Researchers discovered a new role for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in a pathway activated by interferon-gamma that leads to cancer cell death. Hyperactivation of ERK causes stress in cells, triggering cell death through specific proteins DR5 and NOXA.
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.
Researchers discovered NKG2A receptors as potential targets to overcome immunotherapy resistance in breast cancer, offering a promising approach for treating immunotherapy-resistant triple-negative breast cancer patients.
Researchers have developed a new approach to treating invasive bladder cancer, combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which may preserve quality of life. In a phase 2 clinical trial, approximately 43% of patients achieved complete response without surgical removal of the bladder.
Researchers have made significant progress in using immunotherapies prior to surgery, leading to better biomarkers and more effective combination therapies. This approach has shown promise in various cancer types, including lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, melanoma, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Researchers analyze neuroendocrine tumors at single cell resolution, unlocking key insights into tumor biology and potential evolution of tumor characteristics. The study reveals heterogeneity within tumor subtypes and identifies potential targets for immunotherapy treatment.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology announced the winners of its new combination therapy challenge, which aims to improve prostate cancer treatments using relugolix in combination with radiation therapy. The three winning research proposals will receive funding over four to five years.
A Rice University-led team of researchers has been awarded $45 million to develop a new sense-and-respond implant technology that could improve immunotherapy outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. The technology, called THOR, aims to provide real-time data from the tumor environment to guide more effective therapies.
Researchers discovered that fine-tuning mitochondrial energy production reduces melanoma tumor growth and enhances immune response in mice. The study reveals that manipulating mitochondrial electron transport increases expression of immune genes and makes tumor cells more visible to killer T cells.
Researchers found that beta-blockers can revive exhausted killer T cells, making them better cancer fighters. The study discovered a link between the sympathetic stress response and immune system response to cancer.
Researchers at the Swiss Cancer Center Léman have discovered a way to prolong the functionality of CAR-T cells, which are used against blood cancers. By inhibiting a specific metabolic mechanism, they created CAR-T cells with enhanced immune memory, capable of fighting tumour cells for longer.
Patients with stage 1-3 non-small cell lung cancer treated with combination immunotherapy before surgery had a better major pathological response rate than those receiving single-agent therapy alone. The NeoCOAST platform trial found that targeting multiple cancer pathways through therapy may be superior to a single treatment.
A new study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind immunotherapy's lack of response in certain types of cancer. Researchers found that intratumoral heterogeneity damps the immune response, leading to diminished effectiveness.
New research from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory suggests that high tumor mutation burden does not guarantee an effective immune response in patients with mismatch repair deficiency. The study found that tumors with identical mutations across all cells responded to immunotherapy, while those with subclonal mutations did not.
A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.
Researchers found that tumors with metastasis to the brain respond better to immunotherapy due to effective priming outside the brain. Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, does not respond well due to impaired priming step.
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.
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.
Scientists engineer bacteria to target cancer cells, utilizing NIR fluorescence and photothermal conversion to selectively eliminate malignant cells. The study demonstrates effective optical and immunological functions in a mouse model of colon cancer.
Researchers found a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab can extend progression-free survival and improve response rates in patients with resistant metastatic melanoma. The treatment showed a 37% improvement in progression-free survival compared to ipilimumab alone.
Researchers have developed an oncolytic virus that can 'warm up' cold tumors and improve immunotherapy outcomes. The virus was engineered to carry a gene encoding a TGF-β inhibitor, which greatly increased survival rates in mice with aggressive melanoma and other cancers.
Researchers examine translational studies on peripheral surrogates of tumor burden, including circulating tumor DNA, miRNA, and HPV-specific antibodies, to inform chemotherapy and immunotherapy strategies. These biomarkers show promise as prognostic and predictive markers of response to treatment.
Researchers find immunotherapy treatment anti-CTLA-4 leads to greater survival in mice with glioblastoma and discover new way cells kill cancer by triggering microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for human brain cancer.
City of Hope will conduct Phase 1 clinical trials for novel cell and gene therapy treatments for patients with HIV, acute myeloid leukemia, and severe aplastic anemia. A CAR T therapy for HIV is also being developed to potentially target other diseases.
Researchers have developed novel liquid metal nanoparticles that combine photothermal therapy with immunotherapy, demonstrating high specificity and low side effects. The nanoparticles can target and destroy cancer cells while also stimulating the immune system to fight against tumors.
Researchers found all hallmarks of T cell exhaustion within six to 12 hours of tumor exposure, including dramatic changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility. The study challenges existing ideas about how T cells become exhausted and has implications for cancer immunotherapies.
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.
Researchers discovered a protein called TRPM4 that strongly signals the immune system to target and clean up dying cancer cells. This finding may enhance immunotherapies against solid tumors by promoting necrosis, a type of cell death that activates immune cells.
Researchers discovered GDF-15 blocks LFA-1 dependent T cell recruitment into the tumor microenvironment, impairing immune responses to anti-PD-1 treatment. Visugromab improved T cell infiltration and increased tumor clearance with a synergistic effect
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.
