Research on the biology of tumor cells. Covers tumor spread, cell-particle diagnostics, new anti-tumor molecules, and cancer-killing immune cells.
Researchers have discovered a new class of immunotherapy that targets myeloid immune cells and slows tumor growth by inhibiting the c-Rel molecule. The treatment showed promising results in both human cells and mouse models, shrinking tumors by up to 80% and reducing immune suppressor cells.
Researchers have developed a new combined treatment using a senescence inducer and a senolytic nanoparticle that selectively removes senescent cells, delaying tumor growth and reducing metastasis in aggressive breast cancer. The study provides new therapeutic methodologies to be developed in subsequent stages and clinical trials.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in targeting non-cancerous senescent cells to slow down liver tumor growth. The study, led by Celeste Simon, found that these cells play a crucial role in promoting tumor progression and can be selectively targeted using senolytics.
Mutations in TP53 and concomitant mutant p53 proteins in cancer cells have been found to accelerate tumorigenesis and metastasis. The researchers found that the combination of gain of function mutations and loss of heterozygosity provides protection against cell death, promoting a fibrotic microenvironment and inflammation pathways.
PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have shown promise in treating non-small cell lung cancer, but the proportion of patients who benefit from these treatments is relatively small. Researchers are exploring biomarkers to identify potential beneficiaries and improve cost-effectiveness.
Researchers discovered that cancer stem cells' ability to synthesise proteins is the essence of their pluripotency and contributes to unlimited tumour growth. By blocking this capacity, tumours can be halted in an irreversible manner.
A HKBU-led research team developed a novel antiviral drug that selectively disrupts EBV protein, leading to tumour shrinkage and improved survival rates in animal models. The drug has shown promising results in targeting latent EBV infection, providing new treatment options for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Researchers develop novel nanoplatform to induce ferroptosis in tumor cells, targeting multiple types of tumors while sparing healthy cells. The complexed doxorubicin and ferrous ions promote lipid peroxidation, leading to severe ferroptic damage.
Researchers at TUM have discovered a novel mechanism that inhibits cancer-specific immune responses, leading to the development of new immunotherapies. The discovery identifies a suppressive metabolite from glucose metabolism as a key factor in limiting cancer immunity.
Researchers discover that nutrient deficiencies in tumor cells trigger the release of cytokines and chemokines, attracting immune cells that inhibit effective attacks. The lack of blood supply is interpreted as a wound, triggering an inflammatory response that promotes angiogenesis and tumor growth.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified the PERK protein as a critical molecular pathway controlling immunosuppression in tumor cells. By targeting PERK, cancer patients may experience reactivation of their immune system and enhanced effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments.
A new study led by UT Southwestern scientists suggests that tumors can manipulate the cell death signaling pathway to evade an immune response after radiation. By blocking this pathway, researchers found that cancer cells can secrete more interferons, which triggers a tumor-fighting immune response.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to modify PARP inhibitor compounds to increase their effectiveness in killing cancer cells. By structurally modifying veliparib, a previously ineffective compound, they were able to boost its ability to trap and kill tumor cells.
A virtual computational cell was built to predict cancer metastasis by analyzing the interaction of numerous molecules and signals within the tumor environment. The research found that hybrid cancer cells can be targeted using specific molecular signals and extracellular matrix proteins, offering new therapeutic strategies against cancer.
Researchers have identified a gene linked to brain cancer in children that can aid in diagnosis and treatment. Elevated levels of the TPR gene were found in 38% of ependymoma cases, and its deletion led to reduced cancer growth and tumor shrinkage when treated with rapamycin.
A team of scientists has developed a cancer diagnostics method that amplifies microRNA in live tumor cells using synthetic DNA and nanoparticles. This allows for the detection of tumor cells with high sensitivity, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers at UC have discovered a mechanism that could lead to new immunotherapies for patients with head and neck cancers. By understanding how calmodulin interacts with ion channels in immune cells, scientists may be able to develop new treatments to restore the ability of these cells to enter and kill tumors.
A new imaging agent has been developed to identify cancer cells and their supporting compromised cells. The compound binds to activated annexin A2 protein present in many solid tumors, allowing for targeted imaging and potential dual targeting of the tumor and surrounding cells with chemotherapy drugs.
A research team led by University of Würzburg scientists has found a way to inactivate the cancer protein NP63, which is crucial for squamous cell carcinoma growth. By using a preclinical inhibitor, they were able to switch off NP63's parking ticket remover and stop tumor cells from growing.
