Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Capturing immunotherapy response in a blood drop

A phase 2 clinical trial found that serial blood tests can identify patients who benefit from additional immunotherapies, suggesting a potential early marker of treatment response. The study also showed that ctDNA analyses correlated with tumor size and survival, making it a promising strategy for guiding therapy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 9, 2023

Expanding the impact of CAR T cell therapy: An immunotherapy strategy against all blood cancers

Researchers developed a new strategy to target CD45, a surface marker found on nearly all blood cells, using CRISPR base-editing. This approach aims to overcome challenges in CAR T cell therapy, which currently targets specific cancer types, and could expand treatment options for virtually all blood cancers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 31, 2023

Mayo Clinic researchers publish key findings about cell proteins to determine effectiveness of immunotherapy for colon cancer

Mayo Clinic researchers found that cells expressing PD-1 and PD-L1 within a certain distance of each other can predict the success of immunotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. This spatial analysis may help select patients most likely to benefit from treatment, improving outcomes and minimizing unnecessary treatments.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 31, 2023

CAR-T immune therapy attacks ovarian cancer in mice with a single dose

Researchers successfully deployed CAR-T therapy in a mouse model of ovarian cancer, demonstrating strong anti-tumor effects even at late stages. The treatment was highly effective, shrinking or eliminating tumors after just one dose and continuing to work for months without major side effects.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

City of Hope-led panel of experts updates cancer and aging guidelines issued by the American Society of Clinical Oncology

The updated guidelines urge the clinical use of validated geriatric assessments (GA) to guide treatments in patients aged 65 and older. This approach often results in de-escalation or reduction of therapies, reducing side effects and improving quality of life without compromising survival odds.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 17, 2023

A two-for-one approach to boost melanoma immunotherapy

A new study from Sanford Burnham Prebys identified a protein called NR2F6 that helps melanoma cells evade the immune system, but also promotes anti-tumor immunity when targeted. The researchers hope to develop new drugs that can block this protein's activity, potentially doubling the effectiveness of immunotherapy for melanoma patients.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 5, 2023

University hospitals and Case Western Reserve University research teams receive Collaborative Science Pilot Awards

Three University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University research teams received $50,000 Collaborative Science Pilot Awards to explore innovative research projects. The awards aim to increase competitiveness and capacity for major external funding opportunities in key areas such as cancer, brain health and genetics.

Ultrasound activation in cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have developed a sonodynamic cancer immunotherapy based on semiconducting polymer nanoparticles that can be activated by ultrasound, effectively treating orthotopic pancreatic cancer in mouse models. The treatment induces immunogenic cell death and kills cancer cells without causing excessive immune responses.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023

Making immunotherapy safer

Researchers developed CrossDome, a tool that uses genetic and biochemical information to predict T-cell immunotherapy's impact on healthy cells. The tool identified high-risk candidates in cases where treatments mistakenly attacked heart cells.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJun 14, 2023

Association of immunotherapy duration with overall survival in advanced non–small cell lung cancer – this study is being released to coincide with a poster presentation at the 2023 ASCO annual meeting

A study published in JAMA Oncology suggests that stopping immunotherapy after two years for patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer who remain responsive may be a reasonable strategy, providing sustained clinical benefit. The findings provide reassurance for patients and their healthcare providers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 4, 2023

Real-world data suggests stopping immunotherapy after two years is reasonable in patients with advanced lung cancer

A retrospective cohort study suggests that stopping immunotherapy treatment at two years is a valid strategy without compromising overall survival. The researchers analyzed data from 1,091 patients and found similar overall survival probabilities between those who stopped treatment and continued it indefinitely.

Pan-cancer T cell atlas reveals new details of tumor microenvironment

A pan-cancer single-cell T cell atlas provides a detailed picture of the heterogeneity of T cells within the tumor microenvironment, revealing a previously undescribed stress response state that appears to be less effective at fighting cancer. This new discovery highlights the need for further understanding of how these states contribu...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023