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Using patient-derived research models to study deadly DNA loops

Researchers used patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to study deadly DNA loops in cancer cells. They found significant similarities between human tumor samples and PDX models, including consistent presence of extra copies of oncogenes. These findings suggest that ecDNA-positive tumor cells may drive tumor growth and recurrence.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2026

Researchers identify drivers of resistance to KRAS inhibitors in colorectal cancer

Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have uncovered genetic and cell-state adaptive mechanisms that drive resistance to KRAS inhibitors in patients with KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer. Targeting early inflammatory responses by adding TBK1 blockade may be a promising combination strategy to overcome treatment resistance.

Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation awards $3.2 million to innovative early-career scientists

The foundation awarded $400,000 over two years to five early-career researchers and continuation support to three current Innovators with significant progress on their proposed research. The recipients focus on developing targeted therapeutics, decoding dendritic cell function, defining NKT cell interactions with tumors, engineering T ...

Cats could hold new keys to human cancer

Researchers analyzed tumour samples from almost 500 domestic cats across five countries, identifying specific driver genes that lead to cancer development. The study found similarities between cat and human cancers, including a common driver gene associated with worse prognosis in humans.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Short-circuiting pancreatic cancer

Researchers have discovered a complex regulatory circuit involving SRSF1, AURKA, and MYC that promotes aggressive pancreatic cancer progression. The circuit, which involves alternative splicing, can be targeted with an antisense oligonucleotide to reduce tumor cells' viability and trigger apoptosis.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 8, 2026

Targeting the “undruggable”: New molecular degraders offer hope for aggressive breast cancer

A team from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed innovative druglike molecules capable of degrading HuR, a key RNA-binding protein that stabilizes oncogenes and fuels cancer progression. These molecular degraders improve anticancer properties by up to 3-4 orders of magnitude compared to traditional HuR-binding molecules.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJACS·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2025

Scientists develop super strong antibodies for new cancer treatment

Researchers from the University of Southampton engineered a new type of super-strong antibody that triggers a stronger response from the immune system compared to naturally produced antibodies. The study confirms that making subtle increases in rigidity stimulates immune activity, creating a powerful immune response against disease.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

Discovery of FOXR2 activation in various brain tumors refines diagnosis to improve care

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered FOXR2 activation in multiple pediatric CNS tumor types, including high-grade gliomas and pineoblastomas, with significantly different clinical outcomes. The study highlights the importance of combining molecular findings with other diagnostic approaches to improve treatment...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateApr 16, 2025

Scientists discover how the body's killer cells attack cancer

Researchers have found that natural killer cells instinctively recognize and attack the XPO1 protein, which drives cancer growth. By targeting this protein, scientists may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy cancer cells. The study suggests that this approach could lead to personalized cancer treatment with less side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2024

Drug developed for pancreatic cancer shows promise against most aggressive form of medulloblastoma

A new study has shown that a drug developed for pancreatic cancer is effective in treating the most aggressive form of medulloblastoma, a childhood brain tumor. The drug, Minnelide, reduced tumor growth and increased the efficacy of chemotherapy, offering hope for improved survival rates for children with this disease.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2024

The first oncogene was found more than 40 years ago. CNIO researchers have just discovered that it has a previously unknown mechanism of action

CNIO researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism of action for the first oncogene, c-Src. The study reveals that c-Src can autonomously activate itself through autophosphorylation, leading to cancer formation. This finding has significant implications for the development of new drugs targeting this enzyme.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2023

Application of base editors in organoids opens new doors for cancer research

Researchers used base editors to introduce specific combinations of activating and inactivating mutations into healthy organoids, creating realistic models for various types of cancer. This allows for further investigation into the development and treatment of cancer, with potential applications including testing new drugs.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

Scientists identify the mechanisms leading to resistance to lung cancer treatment with Sotorasib, the first KRAS inhibitor

Researchers studied how tumors adapt to Sotorasib and found that gene amplification and transcriptional programs lead to resistance. This knowledge can help develop targeted treatments for patients with KRAS mutations, potentially increasing survival rates.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

Oncotarget | Oncogenic driver FGFR3-TACC3 requires 5 coiled-coil heptads for activation and disulfide bonds for stability

Researchers identify the minimum contribution of TACC3 for FGFR3-TACC3 fusion protein activation, revealing a novel target for treating FGFR translocation-driven cancers. The study shows that clinically identified FGFR3-TACC3 fusion proteins differ in biological activity depending on specific breakpoints.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Targeted lung cancer drug shows promise in phase I/II clinical trial

The TRIDENT-1 trial suggests that repotrectinib could be effective for treating ROS1 positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients who have received other targeted treatments and those who have not. The drug showed promising results, with an objective response rate of 79% in patients not previously treated with a ROS TKI.

Treatment for Myelodysplastic syndrome by hypomethylating agents (HMA) may activate an oncogene

Research found that hypomethylating agents (HMAs) activated the oncofetal protein SALL4 in up to 40% of patients with MDS, resulting in poor patient survival. This activation is linked to demethylation and upregulation of oncogenes, suggesting a need for additional combination therapy.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022