Articles tagged with Immunotherapy
A three-drug cocktail of drugs has been identified as a potential booster of CAR-T cancer therapy by researchers at the University of North Carolina. The cocktail preserves a critical cell subset called T-memory stem cells, which are crucial for long-term persistence of CAR-T cells.
A new AI-based model, SCORPIO, developed by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Mount Sinai, uses routine blood tests to predict immunotherapy response for various cancer types. The model outperforms current biomarkers in predicting outcomes, offering a more accessible and affordable solution for patient selection.
Researchers at VUB have developed a nanobody tracer to identify patients who will respond best to immunotherapy. The technology helps predict treatment outcomes by measuring the quantity of tumor-associated macrophages within tumors.
Researchers analyzed individual cells from two craniopharyngioma subtypes to identify specific cell types, their features, and interactions. The study found distinct cell types linked to tumor development and immune response in both adamantinomatous and papillary craniopharyngiomas.
Researchers at Salk Institute establish a novel framework for the relationship between nutrition and cell identity. They found that a nutritional switch from acetate to citrate plays a key role in determining T cell fates, shifting them from active effector cells to exhausted cells.
Charles Shoemaker, a Tufts University professor, has been named Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for his work on developing immunotherapeutics. His research focuses on creating antibody-based agents that can prevent and cure diseases, including those caused by viruses and bacteria.
A novel mixture of mRNA in nanoparticles has been developed to protect therapeutic mRNA against degradation, improving its overall efficacy. The therapy stimulates the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells while limiting detrimental side effects, also leading to immunological memory that protects against tumor rechallenge.
A global clinical trial has shown a significant improvement in disease-free survival rates for children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) by combining standard chemotherapy with blinatumomab, an immunotherapy. The study found improved survival rates of up to 97.5% after three years, compared to 90% with chemotherapy alone.
New research from the University of Pittsburgh found that opioids can suppress the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer. However, peripherally restricted OPRM1 antagonists (PAMORAs) may block opioid-induced immunosuppression and improve response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
EV25, a bispecific small molecule developed by Eradivir, acts faster than the current standard of care, eliminating detectable virus within 24 hours. It also recruits naturally occurring antibodies to fight the virus, reducing viral loads and protecting against lung damage.
Researchers at Auburn University have discovered a new way to make a cancer-targeting protein complex more stable, opening doors to better cancer treatments. By adjusting the attachment points on PD-L1, they found that the complex can become up to four times stronger and grow more stable under tension.
The Wyss Institute's iNodes team has been awarded an ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health to develop implantable immune organs for treating ovarian cancer. The iNodes concept is based on the formation of lymphoid organs in tumors, which can be reprogrammed to attack cancer cells and retain a long-term immune memory.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that blocking the uptake of lactic acid, a key factor in T cell exhaustion, can reinvigorate these cells. This new approach shows promise for improving tumor control and treatment outcomes in various cancers.
Scientists at WashU Medicine have successfully forced glioblastoma cells to display immune system targets, potentially making them vulnerable to immunotherapies. The strategy involves a combination of two FDA-approved epigenetic therapy drugs that induce the production of unusual proteins called neoantigens.
Researchers have identified changes in immune and stromal cells that underlie myocarditis, a rare but deadly complication of cancer immunotherapy. The study suggests that targeted treatments might be able to address myocarditis while allowing patients to continue receiving life-saving anti-tumor immunotherapy.
Researchers document remarkable response to pembrolizumab in patient with metastatic adenosquamous pancreatic cancer (ASCP) and KRAS G12C mutation. The study highlights potential shift in treatment of ASCP, a rare form of pancreatic cancer traditionally underserved by current therapies.
Researchers from Texas A&M University synthesized research findings to improve medical devices and therapy success rates. The review emphasizes the need to understand macrophage cell behavior to develop targeted immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new liquid biopsy method called CAD-LB, which uses ultrathin membranes to easily identify EVs for rapid diagnosis. The method holds promise for diagnosing cancer quickly and affordably, as well as assessing therapy progress.
A new study suggests that immunotherapy may be an effective treatment strategy for heart failure by blocking scar tissue formation and improving heart function. Researchers identified a type of fibroblast cell responsible for scar tissue and used a monoclonal antibody to reduce its formation, showing promising results in mouse models.
The two-year progression-free survival rate was 92% on the N-AVD arm compared to 83% on the BV-AVD arm, with fewer side effects and lower mortality rates. The study's results support the use of nivolumab-AVD as a standard treatment for stage 3-4 classic Hodgkin lymphoma.
