Sticky cell fingers help keep breast tumors contained
Filopodia contribute to building a barrier surrounding breast tumours, blocking their escape. Cancer cells lacking Myosin-10 cannot maintain this barrier, making it easier for them to spread.
Cancer Cells
Articles tagged with Cancer Cells
Preliminary data suggest that ROS1 inhibitor, NVL-520, is well-tolerated and active in non-small cell lung cancer: first results from ARROS-1 phase I clinical trial
In the ARROS-1 trial, 48% of patients achieved partial responses to NVL-520, with responses seen across all dose levels and in heavily pre-treated patients. The treatment also showed promise for brain metastases, with three out of three patients experiencing measurable response or no emergence of new metastases.
SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2022
Experimental drug to treat liver cancer shows evidence of activity with manageable side effects
A new experimental drug has shown promising results in treating liver cancer, with two patients experiencing a partial response to the treatment. The drug, NMS-01940153E, targets an enzyme that plays a critical role in cell division and growth, and its side effects are manageable.
SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2022
Overcoming resistance to colon cancer treatment
Researchers at UNIGE have discovered a way to overcome resistance to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer, using an optimized combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for developing targeted therapies that can effectively treat patients with low five-year survival rates.
Gene signature points to prognosis in kidney cancer
A gene signature of four specific genes (SAA1, SAA2, APOL1, and MET) predicts the risk of tumour spreading and survival in kidney cancer patients. The study identified a link between the microenvironment and immune system inhibition.
Newly discovered process brings immune cells up to speed
Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a mechanism that helps dendritic cells migrate more quickly to lymph nodes. The discovery reveals that forming multiple centrosomes enables these immune cells to stay on course longer before continuing their search.
Multi-center study sheds light on understudied breast cancer type
A large multi-center study analyzing patient records from three major cancer centers found that ILC is detected later and has worse outcomes than IDC. The research highlights the need for new imaging technologies to improve early detection of ILC, which often spreads beyond breast tissue before diagnosis.
Simple test could lead to more personalized treatment of rare ovarian cancer
A global study found that early-stage mucinous ovarian cancer patients with an infiltrative pattern of invasion have poorer survival chances. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatment strategies for these patients. Researchers hope to develop targeted drugs and align treatment guidelines worldwide.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022
Moffitt researchers discover connection between stress-activated signaling and immune cell evasion in melanoma
Researchers found that high PERK activity correlates with poorer outcomes and lower anti-tumor immune cells in patients with melanoma. Inhibition of PERK promoted a type of cell death called paraptosis, which involved trafficking of immune cells to tumors and matured dendritic cells triggering anti-tumor T cell immunity.
SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2022
Coskun Lab zooming in on the signals of cancer
Coskun's team has developed SpatialVizScore, a new method that visualizes tumor immunology in cancer tissues to identify patients more likely to respond to immunotherapy. The system looks at the interactions of multiple immune cells, including macrophages with subtypes M1 and M2.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 6, 2022
Fluorescence imaging system lays groundwork for better tumor removal
Researchers developed a low-cost, simple imaging system using tumor-targeting fluorescent molecules to determine tumor depth. The portable system provides quantitative information about the depth of tumor cells in the body, helping surgeons remove healthy tissue around tumors for better outcomes.
New insights into tumor biology
A recent study reveals that cancer cells adopt a softer state to facilitate metastasis, forming a new mechanical state with rigid islands in a fluid environment. This state allows tumors to grow while providing room for soft, motile cells to break out and form metastases.
Breakthrough in understanding of how cancer spreads could lead to better treatments
Scientists have identified a protein that regulates cancer cell spread and normal tissue cell shedding, potentially leading to new treatments. The research suggests that metastasis is not an abnormal process limited to cancer but a normal process used by healthy cells.
Combi-seq: a leap forward for personalized cancer therapy
Researchers have developed a new approach to test the efficacy of multiple anticancer drug combinations simultaneously, rapidly, and accurately. Combi-seq overcomes limitations of conventional technologies by using microfluidics to carry out large-scale experiments with small sample volumes.
Disarming the body’s defenders
A study published in Science reveals that tumor cells with a specific mutation release a chemical metabolite that weakens nearby immune cells, rendering them less capable of killing cancer cells. The findings highlight the critical role of the tumor microenvironment in cancer growth and provide insights into developing targeted therapi...
