Scientists at MIT have designed a novel nanoparticle platform that can deliver optimal ratios of multiple cancer drugs, leading to enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. The bottlebrush-shaped particles can be loaded with varying concentrations of drugs, enabling the precise delivery of synergistic combinations.
A new study found that the antibody-drug conjugate STRO-001 showed nanomolar cytotoxicity in 88% of cancer cell lines tested, with potent efficacy against proliferating B cells. The research supports ongoing clinical studies for patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Modakafusp alfa has shown significant potential in combating multiple myeloma with 43% of patients experiencing a partial response. The treatment targets interferon in cells expressing CD38, a marker present on myeloma cells and immune cells.
Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital found that talquetamab, a bispecific antibody, was successful in killing multiple myeloma cells in over 70% of patients. This therapy directs the immune system to target cancer cells and has shown promise even for those who have resisted all other treatments.
Researchers at CNIO have identified epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation, as a key mechanism behind resistance to proteasome inhibitor drugs in multiple myeloma. This finding suggests that methylation levels in the PSMD5 gene can predict treatment response and potentially reverse resistance.
Researchers found that overexpressing matriptase reduced myeloma cell proliferation and inhibited migration. Matriptase also blocked Src kinase activation, supporting its potential as a tumor suppressor in multiple myeloma. The study provides new insights into the role of matriptase in hematological malignancies.
Researchers have found therapies that can help patients with relapsed multiple myeloma who tried CAR-T therapy, including bispecific antibodies and other types of CAR-T cell therapy. The study analyzed 79 patients and found that stem cell transplants and other drug combinations showed some efficacy in these patients.
A multistate study found that mRNA COVID vaccines were less effective in immunocompromised adults, with protection rates ranging from 34% to 71% after multiple doses. The study emphasizes the importance of non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as masks and antibody treatment, for additional protection against severe COVID-19.
Researchers at Universidad de Navarra identified a biomarker that predicts CAR T cell therapeutic capacity, which could improve treatment outcomes for patients. The study found that high CAR density in CAR T cells is associated with a worse clinical response in hematological tumors.
Researchers are studying the interaction between obesity and nitric oxide synthase in triple-negative breast cancer, aiming to develop a new treatment strategy. Another team is investigating the role of NHE6 protein in multiple myeloma resistance to daratumumab treatment, with the goal of improving therapy outcomes for patients.
The NCCN Annual Congress on Hematologic Malignancies will address key findings on chronic lymphocytic leukemia management and CAR T-cells in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The event also features updates on immunotherapies in multiple myeloma treatment.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have developed a new approach to introduce long DNA sequences into cells with remarkable efficiency. The technology, which uses single-stranded DNA templates, overcomes the limitations of traditional viral vectors and has the potential to make cell therapies faster, better, and less expensive.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a custom molecule sBCMA-Fc V3 that inhibits the growth of both multiple myeloma and diffuse large B cell lymphoma in mice. The molecules were found to be nontoxic in monkeys, suggesting they could be used to treat humans with these deadly diseases.
A study of over 500 patients with multiple myeloma reveals a high prevalence of genetic alterations in oncogenic pathways, leading to treatment resistance. The research found a specific link between RASopathies and mutations in these pathways, offering new insights into the development of resistance mechanisms.
A new study published in Blood Advances found that caregivers for people with multiple myeloma experience higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to the patients they support. The study also highlights a critical gap in communication between providers and caregivers regarding the terminal nature of the disease.
Researchers identified a three-gene signature in multiple myeloma tumors that predicts a positive response to selinexor-based therapy. The discovery could improve patient selection for targeted agents and expand the use of the drug into patients who haven't failed other therapies.
A new study found that patients with multiple myeloma who received a three-drug combination therapy had improved progression-free survival if they underwent an autologous stem cell transplant soon after treatment. The use of maintenance lenalidomide also conferred substantial clinical benefit.
A study found that patients with IgD multiple myeloma have a worse prognosis than other types, with higher mortality rates and more kidney damage. The rare blood cancer produces excessive light chains that can damage the kidneys if left untreated.
Patients with mild to moderate kidney disease and kidney transplant recipients had a higher risk of cancer. They also faced a higher risk of dying from cancer, particularly from cancers such as bladder, kidney, and multiple myeloma, compared to those with normal kidney function.
Researchers have identified a critical vulnerability in high-risk multiple myeloma patients with co-occurrence of chromosome abnormalities. The study reveals that cells lacking p53 and NEIL1 genes are reliant on the Chk1 pathway, suggesting a synthetic lethal relationship.
