Articles tagged with Cancer Immunotherapy
Scientists at Northwestern University and UCSF have developed a new technique to enhance the potency of human T cells against cancer. By studying mutations in malignant T cells, they were able to create T cells that can kill tumors derived from skin, lung, and stomach cancers in mice.
Researchers discovered that immune cells called natural killer cells rapidly lose their functionality when entering solid tumours, adopting a dormant state. However, targeting the IL-15 pathway can restore NK cell activity and improve tumor control. This breakthrough could pave the way for new cancer treatments.
Researchers identified senescence-related tumor microenvironment genes associated with poor prognosis, genetic alterations, and reduced responsiveness to immunotherapy in HNSC. The study highlights the importance of precision medicine approaches for personalized treatment.
A recent study discovered a causal link between oncofoetal ecosystems and liver cancer recurrence, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The research found that oncofoetal reprogramming contributes to EMT, tumour cell proliferation, and response to immunotherapy.
A study reveals thyroid cancer's genetic changes contribute to resistance to BRAF inhibitors and can lead to tumor dedifferentiation. Researchers identify potential targets for new therapies, including dual-targeted treatments and immunotherapy combinations.
A new CRISPR-based technology, TRED-I, has been developed to increase visibility of cancer cells to the immune system by augmenting MHC class I molecules. This technology has shown promising results in animal cancer models, reducing tumor sizes and enhancing treatment efficacy when used with existing immunotherapy.
Researchers have discovered that tumours with mitochondrial DNA mutations are up to two and a half times more likely to respond to immunotherapy, opening a new avenue for improving cancer treatment. This finding could enable doctors to identify patients who would benefit most from immunotherapy before starting treatment.
A phase 3 trial shows that adjuvant pembrolizumab therapy significantly prolongs overall survival in patients with clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC) at high risk for recurrence. The treatment reduces the risk of death by 38% compared to placebo.
Researchers discovered that cisplatin chemotherapy enhances the immune system's ability to fight bladder cancer by modulating the immune response and damaging DNA in cancer cells. This approach may lead to durable disease control in a subset of patients with metastatic bladder cancer.
A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals that cancer cells can prevent the immune system from attacking them by inhibiting key checkpoints. Researchers found that monotherapy agents targeting these checkpoints may not be effective without an inflammatory trigger, explaining why some immunotherapies work while others fail.
Senescent tumour cells generated by chemotherapy can create an environment that helps tumour cells escape treatment. Eliminating these cells with immunotherapy boosts the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Researchers analyzed LTBR expression levels in various cancers, finding it associated with low patient survival and immune cell infiltration. The study identified LTBR as a potential target for cancer immunotherapy and marker of poor prognosis.
Researchers from Cleveland Clinic and IBM have developed an AI strategy to identify new targets for immunotherapy treatments. The study, published in Briefings in Bioinformatics, reveals how artificial intelligence can be designed to accurately depict how immune systems recognize target antigens.
Researchers have revealed CD4+ T cells can work effectively on their own to control melanoma, challenging conventional understanding. Harnessing their potential therapeutically holds great promise for improving current cancer immunotherapies.
A new study reveals that RNA binding motif protein X-linked (RBMX) plays a crucial role in predicting cancer prognosis and response to immunotherapy. Abnormal expression of RBMX is associated with immune regulation, tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
A new computational tool, SNAF, has been developed to identify shared splicing neoantigens that can help a patient's immune system fight cancer. The tool has already uncovered promising targets for melanoma and other cancers.
Researchers analyzed cells within triple-negative breast cancer tumors before and after radiation therapy with immunotherapy, identifying three patient groups with distinct responses. The study found that combining radiation therapy and immunotherapy may improve tumor-fighting immune response prior to surgery for some patients.
A new study from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests that prophylactic treatment can significantly reduce the rate of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in multiple myeloma patients. This approach could eliminate hospital stays and broaden access to immunotherapy treatments for more cancer patients.
Scientists have mapped neuroblastoma tumors at the cell level and discovered a brake on the immune system that can be blocked with existing immunotherapy. A new combination treatment targeting TIGIT and PD-L1 is being developed, showing promising results in lab experiments.
