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Immune cells lose ‘killer instinct’ in cancerous tumors – but functionality can be re-awakened

Researchers discovered that immune cells called natural killer cells rapidly lose their functionality when entering solid tumours, adopting a dormant state. However, targeting the IL-15 pathway can restore NK cell activity and improve tumor control. This breakthrough could pave the way for new cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024

Miniature colons with immune components aid the study of intestinal diseases

Researchers at MUSC and Cincinnati Children's have developed a novel colon organoid model with naturally occurring immune cells. The model has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for colon-related diseases such as cancer and IBD by providing a more complete human organoid system that can be used to model inflammation in the colon.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

Some increase in cancer after 1986 Chernobyl disaster

A long-term study published in Environmental Epidemiology shows a slightly increased incidence of cancer, particularly colon, pancreas, and stomach cancer in men, as well as lymphoma in women. The researchers used new calculation methods to analyze radiation doses from Chernobyl fallout.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2023

Researchers develop gel to deliver cancer drugs for solid tumors

A team of researchers developed a gel delivery system that overcomes challenges in intratumoral therapy. The gel contains an imaging agent and can hold a high concentration of drug for slow release. In preclinical models, the treatment induced tumor regression and improved survival in immunotherapy-resistant colon and breast cancer.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

More Aggressive treatment doesn’t impact quality of life for metastatic colorectal cancer patients, according to new study in JNCCN

A new study published in JNCCN found that intensive local-regional treatment to remove as much tumor as possible did not significantly impact overall quality of life for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the treatment was associated with a higher risk of adverse events.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

Oral lipid nanoparticle drug can prevent development of colitis-associated cancer, researchers find

Researchers have developed an oral lipid nanoparticle drug that prevents tumor development in mice, demonstrating its potential as a treatment for colitis-associated cancer. The study, led by Georgia State University researchers, used M13-loaded nanoliposomes to target diseased tissue and reduce side effects.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

Mayo Clinic researchers publish key findings about cell proteins to determine effectiveness of immunotherapy for colon cancer

Mayo Clinic researchers found that cells expressing PD-1 and PD-L1 within a certain distance of each other can predict the success of immunotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. This spatial analysis may help select patients most likely to benefit from treatment, improving outcomes and minimizing unnecessary treatments.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 31, 2023

Application of base editors in organoids opens new doors for cancer research

Researchers used base editors to introduce specific combinations of activating and inactivating mutations into healthy organoids, creating realistic models for various types of cancer. This allows for further investigation into the development and treatment of cancer, with potential applications including testing new drugs.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

New study in JNCCN highlights rapid adoption of clinical research results into chemotherapy prescribing patterns

A new study published in JNCCN found that the adoption of clinical research results led to a significant increase in the use of shorter adjuvant chemotherapy periods, with CAPOX becoming more widely used. The study also revealed disparities in treatment patterns, with Black patients being more likely to receive shorter chemotherapy reg...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateAug 7, 2023

Transcription factors contribute to subtypes of colorectal cancers

Researchers found that expression of transcription factors contributes to different subtypes of colorectal cancers. The degree of DNA methylation varies across tissue types, with some cancers having high and others low frequency of methylation gains. Studying transcription factor expression may help determine overall survival in patien...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2023

Study finds new, unexpected mechanism of cancer cell spread

A new study reveals that the cellular chaperone protein GRP78 migrates to the nucleus under stress and alters gene activities, allowing cancer cells to become more mobile and invasive. This discovery offers potential new approaches for cancer treatment, including down-regulating GRP78 activity or preventing it from binding to ID2.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2023

Innovative stem cell research takes aim at origins of human cancers

A collaborative study by researchers at the University of Ottawa and McMaster University has made a groundbreaking discovery linking different types of cancers to their embryonic origins. The team found that drugs targeting specific embryonic pathways can effectively treat various tumors, including brain, colon, and leukemia cancers.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2023

A new generic treatment for multiple types of cancer

Researchers have developed a new technique to generically treat several kinds of cancer, showing tumors grew almost three times less and survival rates reached 100% after just one injection. The method targets cancer cells with alpha radiation, sparing healthy tissue.

SourceRIKEN·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 27, 2023

DNA discovery may assist in fight against aggressive cancer

Researchers have discovered abnormalities in the DNA instruction code that lead to the aggressive spread of colorectal cancer. By studying DNA methylation levels, they identified unique gene regions associated with liver metastasis and found a link between these changes and cancer cell aggression.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournaliScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2023

Tumor avatars to fight colorectal cancer

A UNIGE team created customizable treatments by testing drugs on artificial tumors derived from patients' cancer tissue. The approach opens the way for optimized and tailored therapies against various cancers and diseases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·TypeNews article·DateApr 4, 2023

Using bacteria to target cancer treatment

Scientists have engineered a unique strain of probiotic bacteria to over-express a metal transporter that binds and concentrates copper, facilitating the delivery of radionuclide therapy to cancer cells. This approach targets tumors without relying on specific receptors, making it potentially effective against treatment-resistant cancers.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Study shows physical activity prevents, not just delays, cancer recurrence in patients previously treated for colon cancer

Researchers found that physical activity can prevent cancer recurrence in stage III colon cancer patients by lowering the recurrence rate within the first year of treatment. This association persisted for approximately three years after surgery, suggesting a long-term survival benefit.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 21, 2023