Researchers identified a subgroup of multiple myeloma patients with an epigenetic alteration in the PVR gene, which results in improved immune response to immunotherapy. This new test can help clinicians predict patient outcomes and tailor treatment strategies.
Researchers have discovered a novel immunotherapy approach using natural killer T cells to combat solid tumors. By targeting tumor-associated macrophages and promoting systemic immune responses, CAR-natural killer T cells demonstrate superior antitumor activity compared to traditional CAR-T therapy.
Researchers at CNIO propose a new treatment for brain metastasis by targeting pro-tumour astrocytes with immunotherapy. They identified TIMP1 as a biomarker to predict when immunotherapy is effective, and a clinical trial is underway to test the therapeutic efficacy of silibinin inhibition.
A new trial suggests that adding immunotherapy to chemoradiation can extend survival in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer. However, the findings also indicate that delivering the treatments at different times yields varying results, with concurrent treatment not offering improved survival benefits.
A new study published in PNAS suggests that delivering microparticles containing CCL2 directly to the gums can inhibit bone loss and speed up bone repair in a mouse model of periodontal disease. The therapy modulates the immune response, shifting macrophages from inflammatory M1 type to anti-inflammatory M2 type.
Researchers at Auburn University have developed a novel approach integrating artificial intelligence with molecular dynamics simulations and network analysis to enhance the prediction of binding sites on the PD-L1 protein. Their findings could improve immunotherapies like pembrolizumab, revolutionizing cancer treatment.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine developed an immunotherapy to minimize damage from traumatic spinal cord injury. The therapy protects neurons from immune cells, improving mobility in mice and showing potential for treating people with spinal cord injuries.
The E1910 trial demonstrated a significant survival advantage with blinatumomab immunotherapy, improving overall and relapse-free survival in patients with BCR::ABL1-negative B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This finding contributed to the recent FDA approval of blinatumomab for these patients.
A study comprehensively evaluated occurrence patterns of immune-related adverse events, including those affecting single organs and multiple organs. Researchers found that most events tend to co-occur and identified seven patient clusters with different development patterns, which were associated with improved or worsened survival outc...
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that the spatial arrangement of three immune cells - dendritic cell, cytotoxic T cell, and helper T cell - is crucial for effective killing of cancer cells. This discovery has immediate therapeutic implications for immunotherapy treatments.
A team of researchers has discovered a mechanism by which the liver's immune cells are suppressed in chronic hepatitis B, leading to organ damage. The 'sleep timer' function allows immune cells to weaken their activity over time, preventing them from proliferating excessively and causing further damage.
Researchers discovered that dexamethasone works in patients with severe COVID-19 by influencing impaired inflammatory response through specific immune cells. A predictive tool using single-cell analysis can identify early responders to treatment, offering hope for targeted therapy development.
The new consensus guidance outlines what NHS services need to offer Palforzia desensitization treatment at scale, regardless of patient location or background. The recommendations aim to equitably provide an actual treatment for peanut allergy, moving beyond avoidance and education.
A new trial indicates that immunotherapy could successfully treat the most common form of colorectal cancer. The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that botensilimab and balstilimab caused tumours to shrink or remain stable in 61% of patients with microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer.
Researchers at Wyss Institute develop subcutaneous scaffolds to restimulate CAR-T cells, increasing therapeutic efficacy in mice with aggressive blood tumors. The biomaterials increase CAR-T cell numbers and steer differentiation into tumor-killing T cells.
Researchers developed a human pancreatic cancer fibrotic barrier model to assess treatment strategies and test efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Inhibition of ROCK2 pathway resulted in reduced ECM remodeling and improved tissue permeability for drugs, highlighting its potential for enhancing drug delivery in PDAC.
Researchers identified two groups of follicular helper lymphocytes that produce different types of antibodies in response to virus infections and allergies. This discovery could lead to new treatments for allergy diseases without affecting immune responses to infections.
The NADINA trial found that 59% of patients responded well to neoadjuvant immunotherapy before surgery, allowing them to forgo adjuvant treatment. This treatment approach also showed rapid effects, with 95% of patients remaining tumor-free after just six weeks.
Researchers at University of Turku have discovered a novel RNA that controls the development and function of regulatory T cells. This finding may enable the development of precision medicine treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
A new type of immunotherapy has been developed to treat bone cancer osteosarcoma, with promising preclinical results in mice. The treatment uses gamma-delta T cells, which are less well-known immune cells that can be engineered to target tumours.