Researchers found that a rare type of T cell, Vd1-gd T cells, can predict patient response to immunotherapy treatments. The presence of these cells is highly predictive of positive responses in cancers with few mutations, and they may be more resistant to suppression from cancer cells.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found nearly 6,000 additional US patients could benefit from immunotherapy treatment due to mismatch repair deficiency. Next-generation sequencing revealed previously missed cases, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers from Brazil discuss the management of refractory or relapsed classic Hodgkin lymphoma in adults, highlighting novel agents such as brentuximab vedotin and immunotherapy. The Brazilian healthcare system's constraints are also considered when making treatment decisions.
New research reveals that Black women are more likely to develop endometrial cancers called serous carcinoma and carcinosarcoma, which are more aggressive than those found in white women. The study also showed that Black patients have a higher risk of having copy number-high or TP53 abnormal tumors, which have worse outcomes.
Researchers at Kobe University developed a new model of mice with humanized immune systems to test anti-cancer drugs targeting the immune system. The study showed that a therapy blindfolding immune cells to self-recognition can activate them to attack tumor cells, promoting an effective cancer response.
A U of M-led study introduces an innovative genetic engineering method that avoids cost and safety concerns associated with viral vectors. The method combines CRISPR-Cas9 precision genome editing and a novel DNA integration mechanism, integrating large DNA sequences into human T-cells with high efficiency.
A new study found that perivascular fibroblasts support the creation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, allowing glioblastoma to evade the immune system. The fibroblasts may also promote stem-like cancer cells that rarely divide, leading to poor survival outcomes.
A new study suggests that metastatic prostate tumors contain a rich variety of immune cells that can be roused by immunotherapy into attacking the cancer. Combining hormone therapy with immunotherapy further stimulates anti-tumor immune cells, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used liquid biopsies to monitor changes in circulating tumor DNA and detect immune cell expansions, predicting patient responses to immunotherapies and detecting early signs of toxic side effects. The test showed significant associations with progression-free and overall survival.
A phase 1 clinical trial demonstrates the efficacy of third-generation anti-CD19 CAR T-cells in treating relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas without causing neurotoxicity. The study also shows a robust response rate of 52% and improved safety profile compared to previous CAR T-cell therapies.
A new study from Indian Institute of Science finds that certain types of cancer cells respond well to IFN-γ activation, while others don't. The researchers suggest approaches to make non-responsive cancer cells better respond to immunotherapy by targeting their metabolism.
A recent study published in JNCCN found that patients from underrepresented groups treated with first-line immunotherapy for advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) showed similar survival outcomes as their White counterparts. The study analyzed data from 248 patients and highlighted the need for more diverse patient representation...
Researchers at the University of Turku found that bexmarilimab therapy alters macrophage behavior to promote anti-tumor immune defense. The therapy was well-tolerated and stabilized disease progression in patients with advanced-stage cancer, inducing tumor-associated macrophage and lymphocyte activation.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center analyzed the mechanisms of action of anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/LAG-3 combination therapies, identifying specific subtypes of CD4 T cells that become activated. The study found differences in how these therapies affect CD4 T cells, leading to distinct anticancer effects.
Researchers Haval Shirwan and Esma Yolcu design a molecule, SA-4-1BBL, that mobilizes immune cells to target cancer cells. The molecule shows promising results in preventing lung cancer by triggering the immune system's defense mechanism.
Adding immunotherapy atezolizumab to chemotherapy and bevacizumab improved overall survival by 32.1 months compared to 22.8 months with standard therapy alone. The two-year survival rate was also higher, with 60% in patients treated with the experimental combination.
Researchers from Japan have discovered a novel targeted molecular therapy using microRNA-451a to suppress the progression of gemcitabine-resistant biliary tract cancers. The study found that miR-451a significantly diminished cell proliferation, induced cell death, and reduced chemoresistance in cancer cells.
Researchers confirm that pancreatic cancer triggers a response in the immune system, but T cells struggle to infiltrate tumors. This finding could guide future treatment development for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a deadly form of pancreatic cancer.
Scientists have developed a drug-eluting hydrogel that provides sustained, pH-dependent drug co-delivery and promotes anti-tumor immune responses, reducing tumor cell proliferation and growth. The treatment shows promise in treating hepatocellular carcinoma, with enhanced efficacy compared to traditional methods.
Researchers discovered an alternative immune response involving NK and CD4+ T cells that can recognize and attack cancer cells when the usual recognition marker B2M is missing. This finding holds potential for developing more effective combination cancer immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers have successfully mapped the entire HLA class II landscape, predicting how pathogens are displayed on cell surfaces. The mapping reveals that multiple HLA variants play essential roles in autoimmune disorders and organ rejection, highlighting their potential for developing immunotherapy treatments.
