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Magnetic seeds used to heat and kill cancer

Scientists at University College London have developed a novel cancer therapy using magnetic seeds guided by an MRI scanner to heat and destroy tumours. The therapy, called MINIMA, has the potential to precisely treat hard-to-reach cancers with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Moffitt researchers unlock immune cell contributions that could lead to new therapies for endometrial cancer

Researchers discovered that IgA and IgG antibodies regulate immune responses against endometrial cancer, improving outcomes when tumor cells express the antibody receptor pIgR. The study suggests new therapies targeting B cells or combinations with T-cell immunotherapies for enhanced efficacy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Researchers develop optical biopsy system that detects liver cancer

The new technology can reliably distinguish between cancerous and healthy liver tissue, aiding diagnosis and potentially reducing errors in biopsies. The researchers plan to continue measuring fluorescence lifetime parameters in patients with different types of tumors to generate real-time diagnostic classifiers.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJan 6, 2022

Pioneering new technique to barcode cells

Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique to barcode individual cells more accurately and efficiently. The method combines artificial intelligence with microfluidics, allowing for real-time analysis of single cells and enabling the efficient sorting and counting of cells.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateDec 17, 2021

How oral cancer acquires radioresistance

A recent study has identified a new mechanism by which oral cancer cells acquire radioresistance through the transfer of microRNA, specifically miR-503-3p. This discovery brings hope for the development of new treatments for radiation-resistant oral cancer.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

New study reveals how epithelial cells in the body naturally eliminate “precancerous” ones

Researchers have identified a novel immune-like mechanism by which healthy epithelial cells recognize and eliminate precancerous cells through a MHC class I-LILRB3 interaction. This process generates mechanical force to extrude the precancerous cells from the body, offering new hope for cancer prevention and treatment.

SourceWaseda University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Specific metabolic dependencies of cancer cells revealed by perturbation with tailored chemical library offer new therapeutic possibilities

Researchers identified specific metabolic vulnerabilities in leukemia cell lines, including sensitivity to PI3K and fatty acid synthase inhibitors. The study highlights the potential for targeted cancer therapy by exploiting these dependencies.

Tumor evolution

Researchers analyzed 140 neuroblastoma samples to understand the genetic changes associated with the disease. They found that mutations can disappear and reappear, occurring in distinct sections or individual cells, making targeted therapy less effective.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2021

Chemotherapy fails for some blood cancer patients because of crucial gene mutations, finds study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital

A recent study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital found that mutations in the DDX3X gene are responsible for chemotherapy resistance in some blood cancer patients. The study also discovered that STAT inhibitors can effectively kill lymphoma cells with DDX3X mutations, providing hope for new treatment options.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

New review highlights cancer-crushing viruses

A recent review article describes a class of viruses known as oncolytic viruses, which have the remarkable ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are exploring these viruses for cancer therapy, with some showing promising results in stimulating an immune response against cancer.

SourceArizona State University·JournalCancers·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 30, 2021

Critical conflict in cancer cells

A study found that the MYCN protein creates conflicts between DNA replication and transcription in cancer cells, leading to increased division rates and potential damage. The researchers hope to develop therapies by disrupting the cooperation between MYCN and a molecule called BRCA1.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 30, 2021

Joining forces to prevent cancer

Researchers discovered that under stress conditions, proteasome molecules assemble into structures that induce cell death, a process linked to apoptosis and potentially preventing cancer. The study highlights the importance of understanding the normal functioning of cells and their connections to cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2021

The role of bitter receptors in cancer

A systematic review of bitter taste receptors in cancer found that overexpression of these receptors stimulates anti-cancer mechanisms, reducing cell division and migration while increasing programmed cell death. Conversely, downregulation of bitter taste receptor genes is common in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCancers·DateNov 23, 2021

Ancient Aboriginal bush medicine could improve modern day cancer treatment

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a natural substance, a flavonoid, that can inhibit cancer cells' ability to defend themselves against chemotherapy by targeting efflux pumps. This could lead to more effective treatment and potentially even combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalBiomolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Functional precision medicine using drug sensitivity testing enables tailoring of therapy for leukemia patients

A functional precision medicine study demonstrates that treatment selection based on results from drug sensitivity testing can be clinically useful in patients with aggressive hematological cancer. The approach combines deep molecular profiling with comprehensive drug sensitivity testing to advance the therapy decision-making system.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 17, 2021

The prostate cancer cell that got away

Researchers have developed a new approach to studying prostate cancer, allowing them to track the behavior of individual cancer cells from birth to organ spread. The technique uses whole-organ imaging and artificial intelligence to create a 3D reconstruction of the organ at single-cell resolution.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 16, 2021

Cellular aging: a basic paradox elucidated

A research team at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre has found that cellular aging is caused by irreversible damage to the genome, not just telomere erosion. This discovery challenges the long-held scientific model and opens up new research opportunities for preventing cellular aging and genomic instability.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021

Immunotherapy-chemotherapy treatment coupled with in-depth genomic analyses leads to improved survival for patients with mesothelioma

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found a new treatment option for inoperable pleural mesothelioma using immunotherapy agent durvalumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with epithelioid tumors experienced higher survival rates, including some who remained tumor-free after completing the trial.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 8, 2021