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases immune responses in patients with multiple myeloma, but a subset remains vulnerable. The study found that 88% of patients developed antibodies after the third dose, leading to improved neutralization of the wild-type virus.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that causes relapse in multiple myeloma by upregulating the protein CDK6, which controls cell division. Using proteomics and mass spectrometry technology, they found that adding a CDK6 inhibitor to treatment can reverse drug resistance and improve survival odds.
Researchers at Osaka University identified a new monoclonal antibody target, R8H283, which selectively binds to cancer-specific conformational epitopes on the ubiquitous CD98 heavy chain protein in multiple myeloma cells. This selective binding allows for anti-MM effects without damaging normal host cells.
Researchers identified a novel therapeutic target for multiple myeloma by discovering the Sec61 translocon's vulnerability to inhibition. This targets the translocon prevents multiple myeloma cells from producing proteins through the secretory pathway, leading to their death.
A combination of five existing drugs, including bortezomib and lenalidomide, kept patients with ultra-high risk multiple myeloma alive longer than those who received standard care. The trial found that patients receiving the new five-drug cocktail had stable disease at 18 months compared to those in a previous study.
A case study published in Nature Medicine reports a patient experiencing progressive neurological features resembling Parkinson's disease after CAR-T cell therapy, suggesting potential neurotoxicity. The study highlights the importance of monitoring for neurotoxicity in patients receiving BCMA-targeted CAR-T therapies.
Researchers developed a novel model to identify specific genes and genetic alterations in multiple myeloma, stratifying the cancer's severity via DNA and RNA sequencing. This model revealed diverse subtypes and high-risk patients beyond current classifications.
Researchers produce large quantities of powerful cancer-fighting iNKT cells using stem cell engineering and organoid technology, offering a potential solution for mass-producing an off-the-shelf immune cell therapy. The therapy, which uses hematopoietic stem cell-engineered iNKT cells, has been shown to be effective in killing multiple...
Patients with multiple myeloma often mount a poor antibody response to COVID-19 vaccines and have a weak T cell response, underscoring the need for booster vaccination and safety precautions. Researchers found that these patients are at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection.
Researchers at CNIO and 12 de Octubre Hospital have developed a new cancer treatment called CAR-NK-cell immunotherapy, which uses natural killer cells to target cancerous cells. The treatment has shown promising results in mice with multiple myeloma, with 25% of treated mice remaining disease-free.
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.
A study published in Cancer Cell found that multiple myeloma patients exhibited a widely variable response to COVID-19 vaccines, with some showing undetectable antibodies after mRNA vaccines. This variation underscores the importance of routine blood tests and continued precautions for these patients.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center are studying a potential new chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy (CAR-T cell therapy) treatment for multiple myeloma. The overall response rate to the treatment was 97%, while the complete response rate and progression-free survival rates were 67% and 77%, respectively.
A new method makes it possible to accurately show whether the number of cancerous cells in the bone marrow is increasing in a patient with multiple myeloma. This blood test could potentially replace the current bone marrow puncture, enabling quicker treatment initiation.
A phase III clinical trial showed that reducing steroid use in intermediate-fit older patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma yields similar outcomes to standard treatment. The adapted Rd treatment schedule spares steroid use after nine months, resulting in fewer adverse effects and improved event-free survival.
A study published in Cell Death & Disease found that inhibiting the EZH2 protein can reduce cancer cell growth in multiple myeloma. The researchers discovered that certain metabolic pathways are altered in cells sensitive to EZH2 inhibition, providing potential markers for treatment response.
A subcutaneous injection of teclistamab elicits responses in 74% of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, offering a promising treatment option for patients with poor prognoses. The study's results suggest that teclistamab takes a similar approach to cellular therapies but is more convenient and faster to administer.
Catherine Marinac receives Sharp Tank Award to study health disparities in multiple myeloma and tailor interventions for diverse patient populations. The award supports research on early intervention and treatment for precursor multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer disproportionately affecting people of color.
Scientists uncover how pomalidomide reduces cancer cell growth by breaking down the protein ARID2, promoting MYC gene expression. This finding provides a plausible explanation for pomalidomide's efficacy in treating lenidomide-resistant multiple myeloma.
A new alpha-radioimmunotherapy has proven effective in preventing tumor growth and increasing survival in multiple myeloma tumor-bearing mice. The therapy targets CD38 protein on tumoral cells and reduces unwanted radiation exposure on normal tissues.