Machine learning creates opportunity for new personalized therapies
Researchers developed a computational platform to identify metabolic vulnerabilities in ovarian cancer genes, suggesting opportunities for targeted therapies. The study found that certain genetic alterations can create vulnerabilities in cancer cell metabolism, which can be exploited to selectively kill cancer cells.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022
Genetic scissors helping cancer research: removing binding sites for an oncogene can slow down cancer cell growth
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified target genes of the MYC oncogene responsible for its growth-promoting effects. By modifying these genomic binding sites, they slowed down cell growth. This finding has significant implications for developing new cancer treatments.
Researchers inhibit cancer cell growth using compounds that protect plants from predators
Scientists successfully inhibited cancer cell growth using a modified pyrrolizidine alkaloid that avoids liver damage. The approach uses 'on-site synthesis' near cancer cells to limit toxicity.
UEA breakthrough reveals how prostate cancer may begin
Researchers at UEA discovered that 'normal' prostate cells in men with prostate cancer have specific genetic changes that facilitate the growth and spread of cancer. The study suggests treating the whole prostate, not just affected areas, may be more effective.
Researchers decipher the mechanism that enables skin cancer to metastasize to the brain - and inhibited its spread by 80%
Tel Aviv University researchers discovered that skin cancer cells interact with astrocytes in the brain, promoting metastasis. By inhibiting this interaction using existing treatments, they delayed the spread of melanoma to the brain by 60-80%. This breakthrough has implications for treating advanced-stage melanoma.
Keeping aggressive cancer cells in check
A team of researchers has identified TSG101 as a crucial regulator of the PARP1 enzyme, which is responsible for repairing DNA damage. In cancer cells with BRCA mutations, TSG101 is essential for PARP1 activation, making it a promising target for cancer treatment.
SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateSep 20, 2022
How stressed tumor cells escape cell death: new mechanism discovered
Researchers at German Cancer Research Center have found that persulfides, small molecules produced by cells, efficiently suppress membrane damage and ferroptosis. Persulfides act as radical scavengers, interrupting the destructive chain reaction threatening cell integrity.
SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 19, 2022
Getting rid of unwanted transformed cells: Possible new directions in cancer therapy
Researchers discovered that autophagy facilitates the elimination of cancer cells via cell competition, highlighting its potential as a target for cancer prevention and treatment. The study sheds light on the role of autophagy in maintaining tissue homeostasis and opening avenues for novel anti-cancer therapeutics.
Drug turns cancer gene into “eat me” flag for immune system
Researchers at University of California - San Francisco have developed a new therapy that overcomes cancer cell barriers and marks them for destruction by the immune system. By pulling mutated KRAS protein to the surface, the drug acts as an “eat me” flag, allowing immunotherapy to eliminate all cells bearing this flag.
New checkpoint gene demonstrates ability to supercharge immune cells against cancer
A new intracellular checkpoint gene, CISH, has been found to suppress the ability of human T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. When CISH is disabled, T-cells more effectively recognize mutated proteins produced by tumors, making them more responsive to existing checkpoint therapies.
SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalMed·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 13, 2022
Researchers identify immune cell that helps kill bladder cancer tumors
Bladder cancer researchers discovered a subset of CD8 T cells that adapts to tumor evasion strategies, offering a strategy to reduce tumor cells' ability to fight them off. The study also identified potential ways to make immunotherapy more effective against this deadly cancer by targeting the HLA-E/NKG2A axis.
Immune cells engineered to battle cancer can be turned “on” or “off”
Researchers have developed a new safety system for CAR-T cells, called VIPER CAR-T cells, that can be turned on or off. This allows doctors to target cancer more aggressively while minimizing side effects. The new system uses an FDA-approved antiviral drug to control the cell's activity.
T cells that ‘nibble’ tumors unwittingly help cancer evade the immune response
A study led by University of Pennsylvania scientists reveals how tumor-derived factors stimulate trogocytosis, a process that can help cancer cells evade detection and grow unchecked. Blocking this process improved the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy in mice.
ECOG-ACRIN completes the first randomized phase 3 clinical trial of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in patients with kidney cancer
The PROSPER RCC trial showed no difference in recurrence-free survival between arms, with higher adverse events reported in the nivolumab arm. The trial's results inform future research on neoadjuvant trials in high-risk renal cell carcinoma.
