Articles tagged with Immunotherapy
Researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center are presenting new developments in immunotherapy and proteomics at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting. A new adoptive T-cell therapy for ovarian cancer has shown promising results, while a vaccine adjuvant has boosted immune responses to sarcomas.
FARE has awarded over $1 million to three scientists to study the causes of food allergies and develop new treatments. The recipients will focus on improving oral immunotherapy, IgE glycosylation, and understanding the role of Dock8 in maintaining tolerance to food antigens.
Acquired mutations in IDH enzyme help gliomas evade immune system activation by suppressing T cell recruitment. Inhibition of mutant IDH enhances vaccine-based immunotherapy treatment efficacy in glioma-bearing mice, suggesting potential for combinatorial therapies to counteract mutation effects.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that exhausted T cells have distinct DNA structures and activate specific genes, including NFAT and Nr4a proteins. These findings provide new insights into the molecular underpinnings of T cell exhaustion and offer potential targets for improving cancer immunotherapies.
An international study has shown that immunotherapy can cure Tasmanian devils of the deadly devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The treatment successfully triggered the devil's immune system to recognise and destroy established DFTD tumours, with tumours shrinking and disappearing over three months.
A two-year course of immunotherapy did not significantly improve nasal symptoms in patients with moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis at three-year follow-up. Long-term benefits are unknown, but a shorter treatment duration may reduce costs and inconvenience.
Researchers found that downregulation of the interferon receptor IFNAR1 creates an environment where cancer cells can survive and reproduce unchecked. Modifying immunotherapies by stabilizing IFNAR1 may improve treatment outcomes for solid tumor cancers.
A study by Stanford researchers found that a systemic, whole-body immune response is essential for effectively attacking and eradicating tumors. The researchers used mass cytometry to monitor the physical attributes of individual cells in samples of millions or billions, revealing an increase in immune cells and regulatory T cells in s...
A new study found that high-aneuploidy tumors have increased expression of genes involved in DNA replication and cell cycle, but decreased expression of genes characteristic of immune cells. This suggests that jumbled chromosomes in tumors may limit the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers at Uppsala University developed a new antibody design that increases brain uptake of antibodies almost 100-fold, offering new opportunities for treating brain diseases. The modified antibodies use the transferrin receptor to transport them across the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers found that localized chemotherapy delivered directly to the brain improved survival rates in mice with glioblastoma when combined with immunotherapy. The study suggests that systemic chemotherapy weakens the immune system and may hinder its ability to fight tumors.
Research suggests that adapting people's gut bacteria through antibiotics, probiotics, or faecal transplants may increase the benefits of new immunotherapy drugs for treating cancer. Patients with advanced melanoma who had greater diversity in their gut bacteria were more likely to respond to immunotherapy treatment.
A small molecule can turn short-lived T-cells into long-lived, renewable cells that destroy tumour cells. Researchers have identified a way to increase the life-span of these T-cells, overcoming a key hurdle in immunotherapy.
A wearable patch delivering small amounts of peanut protein through the skin has shown safety and efficacy in treating peanut allergy in children aged 4-25 years. The low-dose and high-dose regimens offered similar benefits, with significant treatment effects seen in younger children.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a novel immunotherapy strategy that targets specific types of cancer while minimizing side effects. They aim to create new and more effective immunotherapies by modulating T cells with a fusion protein.
The CheckMate 026 trial found that nivolumab did not improve progression-free survival over chemotherapy in patients with PD-L1 positive tumours. However, combination immunotherapies are being investigated to potentially increase the proportion of patients who benefit from treatment.
Researchers found that neoadjuvant immunotherapy with nivolumab was safe and did not delay surgery in patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer. Six of 15 patients experienced major pathological regression, suggesting potential activity of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in early stage lung cancer.
Researchers found that when tumor cells lack sufficient neo-epitopes, they are no longer recognized by T-cells. Epitopes require enzymatic processing for correct trimming and presentation on the cell surface.
A study found that over 90% of targeted therapy and immunotherapy trials scored poorly on reporting recurrent and late toxicities. Limitations were also seen in presenting adverse events and assessing follow-up intervals.
