Research on cancer as a disease, from cause to care. Covers tumor biology, small-cell lung cancer, cancer-linked stroke risk, and cancer center research.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a new compound that can disable the MTDH gene, which is essential for cancer progression and metastasis. The compound shows promise in treating major human cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers.
Researchers evaluated lung cancer screening eligibility among Black women under USPSTF guidelines, revealing significant disparities in access to screening. The study found that Black women were less likely to meet screening criteria due to socioeconomic and insurance factors.
A cohort study of 165 patients with hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma found that treating the virus with direct-acting antivirals reduces tumor progression and metastasis. The study showed a 72% reduction in tumor progression and an 88% reduction in risk of death from HCC.
Researchers have discovered that certain molecules inhibiting thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) have a more specific effect than gold-based therapy auranofin. TRi-1 and TRi-2 compounds show promise as anticancer drugs, with higher specificity in their inhibition of TrxR.
Researchers engineered a probiotic designed to target and break down cancer cell defenses, allowing therapies to kill tumors more effectively. The new probiotic was tested in animal models of breast and colon cancer, showing promising results with improved survival rates.
Researchers discovered that chemotherapy drugs can affect protein synthesis in muscle cells, even at low doses. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment and exercise rehabilitation programs, suggesting that even non-oxidative stress effects of chemotherapy should be considered.
A survey study of 400 parents and 80 clinicians found that nearly one-quarter of parents reported challenges in the therapeutic relationship with their oncologist, highlighting the need for improvement strategies. Clinicians used these strategies more frequently when they experienced relationship difficulties.
A fasting-mimicking diet was found to be safe and biologically active in cancer patients, with potential benefits for modulation of metabolism and enhancement of antitumor immunity. The study demonstrated significant reductions in blood glucose and growth factor concentrations, as well as enhancements in intratumor T-cell infiltration.
A new study found that stroke survivors are more likely to continue cigarette smoking than cancer survivors, putting them at higher risk for subsequent strokes and heart disease. Researchers recommend developing robust smoking cessation programs for stroke patients similar to those offered to cancer patients.
A new study by the Regenstrief Institute found that lack of protocols or standard operating procedures in the recovery room is a significant barrier to administering post-operative chemotherapy to reduce bladder cancer recurrence. The researchers identified 58 Michigan urologists who reported this as a major obstacle, emphasizing the n...
A recent study published in JNCCN found that only 31% of hospitals have immediate availability of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a crucial blood cancer medication. This medication is essential for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia, which has a better prognosis when treated appropriately. The lack of ATRA availability poses a signi...
Researchers have devised a new method, NeoScreen, to generate large numbers of immune cells specifically engineered to recognize neoantigens and destroy tumors. This approach significantly improves the identification of patient-specific neoantigens, holding promise for the development of personalized immunotherapies.
A study of 4,700 older adults found that those with social support had a lower likelihood of prolonged nursing home stays after a sudden health change. Having identifiable social support was associated with improved outcomes and reduced risk of extended care.
Since the National Cancer Act of 1971, cancer death rates in the United States have decreased by nearly three quarters, according to a recent study published in JAMA Oncology. The study found that progress against cancer deaths has accelerated over time, with significant declines observed between 1999 and 2018.
A diet rich in palmitic acid makes tumor cells more aggressive and increases their metastatic capacity, a process that is responsible for 90% of cancer deaths. Exposure to palmitic acid leads to permanent epigenetic modifications in tumor cells, allowing them to conserve metastatic capacity even after the fatty acid is removed.
Researchers discovered palmitic acid promotes metastasis in oral carcinomas and melanoma skin cancer, with epigenetic changes allowing cancer cells to communicate and spread. New therapies targeting this process are being developed, with a clinical trial expected to start in the next couple of years.
A nationwide study published in JAMA Oncology found that immunotherapy use among trial-ineligible solid-tumor cancer patients increased significantly between 2014 and 2019, yet no survival benefit was observed. Researchers emphasize cautious use of immunotherapies for this population due to potential early harm.
A recent Ludwig Cancer Research study has identified a crucial cellular interaction that enhances the immune system's ability to destroy cancer cells. The interaction involves antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and T lymphocytes (TILs), which work together to boost and sustain T cell functionality. This discovery opens new avenues for tre...
A meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies found no causal link between H. pylori infection and Alzheimer's disease dementia, but may be associated with all-cause dementia. The study suggests future research on the pathogenic mechanism may lead to novel therapies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the behavior of mutated RAS proteins, which are responsible for 20-25% of all cancers. By developing new targeted therapies that exploit specific mutations and signaling pathways, they aim to improve treatment options for patients with le...
Researchers analyzed comprehensive metabolomic data to identify metabolic profiles distinguishing sarcopenia from frailty. The study found 22 sarcopenia markers that are largely distinct from 15 frailty markers, suggesting a shared metabolic basis for these two age-related diseases.
A team of researchers at George Washington University has identified DDR1 as a key molecule that prevents immune cells from entering and killing breast tumor cells. Deactivating this molecule allows immune cells to infiltrate the tumor and kill cancer cells, opening up new avenues for therapeutic agents.
A new machine learning model developed by Timothy Chan accurately predicts whether immune checkpoint blockade will be effective in patients with various cancers. The tool assesses multiple patient-specific factors, including tumor mutational burden and chemotherapy history, to predict response and survival outcomes.
Researchers have identified genetic mutations in genes CBP and p300 that drive radiation resistance in head and neck tumors. Inhibiting these proteins with certain drugs makes tumor cells more susceptible to radiotherapy.
A new pilot study reveals a prostate cancer urine test can identify men with intermediate-risk disease, allowing them to opt for active surveillance instead of immediate treatment. The test assesses the amount of aggressive cancer in the prostate without needing a biopsy.
Researchers at Shinshu University discovered a new type of amyloidosis associated with duodenal neuroendocrine tumors that produce somatostatin. Laser microdissection and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques were used to identify the amyloid formation.
Researchers at Boston University have developed a new online risk prediction model for breast cancer in Black women, suitable for use in primary care settings. The model is well-calibrated and discriminatory accurate, with the highest accuracy for women under age 40.
A team of scientists developed a drug-like molecule that can counteract the effects of mutated epigenetic regulators, which are known to drive certain types of cancer. The molecule targets the 'reader' CBX8, which is critical for the proliferation of cancer cells, but more dispensable in healthy cells.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have created a deep neural network that detects disease biomarkers with high accuracy, achieving 98 per cent detection of peptide features. This breakthrough could enable earlier and more accurate disease detection through tissue sample analysis.
Researchers developed a new NMR spectroscopic method to map IDP function more easily, fast, and accurately. The method sheds light on mechanisms of diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers developed a molecular agent that can target lung and other cancer cells for imaging and treatment, distinguishing between healthy and cancerous cells. The new approach uses a unique chemistry method to tune the reactivity of the molecule, avoiding off-target effects.
A study by Ludwig Lausanne reveals how cancer cells convert immune cells into supporters of their growth and survival. The researchers identified β-glucosylceramide as the key lipid triggering this transformation, which can be targeted to slow or reverse tumor progression.
A study investigates the role of the TGF-β/SOX9 axis in promoting cancer migration and invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma. The research found that CAF-induced TGF-β1 upregulates SOX9 expression, leading to increased cancer invasiveness and poor prognosis. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic target for developing novel tr...
A new study found that surgery benefits men with Stage IV breast cancer, particularly those responsive to systemic therapy. Trimodal therapy, including surgery and radiation, shows improved 5-year overall survival rates compared to systemic therapy alone.
A team of researchers from Japan has developed a platform using nanofibers to capture and control the migration of brain tumor cells, including glioblastoma multiforme. The study found that varying fiber densities can slow or speed up cell movement, leading to the creation of 'cell traps' that can restrict tumor cell growth.
Researchers create maps of senescence in heart and lung cells, comparing different types of senescent cells across the lifespan. The goal is to understand how senescent cells contribute to age-related diseases and develop therapies called senolytics.
A recent UC San Diego study has found that e-cigarette use does not help smokers stay off cigarettes, but rather increases the risk of relapse. Former smokers who switched to e-cigarettes were more likely to relapse compared to those who remained tobacco-free.
The new ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline provides comprehensive guidance on diagnosing, staging, and treating patients with metastatic breast cancer. The guideline incorporates recent clinical trial data to inform treatment choices, taking into account tumour biology and emerging targeted therapies.
A study published in JNCCN found that 45% of people with cancer prefer telemedicine over in-person visits, while general patient satisfaction scores are equally high. The research also revealed that patients preferred video conferencing over audio-only appointments and that telemedicine can reduce treatment-related costs.
