A phase 2 trial found that avatrombopag was safe and effective in managing persistent chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, a common complication from cancer treatment. The oral drug helped 70% of patients with low platelet counts stay on their chemotherapy schedule, compared to 17% receiving placebo.
Results of a phase 2 clinical trial show manageable side effects and clinically meaningful efficacy in patients with advanced NRG1-positive cholangiocarcinoma, doubling progression-free survival compared to standard chemotherapy. Zenocutuzumab was well-tolerated and significantly improved quality of life.
A population-based screening trial evaluating a cell-free DNA multicancer early detection test found modest increases in diagnostic delay rates for head and neck, lung, and upper gastrointestinal cancers. These findings suggest that future trials may need to consider system-level spillover effects on healthcare resources.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have uncovered promising combination therapies for a rare childhood brain tumor by analyzing patient samples, cell models, and laboratory data. The study found that cancer cells can develop workarounds to evade targeted RAS therapies, highlighting the need for new treatment strategies.
A Chinese endoscopy-screened cohort study found that genetic risk and lifestyle factors independently contribute to upper gastrointestinal cancer risk. Integrating genetic risk with lifestyle information may improve risk stratification and identify individuals most likely to benefit from screening and prevention.
A rare case of a small bowel GIST harboring concurrent KIT exon 9 duplication and SDHC mutation showed a strong response to high-dose imatinib, despite the presence of the SDHC mutation. Integrated molecular interpretation is crucial in GIST management.
Researchers found that mice without the ANGPTL4 gene were protected from intestinal inflammation and colon tumors due to altered macrophage behavior. The study suggests that early-life inflammatory events can shape long-term immune programming, providing resistance to future challenges.
Researchers at Sylvester Cancer Institute have identified a potential workaround for chemotherapy resistance by blocking a key protein. The study aims to teach lymphoma patients practical tools to manage stress and improve their daily quality of life through the SMART 3RP Lymphoma study. Meanwhile, the institute is expanding cancer dis...
Researchers identified a core group of 15 bacterial genera in 6 types of GI tumors that predicts prognosis. Microbiome signals inside tumors carry prognostic and therapeutic information that can be measured on routine tissue. The study suggests a microbiota-based risk score to identify high-risk patients and inform treatment decisions.
Researchers found that combining aramchol with regorafenib killed liver and colorectal cancer cells more effectively than either drug alone, triggering stress responses and disrupting survival pathways. The combination was especially effective in cells with a genetic variant called ATG16L1 T300.
The ESMO Gastrointestinal Cancers Congress 2025 will cover topics such as molecular prevention and precision therapy, patient-centred approaches and quality of life. Key findings include the efficacy and safety of combined immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer.
A phase II trial found that pembrolizumab significantly reduced recurrence in patients with DNA mismatch repair-deficient early-stage solid cancers who had detectable circulating tumor DNA after surgery. The study suggests that using ctDNA to guide immunotherapy may help prevent relapse in high-risk patients.
The new tool has the potential to improve cancer survival rates and patient quality of life worldwide by allowing for more targeted and less invasive surgeries. Researchers are currently developing a fully functional prototype that can be trialled in large animal models before progressing to human clinical trials.
Excessive alcohol consumption causes severe digestive problems, including liver damage, stomach disorders, and increased cancer risk. Chronic alcohol use can lead to conditions like cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and colorectal cancer.
Breast cancer death rates are predicted to increase in EU patients aged 80 years and older, while falling in all other age groups. This is attributed to a lack of regular screening and access to modern treatments.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has published its first clinical guideline on radiation therapy for anal cancer, providing guidance on treatment options and techniques. The guideline recommends a combination of radiation therapy and drug therapy as the standard of care, with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IM...
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center received nearly $23 million in CPRIT funding to advance cancer research, translational science, and clinical trials. The funding will support the recruitment of a first-time tenure-track faculty member and enhance the understanding of cancer biology.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel drug delivery system that uses nanoparticles to target and kill colorectal cancer cells. The system, which involves encapsulating cancer cell-activated nanoconjugates in an alginate matrix, can selectively deliver drugs to tumor cells while minimizing side effects.
ABT-263 eliminates harmful aging cells in the gut, reducing inflammation and lowering cancer risk in a mouse model of GI cancer. The study suggests that removing senescent cells could help prevent radiation-related GI cancer, highlighting the potential of senolytic drugs as a preventive treatment.
