Cancer News and Discussions

[firestar464]

Some CRISPR screens may be missing cancer drug targets

https://phys.org/news/2024-06-crispr-sc ... -drug.html

[firestar464]

Study demonstrates how AI can develop more personalized cancer treatment strategies

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-06- ... egies.html

[caltrek]

Ternarx Set to Revolutionize Cancer Treatments
June 19, 2024

Introduction:

(Eurekalert) Australia has cemented its role in becoming a major player in the next-generation of medicines with the launch of Ternarx – a globally competitive biotechnology company dedicated to finding new treatments for hard to treat cancers.

The WEHI spinout is the first of its kind in Australia dedicated to developing targeted protein degrader medicines and technology, a powerful new tool for destroying disease-causing proteins that cannot be targeted by conventional drugs.

Ternarx is backed by $15 million in funding from the Australian Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Frontier Health and Medical Research initiative and by support from Melbourne-based medical research institute WEHI.

The company has been officially launched by the Australian Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler.

At a glance

• Biotechnology company, Ternarx, officially launches as a globally competitive player in the development of next-generation medicines that aim at revolutionising the development of cancer drugs and other diseases.

Read more here: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1048761

[40lightyears]

If dealing with cancer isn't challenging enough, there are serious concerns about the safety of some medical devices used in treatment, like Powerports. These devices, used to administer chemotherapy and other medications, have been found to be faulty. Many patients have experienced infections, fractures, migration of the device, and even thrombosis.
So this leads to numerous lawsuits being filed by those affected. It's pretty detailed here: https://federal-lawyer.com/injury-lawsu ... ower-port/

[weatheriscool]

FDA fast-tracks personalized therapy for hard-to-treat-prostate cancer
By Paul McClure
July 02, 2024

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has green-lit the fast-tracking of an innovative personalized treatment for advanced prostate cancer following a promising clinical trial where the cancer disappeared completely in almost 40% of participants.

Prostate cancer needs testosterone to grow. In metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), an advanced form of the disease, the cancer continues growing despite a reduction in testosterone brought about by chemical or surgical castration. As such, mCRPC has few treatment options and carries a high mortality rate.

So, the FDA’s grant of Fast Track designation to an innovative combination drug/device treatment for mCRPC developed by Florida-based biopharmaceutical company Syncromune Inc. is welcome news.

https://newatlas.com/medical/fast-track ... te-cancer/

[weatheriscool]

Ozempic drugs’ reduce obesity-associated cancer risk by up to 65%
By Paul McClure
July 07, 2024

The popular class of antidiabetic and weight loss drugs known as GLP-1RAs, which includes Ozempic and Wegovy, has been found to significantly reduce the risk of 10 out of 13 obesity-associated cancers in type 2 diabetics, according to new research.

Only last week, we reported on one of the few negative stories about semaglutide, a member of the class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s or GLP-1RAs) that are used to treat diabetes and/or weight loss.
https://newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/g ... ncer-risk/
It appears that the negative news cycle was short-lived. A new study led by the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine has added yet another effect to the growing list of positive things that GLP-1RAs can do: reduce the risk of obesity-associated cancers.

[weatheriscool]

Stem cell-derived therapy shows promise against treatment-resistant liver cancer

by University of California - San Diego
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-07- ... tment.html

Researchers at University of California San Diego have found that the most common form of liver cancer—one with a high mortality rate—can be better targeted and treated using an innovative new stem cell-derived therapy, according to a recently published study in Cell Stem Cell.

The treatment, not yet studied in patients, involves the lab engineering of natural killer (NK) cells—white blood cells that destroy tumor cells—to more effectively battle hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most treatment-resistant types of solid tumor.

[weatheriscool]

3D genome features point to possible therapeutic target for aggressive and deadly pediatric brain tumors
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-07- ... ssive.html
by Fabienne Landry, McGill University Health Centre

Posterior fossa group A (PFA) ependymoma are rare, treatment-resistant pediatric tumors of the central nervous system that originate in the brain and spinal cord. They have the highest recurrence rate and poorest prognosis of all childhood cancers due to the lack of effective treatment.

Hope is on the horizon now that an international research team led by scientists at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, U.S., and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center (RI-MUHC) in Montreal, Canada, have identified unique 3-dimensional features called TULIPs in the genome of PFA ependymoma that could eventually be targeted in the development of more effective therapies.

[weatheriscool]

Trial of cell-based therapy for high-risk lymphoma leads to FDA breakthrough designation
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-07- ... -high.html
by Krista Conger, Stanford University

CAR-T cell therapy, which targets a specific protein on the surface of cancer cells, causes tumors to shrink or disappear in about half of patients with large B-cell lymphoma who haven't experienced improvement with chemotherapy treatments.

But if this CAR-T treatment fails, or the cancer returns yet again—as happens in approximately half of people—the prognosis is dire. The median survival time after relapse is about six months.

