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Differences in T cells’ functional state determine resistance to cancer therapy

Researchers found that certain T cells stop working before entering the tumor due to changes in gene expression, making ICB therapies less effective. Combining ICB with other forms of immunotherapy targeting different aspects of T cell function may improve response rates for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Biology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Fibroblasts could serve as new key to enhancing personalized treatment for lung cancer patients

A new study identifies three functional subtypes of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in lung cancer, which correspond to patients' treatment responses. These subtypes have distinct biological functions and therapeutic implications, suggesting that CAFs could serve as a key to enhancing personalized treatment for lung cancer patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Cells move by controlling the stiffness of their neighbours

Researchers discovered cells can regulate neighboring cell stiffness to facilitate movement, a finding that could aid in understanding developmental disorders and cancer metastasis. This novel mechanism may provide a strategy for slowing or preventing cancer spread by altering tissue stiffness.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Solving mystery of rare cancers directly caused by HIV

A team of scientists from the University of Pittsburgh and National Cancer Institute discovered why HIV is rarely the direct cause of cancer. The research found that it requires a specific series of events involving changes in HIV and additional mutations in human genes, resulting in T cell lymphomas. However, the occurrence is rare, a...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 13, 2021

Killer T cells could be recruited to ignite immune response against cancer, new study suggests

Researchers have discovered a way to bring cancer-killing T cells to bear against a specific type of colorectal cancer, showing promising results. The findings may represent a therapeutic strategy to target other types of cancers, and the next step is to further explore how T cells become activated in the tumor environment.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 8, 2021

Researchers identify new drug target for blood cancer, potentially solid tumors

Researchers have discovered a new drug target for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other hematologic malignancies, which are sensitive to MEK inhibitors. The study found that mutations affecting RNA splicing alter cells to develop MDS and solid tumors, providing a potential new approach to treating this rare blood cancer.

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

‘Research autopsy’ helps scientists study why certain cancer therapies stop working

A new study at Ohio State University's Comprehensive Cancer Center is using rapid autopsies to gather biological samples after death to better understand how cancer cells overcome different treatments. This approach has already led to novel findings about drug resistance mechanisms, including the recent approval of a targeted therapy f...

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

New method used to study how cancer cells are organized

Researchers at Uppsala University developed a new method to track individual cancer cells and their offspring over time. The study found that brain tumour cells are hierarchically organised, but with some degree of flexibility, and that drug treatment influences cell organisation. This breakthrough may lead to the development of target...

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2021

Cancer cells on the wrong path

Researchers from Charité and the German Cancer Consortium studied colorectal cancer cells using single cell sequencing to identify adaptations that render treatment ineffective. The study provides insights into the development process of cancer and suggests ways to improve current treatment approaches.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 31, 2021

Researchers from Tel Aviv University prove for the first time that silent mutations can predict the development of cancer cells

Silent mutations, which don't change protein sequences, hold diagnostic value in predicting cancer types and patient survival. The study analyzed over 10,000 cancer genomes and found that combining information from silent and non-silent mutations improved classification and prognostication up to 17% and 5%, respectively.

SourceTel-Aviv University·Journalnpj Genomic Medicine·DateAug 31, 2021

Viruses leave traces for long after infection

Researchers have found that viruses like hepatitis B and C do not always kill infected cells, but instead cause long-term changes. These changes can affect genes related to cell division and metabolism, potentially contributing to increased risk of liver cancer in cured patients.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Fels and Fox Chase researchers highlight roles of TET2 and DNMT3A mutations in personalized medicine-guided synthetic lethality against leukemia

Fels and Fox Chase researchers found specific TET2 and DNMT3A mutations in leukemia patients that affect DNA repair pathways. These mutations make leukemia cells sensitive to PARP inhibitors, a type of targeted therapy, while others are resistant. The study aims to develop personalized therapies for patients with these mutations.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 13, 2021

How Hypoxia Influences Spatial Gene Expression Variations in Pancreatic Cancer

Researchers discovered that hypoxia induces regional variations in gene-expression patterns in pancreatic cancer, with specific subpopulations of cancer cells surviving under hypoxic conditions. These findings suggest a link between hypoxia and aggressive tumor behavior, highlighting the need for targeted treatments.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalCancer Biology and Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Pumping iron: Inhibition of key pathway promotes iron-dependent cell death in pancreatic cancer cells

Researchers have discovered that inhibiting the GOT1 enzyme can promote ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, in pancreatic cancer cells by conserving nutrients and releasing iron stores. This study provides a new potential therapeutic target for treating pancreatic cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Revealing the secrets of cell competition

Research found that cells with defective mitochondria and sequence changes in their genome are 'loser' cells in mouse embryos, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction is a common characteristic of competing cells. The study suggests that mitochondrial activity may be a key determinant of cellular fitness in various biological contexts.

Quantum physics helps destroy cancer cells

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a way to enhance radiation therapy using iodine nanoparticles, which trigger cancer cell death when exposed to X-rays. The study reveals that the optimal energy level for X-ray irradiation is 33.2 keV, causing double-strand breaks in DNA and leading to programmed cell death.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 14, 2021