A new combination treatment has shown significant tumor shrinkage and prolonged survival in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. The treatment, which targets HDAC and PD-1 proteins, was found to work better in tumors with active BAP1 genes, a key discovery that may lead to improved survival rates.
Scientists investigated a method to enhance immunotherapy for lung cancer and found that combining it with certain chemotherapy drugs could eliminate harmful immune cells. This approach showed promising results in preclinical studies, inducing the regression of about 70% of tumors.
Researchers at City of Hope found that advanced colorectal cancer patients with no liver metastases respond to checkpoint inhibitors, achieving a major response in 20% of cases. In contrast, patients with liver metastases showed no positive response to immunotherapy.
A study found that 50% of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with bevacizumab experienced RAS mutation disappearance, suggesting the drug's potential to revert tumors. This discovery may open new therapeutic avenues for primarily RAS mutant patients.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new diagnostic nanoparticle that can detect cancerous proteins in urine and pinpoint tumor locations. This technology has the potential to monitor tumor recurrence after treatment or perform routine cancer screenings, potentially leading to earlier detection and improved patient outcomes.
A recent genetic study published in PLOS Genetics has identified MAGEA3, a gene associated with poor prognosis in liver cancer, as a potential target for new treatments. The study found that blocking the expression of MAGEA3 in liver cancer cells can prevent their growth and death, offering hope for developing new therapies.
A new study in zebrafish reveals that tumors can alter the metabolism of healthy tissues, which could lead to new cancer treatments. The research found that melanoma consumes more glucose than other tissues, but surprisingly, this has no impact on circulating glucose levels.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism by which pancreatic cancer cells de-differentiate into a progenitor state, leading to the development of highly aggressive tumors. This process is associated with poorer outcomes in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
A new method called XYZeq allows researchers to map variation across cells in a tissue or tumor, gaining insight into their spatial location and function. The technique enables the analysis of cellular patterns in complex environments like cancerous tumors and other organs.
A new study found percutaneous image guided needle based thermal ablation to be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for local control of metastatic gynecologic cancers. Nearly 96% of patients achieved complete tumor response over 10 months, with low side effects.
The study found that LXR activation inhibits the production of chemokines Ccl17 and Ccl22, which recruit regulatory T lymphocytes to the tumor microenvironment. This leads to a decrease in Treg numbers and slower tumor growth.
A Mayo Clinic team developed an ionic liquid formulation that killed cancer cells and allowed for uniform distribution of a chemotherapy drug into liver tumors and other solid tumors. This discovery could solve challenges in drug delivery to tumors, particularly for patients with liver cancer awaiting a transplant.
A liquid formulation called LATTE has been shown to kill liver cancer cells and potentiate chemotherapy treatments in mice, rabbits, pigs, and human tumor samples. The treatment could provide a safer alternative to traditional methods like thermal ablation, which can be resource-intensive and damage surrounding tissues.
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.
A clinical trial combining microbubbles with radiation therapy has shown promising results in treating liver cancer. The treatment increased tumor response rates by 93% compared to standard radiation alone, and improved patient outcomes, including longer overall survival and reduced need for retreatments.
Researchers found nine genes in mako sharks that relate to tumor suppression and wound healing, surprising given the low incidence of cancer in these animals. The study also suggests that mako sharks may have monochrome vision, a common trait among all shark species.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a combination therapy that improves survival in mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma. The dual therapy combines regorafenib to reprogram the tumor immune microenvironment and PD1 antibodies to stimulate anti-tumor immunity.
The Cleveland Clinic has successfully used a recent FDA-approved ablation technology to treat patients with large liver tumors. The minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a microwave needle into the tumor and delivering heat to destroy it, resulting in better postoperative recovery and reduced risk of complications.
Researchers found that chronic jet lag alters the microenvironment surrounding tumor cells, making it favorable for tumor growth, while hindering the body's natural immune defenses. This study adds to the growing scientific field of circadian disruption on health and wellbeing.
The study developed a reliable method for creating porcine hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which exhibited similar characteristics to human HCC cells. The Oncopig model was shown to be a valuable tool for testing innovative therapeutic modalities and correlative studies for new therapies.
Researchers at Skoltech have identified a novel liver-specific non-coding RNA, named HELIS, which can be used as a biomarker for liver cancer diagnosis. The discovery provides a new panel of potential biomarkers that help distinguish between benign and malignant tumors.
