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.
A large prospective study has found that hospital mortality rates for people with cancer do not appear to have reduced over time, unlike those for people with no history of cancer. The findings are based on anonymized data from over 195,000 people hospitalized in the UK.
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.
A new study finds that left-sided breast cancer radiation therapy increases the risk of coronary artery disease in younger survivors, with a significant increase in risk seen at 10.5% for those who received left-sided radiation therapy compared to 5.8% for right-sided.
A recent study published in CANCER found that cancer significantly reduces the life expectancy of transplant recipients, particularly those who receive lung or heart transplants. The average lifespan lost due to cancer diagnosis among these patients is approximately 2.7 years.
The FIRSTMAPPP trial found that sunitinib significantly prolongs progression-free survival in patients with malignant pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. The study demonstrated the efficacy of sunitinib as a treatment option for this rare cancer, which is commonly treated with old and toxic agents.
The KEYNOTE-716 trial shows that adjuvant pembrolizumab significantly prolongs recurrence-free survival and halves distant recurrences in stage II B/C melanoma patients. This suggests that patients with high-risk stage II melanoma should be offered adjuvant therapy.
The KEYNOTE-826 study found that adding immunotherapy to standard first-line treatment increases overall survival by eight months for patients with recurrent, persistent or metastatic cervical cancer. The addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy also reduced the risk of death and disease progression by 33%.
A study at ESMO Congress 2021 highlights the need for improved cancer follow-up care to address burdensome symptoms like fatigue. Patients often receive inadequate support, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center presented new findings on novel therapeutic approaches, including cell therapy for solid tumors and antibody drug conjugates targeting TROP2. The therapies achieved partial responses in six patients, with an overall response rate of 35.3% and disease control rate of 70.6%.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a novel combination therapy approach that combines inhibiting JAK2 with targeting the MAPK signaling pathway. This dual targeting strategy has shown promising results in improving leukemia treatment outcomes by reducing blood cell production and altering disease course.
A survey of 5,589 cancer patients found widespread unawareness about immunotherapy's mechanism, efficacy, and cost. Non-oncology doctors also face challenges in keeping up with the latest developments in oncology.
Researchers study social support networks and health outcomes of over 670 Hispanic and non-Hispanic lung cancer patients to understand the Hispanic Health Paradox. The study aims to identify cultural differences in social interactions that influence health outcomes.
Researchers at Penn State have imaged a protein facilitating RNA modification, allowing them to reconstruct the process. The study reveals how a chemical tag is added to tRNA, improving its ability to translate messenger RNA into proteins.
Researchers have identified a mechanism to control R-loop regulation, which could lead to new drugs for cancer and dementia. The study found that three proteins work together in a pathway to optimize R-loop levels, with potential applications for treating various conditions.
A new DNA-based test using whole genome sequencing can identify tumour-specific markers to measure cancer levels in children's bodies. This technology has the potential to detect minimal residual disease and change treatment outcomes.
New research highlights the need for adequate communication and support for children of cancer patients. Children can experience anxiety, depression, and behavioral changes due to parental illness, yet many parents struggle to address these issues on their own.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that cancer can cause cardiac dysfunction due to the presence of free radicals, which were reversed by specific antioxidants in fruit flies and mice with tumors. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating heart problems in cancer patients.
A study conducted by Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research has shown that extremely low doses of radiation combined with existing therapies can turn
A new study found that young children with cancer are at a higher risk of permanent hearing loss due to the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. The study, published in the journal CANCER, reveals that up to 75% of children under 5 years old experienced hearing loss after treatment.
A new study by UBC researchers found that chemotherapy drug cisplatin is more likely to cause hearing loss in young children, particularly those under five years old. The study, published in Cancer, shows that the hearing of these children is impacted early during treatment and is affected to a greater extent than older children.
Research from Osaka City University reveals that hepatocellular carcinoma survival decreases as poorly differentiated tumor size increases. Tumors over 5cm have a significantly higher risk of early recurrence and spreading to other parts of the body.
Researchers have developed a new therapeutic method combining synthetic CDK4/6 inhibitors with IKKβ and AKT inhibitors to treat refractory cancers. The study found that this combination therapy can improve treatment outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma, K-Ras oncogene mutated lung cancer, and colon cancer.
