The use of 3D-patient tumor avatars (3D-PTAs) is crucial for guiding treatment decisions in precision oncology. These avatars, including patient-derived organoids, 3D bioprinting, and microscale models, can accurately depict a tumor with its microenvironment, enabling the testing and prediction of therapeutic drug efficacy.
Dr. Keith Chan joins Houston Methodist to enhance chemoimmunotherapy responses in bladder cancer, while also expanding research into pancreatic and skin cancers. He will lead translational research and mentor next-generation cancer researchers.
Research shows that tumors from Black patients have a higher score of biomarker for distant metastatic recurrence and more macrophages than white patients. The study suggests that racial disparities in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer outcomes may be partly explained by differences in the tumor microenvironment.
Researchers developed polymeric micelles to reprogram tumor microenvironment, enhancing nano-immunotherapy efficacy in mouse breast cancer models. The treatment response can be predicted from ultrasound shear wave elastography measurements prior to treatment initiation.
A study published in Nature reveals that cancer stem cells' miscommunication with their environment can trigger a self-perpetuating series of events leading to malignancy. Leptin signaling plays a surprising role in this process, which could be blocked to prevent tumor progression.
Researchers review myeloid-derived suppressor cells' phenotypes, mechanisms of immunosuppression, and roles in cancer treatment. Studies on non-malignant diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and obesity, are lacking, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Researchers found that HER2-positive breast cancer patients with high levels of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in residual disease have significantly shorter overall survival. High levels of TILs are associated with poorer outcomes, while lower levels are linked to improved survival rates.
Assistant Professor Nourridine Siewe developed a new mathematical model to assess different approaches for treating metastatic cancer. The model evaluates the interactions among immune cells and cancer, helping clinicians decide on the best treatment strategies.
A study reveals that interleukin 34 (IL-34) modulates the balance between two myeloid-derived suppressor cell populations, leading to immunosuppression and chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer. Neutralizing IL-34 with a drug reduces tumor growth and susceptibility to chemotherapy.
Research at Linköping University suggests that dense breasts have unique biological characteristics that promote cancer growth, leading to a fivefold increased risk. The study used MRI and microdialysis techniques to measure proteins in breast tissue, finding elevated levels of inflammatory markers and growth factors.
A new study reveals that urolithin A from pomegranates can rejuvenate T cells by recycling and renewing mitochondria, enhancing their ability to fight tumors. The researchers plan to investigate the application of urolithin A in clinical trials for colorectal cancer.
A study from Tokyo Medical and Dental University reveals that the TGF-β signaling molecule can induce EMT in oral cancer cells, leading to high motility and metastatic potential. KRTAP2-3 expression is associated with poorer overall survival, suggesting its role as a prognostic biomarker.
Researchers at Mount Sinai's Tisch Cancer Institute have discovered a new gene, PDZK1IP1, essential to colon cancer growth. The study found that surrounding inflammation activates the super enhancer, promoting tumor cell survival and growth.
A gene signature of four specific genes (SAA1, SAA2, APOL1, and MET) predicts the risk of tumour spreading and survival in kidney cancer patients. The study identified a link between the microenvironment and immune system inhibition.
A new therapy has been discovered to overcome treatment resistance in aggressive breast cancer by targeting fibroblasts and enhancing the immune response. The therapy, FAP-IL2v, binds to fibroblast-expressed molecules, allowing the immune system to break through the tumor's protective microenvironment and eliminate cancer cells.
A new study found that the organization of different types of immune cells within pancreatic tumors is associated with patient outcomes. Immune cells called IL-10+ myelomonocytes tend to be located close to specific T cell types, which may affect cancer treatment responses.
Researchers are studying the interaction between obesity and nitric oxide synthase in triple-negative breast cancer, aiming to develop a new treatment strategy. Another team is investigating the role of NHE6 protein in multiple myeloma resistance to daratumumab treatment, with the goal of improving therapy outcomes for patients.
A UCSF-led team reveals that tumor immune microenvironments play a crucial role in the progression of pancreatic cysts to pancreatic cancer. The study suggests that therapies targeting regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells could inhibit malignant progression and treat high-risk disease.
Researchers found that patients with longer progression-free survival after BCMA-targeted CAR T-cell therapy had more diverse baseline T-cell repertoires, fewer markers of immune exhaustion, and distinct changes to immune cell populations. These factors were associated with improved responses to the treatment.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that even terminally exhausted T cells retain some capacity to function again. They identified approaches to overcome exhaustion by targeting co-stimulation pathways and reprogramming T cells to be resistant to hypoxia, a common tumor microenvironmental signal.
