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There’s a better way to detect high-risk medications in older adults with cancer according to new study in JNCCN

A new scale called the Geriatric Oncology-Potentially Inappropriate Medications (GO-PIMs) Scale was found to be more effective at predicting frailty than conventional methods. The scale identifies high-risk medications linked to falls and fatigue, allowing oncology teams to deprescribe them and improve patients' overall health.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateAug 10, 2022

Chemotherapy drugs from “rogue” online pharmacies could endanger leukemia patients, suggests research in JNCCN

A study found that a majority of online pharmacies selling imatinib, a chronic myeloid leukemia therapy, are uncertified and operate unsafely. Patients may face risks of nonadherence, treatment failures, and adverse events if they use these pharmacies.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 28, 2022

Stanford cancer team halts growth of multiple myeloma and diffuse large B cell lymphoma in mice with custom molecule sBCMA-Fc V3

Researchers at Stanford University developed a custom molecule sBCMA-Fc V3 that inhibits the growth of both multiple myeloma and diffuse large B cell lymphoma in mice. The molecules were found to be nontoxic in monkeys, suggesting they could be used to treat humans with these deadly diseases.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2022

CRISPR therapeutics can damage the genome

A new study from Tel Aviv University found that CRISPR therapeutics can lead to a significant loss of genetic material in treated cells, potentially destabilizing the genome and promoting cancer. The researchers detected up to 10% of cells with lost chromosomes, highlighting the need for extra care when using this technology.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 24, 2022

App to help doctors help patients with leukemia

Researchers have developed an app to help doctors identify patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at risk of developing infections, allowing for earlier treatment. The app uses blood test results and genetic data to predict patient risk, improving treatment outcomes and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJun 24, 2022

Adult survivors of childhood cancer often undertreated for cardiovascular risk factors

A new study found that adult survivors of childhood cancer are 80% more likely to be undertreated for cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The study highlights the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and improved health management strategies for cancer survivors.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 8, 2022

Improved progression-free survival in multiple myeloma patients following three-drug therapy with autologous stem cell transplant

A new study found that patients with multiple myeloma who received a three-drug combination therapy had improved progression-free survival if they underwent an autologous stem cell transplant soon after treatment. The use of maintenance lenalidomide also conferred substantial clinical benefit.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2022

Men with prostate cancer have higher risk of serious blood clots

A large-scale study has found that men with prostate cancer have a 50% higher risk of developing serious and potentially fatal blood clots during the five years after their diagnosis. This increased risk is significant because venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of death among people with cancer.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2022

Benefits of PSA prostate cancer screening found to be more favorable than previous estimates, especially for blacks

New research suggests that PSA screening has remarkably favorable tradeoffs, particularly for Black men, who disproportionately bear the burden of prostate cancer mortality and morbidity. The study's findings support the use of PSA screening for high-risk groups, including Black men, and highlight the need to revise clinical guidelines...

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNEJM Evidence·DateMay 15, 2022

Study identifies potential target for treating childhood blood cancer

Researchers have pinpointed a possible new target for treating patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a highly aggressive blood cancer. Treatment using anti-inflammatories showed promise in rescuing JMML-like symptoms in zebrafish, suggesting a potential new approach to combating the disease.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery improves outcomes for lung cancer patients

Adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy before surgery reduced the risk of recurrence and death in lung cancer patients by 37%, according to a phase III trial. The treatment also led to a nearly twelvefold increase in pathological complete response, with 24% of patients achieving no active cancer remaining when the tumor was removed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 11, 2022

Study: Vaccine protects most cancer patients from COVID, but risk remains higher for patients with blood cancers

A study using the nation's largest COVID-19 data resource found that the vaccine protects most cancer patients from getting COVID, but those with certain types of cancer have a higher risk of breakthrough infections. The research also highlights the importance of continued vaccination efforts to protect cancer patients.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 4, 2022

New gene targets for treating adult blood cancer

Hokkaido University scientists have identified CDK6 as a promising target for treating adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) with the drug palbociclib. The combination of palbociclib with everolimus also showed significant tumor growth reduction and minimal side effects in mice models.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

Triggering cellular apoptosis by optical targeting

Researchers at Okayama University have created a new method to kill cancer cells using light-activated protein AR3, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The approach uses green light to trigger apoptosis in targeted cells, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Small molecule targets Achilles' Heel of AML, kills cancer cells

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a protein crucial to AML cell survival and found a small molecule that blocks its function, killing cancer cells in lab dishes and mouse models. This potential breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for AML and other conditions.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

Scientists uncover a new approach for treating aggressive cancer

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a new therapeutic approach using a small-molecule inhibitor of the chromatin-modulatory enzyme EZH2 to target aggressive cancer cells. The treatment also targets cMyc, a prominent cancer-causing factor, and shows profound tumor killing effects.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

T-cell responses may help predict protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with and without cancer

New study reveals that T-cell responses against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can predict protection against infection. In healthy individuals, T cells with a specific cytokine profile offered immunity against COVID-19. In contrast, cancer patients showed lower T-cell responses and increased susceptibility to infection.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateFeb 18, 2022

New detailed immune-profiling method uses only DNA from blood

A novel immune-profiling method can return detailed immune cell type proportions using only DNA from blood, potentially allowing for individualized prediction of outcomes in immunotherapy patients. This approach offers the opportunity to ask and answer questions about the immune system in health and disease.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Study of Penn patients with decade-long leukemia remissions after Car T cell therapy reveals new details about persistence of personalized “living drug” cells

Researchers discovered two patients with CAR T cell therapy achieved the longest-known remission to date, providing new details about treatment effects and outcomes. The study shows that the infused CAR T cells remained detectable for at least a decade, with sustained remission in both patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022