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New biomarker strategy devised to screen for, diagnose deadly heart complication from cancer treatment

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a new biomarker-based strategy to screen for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis, which can cause muscle damage and liver injury. Early detection of these biomarkers can lead to earlier treatment and improved survival rates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2022

Tracking plasma cell survival

A study by Osaka University tracked the survival of antibody-producing plasma cells, finding that most die shortly after immune response, but a small population can survive for months or years. The researchers identified molecular markers distinguishing these long-lived plasma cells from short-lived ones.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Experimental cancer therapy shows success in more than 70% of patients in global clinical trials

Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital found that talquetamab, a bispecific antibody, was successful in killing multiple myeloma cells in over 70% of patients. This therapy directs the immune system to target cancer cells and has shown promise even for those who have resisted all other treatments.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2022

CU Anschutz researchers find less-invasive treatment for certain head and neck cancers

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus have identified a less invasive way to treat HPV-unrelated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas by combining radiation with immunotherapy. The approach resulted in remarkable success rates, including 75% of patients experiencing major pathological responses or complete responses.

Researchers identify how certain immune cells contribute to worse survival in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer

Researchers found that HER2-positive breast cancer patients with high levels of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in residual disease have significantly shorter overall survival. High levels of TILs are associated with poorer outcomes, while lower levels are linked to improved survival rates.

COVID-19 reactivates several latent viruses – particularly in ME patients

A recent study from Linköping University found that COVID-19 reactivated several latent viruses, including the Epstein-Barr virus, in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The study suggests that these reactivated viruses may contribute to the disease's symptoms and could potentially be used as a diagnostic tool.

SourceLinköping University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Investigating COVID-19 deaths for children and young people

A new study confirms that COVID-19 deaths among children and young people are rare, with most fatalities occurring in those with severe neurodisability or compromised immune systems. The analysis of detailed data showed that half of COVID-19 deaths occurred within 30 days of infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2022

Portland State study finds diet high in saturated fat can reprogram immune cells in mice

Researchers discovered that a ketogenic diet high in saturated fats can reprogram the mouse immune system, making it better at fighting off infections but more susceptible to systemic inflammatory conditions. The study also found that another type of fat, oleic acid, may be able to counteract the harmful effects of palmitic acid.

SourcePortland State University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Researchers find treatment options for patients whose blood cancer relapses after CAR-T

Researchers have found therapies that can help patients with relapsed multiple myeloma who tried CAR-T therapy, including bispecific antibodies and other types of CAR-T cell therapy. The study analyzed 79 patients and found that stem cell transplants and other drug combinations showed some efficacy in these patients.

Study finds that patients with cancer and a suppressed immune system are at high risk for severe COVID if treated with systemic drug therapies

A new study by researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that patients with cancer and a weakened immune system who receive immunotherapies are more likely to experience severe COVID-19. The study also found that patients treated with other systemic treatments have milder symptoms, but still face increased risk of complications.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2022

Hemophilia: Training the immune system to be tolerant

A study by the University of Bonn elucidated an important immune mechanism crucial for making hemophilia treatment effective. The researchers found that regulatory T cells can activate a self-destruct button on B cells against factor VIII, leading to its tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Common, usually harmless group of bacteria associated with higher death rates in kidney patients

Researchers found a significant association between NTM infection and increased mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve survival. NTM can cause nonspecific symptoms like fever and weight loss, and patients with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateOct 25, 2022

New cancer drug candidate targets immune system “brakes”

Researchers have designed a potential therapeutic that dampens the activity of regulatory T cells, which can prevent the immune system from unleashing its full potential against tumor cells. The molecule, known as FOX3P, acts as a transcription factor for many Treg genes but isn't vital for other types of T cells.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2022

Cancer patients treated with immunotherapy can safely receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, according to JNCCN study

Researchers analyzed 408 patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and found no increased risk of side effects from receiving both immunotherapy and the vaccine. The study supports NCCN's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer, citing strong protection against severe COVID-19 for all variants.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateOct 17, 2022

Infections can have long-term consequences

A VUB study has mapped the immune system's response to brain infections, revealing that resident macrophages play a key role in defending against pathogens. The researchers found that blood-derived immune cells can eliminate parasites, but may retain 'memory' of past infections, altering their ability to respond to future insults.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalImmunity·DateOct 12, 2022

Moffitt researchers discover connection between stress-activated signaling and immune cell evasion in melanoma

Researchers found that high PERK activity correlates with poorer outcomes and lower anti-tumor immune cells in patients with melanoma. Inhibition of PERK promoted a type of cell death called paraptosis, which involved trafficking of immune cells to tumors and matured dendritic cells triggering anti-tumor T cell immunity.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2022

Paris will host the 9th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Microbiota dedicated to microbiota and microbiotal medicine: Where we are now and what’s next?

The event will cover various topics including microbiota dysbiosis, oral and vaginal microbiota, and their impact on diseases like depression, cancer, and respiratory infections. The meeting aims to accelerate Microbiota medicine applications through strategic discussions.

Random defense: Cells play ‘molecular roulette’ to determine how body fights disease

Researchers discovered that B cells randomly allocate antibody classes to fight infections and diseases, leading to varying probabilities of developing conditions like asthma. This 'molecular roulette' process can be predicted using a formula, paving the way for understanding individual susceptibility.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalImmunity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2022

Disarming the body’s defenders

A study published in Science reveals that tumor cells with a specific mutation release a chemical metabolite that weakens nearby immune cells, rendering them less capable of killing cancer cells. The findings highlight the critical role of the tumor microenvironment in cancer growth and provide insights into developing targeted therapi...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 2022