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Predicting immunotherapy success

Weizmann Institute researchers found that overexpression of specific immunoproteasome subunits in melanoma is tied to anti-cancer immune activity. The study's findings suggest that these biomarkers may improve patient matching to current immunotherapy treatments, leading to better outcomes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2020

Math models add up to improved cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed mathematical models to predict how tumors may respond to immunotherapy and how adding other anti-cancer drugs could lead to improved treatment. The models suggest that normalization of the tumor microenvironment, including blood supply, could improve treatment efficacy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2020

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.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 17, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 4, 2019

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.