Immunotherapy

Early inflammation signal drives oral cancer development, highlights path for immunoprevention

A study published in Cancer Research identified an immune pathway that promotes the progression of oral precancerous lesions into head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers found that targeting a key inflammation signal known as interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) could help restore immune surveillance and prevent high-risk lesions...

Study reveals why some colorectal cancers respond better to immunotherapy

A subset of cancers, known as microsatellite instability (MSI) and deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) cancers, are more visible to the immune system than others. Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC identified a biological feedback loop that helps activate the immune response against these types of cancer.

Immune cells use previously unknown pathway to eliminate AML

Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which T cells attack and eliminate acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. The discovery reveals that AML cells use a CD64-dependent pathway to evade traditional MHC recognition, potentially explaining why AML is sensitive to immune-based treatments.

Emerging roles of hepatocellular carcinoma gene signatures in prognosis and immunotherapy: challenges and opportunities

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) gene signatures can predict prognosis and respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, validating these signatures across different platforms and overcoming ethical concerns hinder their widespread adoption. Integrating multi-omics approaches with liquid biopsy holds promise for personalized therapy,...

Nebraska researchers link gut microbe to cancer-fighting immune response

Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified a specific gut bacterium, Bacteroides uniformis, and its metabolites that can positively impact the body's immune response to cancer. The study found that these metabolites can suppress tumor growth and boost anti-tumor immunity in mice.

Immune ecotypes may explain multiple myeloma outcomes missed by disease staging

Researchers created a comprehensive single-cell map of the tumor immune microenvironment in multiple myeloma and its precursor conditions. The study identified five distinct subtypes, or 'ecotypes,' that capture meaningful insights into signaling pathways and genetic programs not fully explained by disease stage alone.

Scientists develop new, improved method to find and isolate the strongest cancer-fighting immune cells

A new method called ATTACH identifies strong interactions between T cells and cancer-specific proteins to isolate effective tumor-reactive T cells. This approach overcomes key challenges in immunotherapy development, offering a rapid and accessible way for isolating rare immune cells.

Wiley launches Advanced Immunology to deepen understanding of the immune system in health and disease

The new journal features cutting-edge research across basic, clinical, and translational immunology. It is designed to connect researchers across the full breadth of immunology, deepening understanding of the immune system in health and disease.

Researchers develop chimeric allergen receptors as a new immunotherapy approach for asthma

A team of researchers has developed chimeric allergen receptors that can suppress the immune system's response to common allergens, reducing or preventing asthma symptoms in mice. The technique could eventually be used to treat a wide variety of allergies in humans.

Lili Yang receives $7.49 million CIRM grant to develop off-the-shelf immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis

Lili Yang and her team aim to develop a universal CAR-NKT cell immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis, providing a sustained therapeutic effect that daily or weekly medications cannot match. The approach targets the core biological mechanisms of MS, offering a potentially more significant delay or even cure.

US biomedical innovation leadership at risk: New data show China rapidly closing gap as clinical trials and manufacturing migrate abroad

The US retains its scientific edge but is losing the race to translate discoveries into cures, warns a new report from Cure Innovation Index. Without immediate renewed investment and policy changes, the US scientific edge will not hold.

Unknown controller of women's health, wellness discovered

Scientists have identified a unique chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16 that plays important roles in women's blood cell development and disease severity. The findings suggest the chimeric RNA may serve as a natural brake to protect women from excessive autoimmune activity.

From cellular subtypes to virtual tumor: A single-cell atlas of the tumor microenvironment

The study synthesizes recent advances in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to identify tumor-enriched cell subsets closely related to prognosis and treatment response. The review introduces the

Ludwig Lausanne’s Johanna Joyce begins presidency of the European Association for Cancer Research

Johanna Joyce, a leading tumor immunologist, has begun her two-year term as President of the European Association for Cancer Research. She will focus on strategic oversight, promoting broad scientific collaboration, dialogue, and training, while addressing issues such as gender disparities in science.

New CPRIT awards expand Rice cancer research efforts

Rice University has received a $2 million CPRIT award to advance cancer research, including new studies in immunotherapy and ovarian cancer. The funding will support the expansion of the Genetic Design and Engineering Center, which provides a centralized hub for DNA tools used in cancer research.

