Cancer Immunotherapy

UT MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs

UMass Chan scientist Marcus Ruscetti receives 2026 Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize

Combination therapy with stem cell-derived immune cells boost anti-cancer response

A recent study reveals that combining iNKT cell therapy with antigen-presenting cells activated by a lipid compound triggers effective antitumor immunity. The therapy generates memory-phenotype T cells that can recognize and respond to specific threats, offering a promising personalized approach to cancer treatment.

A blood test reveals ‘neighborhoods’ of cells in tumors, predicts immunotherapy responses

Researchers developed a blood test that identifies nine cellular neighborhoods surrounding tumors, correlating with tumor response to immunotherapy and patient prognosis. The test provides real-time access to information about successful therapies.

Aparna Bhaduri awarded Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize for advancing glioblastoma research

Dr. Aparna Bhaduri receives $750k Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize for her innovative glioblastoma research. Her advanced human organoid models reveal how tumors interact with the immune system and brain cells, driving tumor aggressiveness.

Researchers find biomarker of chemotherapy resistance in relapsed lung cancer

Researchers have discovered a biomarker for chemotherapy resistance in small cell lung cancer, which can help identify cells that become more invasive and lead to treatment resistance. Targeting these cells with YAP1 may be a possible strategy to improve patient outcomes.

Trial now enrolling seeks to answer key question: Does adding chemotherapy to hormone therapy improve survival for metastatic prostate cancer?

The ASPIRE trial aims to enroll 1,200 participants with advanced prostate cancer and assess the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival and disease progression. Genetic profiling is included to identify patients who benefit most from intensified treatment.

Researchers find potential one-two punch against triple-negative breast cancer

A study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that inhibiting RNase H2 can cause significant damage to DNA and activate the innate immune system to produce signals that attract T cells to attack the tumor. This approach could lead to improved patient outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

Researcher awarded $2.75M NIH grant to develop next-gen cancer treatments

Binghamton University Professor L. Nathan Tumey is working on developing new chemical technologies for antibody-drug-conjugates to push the boundaries of what can be accomplished in ADCs. The goal is to awaken tumor-associated immune cells and prevent cancer regrowth.

Discovery of a novel vulnerability in aggressive lymphoma could change future therapy

A research team at the University of Cologne discovered that the protein cFLIP can be used to override the defences of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) against programmed cell death. Targeting cFLIP could re-activate cell death in lymphoma cells and provide a new therapy option.

Mayo Clinic research supports targeted therapy to manage kidney complications, potentially enabling continuation of lifesaving immunotherapy

A Mayo Clinic study provides preclinical evidence for a targeted approach to managing immune-related kidney inflammation triggered by immunotherapy. The findings suggest that TNF-alpha blockade may improve markers of kidney injury and could be explored as a preventive measure.

Cellular neighborhoods inside tumors may predict which patients with melanoma benefit from combination immunotherapy

Researchers found that tumor genetics alone did not explain which patients responded to combination therapy, but rather the tumor's immune environment. Patients with active networks of cancer-killing T cells were more likely to benefit from treatment, while those with dense clusters of plasma cells were less likely.

AACR: Novel approach prevents cancer progression, spares surgery for majority of patients with precancerous oral lesions

A new treatment using low-dose nivolumab injections into precancerous oral lesions significantly reduced lesion size and risk of cancer progression. The study showed a 60% average reduction in lesion size and complete pathologic response in six patients, with no dose-limiting side effects.

Groundbreaking bowel cancer trial follow-up shows zero relapses

A new study reveals that patients with stage two or three bowel cancer who received immunotherapy before surgery have remained cancer-free for over three years. The trial found that this treatment approach can provide more durable cancer control compared to traditional post-op chemotherapy.

Alliance study shows new promise against locally advanced lung cancer

A study by the Alliance Foundation Trials shows that combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery can help more patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer undergo complete cancer resection, improving their long-term health. The treatment also led to high rates of lymph node clearance and successful surgical re...

Understanding the diverse chemokine signals in tumor microenvironment for advanced immunotherapy

Chemokines regulate immune cell infiltration and local immunity in tumors, and targeting their receptor axis has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in cancer immunotherapy. Chemokine-modulating strategies combining with other immunotherapies have demonstrated considerable synergistic potential.

UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital treats first clinical trial participant in novel cancer study

The hospital is conducting a phase 2 clinical trial evaluating STAR0602, which activates the immune system to stop tumor growth across various cancers. The goal of this study is to identify safer and more effective treatments for people with advanced cancers.

UTHealth Houston-developed cancer therapy platform takes major step toward clinical translation

The UTHealth Houston-developed dual-payload antibody-drug conjugate technology has been acquired by Eli Lilly, marking a major step towards clinical translation. This technology delivers chemotherapy directly to tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue, offering a promising approach to cancer treatment.

AACR: UT MD Anderson shares latest breakthroughs in cancer research

Researchers from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center present studies on single-cell technologies, integrative computational approaches, and experimental therapeutics, highlighting innovations in mRNA vaccines and spatial multi-omics techniques. The studies aim to improve immunotherapy responses and detect treatment-resistant glioma cells.

Penn Medicine at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026

Researchers from Penn Medicine will showcase progress in CAR T cell therapies for solid tumors, as well as a multi-chain CAR T cell therapy for ovarian cancer. The presentation also highlights a new strategy targeting pancreatic cancer before it forms and at-home cervical cancer testing.

UCalgary led International study explores why multiple myeloma patients often relapse after immunotherapy

A University of Calgary-led study found that multiple myeloma tumour cells adapt in multiple ways to become resistant to treatment, highlighting the need for personalized cancer therapy. The research aims to develop next-generation treatments designed to anticipate and overcome these changes.

Kenneth M. Murphy, MD, PhD, recognized with the 2026 AACR-CRI Lloyd J. Old Award in Cancer Immunology

Dr. Kenneth M. Murphy is being recognized for his groundbreaking research on dendritic cell subsets, which regulate adaptive immune responses and have advanced the understanding of antigen presentation and immune system regulation. His work has informed strategies to enhance antitumor immunity and cancer immunotherapy.

New sequencing method exposes hidden gaps in immune signaling

Researchers have developed a new single-cell technology called CIPHER-seq that captures the timing of cytokine activity with greater accuracy. This allows for a clearer view of immune cell behavior and strengthens the foundation for understanding cancer, inflammation, and treatment resistance.

Natural compound PGG unlocks pyroptosis to boost anti-tumor immunity

Researchers have identified a natural compound called PGG as a MAT2A inhibitor that promotes protein degradation while inhibiting enzymatic activity, offering a promising new strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

Targeting tumor supporting cells: Advancing CAR T success in pancreatic cancer

Researchers have developed a new CAR T therapy that targets tumor-supporting cells in pancreatic cancer, paving the way for a potentially safer and more effective treatment. The therapy uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver CAR instructions directly to patient T cells, resulting in higher expression rates and improved efficacy compared t...

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.

Tiny chips, bigger insights for cancer treatment

Researchers have developed microfluidic platforms that capture dynamic cell behavior and reveal how cancers evade immunity, how therapies succeed or fail. These systems can test cellular therapies, identify biomarkers, and support personalized cancer treatment.

Gladstone Institutes expands research footprint with 105,000 square feet of new laboratory space

Gladstone Institutes has secured over 105,000 square feet of future laboratory space in a newly constructed building, empowering its scientists to create medicines of the future. The new space will be home to approximately 300 scientists across 20 labs, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and computational abilities.

New study finds common blood pressure drug boosts cancer treatment

A new study found that the common blood pressure medication telmisartan can significantly enhance the cancer-killing activity of olaparib, potentially expanding its use to many more patients. Telmisartan made tumors more vulnerable to PARP inhibitors, even when they lacked specific DNA repair defects.

Immune response to cancer may cause brain disease

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that antibodies produced in response to cancer can attack the brain, causing autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that these antibodies may be harnessed to develop new treatments for triple-negative breast cancer.

Immune cell ‘bloodhounds’ track cancer cells’ unique metabolic signatures, eliminate tumors in mice

Researchers equipped immune cells with proteins to recognize cancer cell metabolism, enhancing their ability to infiltrate and control tumor growth. The new therapy approach shows promise in treating solid tumors, overcoming a key limitation of existing immunotherapies.

