Cancer treatment: A researcher makes breakthrough immunotherapy discovery
A new cell therapy approach has been developed by Dr Christopher E Rudd, boosting the immune response of T lymphocytes to malignant tumours.
Immunotherapy
Articles tagged with Immunotherapy
Algorithm personalizes which cancer mutations are best targets for immunotherapy
A new model developed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has been created to personalize which cancer mutations are best targets for immunotherapy. The algorithm analyzes protein sequences from individual patient samples and evaluates their similarity to healthy cells, predicting a better immune response.
Adding radiation after immunotherapy improves PFS for some pts with metastatic NSCLC
A phase II trial found that adding radiation therapy to immunotherapy increases progression-free survival for patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. T cells played a key role in the immune response, with certain markers predicting longer disease-free periods.
Electronic nose can sniff out which lung cancer patients will respond to immunotherapy
A new electronic nose can identify lung cancer patients who will respond to immunotherapy with 85% accuracy, outperforming the current gold standard of immunohistochemistry. The non-invasive test detects chemicals in patient breath and provides instant feedback, potentially avoiding ineffective treatment and side effects.
Protein mapping pinpoints why metastatic melanoma patients do not respond to immunotherapy
A team of researchers from Tel Aviv University and Sheba Medical Center identified differences in the metabolism of cancer cells between responders and non-responders to immunotherapy. Higher levels of proteins associated with lipid metabolism were found in responders, leading to better recognition by the immune system.
'Tiny fat bubbles' can boost immunity, calm disease
Researchers have isolated specific cells that can target rogue immune T-cells, potentially rebooting the immune system. This 'antigen-specific immunotherapy' shows promise in treating existing inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
New peanut allergy treatment shows effectiveness and safety
A new peanut allergy treatment, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), has shown effectiveness in protecting patients from severe allergic reactions. SLIT involves placing tiny amounts of peanut protein under the tongue, where it is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream, desensitizing the immune system to larger amounts of peanut protein.
Immune-boosting compound makes immunotherapy effective against pancreatic cancer
Researchers identified a compound that promotes a vigorous immune assault against pancreatic tumors, significantly shrinking them and improving survival. The compound, ADH-503, shifts the balance of myeloid cells toward those that activate T cells to attack cancer, making resistant cancers susceptible to immunotherapy.
UT Southwestern develops test to predict immunotherapy response in kidney cancer
A new test developed by UT Southwestern Medical Center aims to identify kidney cancer patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy. The test uses a diagnostic tracer to visualize tumors and assess PD-L1 expression, which can predict treatment response. The approach has shown promise in early studies.
Combination checkpoint blockade effective in pre-surgical setting for early-stage lung cancers
The combination immunotherapy of nivolumab and ipilimumab met the primary endpoint of the NEOSTAR trial with a 33% overall major pathologic response rate in early-stage lung cancer patients. The treatment was also shown to be effective in reducing tumor viability, with six out of 21 patients achieving a complete pathological response.
Immunotherapy better than aggressive chemo as first-line treatment in head and neck cancer
A new clinical trial shows that immunotherapy pembrolizumab is more effective than standard aggressive chemotherapy in treating people with recurrent head and neck cancer. The combination of pembrolizumab with platinum chemotherapy extended survival by 3.7 months, while the immunotherapy alone showed improved survival rates compared to...
Discovery may lead to natural ent-kaurane diterpenoid for NK-based tumor immunotherapy
Researchers discover parvifoline AA, a natural compound, stimulates NKG2D ligands on cancer cells, making them more recognizable and targetable by NK cells. This increases the effectiveness of NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy.
Pretreatment with TNF inhibitors may improve outcomes of combination cancer immunotherapy
Researchers at the University of Navarra found that pretreating patients with TNF inhibitors before combining immunotherapy can reduce adverse effects and improve treatment response in animal models. The study suggests a new approach to treating cancer by blocking tumor necrosis factor while applying combination immunotherapy.
Mutational intensity influences a tumor's response to PD-1 immunotherapy
Researchers found that MSI intensity and mutational load significantly impact MMR-deficient tumors' response to PD-1 therapy. Higher mutational loads result in better responses to treatment.
Biomarker may predict if immunotherapy is right choice for colorectal cancer patients
Researchers found that tumor mutation score is associated with responses to immunotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Patients with high mutation scores are more likely to respond to immunotherapy, while those with low scores may benefit from chemotherapy.