TIGIT: A promising target for overcoming tumor immunotherapy resistance

TIGIT is a second-generation immune checkpoint that exerts immunosuppressive effects through multiple pathways, promoting a hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Combination with PD-1 inhibitors has shown remarkable promise, improving objective remission rates and progression-free survival.

UT MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs

Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant advances in understanding cancer biology, developing AI-powered atlas of tertiary lymphoid structures as prognostic biomarkers, and uncovering drivers of resistance to KRAS inhibitors. Additionally, they have discovered a molecular pathway that drives stressed cells to b...

Widely available drug combination is first effective treatment for Sjögren’s disease

Researchers have found a widely available drug combination to be an effective treatment for patients with systemically active Sjögren's disease. The combination of leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine reduced disease activity while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

Breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy: Dresden researchers present promising therapy for advanced solid tumors

The study demonstrated a response to treatment in several tumor types, including lung cancer and head and neck cancers. A significant tumor shrinkage was observed in four out of 14 patients treated within the optimal dose range.

Breast cancer: New approach to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapies

A study published in Nature Communications has identified sialylation as a key mechanism by which breast tumours evade the immune system, leading to limited effectiveness of immunotherapies. Targeting this process may improve the efficacy of these therapies, providing new hope for patients with breast cancer.

KRAS degradation induces rapid lung cancer regression in preclinical mouse models

Researchers discovered that degrading mutant KRAS protein leads to greater lung cancer regression and more durable antitumor responses than conventional inhibitors. The study also identifies resistance mechanisms distinct from those previously described, offering new insights into targeted protein degradation therapies.

CIN score: A prognostic signature and predictive biomarker for breast cancer

A novel chromosomal instability-based signature, CIN score, guides survival prediction and immunotherapy response in breast cancer. High-CIN scores indicate poorer overall survival and unfavorable clinicopathological features.

Newly designed peptides suggest safer immunotherapies are within reach

Researchers have developed engineered peptide binders called CRABs that can selectively interfere with calcium signaling pathways, potentially leading to more effective and safer immunotherapies. The study's findings offer new hope for treating disorders linked to excessive CRAC-channel activity.

Largest-ever Canadian clinical trial tests “poop pills” to improve immunotherapy for lung cancer

The LUNA-2 trial will pair immunotherapy with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to boost treatment effectiveness in people with non-small cell lung cancer. If successful, it could provide new treatment options for those living with the disease, helping them live longer and with fewer side effects.

Study identifies new marker to find patients with advanced prostate cancer more likely to benefit from combination immunotherapy

Researchers discovered a new gene expression signature linked to prolonged overall survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who responded to combined immune checkpoint inhibitors. The biomarker has the potential to help identify patients most likely to benefit from this treatment combination.

Pilot trial suggests anti-inflammatory drug could help difficult-to-treat depression

A University of Bristol-led pilot trial found that tocilizumab reduced symptoms of depression, fatigue and anxiety in people who had not responded to standard treatments. The study provides early evidence for a new treatment option for patients with inflammation-related depression.

Reusable catheters a safe choice that could save NHS millions, study finds

A new study by the University of Southampton has found that reusable catheters are just as safe for patients as single-use ones and do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The study followed hundreds of patients for a year and discovered that those who tested reusable catheters used 35 per cent fewer antibiotics.

Cytokine-armored CAR-T cell therapy helps eliminate aggressive brain tumors in preclinical study

A new cytokine-armored CAR-T cell therapy has been developed to attack aggressive brain tumors in mice while reducing side effects. The approach recruits the body's immune system using IL-12 and DR-18 proteins, strengthening the anti-cancer response and improving tumor control.

A new approach to cancer vaccination yields more powerful t cells

A new mRNA-based strategy amplifies the T-cell response to vaccines, enabling more powerful cancer vaccines and stronger protection against infectious diseases. The approach reprograms immune cells from within using mRNA instructions that expand cancer-fighting T cells.

Newly designed peptides suggest safer immunotherapies are within reach

Researchers have developed CRAC channel inhibitory binders that can selectively interfere with STIM-ORAI communication, reducing calcium entry through CRAC channels. This may help restore thrombocyte progenitor production and improve treatment outcomes for Stormorken syndrome patients.