A novel approach transforms treatment for pancreatic cancer by repurposing WR-2721 to protect healthy tissue from radiation damage. Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials are underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the new therapy, which could add years of survival to patients.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine has developed a biomarker algorithm that can detect Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer using a noninvasive method. The algorithm uses methylation patterns in genes to identify biomarkers, achieving an AUC of nearly 0.97 in distinguishing healthy tissue from esophageal cancer.
Researchers discovered a key role for neutrophils in cancer cell colonization of abdominal fat through the release of DNA webs called NETs. Additionally, a new biomarker study found that dose-dense chemotherapy improved disease-free survival by 20% and overall survival by 15% for women with early-stage ER-positive breast cancer.
The alliance aims to generate evidence supporting national guideline inclusion and healthcare provider adoption of Myriad's Precise MRD test. The studies will explore the test's utility in breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and gynecological cancers.
Researchers at USF and TGH Cancer Institute found a potential link between the Western diet and chronic inflammation that drives tumor growth. Chronic inflammation fueled by poor dietary choices plays a vital role in colorectal cancer growth and progression.
Achalasia is associated with an increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting the need for close surveillance in high-risk patients. Chronic inflammation and food stasis can lead to malignant transformation, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention.
Research suggests ferroptosis, a cell death pathway regulated by iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation, holds potential to counter resistance in cancer cells. Ferroptosis targets defense mechanisms in persisting and cancer stem cells, offering new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers identified a previously unknown form of lymph node-like structures in liver tumors that are associated with greater treatment response and lower recurrence rates. The structures, found in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, contain infection-fighting immune B cells and tumor-killing immune T cells.
Researchers found a link between non-functional p53 genes and the regenerative cell state in ulcerative colitis, leading to cancer progression. A new diagnostic test could identify aberrant cells earlier using molecular tools.
A clinical trial suggests that tucatinib and trastuzumab may benefit patients with rare bile duct cancer who also have HER2-mutated breast cancer. The treatment combination showed a 46.7% objective response rate in patients with bile duct cancer, compared to 22.2% in the broader patient group.
A recent clinical trial found that the Nivolumab and Anlotinib combination therapy significantly reduced tumor size in nearly one-third of patients, while most experienced stability in their condition. The treatment also showed improved survival outcomes compared to historical data, with a manageable safety profile.
UCLA investigators presented data on chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer, MRI-guided radiotherapy for prostate cancer, and symptom self-reporting during treatment. Researchers developed a predictive model to identify patients most likely to respond to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer.
A groundbreaking study has provided novel insights into the molecular underpinnings of gastric cancer peritoneal spread, paving the way for more effective treatments. The research also demonstrated the safety and potential efficacy of a new treatment approach in a clinical trial.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that age-related changes in male fibroblasts contribute to more aggressive and treatment-resistant melanomas. The study discovered that male fibroblasts accumulate reactive oxygen species and produce higher levels of BMP2, leading to increased DNA damage and resistance to targeted therapies.
Researchers found that omitting the bolus-specific 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) portion from common chemotherapy regimens improves tolerability without sacrificing treatment effectiveness. The study of 11,765 patients shows no decrease in overall survival but a notable reduction in cytopenias.
A new study reveals that fasting helps regenerate and heal intestinal injuries, but also increases the risk of developing early-stage intestinal tumors in mice. The researchers identified a pathway enabling this enhanced regeneration, which is activated during refeeding after fasting.
The study analyzes six major digestive system cancers worldwide and in China, revealing correlations between country HDI and cancer prevalence. Colorectal cancer is the most prevalent, while Asia accounts for 60.5% of new gastrointestinal cancer cases globally.
Researchers from Leiden University discuss targeting ABC transporters in pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC), a cancer with poor survival rates. The authors highlight the potential of inhibiting ABC transporters to overcome chemoresistance and suggest developing stratification protocols to identify patients most likely to benefit.
Researchers found that regorafenib synergizes with TAS102 to inhibit cancer growth, angiogenesis, and microvessel density in preclinical models of colorectal and gastric cancers. The combination also suppresses ERK1/2 activation regardless of KRAS or BRAF mutational status.
Gastrointestinal cancers represent a significant global health burden due to high incidence and mortality rates. The review analyzes molecular characteristics, prognosis, and current therapeutic strategies for these malignancies, including esophageal, gastric, small bowel, and colorectal carcinomas.
