Research on the biology of tumor cells. Covers tumor spread, cell-particle diagnostics, new anti-tumor molecules, and cancer-killing immune cells.
Researchers identify a hyperploid salvage survival pathway in high-grade serous carcinoma cell line models that bypasses apoptosis and emerges as viable large hyperploid cells. This pathway may contribute to acquired resistance and genomic diversity of recovering tumor cells.
Researchers at FEFU developed a method to synthesize biologically active derivatives of fascaplysin, a compound found in sea sponges. The new compounds, including 14-bromoreticulatine and 3,10-dibromofascaplysin, show selective effects on cancer cells, particularly Pseudomonas Aeruginosa bacteria and human prostate cancer cells.
Researchers have discovered a way in which leukemia cells can change their identity to become macrophages, a process known as transdifferentiation. This transformation occurs through epigenetic changes that alter the cell's genetic material, allowing it to acquire new functions and behaviors.
Scientists at Shinshu University discovered a compound in grape stems that induces cell cycle arrest and suppresses the invasive activity of prostate cancer cells. The study found significant anti-cancer activity, with potential applications for metastasis prevention and cancer treatment.
A study published in Nature Cell Biology has identified a protein called CD9 that drives growth of pancreatic cancer and could be a target for new treatments. The researchers found that CD9 is present on the surface of cancer stem cells, which are a driving force behind cancer growth.
Researchers have discovered that mitochondria undergo reprogramming under low oxygen conditions, a process that could provide new therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer. This reprogramming enables cancer cells to adapt to energy scarcity by switching to glycolysis, allowing them to continue growing despite limited nutrients and oxygen.
A compound developed by Johns Hopkins researchers has been shown to slow tumor growth, alter the tumor microenvironment, and promote durable and highly active anti-tumor T cells. The drug, a prodrug version of glutamine antagonist DON, was designed to target cancer cells' high demand for glutamine.
Researchers found that oxygen-starved tumor cells have a four times greater probability of becoming viable circulating tumor cells than those under normal oxygen conditions. These cells also have six times the probability of forming lung metastases, suggesting that oxygen starvation enhances their metastatic capabilities.
Researchers analyzed pleural effusions from NSCLC patients, mesothelioma, and benign cases, identifying distinct cytokine levels that may influence tumor growth and immune response. The study suggests modifying the local pleural immune environment with antibody-based therapeutics could enhance anti-tumor effects.
The study found that tumor cells undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) play a key role in metastasis. However, the reverse transition, MET, is occurring at the metastatic site, suggesting that EMT is not always required for metastasis.
A team of scientists has identified a specific gene, eIF2B5, that is essential for the survival of colon cancer cells with APC mutations. Inhibiting this gene causes programmed cell death in mutated cells but not in healthy cells, providing a promising new target for antitumor therapies.
Gajewski's research found that a 'hot' or T cell inflamed tumour microenvironment is key to unlocking immunotherapy efficacy. STING agonists and targeted therapies are being developed to combat 'cold' tumours with limited immune response.
Researchers at Linköping University have successfully captured the instantaneous image of the MYC protein bound to TBP, shedding light on its role in cancer. The study reveals that MYC's adaptability and dynamic structure enable it to interact with over 300 proteins, making it a promising target for new cancer therapies.
Weiqiang Chen, an assistant professor at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, has been awarded a $1.7 million NIH grant to develop personalized approaches to CAR-T cell therapy for cancer treatment. The grant will support the development of microfluidic systems to model disease environments and study cell interactions.
Researchers created a 3D-printed cell trap that captures white blood cells and filters out red blood cells, leaving behind tumor cells for diagnosis and research. The device can process large volumes of blood at low cost, making it suitable for clinics and hospitals.
Researchers at UNIGE have developed a new formula, C2, composed of four anti-cancer drugs that target and kill tumour cells while leaving healthy cells intact. The formula has shown promising results in reducing the risk of resistance and side effects associated with high-dose treatments.
A USC study reveals that circulating tumor cells have a unique molecular signature that predicts specific organ targets, such as the brain. The discovery provides potential treatment targets to prevent cancer spread and improves detection and monitoring methods.
Researchers at Washington University and USF Health developed a peptide-based nanoparticle that delivers siRNA to suppress KRAS-driven cancer growth without adverse effects. The nanoparticles effectively target tumor cells, reducing tumor cell death and slowing cancer growth.
