Articles tagged with Chemotherapy
Scientists at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a way to analyze the effect of mechanical stiffness on chemotherapy treatment. The new method uses alginate hydrogels to mimic tumor and normal tissue environments, revealing that softer matrix conditions lead to increased resistance.
A new treatment harnesses the immune system to shrink tumors in bladder cancer patients that cannot take the most effective chemotherapy. In a clinical trial, injections of pembrolizumab reduced tumor size by at least one third in 24% of patients, with six% experiencing complete responses.
A multi-center study found significant survival gains in patients with high-risk soft tissue sarcoma of the trunk or extremities treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with an anthracycline plus ifosfamide. The regimen showed a 20% improvement in prognosis for these patients compared to those receiving histology-driven regimens.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that triple-drug chemotherapy with topotecan improved survival of eyes and useful vision in patients with advanced localized disease, compared to standard chemotherapy including etoposide.
In the ASCEND-5 study, ceritinib significantly improved progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer harbouring an ALK rearrangement. The primary endpoint was a median progression-free survival of 5.4 months with ceritinib versus 1.6 months with chemotherapy.
A phase III clinical trial found that nivolumab significantly extended life among patients with relapsed head and neck cancer without worsening quality of life. The treatment also showed fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy, with only 13% of patients experiencing serious side-effects.
The phase III KEYNOTE-024 trial found pembrolizumab significantly improved progression-free survival by approximately four months compared to chemotherapy, with 80% of patients alive at six months on pembrolizumab. The treatment was also associated with a higher overall response rate and lower adverse events.
The CheckMate 141 trial found that nivolumab maintained or improved function and reduced symptoms in patients with relapsed metastatic head and neck cancer. In contrast, standard chemotherapy resulted in worse scores. Nivolumab's superior clinical activity also suggests fewer side effects, leading to a better quality of life for patients.
Researchers observed a significantly greater objective response rate (55% vs. 29%) in patients who received pembrolizumab as well as chemotherapy, compared to those treated with chemotherapy alone. Participants also experienced an improved progression-free survival (median 13.0 months vs. 8.9 months) in the pembrolizumab arm.
The CheckMate 026 trial found that nivolumab did not improve progression-free survival over chemotherapy in patients with PD-L1 positive tumours. However, combination immunotherapies are being investigated to potentially increase the proportion of patients who benefit from treatment.
In a phase III trial, nivolumab showed improved patient-reported outcomes, including reduced symptoms and maintained functional capacity, compared to standard chemotherapy. The study found that nivolumab not only prolongs life but also improves quality of life.
The ASCEND-5 study showed ceritinib significantly improved progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy in crizotinib-pre-treated patients with non-small-cell lung cancer harbouring an ALK rearrangement. Ceritinib also increased overall response rate, but did not improve overall survival.
Two phase II trials, KEYNOTE-052 and CheckMate 275, demonstrate the efficacy of PD-1 blockade with pembrolizumab and nivolumab in treating metastatic bladder cancer. The trials show a median survival benefit for patients with high PD-L1 expression.
Researchers identified genes that control cellular senescence, a process that permanently arrests cell growth. These findings have potential applications for creating new anticancer drugs and developing anti-aging products.
Engineering researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method for delivering chemotherapy directly and efficiently to individual cells using nanoparticles called 'connectosomes.' This approach has been shown to reduce the dose required to kill cancer cells by up to 10 times, potentially decreasing side effects.
Researchers have identified a strategy to selectively sensitize certain cancer cells to radiation therapy using antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), which could improve tumor control and reduce treatment-related side effects in HER2-positive tumors. The study shows promise in sensitizing these cancers to radiation and chemotherapy.
Researchers identify two gut bacteria that activate cancer-fighting T cell immune responses, enhancing the effects of cyclophosphamide. These microbial-driven immune responses predicted longer progression-free survival in advanced lung and ovarian cancer patients treated with chemo-immunotherapy.
Researchers at the University of Bradford have discovered a way to prevent chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer by blocking a protein called Ran-GTP. Suppressing this protein also causes cancer cells resistant to gefitinib to become re-sensitized, offering new hope for treatment.
Researchers developed a computer program to automatically count the number of tubules in breast cancer tissue specimens, finding a correlation with Oncotype DX gene expression test risk scores. The study aims to provide an affordable and quick alternative to current genomic tests for predicting chemotherapy needs.