Scientists “turbocharge” immune cells to attack prostate cancer

Researchers engineered supercharged T cells that can recognize and kill prostate cancer cells more effectively. By fine-tuning how they physically interact with tumor cells, the T cells form a stronger bond, allowing them to deliver a targeted immune response without damaging healthy tissue.

Engineered lipid nanoparticles reprogram immune metabolism for better mRNA vaccines

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed lipid nanoparticles that modify immune metabolism to strengthen mRNA vaccines and reduce common side effects. The new lipid boosts the metabolism of immune cells, providing energy for the body's defenses while dialing down inflammatory signals.

Universal, ready-to-use immunotherapy detects and destroys endometrial cancer

Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel immunotherapy that uses CAR-NKT cell therapy to fight endometrial cancer. The therapy achieved complete tumor elimination and prolonged survival in mouse models, outperforming conventional CAR-T cell therapies.

New alliance clinical trial aims to improve outcomes in brain tumors

A new clinical trial will investigate whether adding the oral medication vorasidenib to standard chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for people with newly-diagnosed, grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. The study aims to recruit 400 individuals with this type of brain cancer and evaluate the safety and side-effect profile of the...

NRG Oncology/Alliance trial finds immunotherapy did not improve survival when added to chemoradiotherapy for small cell lung cancer

The NRG-LU005 trial found that immunotherapy atezolizumab did not improve survival for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer when added to chemoradiation. Twice-daily radiation therapy, however, was associated with improved survival in this population.

Dual targeting approach improves immunotherapy response in glioblastoma

Blocking two key 'don't eat me signals' in cancer cells heightens the immune response and sensitizes tumors to immunotherapy in glioblastoma models. Researchers found that simultaneously blocking CD47 and CD24 improved immunotherapy response, allowing macrophages to better recognize and attack cancer cells.

Alliance trial aims to improve outcomes for chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The Alliance trial explores the combination of zanubrutinib and sonrotoclax for CLL treatment, aiming to send cancer into remission and allow patients to stop treatment earlier. The study has the potential to be life-changing for patients and their families, reducing the burden of ongoing therapy and improving quality of life.

Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology highlights new and open colorectal cancer trials in March

The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.

Molecular target drives immunogenicity in cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have identified tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) as a key molecular target in immunogenic cell death (ICD), a type of regulated cell death that activates the immune system against cancer cells. Two platinum-containing compounds, Pt-NHC and PlatinER, trigger ICD by blocking PTP1B's enzymatic activity.

Overcoming ovarian cancer’s resistance to immunotherapy

A new study demonstrates that blocking a signaling protein called FAK helps mobilize an anti-tumor immune response, allowing tumor-fighting cells to approach tumors and shift the behavior of other immune cells to work against them. This approach achieved the best effects on immune cell recruitment, tumor size reduction, and survival ti...

UCLA researchers engineer CAR-T cells to target hard-to-treat solid tumors

The novel approach outperforms standard CAR-T cell therapy in preclinical studies using mouse models of glioblastoma and ovarian cancer. Armored CAR-T cells eliminate tumors, reshape the tumor environment, and boost immune-cell activity.

Allison Institute announces appointment of four new members

The James P. Allison Institute at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center appoints Eric Gardner, Betty Kim, Rodrigo Romero, and Hojong Yoon to advance immunotherapy research. These experts bring expertise in immune therapy resistance, cancer vaccines, bioengineering, tumor evolution, and drug development.

Upcoming Alliance webinar highlights latest cancer treatment advances

The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology will host a webinar highlighting recent clinical advances in breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and leukemia. Researchers will present key findings from ASH and SABCS meetings, impacting treatment outcomes.

Fifteen-year results from SWOG S0016 trial suggest follicular lymphoma is curable

Researchers analyzed 15-year data from a clinical trial, finding that 70% of patients remained alive and 42% were considered cured after treatment. Cure modeling estimated the overall cure rate at 42% of treated patients.

Discovery linking gut bacteria to cancer treatment wins the Bial Award in Biomedicine and earns €350,000 prize

A study in Science reveals that a healthy gut microbiota enhances immunotherapy's efficacy against cancer, while antibiotics reduce diversity and may impair treatment. Analysis found specific bacterial species associated with better clinical outcomes.