Now, a phase 1 clinical trial at Stanford Medicine has found that a new CAR-T cell therapy that targets a different protein on the surface of the cancer cells significantly improved these patients' outcomes.

[firestar464]

Blood cancer drug could make radiotherapy on brain tumors more effective

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-07- ... brain.html

[caltrek]

Study Shows Ancient Viruses Fuel Modern-day Cancers
July 17, 2024

Introduction:

(Eurekalert) Peek inside the human genome and, among the 20,000 or so genes that serve as building blocks of life, you’ll also find flecks of DNA left behind by viruses that infected primate ancestors tens of millions of years ago.

These ancient hitchhikers, known as endogenous retroviruses, were long considered inert or ‘junk’ DNA, defanged of any ability to do damage. New CU Boulder research published July 17 in the journal Science Advances shows that, when reawakened, they can play a critical role in helping cancer survive and thrive. The study also suggests that silencing certain endogenous retroviruses can make cancer treatments work better.

“Our study shows that diseases today can be significantly influenced by these ancient viral infections that until recently very few researchers were paying attention to,” said senior author Edward Chuong, an assistant professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology at CU’s BioFrontiers Institute.

Part human, part virus

Studies show about 8% of the human genome is made up of endogenous retroviruses that slipped into the cells of our evolutionary ancestors, coaxing their hosts to copy and carry their genetic material. Over time, they infiltrated sperm, eggs and embryos, baking their DNA like a fossil record into generations to come —and shaping evolution along the way.

Even though they can no longer produce functional viruses, Chuong’s own research has shown that endogenous retroviruses can act as “switches” that turn on nearby genes. Some have contributed to the development of the placenta, a critical milestone in human evolution, as well as our immune response to modern-day viruses like COVID

Read more here: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1051480

For a technical presentation of the results of the study as published in Science Advances : https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado1218

[weatheriscool]

New nanoparticles boost immune system in mice to fight melanoma and breast cancer
https://phys.org/news/2024-07-nanoparti ... anoma.html
by Lucas Johnson, Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt researchers have developed a set of nanoparticles that stimulate the immune system in mice to fight cancer and may eventually do the same in humans.

The research, led by John T. Wilson, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and biomedical engineering, was recently published in ACS Nano.

Working with collaborators at Yale University, Wilson and his team designed lipid nanoparticles—the tiny balls of fat behind the success of mRNA vaccines—to deliver a nucleic acid molecule that triggers an anti-tumor immune response.

[weatheriscool]

[weatheriscool]

Study identifies biomarker that could predict whether colon cancer patients benefit from chemotherapy
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-07- ... nefit.html
by Tara Roberts, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine

Many people with stage II or III colon cancer receive additional, or adjuvant, chemotherapy following surgery. However, clinical trials have shown that this treatment doesn't improve the chances of survival for every patient. A study published July 25 in Cell Reports Medicine identifies and validates a 10-gene biomarker that potentially predicts whether a stage II or III colon cancer patient will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

A secondary finding from the study could also lead to further research and application. Researchers found that the gene signature could potentially also predict whether immunotherapy would help some patients—important because there are not yet clear guidelines on which colon cancer patients might benefit from immunotherapy.

[weatheriscool]

FDA approves new blood test to screen for colon cancer

Source: NBC

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved Guardant Health’s blood test, called Shield, to screen for colon cancer. The test isn't meant to replace colonoscopies, but is generating enthusiasm among doctors who say it has the potential to boost the dismal rate of screenings for the second-highest cause of cancer death in the United States.

Shield has previously been available to doctors as a screening tool, at an out-of-pocket cost of $895. With the FDA approval, Medicare and private insurance companies are much more likely to cover the cost of the blood test, making it more widely accessible for patients.

... snip ...

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 53,000 people will die of colorectal cancer this year.

Research published in March showed Shield was 83% effective in finding colorectal cancers. It works by detecting the DNA that cancerous tumors release into the bloodstream.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-n ... rcna163630

[weatheriscool]

Study finds regular aspirin use associated with greatest reduction in colorectal cancer among those most at risk
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-08- ... ectal.html
by Mass General Brigham

Regular aspirin may help lower risk of colorectal cancer in people with greater lifestyle-related risk factors for the disease, according to a study led by researchers at Mass General Brigham. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, could encourage a more nuanced approach to preventive aspirin use.

"We sought to identify individuals who are more likely to benefit from aspirin to facilitate more personalized prevention strategies," said co-senior author Andrew Chan, MD, MPH, Director of Epidemiology for the Mass General Cancer Center and gastroenterology Director of the Center for Young Adult Colorectal Cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.