Researchers developed an assay to identify chemotherapy-resistant cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) tumors. The least sensitive cells can predict a patient's response to chemotherapy, improving therapeutic outcomes.
A cardioprotective drug, dexrazoxane, has been found to prevent long-term heart damage in children receiving chemotherapy. The use of dexrazoxane can allow anthracyclines to be given more safely and at higher doses without risking damage to the heart.
Scientists combine immunotherapy with chemotherapy to destroy a majority of dormant cancer cells, preventing recurrence. The study shows that quiescent but not indolent cancer cells can evade immunotherapy, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
A study presented at ESC Congress 2016 found that nebivolol treatment prevented anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients. New echocardiographic techniques revealed significant alterations in heart function after chemotherapy, but no changes were noted in the nebivolol-treated group.
Researchers at Aarhus University Hospital found a molecule associated with Oxaliplatin treatment resistance, where patients with high levels have a six times higher risk of not responding to the drug. Eliminating this microRNA biomarker from tumors may restore sensitivity to Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.
Patients with relapsed or resistant AML experienced responses to venetoclax, a selective BCL-2 inhibitor, with complete remissions in some. The study's results support the mechanism of action of venetoclax and offer potential as a predictive biomarker for BH3 mimetics.
A study published in BMC Cancer found that the chemotherapy drug etoposide can damage developing ovaries in female fetuses, potentially affecting their fertility. Researchers exposed mouse ovaries to etoposide before follicle formation and found significant damage, leading to reduced egg supply and early menopause.
Researchers developed a new anti-HIV medication called EFdA, which prevents vaginal and oral transmission of HIV in pre-clinical models. The study showed that daily doses of EFdA can prevent HIV infection in mice exposed to high doses of the virus.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has updated its treatment standard for rectal cancer, recommending a more customized approach that may reduce treatment side effects. The new guideline suggests alternatives to the traditional tri-modal approach, including short-course radiation therapy and non-operative management.
Researchers have developed a new treatment that blocks neurotransmitters to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, significantly improving patient outcomes. The study found that 74% of participants experienced no nausea or vomiting when treated with olanzapine, compared to 45% on placebo.
Researchers discovered a correlation between rare POLE mutations in bowel cancers and improved patient outcomes. These tumours are less likely to recur, particularly when diagnosed at an early stage.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have discovered a new genetic mutation linked to osteonecrosis of the hip, which could allow for early diagnosis and treatment. The TRPV4 gene mutation was found to be common among affected family members and absent in unaffected ones.
A Swiss analysis found that treating Nivolumab only to patients with positive PD-L1 tests compared to DOC or all patients with NIV is more cost-effective, with ICERs below the WTP threshold. Treating only patients with ?1% or ?10% PD-L1+ with NIV also results in improved cost-effectiveness.
Researchers have identified 10 genetic mutations that can confer resistance to methotrexate, a chemotherapy agent, using a new 'back-to-the-future' approach combining traditional and deep sequencing techniques. This breakthrough offers potential leads for making the drug more reliable.
A new approach shields a toxic chemotherapeutic until it reaches the tumor site, leading to greater efficacy and fewer side effects. The treatment was successful in mice with sarcoma tumors and had fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Two independent studies in mice show that fasting or caloric restriction mimetics during chemotherapy increases the presence of cancer-killing T cells, reducing tumor mass over time. The research provides proof of concept for two potentially safe approaches to enhance chemotherapy.
Researchers have developed a blood-based screening test to gauge colon cancer recurrence and monitor chemotherapy effects. The test detects tumor DNA fragments in the blood, which can identify patients at high risk of relapse and track treatment efficacy.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology reveals that short remission telomere length is associated with delayed blood count recovery in children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) after chemotherapy. The research aims to identify high-risk children and develop targeted treatments to prevent complications.
A phase III trial found that chemoradiotherapy after surgery for gastric cancer (GC) does not achieve better outcomes than post-operative chemotherapy. The study, which involved 788 patients, showed equivalent five-year survival rates of 40.8% in both treatment arms.
Doctors used PET scans to identify patients with advanced Hodgkin lymphoma who could safely stop using the potentially toxic drug bleomycin. This approach resulted in similar survival rates and fewer side effects for those who stopped bleomycin compared to those who continued it.
Research suggests that patients with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent pre-surgical chemotherapy showed altered immune cells in their tumors, indicating a potential increase in effectiveness of immunotherapy after treatment. This study found evidence of activation of certain T cells and reduction of immune suppressive cells in pati...