Scientists combine immunotherapy with chemotherapy to destroy a majority of dormant cancer cells, preventing recurrence. The study shows that quiescent but not indolent cancer cells can evade immunotherapy, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
A clinical trial found that oral immunotherapy is safe and effective for peanut-allergic preschool children, with over 80% successfully introducing peanut into their diets. The treatment involved gradually increasing amounts of peanut protein daily and was comparable in effectiveness between low-dose and high-dose regimens.
Researchers found that certain immune cells can recognize cancerous changes before a human tumor is clinically recognizable. However, these T cells are quickly silenced by the tumor, making them non-functional. The study's findings highlight potential strategies to rescue and improve immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors.
A phase I trial found that combining anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy with a MEK inhibitor achieves partial responses and is well-tolerated in patients with microsatellite-stable metastatic colorectal cancer. The combination was shown to increase the number of active immune cells in tumors, leading to improved responses.
Researchers at University of Notre Dame develop new T cell receptor technology to enhance immune system's ability to target specific cancer antigens. The engineered receptors allow for a more directed and accurate immune response against cancer cells.
A small clinical trial found that combining checkpoint inhibitors with T-cell therapy may boost treatment effectiveness for metastatic melanoma. Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center suggest this approach could be beneficial for fighting other cancers as well.
Dr. Glen Weiss presents five innovative cancer studies at ASCO, including liquid biopsies for predicting treatment improvements and promising results with avelumab against recurrent-refractory ovarian cancer. Brigatinib shows substantial antitumor activity in ALK non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Researchers combine radiation treatments with new immunotherapies to target melanoma, showing synergistic effects that improve treatment outcomes. The combination of radiation and immunotherapy has been shown to increase one-year survival rates for patients with Stage 4 metastatic melanoma.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered a link between the protein Bim and predicting patient responses to immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma. They found that patients with higher levels of Bim were more likely to respond to immunotherapy, offering hope for better treatment outcomes.
A study found that a house dust mite immunotherapy tablet improved time to first moderate or severe asthma exacerbation when added to maintenance medications. The treatment reduced the risk of exacerbations and increased allergen-specific antibodies.
A new NIH-funded study suggests that changes in immune cell subtypes after oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy can help predict treatment success. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found a novel T-cell population that likely would not mount an allergic response expanded with treatment.
Two studies found that a specific gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium, is positively associated with anti-tumor T cell responses and upregulates genes critical for anti-tumor responses. Fecal transplants also slowed tumor growth in mice treated with immunotherapy agents.
A new study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers found that immunotherapy can boost survival from pancreatic cancer by more than 75% in mice, even without chemotherapy or radiation. The therapy targets mesothelin, a protein overproduced by virtually all pancreatic tumors.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly three-quarters of patients with autoimmune cerebellar ataxia were women. The median duration from symptom onset to last follow-up was 25 months, with 51 patients experiencing physician-reported neurologic improvement with immunotherapy and cancer therapy.
A study of 118 adults with autoimmune cerebellar ataxia found that nonparaneoplastic disorders, detection of PMP antibodies, and GAD 65 antibodies predicted better immunotherapy response and neurological outcomes. Among the patients, 45.8% showed physician-reported neurologic improvement.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that deliver allergens to specific cells, reducing side effects. The new approach could lead to safer and more effective treatments for allergies and other conditions.
Researchers have found that combining aspirin with immunotherapy can slow cancer growth and unleash the immune system's full power. By stopping the production of PGE2, a molecule that dampens down the immune response, COX inhibitors like aspirin may lift the protective barrier around tumors, making cancer more susceptible to treatment
A recent study by the UC Davis team has discovered that an early inflammatory response can 'paralyze' CD4 T cells, a crucial component of the immune system. This finding could lead to more effective cancer treatments and new approaches for managing autoimmune conditions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a method using magnetic nanoparticles to train and rapidly multiply immune system white blood cells. The technique, which separates naive T cells from other cells in the blood, has shown promise in expanding these cells' numbers by an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 times.
Ludwig Cancer Research and the Cancer Research Institute launched clinical trials to evaluate immunotherapeutic strategies for brain cancer and various solid tumors. The trials will test MedImmune's checkpoint blockade antibody durvalumab in patients with glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly form of adult brain cancer.
