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Chemotherapy candidate can marshall attention from the body’s natural defenses

Researchers discover a potential chemotherapy agent that causes cancer cells to release signals similar to those released by infected cells, triggering an immune response. This finding could lead to a new approach in cancer treatment, using lower doses of chemotherapy drugs to recruit the immune system as an ally.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Study: Exercise during chemotherapy for breast cancer measurably improves quality of life

A new study shows that exercise during chemotherapy measurably improves quality of life for women with breast cancer, with benefits consistent across physical, emotional and mental health domains. The findings support existing clinical guidelines and provide clarity on the effectiveness of exercise interventions during treatment.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·DateFeb 25, 2026

Singapore study uncovers why some colorectal cancer tumors return and spread after chemotherapy

A Singapore study reveals that a specific gene called SERPINE1 drives resistance to chemotherapy and cancer spread in colorectal cancer patients. The findings also identify a molecular signature called RESIST-M, which can predict poorer survival and higher relapse risk, supporting earlier intervention and more targeted follow-up care.

New JNCCN study identifies long-term health risks among testicular cancer survivors treated with contemporary chemotherapy regimens

A new study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN) identifies significant long-term health risks among testicular cancer survivors treated with contemporary chemotherapy regimens. Researchers found that survivors treated with etoposide and cisplatin (EPx4) had higher odds of renal impairment, hear...

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2026

New biomarker predicts chemotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers developed a new computational approach to predict chemotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer, outperforming current methods. The TmS biomarker accurately sorts patients into those with favorable or poor prognosis, highlighting its potential as an effective starting point for patient stratification.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2026

Sensing local fibers in pancreatic tumors, cancer cells ‘choose’ to either grow or tolerate treatment

A new study shows that pancreatic cancer cells' ability to detect the extracellular matrix determines their growth rate and response to chemotherapy. The researchers found that cells detecting ECM have low autophagy levels and high growth rates, while those farther away from ECM have high autophagy levels and can survive chemotherapy.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2026

ASH publishes clinical practice guidelines on frontline and relapsed/refractory management of all in adolescents and young adults

The American Society of Hematology released guidelines for frontline and relapsed/refractory management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs), outlining optimal approaches to treating high-risk patient populations. The guidelines highlight the need for additional research on immunotherapies and tr...

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateFeb 11, 2026

Study identifies PARG as a new target to enhance chemotherapy in colorectal cancer

A study led by researchers from the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute has identified PARG as a new target to enhance chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. Inhibition of PARG significantly increases the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy, leading to enhanced cell death and apoptosis in different colorectal cancer models.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

Hope for smarter lung cancer care

A study from Flinders University found that patients with progressive disease, which describes the way cancer grows, have varying survival rates depending on whether their existing tumours re-grow or new ones appear. Understanding this progression can help doctors make better decisions about future treatment strategies.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCancer Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 21, 2026

Korea University researchers discover that cholesterol-lowering drug can overcome chemotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers found that pitavastatin directly inhibits the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1, a key driver of survival and resistance in TNBC cells. The study showed pitavastatin effectively eliminates cancer stem-like cell populations and reduces tumor growth, angiogenesis, and lung metastasis.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalExperimental Hematology and Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

Mathematicians tame cellular “noise” to control life at the single-cell level

Researchers create a novel mathematical framework to control biological noise, enabling precise single-cell control. The 'Noise Robust Perfect Adaptation' technology suppresses stochastic fluctuations while maintaining stable average behavior, with promising applications in cancer therapy and synthetic biology.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 2, 2026

Machine learning drives drug repurposing for neuroblastoma

A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine has identified a combination of statins and phenothiazines that shows promise in treating aggressive neuroblastoma. The drug combination was found to impede tumour growth and improve survival rates in laboratory trials with mice.

SourceLund University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 29, 2025

A platform to test new cancer treatments

Researchers at the University of Geneva have created a laboratory platform to rapidly evaluate the toxicity of new cancer treatments using human tissue-derived cell clusters. This approach allows for safer evaluation and could lead to personalized treatment options.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeNews article·DateDec 16, 2025

World-first discovery uncovers how glioblastoma tumours dodge chemotherapy, potentially opening the door to new treatments

Researchers discovered glioblastoma cells use PRDM9 to survive chemotherapy and regrow tumors. By blocking PRDM9 or cutting off cholesterol supply, persister cells can be wiped out, improving survival in mice. This breakthrough offers new strategies for treating the deadliest brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

ASTRO publishes first clinical guideline on radiation therapy for gastric cancer

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has published its first clinical guideline on radiation therapy for gastric cancer. The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the role of radiation therapy in multidisciplinary care, including patient selection, integration with systemic therapy and treatment delivery.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 18, 2025

Best foot forward – chemo care should include podiatry

A new study from the University of South Australia found that up to 50% of patients are missing out on vital foot care after chemotherapy, despite irreversible nerve damage being a common side effect. Podiatry services can prevent falls, ulcerations, pain, and improve mobility in cancer survivors with CIPN.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2025

Study finds protein target that predicts drug resistance in colon cancer

A team of researchers identified a unique protein signature that can predict which patients are likely to resist standard therapies, paving the way for personalized treatments. By blocking a specific transporter system, they made tumors more sensitive to treatment, suggesting a promising new avenue for treating colorectal cancer.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2025

Decoding the secrets of ‘chemo brain’

Researchers suggest chemotherapy drugs may be responsible for 'chemo brain' symptoms, citing reduced lymphatic vessel growth and impaired cognitive function. The study highlights the need to consider long-term neurological side effects of cancer treatment on quality of life.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2025

MIT study suggests a cysteine-rich diet may promote regeneration of the intestinal lining

A diet rich in cysteine has been shown to activate immune cells that help regenerate intestinal tissue, potentially offering a new way to heal tissue damage from radiation or chemotherapy treatment. The researchers found that cysteine initiates a chain of events leading to the activation of CD8 T cells, which produce cytokines like IL-...

Leading cancer societies update clinical guideline on post-mastectomy radiation therapy

The American Society for Radiation Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and Society of Surgical Oncology jointly published a guideline outlining when post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) is appropriate based on new evidence. PMRT reduces cancer recurrence risk in patients with node-positive disease or high-risk features.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 16, 2025