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Machine learning drives drug repurposing for neuroblastoma

A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine has identified a combination of statins and phenothiazines that shows promise in treating aggressive neuroblastoma. The drug combination was found to impede tumour growth and improve survival rates in laboratory trials with mice.

SourceLund University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 29, 2025

Survivors of high-risk neuroblastoma face substantial late effects of modern therapies

A study published in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health journal found that high-risk neuroblastoma survivors experience a high prevalence of hearing loss, growth failure, underweight, and lung disease due to modern therapies. Longer follow-up periods were associated with a higher risk of late effects.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateOct 20, 2025

Scientists develop super strong antibodies for new cancer treatment

Researchers from the University of Southampton engineered a new type of super-strong antibody that triggers a stronger response from the immune system compared to naturally produced antibodies. The study confirms that making subtle increases in rigidity stimulates immune activity, creating a powerful immune response against disease.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Discovery of FOXR2 activation in various brain tumors refines diagnosis to improve care

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered FOXR2 activation in multiple pediatric CNS tumor types, including high-grade gliomas and pineoblastomas, with significantly different clinical outcomes. The study highlights the importance of combining molecular findings with other diagnostic approaches to improve treatment...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateApr 16, 2025

Re-purposing 5-nonyloxytryptamine and epirubicin as polysialic acid mimetics for protection from MPP+-induced cytotoxicity in human neuronal cells

Researchers investigated the neuroregenerative potential of 5-NOT and Epi, discovering they protected SH-SY5Y cells from MPP+ toxicity by regulating key proteins. The findings support 5-NOT as a glycomimetic drug candidate for Parkinson's disease treatment.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateApr 9, 2025

Better chances for chemotherapy in neuroblastoma

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg have discovered that blocking the METTL3 protein can increase sensitivity to chemotherapy in neuroblastoma, a type of cancer primarily affecting young children. This study suggests that METTL3 inhibitors could be used as a new treatment strategy for high-risk neuroblastoma, especially for c...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2024

Scientists discover how the body's killer cells attack cancer

Researchers have found that natural killer cells instinctively recognize and attack the XPO1 protein, which drives cancer growth. By targeting this protein, scientists may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy cancer cells. The study suggests that this approach could lead to personalized cancer treatment with less side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2024

Novel PET/CT technique accurately detects neuroblastoma in children with short scan time and no anesthesia

A novel PET/CT technique has been developed to detect neuroblastoma in children with high sensitivity and short scan time, eliminating the need for sedation or anesthesia. The new technique uses a novel tracer and next-generation scanner, resulting in improved diagnostic accuracy and reduced radiation exposure.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateAug 21, 2024

A study led by IBEC successfully mimics the complex neuroblastoma vasculature on a chip to explore treatments for this pediatric cancer

Researchers at IBEC have created in vitro models of neuroblastoma vasculature, replicating the tumor's characteristic blood vessel formation and identifying GB3 as a potential therapeutic target. The study uses stiffness-based models and microfluidic chips to explore treatments for this pediatric cancer.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalCancers·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Change in MYCN-driven cell state opens therapeutic window in high-risk neuroblastoma

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a potential therapeutic target for high-risk neuroblastoma by studying the cellular personality switch driven by the MYCN protein. Inhibiting the protein KDM4 showed promising anticancer activity, blocking MYCN expression and repressing key oncogenes in disease models.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Protein identified as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas

Researchers have identified UCHL1, a protein found in highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas and neuroblastoma, as a potential molecular biomarker for diagnosing these cancers and predicting responses to therapy. Targeting UCHL1 with inhibitors has been shown to delay the growth and spread of these tumors in pre-clinical models.

Discovery could lead to ‘kinder’ treatment for devastating childhood cancer

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for neuroblastoma, a devastating form of childhood cancer. The new approach uses a combination of two drugs to encourage cancer cells to become normal non-dividing cells, potentially reducing side effects.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023

CAR-NKT cell therapy shows promising results against neuroblastoma in phase 1 clinical trial

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine report well-tolerated CAR-NKT cell therapy with strong antitumor activity in patients with stage 4 relapsed neuroblastoma. The treatment, which targets a molecule found on the surface of neuroblastoma cells, showed encouraging results in three patients with complete and partial responses.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 15, 2023

How cancer genes become independent

A new study has provided insight into the mysterious evolution of DNA rings in tumors, revealing that nearly one-third of all tumors have these genetic structures. The researchers used a technology to trace the path of DNA ring development in neuroblastoma cells, finding that large rings contain cancer genes spurring cell growth.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 4, 2023

Hollings researchers develop small molecule to stimulate natural killer cells against neuroblastoma

Hollings researchers create small molecule that targets CD38 enzyme activity, stimulating proliferation of natural killer cells and enhancing anti-cancer activity. The compound has potential as an adjuvant therapy to boost effects of existing treatments and reduce resistance to monoclonal antibodies.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2023

Concentration of surgery has improved operations for childhood cancer

Researchers at the Princess Máxima Center found that concentrating surgery for children with neuroblastoma resulted in shorter operation times and reduced blood loss. The study also showed a decrease in side effects, although further research is needed to confirm improved survival rates.

SourcePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology·JournalEuropean Journal of Surgical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Genes & Cancer | Systems biology network reveals the correlation between COX-2 expression and Ch 7q copy number alterations in Ch 11q-deleted pediatric neuroblastoma tumors

Researchers analyzed COX-2 levels and segmental chromosome aberrations in pediatric neuroblastoma tumor samples. Positive correlations between pre-CT Ch 7q gain and COX-2 expression were found, as well as negative correlations between Ch 7q gain and Ch 11q deletion.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalGenes & Cancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2022

When combined, a novel LSD1 inhibitor and an existing therapy enhance each other’s anti-cancer effects

Medical University of South Carolina researchers develop a novel LSD1 inhibitor that shows early promise at fighting neuroblastoma when paired with bortezomib. The combination boosts anti-tumor response and is a viable strategy for targeting high-risk MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalEuropean Journal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

Novel, non-invasive method to predict and reduce the relapse of childhood cancers

A team of scientists has discovered a novel non-invasive method to predict and reduce the relapse of childhood cancers, particularly neuroblastoma. The new approach analyzes genes in blood samples to determine the likelihood of cancer spread, allowing for early interventions to prevent relapse.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2022

Research identifies, exploits vulnerability in certain high-risk cancers

A recent study published in Cancer Research identified a unique vulnerability in certain high-risk cancers that can be exploited for targeted therapy. Researchers found that cancer cells with alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) have a common weakness, leading to resistance to DNA-damaging agents and chemotherapy.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

"Bridge therapy” may benefit some children with high-risk neuroblastoma

Researchers found that a bridge therapy approach prior to consolidation therapy can improve event-free survival in patients with stable metastatic cancer after induction therapy. Patients who received this treatment had significantly better outcomes compared to those who underwent direct consolidation or post-induction therapy alone.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 6, 2022