Researchers developed a novel radiotracer to detect Claudin18.2 in gastrointestinal cancers, allowing for early diagnosis and targeted therapy optimization. The radiotracer enables whole-body PET imaging within one day, increasing compliance and reducing radiation exposure.
Research led by Weill Cornell Medicine found that most colorectal cancers begin with the loss of intestinal stem cells, even before cancer-causing genetic alterations appear. This new understanding suggests a unified model for colorectal cancer initiation where damage to intestinal crypts causes a decrease in aPKC protein expression.
A novel therapy has been developed to reprogram macrophage immune cells, shifting their balance toward antitumor activity. The treatment, JHU083, blocks the use of glutamine in tumors, reducing growth and triggering cell death. It also boosts immune-activating macrophages, recruiting tumor-killing T-cells and natural killer cells.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends considering endoscopic eradication therapy for patients with low-grade dysplasia after discussing risks and benefits. For patients with high-grade dysplasia, the AGA suggests removing abnormal pre-cancerous cells to reduce esophageal cancer mortality.
A review of 49 studies suggests vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and death. However, the authors note that remaining knowledge gaps must be addressed before making large-scale diet recommendations.
The newly updated guidelines provide clinicians with the latest recommendations for staging and management of neuroendocrine tumors. The guidelines highlight recent changes for treating these tumors, including emerging molecular imaging techniques known as theranostics.
This study analyzed differentially expressed genes from three datasets to identify hub genes associated with gastric adenocarcinoma. The analysis revealed that genes such as ERBB4 and MAPT were linked to GC progression and had poor overall survival, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers have shed light on the complex communication between cells at the gastro-esophageal junction, revealing specific pathways and cellular composition. The study provides new starting points for understanding, preventing, and treating gastrointestinal diseases.
Research reveals micro- and nanoplastics can persist in the human body for longer than previously thought, being passed on to newly formed cells during cell division. The study also suggests these tiny plastic particles may promote the spread of cancer by increasing tumor migration.
Researchers discovered that the vitamin D/vitamin D receptor pathway protects enterocytes during aging, reducing ISC proliferation and centrosome amplification. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying healthy aging in Drosophila.
New research led by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that age-related changes in fibroblast cells enable pancreatic cancer tumor growth. The study found that older patients have poorer prognoses due to altered proteins released by fibroblasts, which promote cancer cell growth and spread.
Scientists have created a low-cost imaging device suitable for endoscopic screening programs, offering excellent contrast between healthy and malignant tissue. The new system uses ultraminiature spatial frequency domain imaging technology to detect cancerous lesions with high specificity and sensitivity.
A combination of two cancer drugs has shown promise in treating malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), a type of cancer that is notoriously hard to treat. The study found that the combination therapy of SHP2 inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors suppressed tumor growth and triggered cell death in mouse models.
Researchers developed an mRNA therapeutic that combats ovarian cancer by producing functional p53 protein, shrinking and killing tumors. The treatment is effective against metastases and has shown promise in preclinical studies.
A study of 157,000 participants found that those with recent weight loss were more likely to be diagnosed with cancer within the next 12 months. Cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract was most commonly associated with recent weight loss.
Cancer immunotherapy can cause severe colitis due to hyper-activated immune T cells and deleted regulatory T cells. Researchers at Michigan Medicine have identified a new mouse model that develops colitis after treatment with antibodies used for tumor immunotherapy, revealing the mechanism behind this side effect.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a promising experimental drug combination that reduces the size of peripheral nerve sheath tumors in mice and increases survival rates. The combination blocks glutamine metabolism and purine recycling, producing a better anti-tumor response with less toxicity.
The Cre-LoxP system's specificity is compromised due to non-specific promoters driving Cre expression, leading to inaccurate results. This limitation requires careful consideration for proper interpretation of experimental outcomes.
A study found country of birth to be a significant risk factor for gastric intestinal metaplasia, a precursor to stomach cancer. Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean showed varying rates of risk.
Researchers describe the use of ripretinib and repeated surgical resection in a patient with recurrent GIST harboring a KIT exon 11 mutation. The treatment led to extended clinical benefit, outperforming current reported data from ripretinib clinical trials.
A new study reveals that changing nutrient use can reprogram immune cells, potentially treating cancer and infections. By blocking choline metabolism, researchers found a 'tremendous reprogramming of the immune profile' in mice, suggesting this knowledge could lead to novel therapies.