Research on how cancer spreads through the body. Covers metastasis monitoring, bone metastasis, and nanoparticle treatments.
Patient advocates urge medical professionals and policymakers to consider the long-term effects of advanced breast cancer treatments. They highlight the need for accessible therapies that extend patients' lives, while also addressing financial, employment, and family challenges associated with prolonged illness. Experts note that curre...
A TSRI team has been awarded a $1.8 million grant to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind cancer metastasis. The research could lead to new approaches to help patients by targeting specific molecules involved in tumor cell survival and metastasis.
A new study from TSRI found that high levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) encourage blood vessel growth in early tumor development, facilitating cancer cell dissemination and metastasis. The findings highlight the urgent need for new methods to diagnose cancers early and new treatments to fight growing metastases.
Researchers have identified specific combinations of integrins associated with metastasis to certain organs, including lungs and liver. These 'zip code' proteins guide tumour cells to specific locations, supporting Paget's 'seed and soil' theory.
Researchers developed a new tumor marker test that may predict breast cancer spread to the brain, based on alpha B-crystallin levels in breast tumors. The test found nearly three times higher likelihood of brain metastasis in women with alpha B-crystallin expression.
Researchers found that tumor suppressor protein PTEN is lost in brain cancer cells but restored once they migrate to other organs. This reversible loss enables brain metastases growth and protects against cell death.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a rare genetic mutation that significantly extends the survival of lung cancer patients with brain metastases. Patients with this mutation live an average of four years with controlled disease in their brains nearly a year after initial treatment.
Researchers found that antioxidants can allow melanoma cells to survive and spread more quickly in mice. The study suggests that cancer cells benefit more from antioxidants than normal cells do, raising concerns about the use of dietary antioxidants by patients with cancer.
A new study shows that surgical removal of abdominal metastases can significantly improve overall survival for patients with stage IV melanoma. In this comprehensive study of over 1,600 patients, surgeons found that surgical resection provided a median survival time of 18 months compared to seven months for nonsurgical patients.
Researchers found that patients who underwent surgery for abdominal metastases lived nearly 2.5 times longer than those treated with drug therapy alone, with an average survival of 18 months compared to seven months. Surgical resection may even offer a cure in certain patients, especially when combined with immunotherapy.
Scientists at Tufts University developed an AI approach to illuminate cellular processes and suggest possible targets for aberrant development. The method was applied to tadpoles, where melanoma-like cells deviated from normal development, indicating a group dynamic rather than single-cell decisions.
Researchers found that brain metastases share some genetic similarities with the primary tumor but also have key differences, including potential drug targets in over half of patients. Genetic analysis of brain metastases could reveal new treatment options, especially when compared to primary tumors.
A new study reveals that brain metastases carry distinct genetic profiles compared to primary tumors, suggesting divergent evolutionary pathways and potential sensitivity to targeted therapy drugs. The research identifies clinically significant mutations in over half of patients' brain metastases.
Scientists from UC San Francisco capture and study individual metastatic breast cancer cells, finding they express genes similar to mammary stem cells, which could lead to targeted therapies. The research suggests a new approach to understanding how cancer spreads and developing effective treatments.
The Parsortix system demonstrated comparable speed in capturing CTCs for prostate cancer compared to existing methods, while also showing improved capture of CTCs responsible for metastatic cancer. The technology offers a promising approach to detect and treat metastatic cancer.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that patients with metastatic cancer are at high risk of venous thromboembolism after surgery, and a personalized approach to anticoagulation therapy is needed. The study suggests that the primary type of cancer may play a role in determining the risk for blood clots.
Scientists at TGen discovered 21 genes with increased methylation that could indicate metastatic breast cancer. A blood-based test using this signature may help improve treatment for women at risk of recurrence.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have discovered the MAF gene is a reliable predictor of breast cancer bone metastasis. The study, published in JNCI, analyzed over 900 clinical samples and found that MAF-altered tumors are 14 times more likely to develop bone metastasis.
A new report by Eliezer Van Allen and colleagues found that melanoma patients who benefit from ipilimumab immunotherapy have unique tumor-produced antigens. The study suggests that predicting which patients will respond to the treatment may be challenging due to differences in molecular targets.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that 41% of open lung cancer clinical trials excluded patients with previously treated CNS disease, while 26% allowed those with untreated CNS involvement. The study suggests that current practice may be based on habit rather than scientific rationale.
