Bioengineering researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that changing the shape of chemotherapy drug nanoparticles from spherical to rod-shaped made them up to 10,000 times more effective at targeting and delivering anti-cancer drugs to breast cancer cells. The rod-shaped nanoparticles were engineered with an antibody called trastuzumab t...
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a genetic variation in CD33 that significantly affects the clinical outcome of AML patients who received gemtuzumab ozogamicin chemotherapy. This discovery may help predict which patients are most likely to benefit from the treatment and improve therapeutic efficacy.
Scientists found that distinct niches exist in bone marrow to nurture different types of blood stem cells, which could improve the success of stem cell transplants and chemotherapy. The discovery suggests that targeting specific support cells may be therapeutic for treating certain cancers.
A study by Rutgers University behavioral neuroscientist Tracey Shors found that prolonged chemotherapy decreases the development of new brain cells, disrupting ongoing brain rhythms necessary for learning. This can lead to cognitive problems such as short-term memory loss and disordered thinking in cancer patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center create cell lines from patients' own tumors to predict chemotherapy sensitivity. The new method may replace current laboratory tests and improve drug selection accuracy.
A study published in Blood found that certain chemotherapies increase a patient's risk of developing therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (tAML), a rare but frequently fatal condition. The risk varies by type of cancer and year of diagnosis, with some patients facing higher risks more than 10 years after their initial diagnosis.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that TGF-β is highly expressed in triple negative breast cancer cells after chemotherapy. In a mouse model, blocking TGF-β prevented tumor recurrence and enhanced chemotherapy action against triple negative breast cancer.
Researchers evaluated CT scans of patients with localized esophageal cancer before and after chemotherapy to identify changes in tumor texture. Smaller change in skewness following chemotherapy was a significant prognostic factor, with median overall survival increasing from 11.1 months to 36.1 months.
A pair of commentaries highlight a public health debate surrounding CDC treatment guidelines for exposed individuals during the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak. The American Society for Microbiology has published two commentaries questioning and defending the CDC's recommendations.
A phase 1 clinical trial found that high-dose Vorinostat, combined with standard chemotherapy, was effective in treating relapsed lymphomas, particularly Hodgkin and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. The study resulted in a 70% response rate, including complete responses in some patients.
Researchers discover gene FBH1 crucial for chemotherapy's effectiveness in killing cancer cells. By understanding the role of FBH1, doctors can tailor treatment to individual patients based on genetic fingerprint.
A new study led by Robert G. Hawley may help predict which patients with multiple myeloma will respond better to certain treatments. The researchers discovered a test that can detect tumor-propagating cells, which are responsible for disease relapse.
A new drug called calmangafodipir has been developed to protect healthy cells from side effects of cancer treatments while enhancing the anti-tumor effect. The compound was derived from a contrast media used in magnetic resonance scans and shows promise in reducing white blood cell counts and preventing infections.
Scientists at UC Santa Cruz used a novel technique to study the structural and mechanical properties of telomeres, which could guide the development of new anti-cancer drugs. The research found that a small structural displacement causes the G-quadruplex structure to unfold, revealing its mechanical stability.
A Michigan State University study found that many cancer patients struggle to follow complex chemo prescriptions, leading to poor adherence and reduced treatment efficacy. The researchers suggest an automated calling system could help patients take their drugs properly.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a method to track liver tumors' response to chemotherapy using paired CT scans, allowing for immediate feedback on treatment effectiveness. This technique has the potential to save patients from delayed diagnosis and reduced treatment efficacy.
A large study finds that post-menopausal breast cancer survivors are more likely to develop diabetes, with a significant association observed after chemotherapy. The risk increases over time, suggesting the need for closer monitoring and screening of these patients.
A University of Rhode Island researcher has discovered that orlistat strongly alters the therapeutic potential of anti-cancer drugs and blood thinners like aspirin. The drug's inhibition of a key enzyme can lead to severe toxicity in internal organs such as the liver and kidney.
A clinical trial at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that intensified chemotherapy significantly reduces relapse odds for young patients with B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The treatment regimen improved event-free survival rates to 76% five years after complete remission.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Center have identified liposarcoma tumors that can be imaged by PET scanning using a tracer substance known as FAC, and found these tumors are sensitive to chemotherapy. This discovery has translational potential for liposarcoma patients and may lead to more effective treatment strategies.
