A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that women with advanced melanoma are more likely to die from checkpoint inhibitors, a class of cancer treatment. The researchers analyzed health records of 1,369 patients and discovered a significant difference in mortality rates between men and women treated with the same combinatio...
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a new compound that can disable the MTDH gene, which is essential for cancer progression and metastasis. The compound shows promise in treating major human cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers.
Research found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may reduce the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. PPI use was associated with worse survival rates and a significant decrease in the benefit of immune therapy treatment.
Researchers found that antihistamines improve responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients, particularly those with pre-existing allergies or high plasma histamine levels. The study suggests targeting the histamine receptor HRH1 may be a useful treatment approach.
Researchers found that second-generation antihistamines block histamine binding to HRH1, improving cytotoxic T cell activation and reducing resistance to immunotherapy. High plasma histamine levels in patients were correlated with worse responses to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
Researchers identified a subset of dendritic cells that can cloak themselves in tumor proteins and trigger a strong T cell response. Stimulating these dendritic cells may enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy by slowing the growth of melanoma and colon tumors.
Researchers have developed an assay that uses specific immune-biomarkers to monitor patient survival chances and effectiveness of ovarian cancer treatments. The 'sFIS' assay will enable targeted therapy for each patient, improving treatment outcomes.
SourceKU Leuven·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 18, 2021
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered that cancer cells can disarmed the immune system by forming nanotubes that pull out mitochondria from immune cells. This new mechanism gives a target to go after, leading to potential new combinations of therapies for improving cancer immunotherapy outcomes.
Gastric cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, with 1.09 million new cases in 2020. Recent research offers hope for improved treatment options, making it a critical area of focus for medical oncologists like Dr. Mohamad Sonbol.
Researchers produce large quantities of powerful cancer-fighting iNKT cells using stem cell engineering and organoid technology, offering a potential solution for mass-producing an off-the-shelf immune cell therapy. The therapy, which uses hematopoietic stem cell-engineered iNKT cells, has been shown to be effective in killing multiple...
A recent study led by Okayama University scientists found that metformin activates a subset of immune cells called CD8+ T-lymphocytes to attack and kill tumor cells. The study revealed that metformin increases the production of reactive oxygen species in these cells, which activates growth pathways and allows for proliferation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found a new treatment option for inoperable pleural mesothelioma using immunotherapy agent durvalumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with epithelioid tumors experienced higher survival rates, including some who remained tumor-free after completing the trial.
A new clinical syndrome of ICI-myocarditis has been identified, characterized by highly arrhythmogenic features. The study establishes specific electrocardiographic features to diagnose and prognosticate the syndrome, highlighting the need for further research on prediction and monitoring strategies.
Researchers discovered a new biomarker, inactive AMPK (lo-P-AMPK), that may predict immune evasion in lung cancer. The finding could enable better personalized care for lung cancer patients by identifying those most likely to benefit from immunotherapies.
Researchers found that an experimental dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitor enhanced immunotherapy effectiveness by boosting immune cells around the tumor, reducing growth and eliminating cancer in some mice. The combination treatment also instilled an immune-cell memory, allowing the immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells later.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a novel therapy that targets proteins essential for tumor growth and survival. Using a multi-omics approach, they identified peptides unique to neuroblastoma tumors, which are then targeted by peptide-centric chimeric antigen receptors (PC-CARs).
Cancer cells alter the large blood vessels in lymph nodes, disrupting their function and allowing tumor cells to evade attack by the immune system. The researchers identified identical findings in mice and humans, providing a deeper understanding of how lymphomas protect themselves from the body's defenses.
Researchers found that Toxoplasma gondii, a commonly found parasite, can 'tame' the parasite to induce inflammatory responses and make tumours more responsive to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This approach has shown promise in treating melanoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, and colon adenocarcinoma in mouse models.
Researchers are developing a transformative technology called Multiscale Intelligent Convergence (MusIC) to map the complexity of T cells and identify attributes essential for patient benefit. The goal is to create more reliable biomanufacturing of T cell infusion products and engineering potent immune cells.
Researchers from MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Winship Cancer Institute discovered that pre-surgical anti-PD-1 immunotherapy is safe and effective for OCSCC patients. The studies identified potential molecular biomarkers in blood and tumors to predict treatment response.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have developed a method to identify non-responding tumors using hypoxia imaging, which shows promise for improving response rates. Investigational new drug evofosfamide was found beneficial in treating hypoxic tumors with immunotherapy.