Researchers find new target to improve response to cancer immunotherapy
Researchers found a new pathway to killing cancer cells by targeting ferroptosis, a type of cell death linked to immune cells. The study suggests that combining ferroptosis sensitizer and checkpoint inhibitor treatments creates a strong immune response that fights tumors.
The Lancet: Peanut allergy oral immunotherapy increases allergic reactions, compared with avoidance or placebo
A systematic review of 12 studies with over 1,000 patients found that peanut oral immunotherapy increases the risk and frequency of anaphylaxis and allergic reactions. Despite inducing desensitisation in the clinic, the treatment does not lead to improved quality of life for patients.
Oral immunotherapy safe for preschool-aged children with peanut allergies
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice suggests that oral immunotherapy is safe for preschool-aged children with peanut allergies. Researchers followed 270 children who received oral immunotherapy and found that 90% reached the maintenance stage successfully.
Cancers 'change spots' to avoid immunotherapy
Researchers discovered that cancer cells can hide from immunotherapy by altering the levels of a key molecule on their surface. However, they identified an existing inhibitor of the WNT pathway that could potentially reverse this process and make cancer cells more visible to immune cells.
Maintenance immunotherapy fails to improve survival in extensive small cell lung cancer
The CheckMate 451 study found that maintenance immunotherapy did not prolong overall survival in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. However, the study suggested that patients who received early maintenance therapy may have longer progression-free survival rates.
Studies give new insights on immunotherapy in elderly patients with advanced NSCLC
New studies provide insights into the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in elderly patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Real-life studies suggest that elderly patients may have shorter overall survival but similar toxicity rates compared to younger patients.
Single-cell sequencing reveals landscape of immune cell subtypes in lung cancer tumors
Researchers map the landscape of myeloid cells in lung cancer tumors using single-cell sequencing, revealing 25 distinct subpopulations with consistent gene expression signatures across patients. The findings provide a powerful starting point to better understand their functions and clinical applications.
Is your melanoma hot enough for immunotherapy?
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study identifies a possible way to predict which melanomas are hot and cold for immunotherapy. Tumors with specific genetic changes in the NF-kB signaling pathway are more likely to respond to anti-PD1 immunotherapies, suggesting a potential biomarker for treatment prediction.
Harnessing T-cell 'stemness' could enhance cancer immunotherapy
A study suggests that increasing T cells' exposure to potassium, mimicking high potassium levels, could make cancer immunotherapies more effective. Growing T cells under conditions of high potassium preserves their stem-cell-like quality, allowing them to replicate and grow.
Nuclear medicine imaging monitors effectiveness of therapy for melanoma patients
PET/CT scans can monitor immunotherapy treatment for metastatic melanoma and predict outcome, allowing personalized therapy adjustments. The study demonstrates that FDG PET/CT can accurately assess tumor response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy with ipilimumab.
Eating small amounts of peanut after immunotherapy may extend allergy treatment benefits
A multi-year observational study found that eating small amounts of peanut after immunotherapy can extend allergy treatment benefits and improve quality of life. The majority of participants continued regularly eating peanuts daily for up to eight years without any reactions from accidental ingestions.
Study finds way to potentially improve immunotherapy for cancer
A study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has identified a drug called dasatinib that could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies for various types of cancers. The researchers found that combining dasatinib with anti-PD-1 therapy increased sensitivity in cancer cells, making it a promising approach to improve treatment outcomes.
Birch pollen allergen immunotherapy normalizes nasal gene-expression and microbial community
Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that allergen immunotherapy reduces symptom scores and alters nasal epithelial transcriptome in patients with allergic rhinitis. The study also showed improved diversity of the nasal microbiome in response to treatment.
Small cell lung cancer may respond to combination of immunotherapy and DNA damage repair inhibitors
Researchers found a promising new treatment for small cell lung cancer by combining immune checkpoint blockade with targeted therapies that block DNA damage repair. This combination achieved significant tumor regression in mouse models, suggesting potential benefits for patients.
Why some brain tumors respond to immunotherapy
Research reveals that patients with specific MAPK mutations are more likely to respond to immunotherapy drugs in glioblastoma. The study also found that tumors with PTEN mutations were less responsive to treatment, suggesting new targets for treatment development.
