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Tumors on withdrawal: Amino acid deficiency shrinks childhood tumors

Researchers discovered that neuroblastoma cells with high MYCN activity need cysteine, an amino acid crucial for protein production. Depriving these cells of cysteine triggers ferroptosis, a form of cell death, causing tumors to shrink. The study provides new insights into the treatment of aggressive neuroblastoma in children.

Pediatric cancer patients in lower- and middle-income countries faced significantly higher mortality risk during the COVID-19 pandemic

Pediatric cancer patients from lower- and middle-income countries faced a higher risk of all-cause mortality than those in high-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that patients in LMICs had 35.7 times the risk of all-cause mortality compared to those in HICs.

Tumor evolution

Researchers analyzed 140 neuroblastoma samples to understand the genetic changes associated with the disease. They found that mutations can disappear and reappear, occurring in distinct sections or individual cells, making targeted therapy less effective.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2021

Successful treatment in mice for severe childhood cancer

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have successfully treated high-risk neuroblastoma in mice using a combination of precision medicines, showing potential for a curative treatment. The study's results suggest that patients with this form of childhood cancer may benefit from drug treatment with ATR inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Critical conflict in cancer cells

A study found that the MYCN protein creates conflicts between DNA replication and transcription in cancer cells, leading to increased division rates and potential damage. The researchers hope to develop therapies by disrupting the cooperation between MYCN and a molecule called BRCA1.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 30, 2021

Study could lead to new treatments for neuroblastoma

Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for neuroblastoma by targeting the ALT mechanism, which is responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The study found that activating ATM kinase at telomeres promotes chemotherapy resistance in ALT neuroblastoma and suggests a cancer-specific approach to treating this disease.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Abundance of iron drives cell death and could inform novel treatments for neuroblastoma

A recent study found that MYCN overexpression leads to increased iron levels, which induce ferroptosis, a type of cell death. This vulnerability can be exploited by drugs blocking ROS elimination, making cancer cells susceptible to treatment. The researchers plan to test FDA-approved rheumatoid arthritis drugs in preclinical models.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 23, 2021

Promising treatment for aggressive childhood cancer

Researchers at Lund University identified and tested a drug effective against neuroblastoma, showing promising results with tumor growth prevention and prolonged survival in mice. The KSP inhibitor has been shown to be especially effective against the aggressive variant, which often has poor prognosis.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 6, 2020

TTUHSC researchers publish preclinical data on new drug combination to treat neuroblastoma

Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have developed a novel drug combination using fenretinide and venetoclax to treat high-risk neuroblastoma. The study found that the combination of these two drugs showed significant activity against neuroblastoma cells, with multiple complete responses achieved in patients.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateNov 8, 2019

Antibody-drug conjugate shows efficacy against cell surface protein in neuroblastoma

A preclinical therapy attached to an antibody targeting the ALK protein shows effectiveness against most neuroblastoma cells, killing cancer cells with minimal harm to healthy tissues. This approach could lead to new treatment options for aggressive forms of neuroblastoma and other high-mortality childhood cancers.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 13, 2019