A new analysis found that combining weight-based dosing and shared single-use vials in VA hospitals could reduce cancer spending by 14%. This concept could be applied nationwide to improve cost-effectiveness of cancer care.
A phase I trial found that combining fecal transplants with immunotherapy is safe and shows promise in improving clinical responses in 65% of patients. The study used healthy donor microbiome to enhance immune system attack on cancer, offering a new paradigm shift in melanoma treatment.
Researchers have found that PD-L1 triggers signaling that intrinsically alters cancer cell phenotype, impacting immune milieu. The study's findings suggest a new approach to treating patients with limited response to 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.
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.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified disparities in end-of-life immunotherapy treatment, highlighting the need for further examination to ensure quality care. A new study also reveals a novel target to improve immunotherapy responses in KRAS-mutant lung cancer and strategies to manage immune-related toxicities.
A new EIC project, CAR T-REX, will develop novel, scalable CAR T cell therapies for the treatment of solid tumors. The consortium aims to overcome current limitations, including high manufacturing costs and limited efficacy, through a novel paradigm for generating improved CAR T cells.
Researchers found that patients producing high levels of Cystatin C, a protein linked to immune system suppression, had worse survival rates and were less likely to benefit from immunotherapy. This suggests that Cystatin C may play a role in the failure of cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers found that PD-1 helps prevent T cells from attacking healthy skin and may help reduce side effects of immunotherapies. The study used mouse models and skin biopsies to support the hypothesis that PD-1 functions as a gatekeeper for tissue homeostasis
Researchers discuss the potential of glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) as a target for cancer immunotherapy. Preclinical studies have shown potent anti-tumor efficacy, but clinical trials have yielded inconsistent results due to complexities in immune responses and antibody structure.
A new study at Yale University reveals that PD-1 plays a critical role in preventing T cells from attacking healthy tissues. The findings could lead to the development of improved immunotherapies with reduced side effects.
Researchers identified three immune cell types within tumor niches that determine which patients respond positively to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. The study may inform new approaches to cancer treatment.
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
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.
CHOP researchers have developed stable, universal MHC-I molecules that can be produced rapidly at scale, allowing for the development of effective and universal immunotherapies. These engineered MHC-I molecules promote peptide exchange across multiple HLA allotypes, covering various forms.
Scientists from Institut Pasteur and Inserm discovered that CD4 T cells can remotely neutralize tumor cells by producing interferon gamma, offering new hopes for patients with incomplete responses to CAR T cell therapy. This study raises the possibility of personalized treatment approaches using larger quantities of CD4 CAR T cells.
Researchers have found that dual immunotherapy, combining PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, is effective in treating recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The treatment showed a response rate of 38% and improved overall survival in patients with low pre-treatment plasma EBV DNA levels.
A retrospective study found a 24% response rate to Docetaxel among patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer who experienced progression on immunotherapy. The median progression-free survival was 3 months, suggesting chemotherapy may still play an important role in treatment after immunotherapy failure.
Erdafitinib achieves tumor-agnostic benefits across 16 cancer types, including urothelial, lung, and other cancers. The trial demonstrated a disease control rate of 73.7% and clinical benefit rate of 45.6%, with notable improvements in pancreatic and cholangiocarcinoma patients.
Researchers discovered that targeting specific blood vessel enzymes can enhance immunotherapy effectiveness and prevent breast cancer metastasis. By disabling the enzyme DNMT1 in blood vessels, doctors may bolster anti-tumor immune cells entry and increase patients' response to treatment.
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.
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.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified how memory killer cells are formed and found a correlation between their presence in cancer tissue and improved survival rates in people with melanoma. The study suggests that harnessing the potential of these cells could lead to more effective immunotherapy.
Researchers developed a bio-sensing technology that measures PD1 ligand functionality to predict patient response to anti-PD1 therapy. This technology enables accurate prediction of patient response and tailoring treatments accordingly, improving cancer patients' lives.
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...
Penn Medicine researchers will present results from clinical trials for recurrent glioblastoma and metastatic breast cancer. Experts will also present studies on serious illness conversations, Medicaid expansion impact, and infertility among female oncologists.
Researchers developed a drug treatment that inhibits YTHDF2, improving results of radiation therapy and preventing progression of distant metastasis. The treatment also prevents the "bad-scopal" effect, where radiation causes distant tumors to metastasize.
A new CAR T cell design approach using machine learning and artificial intelligence is being developed to improve cancer treatment. The project aims to create a hybrid knowledge- and data-driven approach to guide the design of immunotherapeutic cells.
Researchers from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine are developing a new 'glyco-immune' checkpoint inhibitor to train the immune system to target and kill breast cancer metastasis in bones. The therapy has shown promise in preliminary tests, including eradicating cancer in some animals.
Researchers developed a computational platform called IRIS to discover tumor antigens from alternative RNA splicing, expanding cancer immunotherapy targets. Hundreds of predicted TCR targets were found to be presented by human leukocyte antigen molecules.