A new study from Penn Medicine demonstrates that RN7SL1, a naturally occurring RNA, can activate the body's own natural T cells to seek out cancer cells that have escaped recognition by CAR T cells. This approach may help improve efforts to treat solid tumors.
A new study found that immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective against HPV-positive head and neck cancers, with a potential therapeutic vaccination approach also being explored. Researchers discovered tumor-specific CD8 T cells in tumors from patients, which could provide a proliferative burst in response to PD-1 blockade.
Researchers developed a blood test to detect cancer early in people with NF1, a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 3,000 people worldwide. The test differentiates between benign and aggressive tumors with high accuracy and could help monitor treatment responses.
PLOS Medicine features five studies outlining novel strategies for detecting cancer and identifying minimal residual disease. Researchers discuss innovative approaches, including plasma cell-free DNA sequencing and urine tumor DNA detection, to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors.
A recent study found that 20% of children with cancer infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed severe infections, compared to 1-6% in general pediatric patients. The Global Registry of COVID-19 and Childhood Cancer also showed that cancer care was disrupted, with 56% of patients having modified treatment and 45% having chemotherapy withheld.
A population-based cohort study in Canada identified mortality patterns for different types of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), revealing varying risks of cancer-related and non-cancer death. The study found that small NETs can be safely monitored, while larger tumors may require more aggressive treatment.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have identified a unique change in B cells that allows them to receive signals from molecules called lectins, enabling tumor growth. This discovery could pave the way for new treatments and early cancer detection methods.
Research of over 18,000 mother and child pairs found that maternal obesity was associated with a heightened risk of bowel cancer in adulthood. Conditions in the womb may be key risk factors for the disease, which is expected to increase globally due to rising rates among younger adults.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified a microRNA molecule that can silence specific cancer-promoting genes, overcoming resistance to certain drugs. The study found that the miRNA target multiple genes and pathways simultaneously, making its impact potent.
Researchers identified DSS1 as a critical protein in breast cancer progression and found that depleting it makes cancer cells more responsive to lower doses of anti-cancer drugs. This technique may reduce drug-induced side effects in breast cancer patients, providing a safer treatment option.
A Korean National Health Insurance System study found frequent drinking is a more important risk factor for gastrointestinal cancers than the amount of alcohol consumed per occasion. This observational study suggests that individuals who drink frequently are at higher risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers.
A Korean population-based cohort study found that cancer, particularly multiple myeloma and leukemia, is associated with an increased risk of kidney failure. The study included approximately 825,000 patients with cancer compared to twice as many without cancer, matched on other characteristics.
Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and Asian Americans remain underrepresented in pancreatic cancer clinical trials, despite federal mandates. The lack of diversity hurts patients and science alike, with racial and ethnic minorities accounting for a disproportionate burden of pancreatic cancer cases.
A study published in Cell Reports found that a protein called 5MP can regulate abnormal cellular translation and reduce neuronal decay. By increasing 5MP levels, researchers were able to repress neuronal toxicity and enhance the lifespan of affected flies.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a method to regulate the Wnt signaling pathway using blue light, allowing them to study its functions in embryonic development and cancer. This approach enables precise control over the pathway's activity, potentially leading to new treatments for tissue repair and cancer research.
Researchers found that combining entinostat with immunotherapy boosted cancer remission in mice by increasing neoantigen-specific T cells. The combination therapy showed promise in the lab and is being tested in an ongoing clinical trial for people with advanced bladder cancer.
Researchers developed a new system to track tumor cell evolution and identify resistant cells, which can be used to test treatment effectiveness. The system, ClonMapper, allows for high-resolution study of clonal dynamics during tumor evolution and treatment.
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that cancer patients reported lower rates of marijuana use between 2013 and 2018, with only 9% using the substance. Higher pain levels and certain demographics were linked to increased marijuana use in this population.
Researchers found that removing race-based adjustments from equations estimating kidney function could make Black patients ineligible for cancer treatments and lower their doses. The analysis showed that Black patients in the US are more frequently diagnosed with cancer and are more likely to die from it than white Americans.
Scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have developed a method to keep cultured hematopoietic stem cells healthy, positive news for patients seeking stem cell transplants. The findings also hint at a new way to ward off aging by super-activating the heat shock pathway.
Abnormal cells that develop into oesophageal cancer start as stomach cells and can be reprogrammed to adopt an intestinal identity. The study identified two key genes, MYC and HNF4A, that switch tissue identity from stomach to intestinal cells.
Researchers discovered that hypoxia induces regional variations in gene-expression patterns in pancreatic cancer, with specific subpopulations of cancer cells surviving under hypoxic conditions. These findings suggest a link between hypoxia and aggressive tumor behavior, highlighting the need for targeted treatments.
Researchers have developed a two-arm molecule that selectively depletes regulatory T cells in tumors, allowing the immune system to fight off cancers without causing autoimmune diseases. The treatment led to significant tumor shrinkage in mouse models and showed promise for human patients.
A new study uses viruses to induce mutations in cancer-driving proteins, shedding light on drug resistance. The LentiMutate approach could aid in developing drugs that circumvent resistance and validate new targets.
Researchers have identified promising avenues for targeted nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy, specifically targeting the tumor microenvironment. By activating dendritic cells and macrophages, nanoparticles can relieve hypoxia and change the state of an immunosuppressive TME to immunosupportive.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a multi-component molecule that interacts with collagen, allowing for the visualization of new tissue growth in the body. This breakthrough could have applications in oncology and wound healing, enabling surgeons to more accurately remove tumors and investigate tissue formation.
A randomized clinical trial found that graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging changed the perception of US smokers, making them more likely to recognize the negative consequences of tobacco use and consider quitting. However, it did not significantly increase quit attempts or reduce nicotine addiction.
A comprehensive review of keto diets found potential health risks, including increased heart disease risk, cancer risk, and adverse effects on pregnant women and kidney patients. For most people, the possible long-term benefits of a keto diet are outweighed by its potential drawbacks.
A big data study from UNSW Sydney found that Australian cancer patients kept up their pharmaceutical treatments during last year's COVID-19 lockdowns. The researchers attribute the good news to relatively low rates of COVID-19 infections in Australia, which minimally impacted cancer treatment patterns.
The American Academy of Family Physicians is investigating an 'educational' session promoting dairy products linked to increased risk of prostate cancer and other diseases disproportionately affecting African Americans. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine filed a complaint, citing standards set by the Accreditation Counci...
Mayo Clinic researchers used advanced imaging technology to visualize the BRCA1-BARD1 protein complex and its interaction with chromatin. The study provides new insights into how BRCA1-BARD1 functions, which could lead to improved cancer prevention efforts and drug development.
A meta-analysis of nearly 200,000 men revealed 22 new genetic locations associated with inherited testicular germ cell tumors. The findings could help doctors identify high-risk patients and signal them to screen for the disease.
Researchers at University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Heath have developed a new way to deliver drugs that can shut down cancer-promoting mutations in neuroblastoma. The nanoparticle-based treatment successfully silenced the MYCN gene, causing tumours to grow at a slower pace and prolonging survival.
Researchers have discovered a long-sought link between the mechanisms of cell division and cell adhesion, revealing a unifying control process. The study identifies CDK1 binding to talin as a key interaction, indicating a critical role in regulating cell proliferation and adhesion.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are naturally produced during biochemical reactions within cells. They can induce apoptosis by activating cell death pathways, but high levels can promote cell proliferation and tumor progression.
A NIST-led study comparing 27 MRI scanners found significant bias and variation in T1 measurements, which can affect diagnosing brain tumors. The study recommends establishing rigorous quality control procedures for quantitative MRI to promote confidence and stability in measurement techniques.
Biologists have identified 71 new 'imprinted' genes in the mouse genome, which tend to be more active in one parental version than the other. The discovery sheds new light on epigenetics and its importance in health and disease.
A team of researchers from KTH Royal Institute of Technology has developed a novel nanoparticle design that enhances the contrast of living tissues for X-ray fluorescence imaging. This breakthrough enables early stage tumor detection with lower doses of radiation.