A new radiotracer, 68Ga-DOTA-JR11, has shown excellent imaging performance in detecting liver metastases and providing important information to guide treatment. The study found that 68Ga-DOTA-JR11 performed better than 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in detecting liver lesions, with a higher tumor-to-background ratio.
Researchers successfully tested a holographic guidance system in a clinical trial, demonstrating its feasibility and potential benefits for liver tumor ablation. The technology improved visualization of the tumor and surrounding structures, allowing for faster localization and increased treating-physician confidence.
Photodynamic therapy has been shown to be effective in treating localized tumors, including ovarian cancer, through the introduction of photosensitizers that selectively accumulate in tumor tissue, producing singlet oxygen and other active radicals to destroy cells.
A study found that loss of p16 expression is associated with shortened overall survival in esophageal cancer patients, while high Ki67 labeling index is an independent prognosticator of poor survival. Rare homozygous 9p21 deletions can lead to complete loss of p16 expression.
A new radiopharmaceutical, [55Co]Co-DOTATATE, has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor metastases. It resulted in superior image contrast and enhanced detection compared to commonly used imaging agents.
Researchers have shown that patients with low rectal cancer can safely choose to postpone invasive surgery after a course of radio- and chemotherapy. In fact, the majority of patients do not show regrowth of the tumor after two years of surveillance, and those who do, achieve similar outcomes as immediate surgery.
The study analyzed 3,000 cancer patients' genomes to identify common mutation patterns, revealing a significant role for structural alterations in gene expression. By integrating genome and transcriptome data, researchers gained insight into the complex interplay between DNA mutations and RNA alterations.
A systematic overview of viruses in cancer found HPV and EBV in 19 and 5.5 percent of cancer genomes respectively. The study also identified mechanisms by which viruses trigger carcinogenic mutations in DNA.
Researchers create patient-specific, immune-active tumor organoids to test response to immunotherapy treatment and predict effectiveness. The platform has the potential to revolutionize cancer care by focusing on patients' unique needs.
Research reveals that liver cancer tumors contain diverse sets of cells, affecting tumor growth and immune response. A single biopsy may mischaracterize a tumor's genetic makeup and immune cell infiltration.
Researchers discover that non-cancerous liver cells around tumors have the capacity to kill nearby tumor cells when hyperactivated, leading to reduced tumor burden and longer survival in mice. The study identifies YAP and TAZ genes as driving this anti-tumor mechanism.
In a mouse model of liver cancer, researchers found that activating the Hippo molecular signaling pathway in tumor cells drives growth, while suppressing it in surrounding healthy cells inhibits tumor growth. Systemic inhibition of Yap and Taz could have unwanted consequences by blocking tumor-suppressing abilities of healthy cells.
Researchers have developed a new technology that uses high-voltage pulsed electric fields to extract RNA and proteins from tissues, enabling minimally invasive molecular profiling of tumors. This method shows promise for improving diagnostics and treatment decisions.
New research reveals creatine powers CD8 T cells' fight against cancer by storing and distributing energy. Creatine supplementation enhances existing immunotherapies, including PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy, leading to significant tumor eradication rates.
A new nanotechnology-based process uses magnetic particle imaging to monitor chemotherapy concentrations in real-time, allowing doctors to adjust doses precisely. This innovation has the potential to minimize side effects and improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
A large cohort study confirms that adding transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to sorafenib improves survival rates in patients with advanced liver cancer, with median overall survival increasing by up to 26%. The treatment combination also shows similar tolerability compared to sorafenib alone.
Researchers from Osaka University have identified a gene, GREB1, as a key player in the development of hepatoblastoma. The study found that suppressing GREB1 production using antisense oligonucleotides significantly reduced tumor formation and cell proliferation in mouse liver cancer models.
A Ludwig Cancer Research study reveals that MYC-driven cancers rely heavily on fatty acid synthesis and can be targeted for treatment. The research provides concrete information for the development of new therapies for a broad spectrum of malignancies.
Researchers funded by Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) discover molecular information that can help predict the recurrence of non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The study identifies two new subtypes of pNETs, one with a high risk of recurrence and another with an excellent prognosis.