A new study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering shows that targeted cancer treatment using antibody-displaying extracellular vesicles reduces tumour growth and improves survival in mice. The treatment has the potential to be used against other diseases and cancer types, offering a more effective and fewer side effects compared t...
A Cleveland Clinic-led team of scientists discovered that protein VISTA can directly turn off tumor-fighting T-cells during immunotherapy and resist treatment. The interaction between VISTA and a newly discovered inhibitory receptor LRIG1 suppresses T cell replication, survival, and function.
Researchers found that ARID1A mutation renders tumors sensitive to immunotherapy by triggering an antiviral immune response. This could lead to improved patient outcomes and the development of targeted therapies.
The Ottawa Hospital is receiving a $59 million grant to boost Canada's capacity for life-saving biotherapeutics, including vaccines, gene therapies, and cell therapies. The funding will support the construction and operation of a world-class biomanufacturing facility at its new campus.
Researchers from Wyss Institute and Harvard University developed a biomaterial vaccine that enhances and sustains lymph node expansion, leading to more effective anti-tumor responses. The vaccine formulation, based on microscale mesoporous silica rods, reprograms antigen-presenting cells to orchestrate complex immune responses.
Researchers from Scripps Research have enhanced an existing immunotherapy by removing the sugar coating surrounding solid tumors, allowing T cells to more effectively kill tumor cells. The tweak improves T-cell killing of tumor cells in mouse models, with promising results for treating solid tumors.
The McMaster University research team created the first-ever guidelines for preparing families to build their child's tolerance to common food allergens through oral immunotherapy. The guidelines, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, standardize the preparation process and provide a consent form template.
Researchers have discovered a new immunotherapy approach to overcome resistant leukemia by targeting the mutated TP53 gene. Combining pharmacological therapies with genetically engineered CAR T-cells increases effectiveness against cancer cells, offering promising strategies for patients with resistant disease.
Researchers have demonstrated that attaching 'empty' backpacks to neutrophils activates them against cancer. The treated neutrophils infused into mice with cancer activated other immune cells and reduced tumor size. This technique is attractive as a 'drug-free' cell therapy for cancer.
Researchers investigated the role of long-lived plasma cells in COVID-19 infection, finding deficient generation of spike-specific antibodies. The study suggests that inadequate long-lived plasma cell production may be responsible for short-lived protective antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers have developed a novel immunotheraphy targeting macrophages to induce tolerance in type 1 diabetes, demonstrating its potential as a curative treatment. The therapy also shows promise for other autoimmune diseases, with results suggesting no impact on the immune system's ability to capture and process liposomes.
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem surrounding tumors that impacts tumor development, metastasis, and responses to therapies. The review highlights potential therapeutic targets modulating TME components, including immune cells, stromal cells, and ECM proteins, to inhibit tumor progression.
A new study from the University of British Columbia has found that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is safe and effective for older children with multiple food allergies, who cannot risk consuming allergens orally. The treatment involves placing smaller amounts of food allergens under the tongue, allowing patients to build up their resi...
The American Academy of Otolaryngology has released a new clinical practice guideline supporting clinicians with evidence-based recommendations on immunotherapy for inhalant allergies. The guideline provides 12 key action statements to guide treatment, aiming to optimize patient care and reduce unnecessary variation in management.
A recent study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers reveals that chronic stress can increase cancer's ability to spread. By mimicking chronic stress in mice with cancer, the team discovered that stress causes neutrophils to form sticky web-like structures called NETs, making body tissues more susceptible to metastasis.
Researchers have found a new potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis by identifying an overlooked sequence in the IκBζ protein. This sequence, known as the OCA peptide, can activate key proteins in immune cells and may help reeling in immune cells gone haywire.
Researchers found that widely used machine learning tools produce biased results for immunotherapy research, as they rely heavily on datasets from higher-income communities. This can lead to ineffective treatments for lower-income populations. The study highlights the need for accurate and unbiased data in machine learning models.
A new study has identified a genetic marker that can predict which patients are likely to respond to immunotherapy in various types of cancer. Tumors with high intragenic rearrangement (IGR) burden, which indicates cryptic structural rearrangements of the genetic code, may respond better to immunotherapy.
A new clinical trial demonstrates a small reduction in the latent reservoir of HIV-infected cells using a combination of vorinostat and immunotherapy. While the results are promising, further research is needed to create more effective approaches to flush out the virus and attack it when it emerges from latency.
Researchers discovered that VISTA induces immune suppressor cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) through a feedback loop involving STAT3 and polyamines. This pathway has high translational impact for several human cancers, offering promising drug targets.