Children from marginalized groups and those with public insurance had poorer five-year survival rates, even when receiving standardized treatment. The study highlights the need for healthcare delivery and supportive care interventions to mitigate racial and ethnic disparities in childhood cancer.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that healthy developing neurons promote metastatic behaviour in neuroblastoma cells. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the unique developmental environment within which cancers of embryonic origin form.
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.
The TTUHSC's C. Patrick Reynolds has received a $1.34 million CPRIT grant to investigate updating the clinical risk stratification scale for neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, two childhood cancers in need of improved therapies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
St. Jude researchers have identified a possible risk for late effects of treatment with the experimental cancer drug CX-5461, which targets topoisomerase II beta (TOP2β) instead of RNA polymerase 1. The study highlights the need for close monitoring of patients enrolled in ongoing clinical trials.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a novel therapy that targets proteins essential for tumor growth and survival. Using a multi-omics approach, they identified peptides unique to neuroblastoma tumors, which are then targeted by peptide-centric chimeric antigen receptors (PC-CARs).
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the UNC School of Medicine developed a dual-threat CAR-T immunotherapy that effectively controls neuroblastoma in animal models. The new therapy targets two antigens on cancer cells, restricting tumor regrowth and preventing evasion by immune cells.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that low-risk and high-risk neuroblastoma have distinct cell identities, which can affect survival rates. The researchers identified a progenitor cell type found in fetal adrenal tissue, which may contribute to the development of aggressive neuroblastoma in older children.
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.
Restoring the molecular clock by reactivating key components BMAL1 and RORa suppressed neuroblastoma tumor growth in laboratory tests. The strategy also sensitized tumors to chemotherapy, providing a potential future treatment option.
Researchers at University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Heath have developed a new way to deliver drugs that can shut down cancer-promoting mutations in neuroblastoma. The nanoparticle-based treatment successfully silenced the MYCN gene, causing tumours to grow at a slower pace and prolonging survival.
Researchers investigated the impact of EGCG on Tau glycation and its effects on advanced glycation end products in neuroblastoma cells. EGCG was found to inhibit methyl glyoxal-induced Tau glycation and reduce advanced glycation end products formation, while also modulating the localization of AT100 phosphorylated Tau.
Research reveals that elevated DLST expression predicts poor patient outcomes and disease aggression in human neuroblastoma. Conversely, reducing DLST levels impairs tumor initiation and suppresses aggression.
Australian researchers aim to improve risk classification and identify therapeutic drugs for neuroblastoma, the deadliest solid tumour in children under five. They will use patient data and genetically engineered stem cells to model the disease process and predict patient outcomes.
A new study establishes a more tolerable chemotherapy regimen for children with high-risk neuroblastoma, while maintaining its effectiveness. The European Neuroblastoma Study Group's rCOJEC regimen showed significant reductions in side effects compared to the US-based MSKCC-N5 regimen.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker in tumours from patients with high-risk neuroblastoma that can predict poorer prognosis and respond to targeted treatment. This breakthrough may lead to personalized treatment options for children with high-risk disease.
Scientists found that platinum chemotherapy can cause genetic changes in children with neuroblastoma, leading to increased risk of secondary leukemia. The study's findings could lead to identifying high-risk children and tailoring their treatment plans to reduce this risk.
Researchers found a highly effective treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma and other forms of aggressive childhood cancer. The combination of CBL0137 and panobinostat resulted in remarkable growth suppression and an immune response that targeted cancer cells.
Researchers developed a personalized tumor cell vaccine strategy targeting Myc oncogenes combined with checkpoint therapy, creating an effective immune response. In the mouse neuroblastoma model, the vaccine showed a 75% cure rate and long-term survival.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center developed a bespoke therapy combining phenformin and AZD3965 to exploit the metabolic 'hunger' of aggressive neuroblastoma, leading to greater tumor shrinkage without collateral damage. The treatment showed promising results in mice seeded with MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma patient cells.
Australian researchers have made a world-first discovery in targeting an aggressive childhood cancer, neuroblastoma. They found that the cellular protein ALYREF plays a crucial role in accelerating MYCN-driven cancer growth in neuroblastoma cells.
Scientists have discovered a natural signal molecule that stops the uncontrolled growth of malignant tumors and promotes the healing of injured nerve fibers. The molecule, EGFL8, is produced by Schwann cells in benign neuroblastomas and stimulates tumor cell maturation, leading to better survival rates for patients.
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.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers has identified USP24 as a frequently missing gene in pediatric patients with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer. The gene plays a crucial role in protecting cells against errors during cell division and its loss may contribute to the development of aggressive tumors.
Scientists have discovered that the MYCN oncogene drives uncontrolled tumour growth in neuroblastoma patients. Inhibiting MYCN or its function may be a promising approach to treating the disease.
Researchers discovered that all neuroblastomas arise from a single type of embryonic cell called sympathoblasts, making them an attractive drug target. This finding reveals novel treatment options for this rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
A new drug combination using Selinexor and Nutlin-3a has shown promising results in increasing susceptibility to chemotherapy in cases of severe neuroblastoma. The treatment targets the p53 gene mutation, which is rare in neuroblastoma but present in other cancer forms.
