Articles tagged with Cancer Immunotherapy
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology emphasizes the significance of clinical trials in advancing breast cancer treatments and early detection. The organization's work has led to a 44% decline in breast cancer mortality rates among women since 1989.
Researchers at Pusan National University investigated how chronic environmental stress drives immune dysfunction in cold tumors, revealing a key driver of NK-cell maladaptation: the GDF15-AhR axis. This axis sustains activation of stress-sensing receptors, gradually exhausting NK cells and enabling immune escape.
Research at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center has identified biomarkers to identify patients with resectable NSCLC who benefit most from perioperative immunotherapy. The center also found that the composition of donor cord blood may influence CAR NK cell therapy outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that preoperative chemo-immunotherapy was more effective than immunotherapy alone in reducing tumor size in patients with head and neck cancer. The study analyzed data from 86 adults with head and neck cancer treated between July 2024 and March 2026, and showed that pat...
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF discovered a pair of genetic edits that make CAR-T cells more effective against solid tumors. The new CRISPR screening platform enables the study of gene edits on CAR-T cells inside living mice, uncovering therapeutic targets previously missed in conventional cell culture systems.
Recent research found that D-serine accelerates gastric cancer growth by suppressing cytotoxic T-cell activity and promoting immunosuppressive macrophages. High serum D-serine concentrations were linked to ICI therapy resistance in patients, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for disease progression.
Cancer cells' ability to evade the immune system is linked to changes in their surrounding environment, including nearby nutrients and conditions. Researchers discovered that altering these factors can thin the cancer cell's protective sugar coating, allowing the immune system to recognize and eliminate them.
The Alliance QUANTUM trial is testing whether post-transplant consolidation therapy with teclistamab improves survival in patients with primary plasma cell leukemia. Plasma cell leukemia is a rare but aggressive blood cancer with poor long-term survival rates.
A multidisciplinary team of Penn researchers has developed a platform that delivers a combination of cancer-fighting therapies to treat oral squamous cell carcinoma. The findings show that the platform significantly reduces tumor burden and extends survival in aggressive, p53-therapy-resistant cancer models.
Researchers developed a quantum machine learning framework to predict which tumor mutations will trigger an immune response. The Q-CHIPP model outperformed classical computing methods and achieved a significant technical milestone by scaling to full-length peptide modeling on quantum hardware.
Circulating circRNAs show high cell-type and tissue specificity, making them ideal for non-invasive cancer management. They can be detected in multiple body fluids and reflect treatment response, positioning them as functional drivers of therapy resistance.
Dr. Yi Li receives CPRIT funding to develop treatments for solitary fibrous tumor, a rare cancer driven by gene fusions. Researchers are working on novel therapies, including immunotherapy and antisense oligonucleotides, to reduce cancer-causing signal activity.
Research reveals that patients' inherited genetic variants can impact the benefits and toxicity of CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancers. Variants in genes such as STXBP2, ADAMTSL3, and PTPN22 were found to correlate with treatment-related toxicity or enhanced therapeutic activity.
Researchers at Kobe University have successfully created a subclass of T cells that can be used across patients and reproduceably turned back into those T cells. These cells attack and shrink human patient-derived colorectal cancer tumors implanted in mice, offering potential for future systemic therapy.
Researchers at Nagoya University discovered that complement C3 protein acts inside tumors to prevent immunosuppressive cells, improving cancer immunotherapy effectiveness. Higher levels of C3 in tumor tissue were associated with better treatment outcomes and survival rates in patients.
Researchers discover how tumors hijack the thymus to evade immune surveillance by transporting tumor antigens there. Disrupting a specific chemokine receptor may enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Scientists at UVA have developed a new method to target glioblastoma, the most common and deadly brain cancer, by delivering microRNAs through the brain's natural barrier. The approach shows promise in slowing tumor growth and extending survival in animal models.
University of Minnesota researchers found that certain immune cells, regulatory T cells, prevent helpful T cells from eliminating hidden cancer cells. By combining treatment strategies, they improved the immune response and reduced cancer spread in preclinical models.
Exercise oncology identifies anti-tumor mechanisms that can be translated into therapies independent of exercise itself. Mechanistic insights from exercise research inform translational opportunities in areas like metabolic remodeling, gut microbiome manipulation, and immune signaling.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant progress in treating rare brain infections with a virus-specific T cell therapy, achieving an overall response rate of 56.8% in patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The center also introduced a novel CAR T cell therapy for hard-to-treat kidney ...
Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which T cells attack and eliminate acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. The discovery reveals that AML cells use a CD64-dependent pathway to evade traditional MHC recognition, potentially explaining why AML is sensitive to immune-based treatments.
A buildup of bile acids caused by an unhealthy gut can drive breast cancer to other parts of the body, researchers reveal. The study found that replenishing beneficial bacteria or treating patients with FDA-approved bile acid sequestrants may reduce breast cancer metastasis.
A novel oral vaccine platform using genetically engineered Bifidobacterium could enhance anti-tumor immunity. The results point to potential biomarkers that may help identify patients most likely to benefit from this approach.
Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified a specific gut bacterium, Bacteroides uniformis, and its metabolites that can positively impact the body's immune response to cancer. The study found that these metabolites can suppress tumor growth and boost anti-tumor immunity in mice.
Researchers created a comprehensive single-cell map of the tumor immune microenvironment in multiple myeloma and its precursor conditions. The study identified five distinct subtypes, or 'ecotypes,' that capture meaningful insights into signaling pathways and genetic programs not fully explained by disease stage alone.
A study published in Cancer Cell identified a six-gene signature in microscopic colorectal cancer liver metastases that may help predict recurrence after treatment. The findings suggest these tiny tumor deposits could serve as a tissue-based marker of residual cancer cells, recurrence risk and chemotherapy resistance.
A new method called ATTACH identifies strong interactions between T cells and cancer-specific proteins to isolate effective tumor-reactive T cells. This approach overcomes key challenges in immunotherapy development, offering a rapid and accessible way for isolating rare immune cells.
Researchers have developed a microfluidic platform that recreates the complex ecosystem surrounding pancreatic tumors and observed how cells interact dynamically. The findings reveal a critical mechanism that may explain why many therapies fail and point to new therapeutic strategies.
A new AI model called COMPASS improves the prediction of which patients are most likely to respond to cancer immunotherapy drugs, outperforming existing approaches by 8.5 percent. The model makes predictions based on tumor gene activity and provides a rationale for its output.
Researchers at the University of Turku have developed a reliable laboratory model to study BAP1-deficient melanomas, which are resistant to immunotherapies. The new tool could lead to novel immunotherapy combinations for aggressive melanomas.
Researchers developed genetically engineered CAR T cells specifically targeting bladder cancer cells and delivered them directly to the bladder via a catheter. This approach shows promise in controlling bladder tumors in mice and may be effective in humans, offering an alternative to life-altering procedures like bladder removal.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center receive $1.7M grant to advance CAR T-cell therapies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. They will investigate a new approach combining engineered nanovial technology with single-cell analysis to rapidly evaluate and optimize dual-targeted CAR T-cell therapies.
A phase III trial is investigating whether an immune-boosting drug can help keep early-stage lung cancer from coming back after surgery. Researchers aim to enroll 336 participants with stage I non-small cell lung cancer and determine if the treatment reduces recurrence.
Researchers identified a critical biological difference in glioblastoma development between male and female laboratory models, pinpointing an immune pathway fueled by GABA in females. Blocking this signal improves outcomes in women, but not men.
Researchers will develop genetic boosters and "two-factor authentication" for CAR T cell therapy, targeting HER2-positive lung, breast, and colon tumors. The project aims to improve the efficacy of CAR T cells against solid tumors while reducing collateral damage.
Dr. Nowicki's research aims to develop a next-generation CAR-T cell therapy targeting GD2, a protein found on osteosarcoma cells, with enhanced immune-signaling molecule TNF-alpha. The grant will support preclinical studies to evaluate safety and effectiveness in laboratory and animal models.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have achieved high response rates in patients with hard-to-treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using an all-oral combination therapy. The study also provides insights into the origins of cancer, revealing that tumors evolve rapidly through bursts of genetic changes.
A spatial map of muscle-invasive bladder cancer reveals organized tumor cell states, immune environments, and therapeutic vulnerabilities. Luminal-like cells are found in tumor cores with relevant therapeutic markers, while basal-like cells near margins show signs of aggressiveness. This study guides treatment strategies by accounting ...
Magnus Hoffmann, a Gladstone scientist, has been recognized as a 2026 Pew Biomedical Scholar for his pioneering approach to advancing human health and medicine. His lab is developing an innovative immunotherapy platform to enhance the natural ability of the immune system to detect and respond to tumor-specific features.
The Sylvester Cancer Institute has made significant breakthroughs in multiple myeloma treatment with the immunotherapy drug teclistamab, which extends remission and survival rates. Additionally, research has shed light on glioma evolution after treatment and identified genetic markers for aggressive solitary fibrous tumors.
