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Probiotic delivers anticancer drug to the gut

Researchers at WashU Medicine engineered a probiotic that delivers immunotherapy directly to the gut, shrinking tumors in mice. The probiotic uses a yeast-based system to produce immune checkpoint inhibitors, potentially treating hard-to-reach cancers.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2024

Combination approach shows promise for treating rare, aggressive cancers

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have shown that combining pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, with standard chemotherapy can improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced small cell bladder cancer and small cell/neuroendocrine prostate cancer. The study found that the combination treatment resul...

Immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab improves outcomes for patients with soft tissue sarcoma

A new clinical trial found that the addition of immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab to standard treatment improved disease-free survival rates for patients with stage 3 soft tissue sarcoma. The study showed that pembrolizumab reduced recurrence or death for patients by 15 percentage points compared to standard treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 12, 2024

POSTECH team pioneers new cancer therapy strategy: targeting GLUT3 in regulatory T cells to supercharge anti-tumor immunity

Researchers at POSTECH have identified GLUT3 as essential for the suppressive function of regulatory T cells in tumor microenvironments, which can be targeted for cancer immunotherapy. The team's findings highlight the critical role of GLUT3 in regulating protein modifications that sustain immune suppression within tumors.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·DateNov 12, 2024

Combining the VIGex gene expression signature with liquid biopsy may improve response prediction to immunotherapy

Researchers have found that combining the VIGex gene expression signature with liquid biopsy analysis improves response prediction to immunotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. The study analyzed tumor samples and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) by liquid biopsy, showing that the VIGex-Hot subgroup was associated with higher o...

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalJCO Precision Oncology·DateNov 7, 2024

Novel immunotherapy combo shows promise in melanoma

A phase 2 clinical trial found that the combination of vidutolimod and nivolumab led to tumor control in 55% of patients, with higher levels of immune-related proteins detected in responders. The study also uncovered unique signatures of TLR9 activation and a link between gut microbiome and response to therapy.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCancer Cell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 1, 2024

Three experts explain how research is being done to make immunotherapy effective in an increasing number of breast cancers

Immunotherapy holds promise for treating breast cancer, but its effectiveness varies. Researchers Karin de Visser, Sandra Demaria, and María Casanova-Acebes discuss advances and challenges in applying immunotherapy to this common tumor. They highlight the importance of factors like diet, biorhythms, and personalized approaches to impro...

In landmark study, immunotherapy boosts survival of advanced Hodgkin lymphoma

A new treatment approach using immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating advanced Hodgkin lymphoma, with a remarkable 92% survival rate. The innovative clinical trial, led by Wilmot Director Jonathan Friedberg, also minimizes long-term side effects and toxicities.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 16, 2024

Unexpected immune response may hold key to long-term cancer remission

A new study published in Nature has found that the type 2 immune response is positively correlated with long-term cancer remission, contradicting previous theories that it promotes tumor growth. The research used samples from pioneering clinical trials and revealed a statistically significant correlation between type 2 immune factors a...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

The curious immune cells caught between worlds

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered that innate-like T cells mature differently in humans than in mice, with age playing a critical role in their development. This finding has significant implications for the development of immunotherapeutics, highlighting the need to consider human-specific differences when te...

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 24, 2024

Black patients with triple-negative breast cancer may be less likely to receive immunotherapy than white patients

A recent study found that Black patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) received immunotherapy at significantly lower rates than white patients. However, when they did receive immunotherapy, their overall survival rate was similar to that of white patients. The study suggests that socioeconomic factors may be the main barrie...

BMI’s relation to cancer therapy mortality risks not so straightforward

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that body mass index (BMI) has a more complex relationship with mortality risk during cancer therapy than previously thought. For patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, higher BMI was associated with lower mortality when undergoing immunotherapy or conventional chemotherapy. Howe...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2024

Five key factors predict the response of cancer patients to immunotherapy

A study by IRB Barcelona researchers has identified five independent factors that determine patients' response and survival after receiving checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy. These findings provide a framework for current and future biomarkers of immunotherapy response and could lead to more accurate patient classification.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2024

Gut bacteria influence responses to immunotherapy in patients with asbestos related cancer, Leicester study finds

A University of Leicester study has found that certain gut bacteria may influence whether a patient's immune system is successful in fighting mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer. Researchers suggest that dietary changes, such as increased fibre intake, could improve the benefits of immunotherapy for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 5, 2024

AI tool offers more accurate detection of immune-related adverse events in cancer patients

A Mass General Brigham-led study found that a large language model improves the accuracy of immune-related adverse event detection, identifying additional cases not picked up by manual adjudication. The model demonstrated excellent specificity and sensitivity, opening up opportunities for collaboration among institutions.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2024

Two-in-one breakthrough: Cutting-edge immunotherapy could hold promise for incurable brain cancer

Researchers at WEHI have identified a promising new two-in-one treatment that targets and destroys glioma cells while strengthening the immune system to prevent future tumour growth. CAR T cell therapy, using a specific immunotherapy targeting EphA3, has shown effective elimination of glioma cells and long-lasting immunity.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2024