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Research alert: Synergistic treatment approach supercharges cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have developed a novel approach to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Delivering radiation therapy that preserves tumor-draining lymph nodes followed by immunotherapy resulted in a complete and durable tumor response in...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2025

The Lancet: Three in five liver cancer cases due to preventable risk factors; obesity-linked cases on the rise, new analysis suggest

Three in five liver cancer cases can be prevented by reducing viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. The Lancet Commission estimates that if countries can reduce liver cancer incidence by 2-5% annually by 2050, it could prevent 9-17 million new cases and save 8-15 million lives.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2025

At-home melanoma testing with skin patch test

A new silicone patch with star-shaped microneedles, called the ExoPatch, distinguishes melanoma from healthy skin in mice, capturing cancer biomarkers from exosomes. The test shows promise for early detection of the most aggressive form of skin cancer without a biopsy or blood draw.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateJul 28, 2025

What makes cells migrate – and what can stop them

A team of scientists from the University of Konstanz has identified the PPM1F enzyme as essential for cell migration in both embryonic development and tumor cell invasion. The study found that increased levels of PPM1F enhance the invasive potential of cancer cells, while its absence impairs cell adhesion and migration.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalBMC Biology·DateJul 24, 2025

Improving colorectal cancer prevention and treatment for Black Americans

Colorectal cancer claims more lives in Black communities than any other racial group, with incidence and mortality rates about 20% and 30% higher respectively. A new review by UCLA researchers highlights the need for equal access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment to eliminate these disparities.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateJul 24, 2025

Beyond the mammogram: Study finds differences between benign and cancerous breast calcifications

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that benign and cancerous breast calcifications have unique structures and formation processes. The study provides a new classification scheme and opens the possibility of treating benign calcifications using certain drugs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2025

Rethink the 10,000 a day step goal, study suggests

A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that walking 7000 steps a day offers similar health benefits as walking 10,000 steps. The research analyzed data from 57 studies and found significant improvements in eight major health outcomes, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 23, 2025

Targeting the “undruggable”: New molecular degraders offer hope for aggressive breast cancer

A team from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed innovative druglike molecules capable of degrading HuR, a key RNA-binding protein that stabilizes oncogenes and fuels cancer progression. These molecular degraders improve anticancer properties by up to 3-4 orders of magnitude compared to traditional HuR-binding molecules.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJACS·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

A breath test could help us detect blood cancers

A new breath test has been developed to detect blood cancers, showing promise for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The test uses exhaled breath analysis to identify molecules produced by cancer cells, potentially providing a quick and affordable diagnostic tool for areas with limited access to specialist equipment.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalHemaSphere·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2025

Investigational anti-cancer DNA therapy eases chronic osteoarthritis pain in dogs—pointing to a new non-opioid path for humans

A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that Elenagen significantly reduced chronic osteoarthritis pain scores in dogs, achieving a 90% success rate. The therapy works by reprogramming aged or dysfunctional mesenchymal stem cells, which then produce anti-inflammatory signals and restore their regenerative capacity.

SourceCureLab Oncology Inc.·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2025

Research alert: Gene signature an early warning system for aggressive pancreatic cancer, study finds

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a link between stress and inflammation and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of aggressive and lethal cancer. The findings could lead to the detection of PDAC before it becomes life-threatening, enabling early screening tools for precision medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 22, 2025

NTU Singapore and Oxford scientists reveal how cells repair toxic DNA damage linked to cancer and premature ageing

Researchers at NTU Singapore and Oxford University have discovered a mechanism by which cells identify and repair highly toxic DNA damage, known as DPCs, that cause cancer, neurodegeneration, and premature ageing. The study reveals how SPRTN, a key repair enzyme, selectively targets DPC lesions, increasing its activity 67-fold.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2025

Stevia leaf extract has potential as anticancer treatment, researchers find

Researchers at Hiroshima University have found that fermenting stevia leaf extract with bacteria kills off pancreatic cancer cells without harming healthy kidney cells. The study identified chlorogenic acid methyl ester as the active anti-cancer compound, which exhibits stronger toxicity to cancer cells than chlorogenic acid alone.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJul 18, 2025

Living near St. Louis-area Coldwater Creek during childhood linked with higher risk of cancer from radiation

A study found that children who lived near Coldwater Creek, a Missouri River tributary polluted by nuclear waste, had a higher risk of developing cancer. The researchers estimated that those living less than one kilometer away from the creek had a 44% higher risk of cancer compared to those living more than 20 kilometers away.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2025

Microrobotic swarms for cancer therapy

Researchers explore the design of microrobots for targeted cancer therapy, including tumor cell eradication, improved penetration, and immune system modulation. The review also discusses advanced delivery strategies and imaging technologies to enhance treatment efficiency and precision.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJul 16, 2025