Researchers have identified a protein called cathepsin B that can prevent CAR T-cells from tearing off fragments from cancer cells, allowing them to stay active longer and fight cancer more effectively. This breakthrough could lead to improved durability and outcomes for patients with recurrent or difficult-to-treat blood cancers.
The FDA has accepted Genentech's supplemental Biologic License Application for atezolizumab, supported by phase III ATOMIC trial results. The trial showed a 50% reduction in cancer recurrence or death and 86.3% disease-free survival rate.
Research reveals B7x facilitates immune evasion by creating a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, leading to accelerated tumor growth rates and worsened survival outcomes. Combinatorial immunotherapy targeting B7x and PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 improves antitumor responses.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have designed a new therapy that combines engineered Salmonella bacteria with oncolytic viruses to target liver and pancreatic cancer. The treatment showed promising results in animal models, leading to significant tumor reduction and improved survival rates.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center have found a way to improve CAR-T cancer therapy by engineering cells to express the receptor CCR7. This allows CAR-T cells to penetrate lymph nodes more efficiently and kill cancer cells quickly.
Researchers used magnetic particle imaging to track cell therapy injections in mice, finding that it can visualize therapeutic cells as they inject them. The technique shows promise for developing more effective treatments for certain cancers, autoimmune diseases like MS, and neurological conditions.
Researchers identified microRNA-25 as a key player in creating an immune-suppressive tumor environment that resists cancer immunotherapy. Removing miR-25 reshaped the environment and activated anti-tumor immune responses, suggesting a potential target for converting 'cold' tumors into responsive 'hot' tumors.
In a landmark international trial, teclistamab outperformed standard treatments in extending survival and remission for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. Nearly 70% of patients remained disease-free after 18 months, and nearly two-thirds achieved complete remission.
A Dartmouth Cancer Center study reveals that the location of immune cells within a tumor can determine whether they aid or hinder the anti-cancer response. Macrophages, often seen as helpful in clearing debris, have been found to play complex roles depending on their location and signals produced.
A phase I clinical trial is testing whether a tumor-targeting virus can help immunotherapy work more effectively against aggressive neuroendocrine tumors. The study uses a combination of immunotherapy medications and an oncolytic virus delivered directly into the tumors, aiming to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered a new gene expression signature linked to prolonged overall survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who responded to combined immune checkpoint inhibitors. The biomarker has the potential to help identify patients most likely to benefit from this treatment combination.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have developed a new method to enhance anti-cancer immunity by redirecting non-specialized immune cells to present a broader range of tumor antigens. This approach, leveraging understanding of dendritic cell biology, has shown promise in reducing tumour growth and amplifying responses in mice.
The LUNA-2 trial will pair immunotherapy with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to boost treatment effectiveness in people with non-small cell lung cancer. If successful, it could provide new treatment options for those living with the disease, helping them live longer and with fewer side effects.
Researchers from The University of Osaka discovered that only a small proportion of CD8 T cells undergo sustained clonal expansion in multiple myeloma immunotherapy, leading to the strongest anti-tumor response. Early immune activity could help predict which cells will become effective cancer fighters.
A new cytokine-armored CAR-T cell therapy has been developed to attack aggressive brain tumors in mice while reducing side effects. The approach recruits the body's immune system using IL-12 and DR-18 proteins, strengthening the anti-cancer response and improving tumor control.
Researchers found that a common asthma drug can help fight aggressive cancers by blocking the CysLTR1 molecule. The study used mouse models and human tissue samples to demonstrate its potential in treating triple-negative breast cancer and other tough tumors.
A new mRNA-based strategy amplifies the T-cell response to vaccines, enabling more powerful cancer vaccines and stronger protection against infectious diseases. The approach reprograms immune cells from within using mRNA instructions that expand cancer-fighting T cells.
The Alliance A082402 study evaluates the effectiveness of involved-station I²-PORT in reducing NSCLC recurrence without long-term side effects. Participants will undergo randomized treatment with or without targeted radiation therapy after surgery.
Researchers review how engineered nanomaterials can be used to deliver antigens, improve antigen presentation, support T cell priming and infiltration, and reshape tumor niches. The materials are designed to intervene across the cancer-immunity cycle, improving immune activation while reducing off-target effects.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant advancements in cancer care, including the development of a targeted RAS inhibitor therapy for pancreatic cancer and a biomarker of chemotherapy resistance in relapsed lung cancer. The studies also explore the tumor microenvironment of triple-negative breast cancer and i...