Scientists create micrometric scaffolding with gold nanoparticles to detect biomarkers and track cell displacement in real time. The SERS technology allows for precise monitoring of tumor growth and evolution, providing insights into cancer treatment.
A study found that a clinically available drug, prochlorperazine (PCZ), inhibits the internalization of receptors on tumor cells, increasing the ability of anticancer antibodies to bind and mount effective immune responses. This temporary inhibition improves the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
A study published in eLife has identified two strategies used by cancer to survive treatment with immunotherapies, including one that disables energy production in cancer-killing T-cells. Researchers found that some human cancer cells release molecules that inhibit the activity of energy-producing mitochondria in T-cells.
New research on cancer cells' interaction with their environment reveals the importance of physical cues in guiding cell migration. A novel optical tweezer-based tool probes mechanical cues to study tumor behavior.
The study found that SLC25A32 inhibition resulted in anti-proliferative effects on certain tumor cell lines, potentially by increasing reactive oxygen species. Treatment with riboflavin and glutathione rescued cancer cell proliferation upon SLC25A32 down-regulation.
Researchers at CNIO propose a novel approach using CDK4/6 inhibitors after chemotherapy to prevent tumor cells from resisting treatments. This strategy shows promising results in preventing tumor growth and death in mice with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, suggesting new avenues for improving cancer treatment.
Researchers developed a nanoparticle delivery method that tags implanted human cancer cells with molecular signals, making them visible to the immune system. The treatment showed promise in mice with melanoma and colon cancer, with some surviving up to 60 days without tumor growth.
Researchers discovered that healthy lung cells support the survival of breast cancer cells, allowing them to form secondary tumours. Targeting the growth of cell protrusions on breast cancer cells can prevent secondary tumour formation.
Scientists create tiny nanoparticles made of dendritic polyglycerols to target cancer cells via EGFR receptors. The particles are designed to visualize tumor cells using imaging techniques and can be modified to carry therapeutic agents, offering a potential therapeutic approach.
A Cornell-led team employed a statistical modeling technique from physics to analyze breast tumor cells' behavior in the microenvironment. They found that chemokine CCL19 caused targeted cancer cells to move faster and increased heterogeneity.
A team of researchers has created a detailed cell atlas of an entire salivary gland tumor in a mouse model, revealing that the tumor is composed of various cell types, including cancer stem cells. The study uses single-cell RNA sequencing technologies to identify these cells, which make up less than one percent of the tumor population.
Scientists have developed a new technique to analyze signaling molecules in individual cancer cells, revealing complex communication networks that contribute to tumor growth and treatment resistance. The technique, tested on bowel cancer cells, detected 28 key signaling molecules across six cell types in over 1 million cells.
Researchers at UCL have developed a new mass spectrometry platform to measure communication signals in millions of single cells from bowel cancer mini-tumours. This breakthrough enables the study of how cancer cells interact with healthy cells and the immune system, leading to new personalized cancer treatments.
Researchers identified Merkel cell polyomavirus in 7 out of 18 patients with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer. The study suggests that most MCC cases in India are likely caused by UV-linked damages, while some may be virus-positive, offering new targets for therapy and diagnosis.
Cancer cells can change their developmental identity, enabling them to spread and evade the immune system. Researchers identified specific cell types involved in lung development that are also present in cancer metastases.
A new biochemical switch involved in M2 macrophage polarization and proliferation has been identified, which can be targeted to inhibit cancer growth. The discovery was made by a research team from the University of Vienna and could lead to novel therapies against systemic diseases and cancer.
Researchers mapped genomic changes throughout the human lifespan to create a timeline for cancer development. The study suggests that tumour progression may start years or even decades before diagnosis, providing a new window of opportunity for early detection and treatment.
Researchers developed a microfluidic device to assess tumor cells' physical ability to adhere, which could improve cancer prognosis. Weakly adherent cells are more likely to migrate and invade other tissues, increasing the risk of tumor recurrence.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a way to regulate co-stimulatory molecules in genetically engineered immune cells, allowing for the fine-tuning of CAR-T activity. This could lead to improved therapeutic strategies against blood cancers and potentially solid tumors.
A study found that increased LOXL2 protein levels in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cells promote metastasis. The protein's role in regulating metastatic function remains unclear, but it interacts with vimentin, a cytoskeletal protein involved in cell migration.
Researchers from Brazil, the UK, and Italy developed a novel palladium compound that acts selectively and powerfully against ovarian tumor cells without affecting healthy tissues. The compound has shown twice the potency of cisplatin against resistant tumor cells.