The University of Cincinnati is conducting a study on a potential new treatment for pancreatic cancer using SapC-DOPG, a nanotechnology drug delivery system. The treatment has shown promise in reducing tumor growth by 50-80% in animal models and aims to develop an effective immunotherapy treatment.
Virginia Tech scientists have developed a novel 3D tissue-engineered model of the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment to learn why tumors return and what treatments will be most effective. The model accounts for cell types, fluid flow, and other aspects of the actual tumor environment, allowing for easy testing of drug therapies.
A study published in Cancer Research found that constitutively activated p53 in hepatocytes of chronic liver disease patients creates a microenvironment supportive of tumor formation from hepatic progenitor cells. This novel mechanism challenges the traditional role of p53 as a cancer suppressor.
A preclinical study by Cedars-Sinai Cancer and Johns Hopkins University has discovered a novel three-step treatment that disrupts the pancreatic tumor microenvironment in laboratory mice. The treatment, which combines anti-PD-1 immunotherapy antibody, FAKi, and CXCR4, prevents cancer metastasis and bolsters the immune system.
Researchers discovered that porous cell membrane formation allows cancer-inducing proteins to escape and promote tumor growth in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated liver cancer. The release of IL-33 and IL-1β from senescent hepatic stellate cells accelerates cancer development by suppressing anti-tumor immunity.
Researchers at Kyoto University identified the mechanism behind active inflammation and immunosuppression in tumor microenvironments. EP2/EP4 inhibitors suppress tumor growth by allowing regulatory T cells to infiltrate and activate within tumors, benefiting patients with certain cancers.
Researchers developed a novel nanoparticle to deliver ARL67156, an enzyme inhibitor that prevents ATP degradation into adenosine, selectively targeting solid tumors. The treatment substantially suppressed tumor growth and resulted in prolonged survival in mouse models.
A drug targeting IDH1 mutations in select cancers also inhibits wild-type form under certain conditions, making it a promising therapeutic option. Laboratory experiments and mouse models demonstrate the efficacy of Ivosidenib against various cancer types, including pancreatic, colorectal, ovarian, and lung cancer.
Researchers from China have developed a novel bioconjugate that can suppress the growth of K-Ras mutant pancreatic tumors. The conjugate, which targets folate receptors and macropinocytosis, was found to be highly cytotoxic and effective at suppressing tumor growth.
Researchers have identified new biomarkers to detect non-small cell lung cancer in its early stages through a blood test, offering improved survival chances. The approach can also identify potential drug resistance, allowing clinicians to choose alternative treatment options.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute found a direct link between high-fat diets and heightened nitric oxide levels, which can lead to increased risk of inflammation and cancer development. The study used a molecular probe to visualize changes in the tumor microenvironment.
A study by Osaka University found that fat accumulation in liver tumors can predict patient response to immunotherapy. The researchers identified a unique tumor immune microenvironment, known as steatotic HCC, which is associated with high infiltration of immune cells but exhaustion of nearby T cells.
Researchers found that targeting both tumor and lymph node microenvironments with nanomedicine improves treatment response for metastatic triple negative breast cancer. Long-term tumor remission was achieved in mice models using nanoparticles to deliver immune-modulating drugs.
Chronic bacterial infections can lead to chronic inflammation and DNA damage, increasing CRC risk. Salmonella infections are particularly risky, as they impair immune responses and promote tumorigenesis.
Researchers developed a droplet-based microfluidic technology to produce micro-organospheres from cancer patient biopsies within an hour. These miniature tumors retain the original microenvironment and can be used for testing many drug conditions, showing almost perfect correlation with actual clinical treatment outcomes.
Researchers have discovered two distinct classes of cancer-associated fibroblasts that accumulate in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and play opposing roles. The study suggests that targeting these unique cell populations may improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
Researchers developed a computational approach called CellTrek to combine parallel gene-expression profiling methods, creating spatial maps at single-cell resolution. The tool provides detailed information on individual cell types' location within tissues, enabling unique biological insights.
Researchers developed a novel scaffold to grow breast tumors with reduced immune variability, enabling more accurate immunotherapy drug testing. The new model replicates treatment-resistant breast cancer microenvironments and predicts patient responses to therapy.
A team of researchers has reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment of liver cancer by using mRNA nanoparticles, restoring the function of the p53 master regulator gene. The approach increased antitumor immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma laboratory models and shows promise for treating HCC and other cancers.