Solving cancer immunotherapy’s fuel shortage

Researchers at UCLA have found a way to supercharge immune cells with a fuel source that tumors can't steal, dramatically improving their ability to survive and attack solid tumors. The approach enables T cells to import cellobiose and convert it into usable glucose inside the cell.

Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation awards $3.2 million to innovative early-career scientists

The foundation awarded $400,000 over two years to five early-career researchers and continuation support to three current Innovators with significant progress on their proposed research. The recipients focus on developing targeted therapeutics, decoding dendritic cell function, defining NKT cell interactions with tumors, engineering T ...

Scientists report landmark “evolutionary double-bind” strategy to overcome treatment resistance in prostate cancer

Researchers found that radiation-resistant cancer cells are vulnerable to NK cell-mediated killing due to increased expression of specific cellular membrane proteins, creating an 'evolutionary double-bind'. The combination of radiation therapy and NK cell-based immunotherapy was more effective in suppressing both sensitive and resistan...

Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery shows promise for pancreatic cancer

A new UCLA study found that adding immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy before surgery is safe and shows promise for some patients with borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer. The combination treatment helped patients live long enough to reach surgery, shrank tumors, and produced encouraging survival outcomes.

Basic research on Listeria bacteria leads to unique cancer therapy

Researchers have engineered Listeria bacteria to stimulate the body's innate immune system and eliminate cancer cells. The therapy, which boosts gamma delta T cells, shows promise in treating children with leukemia and preventing graft-versus-host disease.

HPV cancer vaccine slows tumor growth, extends survival in preclinical model

A new HPV cancer vaccine developed by Northwestern University scientists has shown promising results in a preclinical model. The vaccine's carefully organized structure dramatically enhances the immune system's ability to attack tumors, shrinking them and extending animal survival.

Could a treatment redirect the body’s anti-viral immune response to target cancer cells?

Researchers developed a PD-L1-binding antigen presenter that redirects antiviral antibodies to target cancer cells, transforming virus-specific immune memory into precision anti-cancer weapons. This strategy has significant potential for treating hard-to-treat cancers and represents a lower-cost, safer avenue for tumor immunotherapy.

Multiple myeloma: Established cancer drug reactivates immunotherapy

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which an existing cancer drug can block the loss of BCMA molecules on cancer cells, allowing CAR T cell therapy to become effective again in some patients. The study shows that carfilzomib can prevent the degradation of BCMA and restore its presence on the surface of malignant plasma cells.

Biomarkers predict patients with glioblastoma who will survive longer after treatment with cancer-targeting virus

Researchers identified blood-based biomarkers that can help distinguish patients with glioblastoma who are most likely to live longer from novel treatment with an engineered oncolytic virus. The study found that adding an immune booster increased survival times and improved immunological fitness.

Five mutational “fingerprints” could help predict how visible tumours are to the immune system

Researchers discovered five dominant patterns of protein-altering mutations that determine tumor visibility to the immune system. These 'fingerprints' help predict immunotherapy response and suggest a more personalized approach to cancer treatment.

UCLA scientists identify optimal design for off-the-shelf immunotherapy targeting solid tumors

A UCLA research team has identified the best design for a promising new type of immunotherapy that could be mass-produced to treat multiple solid tumors. The 4-1BB-containing CAR design emerged as superior, demonstrating strongest anti-tumor activity and persistence.

Yeast cells can be used for rapid testing of cancer immunotherapy

Engineered yeast cells can mimic real cancer cells and be used to test new cancer immunotherapies much faster and cheaper than before. This new technology enables researchers to assess which CAR T variants are most promising much more quickly, leading to safer and more targeted cancer treatments.

New treatment approach boosts survival in young leukaemia patients

A recent clinical trial has shown that switching part of the standard chemotherapy protocol for a targeted immunotherapy significantly improves outcomes for young people living with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Nearly 89% of patients are still alive and cancer-free after three years of follow-up.

Immunotherapy before surgery helps shrink tumors in patients with desmoplastic melanoma

A new clinical trial shows that treating desmoplastic melanoma with immunotherapy before surgery dramatically shrinks or eliminates tumors, improving quality of life for patients. The study found that 71% of patients had no detectable cancer remaining at the time of surgery.