Articles tagged with Cancer Immunology
A retrospective study found a 24% response rate to Docetaxel among patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer who experienced progression on immunotherapy. The median progression-free survival was 3 months, suggesting chemotherapy may still play an important role in treatment after immunotherapy failure.
A new CAR T cell design approach using machine learning and artificial intelligence is being developed to improve cancer treatment. The project aims to create a hybrid knowledge- and data-driven approach to guide the design of immunotherapeutic cells.
Edward Chouchani, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, has been awarded the $50,000 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science. His research focuses on understanding metabolic disease using mass spectrometry and biochemical approaches.
Researchers found that probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri stimulates cancer-killing T cells by secreting indole-3-aldehyde, which activates a receptor in CD8 cells. A diet rich in tryptophan enhances the effect of immunotherapy on shrinking tumors and prolonging survival.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a type of cell that plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. The authors suggest that understanding CAFs is essential for developing effective cancer therapies. Research targeting CAFs has shown promise, but challenges remain due to their complex nature.
An international panel of experts has developed standardized definitions for immunotherapy side effects, providing a shared vocabulary for clinicians to standardize clinical practice guidelines. This will help support clinicians in offering the best treatment to patients and enable research into biomarkers predicting adverse effects.
Dr. Crystal Mackall, a leader in advancing cell and gene therapies for children's cancers, is the newest recipient of the Edward Netter Leadership Award. She has led numerous clinical trials treating children with sarcomas and brain cancers.
Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research found that introducing bacteria to a tumor's microenvironment triggers an immune response, activating neutrophils to destroy tumors in animal models. This breakthrough therapy targets neutrophils to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers re-examine molecular characteristics of WNT-subgroup patients to identify optimal treatment strategies for low-risk medulloblastoma. Key findings suggest that therapy-related late toxicity remains a concern, despite comparable survival rates between children and adolescents with this disease subtype.
A recent study suggests that routine evaluation of HER2 expression in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is crucial to avoid under or overtreatment. The research found a significant association between HER2 overexpression and a higher risk of recurrence, as well as improved radiotherapy outcomes.
The Cleveland Clinic has launched a phase 1b clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immune response of a preventive breast cancer vaccine in high-risk individuals who have undergone prophylactic mastectomy. The study aims to recruit 6-12 patients and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have discovered that changing how tightly an antibody binds to a target can improve cancer treatments. By reducing affinity, immunomodulatory antibodies can effectively fine-tune the antibody to the desired level and activity.
A new study found that measuring activation of immune-system B cells may be better than measuring either T-cell activation or total number of immune cells in and around a tumor. The findings suggest that six signatures of immune cell gene activation from B cells were associated with higher elimination rates and better survival outcomes.
Researchers at University of Chicago Medical Center have identified biomarker predicting response to combined RT and ICB treatment in mNSCLC. High tumor aneuploidy associated with improved survival when RT is added to ICB, while low aneuploidy shows no survival benefit.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a protein complex called NLRP3 inflammasome that drives hyper-progression of melanoma cells treated with checkpoint inhibitors. A blood-based biomarker and tumor tissue-based biomarker can predict disease resistance and hyper-progression.
Filopodia contribute to building a barrier surrounding breast tumours, blocking their escape. Cancer cells lacking Myosin-10 cannot maintain this barrier, making it easier for them to spread.
Researchers analyzed 408 patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and found no increased risk of side effects from receiving both immunotherapy and the vaccine. The study supports NCCN's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer, citing strong protection against severe COVID-19 for all variants.
A recent study published by Wiley suggests that biological sex differences are the primary reason for higher cancer rates in men compared to women. The study analyzed data from 171,274 males and 122,826 females aged 50-71 years and found that incidence was lower in men only for thyroid and gallbladder cancers.
Researchers discovered that liver cancer cells modify their metabolism to leave them susceptible to disruptions in arginine supply, a key molecule. A three-pronged approach targeting tumor metabolism, blocking survival-promoting responses, and starving tumors of arginine can induce senescence, making cancer cells killable.