Researchers found that microRNA 506 acts as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer, inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis. Patients with high miR-506 expression have significantly longer survival times compared to those with low expression levels.
Researchers analyzed data from patients undergoing stage IV colorectal cancer surgery to identify benchmarks for surgical practice. They found that major complications vary depending on the extent of liver resection and type of colorectal surgery performed.
Researchers have discovered that a type of jumping gene called LINE-1 is actively inserted into the human genome in various gastrointestinal cancers. The findings suggest that these insertions may occur early in cancer development and could potentially serve as a marker for early cancer diagnosis.
E-Cad protein facilitates coordinated movement of diverse cell types, enabling them to migrate together and distribute at their destination. This new function may explain why tumours with intermediate E-Cad levels have a poorer prognosis, highlighting the protein's role in cancer metastasis.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent that can detect small aggressive breast cancer tumors and micrometastases. The agent binds to molecular markers expressed in high-risk primary tumors and metastases, generating increased image contrast.
Researchers at UC Davis found that a novel combination therapy of Interleukin (IL)-2 combined with imiquimod and topical retinoid is highly effective in treating patients with skin metastases, resulting in complete clinical response and high survival rates.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a molecular partnership between annexin A2 and Sema3D that helps explain how pancreatic cancer spreads. Annexin A2, already linked to poor survival rates, guides the release of Sema3D, which fuels the cancer's spread by tracking nerve cells.
Researchers discovered that blocking a specific ion channel in medulloblastoma can impede tumor cells from proliferating and spreading. The development of targeted treatments could improve outcomes for patients with this disease, which is a common cause of death in children.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a new molecule named IL13RA2 as a potential marker for metastatic basal-like breast cancer (BLBC). The discovery suggests that targeting this molecule could slow tumor growth and spread, offering a glimmer of hope for patients with this aggressive form of breast cancer.
Researchers have developed a genetic test that analyzes tumor sensitivity to radiation therapy, with findings suggesting metastatic colon tumors are more resistant to radiation than primary tumors. The study suggests personalizing radiation therapy for patients may be possible through this test.
The foundation awarded four-year fellowships to 16 postdoctoral scientists conducting innovative cancer research, providing them with independent funding to work on novel projects. The recipients aim to understand cell migration, protein crowding, and gene expression in cancer cells.
Scientists designed nanoparticles that release chemotherapy drugs paclitaxel in the presence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which enable cancer metastasis. The system effectively delivers high doses of the drug, halting tumor growth and reducing toxicity.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered DNA-PKcs as a central regulator of metastatic processes in prostate cancer. The kinase modulates signaling networks that turn on metastatic processes, and its levels can predict poor outcomes in patients. A potential drug inhibitor, CC-115, is currently being tested in clinical trials.
Scientists have identified key genetic mutations leading to skin cancer progression, similar to those found in human cancers. By analyzing genetic abnormalities in premalignant and fully malignant tumors, researchers found that larger chromosomal copy number alterations were responsible for tumor formation, rather than point mutations.
Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and quadruple wild-type genes showed significant benefit from continuing anti-EGFR therapy beyond progression. Second-line cetuximab plus FOLFOX chemotherapy improved progression-free survival, response rate, and overall survival in patients without genetic mutations.
A phase IIIb study has confirmed regorafenib's benefit in patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer. The safety profile and progression-free survival were similar to phase III trial results, with a median duration of 2.5 months.
Researchers have discovered a gene called SMOC-2 that plays a crucial role in the spread of colorectal cancer. Increased levels of SMOC-2 enable tumor cells to 'leave home' and metastasize, while blocking its activation inhibits metastasis. The gene's expression patterns also resemble those of healthy intestinal stem cells.
MD Anderson researchers discovered a breast tumor marker that predicts metastasis by analyzing the gene expression signature of mouse embryos. Tumors with similar signatures to six-day-old embryos were more prone to metastasize than those with adult-like signatures.
Researchers found that lymph node metastases do not require new blood vessels but instead use existing ones, providing a mechanism for resistance to angiogenic therapies. The study suggests alternative treatments may be needed for patients at risk of lymph node metastasis.
A study found that 86% of women with early-stage breast cancer in Ontario underwent imaging to detect metastatic cancer, despite international guidelines recommending against it. The use of advanced imaging increased and varied by geographic region and hospital type, highlighting a need for improved knowledge translation strategies.