Researchers develop experimental small molecule agent MI-2 that irreversibly inactivates MALT1 protein responsible for cancer cell growth. The treatment shows promise in animal models without toxicity, paving the way for combination therapy regimens to reduce treatment toxicity and improve patient outcomes.
A Phase II clinical trial found that over a third of high-risk leukemia patients responded to the experimental new drug quizartinib, experiencing complete remission and potentially life-saving bone marrow transplants. Many participants who did well with the drug had failed to respond to prior therapies.
Researchers found that a specific genetic marker, WT1 SNP rs16754, is correlated with improved outcomes and reduced treatment-related mortality in pediatric patients with AML. The study suggests personalized cancer treatment may improve survival and reduce toxicity by considering individual genetic makeup.
Research by Nemours and University of Delaware teams found improved quality of life and survival in leukemia patients treated with nanoparticle-based drug delivery. The approach reduces side effects and allows precise targeting of cancer cells, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemotherapy.
The Deshpande Center has awarded grants to ten MIT research teams working on early-stage technologies with the potential to significantly impact various fields. These projects aim to develop new technological innovations in areas such as cancer treatment, computation, and food production.
A clinical trial testing this hypothesis should begin soon, combining chemotherapy agents with a new approach to target the immune system. The study found that blocking negative immune system activation increases the efficiency of chemotherapy.
Researchers have found that dual-agent chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer arises from unique genetic changes, distinct from single-agent resistance. This discovery may lead to new strategies for overcoming resistance and improving treatment outcomes.
A new study demonstrates that a targeted therapy, selumetinib, and chemotherapy work better together than chemotherapy alone in treating patients with KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. The combination improved patient survival by 3.2 months and showed significant tumor shrinkage, offering hope for a potential new treatment strategy.
A study using PET/CT imaging found statistically significant decreases in regional brain metabolism associated with symptoms of chemo brain phenomenon. Researchers hope to establish a prospective study to improve treatment for patients experiencing this debilitating condition.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have developed a non-toxic nanoparticle that can deliver nitric oxide to specific cancer cells, reducing chemotherapy doses by a factor of five. This could lead to improved treatment outcomes and reduced side effects for neuroblastoma patients.
Researchers found that certain 'checkpoint mutants' ignore the normal signal to stop replicating DNA after losing nucleotides, instead continuing to unwind and create damaged DNA strands.
A new study found that adding Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin to chemotherapy treatment improved the effectiveness of cancer treatment without increasing side effects in older AML patients. The results show a 22% lower risk of relapse and a 13% lower mortality rate compared to standard treatment.
A promising stem-cell-based approach has been successfully demonstrated in non-human primates, where transplanted spermatogonial stem cells produce functional sperm. Cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy often become infertile due to treatment damage, but preserving and transplanting SSCs may restore fertility.
Guang Yue's 2-year NIH grant aims to investigate the impact of chemotherapy on white matter integrity and corresponding neurophysiological function. The study will explore structural changes in the corpus callosum and corticospinal tract, shedding light on the underlying causes of neurological side effects.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a first-of-its-kind self-assembled nanoparticle that can deliver chemotherapy specifically to cancer cells and release it in response to external NIR light, creating heat for synergistic anti-tumor efficacy. The platform successfully eradicated tumors in pre-clinical models.
A Wake Forest Baptist researcher discovered that high levels of the MN1 gene accelerate Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and reduce chemotherapy's effectiveness. The study found that the p53 protein is not functioning properly in cells expressing high levels of MN1, leading to a poorer prognosis.
Researchers developed a novel method to determine how ready acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells are to die, helping cancer specialists choose treatments more effectively. The tool measures the 'primed to die' status of AML cells by apoptosis, allowing for better prediction of patient outcomes and personalized treatment decisions.
Combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy results in enhanced anti-tumor effect, contrary to previous assumption that they would cancel each other out. The mechanism involves the upregulation of mannose-6-phosphate receptor on tumor cells, which is triggered by autophagy.
A new French study found that anticoagulants significantly reduce the incidence of catheter-related deep vein thrombosis in cancer patients. However, guidelines recommending prophylactic anticoagulant treatment for these patients are still under review.
A new study suggests that not enough women with breast cancer are being offered the chance to undergo treatments that may conserve their breasts. Despite high response rates to neoadjuvant therapy, only around 40% of patients receive breast-conserving surgery. The studies call for a clear consensus on the role of breast conserving surg...
