Articles tagged with Chemotherapy
A study of 28,000 childhood cancer survivors found that exposure to different anthracycline chemotherapies results in variable long-term cardiovascular risk. Specifically, daunorubicin was associated with decreased cardiomyopathy risk compared to doxorubicin, while mitoxantrone appeared to have greater long-term cardiomyopathy risk.
A genetically modified virus injection into tumor has effectively treated almost 40 percent of patients with metastatic melanoma. The treatment, talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC), stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells, leading to a complete local response rate of 39 percent in stage IIIB disease.
Researchers developed a virus-based therapy VCN-01 that targets retinoblastoma, a tumor affecting mainly children, by infecting cancer cells with a dysfunctional RB1 pathway. The treatment successfully replicated in tumor cells without causing systemic inflammation and extended time to enucleation compared to chemotherapy.
A study in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that providing more information about how doctors prescribe drugs can reduce problems associated with overprescription. Between 2012 and 2017, there was a notable decrease of 14% in antibiotic prescriptions in England.
A new study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that high-risk leukemia patients did not experience improved long-term survival with bone marrow transplantation. Treatment guided by measuring minimal residual disease was associated with better outcomes, with 58% of patients becoming long-term survivors.
Researchers have identified two functional populations of hematopoietic stem cells: 'primed' and 'reserve', which act under normal conditions and during times of stress, respectively. The reserve cells are protected by N-cadherin+ bone-lining cells, which provide survival factors to support their function.
A team of researchers at the University of Zurich has determined the three-dimensional structure of the receptor that causes nausea and vomiting as a result of cancer chemotherapy. They found that effective drugs like EmendTM and AkynzeoTM alter the receptor's structure, allowing for long-lasting attachment and effective treatment.
Researchers have developed a 'drug sponge' that can absorb up to 64% of chemotherapy drugs from the bloodstream, potentially reducing toxic side effects. The technology uses an absorbent polymer coating on a 3D-printed cylinder inserted into a vein, which sops up excess drugs before they reach other organs.
Scientists have created a 3D-printed device that can absorb excess chemotherapy drugs from a patient's bloodstream before they spread to healthy cells. The device captured about 64% of doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug, reducing the likelihood of side effects such as hair loss and nausea.
Researchers found that cigarette smoking was associated with poor response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients. Current smokers were also at a higher risk of cancer recurrence compared to former and never smokers, according to the study published in BJU International.
Researchers found that chemotherapy can induce tumors to release exosomes containing a protein that stimulates immune cells to attract cancerous cells, leading to metastasis. Neutralizing this protein or blocking immune cells may improve the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Researchers analyzed US population-based cancer registry data and found a significant increased risk of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia after chemotherapy for most solid tumors. The risk was highest for certain types of cancer, such as lung, ovary, breast, and testis cancers.
The review examines chemotherapeutic drugs that bind to plasma proteins, such as cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and ruthenium-based compounds. These drugs interact with key plasma protease inhibitors, altering their function and inactivating them.
Researchers created a patient-specific tumor 'organoid' model to identify the most effective treatment for each tumor. The study successfully generated organoids for nine out of 12 patients, demonstrating the potential for personalized medicine.
The MYSTIC trial found that first line immunotherapy combination with durvalumab and tremelimumab does not improve overall survival in unselected patients with lung cancer. However, a subgroup of patients with high tumour mutational burden showed improved overall survival with the combination treatment.
Researchers at John Innes Centre discovered the two-step process by which catnip produces nepetalactone, a terpene that sends cats into ecstasy. This process may help recreate useful medicines, including vinblastine and vincristine, more efficiently.
A multigene test used in breast cancer treatment helps doctors decide on chemotherapy, improving prognosis and reducing unnecessary treatments. The study found that patients with high-risk tumors had a five-fold increased risk of metastases and lower disease-free survival rates without chemotherapy.
A phase III trial found that using circulating tumor cell count to guide treatment choice can lead to a significant gain in overall survival. Patients with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who received chemotherapy based on high CTC counts had better progression-free and overall survival rates.
A new EU Horizon 2020 project aims to produce therapeutic substances in baker's yeast, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. Researchers will map the biosynthetic pathways of Indian snakeroot to create a sustainable production route.
A Stanford study found that methotrexate damages brain cells, leading to cognitive impairment. Researchers identified a potential remedy and hope to improve treatment for cancer survivors struggling with debilitating side effects.