Researchers discovered that chemotherapy activates immune cells T cells within tumours, but also boosts cancer defences against immune attack. Effective immunotherapy treatments will have to block PD-L1 protein to target tumours effectively.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have developed a new mass spectrometry technique that can quantify anti-cancer drugs in individual cancer cells. This breakthrough technology aims to improve treatment efficacy and reduce toxicities for cancer patients.
A large cohort of 29,908 patients with pathologic stage T2N0M0 NSCLC showed improved median overall survival and 5-year OS when receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. The study demonstrated a benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with completely resected stage T2N0M0 NSCLC regardless of tumor size.
Experts argue that integrated treatment could lead to a 40% reduction in implementation costs and be cost-effective in treating school-aged children and entire communities. The authors emphasize the need for increased drug subsidies, donations from pharmaceutical companies, and improved epidemiological surveillance.
A new treatment uses chemotherapy followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation to fully halt clinical relapses and development of new brain lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis. Eight patients showed a sustained improvement in disability 7.5 years after treatment.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that a pre-procedure medication regimen can significantly reduce hospital stays and readmission rates for liver cancer patients undergoing DEB TACE treatment. The study involved 113 procedures in 71 patients, with only 5% requiring hospital admission due to post-procedural syndrome.
Researchers at University of California - Davis Health found that patients with late-stage lung cancer who undergo surgery have better survival rates than those who don't. However, only 11% of these patients receive surgery, highlighting a need for improved access to care.
Researchers found that a plant-virus-based carrier successfully delivers the drug candidate phenanthriplatin, outperforming cisplatin in mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer. The nanoparticles target tumors, accumulating inside lysosomal compartments and releasing the drug to block transcription, leading to greater cell death.
Colorado State University's Brad Reisfeld and colleagues create a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model to predict drug concentrations in the body. The model can account for individual differences and changes in metabolism, allowing for more effective treatment.
Research suggests that coordinating chemotherapy treatments with the time of day when a patient's body is most awake can minimize drug toxicity and increase anti-cancer therapeutic drug efficacy. This approach targets the circadian clock, which regulates certain signaling pathways to regulate drug metabolism.
Researchers developed a device that can absorb up to 90% of chemotherapy drugs in 25-30 minutes, reducing their circulation and potential harm. The system targets tumors with a concentrated dose while capturing the majority of drugs like a sponge, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
A new combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy has shown a remarkable 53% response rate in pediatric neuroblastoma patients, with some tumors shrinking or disappearing completely. Researchers plan to expand the study to include more children, offering hope for a potential cure.
Pediatric leukemia patients exposed to higher concentrations of methotrexate are more likely to struggle with mental flexibility, organization, and related skills as long-term survivors. Brain imaging revealed changes in brain regions associated with executive functioning, including increased activity in the frontal lobe region.
In a phase II clinical trial, pembrolizumab elicited partial responses in 17% of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer. The overall response rate was more than triple that of methotrexate, the current standard treatment for resistant cases.
A clinical trial shows atezolizumab, a checkpoint inhibitor, is effective in treating advanced bladder cancer, shrinking tumors and stopping new growth. The drug was well-tolerated, with mild side effects, and half of patients responded within 15 weeks.
A phase II clinical study found a 32% clinical benefit in pancreatic cancer patients with BRCA mutation, including one complete response and two partial responses. The drug's acceptable safety profile suggests it may be an option earlier in the treatment course for some patients.
A phase III clinical trial found that giving chemotherapy after radiotherapy delays further growth of anaplastic glioma and increases the number of patients alive at five years. The treatment improved survival for patients with this rare type of brain tumour, now being considered standard care.
Researchers found that adding metformin to a chemotherapy and radiation treatment regimen for head and neck cancer patients showed improved outcomes, including better overall survival, compared to those not on metformin. However, faster escalation of metformin was poorly tolerated due to nausea, vomiting, and other side effects.
Researchers discovered leukemia cells harvest mitochondria from normal cells during chemotherapy, allowing them to survive and thrive. This finding offers new hope for developing better treatments for acute myeloid leukemia by targeting the energy-boosting mechanism.
Researchers in Norway used ultrasound to enhance absorption of chemotherapeutic compounds Gemcitabine into pancreatic cells, increasing treatment cycles and median survival time from 7 months to 18 months. The technique, called sonoporation, showed promising results without increased toxicity or side effects.