Researchers found that omitting the bolus-specific 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) portion from common chemotherapy regimens improves tolerability without sacrificing treatment effectiveness. The study of 11,765 patients shows no decrease in overall survival but a notable reduction in cytopenias.
A UK study found that a widely-used cancer treatment tool is unable to accurately predict toxicity levels in older adults. The Cancer Aging Research Group (CARG) score was developed to estimate severe chemotherapy-related side effects but failed to provide reliable results in this population. In contrast, frailty screening tools showed...
Recent years have seen therapeutic advances in kidney cancer due to deeper understanding of the disease's biology, with improved treatments and early detection contributing to decreased deaths. Cigarette smoking and being overweight remain major risk factors for kidney cancer.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a rare type of pancreatic cancer. Folinic acid has been found to weaken the cancer's defenses by elevating levels of anti-cancer immune molecules, enabling a more effective immune response and slower tumor growth.
A study in Current Biology mapped a brain circuit responsible for detecting threats and forming fear memories. The hippocampus and subiculum are key structures involved, with the subiculum transferring information to the hypothalamus.
A phase II clinical trial found that olaparib, a precision oncology drug, can induce durable complete remissions in recurrent prostate cancer patients with BRCA2 mutations. The study showed that 13 participants, including all 11 with BRCA2 mutations, had a decrease in PSA of at least 50% after treatment.
Researchers developed tumor cell-coated carbon nanohorns to deliver paclitaxel to colon cancer, exhibiting high accumulation at tumors and strong chemotherapeutic effects. The treatment also demonstrated a robust photothermal effect and immune responses, effectively destroying tumors.
A new treatment approach has been confirmed effective in a major study, showing that locally advanced rectal cancer patients can experience complete tumour disappearance without needing surgery. This method reduces the risk of recurrence and preserves normal bowel function, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments.
A new study published in Nature Medicine shows that precision therapy can improve survival for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The treatment, which involves analyzing the genetic profile of the tumor, has been shown to be more effective than chemotherapy in patients whose tumors have specific mutations.
Researchers found that symptom-triggered testing can pick up early-stage aggressive ovarian cancer in 1 in 4 of those affected. The UK's protocol for picking up early-stage disease is an effective way to diagnose even early-stage ovarian cancer, with complete surgical removal possible in more than three quarters of women.
Researchers highlight the need to develop new anti-angiogenic agents to improve cancer treatment efficacy, citing knowledge gaps in human clinical trials. The review recommends considering tumor mutations, microenvironment, and patient profiles to select optimal AAD combinations.
A new AI algorithm assesses immune cells in early-stage bowel cancer tumours to predict recurrence risk. The CD3 Score test has been shown to reliably identify high-risk cancers that are more likely to recur within five years of surgery, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions about chemotherapy treatment.
Tumors with mutations in ERCC2, ATM, or RB1 genes were more likely to be eliminated by cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The study found a correlation between these gene mutations and complete pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
A study identifies a 10-gene biomarker that can predict whether stage II or III colon cancer patients will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. The gene signature also has the potential to predict which patients may respond to immunotherapy.
Researchers developed a new approach to combat cancer by hyperactivating tumor cells, making them stressed and vulnerable to specific drugs. The combination strategy showed promising results in colorectal and pancreatic adenocarcinoma models, paving the way for potential treatment options.
Scientists discovered that Tumour Treating Fields (TTFs) improve Natural Killer cell killing by increasing degranulation, a sign of better cell function. The findings offer promising implications for treating glioblastoma and other cancers.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a new treatment approach that improved survival rates for patients with B-cell precursor leukemia by nearly 60%. The study found that adding blinatumomab to chemotherapy reduced the risk of leukemia recurrence and death.
The E1910 trial demonstrated a significant survival advantage with blinatumomab immunotherapy, improving overall and relapse-free survival in patients with BCR::ABL1-negative B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This finding contributed to the recent FDA approval of blinatumomab for these patients.
A new compound developed by researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center has shown promise in improving response to chemotherapy in preclinical models. The compound inhibits the protein lysyl oxidase, preventing it from producing a stiff environment around tumors and allowing drugs to penetrate better.
