Research on how cancer spreads through the body. Covers metastasis monitoring, bone metastasis, and nanoparticle treatments.
Researchers at UNC have discovered that CIB1 inhibits cell migration in cancer cells by activating PAK1, a kinase that adds phosphate groups to other proteins. This finding suggests that CIB1 may be a potential target for developing new treatments to decrease tumor metastasis.
Researchers at Penn will employ a range of cellular and molecular imaging techniques to analyze genetically engineered mouse models of breast cancer. The goal is to understand the mechanisms underlying breast-cancer progression and develop more effective therapies against aggressive forms of this disease.
A population-based case control study found that PSA screening of asymptomatic men significantly reduces the risk of metastatic prostate cancer. The researchers discovered a 35% protective effect, even among men not screened regularly.
Christine Chung, a Vanderbilt researcher, has won the Damon Runyon Research Foundation/Lilly Clinical Investigator Award to support her work on genetic profiling for head and neck cancers. The award will provide funding for DNA microarray technology to predict tumor recurrence and response to chemotherapies.
Increased expression of claudin-1 has been found in human primary colon carcinomas and metastases. Claudin-1's mislocalization is associated with higher levels of expression and increased metastatic behavior in colon cancer cells.
A new study finds that oral capecitabine plus oxaliplatin shows comparable efficacy and toxicity profiles to traditional intravenous chemotherapy, offering a more convenient treatment option for patients. The regimen has shown similar response rates and overall survival, with benefits in terms of patient autonomy and quality of life.
Researchers identified an 11-gene BMI-1-pathway signature that consistently predicts disease recurrence, metastasis, and death after therapy in cancer patients. The presence of this gene expression pathway is associated with a high probability of poor therapy outcome and metastasis.
A new study found that phenotypic and functional qualities of T cells are associated with the ability to regress large tumors. Naïve and early effector T cells were more effective for tumor treatment than more differentiated T cells. This discovery is important for developing improved adoptive immunotherapy approaches.
A randomized trial of 900 patients with breast or prostate cancer found that a shorter course of radiation therapy was as effective as the standard treatment in providing pain relief. The study also showed less acute toxicity and re-treatment rates in patients who received a single dose of 8 Gy radiation.
Research on the ATM gene suggests that women carrying one mutated copy are twice as likely to develop breast cancer, with a lifetime risk of one in six compared to one in 11 in the general population. Meanwhile, a new study on ursodeoxycholic acid treatment found a 39% reduction in colorectal adenoma recurrence among patients who recei...
Researchers developed a mouse model that closely mimics human pancreatic cancer at multiple levels, including clinical presentation and histological changes. The model demonstrates distinct similarities to human pancreatic cancer, including metastasis to the liver and lungs.
Researchers have developed a whole-body MRI technique that can scan patients' entire bodies in under 20 minutes for cancer spread to bone, detecting 100% of cases. This method offers better sensitivity and specificity than other methods, making it a promising tool for non-invasive cancer diagnosis.
Researchers have found molecular changes in breast cancer that are similar to those occurring in brain tumors, providing new insights into disease progression and potential treatment targets. The study identified specific laminin isoform changes that coincide with blood vessel growth and metastasis in breast cancer.
Bone SPECT outperforms FDG PET in detecting breast cancer metastases, with a sensitivity of 85% and accuracy of 96%. PET's limitations make it less effective in revealing certain types of lesions.
Research at Massachusetts General Hospital found that tumor cells use VEGF-A to stimulate growth of new lymphatic vessels, allowing them to spread to lymph nodes more easily. The study's results suggest that targeting this process could be a promising approach for preventing the further spread of metastatic cancer.
Researchers develop Fluorform-Assisted Light Inactivation technology to identify proteins involved in cancer cell spread, targeting HSP90A and CD155 molecules.
Hexaminolevulinate, a fluorescence-inducing compound, enables early detection of superficial bladder cancer lesions. This increases the five-year survival rate to 90% and reduces recurrence rates.
A new urinary marker, thymosin ß15, has been identified as a potential more accurate screening test for prostate cancer. When combined with PSA testing, it detects prostate cancer more often with fewer false-positives.
Patients with cancer have a significantly increased risk of developing venous thrombosis, with the risk highest in the first few months after diagnosis. The study found that patients with hematological, lung, or gastrointestinal cancers had a higher risk compared to those without cancer.