A new study found that crown-like structures surrounding breast tumors in overweight and obese patients can hinder their response to therapy. Researchers identified a potential molecular biomarker, CD32B, which is associated with poorer treatment outcomes.
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 low-density neutrophils are associated with chronic inflammation in obesity, which can lead to comorbidities like type 2 diabetes and cancer. Bariatric surgery reduces these cells in circulation, improving metabolic syndrome components.
Researchers have discovered that blood cancer cells steal membranes from immune cells like Natural Killer cells through a process called trogocytosis. This process allows the cancer cells to put the NK cells to sleep, shutting down their anti-cancer activity. The study also sheds light on how PD-1 inhibitors can be used to 'wake up' th...
The study reveals a narrowing gap between cancer profiles in China and the USA, with converging trends in lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. China's cancer burden is expected to rise, while the US has seen reduced rates since the 1990s due to effective prevention strategies.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered a new approach to treat solid cancers using CDH17CAR T cells, which selectively target and eliminate gastrointestinal (GI) solid tumors like gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers in preclinical models. Unlike other immunotherapies, CDH17CAR T cells do not show toxicity to healthy tissues.
A comprehensive review of over 60 studies confirms that COVID vaccination is around 80% effective in protecting people with cancer against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mRNA vaccines were found to be the most effective, and multiple vaccinations are recommended for better protection.
Scientists at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have created nanoengineered bacteria for photothermal cancer immunotheranostics. The synthesized nanoparticles showed powerful photothermal conversion, high biocompatibility, and excellent tumor selectivity, facilitating clear fluorescent tumor visualization.
Paczesny will explore biomarkers and a new type of immune cell to identify and regulate acute lung injury after BMT. She aims to improve understanding of signaling mechanisms in lung injury after BMT, particularly as they relate to idiopathic pneumonia syndrome.
Sophie Paczesny's research aims to validate biomarker panels that help doctors predict chronic GVHD risk and adjust immune suppression treatments accordingly. The study uses machine learning algorithms to analyze stored plasma and blood cell samples from over 1,300 BMT recipients.
Four MUSC Hollings Cancer Center researchers received American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grants worth $35,000 each. The grants support promising projects that aim to push cancer care forward. Researchers are working on various innovative projects, including a digital literacy training program for community health workers an...
A clinical trial will harness synthetic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to deplete immune B cells and plasma cells producing donor-specific antibodies, aiming to achieve a compatible kidney match for patients with pre-existing antibodies. The NIH-funded study, led by Penn Medicine, intends to begin enrolling patients in 2022.
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.
Researchers have identified a novel immune-like mechanism by which healthy epithelial cells recognize and eliminate precancerous cells through a MHC class I-LILRB3 interaction. This process generates mechanical force to extrude the precancerous cells from the body, offering new hope for cancer prevention and treatment.
Researchers mapped how HTLV-1 transforms T-cells into cancerous cells, revealing the virus over-activates them and makes them more vulnerable to DNA damage. This study provides new directions for potential treatments to prevent cancer development.
Researchers have developed new preclinical models to understand gastric cancer development and spread. Using these models, they identified Lgr5-expressing tumour cells as responsible for driving gastric cancer growth and spread, establishing them as a potential therapeutic target.
A researcher at MUSC's Hollings Cancer Center is developing 'living drugs' by precision-engineering CAR Tregs to treat autoimmune diseases. The CAR Tregs can delay or reduce damaging inflammation, offering a potential solution for conditions like Type 1 diabetes.
A nationwide study published in JAMA Oncology found that immunotherapy use among trial-ineligible solid-tumor cancer patients increased significantly between 2014 and 2019, yet no survival benefit was observed. Researchers emphasize cautious use of immunotherapies for this population due to potential early harm.
A new machine learning model developed by Timothy Chan accurately predicts whether immune checkpoint blockade will be effective in patients with various cancers. The tool assesses multiple patient-specific factors, including tumor mutational burden and chemotherapy history, to predict response and survival outcomes.
Researchers have opened a novel study for a vaccine aimed at preventing triple-negative breast cancer, the most aggressive and lethal form of the disease. The phase I trial will determine the maximum tolerated dose of the vaccine in patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer.