Reversing T cell exhaustion improves effectiveness of myeloma immunotherapies

Researchers discovered that mezigdomide can reinvigorate exhausted T cells and enhance immunotherapies. The drug works by degrading key gene regulators Ikaros and Aiolos, which sustain genetic and epigenetic programs keeping T cells in an exhausted state.

OICR supports four new studies seeking cancer insights from existing patient samples and data

Four new OICR-funded studies using CATALYST will advance cancer insights by reanalyzing existing patient samples and data. The initiatives aim to improve cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment by building on previous research.

Gene-edited stem cell transplant shows promise for aggressive blood cancers

Researchers at WashU Medicine conducted a clinical trial showing that genetically engineered donor stem cells can prevent toxic side effects and improve treatment options for patients with AML and MDS. The study found that removing the CD33 protein from donor stem cells helped target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells untouched.

From immunosuppression to active tolerance: the evolving paradigm of regulatory T cell therapy in organ transplantation

Emerging biomarkers and new therapeutic breakthroughs in MASLD and MASLD-HCC

Combination therapy with stem cell-derived immune cells boost anti-cancer response

A recent study reveals that combining iNKT cell therapy with antigen-presenting cells activated by a lipid compound triggers effective antitumor immunity. The therapy generates memory-phenotype T cells that can recognize and respond to specific threats, offering a promising personalized approach to cancer treatment.

Mount Sinai study identifies new strategy to overcome immunotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer

Researchers at Mount Sinai have identified a promising new strategy to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. The approach, which restores communication between key immune cells, achieved up to 100% tumor clearance in some models.

Aparna Bhaduri awarded Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize for advancing glioblastoma research

Dr. Aparna Bhaduri receives $750k Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize for her innovative glioblastoma research. Her advanced human organoid models reveal how tumors interact with the immune system and brain cells, driving tumor aggressiveness.

CLCA4: A prognostic marker and therapeutic enhancer for colorectal cancer

Researchers discovered CLCA4 suppresses CSC properties and enhances anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, halting tumor growth and immune suppression in colorectal cancer. CLCA4 overexpression also reshaped the tumor immune microenvironment, sensitizing tumors to anti-PD-1 therapy.

Stem cell memory CAR T cells achieve complete remissions at low doses without chemotherapy preconditioning

Researchers developed a highly homogeneous population of stem cell memory T cells that exhibit superior expansion and persistence, enabling complete responses at low doses. The study showed a favorable tolerability profile and demonstrated the separation between beneficial effects and toxic consequences.

Researchers uncover strategy to help exhausted immune cells fight tumors

A new study reveals that impaired protein recycling is the key factor in T cell exhaustion, allowing researchers to develop a 'tag and sort' fix to restore normal proteostasis. This approach boosts the potency of cell therapy against cancer.

Cellular neighborhoods inside tumors may predict which patients with melanoma benefit from combination immunotherapy

Researchers found that tumor genetics alone did not explain which patients responded to combination therapy, but rather the tumor's immune environment. Patients with active networks of cancer-killing T cells were more likely to benefit from treatment, while those with dense clusters of plasma cells were less likely.

AACR: Novel approach prevents cancer progression, spares surgery for majority of patients with precancerous oral lesions

A new treatment using low-dose nivolumab injections into precancerous oral lesions significantly reduced lesion size and risk of cancer progression. The study showed a 60% average reduction in lesion size and complete pathologic response in six patients, with no dose-limiting side effects.

Understanding the diverse chemokine signals in tumor microenvironment for advanced immunotherapy

Chemokines regulate immune cell infiltration and local immunity in tumors, and targeting their receptor axis has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in cancer immunotherapy. Chemokine-modulating strategies combining with other immunotherapies have demonstrated considerable synergistic potential.

UCalgary led International study explores why multiple myeloma patients often relapse after immunotherapy

A University of Calgary-led study found that multiple myeloma tumour cells adapt in multiple ways to become resistant to treatment, highlighting the need for personalized cancer therapy. The research aims to develop next-generation treatments designed to anticipate and overcome these changes.

AACR: UT MD Anderson shares latest breakthroughs in cancer research

Researchers from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center present studies on single-cell technologies, integrative computational approaches, and experimental therapeutics, highlighting innovations in mRNA vaccines and spatial multi-omics techniques. The studies aim to improve immunotherapy responses and detect treatment-resistant glioma cells.

