Articles tagged with Blood Cancer
A new chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy called obe-cel has delivered promising results in treating patients with an aggressive blood cancer. The treatment reduced immune toxicity and persisted for longer in patients, overcoming two common limitations of earlier CAR-T cell therapies.
A comprehensive epigenetic database of over 200 malignant cell lines has been developed, offering valuable insights into leukemia and lymphoma. The database allows researchers to predict drug sensitivity based on epigenetic lesions, aiding in tumour diagnosis and treatment.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers discovered a gene signature that identifies patients with T-ALL at high risk of relapse. The study found a potential therapeutic treatment, venetoclax, which targets specific cells associated with poor outcomes.
Sylvester researchers will present over 130 studies at ASH 2024, addressing disparities in gastric cancer. Frank J. Penedo's research highlights worse outcomes for patients with unmet supportive needs, while Shria Kumar's work seeks answers for disparities in gastric cancer among specific minorities.
Researchers found that sacubitril-valsartan, a commonly prescribed heart failure medication, can help prevent heart damage related to chemotherapy treatment among high-risk cancer patients. The study highlights the importance of identifying patients at high risk for heart damage and suggests strategies for early intervention.
Marina Konopleva joins the Eradicating MRD in AML TeamLab to develop new ways to detect and target Minimal Residual Disease. MECCC has developed multiple targeted agents that have become standard of care for older AML patients, and will partner with Break Through Cancer to deepen understanding of MRD drivers.
A new research project will test a combination of two targeted therapies, teclistamab and daratumumab, to treat AL amyloidosis, a rare disease affecting approximately 4,500 people annually in the U.S. The study aims to leverage previous findings from multiple myeloma to expand understanding of this treatment option.
Scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a genetic variation common among East Asians that contributes to drug resistance in cancer cells. The team's pioneering approach involves inhibiting the action of protein MCL-1, showing promising results in effectively killing resistant cancer cells.
A new study published in The British Journal of Cancer found that whole genome sequencing can help identify treatment recommendations for cancer patients. The study evaluated the regional implementation of the 100,000 Genomes Project and found that different types of cancer were associated with varying rates of recommended actions.
International oncology experts have gathered in Accra, Ghana to update cancer treatment recommendations for Sub-Saharan Africa. The NCCN Harmonized Guidelines provide context-appropriate, evidence-based care strategies tailored to the region's unique challenges.
Scientists have identified a molecular mechanism that eliminates defective cells during faulty cell division, shedding new light on the fundamental processes involved. The discovery could lead to more effective treatments for blood cancer by targeting cells with multiple centrosomes, which are a hallmark of disrupted division.
Researchers tracked the long-term dynamics of transplanted stem cells in patients' bodies up to three decades post-transplant. They found that younger donors produce more vital stem cells, while older donors experience reduced immunity and higher relapse risk. The study provides new insights into donor selection and transplant success.
Researchers found that blood cancer cells rewired their gene regulatory networks to evade drug treatment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), disrupting normal differentiation and growth. The study identified key findings, including changes in open chromatin regions and the loss of binding of RUNX1 and AP-1 transcription factors.
The myeloMATCH program offers a portfolio of biomarker-driven treatment trials to accelerate precision medicine in myeloid malignancies. Patients can enroll in clinical trials throughout their cancer treatment journey, with test results returned quickly to assign them to the most appropriate trial.
A USC Stem Cell mouse study identifies a small subset of blood stem cells as the primary driver of immune aging. The researchers found that this subset overproduces innate immune cells, leading to an age-associated imbalance and increased disease risk. By targeting this subset, the study suggests a potential therapy to delay immune agi...
Researchers discovered a gene-mutation pathway that can lead to targeted therapies for blood cancers. The TET2 gene's enzymatic activity regulates chromatin state and leukaemogenesis, providing new therapeutic targets.
Researchers discover a molecular mechanism controlling PAX5, key regulator of B-cell maturation. Increasing SIRT7 activity may boost PAX5 levels in leukemic cells, inducing cell death.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a CRISPR-based rapid molecular diagnostic for two forms of leukemia, detecting gene fusions with 100% accuracy. The technology could improve outcomes by increasing accessibility and timeliness of diagnostic testing, particularly in resource-limited countries.
Researchers have discovered a novel immunotherapy approach using natural killer T cells to combat solid tumors. By targeting tumor-associated macrophages and promoting systemic immune responses, CAR-natural killer T cells demonstrate superior antitumor activity compared to traditional CAR-T therapy.