Scientists at Technical University of Munich discovered a promising combination therapy for mesenchymal PDAC subtype, showing improved T-cell infiltration and cell cycle arrest when using nintedanib with trametinib. The treatment significantly improves the response of highly aggressive mesenchymal PDAC subtypes in mice.
Researchers found that hyaluronic acid is not only present in pancreatic tumors but also serves as a nutrient source for cancer cells. This discovery indicates potential new treatments for pancreatic cancer by targeting the sugar scavenging pathway.
Researchers at Peking University created a comprehensive single-cell landscape of tumor-infiltrating T cells across 21 cancer types, revealing heterogeneity and dynamics. This study provides an immune-typing scheme that could inform targeted therapy.
Researchers found that CBD shrinks glioblastoma tumors by reducing inflammation and restoring immune balance. The compound also suppresses key proteins involved in tumor growth and spread, making it a potential novel adjunct therapy for glioblastoma patients.
Scientists have identified the transcription factor Blimp1 as a new critical regulator of tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells. Disrupting Blimp1 in these cells remodels the tumor microenvironment and augments the response to immunotherapy, promoting improved tumor control and anti-tumor immunity.
Researchers have developed smart transformable nanoparticles that can alter their size and shape in response to physiological conditions, improving particle circulation, biodistribution, and targeted therapy for cancer theranostics. These particles promise enhanced tumor diagnoses and treatment by adapting to the physiology of tumors.
A UCLA research team found that PD-1 blockade initially activates T cells and conventional dendritic cells in glioblastoma, but the immune microenvironment remains dominated by immunosuppressive cells. The study suggests that combining therapies targeting other checkpoint proteins and pathways may improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that antihistamines improve responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients, particularly those with pre-existing allergies or high plasma histamine levels. The study suggests targeting the histamine receptor HRH1 may be a useful treatment approach.
Researchers have developed a prostate cancer organoid that can mimic the patient-specific microenvironment, opening up new avenues for targeted treatments. The study reveals that extracellular matrix regulates EZH2 activity and efficacy of inhibitors, as well as identifies potential new therapeutic targets like DRD2.
Researchers found that high levels of immune cells in tumors correlate with better outcomes for esophageal cancer patients. The study used the Immunoscore to evaluate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and found a strong association between high scores and long-term survival rates.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a non-invasive optical probe to understand the complex changes in tumors after immunotherapy. Using Raman spectroscopy and machine learning, they identified key features that indicate how tumors respond to treatment, showing promising results for predicting patient response.
The MAP Virtual Congress 2021 focuses on integrating tumour sample analysis into daily practice, enabling personalized treatment. Key findings include actionable mutations in patient DNA and the role of the tumour microenvironment in metastasis.
Researchers have created a 3D pancreatic cancer tumour model using bioengineered matrix and patient-derived cells. The model exhibits patient-specific transcriptional profiles, CSC functionality, and strong tumourigenicity, enabling better reproduction of drug responses.
Despite its promise, cancer immunotherapy faces several hurdles, including limited efficacy and variable outcomes. Researchers are exploring new therapeutic targets and combination strategies to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have found that breast cancer stem cells accumulate near a tumor arteriole, which they call the arteriolar niche. This niche promotes cancer cell features and potential development through the LPA/PKD-1 signaling pathway.
Researchers found that the drug Vismodegib altered tumor-associated macrophage metabolism, shifting them from immunosuppressive M2 macrophages to pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages. This shift led to a decrease in tumor-promoting properties and improved immune response.
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.
The study found that hepatocellular carcinoma develops on a background of chronic inflammation and fibrosis, with tumor-associated macrophages playing a key role. The researchers characterized the inflammatory microenvironment in two HCC mouse models, revealing divergent phenotypes of liver macrophage subsets and their contribution to ...
This special issue of Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B investigates the impact of tumor microenvironment on drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. Featured papers discuss various strategies to enhance specificity, target tumor-associated macrophages and manipulate immune-vascular crosstalk.
Researchers demonstrate that epithelial cells can induce phenotypic and genotypic changes in HER2-positive breast cancer cells, known as cancer cell redirection. This phenomenon restricts proliferation of tumorigenic cells and shifts gene expression profiles towards a non-tumorigenic epithelial profile.
Researchers discover that the proteins transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) promote the development of cancer-associated fibroblasts, contributing to tumor progression. TGF-β induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a process involving the conversion of endothelial cells to CAFs.