Myeloma Drug Sensitivity Testing (My-DST) uses liquid biopsies to test drug effectiveness on patient samples. The approach shows promise in predicting real patient responses, and may guide drug development for multiple myeloma treatment.
Researchers have discovered a new drug, FL118, that effectively treats and reverses treatment resistance in advanced multiple myeloma. The drug has shown promise in treating cancer cells from both newly diagnosed and relapsed or treatment-resistant patients.
A study published in Blood Cancer Discovery found that deleting one copy of the miR15a/miR16-1 gene cluster accelerated the development of multiple myeloma in mice, while also enhancing disease aggressiveness. The researchers also analyzed a genetic dataset of multiple myeloma patients and found similar associations.
A study published in Clinical Cancer Research identified neoantigens in 184 patients with multiple myeloma, showing an increase in these genetic markers in patients who had relapsed. The researchers found common neoantigens between patients, which could lead to new vaccine therapies.
A phase two trial found that belantamab mafodotin, a BCMA-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, achieved durable responses in nearly a third of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The therapy demonstrated significant tumor reduction and improved survival rates compared to standard treatments.
A study by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group found that lenalidomide delayed disease progression and improved overall survival in high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma patients. The treatment reduced serious adverse events, but it is unclear if it affects overall survival.
African Americans and Hispanics start treatment later than whites with associated higher costs, delaying organ damage and poor outcomes. The study's lead author notes that minorities are not receiving timely treatment to achieve adequate clinical gains.
Depressive symptoms in patients newly diagnosed with lymphoma or multiple myeloma were linked to shorter survival rates. Patients who remained depressed or recovered from depressive symptoms had reduced life expectancy compared to those without depressive symptoms.
A recent study found that over half of relapsed multiple myeloma patients treated with carfilzomib experienced cardiac issues during treatment. The study recommends routine monitoring with natriuretic peptide testing to mitigate this risk.
The CRB-401 phase 1 study of bb2121, a BCMA-targeted CAR T-cell therapy, demonstrated manageable safety and deep and durable responses in heavily pre-treated patients. Treatment resulted in an 85% objective response rate with 73% achieving ≥ VGPR.
A DNA rearrangement in immunoglobulin lambda (IgL) translocations is associated with poorer outcomes and reduced survival benefit from immunomodulatory drugs like lenalidomide. Patients with this genetic marker are more likely to relapse and die within the first three years after diagnosis.
A Phase 1 clinical trial of CAR-T therapy found an 88.2% overall response rate in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The treatment, called LCARB38M, targets the B-cell maturation antigen and achieved a stringent complete response in 13 patients.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have made significant advances in understanding the progression of multiple myeloma from precursor conditions, suggesting potential new treatments. The study found that immune system cells in patients with precursor conditions undergo changes that affect disease progression, and a novel combi...
The ADMYRE trial found a statistically significant increase in overall survival with plitidepsin plus dexamethasone compared to dexamethasone alone. The two-stage model showed a 11.6-month overall survival in the plitidepsin arm, exceeding 6.4 months for dexamethasone.
Researchers have found that blood biopsies provide highly detailed genetic information that agrees well with bone marrow tests. This breakthrough could lead to more personalized treatment plans for patients with multiple myeloma, as the disease's progression can vary over time.
Two studies and an editorial report confirm that firefighters exposed to the World Trade Center's aftermath are at a heightened risk of developing cancer. The research highlights the environmental exposures to carcinogens in the wreckage, which poses significant health concerns for those who responded to the 9/11 attacks.
A study found that New York City firefighters exposed to the 9/11 World Trade Center disaster site are at an increased risk for developing myeloma precursor disease, which can lead to the blood cancer multiple myeloma. The prevalence of MGUS was nearly twice as high in firefighters compared to a non-exposed group.
A new University of Kansas research effort has resulted in a low-cost, reliable blood test that uses a small plastic chip to deliver diagnostic information similar to bone biopsies. The test has the potential to eliminate the need for invasive bone biopsies and guide treatment for multiple myeloma and other cancers.
The SU2C Multiple Myeloma Dream Team aims to revolutionize the treatment of the incurable blood cancer by detecting precursor conditions such as MGUS or SMM. The team plans to analyze blood samples from approximately 50,000 people to identify biomarkers that can predict high-risk progression.
Researchers found that screening individuals with a high lifetime risk of developing precursor conditions like MGUS can reduce the prevalence and specific mortality of symptomatic multiple myeloma. By implementing regular screening and preventative measures, mortality rates can be lowered by up to 19% in certain groups.