Suffocating cancer cells
Researchers have developed a synthetic drug that stops cancer cells from producing energy by blocking oxygen conversion. The tiny hairs formed by the drug's molecules can kill even aggressive and untreatable cancer cells within four hours.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2022
New imaging technique improves accuracy of diagnosis for most common skin cancer
A new imaging technique called LC-OCT significantly improved the accuracy of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) diagnosis by 12% compared to clinical and dermoscopic examinations. The technique provided detailed 3D images at a cellular level, enabling more accurate differentiation between BCCs and other skin conditions.
A near-death experience worsens some cancer cells
Scientists identified a key event in persister cell survival, finding that cytochrome c release kickstarts the integrated stress response pathway, promoting gene expression that prolongs survival. This process may lead to cancer recurrence and resistance to other treatments.
Drug combo therapy in mice blocks drug resistance, halts tumor growth
Researchers discovered that combining a new target with an old chemotherapy drug can reduce resistance and potentially improve treatment outcomes for small cell lung cancer. The study used mouse models to show that inhibiting a protein called SMYD3, along with cyclophosphamide, stopped tumors in their tracks.
Scientists reveal how key cancer target could halt cancer spread
Researchers have identified fascin as a key player in promoting cancer development, with the protein controlling cell movement and invasion. Forcing fascin into the nucleus of cancer cells could prevent their growth and movement.
Therapeutic viruses help turbocharge the immune system against cancer
A combination of immunotherapy and virotherapy using myxoma virus provides new hope for patients with treatment resistant cancers. The approach boosts the immune capacity to effectively target and destroy cancer cells, inducing a form of cell death called autosis.
"Sticky" stem cells make for better transplants
A KAUST-led research team identified two drug treatments that boost the activity of molecules involved in cell adhesion, enhancing the ability of blood-forming stem cells to enter the bloodstream and produce new blood. This breakthrough could lead to improved bone marrow transplant success for leukemia patients.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBlood Advances·DateAug 25, 2022
Discovery opens way to develop new immunotherapies
Australian researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which T cells can react to lower doses of antigens, leading to a 50-fold increase in T cell activation sensitivity. This finding opens up new possibilities for developing more effective immunotherapies.
Technology developed at UH could advance treatment of lymphoma
A University of Houston engineer has developed technology to determine which patients are likely to respond to CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma, saving time and increasing success rates. The TIMING method analyzes interactions between T cells and tumor cells, identifying a key ligand molecule that predicts patient response.
Scientists discover surprise anticancer properties of common lab molecule
EdU, a common DNA labeling molecule, triggers a runaway DNA repair process that is fatal to cancer cells, including those in the brain. This discovery opens up new possibilities for using EdU as an anticancer agent, particularly for fast-dividing cancerous brain cells.
Unlocking cell nucleus behaviors
The discovery reveals that the nucleus deforms like a liquid drop, preserving its shape and protecting its genome. This understanding may lead to new approaches for treating cancer by aiding cell nuclei in regaining their normal shapes.
New understanding of how faulty metabolism triggers adrenal cancer
A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham reveals how impaired metabolism due to mutations in succinate dehydrogenase B disables a normal bioenergetic sensing mechanism, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. This discovery sheds light on how cancer cells divide despite having a less efficient energy production.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022
Sugar metabolism is surprisingly conventional in cancer
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that cancer cells metabolize glucose in their mitochondria, following conventional biochemical patterns. The study suggests that limiting glucose uptake may not be an effective strategy to target cancer cells, and glucose metabolism may need to be reevaluated as a therapeutic target.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022
Gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9 can lead to cell toxicity and genome instability
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have found that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing can trigger cell toxicity and genomic instability, particularly in regions near the tumour suppressor protein p53. The study identified 3,300 targeted spots with strong toxic effects, highlighting the need for safer CRISPR reagents.
SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 9, 2022
A smashing solution for cancer therapy
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a cancer therapy model that utilizes a protein degrading system to transiently degrade and reduce the PD-1 protein, which blocks immune function. This approach has shown high therapeutic efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell growth in mice.
Treating cancer by sticking cells in place
Researchers developed a monoclonal antibody that binds E-cadherin, strengthening cell adhesion and preventing cancer metastasis. The antibody, 19A11, has two binding modes that increase adhesive strength through salt bridge formation.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022
Potential treatment identified for bladder cancers that are ARID1A-deficient
ARID1A-deficient bladder cancers are sensitive to combination therapies with the EZH2 inhibitor GSK-126 and inhibitors of PI3K, acting synergistically. The research found that tumors deficient in ARID1A protein have elevated levels of PIK3R3 and phosphoAKT.