Researchers identified a subgroup of multiple myeloma patients with an epigenetic alteration in the PVR gene, which results in improved immune response to immunotherapy. This new test can help clinicians predict patient outcomes and tailor treatment strategies.
A retrospective analysis of over 2,600 patients found that Black children were more likely to suffer severe graft-versus-host disease but overall survival rates improved across all racial groups. The study suggests that cord blood transplants are a vital lifeline for many patients and improve care for those without a matched donor.
The SWOG S1712 trial found that adding ruxolitinib to standard tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment significantly increased the percentage of patients with deep molecular responses, warranting treatment discontinuation. This combination may lead to improved health-related quality of life and reduced healthcare costs.
Researchers have found a potential compound that pairs well with an IRAK4 inhibitor to kill AML cells by reducing c-Myc levels, a protein also driving cancer growth. The three-year LLS grant will allow further research into the effects of IRAK4 targeting on c-Myc.
A Mayo Clinic study found that people with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) have a 92% elevated risk of developing melanoma. MBL is a precursor to chronic lymphocytic leukemia and also increases the risk of cancers originating in the lymphatic system and serious infections.
Scientists at Van Andel Institute and Icahn School of Medicine have developed a potent anti-cancer compound that inhibits cancer cell growth in MLL-rearranged leukemia. MS-41 effectively targets and degrades ENL, a protein essential to the progression of leukemia cells.
Researchers have found that natural killer cells instinctively recognize and attack the XPO1 protein, which drives cancer growth. By targeting this protein, scientists may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy cancer cells. The study suggests that this approach could lead to personalized cancer treatment with less side effects.
The study found that 29% of patients experienced progression-free survival at five years and 40% achieved overall survival. However, important survivorship issues were identified, including nonrelapse mortality rates of 16.2%, with over half occurring beyond two years post-treatment.
Infant leukemia with MLL gene rearrangements is resistant to glucocorticoids due to the production of NG2 protein. This leads to FLT3 activation and inactivation of the glucocorticoid receptor, rendering cells insensitive to treatment. The study provides new targets for drug development and immunotherapy.
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.
Researchers identified genetic and metabolic characteristics of leukaemic stem cells, including a specific iron utilisation process that can be blocked to kill these cells without harming healthy ones. This breakthrough paves the way for new therapeutic strategies to combat leukemia.
A preclinical study suggests that knocking out CD5 on CAR T cells boosts their anti-tumor efficacy against various cancers, including solid tumors. The researchers found that CD5 deletion enhances the function of CAR T cells by reining in immune responses and increasing cancer-cell-killing activity.
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.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that cancer patients who receive hematopoietic cell transplants from donors with lower socioeconomic status experience reduced overall survival and increased transplant-related mortality. The research highlights the profound impact of social inequality on health outcomes, particularly in cancer care.
A new study predicts patient outcomes for blood cancer treatment using personalized simulations based on genomic sequencing data. The approach successfully identifies patients with varying prognoses across multiple datasets, providing robust predictions despite mutational heterogeneity.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have discovered that administering a HDAC6 inhibitor prior to radiotherapy can inhibit cellular growth and increase cell death in meningioma samples. This promising approach could lead to improved treatment outcomes for malignant meningioma patients.
A phase II clinical trial found trametinib effective in treating pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), with seven of ten patients alive after two years. The treatment showed antitumor activity and downregulated inflammatory signaling, offering hope for JMML patients and their families.
A large Stanford Medicine study has found that the risk of secondary blood cancers after CAR-T cell therapy is low, around 6.5% in three years. The therapy did not introduce lymphoma into patients with pre-existing cancer cells, which were already present at low levels.
A new detailed analysis of a patient's second cancer after receiving CAR-T therapy provides valuable guidance for clinicians. The study reveals that CAR-T related second cancers can occur, often with lymphomas, and highlights the need for early detection and management.
Researchers developed a nine-week, phone-delivered positive psychology program called PATH to improve psychological well-being in blood cancer patients. The intervention had promising effects on patient-reported outcomes, with high participation and completion rates.
Researchers at UC Davis Health discovered that mesalamine can replace good bacteria's work in fighting Candida albicans in the gut. The study found that mesalamine maintains a low oxygen environment that prevents fungal growth, reducing the risk of invasive candidiasis.
A new 'armored' form of CAR T cell therapy, developed by University of Pennsylvania researchers, has shown significant responses in patients whose cancers don't respond to current CAR T cell therapies. The three-day manufacturing process also shortens treatment time for aggressive, fast-growing cancers.