Tuberculosis: Inhibiting host cell death with immunotherapy
Researchers have identified a new target protein that can inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced cell death. Corticosteroids, already used in tuberculosis treatment, may support the healing process by inhibiting this pathway. This immunotherapy approach could reduce treatment duration and secondary complications associated with TB.
Nullifying protein YTHDF1 enhances anti-tumor response
Researchers found that eliminating protein YTHDF1 boosts dendritic cell activity, leading to better immune response against cancer. This discovery opens new avenues for cancer treatment and may lead to effective combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors or dendritic cell vaccines.
Blocking pro-fibrosis pathway may improve immunotherapy of metastatic breast cancer
Research finds that plerixafor reduces fibrosis and improves response to immunotherapy in mouse models of metastatic breast cancer. Fibrosis blocks effectiveness of immunotherapies, but CXCR4 inhibition enhances immune cell infiltration and decreases formation of spontaneous metastases.
EU and Canada award €8.65 million to project to ease genomic and health data sharing
The iReceptor Plus consortium, led by Bar-Ilan University, aims to develop an innovative platform for integrating distributed genomic datasets to improve personalized medicine and immunotherapy in various diseases.
Some brain tumors may respond to immunotherapy, new study suggests
Researchers found that many slow-growing NF1 gliomas contain few macrophages and produce proteins that can trigger an immune system attack, making them good candidates for treatment with immunotherapy. Clinical trials are now being planned for these high-immune tumors.
Genetically engineered immune cells show promise for fighting relapsed blood cancer
Researchers reported promising early results from a clinical study of genetically engineered immune cells that recognize and fight cancer cells. The treatment generated excellent responses when used after chemotherapy, with 71% of patients achieving complete response.
CNIO and Hospital 12 de Octubre extend effectiveness of immunotherapy to more lung cancer patients
A clinical trial led by CNIO's Luis Paz-Ares showed that immunotherapy significantly increases patient survival when administered alongside conventional chemotherapy. This opens the door to investigate its effectiveness in early stages of the disease.
Free, publicly available health data proves to be research gold mine
A UCalgary research team analyzed publicly accessible health and genomics data to identify a gene signature that can help determine which cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy. This discovery has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for these patients.
New treatment to protect people with peanut allergies ready for FDA review
A new treatment has been shown to help people with peanut allergies build up a tolerance to the allergen, allowing them to consume small amounts without experiencing severe reactions. The study found that two-thirds of participants were able to tolerate the equivalent of two peanuts per day after nine to 12 months of treatment.
2018 ESMO Immuno-Oncology Award goes to Cornelis Melief
Cornelis Melief is recognized for his life's work in studying the interactions of the immune system with cancer, leading to the development of new therapeutic cancer vaccine strategies. His research has shown clinical effectiveness in treating patients with pre-malignant lesions caused by HPV type 16.
Establishing immunotherapy for pediatric liver cancer
Navin Varadarajan is modifying T cells to recognize and kill glypican-3, a molecule found in liver cancer cells. The goal is to develop an effective treatment for high-risk pediatric liver cancer with poor survival rates.
Cytokine levels could predict immunotherapy problems
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified blood-based biomarkers that may help identify patients at greatest risk of developing autoimmune side effects from immunotherapy. The study found that levels of certain cytokines were particularly low before treatment in patients who developed immune-related adverse events.
Mount Sinai researchers find wheat oral immunotherapy to be therapeutic for allergic patients
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have successfully induced desensitization in the majority of children with wheat allergies through oral immunotherapy. After 52 weeks, 52% of children consumed a cumulative dose of 4,443mg of wheat protein without adverse reactions.
Scientists neutralize reactive nitrogen molecules to enhance cancer immunotherapy
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have found a way to inhibit T-cell activation by targeting nitration of an amino acid in cancer cells. This approach could enhance cancer immunotherapy by identifying activity-based markers and designing approaches that shut down specific mechanisms inhibiting T-cell activation.
Houston Methodist scientists create device to deliver immunotherapy without side effects
Researchers developed a nanofluidic seed that can deliver sustained-release doses of immunotherapy directly to tumors, reducing the need for multiple IV treatments and eliminating side effects. The device has shown promising results in mice models, with equal effectiveness compared to systemic immunotherapy while minimizing toxicities.
