ICRAFT breakthrough: Unlocking A20’s dual role in cancer immunotherapy
The study highlights ICRAFT's ability to pinpoint genes like TNFAIP3 (A20) with dual immunoregulatory effects in both tumor cells and immune cells.
Cancer Immunotherapy
Articles tagged with Cancer Immunotherapy
Getting cancer to unmask itself
Researchers from Prof. Yardena Samuels's lab developed a new approach to cancer treatment by manipulating cancer cells to produce dozens of suspicious proteins, leading to a powerful immune response that destroys human cancer cells and slows tumor growth in mouse models.
CNIO research reveals how melanoma and other tumours succeed in hiding and resisting immunotherapy
A recent study by the CNIO Melanoma Group has discovered a mechanism by which melanomas evade immune system surveillance. The research found that melanoma cells secrete Midkine, a protein that reduces dendritic cell numbers and reprograms their function to promote tumour development.
SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2025
$50 million gift from the Weill Family Foundation establishes the Weill Cancer Hub East
The Weill Cancer Hub East will unite world-class experts in cancer biology, immunology, nutrition and metabolism to drive pioneering research. The hub aims to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy, a promising approach for many types of cancers.
Sylvester Cancer Tip Sheet - March 2025
New leukemia treatment combination shows promise for patients with follicular lymphoma. Immunotherapy research also explores ways to suppress protein ZNF638 to boost effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Innovative funding efforts support Sylvester's cancer research initiatives.
European Lung Cancer Congress 2025: Event announcement
The European Lung Cancer Congress 2025 will take place in Paris from March 26-29, featuring renowned experts discussing the latest research on lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The congress will also include award lectures and live streaming of the event.
Analysis of new colorectal cancer immunotherapy shows more treatment options
The study of 19,000 patients shows immune checkpoint inhibitors greatly improved survival rates for those living with MSI-H colorectal cancer. Researchers found factors that may improve therapy's effectiveness against MSS tumors under certain conditions.
Removing a protein ‘signal jammer’ improves immunotherapy
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that removing the 'signal jammer' protein VDAC2 can improve how tumors respond to immunotherapy. This breakthrough could lead to new ways to enhance immunotherapies and make them more effective in treating resistant cancers.
Classifying childhood brain cancers by immune response may improve diagnostics and treatments
Researchers developed a new diagnostic platform that classifies brain tumors based on the body's cancer-fighting immune response. The approach tailors treatment options to each patient's unique immune profile, offering improved diagnostics and potential for immunotherapies to revolutionize childhood leukemia treatments.
Dr. Theodore Scott Nowicki awarded $4.5M NCI grant to advance next generation of cellular immunotherapies for solid tumors
Dr. Nowicki's team has engineered 'supercharged' T cells that produce extra TNF-alpha to boost cancer-fighting ability, offering a potentially more precise and toxic-free treatment option. The new funding will help test these enhanced T cells in preclinical models to evaluate their effectiveness.
ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers Congress 2025: Event announcement
The ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers Congress 2025 will bring together experts to present and discuss developments in diagnosing and treating rare solid tumours. The event will focus on immunotherapy, global challenges, and opportunities for international collaboration.
Immunotherapy may boost KRAS-targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer
A new type of RAS inhibitor, daraxonrasib (RMC-6236), has shown significant promise when combined with immunotherapy in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. The study found that the treatment not only inhibited tumor growth but also reshaped the tumor microenvironment to make it more receptive to immunotherapy.
Mayo Clinic researchers identify proteins linked to immunotherapy resistance in metastatic colorectal cancer
Researchers identified fibronectin and smooth muscle actin as associated with resistance to immunotherapy treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts produce these proteins, which contribute to the suppression of the anti-tumor immune response.
Combination immunotherapy before surgery may increase survival in people with head and neck cancer
Researchers at University of North Carolina Health Care found that combination immunotherapy before surgery increased survival rates in people with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. The treatment regimen doubled or tripled the response rate versus single immunotherapy, leading to a survival benefit for up to a third of patients.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCancer Cell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 13, 2025
Researchers identify molecular differences in pancreatic cancer of Black and white patients
The study found that Black patients have a higher prevalence of PD-L1 overexpression, TP53 mutations, and KRASG12R mutations compared to White patients. This could affect how their cancer progresses and responds to treatment.
SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalCancer Research Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2025
New test helps doctors predict a dangerous side effect of cancer treatment
Researchers at Kyushu University have discovered a way to predict a potentially life-threatening side effect of cancer immunotherapy before it occurs. By analyzing cerebrospinal fluid, they identified specific proteins associated with an immune response that can affect the central nervous system after therapy.