Researchers found immune cell patterns within tumours that can predict if patients with kidney cancer will respond to immunotherapy. The study identified a specific 'clonal' T cell receptor pattern linked to a greater chance of positive immunotherapy response.
A new TGen study is exploring the use of checkpoint inhibitors to treat pancreatic cancer by modulating the tumor microenvironment and rendering it vulnerable to immunotherapies. The study, funded with a $1 million grant, aims to overcome the resistance of pancreatic cancer to treatments, including immune therapies.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that immune checkpoint inhibitors can generate promising results in patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMD), a rare complication of cancer. The treatment showed increased activity in cancer-killing immune cells and expression of particular genes within cells.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to treat cancer by combining chemotherapy, tumor injury, and immunotherapy. In mouse studies, the treatment eliminated tumors completely in nearly half of the mice and showed promise against various types of cancer.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki found that inhibiting beta2-integrin adhesion on dendritic cells enhances tumour rejection. By regulating epigenetic changes, these integrins dampen dendritic cell functionality and migration, making them more effective at activating T cells and rejecting cancer.
New research reveals that boosting numbers of immune cells called dendritic cells may be key to overcoming colorectal cancers' immunotherapy resistance. By augmenting dendritic cells in liver metastases, treatment led to increased cytotoxic T lymphocytes and made tumors sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Researchers analyzed fecal metagenomic DNA sequencing data to see if specific donor strains correlated with successful treatment outcomes. They found no correlation between donor strains and response to anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma patients.
Researchers found that antidepressants inhibit the growth of pancreatic and colon cancers in mice by blocking a mechanism used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. The findings suggest a promising approach for combining antidepressant drugs with immunotherapy to treat incurable cancers.
Researchers at Penn Medicine and The Wistar Institute will explore new treatments for skin cancer using the grant, including projects on exosomal PD-L1 and autophagy inhibition. The team aims to improve patient outcomes and develop more effective immunotherapy strategies.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center discovered differences in gene activity between immune cells from patients with lung cancer who responded and did not respond to immunotherapies. The findings suggest that non-responders' immune cells can be reprogrammed to act more like responders', potentially leading to new treatment...
The KEYNOTE-826 study found that adding immunotherapy to standard first-line treatment increases overall survival by eight months for patients with recurrent, persistent or metastatic cervical cancer. The addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy also reduced the risk of death and disease progression by 33%.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center presented new findings on novel therapeutic approaches, including cell therapy for solid tumors and antibody drug conjugates targeting TROP2. The therapies achieved partial responses in six patients, with an overall response rate of 35.3% and disease control rate of 70.6%.
Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed a lipid nanoparticle that delivers immune-signaling molecules into liver macrophage cells to overcome resistance to anti-tumor immunotherapy. This approach has shown promise in mice experiments and could lead to the development of an adjuvant treatment for cancer patients.
A survey of 5,589 cancer patients found widespread unawareness about immunotherapy's mechanism, efficacy, and cost. Non-oncology doctors also face challenges in keeping up with the latest developments in oncology.
Researchers developed a treatment using cowpea mosaic virus nanoparticles that target lung tumors, slowing tumor growth and preventing cancer spread. The treatment showed efficacy against aggressive cancer cell lines and may offer protection to patients at high risk of metastatic disease.
A novel population of long-lived T cells, called 'lymph node resident memory T cells,' provides protection against melanoma by persisting in lymph nodes. These cells were found to counteract melanoma spreading in mice and predicted better outcomes for human melanoma patients with lymph node metastases.
Researchers at Kyoto University designed a synthetic molecular code, EnPGC-1, that activates mitochondrial biogenesis in T cells, increasing their numbers and longevity. The approach enhances anti-tumor immunity in mice and improves survival.
Eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in destroying malignant tumors by recruiting T-cells and releasing destructive proteins. The study, published in Cancer Research, reveals that eosinophils combat cancer effectively but require the help of T-cells to do so.
Research presented at the IASLC 2021 World Conference on Lung Cancer found that neoadjuvant cisplatin and pemetrexed plus atezolizumab followed by surgical resection and maintenance atezolizumab met safety criteria for patients with resectable pleural mesothelioma. Sixty percent of eligible patients proceeded to maintenance therapy.