A new study published in a medical journal found that black women with early-stage breast cancer have worse outcomes than white women, even after receiving the same treatment. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 patients and found that black women had a lower survival rate and higher recurrence of invasive breast cancer.
A recent study found that adding adjuvant capecitabine to standard treatment did not significantly improve disease-free or overall survival for patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer. However, a subset of patients with nonbasal-like disease showed a significant benefit from capecitabine.
A phase III trial found T-DM1 significantly reduced invasive disease-free survival risk in patients with HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer and residual invasive disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab. The treatment also showed promise in reducing recurrence risk across various subgroups of patients.
A retrospective study found that patients with triple-negative breast cancer who delayed starting adjuvant chemotherapy had a significantly higher risk of disease recurrence and death. The study suggests that initiating chemotherapy within 30 days after surgery is crucial for improving disease-free and overall survival rates.
Pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with lower recurrence risk and higher overall survival in breast cancer patients. The association between pCR and outcomes was similar among those who received additional adjuvant chemotherapy versus those who did not.
A clinical trial led by CNIO's Luis Paz-Ares showed that immunotherapy significantly increases patient survival when administered alongside conventional chemotherapy. This opens the door to investigate its effectiveness in early stages of the disease.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute present positive results from clinical trials of CAR T-cell therapy and immunotherapy for patients with leukemia and lymphoma. The studies show that Yescarta provides durable benefit to lymphoma patients, while pembrolizumab achieves long-lasting responses in patients with an aggressive form ...
A randomized clinical trial found immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab more effective than standard chemotherapy in treating chemotherapy-resistant head and neck cancer. Patients receiving pembrolizumab had a higher response rate with longer-lasting responses compared to those on standard therapy.
A new combination of venetoclax with standard drugs azacitidine or decitabine has been granted accelerated approval for treating elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The trial showed a 67% overall response rate, with improved efficacy and tolerability compared to traditional hypomethylating agents.
A new combination treatment of venetoclax and azacitidine has shown a 91 percent response rate in older adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The treatment has been associated with no more side effects than the use of azacitidine alone, and patients with IDH mutations have experienced long-lasting responses.
A Chinese scientist designed a DNA origami nanoplatform that carries chemotherapeutic drugs and RNA interference to target and kill multidrug-resistant cancer cells. The platform demonstrates the effectiveness of RNA interference in reducing drug resistance in cancer treatment.
Purdue University researchers have developed a technology that uses nanoparticles to target cancerous cells and tumors, providing more effective and safer chemotherapy treatment. The method has been tested on breast cancer and melanoma models and shows promise for treating various types of cancerous tumors.
Researchers found two genomic tests, MammaPrint and BluePrint, can predict patient response to new treatments. These tests identified subgroups of patients with high-risk tumours more likely to respond to specific therapies.
A Phase II study found a combination of azacitidine and nivolumab therapy resulted in a 33% overall response rate and 22% complete remission rate for patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. The drug combination was particularly effective in patients who had not previously received hypomethylating agents, with an overa...
A study by Washington State University researchers suggests that inhibiting CDK2 activity can alleviate chemotherapy-induced heart damage in rodents. The finding could be used to develop treatment strategies and drugs to reduce heart disease risk in cancer survivors, particularly those treated with doxorubicin.
Researchers at Georgia Tech developed an open source decision support tool using machine learning to analyze RNA expression tied to patient outcomes with specific drugs. The system predicted the chemotherapy drug that had provided the best outcome 80 percent of the time, and its accuracy could improve with additional patient records.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that the PPM1D gene confers a survival advantage to blood cells exposed to chemotherapy, potentially favoring the development of secondary leukemia. The research suggests that the presence of this gene and other mutations should be considered when choosing chemotherapies.
Researchers at George Washington University found cold therapy to be the most effective preventative intervention for taxane-induced dermatologic events, followed by urea-based creams for hand/foot side effects. Cold caps and scalp cooling systems also showed promise in preventing hair loss and skin/toxicity events.
The ESRF cryo-electron microscope has achieved significant results in its first year, publishing research on the 5-HT3 serotonin receptor. The study revealed the receptor's activation cycle and binding pockets, providing crucial information for developing antinausea drugs.
A small study found that rose geranium oil spray in sesame oil base helped reduce the severity of nasal vestibulitis symptoms, which are common side effects of chemotherapy. The oil was used by 20 women on chemotherapy, with most reporting moderate to substantial benefits.
