Research on the cell biology of tumors. Covers cancer-cell vulnerabilities, tumor spread, nanoreactor therapies, and AI-guided cancer research.
A new study from Tulane University found that extra sets of chromosomes in tumor cells make them more mobile and likely to engulf neighboring cells. This stress response triggers an abundance of proteins, reprogramming the cells for motility and phagocytosis.
Researchers at DZNE discovered complex, situation-dependent interactions between glioblastoma cells and microglia in the brain. The study found that microglial activity changes as tumors spread, influencing containment and spread of the disease.
A new method called scSurvival uses single-cell genetic data to identify which cells inside a tumor are most strongly linked to patient survival. The approach pinpoints harmful and helpful cell populations that can drive disease progression, enabling better understanding of why patients with the same cancer have different outcomes.
A study by the CNIO group has identified a genetic signature in precancerous breast lesions that can predict which ones will evolve into invasive tumours. This discovery could help avoid over-treatment of women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, a common precancerous lesion.
A specific protein, PKC-eta, has been identified as a central driver of aggressive breast cancer cell migration and metastasis. Reducing PKC-eta activity significantly slows tumor growth and reduces metastatic spread in laboratory and animal models.
The Cancer Dependency Map Consortium is launching Phase 3 to expand its research beyond cancer vulnerabilities to investigate resistance and surface targets. The consortium aims to develop novel oncology targets and biomarkers for the next generation of cancer therapies.
Researchers identified a CRISPR variant that distinguishes tumor DNA from healthy DNA and selectively cuts the former. This method relies on methyl groups attached to DNA, which are altered in cancer cells.
A new study co-led by OHSU scientist Catherine Galbraith introduces a series of fluorescent dyes that enable the observation of dynamic biological processes in living cells. These tools allow scientists to study cancer-related processes, such as DNA packaging and gene expression, in real-time.
A University of Calgary-led study found that multiple myeloma tumour cells adapt in multiple ways to become resistant to treatment, highlighting the need for personalized cancer therapy. The research aims to develop next-generation treatments designed to anticipate and overcome these changes.
Researchers generated a comprehensive view of DNA methylation abnormalities in human MDS HSCs, uncovering a novel TET2-GFI1 axis that suppresses malignant transformation. The study identifies key hematopoietic regulators and provides a panoramic view of DNA methylation disruption in MDS.
A randomized trial found that duloxetine does not prevent painful neuropathy caused by oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer. The study suggests that duloxetine should only be used for managing existing neuropathy, not prevention.
Researchers have discovered a new method to make cancer cells more visible to the immune system by blocking NMD, allowing faulty RNA to be used by cells to produce abnormal proteins. This increased visibility of antigens on cancer cells could improve immunotherapy response rates and lead to better outcomes for patients.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is enrolling adolescent and young adult cancer patients in various trials, including genetic services and treatment studies. These trials aim to address longstanding gaps in care and improve outcomes for AYAs with cancer.
A redesigned endoscope, called CAFE, offers a new way to detect early signs of ovarian cancer by combining high-resolution imaging with gentle cell collection. The device successfully imaged fallopian tube tissue and collected large numbers of epithelial cells, suggesting its potential for earlier disease detection.
Researchers have developed a potential non-invasive treatment for melanoma using a stretchy, heat-activated skin patch that releases copper ions to kill cancer cells. The patch reduced melanoma lesions by 97% in a preliminary animal study, with no damage to surrounding tissue.
Researchers used machine learning methods to identify safe time windows for outpatient stem cell therapy in multiple myeloma patients. The study found that this approach can predict adverse events and enable more precise risk assessment.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered a previously unknown system of internal 'trade winds' that help cells rapidly move essential proteins to the front of the cell. This breakthrough reveals that cells don't rely on random diffusion but instead create targeted streams of fluid to push proteins forward.
A team of researchers has created a 3D model of pediatric brain tumors using biopsy-derived organoids, allowing for more accurate testing of new drugs. The model, which accurately reproduces the human environment, preserves the molecular characteristics of the original tumor and maintains cellular heterogeneity.
A new clinical trial will investigate whether adding the oral medication vorasidenib to standard chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for people with newly-diagnosed, grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. The study aims to recruit 400 individuals with this type of brain cancer and evaluate the safety and side-effect profile of the...