Researchers analyzed large datasets to find biomarkers that could help select immunotherapy treatment for older patients. The analysis suggests that factors such as mutational burden and immune checkpoint protein expression are associated with increased response to immunotherapies in older patients, despite lower general immunity.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a simple blood test to detect treatment-triggered encephalitis in patients undergoing immunotherapy. The study found that markers such as S-100B and NFL can act as early warnings for encephalitis, allowing for timely administration of anti-inflammatory drugs.
A new study from Penn Medicine demonstrates that RN7SL1, a naturally occurring RNA, can activate the body's own natural T cells to seek out cancer cells that have escaped recognition by CAR T cells. This approach may help improve efforts to treat solid tumors.
Despite its promise, cancer immunotherapy faces several hurdles, including limited efficacy and variable outcomes. Researchers are exploring new therapeutic targets and combination strategies to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.
A new study reports that chemotherapy plus immunotherapy before surgical removal reduces tumor invasiveness in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In the phase II clinical trial, nearly 25% of bladder cancers were found to be invasive, and surgery often had limited success due to microscopic cancer cell spread.
A new study suggests that a treatment for canine glioblastoma may also be effective in humans, with some dogs experiencing significant tumor shrinkage. The treatment uses an immunotherapy drug called STING agonist, which induced a robust immune response against cancer cells.
A MSK study has identified a specific pattern of markers on immune cells in the blood as a likely biomarker for response to checkpoint immunotherapy. Patients with high levels of LAG-3 expressed on T cells had shorter survival times compared to those with lower levels.
Researchers found that combining entinostat with immunotherapy boosted cancer remission in mice by increasing neoantigen-specific T cells. The combination therapy showed promise in the lab and is being tested in an ongoing clinical trial for people with advanced bladder cancer.
Researchers found that four patients with rare angiosarcoma partially or completely responded to treatment with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab. Stable disease was maintained by two more patients, with at least one patient experiencing complete tumor disappearance.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a cancer immunotherapy that pairs ultrasound with CAR T-cell therapy to destroy malignant tumors while sparing normal tissue. The therapy significantly slowed down tumor growth in mice and showed minimal on-target, off-tumor side effects.
Scientists investigated a method to enhance immunotherapy for lung cancer and found that combining it with certain chemotherapy drugs could eliminate harmful immune cells. This approach showed promising results in preclinical studies, inducing the regression of about 70% of tumors.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital uncover key factors that enable immune cells to survive in tumor environments, including the chemokine CXCL16. This understanding may lead to more effective immunotherapies for cancer patients.
A comprehensive molecular map of lung squamous cell carcinoma has identified potential new drug targets, including the gene NSD3, and highlighted immune regulation pathways that could help cancer evade immunotherapies. The study's findings have also revealed metabolic dysregulation and crosstalk between different cellular processes.
A research team at Kansas State University is working on a three-year project to monitor a cancerous tumor's immune state to assess immunotherapy interventions. The goal is to drive more tumors into a favorable state, ultimately contributing to improved cancer immunotherapy treatment.
Researchers have found a way to harness the power of immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer by targeting a protein called PIKfyve. Blocking PIKfyve with the inhibitor ESK981 has been shown to increase tumor death and recruit immune T cells, offering new hope for patients with this challenging form of cancer.
Researchers found that patients with advanced bladder cancers and FGFR3 mutations respond to immunotherapy just like those without the mutation. The study's findings suggest that FGFR3-mutated tumors can benefit from immunotherapy treatment, providing a new option for patients who previously had limited treatment options.
Researchers found that combining low-dose radiation with immunotherapy significantly boosts cancer eradication rates in mice. The treatment approach triggers the immune system to attack cancer cells, even when radiation alone is too weak to destroy them.
Researchers develop a non-invasive imaging method to track IDO1 activity, providing a promising alternative to invasive biopsies. The study found that IDO1 status in the mesenteric lymph node is a surrogate marker for cancer-immune set point and predicts immunotherapeutic efficacy.
Researchers have developed a chemical compound that produces a powerful oxygen reaction when exposed to light, selectively killing cancer cells while leaving surrounding tissue intact. The photodrug is currently in clinical trials for patients with recurring bladder cancer resistant to traditional therapies.
A team of researchers identifies how the cowpea mosaic plant virus is recognized by the immune system and strongly stimulates it to attack and eliminate cancerous tumors. The discovery opens the door for CPMV to be pursued as a new biological drug for treatment of cancer.