Researchers found that cells on a tumor's periphery are softer and more likely to invade surrounding tissues. This softness enables the cells to spread through the body's vasculature, forming 'invasive tips' that break away from the tumor.
A compound has been identified as effective in killing chemotherapy-resistant glioblastoma-initiating cells (GICs), a major challenge in treating this devastating cancer. The research also showed that the compound is non-toxic to normal cells, raising hopes for developing drugs with low toxicity.
Researchers from CNIO developed stable long-term cultures of mouse urothelial cells, enabling the study of biological mechanisms underlying bladder cancer. They identified a small population of stem cells that gives rise to cancer, providing new insights into disease development and tissue regeneration.
Researchers developed a 3D in vitro system to examine dynamic interactions between brain tumors and the surrounding extracellular matrix. The study found that fetal ECM supported tumor growth better than adult ECM, and lipid droplets released by glioblastoma cells may contribute to lower drug sensitivity.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that engineered T cells can target and kill solid tumor cells coated in specific antibodies. This breakthrough in immunotherapy shows promise for treating various types of cancer, offering a more targeted approach than traditional chemotherapy.
A team of researchers has developed a novel anti-cancer prodrug called phorbiplatin, which can be controllably activated by low-intensity red light. This unique property reduces collateral damage and kills cancer cells while minimizing harm to normal tissues.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that collagen fiber length can affect how cells move collectively, with longer fibers supporting streaming out of colonies and elongating cells. The study suggests that a balance between aggressiveness and cooperation is crucial for cell movement.
The study found that tumor heterogeneity, not mutational burden, is a key factor in determining the success of immunotherapy for melanoma patients. Researchers developed an experimental system to systematically generate tumors with intermediate levels of genetic heterogeneity, leading to a high correlation between this factor and treat...
Researchers at UCLA developed a therapy that permanently boosts the body's ability to produce invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells), which attack human tumors. The treatment, engineered from hematopoietic stem cells, effectively suppressed tumor growth in mice with multiple myeloma and melanoma.
Researchers found that neurons in the brain form direct cell-to-cell contacts with aggressive glioblastoma cells, transmitting activation signals that drive tumor growth and invasion. Blocking this signal transmission can slow down tumor spread, offering new avenues for treatment.
A team of researchers has identified a new circular RNA that promotes tumor activity, contradicting its role as a cancer suppressor. The discovery opens up new opportunities to understand the genetics of cancer and potentially develop targeted treatment protocols.
Researchers have created a targeted transport system using palladium-based exosomes to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells. This method has the potential to reduce side effects and increase treatment efficacy.
Researchers have developed a molecular shuttle system to deliver precious metal catalysts directly to cancer cells, potentially reducing side effects of chemotherapy. The new method uses artificial exosomes to transport palladium catalysts straight to primary tumours and metastatic cells.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in cancer treatment using nanoparticles that can be activated by radiation, resulting in statistically significant reductions in tumor size. This innovative approach builds on previous research and has the potential to effectively treat tumors throughout the body.
A non-coding region of the genome has been discovered to regulate the development of cancer in various types of tumors, including breast cancer and sarcomas. The RPSAP52 RNA molecule triggers cell proliferation and cancels differentiation, allowing tumor cells to multiply and spread.
Rhabdoid tumors are aggressive brain and kidney cancers with poor prognosis, requiring innovative treatments. The ERC grant aims to understand the disease's underlying mechanisms through unique models and lineage tracing techniques.
Researchers discovered that telomerase, which promotes unlimited cell division in cancer cells, also prevents tumors and slows a key stage in normal cell death. In healthy adult cells, telomerase activates just before cell death, buffering cells from aging stresses and reducing DNA damage.
The National Institutes of Health has granted $2.23 million in funding to develop statistical and computational methods for genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening. The goal is to improve functional gene identification, analyze non-coding elements, and study genetic interactions, with potential applications in cancer research.
Researchers found that non-cancerous cells in tumor microenvironment regress into stem cell-like state, supporting cancer growth. This 'corruption' of neighboring cells enables cancer to thrive and spread.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that increasing PD-L1 expression in colorectal cancer cells can improve chemotherapy effectiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy to enhance treatment outcomes for patients with resistant colon cancer.