[caltrek]

Diet and Supplements in Cancer Prevention
July 30, 2024

Introduction:

(Eurekalert) Cancer is a complex, multifactorial disease with a substantial global burden. Recent years have seen a surge in research focusing on preventive measures, particularly through diet and supplements. The role of nutrition in cancer incidence and prevention is widely recognized, though the specifics of these relationships remain under investigation. This review expands on the findings of Anandu Chandra Khanashyam et al., exploring the nuanced links between diet, supplements, and cancer prevention.

The significance of diet and supplements in cancer prevention is well-documented, with nutrition being a key factor in cancer incidence. Epidemiological research highlights the complex interactions between dietary factors and cancer risk, yet inconsistencies persist, limiting firm conclusions. Factors such as obesity, high-calorie foods, sugary beverages, and processed meats are known to increase cancer risk. Conversely, diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits are believed to reduce this risk. Obesity is linked to 14% of cancer deaths in men and 20% in women, with specific dietary factors like alcohol, red meats, and aflatoxins being associated with various cancers.

Evidence Linking Diet and Cancer

Historical and contemporary research underscores the role of diet in cancer development. The physician Galen in 168 BC first suggested diet's involvement in cancer growth. Modern epidemiological studies have consistently shown correlations between specific foods and cancer risk. Factors like the amount, timing, and duration of exposure to bioactive food components influence cellular responses and cancer development. It is now understood that the effects are likely due to multiple carcinogenic pathways acting in concert rather than individual compounds.

Dietary Patterns and Cancer Risk

Shifting from a nutrient-centric approach to examining overall dietary patterns offers a more comprehensive understanding of diet's impact on cancer risk. Healthy dietary patterns, characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are associated with a lower risk of cancers, particularly colon and breast cancer. Processed and red meats, which contain carcinogenic compounds formed during high-temperature cooking, are linked to gastrointestinal cancers. However, the evidence remains complex and sometimes contradictory.

Read more of the Eurekalert article here: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1052723

For a presentation of study results: https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2835-33 ... 023-00001

[weatheriscool]

Researchers devise novel solution to preventing relapse after CAR T-cell therapy
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-07- ... erapy.html
by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Even as they have revolutionized the treatment of certain forms of cancer, CAR T-cell therapies have been shadowed by a significant limitation: Many patients, including those whose cancer goes into full remission, eventually relapse. In a new study, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers report on a technique with the potential to eliminate that problem.

The approach, described in a paper published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, works by spurring CAR T cells to be more active and persist longer in the body, enabling them to remain in battle mode until all tumor cells are eliminated. The technique—which creates what researchers dub a CAR-Enhancer (CAR-E) therapeutic platform—also causes CAR T cells to form a memory of the cancer cell, so they can spring back into action if the cancer recurs.

[caltrek]

Circular RNAs – the New Frontier in Cancer Research
August 1, 2024

Introduction:

(Eurekalert) Unravelling the complexities of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in cancer biology has positioned scientists on the cusp of revolutionary breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

A new Flinders University study published in Nature Reviews Cancer, one of the world’s top-ranking cancer journals, predicts remarkable potential for circular RNAs to improve cancer treatment and patient outcomes within the next 5-10 years.

“Over the past decade, research into circRNAs has emerged as a vital area of study, revealing the crucial role these unique RNA molecules play in cancer biology,” says Flinders University Professor Simon Conn, who leads the Circular RNAs in Cancer Laboratory at the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI).

“By understanding the specific functions of circRNAs at every stage of cancer, we hope to harness them in the fight against cancer paving the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic developments that may change the landscape of oncology forever.

Read more here: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1053388

[weatheriscool]

Global cancer deaths among men projected to increase by 93% by 2050, study finds

By Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN
3 minute read * Updated 3:07 PM EDT, Mon August 12, 2024

(CNN) — Cancer cases and deaths among men are expected to surge by 2050, according to a study published Monday, with large increases among men 65 and older. ... For the study, published in the journal Cancer, researchers from Australia analyzed cases and deaths from 30 types of cancer in 185 countries and territories in 2022 to make projections for 2050. (1)

The study projects that overall cancer cases among men will increase from 10.3 million in 2022 to 19 million in 2050, an increase of 84%. Cancer deaths were projected to rise from 5.4 million in 2022 to 10.5 million in 2050, an increase of 93%. Deaths among men 65 and older were projected to increase by 117%.

Countries with a lower income and life expectancy are also projected to see larger increases in cancer deaths in men. “Between 2022 and 2050, in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, the number of incident cases and deaths is projected to increase 2.5-fold. In contrast, Europe is projected to experience an increase of about one half,” the researchers wrote.

Men are already more likely than women to die from cancer. Men are more likely to smoke and drink alcohol, behaviors that drive many cancer cases, and are more likely to be exposed to carcinogens in the workplace. They’re also less likely to access screening programs.

{snip}

(1) https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley ... cncr.35458

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/12/health/m ... index.html