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Calgary man says clinical trial gave him hope when he had none

Researchers at the University of Calgary have developed a novel CAR T-cell therapy called GCAR1, showing strong preclinical and early clinical promise in treating sarcoma and other cancers. The therapy has been tested on two Canadian patients, with one patient experiencing significant prolongation of life expectancy by 18 months.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 2, 2026

CPRIT awards newly integrated UT San Antonio to further its mission to combat cancers across South Texas

The University of Texas at San Antonio has received significant funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to develop innovative cancer research technologies and treatments. The institution will focus on pressing cancers such as Ewing sarcoma, obesity-related endometrial cancer risk, and AI in clinical oncology.

New targeted therapy shows promise against aggressive childhood and adult cancers

A new targeted therapy has shown strong results in preclinical studies against aggressive childhood and adult cancers, eliminating tumours and stopping cancer spread. The therapy targets the IL1RAP protein, which is found on cancer cells but largely absent from normal tissues, allowing for precise delivery of treatment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2026

Triple combination therapy before surgery helps boost immunity against aggressive soft tissue sarcomas

Researchers found that combining targeted radiation therapy with BO-112 and anti-PD-1 therapy before surgery activated the immune system to fight cancer. This approach reshaped the tumor microenvironment to support T-cell activity, resulting in fewer cancer cells and a more effective anti-tumor response.

Study finds radiation therapy administered before surgery rarely shrinks retroperitoneal sarcoma tumors

A new study from Fox Chase Cancer Center confirms that preoperative radiation therapy does not reduce surgical complexity in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma. The research suggests that most patients benefit from proceeding directly to surgery, as skipping radiation has no significant impact on tumor size or surgical outcomes.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·DateJan 14, 2026

Scientists create radiotheranostic approach designed to combat aggressive cancers

Researchers create novel antibody-based treatment that combines diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities to target LRRC15-expressing tumors, slowing growth and extending survival. The approach shows promise in preclinical models by priming tumors for immune response and boosting immunotherapy's effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·DateOct 8, 2025

Sizing up a weakness in synovial sarcoma’s genes

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute found that using a drug as a blocker to outcompete the SUMO2 protein may be a winning strategy against synovial sarcoma. This approach aims to reverse aberrant epigenetic rewiring driven by the SS18::SSX fusion oncoproteins and impair sarcomagenesis.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2025

ASCO 2025: Pancreatic cancer blood tests, genetic predictors of breast cancer survival and sarcoma treatment response prediction tools among Ohio State findings

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed blood tests to diagnose pancreatic cancer and predict treatment outcomes. Genetic information can also help predict breast cancer survival rates, while a new blood test may improve treatment response for patients with advanced sarcoma. These findings offer promising tools for early de...

Fragmented care does not affect survival outcomes for retroperitoneal sarcoma, Fox Chase Cancer Center study finds

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that fragmented care does not negatively impact survival outcomes for retroperitoneal sarcoma patients. Despite longer travel distances and delays between diagnosis and treatment, patients receiving nonfragmented care had equivalent overall survival rates as those with non-fragmented care.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalThe American Journal of Surgery·DateMay 13, 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

Immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab improves outcomes for patients with soft tissue sarcoma

A new clinical trial found that the addition of immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab to standard treatment improved disease-free survival rates for patients with stage 3 soft tissue sarcoma. The study showed that pembrolizumab reduced recurrence or death for patients by 15 percentage points compared to standard treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·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

FAP-targeted therapy demonstrates significant efficacy in controlling advanced sarcomas

Researchers found that FAP-targeted radioligand therapy controlled disease progression in nearly half of patients with advanced sarcoma, and was well-tolerated without critical organ radiation dose levels being reached. The study's results indicate a promising approach for this patient group with limited treatment options.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 8, 2024

Stanford Medicine-designed AI tools tackle soft tissue sarcomas, identify new treatment strategies

Researchers used machine learning tools to map distinct cellular configurations in soft tissue sarcomas, identifying correlations between cell types and clinical outcomes. The analysis uncovered three multicellular communities that correlated with patients' prognoses, potentially informing treatment decisions.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2024

If you can't beat them, mock them

A team of researchers from Kyoto University has developed a microfluidic co-culture vasculature chip that mimics the microenvironment of alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), a rare cancer. The chip enables scientists to study cell-to-cell interactions and angiogenic mechanisms, which may lead to new strategies for treating ASPS patients.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Immunotherapy before surgery leads to promising long-term survival in sarcoma patients

A Phase II trial found that neoadjuvant immunotherapy significantly reduced residual tumor and improved overall survival for patients with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, with 90% having less than 15% viable tumor cells remaining. The treatment approach is a promising option for patients with limited systemic therapy options.

Epigenetic combination therapy could overcome treatment resistance in epithelioid sarcomas and rhabdoid tumors

Researchers have identified mechanisms of resistance to tazemetostat in epithelioid sarcoma and rhabdoid tumors, leading to the development of a combination therapy strategy. The therapy uses an epigenetic treatment approach to target specific mutations that drive cancer growth.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Once rhabdomyosarcoma, now muscle

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have made a significant breakthrough in transforming rhabdomyosarcoma cells into regularly functioning muscle cells using differentiation therapy. This innovative approach has the potential to spare patients and their families from pain and suffering by offering a new treatment option.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2023