Researchers discovered that chemotherapy drug paclitaxel can also activate a key cellular receptor in the innate immune system, reactivating the patient's immune response to combat tumors. This finding opens up new prospects for cancer treatment strategies, including immunotherapy and adjuvant therapy.
A phase III study found that immunotherapy with pembrolizumab improves overall survival in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, particularly those expressing PD-L1. The treatment also showed longer response duration and median response duration compared to standard chemotherapy.
A phase III trial has established the radiation/cisplatin combination as the standard of care for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oral cancers, resulting in higher overall and progression-free survival rates compared to cetuximab/radiation. The treatment also showed a lower rate of serious side effects, particularly with cisplatin.
Researchers developed a targeted strategy to treat chemotherapy-resistant AML by targeting the MTF2-MDM2 axis, resulting in complete remission in all mouse models treated with the new combination. The findings hold promise for treating AML patients who would otherwise die from their disease.
A phase III clinical trial found immunotherapy pembrolizumab to be more effective than aggressive chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced head and neck cancer. Patients with high PD-L1 levels saw significant improvements in survival and response rates.
A phase 3 SOLO-1 trial found that olaparib maintenance therapy significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in newly diagnosed patients with advanced ovarian cancer and a BRCA1 or 2 mutation. The median PFS for those who received olaparib was approximately three years longer than the placebo group.
A randomized study shows erlotinib improves progression-free survival and tumor response rate compared to gemcitabine plus cisplatin in stage IIIA-N2 EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Median progression-free survival was significantly longer with erlotinib at 21·5 months versus 11.9 months with chemotherapy.
Atezolizumab, an antibody targeting PD-L1, improved survival in metastatic triple negative breast cancer patients by 20%, particularly those with PD-L1 positive tumors. The combination therapy also reduced disease worsening and death risk by 38% in PD-L1 positive subgroup
A combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy significantly extends survival by up to ten months in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The treatment reduces the risk of death or cancer progression by up to 40 per cent, offering new hope for young women affected by this aggressive form of breast cancer.
A study of breast cancer survivors found that natural pregnancies are possible after chemotherapy, but many no longer wish to have children. The study also showed that fertility preservation measures are not widely needed among young breast cancer patients.
A pooled analysis of four UK randomised controlled clinical trials found significant differences in chemotherapy side-effects between men and women with oesophagogastric cancer. Women experienced higher rates of nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth ulceration, and hair loss compared to men.
A study of oesophagogastric cancer patients found women experienced higher rates of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth ulceration, and hair loss compared to men. The researchers analyzed data from four randomised trials involving over 1,600 patients.
A new blood test that detects circulating tumour DNA is being tested to determine if cancer patients need chemotherapy after surgery. The trial aims to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from aggressive treatment and low-risk patients who can avoid chemotherapy.
A study found that cancer patients are open to using complementary alternative medicines, but poorly informed about safety issues and risk of interactions with anti-cancer drugs. Vitamin D supplements were the most popular choice, followed by selenium plus zinc.
A new mouse study builds on human findings that link chemotherapy and the APOE4 gene variant to cognitive problems. The research, published in Neurotoxicity Research, reveals that APOE4 works with doxorubicin to cause significant brain changes and impair learning.
Scientists at University of Toronto's Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy have developed a combination approach using nanoparticles to improve chemotherapy response and boost anti-tumor immunity in breast cancer. The treatment resulted in a 60% cure rate and enhanced life expectancy by five-fold compared to treating with chemotherapy alone.
Researchers found that daily lactoferrin supplementation can change salivary protein profiles in cancer patients, protecting their taste buds and odor perception. This could help patients recover from chemotherapy with improved nutrition and quality of life.
Researchers have developed a gel-based chemotherapy that can shrink melanoma skin tumors in mice by penetrating deep into the skin. The gel, called transfersome, was found to slow tumor growth when applied daily and administered intravenously every other day, with results showing a significant reduction in tumor size.
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a way to target migrating cancer cells, responsible for tumor metastases, using novel agents 135H11 and 135H12. These potent agents can block EphA2, an oncogene that spreads cancer, preventing cell migration and degradation.
A new drug called Metavert has shown promising results in blocking pancreatic cancer growth in laboratory mice. The study also found that Metavert may prevent patients from developing resistance to currently used chemotherapies.