A phase III trial shows that crizotinib is more effective than standard chemotherapy in response rates and progression-free survival, with improved quality of life. The study compared 347 patients with previously treated ALK-positive lung cancer and found significant benefits for those on the crizotinib arm.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a policy to manage drug shortages in hospitals, prioritizing patients based on clinical need and effectiveness. The policy establishes clear rules for apportioning scarce drugs, ensuring fairness and minimizing waste.
Researchers at UC Irvine's Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a key genetic pathway responsible for melanoma cells' resistance to chemotherapy. Targeting this pathway could lead to the development of new treatments for the deadly skin cancer, which claims nearly 10,000 U.S. lives each year.
Researchers have developed a novel method to attach chemical probes to proteins, allowing them to study the biochemistry of naturally formed proteins. The technique enables scientists to understand the mechanisms behind creating better antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, biofuels, and other natural products.
A new model developed by Weizmann Institute mathematicians and physicians proposes a more individualized approach to chemotherapy by considering not only the quantity but also the quality of blood cells. This could lead to better precautions for high-risk patients and spare unnecessary preventive treatments for those at low risk.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have designed nanoparticles that can safely and predictably infiltrate deep into the brain, delivering chemotherapy drugs to treat brain cancer. The breakthrough allows for controlled release of medication over time, reducing dosage challenges and improving treatment outcomes.
A new study by USC researchers shows that controlled fasting enhances the effectiveness of radiation therapy in treating gliomas, a type of brain tumor with a median survival of less than two years. Fasting improved survival rates in mice treated with radiation therapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
Researchers at Penn Vet found that a compound derived from the Coriolus versicolor mushroom, called polysaccharopeptide, significantly lengthened survival times for dogs with hemangiosarcoma. The study showed promising results, with some dogs living beyond a year without traditional chemotherapy.
Researchers found that adding bavituximab to docetaxel chemotherapy improves response rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival in late-stage non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC) patients. The study showed a doubling of the overall response rate compared to the control arm.
A recent meta-analysis by researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy had slight cognitive impairments in verbal and visuospatial abilities. The study suggests that these deficits can be managed through awareness and compensatory strategies, improving daily life for affected individu...
A new Cancer Research Network study estimates real-world use of anthracycline and trastuzumab in breast cancer patients, showing a higher risk of heart failure and cardiomyopathy compared to previous clinical trials. The study's findings highlight the importance of awareness about the risks associated with these chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers are developing drugs that exploit the body's natural immune system to fight diseases. These 'antibody-recruiting molecules' can be taken orally and induce a patient's own antibodies to fight disease.
Scientists have discovered that thiabendazole, a generic antifungal drug, can decrease blood vessel growth in tumors, starving them of nutrients. The study also found that the drug slows tumor growth, suggesting it could be used in combination with other chemotherapies.
A new mass spectrometer, DESI, is being used in real-world medicine to analyze fingerprints, detect pesticides, and identify biomarkers for prostate cancer. The device can also aid in brain cancer surgery by analyzing tissue samples and determining tumor type and stage.
Canada faces unpredictable and widespread drug shortages, affecting patient health and healthcare costs. A national approach with mandatory reporting and integrated leadership can minimize the impact of shortages.
The study found that the absence or downregulation of the LRP1B gene is associated with chemoresistance in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Additionally, tumors that initially responded to chemotherapy but later became resistant evolved further than those that were resistant from the outset.
Infants born to mothers who received chemotherapy during pregnancy had lower birth weights but no higher risk of birth defects or blood disorders. The study suggests that breast cancer treatment during pregnancy is possible and prioritizing full-term delivery may be crucial for minimizing risks.
Researchers have confirmed that normalizing blood vessels by blocking oxygen sensor PHD2 can make chemotherapy more effective. This strategy also reduces the harmful side effects of chemotherapy on healthy organs.
Researchers have developed a method to find and kill malignant cells while sparing healthy ones using theranostic imaging. The technique relies on binding a potent drug therapy to specific proteins on tumor cell surfaces, allowing it to target cancerous cells with precision.
Cancer cells respond differently to therapy based on their microenvironment, with fibroblasts sustaining DNA damage that promotes growth and resistance. The discovery could lead to more effective treatments by targeting the tumor microenvironment.