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Alliance study shows new promise against locally advanced lung cancer

A study by the Alliance Foundation Trials shows that combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery can help more patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer undergo complete cancer resection, improving their long-term health. The treatment also led to high rates of lymph node clearance and successful surgical re...

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalLung Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

AI model for imaging-based extranodal extension detection and outcome prediction in HPV−positive oropharyngeal cancer

An AI model successfully automates lymph node segmentation and extranodal extension classification from pretreatment CT scans in HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma. Predicted extranodal extension is independently associated with worse oncologic outcomes, highlighting the potential for improved treatment planning.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateSep 30, 2025

Preventing corruption in the lymph nodes

Research by Angela Riedel and team identified fibroblastic reticulum cells as main players in reprogramming lymph nodes, corrupting monocytes and blocking T cell activity. Targeted TLR4 blockade combined with PD1 immunotherapy can restore T-cell activity and reduce distant metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2025

Tattoos may be linked to an increased risk of cancer

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark found that tattooed individuals are more frequently diagnosed with skin and lymphoma cancers compared to those without tattoos. The study suggests that chronic inflammation in the lymph nodes triggered by tattoo ink may lead to abnormal cell growth and an increased risk of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2025

RSClin® Tool N+ gives more accurate estimates of recurrence risk and individual chemotherapy benefit in node-positive breast cancer

The RSClin Tool N+ provides more accurate estimates of recurrence risk and individual chemotherapy benefit in node-positive breast cancer. The tool combines clinical and pathologic factors with the 21-gene Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score to predict patient-level prognosis and treatment benefit.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2025

In surgery for localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer, extended lymph node removal offers no survival benefit but does increase morbidity

A randomized phase 3 trial found that extended lymph node removal in bladder cancer surgery does not improve disease-free or overall survival but increases the risk of complications and death. The standard bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is considered a sufficient approach for these patients.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 2, 2024

Lancet Oncology publication establishes imaging guidelines for head and neck cancers, a step toward practice change

The study establishes criteria for identifying extranodal extension on imaging, allowing radiologists to make accurate calls and provide patients with less invasive treatments. This shift towards practice change has the potential to reduce side effects and improve outcomes for patients with HPV-associated head and neck cancers.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 16, 2024

Expanding a lymph node, boosting a vaccine

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.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2024

Breast cancer patients can safely avoid extensive removal of lymph nodes if they respond well to primary systemic treatment

A new study suggests that tailored treatment can predict the response of breast cancer patients to chemotherapy, allowing for safe omission of extensive lymph node removal. The MARI protocol showed a 95% overall survival rate and 89% disease-free survival rate in patients who achieved pathological complete response.

AI tool predicts risk of side effects after surgery and radiotherapy in breast cancer patients

A new AI tool can predict which breast cancer patients are at risk of chronic arm swelling after surgery and radiotherapy. The tool, developed by international researchers, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze patient data and provides easily understandable explanations for doctors and patients.

Radioguided surgery accurately detects and removes metastatic lymph nodes in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients

New research reveals that radioguided surgery can effectively detect and remove metastatic pelvic lymph nodes in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients. The procedure targets the prostate-specific membrane antigen, improving nodal staging to guide treatment recommendations.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 5, 2024

Immune cells lose ‘killer instinct’ in cancerous tumors – but functionality can be re-awakened

Researchers discovered that immune cells called natural killer cells rapidly lose their functionality when entering solid tumours, adopting a dormant state. However, targeting the IL-15 pathway can restore NK cell activity and improve tumor control. This breakthrough could pave the way for new cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024

Novel approach for lymph node metastasis treatment

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel approach for treating lymph node metastasis by administering anticancer drugs directly into the LNs, improving efficacy and reducing side effects. The Lymphatic Drug Delivery System (LDDS) targets sentinel lymph nodes, generating antitumor effects locally.

SourceTohoku University·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·DateJan 12, 2024

Resident T cells discovered in lymph nodes

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have observed a new behavior of regulatory T cells, which remain in certain lymph nodes for months and function as local memory banks of the immune system. This discovery could lead to therapeutic applications in allergies and autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2023

Flu: Interferon-gamma from T follicular helper cells is required to create lung-resident memory B cells

Scientists have found that lung-resident memory B cells, critical for pulmonary immunity, require interferon-gamma produced by T follicular helper cells to differentiate. These long-lived immune cells migrate to the lungs from draining lymph nodes and lie in wait to react quickly to future infections.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

Clarissa Campbell and Barbara Maier at CeMM receive ERC Starting Grants

Clarissa Campbell and Barbara Maier receive prestigious ERC Starting Grants for their research on the interplay between the immune system and metabolism, as well as the role of lymph nodes in cancer. The grants will support their work on understanding immune cells in the gut and the crosstalk between tumors and lymph nodes.

Research shows that lymph node sampling during kidney tumor surgery is safe

Researchers analyzed outcomes for 144 Colorado patients who had lymph node sampling at the time of surgery for kidney tumors between 2005 and 2019. They found no statistically significant difference in clinically significant complications between patients who underwent more extensive lymph node sampling than those who didn’t.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Journal of Urology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2023