New method enables efficient sample preparation for single-cell proteomics
A new sample preparation method called 'water droplet-in-oil' (WinO) has been developed to improve efficiency in single-cell proteomics. The technique reduces sample loss and increases throughput by up to 10-fold compared to conventional methods.
‘RNA fishing’ reveals new driver of melanoma malignancy and metastasis
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have identified PDIA6 as a key protein involved in driving melanoma malignancy. The study found that PDIA6 promotes melanoma cell growth by binding to RNA molecules inside tumor cells, making it a promising therapeutic target.
SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022
Oncoscience | SLFN11’s surveillance role in protein homeostasis
SLFN11 acts as a surveillance factor for protein homeostasis by alleviating proteotoxic stress derived from protein synthesis and maturation. Its lack makes cells vulnerable to anticancer drugs inducing ER and proteotoxic stress, leading to chemoresistance. SLFN11 is also involved in regulating immune response and inflammation.
Using light to restore cell function
University of Cincinnati researchers have discovered a technique using light-activated proteins to normalize dysfunctional mitochondria in cells. This method has the potential to treat certain diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Scientists uncover new therapeutic target for treating colorectal tumors
A new study by Tokyo University of Science researchers reveals that dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) plays a crucial role in the development of colorectal tumors. Blocking DCIR may prevent ulcerative colitis and colon cancer, offering a potential therapeutic target for treating these diseases.
Leukemia vulnerability discovered causing drug sensitivity
Leukemia cells exploit metabolic pathways to evade programmed cell death, but researchers identified a weak spot in acute lymphoblastic leukemia that can be targeted with experimental drugs. Inhibiting glutathione metabolism induces ferroptosis, leading to the death of malignant lymphocytes.
SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalRedox Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022
WFIRM researchers create specific cancer organoid system to study bacterial effects on immunotherapy
Researchers created a novel tumor organoid system to examine the impact of bacterial metabolites on immune checkpoint blockage, a promising cancer treatment. The system showed that certain bacterial-released factors improved immune cell viability and increased treatment efficacy.
SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022
Gene that causes deadliest brain tumor also causes childhood cancers, new research shows
Researchers discover gene AVIL responsible for deadly brain tumor also causes two forms of childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma. Blocking AVIL activity prevents formation of the disease in lab samples and mouse models.
CU Cancer Center study aims to predict critical markers for lung cancer treatments
Researchers used Guardant NGS to analyze nearly 17,000 lung cancer samples and found MET amplification in 1.2% of cases, with 20.8% having overlapping oncogenic drivers. The study suggests that high gene copy numbers and smaller amplified regions can be used to enrich for the true MET-sensitive population.
U of T researchers identify how cells move faster through mucus than blood
A study published in Nature Physics reveals that specialized cell movement may explain the progression of cancer and cystic fibrosis. Cells with ruffled edges sense viscosity and adapt to increase their speed, moving faster through mucus than blood. This discovery sheds light on disease mechanisms and potential treatments.
CRISPR therapeutics can damage the genome
A new study from Tel Aviv University found that CRISPR therapeutics can lead to a significant loss of genetic material in treated cells, potentially destabilizing the genome and promoting cancer. The researchers detected up to 10% of cells with lost chromosomes, highlighting the need for extra care when using this technology.
Cancer cells make unique form of collagen, protecting them from immune response
Researchers discovered cancer cells produce a unique collagen that alters the tumor microbiome and promotes cancer progression. Loss of this collagen reduces cancer cell proliferation and boosts anti-tumor immune response, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.
How different cancer cells respond to drug-delivering nanoparticles
A new study from MIT and Broad Institute researchers analyzed interactions between nanoparticles and nearly 500 types of cancer cells, revealing thousands of biological traits that influence cell response. The findings could help tailor drug-delivery particles to specific types of cancer.
With just a tablespoon of blood, B.C. researchers aim to transform cancer treatment
Researchers developed a new blood test that analyzes circulating tumour DNA, providing unprecedented insight into cancer make-up. The test reveals unique characteristics of each patient's cancer, enabling personalized treatment plans. It also sheds light on treatment resistance and helps predict effective treatments.