Immunotherapy effective as first-line treatment for advanced head and neck cancer
A phase III clinical trial found immunotherapy pembrolizumab to be more effective than aggressive chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced head and neck cancer. Patients with high PD-L1 levels saw significant improvements in survival and response rates.
Immunotherapy is safe and feasible in cancer patients treated for HIV, study suggests
A study suggests that immunotherapy is safe and feasible for HIV-positive cancer patients. The treatment appears to be well-tolerated as long as antiretroviral therapy is continued in parallel, the key finding of the study.
Allergy research: Test predicts outcome of hay fever therapies
A team of researchers at TUM and Helmholtz Zentrum München investigated the processes taking place in the body during a three-year allergen-specific immunotherapy. They found that regulatory B-cells play a more important role than previously thought, and that certain ratios of cell types can predict treatment success.
Machine-learning driven findings uncover new cellular players in tumor microenvironment
Researchers at CytoReason used machine learning to analyze melanoma biopsies, identifying adipocytes as potential regulators of the tumor microenvironment. The study suggests that these cells may play a previously unreported role in differentiating nivolumab responders from non-responders in ipilimumab-resistant patients.
Immunotherapy effective against hereditary melanoma
Researchers found that immunotherapy is effective in treating metastatic melanoma in individuals with CDKN2A mutations, with nearly two-thirds of patients responding to treatment. The study suggests that tumours with CDKN2A mutations have a larger number of mutations, making them easier to recognise by the immune system.
DNA vaccine targets family of tumor antigens & shows promise for cancer immunotherapy
A new DNA vaccine targeting the human MAGE-A family of proteins has shown promise in a pre-clinical model of melanoma, inducing a robust immune response and antitumor activity. The vaccine simultaneously targets multiple tumor antigens, overcoming a difficult issue in cancer immunotherapy.
Checkpoint-targeting immunotherapies get a helping hand from natural killer cells
A subpopulation of PD-1-expressing NK cells within tumors responds to checkpoint blockade, activating anti-cancer effects. These cells contribute significantly to the efficacy of checkpoint-targeting immunotherapies, suggesting new strategies for improving treatment outcomes.
Predicting the response to immunotherapy using artificial intelligence
Researchers develop radiomic signature to predict efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with solid tumors. The algorithm analyzes CT scan images to extract biological information, providing a predictive score for treatment effectiveness.
Combination immunotherapy shrinks melanoma brain metastases
A clinical trial found that combination immunotherapy reduced melanoma brain metastases by 26% in 94 patients. The treatment, combining checkpoint inhibitors ipilimumab and nivolumab, also showed durable responses with 59.5% of patients remaining progression-free at nine months.
Simple test could identify bladder cancer patients who won't respond to immunotherapy
A simple blood test identifying patients unlikely to benefit from immunotherapy for bladder cancer could save months of unnecessary treatment. The test measures pro-inflammatory molecule Interleukin-2 release from immune cells before therapy and correctly predicted therapy outcome in almost 80% of cases.
Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center researchers using big data to predict immunotherapy responses
Johns Hopkins researchers developed a new method to analyze bioinformatics data and determine how a patient's immune system responds to immunotherapy. The FEST analysis technique can be used to create a database associating immunotherapy-related responses with clinical benefits.
Harnessing hair loss gene could improve cancer immunotherapy
Researchers found a gene that recruits immune cells in alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease causing hair loss. They discovered this gene is turned off in various cancers, protecting them from the immune system. By turning it back on, tumors can be made vulnerable to immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy associated with improved survival for patients with melanoma brain metastases
Checkpoint inhibitors improve median and four-year overall survival rates for melanoma brain metastasis patients by 1.4- and 1.5-fold, respectively, according to a national cohort study published in Cancer Immunology Research.
Otago researchers' discovery unlocks secrets behind cancer drug resistance
Researchers discover DNA methylation marker that influences PD-L1 expression on cancer cells, shedding light on why new therapies don't work for some patients. The findings suggest epigenetic therapies could be used in combination with immunotherapy to treat melanoma patients.
Immune profile for successful cancer immunotherapy discovered
UCSF researchers identified a critical immune cell pathway that primes the immune system for effective response to checkpoint inhibitors. The presence of specific immune cells, such as dendritic cells and natural killer cells, in tumors predicts improved response to immunotherapy and overall survival. These findings enable clinicians t...