A phase II clinical trial found that combining sEphB4-HSA with pembrolizumab improved outcomes in HPV-negative, EphrinB2-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. The combination showed a favorable toxicity profile and activity, particularly among those with HNSCC.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that combining different chemotherapy drugs improves testicular cancer's treatability and often curability, even after first-line treatment fails. The study showed a nearly 80% response rate and no significant drop-off in survival over 10 years.
A novel strategy using venetoclax and azacitidine demonstrates significant anti-cancer effect with mild toxicity for relapsed/refractory AML patients. The treatment showed markedly better survival rates after one year compared to a control group, with improved 'graft-versus-leukemia effects' via alterations of immune cells.
Researchers explore various immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, as promising treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma. The review aims to overcome current limitations of targeted therapies by regulating the body's immune systems.
Researchers found that epalrestat increased sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer tumors to chemotherapy, making it more effective. The study used patient-derived tumor organoids and found that overexpression of AKR1B10 was linked to drug resistance.
Researchers at Tufts University have identified the immune cells driving cardiac inflammation in cancer patients taking doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug. Blocking these cells could potentially prevent cardiac damage and make treatment safer for patients.
The study establishes criteria for identifying extranodal extension on imaging, allowing radiologists to make accurate calls and provide patients with less invasive treatments. This shift towards practice change has the potential to reduce side effects and improve outcomes for patients with HPV-associated head and neck cancers.
Researchers discuss the use of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in treating biologically aggressive tumors, such as uterine serous carcinoma. The ADC T-DXd has shown remarkable preclinical activity against primary USC cells lines and xenografts overexpressing HER2/neu.
Pre-clinical trials show that targeted alpha radiation therapy can increase survival rates by up to 36.4% and has minimal adverse effects for patients. Researchers hope this new approach could improve current average survival rates beyond 18 months.
A new study has identified specific RNAs that may help identify stage II colon cancer patients who are likely to benefit from chemotherapy following surgery. The researchers found that certain housekeeping RNAs were up-regulated in patients with recurrence, suggesting their potential role in the metastatic process.
The study identified RNF144B as a tumour suppressor that prevents genomic instability, but low expression leads to poor prognosis and treatment resistance in lung adenocarcinoma. The research suggests that even non-mutated genes like RNF144B can have a significant impact on cancer development.
Scientists at Stanford University discovered that pancreatic cancer cells become resistant to chemotherapy due to stiff tissue and high hyaluronic acid levels. By altering the matrix, they found it possible to make cancer cells sensitive to chemotherapy again.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that specific exercise concomitant with chemotherapy can prevent nerve damage in many cases. The exercises reduced the incidence of CIPN (chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy) by 50-70% and improved patients' perceived quality of life.
A study by researchers at the University of South Florida found that 78% of testicular cancer survivors experience significant difficulties with everyday listening situations, leading to a reduced quality of life. The research highlights the need for regular auditory evaluations to manage and mitigate long-term hearing damage caused by...
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that chemotherapy disrupts the gut microbiome in breast cancer patients, leading to cognitive decline and increased inflammation. The research suggests that targeting the gut microbiome may improve behavioral side effects of chemotherapy.
Researchers at Howard University have identified a new therapeutic strategy to combat prostate cancer by depleting amino acids. This depletion induces oxidative stress and DNA damage in cancer cells, making them more susceptible to treatment with DNA repair-targeted and immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that chemotherapy before surgery can improve survival rates for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), an aggressive form of the disease. The modified FOLFIRINOX regimen was administered to 46 patients, resulting in a 67% 12-month progression-free survival rate and a 59% two-...
Researchers at Linköping University and the Medical University of Graz have developed a new cancer treatment using an iontronic pump to deliver continuous, low-dose chemotherapy directly to brain tumors. This approach significantly reduces tumor growth by bypassing the blood-brain barrier, a common obstacle to effective treatment.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has published an updated clinical guideline for treating patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The guideline emphasizes the importance of tailored radiation strategies to maximize patient survival while minimizing side effects. It provides recommendations fo...
A new study found that nearly five percent of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) after treatment, leading to a 63% 5-year survival rate. The research highlights the importance of tailoring treatment based on factors such as chemotherapy regimens and radiation therapy.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a possible new pathway to treat colorectal cancer by targeting the NF-kB-inducing kinase (NIK) protein. The study, led by Irving Coy Allen, identifies changes in a significant signaling pathway in human patients and presents potential targets for therapeutics.
