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Remaining increase in cancer risk after high childhood BMI

A new study from University of Gothenburg found that men with high childhood BMI are at an elevated risk of obesity-related cancer, even if their weight is normal in young adulthood. The study analyzed data from 6,565 men born between 1945 and 1961 and found a persistently increased risk of adult obesity-related cancer.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCancer Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery improves outcomes for lung cancer patients

Adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy before surgery reduced the risk of recurrence and death in lung cancer patients by 37%, according to a phase III trial. The treatment also led to a nearly twelvefold increase in pathological complete response, with 24% of patients achieving no active cancer remaining when the tumor was removed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 11, 2022

Scientists discover gene mutation that signals aggressive melanoma

Researchers have identified a gene mutation in ARID2 that signals the development of aggressively metastatic melanoma. The study suggests patients with this mutation may require different treatment approaches to manage their cancer effectively. Further research is underway to refine this understanding and improve patient outcomes.

Allergic inflammation and experimental skin cancer risk

A recent study at Tampere University discovered that the expression of an allergy-related receptor chain for proinflammatory IL-13 cytokine protects against experimental skin cancer. The absence of this receptor led to increased regulatory T cells and a suppressed immune response, allowing cancer cells to grow and form tumors.

SourceTampere University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateNov 22, 2021

New study shows that different types of cancers are likely to spread to specific areas of the brain

Researchers analyzed data from over 3,200 brain metastatic tumors and discovered that different types of cancer tend to spread to specific parts of the brain. The study's findings may help predict where a particular cancer will metastasize and inform treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 23, 2021

Antibiotics may help to treat melanoma

Researchers at KU Leuven found that certain antibiotics can effectively target melanoma cells' mitochondria, which are vulnerable to specific classes of antibiotics. This suggests that these antibiotics may be repurposed as anti-melanoma agents to buy time for immunotherapy.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 22, 2021

Leopard gecko skin tumors traced to cancer gene

A genetic analysis of leopard geckos has identified a cancer gene linked to skin tumors, shedding light on the animals' unique coloration patterns. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, suggests that the geckos' bright colors may be caused by an error in the gene, leading to overproduction of white skin cells and reflective crystals.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 24, 2021

Exploiting cancer cells to aid in their own destruction

Researchers at the University of Chicago developed a new therapeutic vaccine that uses a patient's own tumor cells to train their immune system to find and kill cancer. The vaccine stopped melanoma tumor growth in mouse models and promoted a broad, robust immune response, preventing new tumor growth when tumor cells were re-introduced.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 24, 2021

An mRNA vaccine for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have developed a hydrogel that slowly releases mRNA nanoparticles, activating T cells and stimulating antibody production in mice with melanoma. The treatment causes tumors to shrink and prevents metastasis, demonstrating great potential for long-lasting cancer immunotherapy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 17, 2021

Yale researchers develop injection to treat skin cancer

Researchers at Yale University have developed an injection treatment for skin cancer that uses polymer-based nanoparticles carrying chemotherapy agents. The treatment's bioadhesive properties allow it to kill cancer cells and stimulate the immune system, potentially eliminating the need for surgery.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2021

Detailed tumour profiling

Researchers developed a platform to derive comprehensive molecular profiles of tumours, enabling personalized therapy recommendations and expanded treatment options. The Tumor Profiler study analyzed 240 patients' tumour samples using advanced testing methods, providing insights into cellular diversity and treatment response.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 21, 2021

Protein derived from tick saliva proves effective in the treatment of equine skin cancer

Researchers have successfully treated horse melanomas using Amblyomin-X, a protein derived from tick saliva. The treatment resulted in tumor shrinkage and remission in some cases, with no adverse reactions reported. Further analysis of signaling pathways revealed activation of the innate immune system's rapid response.

New targets for childhood brain tumors identified

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine has found that brain tumors in children with NF1 are driven by nearby noncancerous neurons and immune cells. The researchers discovered that targeting immune cells slows tumor growth in mice, pointing to potential new treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

Can the flu shot help fight cancer?

Researchers found that injecting influenza vaccines into tumors increases the immune system's response, changing cold tumors to hot ones. This triggers an immune-stimulating effect, reducing tumor growth and improving survival rates. The study suggests that flu shots could be repurposed as cancer treatments.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2020