Chemo-immunotherapy approach shows potential benefit in patients with advanced HPV-negative head and neck cancer
A Phase 2 clinical trial found that a neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy regimen achieved a 53% deep response rate, exceeding historical data with chemotherapy alone. The treatment approach led to impressive survival outcomes and fewer toxic side effects in patients with advanced HPV-negative head and neck cancer.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2025
Study reveals hope for immunotherapy as prostate cancer treatment
Researchers at University of Arizona Cancer Center found that an immunotherapy previously shown to be ineffective against prostate cancer may have therapeutic potential when combined with a specific protein inhibitor. The study's co-author, Noel Warfel, PhD, identified a way to sensitize prostate tumors to immune checkpoint inhibitors ...
SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalCancer Immunology Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025
New insights into how cancer evades the immune system
Researchers at Amsterdam UMC and Moffitt Cancer Center found that contact with CLL cells leads to an energy crisis in T cells, making them unable to proliferate. The study suggests that restoring T cell energy could significantly enhance the effectiveness of current treatments for cancer.
SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 3, 2025
Why brain cancer is often resistant to immunotherapy
Researchers at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have identified four coordinated gene expression programs in immune cells from glioma tumors that can lead to immunotherapy resistance. The study found two programs that could be targeted to improve patient response to immunotherapies, including one that may reduce the effectiveness of ...
Rare side effect of cancer immunotherapy
A rare case of T cell lymphoma developed in a patient with multiple myeloma nine months after CAR-T cell therapy. Genetic alterations in the patient's haematopoietic cells played a role in tumour development, highlighting the importance of genetic predispositions for potential side effects.
SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 21, 2025
Mayo Clinic researchers identify new immunotherapy target for ovarian cancer
Researchers discovered noncoding cryptic peptides as an alternative source of target antigens for ovarian cancer. The findings could improve treatment approaches by mobilizing the immune system to attack tumor cells.
Lancet article details drug’s lack of benefit for head and neck cancer
A recent Lancet article revealed that durvalumab combined with radiation therapy offers no benefits for patients with head and neck cancer who cannot receive cisplatin. However, a new clinical trial is underway to test the use of a heavy metal to enhance radiation therapy, providing potential new options for these patients.
SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 20, 2025
Massive data analysis advances the understanding of how immunotherapy works
A recent study has identified that the neuronal subtype responds best to immunotherapy, while other subtypes exhibit lower response rates. The researchers developed a machine-learning algorithm using large public data sets to predict treatment response based on tumor mutational burden and immune cell infiltration.
SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2025
Jumbled proteins paint a bold target on the backs of brain tumors
Researchers at UCSF have identified unique, cancer-specific proteins created through mistakes in RNA splicing. These antigens could be used to create potent immunotherapies that recognize and attack hard-to-treat tumors. The discovery offers new hope for glioma patients and expands the number of targets available for cancer therapy.
Text message tool addresses “time toxicity” for cancer patients
A pilot study shows that a text messaging system can safely reduce the amount of time some patients spend receiving cancer treatment. The platform, which was tested in a clinical trial, allowed patients to complete symptom checks and receive approval for fast-tracking their treatments, saving them over an hour per visit.
A self-assembling nanoplatform for enhanced cancer photoimmunotherapy
A self-assembling nanoplatform, M@P, has been designed to target tumor cells and induce immunogenic cell death through pyroptosis and ferroptosis. The nanoplatform promotes a robust systemic antitumor immune response by producing tumor-specific antigens and maturing dendritic cells.
Uncovering inequalities in breast cancer immunotherapy access
Researchers found that Black women with triple-negative breast cancer are less likely to receive immunotherapy treatment, even when accounting for socioeconomic factors. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 patients and found a significant disparity in immunotherapy response between racial groups.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2025
Immunotherapy against melanoma: efficacy can be predicted with a chip
Researchers have developed a 'gut-on-chip' model that replicates intestinal inflammation and predicts response to immunotherapy in melanoma patients. The device differentiates between major intestinal populations and reproduces realistic environments.
SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2025
Project Cure CRC ignites innovation in 2025 with $10.5 million in research, K-SPY debut & renewed RFP
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance has awarded new grants to researchers, convened top scientists at the Cure CRC Summit, and launched K-SPY, a groundbreaking multi-center platform trial for high-risk colorectal cancer cases. The initiative aims to improve outcomes for millions affected by the disease.
Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital invest $1.8 million in childhood cancer research
The Damon Runyon-St. Jude Pediatric Cancer Research Fellowship aims to address a funding gap for pediatric cancer research. The program supports innovative projects that could significantly impact the diagnosis or treatment of one or more pediatric cancers.
Vitamin E succinate controls tumor growth and enhances immunotherapy effects
Researchers identified vitamin E succinate as an effective agent controlling tumor growth by promoting FTO degradation. The compound enhances T-cell mediated cytotoxicity through tumor-intrinsic FTO suppression, showing potential as a therapeutic strategy for cancers resistant to immunotherapy.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2025
Dana-Farber researchers present findings at 2025 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute present studies on novel treatments for prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers. The team introduces a novel HIF-2α inhibitor called casdatifan, which shows promising early clinical activity in heavily pretreated patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
Researchers unveil a novel strategy to combat melanoma brain metastases
A new study reveals that microglia can be reprogrammed from a tumor-promoting state to one that strengthens antitumor responses, reducing brain metastases growth and enhancing immunotherapy responses. Researchers identified a key signaling pathway that, when blocked, reverses the protumoral function of microglia.
SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2025
Pancreatic cancer immune map provides clues for precision treatment targeting
Researchers have created an immune map for pancreatic cancer, showing why some tumours are more susceptible to macrophage-based therapies. The study identifies potential avenues for improved treatment approaches, including boosting certain cell responses and depleting suppressive immune cells.
Researchers discover anti-cancer potential of immune modulator's short form
A novel mechanism has been discovered whereby a short form of IL-18 generated by caspase-3 cleavage in tumor cells activates natural killer cells to suppress tumor growth, offering new therapeutic opportunities. NK cells play a crucial role in cancer immunotherapy due to their rapid response and broad anti-tumor activity.
New research unlocks key to long-lasting immune response in cancer and chronic diseases
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have identified a rare type of immune cell, called stem-like T cells, that holds the key to maintaining powerful, long-term immune responses. ID3+ T cells have the remarkable ability to resist burnout and maintain a powerful immune response over time.
New MSK research a step toward off-the-shelf CAR T cell therapy for cancer
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have made a breakthrough in creating allogeneic CAR T cells that can persist in fighting cancer without being rejected by patients. By modifying donor cells with the HIV protein Nef, the cells can survive and remain potent in treating various types of cancer.
Nourishing T cells to fight cancer
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new way to grow T cells that can live longer and better destroy cancer cells in mice. By adding a compound called dichloroacetate to growth media, they created T cells less reliant on glucose and more efficient at using other energy sources.
Study unveils key immune cells found to boost cancer treatment success in acute myeloid leukemia
Researchers have identified a unique population of T cells that play a critical role in successful treatment of relapsed acute myeloid leukemia. A healthier immune environment in the bone marrow supports these cells and their cancer-fighting abilities.
New combination immunotherapy for melanoma and breast cancer
A new combination therapy combining systemic interferon-I with local imiquimod application showed promising results in treating melanoma and breast cancer. The therapy activated the adaptive immune system to fight distant metastases, reducing tumor relapses and increasing sensitivity to checkpoint inhibitors.
Anti-correlation between KLRG1 and PD-1 in tumor CD8 T cells
A new study published in Oncotarget discovered an anti-correlation between PD-1 and KLRG1 expression in human tumor infiltrating CD8 T cells. This finding suggests the potential for combination therapy to enhance cancer treatment by targeting both markers simultaneously, which could lead to more significant and long-lasting benefits.
New study paves way for immunotherapies tailored for childhood cancers
A new study published in Cell reveals significant differences in the immune response of children and adults to cancer, with potential implications for targeted therapies. The research shows that children's tumours are generally less inflammatory and have fewer mutations, making them appear less foreign to their immune system.
Protein level predicts immunotherapy response in bowel cancer
Researchers have discovered that a protein called CD74 can predict which people with bowel cancer may respond best to immunotherapy. This finding could lead to the development of a test to identify eligible patients and widen access to this treatment, benefiting hundreds of previously ineligible individuals.
Cancer researchers shed light on how tertiary lymphoid structures form
A research team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has identified a novel molecular pathway leading to the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in tumors. TLSs are immune cell clusters that can boost the local immune response and may be harnessed for immunotherapy treatments.
Bile acids exacerbate liver cancer, dietary supplement may offer relief
Scientists at Salk Institute discovered that removing bile acid-creating protein BAAT and adding bile acid UDCA controls tumor growth in mice with liver cancer. UDCA supplements may be a quick solution to improving liver cancer patient outcomes.