Scientists at Osaka University developed a novel system for targeted cancer radiation therapy using gold nanoparticles labeled with astatine-211. The nanoparticles are highly toxic to cancer cells while remaining localized, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
A study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that individuals with cancer living in economically or medically underserved areas have a nearly twice the risk of suicide mortality compared to the general population. Mental distress from financial hardship worsened during cancer survivorship among those living...
A Ludwig Cancer Research study has identified a potential combination therapy for treating brain metastases of breast cancer. The treatment targets tumor-associated macrophages and microglia, immune cells found within brain metastases that cancer cells can manipulate to support their growth and survival.
A new report from the American Cancer Society reveals that over 46,000 cancer cases annually in the US could be prevented with moderate-intensity physical activity. The study found that states in the South had the highest proportion of cancers attributable to physical inactivity, while northern states had lower proportions.
Researchers conducted genomic evaluations of advanced malignancies to develop matched, individualized combination therapies. The study found that precision cancer therapy improved median overall survival rate by 3.9 months compared to standard care.
A team of scientists from the University of Pittsburgh and National Cancer Institute discovered why HIV is rarely the direct cause of cancer. The research found that it requires a specific series of events involving changes in HIV and additional mutations in human genes, resulting in T cell lymphomas. However, the occurrence is rare, a...
Researchers have developed chimeric exosomes that co-activate the immune system to combat tumors. The therapy targets solid tumors, where the immune cells are often compromised, and improves treatment outcomes for patients.
A new study reveals that childhood adversity is a major contributor to early and preventable causes of mortality and long-term physical and mental health issues. Childhood adversity was found to be associated with elevated risk for chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
A study by University of New Mexico researchers found that 65% of women with a normal prior co-test had undergone re-screening within three years, far more often than recommended. Meanwhile, some women were not re-tested for over five years after a negative co-test or cytology alone, increasing their risk for poor outcomes.
A study by Nicolò Pernigoni and colleagues found that androgen-producing gut microbes in patients with advanced prostate cancer can lead to sustained tumor growth. Treating these microbes with antibiotics or fecal transplants from sensitive individuals may delay ADT resistance.
A multicenter study found cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging to be highly accurate in diagnosing and excluding cardiac tumors. The results show that CMR provides prognostic value beyond clinical factors.
The study reveals that G6PD is associated with elevated expression of genes involved in glutathione-mediated redox metabolism, leading to chemoresistance. Patient-derived spheroids derived from clinical specimens showed diverse heterogeneity in chemoresistance against platinum-based compounds.
Researchers discovered a microRNA, miR-766-5p, that targets super-enhancers and reduces MYC expression in cancer cells, inhibiting growth rates. The study suggests this molecule could be used as an anti-cancer therapeutic to fight MYC-driven cancers.
A new study finds oesophageal cancer cases have tripled in under 50s, with increases attributed to lifestyle-related risk factors such as smoking and poor diet. The study also shows improved relative survival rates for younger patients, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study found that colorectal cancer diagnoses fell dramatically by 40% in a year during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline was attributed to the suspension of screening programs and postponed non-urgent colonoscopy investigations.
Researchers analyzed protein-protein interaction data from head and neck squamous cells, breast cancer, and combined them to generate a map of protein pathways driving tumor growth. The studies identify potential new therapeutic targets and provide a resource for interpreting cancer genomic data.
A promising radionuclide treatment has been identified for HER2-positive breast cancer patients, combining radioactive iodine therapy with single-domain antibodies targeting the HER2 antigen. The treatment demonstrates safety and efficacy in a phase I study, paving the way for further clinical development.
Stephanie Grainger, Ph.D., awarded $2.375M grant to explore Wnt molecular pathway's role in healthy development and disease, including cancer, osteoporosis, and heart conditions.
A team of international researchers has unraveled the inner workings of C5aR2, a key receptor involved in inflammation and COVID-19. The study provides an additional opportunity for therapeutic targeting with new drug molecules to block its activation and inflammation response.
The study found that participants who completed the Active Living After Cancer program showed significant improvements in physical activity, six-minute walk distance, and mental health. The program is effective for minority and medically underserved cancer survivors and can be implemented through a community-based model.
The VCU Massey Cancer Center has established a Translational Research Center in Lung Cancer Disparities (TRACER) to address racial disparities in lung cancer. TRACER will investigate the interaction between stress, smoking, and gene expression to raise lung cancer risk in Black men.