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Brain microenvironment makes HER2-positive breast cancer metastases resistant to treatment

A recent study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers has identified a novel mechanism behind the resistance of HER2-positive breast cancer metastases to treatment. The study found that overexpression of the HER3 gene contributes to this resistance, and combining anti-HER2 and anti-HER3 therapies can slow tumor growth.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 24, 2017

Tumor-trained T cells go on patrol

New study reveals that immune cells trained to recognize cancer can exit one tumor and move to another to attack cancerous cells. The research sheds light on how immune therapies for cancer might work and suggests new approaches to developing anti-cancer immune therapies.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

At last, a clue to where cancer metastases are born

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute discovered that invasive tumors can send out tumor cells earlier than thought, which may seed secondary tumors years later. The escaping cells enter the bloodstream by entering blood vessels deep within the dense tumor core, upending the long-held belief about metastatic cell origin.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 2, 2017

Mayo research shows surgery adds years for kidney cancer patients

A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that surgery to remove secondary tumor growths, called metastases, significantly improves survival rates for patients with late-stage kidney cancer. Patients who underwent surgery had a life expectancy of three to 12 years, compared to eight months and two years without surgery.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateApr 24, 2017

Pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant therapy in certain breast cancer patients predicts low risk for local metastases

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that certain breast cancer patients who achieve pathologic complete response (pCR) after chemotherapy have a low risk of developing local metastases, making them candidates for less invasive treatment options. These patients may be able to avoid follow-up surgery, including axillary surgery.

FDG PET/CT found useful in certain lung cancer patients

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that FDG PET/CT is a valuable imaging tool for treating lung cancer patients, especially when clinical suspicion or evidence of disease recurrence or metastasis is present. However, its routine use without clinical suspicion should be discouraged until its value fo...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 1, 2017

Radiation therapy continues to be gold standard to palliate painful bone metastases

The updated clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) underscores the safety and effectiveness of palliative radiation therapy (RT) for treating painful bone metastases. The guideline recommends optimal RT dosing schedules, including options for re-treatment, to provide pain relief, with a single 8-Gy ...

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateFeb 14, 2017

New type of PET imaging identifies primary and metastatic prostate cancer

A new gallium-68 labeled peptide BBN-RGD agent has been developed to target both gastrin-releasing peptide receptor and integrin αvβ3, providing dual-receptor targeting and advantages over single-receptor targeting. The agent has shown safety and effectiveness in detecting primary and metastatic prostate cancer lesions.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2017

Adding antiandrogen to radiation therapy improves survival in recurrent prostate cancer

A study by the NRG Oncology Radiation Therapy Oncology Group found that adding antiandrogen therapy to radiation therapy can reduce the incidence of metastasis, death from prostate cancer, and overall deaths in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. The study showed a significant improvement in survival rates for patients treated wit...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2017

Newly identified pathway in mitochondria fuels tumor progression across cancer types

Scientists at The Wistar Institute have identified a novel protein pathway in mitochondria that controls energy production for cell invasion and metastasis across multiple cancer types. This pathway, previously observed in neurons, has strong clinical implications and represents a potential therapeutic target for several types of cancer.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2016