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Nourishing T cells to fight cancer

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new way to grow T cells that can live longer and better destroy cancer cells in mice. By adding a compound called dichloroacetate to growth media, they created T cells less reliant on glucose and more efficient at using other energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 28, 2025

Cell death and aging in cancer research review

A review of cell death and aging in cancer research reveals the significance of cellular senescence in promoting cancer growth. The study highlights the potential of various types of programmed cell death, such as necroptosis and pyroptosis, as therapeutic targets against senescent cells.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSeminars in Cancer Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 28, 2025

Researchers reveal why the lung is a frequent site of cancer metastasis

The study found that high levels of aspartate in the lungs are associated with aggressive lung metastases, triggered by an alternative translation program driven by aspartate signaling. This discovery suggests a common feature of cancer cells growing in the lung and provides a potential target for new therapeutic interventions.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 1, 2025

Burning cancer's bridges

Researchers discovered that aggressive breast cancer prompts nearby immune cells to build 'molecular bridges' between themselves, suppressing the immune response. An antibody treatment that blocks these bridges was shown to restore the immune system's ability to attack with force, inhibiting tumor growth in a mouse model.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 23, 2024

What is metformin’s secret sauce?

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals how metformin lowers glucose levels by targeting mitochondrial complex I in cells. The drug also improves COVID outcomes and reduces inflammation, suggesting that mitochondrial complex I inhibition may be a unifying mechanism behind its diverse effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 2024

Researchers unlock craniopharyngioma growth mechanism and identify potential new therapy

Craniopharyngiomas, a type of brain tumor, can hijack hypothalamic neurons to enhance growth. Researchers identified a promising treatment option: amlodipine besylate, a calcium channel blocker commonly used for hypertension. The medication disrupts chemical synaptic transmission between neurons and tumor cells.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 18, 2024

Common food poison toxin speeds colon cancer spread

A study led by UF Health Cancer Center researchers found that a toxin in the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni accelerates the spread of colorectal tumors. The findings could lead to new tools for detecting metastatic colorectal cancer early, ultimately helping determine patients who need more aggressive treatments.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

Controlling cancer cells’ gluttony for glutamine

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys found that pancreatic cancer cells rely on a specific nutrient, glutamine, to fuel their unchecked growth. The study identified two enzymes, aPKC zeta and iota, that play a regulatory role in the process of macropinocytosis, allowing cancer cells to scavenge alternative resources.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

Discovery may open new way to attack prostate cancer

Researchers activate glycoprotein 130 and its associated signaling pathway to slow down tumor growth in prostate cancer, stimulating immune system to fight tumour cells. Studies of tissue samples from prostate cancer patients show positive correlation with better survival rates.

SourceUmea University·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2024

Gold beats platinum for chemo drugs in new lab study

A new gold-based compound has been developed that slows tumour growth in animals by 82%, targeting cancers more selectively than standard chemotherapy drugs. It also blocks cancer cells' ability to form new blood vessels, a promising approach to reducing toxic side effects.

SourceRMIT University·JournalEuropean Journal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Cancers grow uniformly throughout their mass

Researchers discovered that cancer grows uniformly throughout its mass, with every region equally active and potentially harboring aggressive mutations. This finding challenges the traditional 'two-speed' entity model of tumors, where rapidly dividing cells on the surface and slower activity in the core were thought to exist.

POSTECH team pioneers new cancer therapy strategy: targeting GLUT3 in regulatory T cells to supercharge anti-tumor immunity

Researchers at POSTECH have identified GLUT3 as essential for the suppressive function of regulatory T cells in tumor microenvironments, which can be targeted for cancer immunotherapy. The team's findings highlight the critical role of GLUT3 in regulating protein modifications that sustain immune suppression within tumors.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·DateNov 12, 2024

Patients with advanced bladder cancer with alterations in the FGFR3 gene respond well to investigational drug, TYRA-300

TYRA-300 shows promise in treating metastatic bladder cancer patients with FGFR3 gene mutations, achieving a 50% overall response rate and 100% disease control rate. The treatment also displays improved tolerability with lower side effects compared to existing pan-FGFR inhibitors.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 24, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal study reveals key insights on the global burden of thyroid cancer in 2022

A study published in the Chinese Medical Journal projects a significant rise in global thyroid cancer burden, with 821,214 new cases and 47,507 related deaths reported worldwide in 2022. The incidence is expected to increase by 44.1% from 2019 to 2030, with women experiencing higher rates than men.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 16, 2024

New findings on stem cells and development of cancer

Researchers at Umea University have discovered how embryonic stem cells transition into specialized cells, highlighting the importance of LSD1 protein in cancer development. The study suggests that targeting only LSD1's enzymatic activity may not be enough for cancer treatments to be effective.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Study explores novel therapeutic treatment for glioblastoma

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that combining pimozide with CB-839 can effectively suppress glioblastoma growth by blocking lipid production and starvation of tumor cells. This innovative combination may also hold promise for treating other cancers relying on glutamine and lipids.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2024

Proteins in meat, milk, and other foods suppress gut tumors

A new study published in Frontiers in Immunology reveals that certain food proteins like milk and meat can help keep gut tumors from growing by triggering the intestinal immune system. This discovery has potential clinical implications for patients with gastrointestinal conditions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 18, 2024