A recent study found that women have a 21% lower risk of death compared to men, but a 12% higher risk of severe side effects from cancer treatment. The research, conducted in partnership with international collaborators, analyzed data from over 20,000 cancer patients and identified sex-based differences in survival and treatment toxicity.
Researchers have discovered that vitamin B2 protects cancer cells from ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death. By targeting vitamin B2 metabolism, cancer cells may become more susceptible to ferroptosis, paving the way for new cancer therapies.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new therapeutic target, SRC, present on up to half of all tumors, which can be targeted with antibody drugs. The enzyme, normally hidden inside cells, is exposed on the surface of tumor cells due to an overactive disposal system, making it an easy target for cancer-killing antibodies.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
A new study demonstrates that blocking a signaling protein called FAK helps mobilize an anti-tumor immune response, allowing tumor-fighting cells to approach tumors and shift the behavior of other immune cells to work against them. This approach achieved the best effects on immune cell recruitment, tumor size reduction, and survival ti...
Cancer cell-derived small extracellular vesicles can be excreted into urine, according to researchers who tracked their journey in mouse models. The study reveals that glomerular cells actively transport sEVs across the filtration barrier, supporting their use in emerging urine-based cancer diagnostics.
The study discovered that restoring cellular vibration decreases cancer growth and severity in laryngeal cancer. Researchers exposed cancer cells to sound-wave vibration, leading to a decrease in a protein promoting cancer growth.
Researchers developed an AI-based liquid biopsy test that detects early liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, and reveals signals of broader chronic disease burden. The test uses genome-wide cell-free DNA fragmentation patterns and repeat landscapes to identify disease-specific signatures.
Researchers at Ohio University discovered that blocking the growth hormone receptor may help make lung cancer treatments more effective. Patients with low GHR tumors survived significantly longer than those with high GHR tumors, highlighting a potential new target for therapy.
Scientists developed a new platform using protein-like polymers to target and degrade cancer-driving proteins like MYC and KRAS. The approach triggers cancer cell death, offering hope for treating aggressive and drug-resistant cancers.
A new study suggests that switching to a second treatment while a tumor is still responding to the first may improve cure rates. The 'kick it while it's down' approach targets small tumors and has been shown to be successful in other contexts, such as combatting antibiotic resistance.
Ovarian cancer cells recruit protective mesothelial cells in abdominal fluid to form hybrid cell clusters that resist chemotherapy. These clusters use spike-like structures called invadopodia to invade surrounding tissue. The discovery opens new treatment possibilities and could help doctors monitor disease progression.
A new study suggests blocking key protein p300 can create novel form of cellular stress in cancer cells, re-sensitizing chemo-resistant tumors. Cells produce proteins even with damaged DNA, leading to toxic buildup and stress inside the cell's internal quality-control system.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a molecule that blocks the gene responsible for glioblastoma, a fast-growing and deadly brain cancer. The compound shows promise in preventing the invasive cancer from spreading through the brain without causing harm to healthy tissue.
A UCLA research team has identified the best design for a promising new type of immunotherapy that could be mass-produced to treat multiple solid tumors. The 4-1BB-containing CAR design emerged as superior, demonstrating strongest anti-tumor activity and persistence.
A national clinical trial found that oxybutynin significantly reduced hot flash frequency and quality of life for men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer. The study showed substantial improvements in hot flash symptoms, often within the first week of treatment.
Researchers developed an AI tool called ONCO-ACS to predict the risk of secondary heart attacks in cancer patients after a heart attack. The tool combines cancer-related factors with standard clinical data to provide reliable information for doctors to balance treatment benefits and harms.
Researchers identify a protein, PAF15, as a natural brake that prevents DNA replication from becoming overloaded and protects cells from the replication catastrophe. In cancer cells, high levels of PAF15 may create a vulnerability for targeting rapidly dividing tumor cells.
Researchers identified a targetable driver of brain metastases in inflammatory breast cancer, promoting tumor invasion and triggering brain inflammation via the CXCR2 signaling pathway. Targeting sEcad or the CXCR2 pathway may treat or prevent brain metastasis.
Researchers developed miniature 3D tumor organoid models that closely mimic the human brain, revealing how glioblastoma interacts with surrounding brain cells and immune system. The models identified PTPRZ1 as a key regulator of tumor behavior, which helps determine its aggressiveness.
Researchers identify acetylation as a fine cellular regulatory mechanism that affects pyruvate kinase function and stability. The study reveals isoform-specific regulation of PKM by acetylation, which helps understand how cancer cells proliferate.
