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When combined, a novel LSD1 inhibitor and an existing therapy enhance each other’s anti-cancer effects

Medical University of South Carolina researchers develop a novel LSD1 inhibitor that shows early promise at fighting neuroblastoma when paired with bortezomib. The combination boosts anti-tumor response and is a viable strategy for targeting high-risk MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalEuropean Journal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

Reduced use of child sexual abuse material after online CBT

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that internet-delivered anonymous cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) significantly reduced the viewing of child sexual abuse material. The study, published in Internet Interventions, shows promise for a feasible and effective treatment approach.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalInternet Interventions·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

Meta-analysis informed the updated WHO guidelines for treatment of uncomplicated malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy

A new meta-analysis commissioned by WHO informs updated treatment guidelines for uncomplicated malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy. The study finds that artemether-lumefantrine is as safe and possibly more effective than non-artemisinin-based treatments, including quinine, with significant reductions in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

SourceInfectious Diseases Data Observatory·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 28, 2022

High risk/high reward federal grant funds effort to develop a smart drug delivery system to treat multiple Alzheimer’s pathologies all at once

Researchers have designed a smart cell-based delivery system to treat Alzheimer's disease by targeting multiple pathologies, reducing the risk of side effects. The system uses bio-synthesizable drugs and immune cells to deliver combination therapy that addresses all pathologies in a targeted manner.

Dual checkpoint inhibitor blockade shows promise as first-line and salvage therapy for merkel cell carcinoma patients

A phase 2 study found that combining nivolumab and ipilimumab showed a high response rate with durable results for patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. The addition of stereotactic body radiation therapy did not improve efficacy in this dual checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 12, 2022

Alliance Foundation trials study finds combination hormonal therapy delivered in finite period improves PSA levels in patients with prostate cancer

A randomized phase III trial found that combination hormonal therapy, delivered for a finite treatment interval of 12 months, more durably suppresses PSA levels compared to hormone injections alone. The treatment approach improved disease progression in patients with high-risk biochemically relapsed prostate cancer.

New study in JNCCN suggests way to predict outcomes with high accuracy prior to surgery for pancreatic cancer patients

Researchers at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center found that metabolic imaging, combined with traditional treatment response assessment methods, can provide critical information to guide therapy for pancreatic cancer patients. The use of positron emission tomography (PET) with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) tracer adds significant pr...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateSep 8, 2022

Researchers discover effective combination immunotherapy for liver cancer

A new combination therapy using a tumor-suppressing lipid molecule and an antibody for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 has been shown to significantly slow tumor growth and enhance the strength of tumor-attacking T cells in liver cancer. This promising approach offers hope for patients with limited treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe FASEB Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

New radionuclide combination therapy safe and effective in metastatic prostate cancer patients

A novel nuclear medicine combination therapy combining <sup> 177 </sup> Lu-PSMA-617 with idronoxil (NOX66) has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing PSA levels by over 50% in men with metastatic prostate cancer. The median overall survival was 19.7 months, suggesting potential for improved patient outcomes.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 7, 2022

Ben-Gurion University researchers and colleagues offer new treatment protocol for advanced head and neck cancer

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a potential treatment combination for advanced head and neck cancer, which shows promise in pre-clinical models. The therapy involves blocking a specific signaling pathway and sensitizing tumors to immunotherapy, resulting in the disappearance of tumors.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

ENGOT and The GOG Foundation, Inc. (GOG) announce promising first results of new maintenance therapy for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer

A Phase 3 clinical study of selinexor as maintenance therapy for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer showed a 30% decrease in hazard for progression or death compared to the placebo-controlled group. Patients with functional p53 genes saw the most pronounced effect, with median progression-free survival at 10 months longer.

SourceThe GOG Foundation Inc·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 17, 2022

City of Hope and Osel announce live biotherapeutic product CBM588 may enhance efficacy of immunotherapy for patients with metastatic kidney cancer

A Phase 1 clinical trial showed CBM588 significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with metastatic kidney cancer when combined with immunotherapy. The treatment also increased response rates compared to immunotherapy alone, with no significant differences in toxicity.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 28, 2022

A possible therapeutic approach to COVID-19

The article suggests a potential treatment option for COVID-19 by targeting SARS-CoV-2's interaction with ACE2 receptors. Combining DPP4 inhibitors and spironolactone may mitigate COVID-19 complications and infections without adverse side effects.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalEndocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 27, 2022

Starting antiretroviral therapy early essential to battling not one, but two killers

Researchers found that starting combined antiretroviral therapy against simian immunodeficiency virus two weeks after infection significantly reduced chronic immune activation, SIV replication, and latent TB reactivation. This study contributes to the growing evidence on the complex interaction between HIV and tuberculosis.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2022

Rosalind Franklin University researchers identify new therapeutic for cystic fibrosis

Researchers at Rosalind Franklin University have identified a new therapeutic approach for treating cystic fibrosis. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides to restore CFTR function by removing stop mutations. This strategy has shown promise in treating CF patients with class I mutations and similar types of mutations.

SourceRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Orphanhood declines with rise in HIV antiretroviral therapy and male circumcision

Research found marked decreases in orphanhood, especially double orphanhood, among adolescents in Rakai, Uganda, corresponding with the rise of antiretroviral therapy and male medical circumcision. The study suggests that HIV combination prevention reduces mortality among adults and orphanhood among their adolescent children.

Elacestrant may improve outcomes for patients whose metastatic breast cancers progressed on prior endocrine therapy

In a phase III trial, elacestrant showed significant benefits in decreasing death or disease progression and increasing progression-free survival compared to standard of care. The treatment was well-tolerated with manageable side effects, offering hope for patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.

When cancer “met” its match: New study shows metformin-dependent antitumor immunity

A recent study led by Okayama University scientists found that metformin activates a subset of immune cells called CD8+ T-lymphocytes to attack and kill tumor cells. The study revealed that metformin increases the production of reactive oxygen species in these cells, which activates growth pathways and allows for proliferation.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021

Immunotherapy may yield longer treatment-free survival than targeted therapy in advanced renal cell carcinoma patients

Patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma treated with checkpoint inhibitor combination nivolumab plus ipilimumab experienced longer treatment-free survival compared to those receiving targeted therapy sunitinib. The analysis revealed significant differences in how patients spent their overall survival time between the two treatments.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 10, 2021

Combination immunotherapy improves survival for patients with asymptomatic melanoma brain metastases

A Phase II study shows that combination treatment with nivolumab and ipilimumab improves overall survival in patients with asymptomatic melanoma brain metastases, with an overall survival rate of 71.9% at three years. The treatment demonstrates durable responses, even in symptomatic patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 10, 2021

Differences in T cells’ functional state determine resistance to cancer therapy

Researchers found that certain T cells stop working before entering the tumor due to changes in gene expression, making ICB therapies less effective. Combining ICB with other forms of immunotherapy targeting different aspects of T cell function may improve response rates for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Ground-breaking bacteria-killing viruses unite with antibiotics to fight devastating antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Scientists have developed a new therapy that combines bacteriophages with antibiotics to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically targeting Mycobacterium abscessus. The treatment, using the bacteriophage 'Muddy', showed significant improvement in survival rates and severity of infections when paired with rifabutin, demonstra...

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

Fighting brain cancer at its root

Researchers at McGill University identified proteins that drive cancer stem cells in brain tumours. Targeting the protein galectin1 may provide a more effective treatment for glioblastoma when combined with radiation therapy. The study found significant improvement in tumour response to radiation therapy, resulting in expanded lifespan.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Sequential treatment with immunotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors prolongs anti-tumor activity

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that sequential treatment with immunotherapy followed by BRAF and MEK inhibitors promotes anti-tumor immunity and suppresses signaling that leads to drug resistance. The study suggests that this approach may be a potential treatment option for patients with melanoma.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateMar 2, 2021

Targeted therapy combination effective for patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma and BRAF mutations

A Phase II trial conducted at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found a 51% overall response rate in patients with BRAF-mutated cholangiocarcinoma treated with dabrafenib plus trametinib, providing a much-needed treatment option for patients with treatment-resistant advanced disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 17, 2020

Low-dose metronomic cyclophosphamide complements the actions of an intratumoral C-class CpG TLR9 agonist to potentiate innate immunity and drive potent T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses

Intratumoral SD-101 injection complements low-dose cyclophosphamide in boosting innate immunity and driving potent T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses. This combination therapy improves efficacy against non-injected tumors and long-term survival, even in large tumors.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJan 31, 2020

Blue light could treat superbug infections

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that blue light can render MRSA bacteria defenseless against antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide. This new method uses photobleaching to reduce pigment production in the bacteria, making it a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateApr 2, 2019