Research reveals frequent RB1 intragenic rearrangements in non-smoking patients with EGFR mutations, indicating higher resistance to EGFR inhibitors. The alteration may favor growth and tumoural versatility of resistant clones.
Immune cells facilitate glioblastoma growth by clearing necrotic areas while ignoring tumour cells. Researchers aim to train microglia and macrophages for tumour elimination through immunotherapy or other strategies.
Brazilian scientists led by Rodrigo Ramos Catharino found that Zika virus inhibits tumor cell proliferation in prostate cancer cells, even when inactivated. The study, supported by FAPESP, used a human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line and identified markers of metabolic changes caused by the virus.
Researchers have successfully used copper-based nanomaterials to eliminate tumour cells in mice, combining with immunotherapy for long-lasting immune effects. The breakthrough offers a novel approach to treating lung and colon cancers without the use of chemotherapy.
Researchers found that blocking androgen receptors can increase the density of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) sites on tumor surfaces, allowing for more targeted radiation therapy. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Researchers discovered that reactivating the PPP2R2A gene can slow or stop prostate cancer progression. The study found that patients with only one functional copy of the gene have shorter survival rates, and that reconstituting PP2A protein ultimately kills prostate cancer cells.
A Northwestern University study discovered an inverse relationship between patient survival and the plasticity of tumor cells. Cancer cells with disorderly chromatin packing are more likely to adapt to treatments, but researchers can now develop new therapies that target chromatin packing to make cancer cells more vulnerable.
Researchers found that pancreatic tumor cells secrete interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to reduce anti-cancer immune responses, promoting PDA tumor growth. Blocking IL-1β with an antibody treatment doubled T cell infiltration and increased PD-1 blockade efficacy by 40%.
Researchers have developed a low-intensity ultrasound approach that exploits the unique physical and structural properties of tumor cells to target them. By tuning the frequency to match the target cells, they were able to break apart several types of cancer cells without harming healthy blood cells.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding cancer prediction by developing a new method to evaluate cell dynamics and tumor initiation. Their calculations reveal that fixation times are a more important metric than lifetime risks, and that some mutated cells may fix tumors faster than expected.
A new method called scPred uses single cell analysis techniques with machine learning algorithms to identify specific types of cells. This can help diagnose cancer and autoimmune diseases earlier, and personalize treatments for individual patients.
Pancreatic cancer cells use a process called macropinocytosis to engulf nutrients, which are then broken down into building blocks for cell growth. The study identified key molecular steps involved in boosting this process, including the activation of protein kinase A and v-ATPase.
The European Research Council has awarded €2 million to Ruben van Boxtel's research on late effects of childhood cancer treatment, focusing on developing second cancers. Van Boxtel aims to identify the components of treatment that cause DNA changes and predict patient risk for developing a second novel cancer.
A team of researchers identified a cell surface receptor, CXCR2, essential for hormone-resistant prostate cancer cells. They showed that targeting this receptor can halt tumor growth using a drug originally intended for lung diseases.
Researchers found that MALT1 levels correlate with patient survival in brain cancer, and blocking the gene with MALT1 inhibitors causes glioblastoma stem cells to undergo cellular suicide. This discovery points to the potential of further exploring MALT1 inhibitors as a treatment for glioblastoma.
A research team identified that several types of highly aggressive pediatric brain tumors originate from stalled development of progenitor cells in the pons and forebrain. The findings represent a significant advance in understanding these diseases, which are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children.
Researchers analyzed pleural effusion fluid from patients with non-small cell lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, discovering unique cytokine profiles that may influence the tumor environment. The study suggests harnessing the local pleural immune environment could lead to improved treatment outcomes.
In a mouse model of liver cancer, researchers found that activating the Hippo molecular signaling pathway in tumor cells drives growth, while suppressing it in surrounding healthy cells inhibits tumor growth. Systemic inhibition of Yap and Taz could have unwanted consequences by blocking tumor-suppressing abilities of healthy cells.
Researchers found that circular extrachromosomal DNA in cancer cells dramatically amplifies mutant oncogenes, promoting aggressive behavior and resistance to therapy. This unique shape enables tumor cells to generate massive amounts of growth-promoting oncogenes and evolve quickly.
Researchers found that CD95 activation triggers apoptosis in individual cells, but stimulates growth in clusters of cancer cells. The study suggests new ways to transform growth-stimulating signals into cell death signals for cancer cells.