Researchers developed microscopic robots that swim through lungs to deliver cancer-fighting medication directly to metastatic tumors. The approach inhibited tumor growth and spread, improving survival rates compared to control treatments.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered an attenuated virus that can help eliminate cancer in mice and prevent future tumor development. The therapy works by raising 'red flags' on tumors to alert immune cells to attack them.
Researchers developed a novel immunotherapy approach using ultrasound to deliver chemotherapy and antibodies to the brain, boosting immune system recognition of glioblastoma cells. The treatment showed promise in improving responses to PD-1 blockade in patients with advanced brain tumors.
Researchers created nanomicelles containing substances already approved for human use, which reduced inflammation in the tumor microenvironment and facilitated the action of the immune system. The treatment induced a reduction of over five times in tumor volume compared to untreated tumors.
Researchers developed a prodrug delivery method using a commensal Lactobacillus strain that binds specifically to cancer cells, releasing the chemotherapy drug SN-38 directly at the tumour site. This approach reduces tumour growth by 67% and increases chemotherapy drug effectiveness by 54% in preclinical models of nasopharyngeal cancer.
The NRG-RTOG 0848 clinical study found that adding chemoradiation to adjuvant systemic therapy improves overall survival for node-negative pancreatic cancer patients, but not for those with node-positive disease. Disease-free survival was also improved in both groups.
A new study by ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group aimed to address disparities in breast cancer care for Black patients. The trial found that tailoring research to the needs of underserved groups is effective, with docetaxel showing lower rates of peripheral neuropathy and dose reductions compared to paclitaxel.
A study led by Washington State University scientists found that inhibiting CDK7 could help prevent heart damage associated with doxorubicin, a commonly used cancer chemotherapy medication. The researchers also discovered that CDK7 inhibition enhances the medication's cancer-killing capability.
Ivonescimab plus chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival (7.1 vs 4.8 months) compared to chemotherapy alone in TKI-treated non-small cell lung cancer patients. This treatment may offer a new option for patients with EGFR variant and limited treatment options.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a novel drug delivery system using biologically compatible peptides found in chicken feathers and skin tissue. This innovative approach enables targeted delivery of chemotherapy drugs and repair of faulty enzymes, potentially reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that five cannabis terpenes reduced chronic neuropathic pain levels comparable to morphine. The combination of terpenes and morphine enhanced pain relief without negative side effects. Terpenes offer an alternative to opioids for pain management with a better side effect profile.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discover polyploid giant cancer cells can lead to disease recurrence after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. They found that targeting these 'monster cells' could prevent tumor relapse, and potential therapies like tamoxifen and statins may also be effective.
Researchers explore nanoparticle-based therapies to specifically target lymphatic metastasis in breast cancer, providing a promising solution for patient treatment. Nanoparticles deliver drugs directly to tumors, targeting cancer cells to destroy them or slow their growth, while also enhancing the immune response.
SWOG Cancer Research Network will share results of their work in 30 presentations at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, May 31 – June 4 in Chicago. The research focuses on improving cancer treatments and reducing devastating side effects.
Researchers found no significant 'participation effect' in cancer trials, contrary to common belief among patients and healthcare providers. The study's results provide reassurance that not enrolling in a trial doesn't disadvantage a patient's survival outcomes.
A Phase III randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that donepezil did not improve memory or other cognitive functions in breast cancer survivors. Despite this, researchers emphasize the need for further trials with different approaches to address cancer-related cognitive impairment.
Researchers found that blocking PI3K-beta makes glioblastoma cells more sensitive to temozolomide treatment, slowing down tumor growth. The study's findings could lead to new treatments for patients with chemotherapy-resistant glioblastoma.
A new study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering shows that targeted cancer treatment using antibody-displaying extracellular vesicles reduces tumour growth and improves survival in mice. The treatment has the potential to be used against other diseases and cancer types, offering a more effective and fewer side effects compared t...
Researchers found a new pathway to cancer cell death led by the Schlafen11 (SLFN11) gene. This discovery could have implications for cancer treatment and patient outcomes.
Researchers discuss therapeutic opportunities for hypermutated urothelial carcinomas that are resistant to immunotherapy, including the potential of targeted therapies. High TMB is associated with defects in mismatch repair proteins and can lead to increased sensitivity to cancer treatments.