Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New molecules against hard-to-treat tumors

Researchers developed small molecules that activate macrophages to attack cancer cells, weakening the tumor's defenses against the immune system. The molecules, called Phagocytic Synapse Enhancers, were tested in cell cultures and animal models and showed promising results, slowing tumor growth and extending survival.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 7, 2026

University of Ottawa-led study uncovers hidden network fueling brain cancer's aggressive growth; discovery could help dismantle treatment resistance

A University of Ottawa-led study has discovered a hidden network driving glioblastoma's aggressive growth, highlighting a promising target for next-generation therapies. The research reveals that a protein called OSMR plays a critical role in tumor progression and supports the survival of brain tumour stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

The hidden force of growth

Researchers found that self-propelled particles can spontaneously form clusters when navigating a dense colony of dividing cells. The growing medium creates an environment that transforms the particles' behavior, making them behave like active Brownian particles and attracting them to each other without explicit interaction.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMay 14, 2026

New AI tool developed by Stowers Institute and Helmholtz Munich scientists predicts how cells choose their future — helping uncover hidden drivers of development

Researchers developed RegVelo, an AI framework that models cellular dynamics and gene regulation to predict cellular fate decisions. The model traces developmental trajectories and simulates regulatory interactions, providing insights into hidden drivers of development and potential therapeutic targets.

Primary breast tumors already harbor cells with metastatic potential

Researchers have identified the Prrx1 gene as a key regulator of metastatic potential in breast cancer tumors. This discovery helps explain why highly invasive cells do not always give rise to metastases, and how cells combine invasiveness and proliferation to become the most dangerous from a clinical perspective.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

Researchers uncover distinct tumor “neighborhoods”, with each cell subtype playing a specific role, in aggressive childhood brain cancer

New research reveals that tumor cells in supratentorial ependymomas cluster into distinct neighborhoods, each with a specific role, such as proliferating or invading. Understanding these cell subtypes could help predict treatment response and inform targeted therapies for this aggressive childhood brain cancer.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateMar 11, 2026

Decoding a new "engine" of prostate cancer—team led by professor Jun Pang from Department of Urology at the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University unveils novel mechanism of CDK12-FOXA1 pathway driving progression

A new study reveals the CDK12-FOXA1-MDM2-p53 signaling axis promotes prostate cancer development through FOXA1 modification. The study identifies S234 phosphorylation as a critical site, and a CDK12 inhibitor THZ531 effectively blocks this pathway, reducing tumor growth.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateFeb 5, 2026

An AI to predict the risk of cancer metastases

Scientists at UNIGE created an AI tool called MangroveGS that can accurately predict the risk of cancer metastasis and recurrence. The algorithm uses gene expression signatures from colon cancer cells to identify key factors influencing metastatic potential, paving the way for more precise care and discovery of new therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Reports·TypeNews article·DateJan 22, 2026

World-first discovery uncovers how glioblastoma tumours dodge chemotherapy, potentially opening the door to new treatments

Researchers discovered glioblastoma cells use PRDM9 to survive chemotherapy and regrow tumors. By blocking PRDM9 or cutting off cholesterol supply, persister cells can be wiped out, improving survival in mice. This breakthrough offers new strategies for treating the deadliest brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

Customized cells to fight brain cancer

Researchers at UNIGE and HUG have developed CAR-T cells capable of destroying glioblastoma cells by targeting specific proteins present in the tumour environment. The new approach has shown promising results in animal models, paving the way for clinical trials in humans.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeNews article·DateNov 20, 2025

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study decodes clinical features of tumor in brain ventricles

Researchers analyzed 29 new and 22 previously reported cases of PCNSL involving the ventricles, finding different clinical symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and vision impairment. The study suggests that despite its unusual location, ventricular PCNSL behaves like other forms of brain lymphoma, with a recommended treatment strategy...

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 12, 2025

Decoding the mechanics of cancer invasion

Biomechanical forces play a crucial role in regulating cancer invasion and metastasis by modulating cell membrane topology, actin cytoskeletal remodeling, and mechanical stress adaptation. The review highlights the importance of three-dimensional tumor models and novel therapies targeting mechanical signaling pathways to inhibit invasion.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateNov 7, 2025

Chinese Medical Journal Study reveals circulating tumor cells' immune evasion strategies

A recent review in the Chinese Medical Journal uncovers how circulating tumor cells evade immune elimination, highlighting their interactions with immune cells and blood components. The study suggests new therapeutic targets, including anti-platelet therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, to combat cancer metastasis.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 6, 2025

Lighting up life: Rice scientists develop glowing sensors to track cellular changes as they happen

Researchers at Rice University have engineered living cells to use a 21st amino acid that illuminates protein changes in real time, providing a new perspective on the inner workings of life. This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in biology by allowing scientists to track subtle protein changes within living systems.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2025

Study finds protein target that predicts drug resistance in colon cancer

A team of researchers identified a unique protein signature that can predict which patients are likely to resist standard therapies, paving the way for personalized treatments. By blocking a specific transporter system, they made tumors more sensitive to treatment, suggesting a promising new avenue for treating colorectal cancer.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 19, 2025

Graz University of Technology opens up new avenues in lung cancer research with digital cell twin

Researchers at Graz University of Technology created a highly detailed digital twin of the A549 lung cancer cell line, paving the way for individualized cancer treatment. The model simulates calcium dynamics and electrical voltages, allowing for testing of drugs and personalized treatment strategies.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2025