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Researchers discover a new form of immunotherapy

Researchers have discovered a new form of immunotherapy that targets and removes specific immune cells called macrophages, which support cancer growth. The technique has shown promising results in treating malignant melanoma, with tumors shrinking after the removal of these cells.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 27, 2019

Astronomers help wage war on cancer

Researchers are using computer models developed by astronomers to create a rapid diagnostic test that can detect cancerous tissue without unnecessary biopsies. The technology has also shown promise in treating non-melanoma skin cancer, with simulations indicating that it could be effective in killing cancer cells.

Immune cells determine how fast certain tumors grow

Researchers found that immune cells recruited by tumor cells drive faster growth, suggesting targeting immune system cells could slow brain tumor growth in people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The study suggests reprogramming T cells to shut down tumors, a promising new strategy for treating NF1.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateJun 3, 2019

Tumor cells conquer territory from their neighbors using a newly discovered mechanism

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that allows tumor cells to eliminate their neighbors through mechanical competition. The study found that compressed cells are killed by modulated EGFR/ERK signal, which is decreased and then leads to cell death. This discovery suggests a potential therapeutic strategy to halt tumor growth

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 13, 2018

Fishing for new leads in a rare melanoma

Zebrafish models have been developed to study the intricate molecular pathways underlying mucosal melanomas. The research identified a previously unrecognized tumor suppressor, SPRED1, and its interplay with oncogene KIT. These findings hold promise for developing precision cancer therapies for this rare and aggressive form of melanoma.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 2018

Mapping the inner workings of a living cell

Researchers developed a new imaging tool to visualize metabolic activities in individual cells, tracking protein, lipid, and DNA production. The technique's potential applications include tumor removal, head injury detection, and developmental disorder diagnosis.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2018

Rapamycin lotion reduces facial tumors caused by tuberous sclerosis, UTHealth reports

A new cream containing rapamycin has been shown to significantly reduce disfiguring facial tumors in people with tuberous sclerosis complex, with 80% of patients experiencing a significant improvement. The treatment offers hope for individuals affected by the condition, which affects over 50,000 people in the US.

An artificial mole as an early warning system

A synthetic gene network implanted under the skin monitors blood calcium levels to detect four common types of cancer, triggering a visible mole when a threshold is exceeded. Early detection increases survival chances by up to 98%, significantly improving treatment outcomes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 18, 2018

A kiss of death for prostate cancer

Researchers at Hokkaido University have identified a cellular protein called STAP-2 that stabilizes the EGFR signaling pathway, leading to increased cell proliferation and tumor formation in prostate cancer. Suppressing STAP-2 with inhibitors could potentially treat Gefitinib-resistant prostate cancers.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 21, 2017

Ludwig researchers uncover novel mechanism by which tumors evade cancer immunotherapies

Researchers at Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research have identified a novel mechanism by which certain skin cancers, such as melanoma, resist cancer immunotherapy. The study found that an immune cell recruited to the tumor induces programmed suicide in killer T cells, and this interaction can be disrupted to improve treatment efficacy.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2017

Ancient ink for cancer treatment

Researchers discovered Hu-Kaiwen ink can kill cancer cells without harming normal tissues, offering an alternative to expensive and toxic PTT. The traditional Chinese ink absorbs near-infrared light and heats up when exposed to a laser, demonstrating its potential as a non-toxic photothermal therapy agent.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateSep 27, 2017

Tumor induction from a distance

A study by researchers at the University of Freiburg found that activation of FOXO can induce tumors in stem cells without initial DNA damage. The team discovered that signals inducing this cancer come from surrounding tissues, including epidermis.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 2, 2017

Researchers document how melanoma tumors form

A team of researchers at the University of Iowa documented how melanoma cells form tumors in a 3D model, finding similarities with breast tissue cancer cells. They identified two drugs, anti-beta 1 integrin/(CD29) and anti-CD44, that block tumor creation in both types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2017