Fred Hutch researchers present progress in treating metastatic cancer with novel therapies, including a Phase II study testing TNF-a inhibitors for castration-resistant prostate cancer. The center also explores improving hospice access and using machine learning with CAR T-cell therapy to enhance patient outcomes.
The FDA committee voted unanimously to approve minimal residual disease (MRD) as a new clinical endpoint for evaluating proposed drugs to treat multiple myeloma. A meta-analysis led by C. Ola Landgren shows a strong correlation between MRD and clinical outcomes in newly diagnosed and relapsed patients.
Scientists have discovered 17 new genes involved in clonal haematopoiesis, a process associated with ageing linked to increased risks of blood cancers. The findings highlight the clinical significance of these genes in driving mutant blood cell clones, offering new avenues for studying disease development and promoting healthier ageing.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered thalidomide derivatives that target and degrade BCL-2, a protein essential for the survival of cancer cells. The derivatives bind to CRBN, reprogramming its binding surface to mark BCL-2 for degradation, ultimately leading to cell death.
A third Covid vaccine dose has been shown to improve defensive antibody responses in some clinically extremely vulnerable patients. The trial found that 90% of patients who received a booster dose developed significant antibodies, but more than half of those with low initial responses saw no improvement.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology highlights the importance of testing for measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing bone marrow transplants. The researchers found that detecting MRD can help predict cancer recurrence and improve patient outcomes.
A novel combination of two existing drugs has been discovered to eradicate AML cancer cells in lab-based tests, offering hope for patients diagnosed annually with the disease. The treatment, pairing venetoclax with a STING agonist, showed high promise in AML samples driven by a mutated p53 protein, a type of AML generally harder to treat.
A new genetic testing procedure identifies patients at high cardiovascular risk due to clonal haematopoiesis and carotid artery stenosis. This allows for early detection of increased mortality and a personalized cardiovascular risk profile, enabling therapy adaptation and prevention of atherosclerotic disease progression.
Researchers identified elevated MALAT1 levels in various blood cancers, correlating with adverse outcomes. MALAT1 promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis through multiple mechanisms.
Researchers have developed a urine-based test that detects pieces of DNA fragments released by head and neck tumors, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood-based biomarker tests. The test has been shown to detect cancer recurrences far earlier than would typically happen based on clinical imaging.
Researchers highlight the role of post-transcriptional RNA modifications in AML pathogenesis, identifying m6A and m7G regulators as potential therapeutic targets. Targeted therapies, including selective inhibitors and Traditional Chinese Medicine compounds, show promise in promoting cell differentiation and reversing AML phenotypes.
Researchers used single-molecule microscopy and X-ray crystallography to discover that pathogenic JAK2 mutations utilize pseudokinase domain-mediated dimerization as a mechanism for activation. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of JAK2 activation and its role in blood cancers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have developed a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy that effectively kills T-cell cancers in mice with human T-cell tumors. The treatment targets TRBC1 protein expressed on the surface of cancer cells while preserving normal T cells.
Researchers developed a method using lipid nanoparticles to activate T cells and deliver genetic instructions in one step, simplifying the CAR T cell manufacturing process. This new approach reduces production time from 48 hours to 24 hours and increases accessibility to patients worldwide.
Researchers at RCSI have identified a new treatment option for multiple myeloma by combining venetoclax with 5-azacytidine. This combination shows enhanced efficacy across various patient samples and has the potential to expand treatment options for those resistant to standard care.
Researchers have discovered a new immunotherapy approach to overcome resistant leukemia by targeting the mutated TP53 gene. Combining pharmacological therapies with genetically engineered CAR T-cells increases effectiveness against cancer cells, offering promising strategies for patients with resistant disease.
Researchers identify mitochondrial priming as a key driver of multi-drug resistance in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia. A new technique called dynamic BH3 profiling reveals anti-cancer drugs capable of overcoming resistance.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that restricting iron levels in blood stem cells can reverse their decline and improve regenerative capacity. The researchers discovered that excess intracellular iron activates inflammation within HSCs, while restricted iron levels enable them to multiply and respond effectively.
The European LeukemiaNet has published two-part guidelines for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment, covering diagnostics, prognostic factors, response assessments, and comprehensive management. These recommendations are based on a decade of systematic work by European experts, improving the prognosis of adult patients with ALL.