A new study found that blocking VEGFR-3 prevented lymphangiogenesis in a mouse model, potentially inhibiting tumor metastasis. The study suggests that targeting VEGFR-3 may be a viable therapeutic strategy to prevent lymphatic vessel growth and tumor spread.
A new technique detects lymph node metastases in cancer patients using nanoparticles and MRI, providing unprecedented accuracy and potentially sparing unnecessary surgery. The method involves tracking nodes with magnetic particles, identifying patterns for normal and malignant nodes, and generating a 3D reconstruction of the lymph nodes.
Research demonstrates that platelet aggregation and the release of LPA support bone metastases in breast cancer. Inhibiting platelet activity with Integrilin or targeting LPA signaling may slow tumor growth and reduce metastasis.
Individuals with obesity produce more toxic oxygen molecules that lead to changes in fat-derived hormones and contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. Treatment with antioxidants reduces ROS production and improves diabetes symptoms.
Researchers tested a weakened version of herpes simplex virus against neuroblastoma tumors, with only the virus proving effective in treating the cancer. The study shows promise for using the therapy in children and potentially in other cancers as well.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute use a class of compounds known as Src kinase inhibitors to stabilize blood vessels and block tumor cell metastasis. By increasing the protective barrier strength of host blood vessels, the approach prevents cancer cells from exiting the bloodstream, making them vulnerable to immune system attack.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a critical molecular switch, GSK-3ß, that allows cancer cells to become mobile and move away from tumors. This discovery provides an anticancer strategy to pursue by boosting GSK-3ß activity, which can repress the ability of cancer to spread.
Researchers found that Hedgehog activity in localized prostate tumors is significantly lower than in metastatic cancers. Blocking the Hedgehog signal with cyclopamine slowed tumor growth and even reversed aggressive cancer progression in mice experiments.
A molecule called hepsin has been found to promote the deadly progression of prostate cancer by disrupting tissue organization. This discovery may lead to the development of new therapeutics designed to decrease the spread of prostate cancer.
A new study has found that patients with high levels of circulating tumor cells in their blood have shorter progression-free survival and overall survival rates compared to those with low levels. The presence of these cells can predict prognosis more accurately than other factors, allowing for more tailored treatment decisions.
Scientists at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute discovered evidence for DNA structure characteristic of metastasis in prostates with metastazing tumors. Early detection is crucial in fighting cancer, and this finding could lead to a new powerful weapon against cancer spread.
Scientists Gary Bokoch and colleagues discovered the mechanism by which Rac is released from RhoGDI, revealing a critical role for p21-activated kinase (Pak) in regulating cell motility. This breakthrough offers insights into tumor growth, immune responses, and neurological diseases.
Researchers discover that cancer cells misuse the Twist protein to bypass multiple steps of metastasis, a process that requires cell invasion and migration. The study suggests potential applications for developing a Twist inhibitor as a therapeutic approach.
The European Commission has approved the combination of Herceptin and Taxotere as a first-line treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer, significantly improving median life expectancy by over one-third. The therapy also showed high response rates, with 61% of patients responding to treatment.
Researchers have identified a protein, fibulin-5, that inhibits the sprouting of new blood vessels, which is crucial for cancer tumor growth. The findings suggest that fibulin-5 may be an effective cancer therapy and could also serve as a diagnostic tool to detect cancer status.
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered an extracellular form of heat shock protein 90 (hsp90) involved in cancer cell invasion, a key step in tumor progression. The study highlights the potential for developing antibodies against hsp90 as a new treatment option for cancer.
A new standard of care has been established for treating brain metastases, offering improved prognosis and quality of life for patients. Combining radiation therapy with different modalities shows significant benefits in managing this type of cancer.
A study identified four tumor gene expression patterns that may serve as biomarkers of prognosis for head and neck squamous cell cancer patients. The patterns were associated with different outcomes, including the worst outcome linked to epidermal growth factor pathway activation, and a tobacco exposure signature.
A study by the American College of Radiology found that thoracic PET scans are suitable for diagnosing some lung cancer patients with localized disease. This approach reduces radiation exposure and saves time compared to whole-body PET examinations, which cover a broader area of the body.
Researchers found higher plasma selenium levels are associated with a decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer, while DNAzymes targeting c-Jun may inhibit tumor growth. Glucocorticoid prescriptions are linked to an increased risk of skin cancers and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Periostin is a protein that promotes metastatic growth of colon cancer by augmenting cell survival, and may be involved in the progression of other cancers. The study identified periostin as a potent promoter of late-stage tumor progression, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for preventing deadly metastatic cancers.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina identified the role of the K1 gene in tumor cell growth and metastasis, potentially leading to new treatment options. The study found that the K1 gene initiates cancerous processes by up-regulating growth factors and breaking down supporting tissue.