Cancer researchers have identified a key mechanism by which cancer cells protect themselves from the immune system. The study found that MYC protein can bind to RNA molecules, eliminating alarm signals that would activate the immune defense.
Researchers found that cancer's powerful genetic on switches, called super-enhancers, drive intense gene activity, causing DNA breaks and stress. This can lead to accumulation of mutations over time, fueling cancer's evolution.
Georgetown University researchers discovered a method to enhance the function of T cells, making them more effective in killing cancer cells. By inhibiting PARP, an enzyme that detects DNA abnormalities, scientists can boost the body's immune response against tumors.
Researchers combined Dynamic Optical Contrast Imaging (DOCI) with machine learning to identify thyroid cancer during surgery. The AI analysis framework accurately classified samples across three categories and generated tumor probability maps for precise location identification.
Two studies found that elevated bacteria levels in tumors weaken immune response, driving resistance to immunotherapy. Researchers are now exploring how to identify patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy and develop targeted interventions to restore its effectiveness.
A new study from Texas A&M University reveals that circadian disruptions change the structure of mammary glands, weaken immune defenses, and fuel aggressive breast cancer. Disabling an immune checkpoint molecule called LILRB4 helps restore the immune system's ability to fight back.
Researchers at Kyoto University identified five molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer stem cells and developed a practical prognostic indicator, the general colorectal cancer signature (GCS), to predict patient outcomes. The GCS was validated with a novel orthotopic xenograft mouse model and showed promising clinical significance.
Researchers from A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology discovered that Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) reliably marks gastric cancer stem cells, which drive tumour growth, spread, and recurrence. Eliminating these cells prevents tumours from growing, even in advanced disease with organ metastasis.
A team at Penn State has developed a novel approach to treating bladder cancer using bacterial mixtures, known as microbial product cocktail immunotherapy. This method uses AI to personalize the treatment for each patient and has shown promising results in mice with bladder cancer, more than doubling long-term cancer survival rates.
Dr Aldona Mzyk's project uses quantum sensors to track how immune cells interact with tumours, enabling the development of improved patient-tailored cancer therapies and earlier diagnosis tools. The research aims to overcome current cancer immunotherapies' failure in solid tumours by controlling metabolic changes.
A global study found that patients with mature nodal T-cell lymphoma who relapsed within 12 months of initial treatment had worse survival outcomes, but improved survival when treated with targeted therapies instead of chemotherapy. The results suggest the need for personalized treatment strategies for high-risk patients.
Researchers from Okayama University and Tohoku University have identified a promising way to breach the physical and biochemical barrier created by fibrosis in pancreatic cancer. By blocking collagen signaling through DDR1, they improve drug delivery and enhance treatment response.
Researchers at OIST have discovered that certain cancers can 'lose their sense of time' to avoid cellular stress responses. The study highlights the role of USP28 in stabilizing p53, a known tumor suppressor, and how mutations in this protein can disrupt its function.
Researchers mapped NBCn1's structure-function properties to understand how breast cancer cells thrive in hostile environments. The study provides insights into the protein's dynamics and ion transport pathways, paving the way for designing drugs that target this transporter.
A specific protein, RASH3D19, activates the RAS signaling pathway involved in aggressive tumor growth and resistance to KRAS inhibitors. Blocking RASH3D19 improves outcomes in preclinical models, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers discovered that certain cancers rely on an emergency DNA repair mechanism called break-induced replication to survive. By understanding how this mechanism works, scientists can develop targeted therapies to selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact.
Researchers developed a new approach using the microbial protein Archaerhodopsin-3 to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, leading to significant tumor shrinkage when exposed to green light. The findings, published by Okayama University, show great potential for this light-activated molecule as a novel cancer therapy.
Researchers discovered that synthetic stress hormone dexamethasone can combat therapy-resistant breast cancer metastases in mice trials. The drug activates the glucocorticoid receptor, suppressing estrogen receptor production and slowing tumor growth. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in patients with breast cancer.
Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have discovered a molecular signal that tumors exploit to exhaust T cells meant to destroy them. By silencing this signal, the body's immunity can be revived and cancer-fighting immune cells restored.
Researchers have shown that disabling the NRF2 gene with CRISPR technology can restore drug sensitivity and slow tumor growth in lung cancer. The approach, which targets a master switch for resistance, has potential across multiple tumor types.