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A platform to test new cancer treatments

Researchers at the University of Geneva have created a laboratory platform to rapidly evaluate the toxicity of new cancer treatments using human tissue-derived cell clusters. This approach allows for safer evaluation and could lead to personalized treatment options.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeNews article·DateDec 16, 2025

Keeping the heart healthy increases longevity even after cancer

Research from the UMBERTO Project found that adopting healthy lifestyles such as eating well, exercising regularly and maintaining a balanced weight significantly reduced cancer mortality. The study showed a strong link between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and survival in people with a history of cancer.

SourceIstituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S.·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2025

Alcohol causes cancer. A study from IOCB Prague confirms damage to DNA and shows how cells defend against it

Researchers found that alcohol causes DNA damage, which can lead to cancer, and discovered a repair mechanism using the SXE enzyme complex. Individuals with genetic mutations affecting DNA repair may be more susceptible to alcohol-related cancers.

Scientists develop a smarter mRNA therapy that knows which cells to target

Researchers have created an mRNA system that activates therapeutic genes in specific cell populations, potentially leading to safer and more precise cancer treatments. The system uses microRNAs to recognize cancer cells and shuts off the treatment if it's not needed, reducing toxicity and expanding mRNA therapy's reach.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

Blood test may help identify which colon cancer patients benefit from NSAIDs

A blood test may help doctors identify which patients with colon cancer can benefit from anti-inflammatory medication and chemotherapy after surgery. The test measures circulating tumor DNA levels, and high-risk patients who test positive see improved survival rates when taking celecoxib with chemotherapy.

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2025

World-first discovery uncovers how glioblastoma tumours dodge chemotherapy, potentially opening the door to new treatments

Researchers discovered glioblastoma cells use PRDM9 to survive chemotherapy and regrow tumors. By blocking PRDM9 or cutting off cholesterol supply, persister cells can be wiped out, improving survival in mice. This breakthrough offers new strategies for treating the deadliest brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

Chromatin accessibility maps reveal how stem cells drive myelodysplastic progression

Chromatin accessibility maps reveal that MDS stem cells gradually lose their normal identity and acquire characteristics typical of myeloid progenitors. A 'progenitor score' developed by the team tracks cell movement toward a progenitor-like state, correlating with disease severity and prognosis.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2025

MIT researchers find new way to deliver antibodies that could make treatment much easier for patients

MIT researchers have found a new way to create solid particles of highly concentrated antibodies, suspended in a solution, which can be injected using a standard syringe. This advance could make antibody treatments more convenient and accessible for patients, particularly older people with difficulty visiting hospitals.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 11, 2025

Health care contact days in older adults with metastatic cancer

A cohort study found that older Medicare beneficiaries with common metastatic cancers had a mean of 40 to 62 health care contact days after diagnosis. Health care contact days increased from 2008 to 2019, highlighting the need for oncology teams to discuss expected burdens when developing care goals and treatment plans.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 9, 2025

Triaptosis—an emerging paradigm in cancer therapeutics

Researchers have discovered triaptosis, a novel cell death mechanism that selectively targets and kills cancer cells, offering a new hope in oncology. This process is mechanistically distinct from all previously known cell death pathways and holds considerable promise for combination with immunotherapy.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateDec 8, 2025

ASH 2025: New data highlights promise of pivekimab sunirine in two aggressive blood cancers ​

Researchers present promising new data from two ongoing studies of pivekimab sunirine targeting CD123 in treating two aggressive blood cancers, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). The triplet regimen including pivekimab sunirine showed high response rates and enabled stem cell transpla...

MIT chemists synthesize a fungal compound that holds promise for treating brain cancer

MIT chemists successfully synthesized verticillin A, a fungal compound that has shown potential as an anticancer agent. The researchers then generated derivatives of the compound and tested them against pediatric brain tumors, finding that some were effective against cancer cells with high levels of EZHIP protein.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 4, 2025

From lab to clinic: CU Anschutz launches Phase 1 clinical trial of promising combination therapy for resistant ovarian cancer

Researchers at CU Anschutz have discovered a novel therapy combination to offer new hope to ovarian cancer patients who do not respond to existing treatments. The combination of a PARP inhibitor and SM08502 boosts the effectiveness of treatment, even for patients resistant to PARP inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalCancer Research Communications·DateDec 4, 2025

SABCS: Advances in emerging blood-based surveillance tools, new approaches to predicting treatment response and tailoring therapies across the disease spectrum for patients with breast cancer

Researchers at UCLA present several new studies on emerging blood-based surveillance tools, new approaches to predicting treatment response, and tailoring therapies across the disease spectrum for patients with breast cancer. The findings highlight the potential of precision medicine in improving quality of life.