AACR: Immunotherapy pioneer James P. Allison, Ph.D., honored with Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research

James P. Allison, Ph.D., is recognized for his lifelong commitment to scientific discovery and seminal findings that launched the field of cancer immunotherapy. His work led to the development of ipilimumab, an antibody to human CTLA-4, approved as part of therapeutic regimens for multiple cancer types.

OHSU research reveals how pancreatic cancer blocks immunotherapy

Researchers at OHSU have uncovered that pancreatic tumors co-opt regulatory immune cells, leading to resistance against immunotherapy. A promising strategy involves reprogramming these cells to support anti-tumor activity, potentially making immunotherapy viable for treatment-resistant cancers.

UT MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs

Researchers at UT MD Anderson have made significant advancements in cancer care, including a blood-based biomarker for cancer risk in people with Lynch Syndrome and a new target to sensitize pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy. The studies also identified a strategy to overcome radiation therapy resistance in lung cancer.

New sequencing method exposes hidden gaps in immune signaling

Researchers have developed a new single-cell technology called CIPHER-seq that captures the timing of cytokine activity with greater accuracy. This allows for a clearer view of immune cell behavior and strengthens the foundation for understanding cancer, inflammation, and treatment resistance.

Researchers find new target to sensitize pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy

A study published in Cancer Research has identified DPY30 as an epigenetic target that can sensitize pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy. By modulating DNA replication stress, DPY30 promotes the addition of activation signals at stressed replication forks, supporting cancer cell survival and proliferation.

CAR therapies for neurodegeneration: a big challenge with increasingly plausible solutions

Researchers propose tailored approaches using CAR platforms, incorporating effector cells like macrophages and Tregs to modulate key processes in neurodegeneration. High-precision immunomodulation is essential for overcoming the complex nature of these diseases.

Adjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors show efficacy but highlight safety considerations in solid cancers

The study found that immune checkpoint inhibitors significantly improved key clinical outcomes, including disease-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival. However, no clear improvement in overall survival was observed across studies, highlighting the need for careful patient selection and monitoring.

Prize winner’s research reprograms tumor cells to trigger antitumor immunity

Fábio Rosa's research has enabled genetic reprogramming of various cancer cell types to activate the immune system and bring about their own destruction. His approach uses tools from gene therapy to generate rare and functionally specialized immune cells that trigger powerful anti-tumor responses.

First-in-class dual HIF inhibitors eliminate breast, colorectal, melanoma, and prostate tumors in mice when combined with immunotherapy

Researchers developed first-in-class dual HIF inhibitors that, when combined with immunotherapy, can completely eliminate breast, colorectal, melanoma, and prostate tumors in mice. The drugs target HIF-1/2 transcription factors, which are key regulators of cancer progression.

Reprogramming ‘gatekeeper’ immune cell may boost cancer immunotherapy

Scientists discovered how tumors disable dendritic cell function by decreasing their mitochondrial fitness, leading to weakened immune defenses against cancer. Restoring mitochondrial function in dendritic cells improves antitumor immune responses and enhances immunotherapeutic efficacy.

Simple tumor biomarker test predicts which stomach cancer patients will respond to immunotherapy

Researchers have discovered a tumor biomarker that can predict which gastric cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy before surgery. The biomarker, tsMHC-II expression, showed strong correlation with treatment response and was easily assessable using standard immunohistochemistry techniques.

Triple combination therapy before surgery helps boost immunity against aggressive soft tissue sarcomas

Researchers found that combining targeted radiation therapy with BO-112 and anti-PD-1 therapy before surgery activated the immune system to fight cancer. This approach reshaped the tumor microenvironment to support T-cell activity, resulting in fewer cancer cells and a more effective anti-tumor response.

Ludwig Lausanne’s Ping-Chih Ho elected AAAS Fellow

Ludwig Lausanne's Ping-Chih Ho has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his distinguished contributions to immune metabolism. His research focuses on elucidating the role of metabolism in anti-tumor immunity and advancing cancer therapy.

Gladstone Institutes expands research footprint with 105,000 square feet of new laboratory space

Gladstone Institutes has secured over 105,000 square feet of future laboratory space in a newly constructed building, empowering its scientists to create medicines of the future. The new space will be home to approximately 300 scientists across 20 labs, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and computational abilities.