Scientists created a human model using organoids to study the function of specific genes mutated in liver cancer. They found that BAP1 mutations change cell behavior, making them more likely to be invasive and forming malignant tumors. The newly developed model provides valuable insights into liver tumor development.
A study published at the ARRS 2019 Annual Meeting found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an effective locoregional treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a low local progression rate. The results also corrected standard response assessment interpretations, suggesting that persistent arterial phase e...
Researchers found that activin B and ALK7 expressed by cancer cells form a barrier that prevents tumor formation and metastasis. The 'barrier' triggers apoptosis in cancer cells, but can be evaded by downregulating activin B or ALK7.
New research shows that magnetic hyperthermia therapy is tunable depending on nanoparticle diameter and material composition. The study demonstrates increased tumour absorption rates as particle diameter increases, offering new avenues for targeted cancer treatment.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have made breakthroughs in treating liver cancer with a combination immunotherapy approach. This therapy successfully suppresses tumor growth and induces complete remission in some mouse models, offering new hope for patients diagnosed with this devastating disease.
The Baltic Sea is home to large quantities of sunken munitions, posing an environmental risk. Researchers have provided guidelines and decision-making support to help address this issue.
Researchers at University of California San Diego found evidence that p53 stimulates tumor growth by enhancing cancer metabolism, challenging the widely accepted idea that it suppresses cancer. The study suggests that drug therapies designed to enhance p53's function may inadvertently cause opposite effects.
Researchers identify a new molecular pathway that suggests rapamycin, an anti-rejection medication, could be repurposed to treat certain liver cancers with β-catenin mutations. The study found that tumors are 'mTOR addicted' and can be inhibited by rapamycin, offering a precision medicine approach for improved treatment success.
Researchers have developed a 'drug sponge' that can absorb up to 64% of chemotherapy drugs from the bloodstream, potentially reducing toxic side effects. The technology uses an absorbent polymer coating on a 3D-printed cylinder inserted into a vein, which sops up excess drugs before they reach other organs.
A phase three clinical trial found that sorafenib stopped progression of desmoid tumors for two years in 80 percent of patients who completed treatment. This is a significant increase in progression-free survival compared to placebo, with researchers describing it as 'a truly remarkable outcome'.
A new drug candidate targeting a receptor in sarcoma cancer cells was found to be more than three times more effective than currently available drugs. The compound shrank tumors and hindered their ability to spread in mice and pigs, offering hope for a new treatment option.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has documented a dramatic rebound in flounder health due to decades of remediation efforts, including a sewage treatment plant and discharge tunnel project. The number of liver tumors among winter flounder has decreased significantly since the late 1980s.
A new study finds Transarterial Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 (TARE-Y90) effective and feasible in children with difficult-to-treat liver cancer. The treatment offers a less toxic alternative for patients who have not responded to chemotherapy.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that late-stage cancers trigger AMPK's cellular recycling signal to cannibalize cell pieces, supplying large lung tumors with nutrients. Blocking AMPK in some conditions may stop advanced tumor growth.
A novel intelligent theranostic agent was designed to target tumors, with the ability to self-assemble in the tumor microenvironment and activate for therapy guided by photoacoustic imaging. The clusters showed high selectivity to the tumor microenvironment and eliminated tumor growth without subsequent recurrence.
Researchers develop nanosystem that selectively targets cancerous tumors using gelonin protein toxin, cloaked in extracellular vesicles from tumor cells. The system releases toxic protein into cancer cell cytosol, killing the cell without harming healthy tissue.
Researchers have developed a new nuclear medicine procedure that can safely and effectively detect cancerous gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The novel radiolabeled tracer Ga-OPS202 has been shown to improve imaging contrast and sensitivity for detecting primary tumors or liver metastases.
A novel technique called radiation segmentectomy (RS) uses yttrium-90 to destroy tumors while sparing surrounding tissue. The procedure has shown positive response in 71% of patients and improved survival outcomes, with a median overall survival of 6.7 years.
Researchers have developed novel proteomics methods to address unanswered questions in cancer research, including protein variation within tumors. This study reveals significant variations in expression of multiple proteins between areas from the center and periphery of a tumor.
A new cancer drug has proven safe and effective in treating pediatric patients with tumor-specific gene mutations, particularly those with TRK fusions. The study found encouraging anti-tumor activity in all patients with solid TRK fusion-positive tumors, achieving sustained tumor regressions in over 90% of cases.