Researchers discovered an antibody drug that can destroy immune cells surrounding solid tumours, allowing T-cells to attack and kill cancer cells more effectively. The approach could improve treatments for various types of cancer, including CAR-T therapy.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new therapeutic approach to convert tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) into cancer killers. The antibody, LM609, induces ADCC and kills drug-resistant tumors, prolonging response to standard treatments.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that tumor cells 'hijack' an inflammatory pathway in the brain to spread melanoma, and blocking this pathway could prevent brain metastases. The study found that inhibiting the expression of a specific receptor on melanoma cells significantly inhibited the development of brain metastases.
A recent study using single-cell sequencing has revealed that glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, can shift among four distinct cell types, each requiring separate targeted therapy. The findings indicate a need for combination treatments and provide new insights into the cancer's plastic nature.
Researchers found that cigarette smoke changes the metabolism of cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, making tumors more efficient as an ecosystem to promote cancer growth. The study also identified a protein on tobacco-exposed fibroblasts that drives these metabolic changes.
Researchers developed a novel method to directly detect circulating tumor cells in blood samples without enrichment, using lanthanide ions released from nanoparticles. The technique was tested on cancer patients' blood samples, correctly identifying 14 out of 15 cases with strong correlation to cancer stage.
Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered a protein modification that enables tumor cells to proliferate without harming healthy cells. This finding opens up new avenues for cancer therapies with minimal side effects.
Researchers have identified a contagious form of cancer in dogs, known as CTVT, which has persisted for thousands of years. The study reveals that cancer cells can evolve and stabilize over time, offering new insights into human cancer development and treatment.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute developed a chip made of carbon nanotubes that captures circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with far greater sensitivity than existing technologies. The device can detect early-stage tumors, predict the course of a cancer, and monitor the effects of therapy.
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster produces more Defensin, which interacts with dying tumour cells and kills them, while sparing normal cells. This finding reveals an anti-tumour role for Defensin and provides insights into the molecular mechanisms behind AMPs' killing action.
Researchers discovered that natural killer (NK) cells can express PD-L1 and provide anti-tumor activity when treated with checkpoint inhibitors. PD-L1+ NK cells can control tumor growth by killing tumors and secreting cytokines, providing a new immunotherapeutic avenue.
Researchers found a common vulnerability among aneuploid cancer cells, which are bloated and overstuffed due to high intracellular protein concentrations. The team identified a molecular pathway involving proteins ART1 and Rsp5 that regulates nutrient uptake in these cells.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered how a protein called Epe1 maintains a balance between tightly packed and variable DNA structures in yeast cells. This finding could lead to new strategies for suppressing the formation of tumor cells resistant to anti-cancer drugs.
Research conducted at the Irvine Lab at MIT's Koch Institute showed that activation of CAR-T cells in lymph nodes leads to massive CAR-T cell expansion and significant functional improvements. The AMP-CAR-T Platform combines CAR-T therapy with Amphiphile immunotherapies to amplify immune responses and combat solid tumors.
A new potential therapeutic target has been identified for oesophageal cancer treatment. MAIT cells, a lesser-known type of immune cell, have been found to have potent cancer-killing ability.
Scientists at IDIBELL-ICO describe a novel mechanism of resistance to therapies that prevent blood vessel formation, which involves immune cells acting as tumor malignant elements. The study highlights the importance of targeting Sema4D and its secretion by macrophages to inhibit this mechanism.
Researchers have developed a genetically modified virus that kills cancer cells and makes them sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, halting tumor progression in mice. The combination of p53 gene therapy and cabazitaxel resulted in full control of tumor growth, with an additive or synergistic effect.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a protein called TOX as the key regulator of exhausted immune cells in cancer. The discovery could lead to new immunotherapies that target or engineer TOX to reverse exhaustion and improve immunity to infections or cancer.
Researchers found that regular cells can adopt immune cell characteristics, sending warning signs when stressed or in danger. This mechanism may aid in detecting cancer cells sooner, preventing tumor formation.
A high salt diet has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in mice by altering the function of certain immune cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells. This effect could be beneficial for improving anti-cancer immunotherapies, but further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential.
Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that allows cancer cells to regenerate and evade therapy, but found treatments that can target these cells. The study provides a new logic for identifying therapies that can kill hard-to-kill cancer cells.
Researchers found that immune cells recruited by tumor cells drive faster growth, suggesting targeting immune system cells could slow brain tumor growth in people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The study suggests reprogramming T cells to shut down tumors, a promising new strategy for treating NF1.