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'Molecular Velcro' enables tissues to sense, react to mechanical force

A University of Illinois study discovered that cadherin proteins can sense mechanical stress and alter cell communication, promoting tissue growth and tumorigenesis. The findings suggest a potential mechanism for preventing certain types of tissue growth by mutating cadherin molecules.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Just in the NIK of time

Researchers at Osaka University have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), a deadly form of liver cancer. By identifying TRAF3 and NIK as key players, they have uncovered potential therapeutic targets for novel ICC treatment.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Asthma may reduce risk of brain tumors -- but how?

Researchers found that asthma causes immune cells to behave in a way that prevents brain tumor growth, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach. The findings suggest reprogramming T cells to act like those in asthma patients could be a new treatment for brain tumors.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Successful treatment in mice for severe childhood cancer

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have successfully treated high-risk neuroblastoma in mice using a combination of precision medicines, showing potential for a curative treatment. The study's results suggest that patients with this form of childhood cancer may benefit from drug treatment with ATR inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

CNIO researchers discover a new mechanism involved in early melanoma metastasis

CNIO researchers have identified a new biomarker for early melanoma metastasis, proposing the use of NGFR to predict disease prognosis and define risk groups. Blocking NGFR drastically reduces metastasis in mice, paving the way for a potential first treatment to tackle metastasis in its earliest stages.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2021

How diet affects tumors

A new study from MIT reveals that calorie-restricted diets slow tumor growth in mice by reducing fatty acid availability, while ketogenic diets have limited effect. The findings offer insight into how dietary interventions might be combined with existing or emerging drugs to help patients with cancer.

A peptide-drug conjugate that targets the acidic environment of cancer cells may improve the efficacy of immunotherapy

A peptide-drug conjugate called CBX-12 has been shown to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical cancer models by targeting the acidic environment of cancer cells. The treatment exhibited significantly delayed tumor growth, improved survival, and complete tumor regressions compared to immunotherapy alone.

Cancer breakthrough: Exercise may stop disease in its tracks

A clinical trial found that obese prostate cancer patients who underwent regular exercise training for 12 weeks had increased levels of anti-cancer myokines, which suppressed tumour growth and helped fight cancerous cells. The study suggests exercise may be a key weapon in cancer patients' battle against the disease.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2021

Antidepressants inhibit cancer growth in mice

Researchers found that antidepressants inhibit the growth of pancreatic and colon cancers in mice by blocking a mechanism used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. The findings suggest a promising approach for combining antidepressant drugs with immunotherapy to treat incurable cancers.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 28, 2021

Special transcription factor and its target genes as an important approach for therapy at rare leukemia type identified

A study by MedUni Wien researchers has discovered that the transcription factor BATF3 and its target genes play a crucial role in the growth of tumour cells in anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The findings suggest that targeting the IL-2R system could be an effective therapeutic approach, with promising results in animal models.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2021

JNCCN study reveals neuroendocrine tumor mortality patterns to inform treatment decisions

A population-based cohort study in Canada identified mortality patterns for different types of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), revealing varying risks of cancer-related and non-cancer death. The study found that small NETs can be safely monitored, while larger tumors may require more aggressive treatment.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2021

Mitochondrial enzyme found to block cell death pathway points to new cancer treatment strategy

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that targeting the mitochondrial enzyme DHODH can induce ferroptosis and suppress tumor growth in cancer cells. The study suggests a new therapeutic strategy for inducing ferroptosis, which could have broad implications for treating various types of cancer.

The physics behind tumor growth

Researchers at Duke University developed a predictive theory for tumor growth that approaches the subject from a new point of view, using thermodynamics and physical space. The results demonstrate how a tumor's growth is directly tied to its need to create greater access to flowing nutrients and conduits for removing refuse.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiosystems·DateJan 20, 2021

New targets for childhood brain tumors identified

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine has found that brain tumors in children with NF1 are driven by nearby noncancerous neurons and immune cells. The researchers discovered that targeting immune cells slows tumor growth in mice, pointing to potential new treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

Researchers unveil experimental compound to block therapeutic target in blood cancer

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a hyperactive cell signal contributing to tumor growth in aggressive blood cancer. They developed an experimental therapeutic compound, UNC3810A, that targeted and slowed tumor growth by blocking the hyperactive Tyro3 protein.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019