A study published in JNCI found that women with tubal ligation who develop aggressive endometrial cancer types have lower mortality rates. The researchers suggest that TL reduces cancer cell passage through the fallopian tubes, lowering disease stage and mortality.
The newly redesigned Oncology Central is now live, featuring a dedicated Pipelines and Trials section, webinars, and exclusive multimedia content. The platform offers easy navigation and access to peer-reviewed journal articles, regular cancer news updates, and exciting features.
Researchers identified two genes, ERCC1 and TS, that can predict positive response to chemotherapy and longer survival times in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Low levels of these genes are associated with improved survival rates when treated with oxaliplatin, while high levels may require irinotecan as the first treatment choice.
The Harvard Medical School Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Training Program will provide specialized education and training in cancer research and treatment. The one-year, nonclinical blended-learning certificate program is designed to promote a deeper understanding of cancer biology, diagnosis, and personalized treatments.
A study by researchers at Lund University found that high levels of ALK1 protein in blood vessels increase the risk of metastases. The drug Dalantercept can prevent this spread by blocking ALK1, offering new hope for breast cancer patients.
Researchers found that high levels of ALK1 protein in breast tumor vasculature correlate with increased risk of metastatic disease. An investigational drug targeting ALK1 prevented disease spread in preclinical studies, offering a potential new therapeutic approach for treating metastatic breast cancer.
Min Yu, a USC stem cell researcher, has been named a Pew-Stewart scholar for her work on metastatic breast cancer. She aims to identify molecular adaptations and genetic mutations that allow circulating tumor cells to establish new tumors throughout the body.
A team of researchers from the University of South Florida doubled survival time in an aggressive metastatic cancer model using a novel combination of ketogenic diet and supplements with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The study shows beneficial effects of ketone supplements in conjunction with non-toxic therapeutic regimens.
Researchers unveiled innovative approaches to cancer treatment and malaria vaccination at the 2015 AAPS National Biotechnology Conference. Dual antibody-coated nanomaterials show promise in capturing circulating tumor cells, while penfluridol suppresses pancreatic tumor growth through autophagy-mediated apoptosis.
Researchers used PET/CT with Ga-68 DOTATOC to detect primary tumors in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine cancer. The study found that 28% of patients underwent a major change in cancer management due to the imaging technique.
Researchers at Arizona State University identify five foundations of multicellularity that cancer cells bypass to fulfill their selfish needs, leading to disastrous outcomes for the organism. The study provides clues about how to diagnose and treat cancer, a disease with rapid evolution capabilities.
Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System will present updates on a lymphoma vaccine clinical trial and new treatment strategies in relapsed multiple myeloma. Preliminary results show patients achieving partial or complete clinical remissions, including those with advanced stage disease.
A large study has found that whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) significantly worsens cognitive function compared to radiosurgery, and should no longer be used in the adjuvant setting after radiosurgery. WBRT's side effects include hair loss, fatigue, and significant interruptions in systemic therapy.
The PALOMA-3 study found that palbociclib significantly extended progression-free survival for women with hormone-receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer, reducing cancer recurrence by 25% compared to chemotherapy alone. The treatment was well-tolerated and improved quality of life, offering a new hope for women with advanced disease.
Genetically programmed probiotics can detect liver cancer metastases early-on by producing signals easily detectable in urine. The approach may be useful for detecting the disease earlier, increasing chances of survival.
A phase I/II clinical trial found that brigatinib responded to treatment in 58 of 78 ALK+ patients, with a 13.4-month progression-free survival rate for those previously treated with crizotinib. Brigatinib also showed promise in treating brain metastases, with a 30% decrease in tumor size and controlled disease for 15.6 months.
Researchers have identified a molecule, PMEPA1, that promotes metastasis of advanced prostate cancer to the bone, which can lead to incurable conditions. The discovery may offer new targets for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer.
A phase 3 international trial found that ipilimumab improved recurrence-free survival in advanced stage melanoma patients who underwent surgical resection. The study showed that patients with microscopic metastatic disease responded best to ipilimumab treatment.
Researchers developed a new micro-device that separates and analyzes highly mobile cancer cells, which are believed to be the more aggressive cells responsible for metastasis. The study aims to gain an understanding of what makes some cancer cells able to spread to other areas of the body.
Researchers studied 293 patients with brain metastases and blood clots to determine if administering blood-thinning medication was safe. The study found no significant difference in bleeding risk between patients who received a widely used blood thinner and those who did not.