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.
MUSC researcher Haizhen Wang receives R37 grant to investigate CDK6's role in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a aggressive cancer. The research aims to understand how the immune system can be used to reduce leukemia progression.
Researchers found that the gene TCF-1 regulates specific Treg cells, leading to more severe and inflammatory colon cancers. Without TCF-1, these cells become activated and gain a gut-homing feature, resulting in harsher cancer outcomes.
Researchers have created a new technology to enhance therapeutic antibodies' ability to attack blood cancer cells by leveraging the human immune system. This approach combines IgM and IgG antibodies, resulting in a single molecule with increased complement activation.
A new study found that immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective against HPV-positive head and neck cancers, with a potential therapeutic vaccination approach also being explored. Researchers discovered tumor-specific CD8 T cells in tumors from patients, which could provide a proliferative burst in response to PD-1 blockade.
Researchers identified DSS1 as a critical protein in breast cancer progression and found that depleting it makes cancer cells more responsive to lower doses of anti-cancer drugs. This technique may reduce drug-induced side effects in breast cancer patients, providing a safer treatment option.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute found that combining checkpoint inhibitors with adoptive cell therapy improves treatment outcomes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The study showed promising anti-tumor activity, with 11 out of 16 patients experiencing tumor regression.
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.
A recent study published in eLife found that chronic inflammation can turn the skin's protective IgE antibody into a tumor promoter. In mice with cancer-causing mutations, chronic activation of IgE by inflammation supported the growth of precancerous skin cells into tumors.
A new study shows an association between a family history of cancer and childhood asthma diagnosis in over 20% of children, highlighting the importance of extra asthma screening efforts.
Zachary Schug receives $2,679,000 NIH award to study link between high sugar/fat diet, alcohol use and cancer. He aims to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying this connection and develop novel therapies.
Researchers found that mitochondrial fission factor is a key regulator of cancer cell survival and proliferation. The protein's interaction with VDAC1 is critical for tumor cell growth, but disrupting this complex can activate mechanisms of mitochondrial cell death.
The study found that ARID1A controls the genome-wide positioning of condensin II, a complex regulating gene expression through organizing chromosome structure. This loss affects global gene expression, with broad consequences for cancer types, especially ovarian cancer.
Researchers discovered that BH4 regulates T cell activity, suppressing inflammation in autoimmune conditions and enhancing responses in cancer. A new therapeutic approach targets the same pathway to treat a range of diseases.
Wherry and Matthew Hellmann have received $1.25 million to test a combined approach of modifying epigenetic pathways and PD-1 pathway blockade therapy to improve exhausted T cell reinvigoration. This award recognizes their collaborative work on a fundamental goal of cancer researchers.
M. Celeste Simon, a renowned Penn Cancer biologist, has been awarded the National Cancer Institute Outstanding Investigator Award. She is recognized for her groundbreaking research on cancer cell metabolism and its applications in treating clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has announced the selection of five early-career cancer researchers, who will receive four years of flexible funding to conduct their work. The selected scientists aim to unravel the mysteries of cancer by studying medulloblastoma recurrence and developing new immune therapies against pancreatic cancer.
Researchers warn that even mild chronic cold stress is skewing results in studies of cancer, inflammation, and other fields. The National Research Council recommends a temperature range of 20-26 degrees C for mouse housing.
Researchers found that cancer cells hijack glucose to alter immune cells, leading to reduced T cell effectiveness. However, they also discovered a potential metabolic pathway to make T cells resistant to glucose restriction, which could improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers from USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered that herpesvirus proteins activate the RIG-I receptor through deamidation, a process that could be exploited to bolster immunity against infection. The study identifies the first enzyme responsible for protein deamidation in eukaryotes.
Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee receives the AACR-Joseph H. Burchenal Award for her pioneering contributions to immunotherapies for breast and pancreatic cancers, leading to improved treatments and patient outcomes. Her work also focuses on establishing biomarkers of tumor microenvironment reprogramming.