New cellular immunotherapy approach shows promise for B-cell lymphoma
A new type of cell-based immunotherapy has been shown to be safe and effective in treating B-cell lymphomas, with early data suggesting it could offer a less toxic alternative to CAR-T cell therapies. The approach uses off-the-shelf CAR-natural killer cells that can target cancer cells in two different ways.
Mystery solved: how tumor cells die after radiotherapy
Researchers discovered that DNA repair determines how cancer cells die following radiotherapy, with specific pathways triggering cell death noticed by the immune system. Blocking these pathways can force cancer cells to die in a manner that alerts the immune system, leading to new potential treatments.
SourceChildren's Medical Research Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2025
Researchers shed light on how to predict which skin cancer patients are most likely to respond to immunotherapy
A new study has identified macrophage activity as a key predictor of which skin cancer patients are most likely to respond to immunotherapy. The findings aim to improve personalized medicine for cancer patients and enable clinicians to select effective treatments, reducing side effects and costs.
Cancer-preventing topical immunotherapy trains the immune system to fight precancers
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers reveals that a novel immunotherapy can eliminate precancerous spots and prevent skin cancer through the activation of specific immune cells. The therapy successfully cleared over 95% of facial lesions and showed long-term efficacy, with benefits lasting up to five years after treatment.
SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 2, 2025
Based on AI-powered De novo Generation, Insilico Medicine nominates ISM1745 as preclinical candidate targeting PRMT5
ISM1745, a potentially best-in-class small molecule inhibitor, has been nominated as a preclinical candidate for the treatment of MTAP-deleted cancers. It targets Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), which is elevated in various cancers and correlates with poor prognostic outcomes.
Research into new therapies: How the body's natural killer cells could fight leukemia
Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered a new way to tailor natural killer cells to target leukemia cells, improving their efficacy. The researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to disable an immune checkpoint, allowing the modified cells to attack cancer cells more effectively.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024
City of Hope scientists uncover protein that helps cancer cells dodge CAR T cell therapy
Researchers identified YTHDF2 as a key player in advancing blood cancers, which can help cancer cells evade immune system detection. A new compound CCI-38 targets and suppresses YTHDF2, reducing aggressive blood cancer growth.
Every cell has a story: Tumor and immune cell interactions within craniopharyngiomas
Researchers analyzed individual cells from two craniopharyngioma subtypes to identify specific cell types, their features, and interactions. The study found distinct cell types linked to tumor development and immune response in both adamantinomatous and papillary craniopharyngiomas.
Your immune cells are what they eat
Researchers at Salk Institute establish a novel framework for the relationship between nutrition and cell identity. They found that a nutritional switch from acetate to citrate plays a key role in determining T cell fates, shifting them from active effector cells to exhausted cells.
New PROSPECT-lung trial launches to advance treatment options for operable non-small cell lung cancer
The PROSPECT-Lung trial evaluates the role of immunotherapy before and after surgery in resectable non-small cell lung cancer patients. The trial aims to determine whether adding immune checkpoint inhibitors to standard chemotherapy improves survival outcomes.
SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2024
Physician-scientist receives NCI grant to advance cell-based cancer treatments
Dr. Christopher Seet has received a $2.9 million R37 MERIT Award from the National Cancer Institute to develop innovative T cell therapies for cancer. The grant will support research into iPSC-derived T cells, which can be engineered for enhanced tumor-fighting capabilities.
Therapeutic potential of a novel mixture of mRNA in nanoparticles overcomes tumor progression
Researchers developed an immunotherapeutic platform using lipid-based nanoparticles to deliver therapeutic mRNAs, showing improved efficacy and reduced toxicity. The therapy stimulates the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, while preserving beneficial immune responses.
SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024
Late-breaking abstract at SUO: Novel oncolytic immunotherapy shows promise for patients with bladder cancer
A phase 3 study demonstrated nearly 75% complete cancer remission in patients with high-risk bladder cancer unresponsive to BCG therapy. The novel treatment, cretostimogene grenadenorepvec, was well-tolerated and did not require bladder removal surgery.
Innovative immunotherapy shows promise in early clinical trial for breast cancer
A groundbreaking phase one clinical trial explores a novel cell-based immunotherapy for breast cancer, demonstrating significant shrinkage of tumors and minimal side effects. The treatment leverages dendritic cells to trigger an organized immune system attack on cancer, offering hope for replacing or reducing the need for chemotherapy.
SourceKent State University·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2024