Researchers identified VRK1 as a key player in tumour growth and proliferation. Inhibiting this protein may be a new strategy for treating aggressive neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer with poor survival rates.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of neuroblastoma has revealed possible approaches for developing precision medicines to improve patient outcomes. The study found associations among common mutational traits that could be exploited therapeutically, including an association between a chromosomal mutation and oxidative stress.
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.
Researchers found genetic variation in DDX1 associated with increased expression and poor survival in neuroblastoma. The MAX protein binds to the DDX1 promoter, influencing MYCN-related variants' impact on neuroblastoma risk.
Researchers found high-dose131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine treatment improved outcomes in refractory high-risk neuroblastoma patients. The study discovered a 42% event-free survival rate at 1 year and 16% at 5 years, with overall survival rates of 58% at 1 year and 42% at 5 years.
Researchers developed a DNA marker to identify tumors that use an alternate lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism, which can help stratify patients into ultra-high risk categories. The study suggests a new scale for neuroblastoma risk stratification could lead to improved treatment outcomes.
A new method to monitor residual disease after treatment in high-risk neuroblastoma patients has been developed using droplet digital PCR. This method enables precise monitoring of minimal residual disease and early diagnosis of tumor relapse/regrowth, leading to improved patient prognoses.
A new study published in British Journal of Cancer has identified the protein stathmin as a crucial player in the spread of neuroblastoma. Stathmin helps regulate PTPN14 expression, affecting migration and invasion of neuroblastoma cells.
A study by University of Seville researchers identified CD44 as a contributor to neuroblastoma's aggressive nature and metastasis. The findings offer a new therapeutic option for eliminating these cells and improving treatment outcomes for patients with high levels of CD44 in their tumors.
A study led by Newcastle University has identified circulating neuroblastoma tumour cells in the blood and bone marrow, providing new insights into the disease's progression. The discovery could enable non-invasive testing of targeted treatments and improve patient outcomes.
The survival rate for high-risk neuroblastoma has increased significantly, with 43% of children surviving five years after diagnosis. Improved treatment methods, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, have been responsible for the increased survival rate.
Researchers have identified a new target molecule for treating childhood cancer neuroblastoma, which may lead to more effective treatments. The study found that high levels of a long non-coding RNA called 'lncNB1' are associated with poor prognosis, and its inhibition can cause cancer cells to die.
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.
Mount Sinai researchers have identified a targeted therapy called tazemetostat that can help children with neuroblastoma, a deadly pediatric nerve cancer. Tazemetostat disables an enzyme called EZH2, killing neuroblastoma cells.
Australian researchers have identified a gene called JMJD6 that plays a key role in the most aggressive form of neuroblastoma. The discovery opens up new possibilities for targeted drug therapy, with promising results shown in animal models.
Researchers found a compound named 5'-iodotubercidin (5'-IT) that suppresses neuroblastoma cell growth and identified a potential new therapeutic approach. The study, led by Dr. Michael Lan, discovered a DNA-binding protein called INSM1 that is overproduced in neuroblastoma tumors.
Researchers discovered BRCA1 protein helps neuroblastoma cells cope with stress by opening a side track for repair. This mechanism enables tumours to grow rapidly despite DNA damage.
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.
A new study identifies key molecular features that predict clinical outcomes in neuroblastoma patients. The research suggests a molecular classification scheme to select the best treatment for each patient, with tumors lacking telomere maintenance mechanisms considered low-risk and those with these features deemed higher-risk.
Researchers have found a drug combination that made tumors disappear in mice with neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. The CBL0137/panobinostat combination was more effective than single drug treatments and showed promise for reducing side effects and increasing survival rates.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a proof-of-concept study for treating recurrent metastatic neuroblastoma using dinutuximab and activated natural killer cells. The study showed significant improvement in survival rates, providing a promising lead for a clinical trial.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that combining a novel compound called alisertib with chemotherapy had anti-tumor activity in children with high-risk, relapsed neuroblastoma. The treatment resulted in an objective response rate of 21% and one-year progression-free survival of 34%.
Researchers at Nemours Children's Hospital investigated Zika's effects on neuroblastoma cell lines, finding potential as a treatment option. The virus targets developing nerve cells while leaving normal cells alone, providing hope for new therapies.
Researchers developed a logic-based model incorporating information about developmental signaling pathways to predict disease progression and outcome in neuroblastoma. The model proved accurate in predicting outcomes in children less than 2 years old with 91% accuracy.
A novel combination of an epigenetic drug and a BCL-2 inhibitor has been identified as a promising target to reverse the development of high-risk neuroblastoma. The study found that this combination increases cell differentiation, allowing cancer cells to mature normally, making them more vulnerable to treatment.
A new study found that children with neuroblastoma have an elevated risk of developing anxiety, depression, and attention deficits. The study also showed that survivors who experience psychological impairment are more likely to require special education services and not attend college.
A new transatlantic Phase 1 clinical trial for neuroblastoma is open in the UK, combining targeted radiation therapy with antibodies Nivolumab and Dinutuximab beta to enhance immune response. The study aims to prove the combination's effectiveness in boosting children's long-term immunity against their disease.
Researchers found that blocking tumor-associated macrophages can improve chemotherapy response in neuroblastoma, even in T cell deficient mice. This new approach may be effective for children with high-risk disease and could lead to the development of new combination therapies.
Researchers have identified two new biomarkers, a trio of RNA molecules, to help determine the severity of neuroblastoma in children. This discovery has immediate significance for disease prognosis and will eventually contribute to more effective treatments.