEH and EP4 pathways, modulating inflammation to resolve cytokine storms.
Patients with certain gene mutations are at high risk of fatal chemotherapy toxicity, with a 25-times increased risk detected in those with uncommon DPYD variants. The study suggests that adding pre-treatment screening may help prevent avoidable deaths without interrupting standard care.
The KEYNOTE-826 study found that adding immunotherapy to standard first-line treatment increases overall survival by eight months for patients with recurrent, persistent or metastatic cervical cancer. The addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy also reduced the risk of death and disease progression by 33%.
A study at ESMO Congress 2021 highlights the need for improved cancer follow-up care to address burdensome symptoms like fatigue. Patients often receive inadequate support, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
A phase II trial found that high-dose cytarabine followed by pembrolizumab improved cancer remission rates in AML patients, with a complete remission rate of 38%. The treatment also showed promise for patients who had not benefited from standard therapy.
A new study found that young children with cancer are at a higher risk of permanent hearing loss due to the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. The study, published in the journal CANCER, reveals that up to 75% of children under 5 years old experienced hearing loss after treatment.
A new study reports that chemotherapy plus immunotherapy before surgical removal reduces tumor invasiveness in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In the phase II clinical trial, nearly 25% of bladder cancers were found to be invasive, and surgery often had limited success due to microscopic cancer cell spread.
Despite its promise, cancer immunotherapy faces several hurdles, including limited efficacy and variable outcomes. Researchers are exploring new therapeutic targets and combination strategies to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.
A modified chemotherapy regimen for Burkitt lymphoma has been developed, combining CODOX-M and IVAC with rituximab, to reduce toxicity and improve survival rates. The study found a higher overall survival rate and lower frequency of severe side effects compared to standard regimens.
Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for neuroblastoma by targeting the ALT mechanism, which is responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The study found that activating ATM kinase at telomeres promotes chemotherapy resistance in ALT neuroblastoma and suggests a cancer-specific approach to treating this disease.
Researchers identified DSS1 as a critical protein in breast cancer progression and found that depleting it makes cancer cells more responsive to lower doses of anti-cancer drugs. This technique may reduce drug-induced side effects in breast cancer patients, providing a safer treatment option.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a new approach to combat cancer treatment challenges by creating self-assembled drugs with high specificity towards human cancer cells. The breakthrough demonstrates unprecedented anti-cancer activity and selectivity in laboratory testing.
Researchers developed a nanotherapeutic platform that combines camptothecin with immune checkpoint inhibitors to increase effectiveness against aggressive tumors. The approach showed promising results in eliminating difficult-to-treat late-stage metastatic colorectal cancer and melanoma tumors.
Scientists investigated a method to enhance immunotherapy for lung cancer and found that combining it with certain chemotherapy drugs could eliminate harmful immune cells. This approach showed promising results in preclinical studies, inducing the regression of about 70% of tumors.
Researchers at SMU found that decreasing TIGAR protein levels in cervical cancer cells makes them more responsive to chemotherapy drugs at low doses. This discovery offers a potential new treatment approach for HPV-induced cervical cancer with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that pre-treatment T2-weighted MRI texture features can accurately predict the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. The study identified 7 significant texture features and achieved high classification accuracy using a k-nearest neighbor model.
Research has found that cancer cells develop resistance to platinum-based cytotoxic drugs by altering their communication with the surrounding extracellular matrix. This change allows the cancer cells to withstand the damage caused by the treatment and survive the chemotherapeutic attack.