A new study found that women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who undergo conservation treatment have a similar rate of survival compared to those who undergo mastectomy. Close monitoring and regular screenings are crucial for successful treatment and early detection of recurrence.
Scientists have discovered that breast cancer metastases have a strikingly similar genetic profile to their primary tumours. This breakthrough discovery could enable doctors to choose the best treatment for each patient based on their unique tumour characteristics.
A research team led by Dr. Howard Lipshitz discovered that a protein linked to mammalian embryo implantation also plays a role in tumour metastasis in fruit fly development. The study found a surprising level of similarity between the proteins in flies and mammals, with potential implications for understanding human disease.
The study found increasing calcium levels in cloned equine embryos led to improved pregnancy rates and successful births. The research also suggests a link between calcium regulation and human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
A study published in PLOS Biology discovered a common genetic signature linked to the progression of various cancers, including prostate and liver cell carcinomas. Patients with tumors carrying this signature had an increased risk of metastasis and death compared to those without it.
Researchers found that colon cancer cells can revert to non-metastatic behavior when surrounded by other cells, reversing the invasive process. By targeting a specific gene called Slug, scientists hope to develop a drug to block metastasis in patients.
Researchers found that an anti-platelet drug, ML464, blocked bone metastases and reduced new tumor development in mice. The study provides a promising start to exploring the use of anti-platelet drugs as potential therapies for breast and prostate cancer.
Researchers will study the biology of tumor-stroma interaction, heparan sulfate proteoglycans in bone metastasis, and mitochondrial DNA mutations to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The goal is to understand how prostate cancer cells metastasize to bone and discover new genes that may support or inhibit this process.
A multi-center study found improved overall survival and time to disease progression for women with metastatic breast cancer treated with Taxotere, compared to paclitaxel. The results suggest that Taxotere may be a more effective treatment option for this patient population.
A clinical trial found that oral sodium clodronate reduced the risk of symptomatic bone progression by 21% and mortality by 20% compared to placebo, but with limited statistically significant results due to small population size. However, side effects were common, particularly in older patients.
Researchers have identified a set of genes specifically associated with breast cancer's ability to metastasize to bone. The study found that these 'poor prognosis signature' genes enable tumor cells to home in on bone and trigger growth of blood vessels. The discovery does not invalidate the classical model of tumor cell metastasis, bu...
FDHT PET detected 46 lesions, outperforming conventional methods, which identified 59. The agent rapidly absorbed in metastatic lesions indicating functioning androgen receptors. Notably, FDHT uptake reduced in patients starting testosterone therapy.
A new experimental imaging technique has been developed to detect prostate cancer metastases in abdominal lymph nodes. The technique uses advanced high-resolution MR imaging, computerized image analysis, and a novel contrast agent to identify malignant nodes with high accuracy.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers reveals that protein RKIP governs prostate cancer cells' ability to enter nearby blood vessels, a crucial step in metastasis. Tumors with normal RKIP levels appear unable to invade blood vessels, while those without RKIP are more likely to spread.
Using a modified version of a naturally occurring human protein, researchers were able to significantly reduce the spread of disease and decrease tumor growth without evidence of toxicity. The modified protein was able to interfere with cancer cells' ability to stick to one another and other healthy cells.
Researchers have discovered that equine cloning can provide insights into human cancer causes, particularly in relation to calcium levels within cells. The study found that horses have lower intracellular calcium and slower cell activity rates compared to humans, which may contribute to their lower mortality rate from metastatic cancer.
A study found whole body MR imaging detected skeletal metastases in 80% of patients, outperforming bone scans in predicting complications like fractures. MR imaging also provided additional information about primary tumors and soft tissue metastases.
The study reveals that the NF2 gene's protein, merlin, organizes cellular structures facilitating cell-to-cell communication and plays a crucial role in tumor development. Loss of merlin function may contribute to cancer progression and metastasis, providing potential therapeutic targets for NF2-associated cancers.
A multi-center study analyzing 2,056 prostate cancer patients found that metastatic disease carries a significant mortality rate and incurs substantial healthcare expenses. Patients with metastatic disease had ten times the death rate of those with localized disease, with $13,650 more in annual healthcare costs.