A phase 2 trial found that durvalumab is safe and may benefit overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients with borderline performance status. The study also showed stable quality of life and a lower incidence of severe treatment-related adverse events compared to platinum doublet chemotherapy.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital validated GRP78 as a promising but complex target for CAR T-cell immunotherapy. However, they discovered that some tumors trick the immune cells into expressing GRP78, turning off their own cancer-killing ability.
Two phase-3 clinical trials demonstrate a significant increase in overall survival and progression-free survival for bladder cancer patients treated with immunotherapy combinations. The studies show a 22% reduction in the risk of death compared to chemotherapy alone, providing a promising new approach for treating advanced bladder cancer.
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has been awarded a $5 million NIH grant to establish a state-of-the-art center dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. The Center will utilize cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations to accelerate the translation of scientif...
Researchers have discovered that disrupting a single gene, SUV39H1, can restore the expression of multiple genes in CAR T cells, making them more potent and long-lasting. This approach has shown improved effectiveness against multiple cancers in mice, potentially expanding patient eligibility and reducing side effects.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a novel cancer immunotherapy compound that targets the enzyme TC-PTP, found in both cancer cells and T cells. Deleting this enzyme promotes antigen presentation, alerting the immune system to tumor cells, while stimulating T-cell activation enhances their ability to fight and destroy tumors.
Researchers led by Dr. Ming Li at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center investigate the molecular mechanisms of immune regulation and its role in cancer. They aim to uncover new biological insights to target the immune system for cancer therapy, building on recent advancements in immunotherapy.
A team of researchers developed a gel delivery system that overcomes challenges in intratumoral therapy. The gel contains an imaging agent and can hold a high concentration of drug for slow release. In preclinical models, the treatment induced tumor regression and improved survival in immunotherapy-resistant colon and breast cancer.
Researchers using cancer as a model system are uncovering basic principles of immune cell communication and spatial dynamics. Understanding these principles can lead to new treatments for various diseases, including viral infections and cancer.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method to engineer more powerful immune cells that can potentially be used for 'off-the-shelf' cell therapy to treat challenging cancers. Gamma delta T cells with high expressions of CD16 surface marker exhibited increased ability to recognize and kill cancer cells.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that combining immunotherapy with an investigational ATR kinase inhibitor improved anti-tumor effects in studies using mice. This approach could be especially effective for patients with mismatch repair deficient tumors who do not respond to immunotherapy alone.
Researchers have discovered that mitochondrial respiration failure leads to genetic and metabolic reprogramming of T cells, causing their functional exhaustion. However, pharmacological or genetic optimization of cellular metabolism can increase T cell longevity and functionality.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have engineered novel monoclonal antibodies that engage Natural Killer cells through Siglec-7, a conserved glyco-immune marker, to fight against cancer. These new approaches demonstrate preclinical feasibility and potential for treating treatment-resistant ovarian cancers.
A new tool has been developed to rapidly grow cancer-killing white blood cells, called T cells, which could advance the availability of immunotherapy. The bioreactor is 30% faster than current technologies and can be self-contained in a sterile cabinet.
Researchers from the Max Planck Research Group aim to investigate the local immune system of the liver to develop new immunotherapy strategies for metastatic diseases. They will examine tissue and tumor samples using state-of-the-art techniques to identify key molecules and checkpoints in complex cellular interaction networks.
Researchers at Institute for Systems Biology have made a breakthrough discovery about T cells, finding that the genetically encoded T-cell receptor sequence determines a T cell's function. This fundamental discovery has huge potential for developing custom immune responses to specific antigens.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University has found that a deficiency in the enzyme B4GALT3 inhibits tumor growth in mice. The study shows that reduced glycosylation on T cell surfaces correlates with increased CD8+ immune cells infiltrating tumors.
Researchers saw a major pathologic response in over half of surgical specimens from patients treated with neoadjuvant pembrolizumab. The treatment shrank over half of advanced melanomas, according to exploratory analyses presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2023.
A Phase III trial found that patients who received perioperative immunotherapy had a 32% lower chance of disease recurrence, progression, or death compared to those who only received chemotherapy. The treatment also showed higher rates of pathologic complete response and improved event-free survival.
A clinical trial has shown that combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy nivolumab significantly improved outcomes in patients with advanced bladder cancer. The study found nearly twice as many patients with no evidence of disease after treatment, and a median complete response of 37.1 months.