A special issue of Immunotherapy explores emerging concepts in adoptive cell immunotherapy (ACT) to extend its effects to a wider range of solid and hematological cancers. The journal reviews new strategies to address challenges and potentially improve treatment options for more cancer types.
Researchers found that combining immunotherapy drugs nivolumab and ipilimumab significantly increases progression-free survival in advanced melanoma patients, with a median PFS of 11.5 months compared to 6.9 months for nivolumab alone.
Immunotherapy with pembrolizumab was effective in 24.8% of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, resulting in significant tumor shrinkage and improved outcomes.
A new study from UTMB reveals that a single dose of immunotherapy reverses memory problems in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. The therapy targets toxic tau oligomers, which are also linked to amyloid beta levels.
Hay fever sufferers can benefit from state-of-the-science treatments like sublingual immunotherapy. The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends this treatment for patients with specific allergies who don't respond to other treatments, with a completion period of up to five years. Other key recommendations include diagnosing and t...
Krishnaraj Rajalingam, a leading molecular cell biologist, has been awarded the Gutenberg Research College fellowship to establish a research team at Mainz University. His research focuses on understanding cellular signaling pathways to develop novel therapeutics for major human diseases like cancer.
Researchers at UC Davis found that immunotherapy regimens can be lethal to obese mice due to increased body fat, which affects the immune system's response. The study suggests a link between obesity and toxicity in cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers found combining immunotherapy with radiotherapy helps the immune system target and destroy cancer cells resistant to initial treatment. This approach improved survival rates and protected mice against disease recurrence.
Researchers found that adding rapamycin to an immunotherapy approach strengthened the immune response against brain tumor cells, increasing the effect of new therapies. The study also showed increased memory cells, allowing the immune system to attack tumors more effectively.
A new vaccine candidate, GP2, has shown a 57% reduction in recurrence rates among high-risk breast cancer patients. The vaccine targets CD8+ cells and was combined with an immune stimulant to enhance its effectiveness.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have made a breakthrough in understanding how cells convert from attacking healthy tissue to protecting against disease. This discovery could lead to the development of a new treatment approach using antigen-specific immunotherapy, which may improve the lives of millions worldwide.
A new triple therapy combining two immunotherapies and targeted radiation has prolonged the survival of mice with glioblastoma brain cancer by up to 67 days. The treatment induces an immune response against tumors, creating long-term immunity.
Researchers found that treating a peanut allergy with oral immunotherapy changes the DNA of immune cells, which could serve as a basis for a simple blood test to monitor long-term effectiveness. The study involved 20 peanut-allergic children and adults who completed two years of immunotherapy.
Dr. Rodriguez's award-winning research identified a potential new therapeutic approach to make T cells resistant to tumor suppression, enhancing anti-tumor activity and overcoming immune suppression. His findings suggest Notch-1 may be an effective new approach for T cell-based immunotherapy.
Research suggests that pregnant women who receive allergy shots may reduce their child's risk of asthma, food allergies, and eczema. Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can modify and prevent disease progression.
A study by Timothy Craig, MD, found that allergy shots decrease anxiety and depression in those allergic to wasp, bee, and ant stings. Allergy shots are the only treatment known to modify disease progression, making them life-saving for severe allergy sufferers.
Researchers identified seven potential candidate genes as targets for melanoma immunotherapy, including cancer-testis genes and melanoma-related genes. The NCI is currently conducting clinical trials using this technology to treat various cancers.
Researchers developed prognostic biomarkers to determine melanoma patient benefit from new immunotherapy agents. Epigenetic regulators like microRNAs were found to inhibit metastasis and improve chemotherapy response in triple negative breast cancer.
A new two-step immunotherapy approach, combining dendritic cell vaccination and adoptive T-cell therapy, showed a 75% clinical benefit in 31 ovarian cancer patients. The treatment preserved tumor cells alive and used them to manufacture personalized vaccines that taught the immune system to attack the tumor.
Researchers found moderate evidence supporting the use of sublingual immunotherapy to improve asthma symptoms and decrease medication use by over 40% in treated patients. The treatment also showed promise for reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, with no reported episodes of anaphylaxis or death.
A new study published in The Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology shows that immunotherapy using peanut protein drops can desensitize patients to peanuts by up to 10 times. After 44 weeks, 70% of participants increased their safe consumption level from 3.5mg to 496mg.