Researchers at the UNC School of Medicine have found that a metabolic enzyme called Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase causes T cells to store fat when they are in solid tumors, rather than burning fat for energy.
Tag: Immunotherapy
LJI welcomes new faculty member Miguel Reina-Campos, Ph.D.
Cancer researcher Miguel Reina-Campos, Ph.D., has joined the faculty of La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) as an Assistant Professor to lead the Laboratory of Tissue Immune Networks. His laboratory at LJI aims to investigate the basis of CD8+ T cell tissue immunity to improve life-saving cancer immunotherapies.
Immune Cell Receptor Provides Promising Immunotherapy Target
Drugs that target a receptor on immune cells called activin receptor 1C may combat tumor-induced immune suppression and help patients’ immune systems fight back against cancer, according to a study by investigators at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and its Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.
Widely used machine learning models reproduce dataset bias in Rice study
High-income communities overrepresented in relevant datasets for immunotherapy research.
Promising target for CAR T-cell therapy leads to potent antitumor responses against cutaneous and rare melanomas
Scientists at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have built and demonstrated the potential efficacy of a new chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell-based immunotherapy specifically designed to treat patients with cutaneous and rare subtypes of melanoma.
New Trial Highlights Incremental Progress Towards a Cure for HIV-1
A new clinical trial, led by clinicians and researchers at the UNC School of Medicine, show that the combination of the drug vorinostat and immunotherapy may modestly shrink the latent HIV reservoir, but more work needs to be done in the field to create a cure.
Immunotherapy before surgery leads to promising long-term survival in sarcoma patients
Patients with soft-tissue sarcoma treated with neoadjuvant, or pre-surgical, immunotherapy had very little residual tumor at the time of surgery and promising long-term survival, according to Phase II trial results published today in Nature Cancer by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Novel bispecific design improves CAR T–cell immunotherapy for childhood leukemia
Findings from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital showed a novel dual targeting approach, where a single molecule can recognize two potential cancer-related proteins, is more effective than the single targeting approach, preventing immune escape.
Why a Targeted Therapy Is Better Than Immunotherapy For Some Patients With Inoperable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, tends not to respond well to immunotherapy treatments, including durvalumab. However, Yale Cancer Center (YCC) researchers recently reported in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology that the targeted therapy osimertinib, when administered after chemotherapy and radiation, is associated with significantly improved progression-free survival (living without the cancer worsening).
Researchers Discover Why One Type of Chemotherapy Works Best in Bladder Cancer
Tisch Cancer Institute researchers discovered that a certain type of chemotherapy improves the immune system’s ability to fight off bladder cancer, particularly when combined with immunotherapy, according to a study published in Cell Reports Medicine in January.
Scientists engineer potent immune cells for ‘off-the-shelf’ cancer immunotherapy
UCLA scientists have developed a new method to engineer more powerful immune cells that can potentially be used for “off-the-shelf” cell therapy to treat challenging cancers.
Improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy with modified CAR-T cells
CAR-T cell therapy is a last hope for many patients with blood, bone marrow or lymph gland cancer when other treatments such as chemotherapy are unsuccessful. A limiting factor of this otherwise very effective and safe therapy is that the cells used in the process quickly reach a state of exhaustion.
Pathologic Scoring Shows Promise for Assessing Lung Tumor Therapy Response
A new pathologic scoring system that accurately assesses how much lung tumor is left after a patient receives presurgical cancer treatments can be used to predict survival, according to new research led by investigators at the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and the Mark Foundation Center for Advanced Genomics and Imaging at the Johns Hopkins University.
Cancer Research Institute to Honor Dr. Ananda Goldrath with 2023 Alt Award
The Cancer Research Institute is proudly awarding Dr. Ananda Goldrath with the 2023 Fredrick W. Alt award for New Discoveries in Immunology.
American Association of Immunologists Congratulates Dr. Steven Rosenberg on Receiving the National Medal of Technology and Innovation
AAI celebrates an immunologist being given the National Medal of Technology and Innovation
Preliminary Data Support Novel Immunotherapy for Advanced Malignant Melanoma in Dogs
A clinical study of 11 dogs with advanced malignant melanoma demonstrated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability profile of cANK-101, a canine interleukin-12 anchored immunotherapy.
Lung cancer outcomes significantly improved with immunotherapy-based treatment given before and after surgery
A regimen of pre-surgical immunotherapy and chemotherapy followed by post-surgical immunotherapy significantly improved event-free survival (EFS) and pathologic complete response (pCR) rates compared to chemotherapy alone for patients with operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to results of a Phase III trial reported by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
ESMO: Pre- and post-surgical immunotherapy improves outcomes for patients with operable lung cancer
Perioperative immunotherapy plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved event-free survival (EFS) in patients with resectable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to chemotherapy alone. Results from the Phase III CheckMate 77T study were presented today at the 2023 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress by researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Nanoparticle vaccine could curb cancer metastasis to lungs by targeting a protein
UC San Diego engineers have developed an experimental vaccine that could prevent the spread of metastatic cancers to the lungs. Its success lies in targeting a protein known to play a central role in cancer growth and spread, rather than targeting the primary tumor itself.
MD Anderson Research Highlights: ESMO 2023 Special Edition
This special edition features upcoming oral presentations by MD Anderson researchers at the 2023 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress focused on clinical advances across a variety of cancer types.
Drug-filled nanocapsule helps make immunotherapy more effective in mice
UCLA researchers have developed a new treatment method using a tiny nanocapsule to help boost the immune response, making it easier for the immune system to fight and kill solid tumors.
Scientists identify new pathway activated by interferon-gamma that leads to tumor cell death
Researchers at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a new role for a protein called extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in a pathway activated by interferon-gamma that can trigger cells to self-destruct.
Capturing Immunotherapy Response in a Blood Drop
Liquid biopsies are blood tests that can serially measure circulating tumor DNA (cell-free DNA that is shed into the bloodstream by dying cancer cells). When used in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer undergoing immunotherapy, they may identify patients who could benefit from treatment with additional drugs, according to a phase 2 clinical trial in the U.S. and Canada. The trial is led by investigators at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and its Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, BC Cancer and the Canadian Cancer trials Group (CCTG).
Jennifer Wargo, M.D., elected to the National Academy of Medicine
Jennifer Wargo, M.D., professor of Surgical Oncology and Genomic Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) for her contributions to the understanding of melanoma treatment response and resistance to cancer therapies, including groundbreaking discoveries that reveal how the gut microbiome influences responses to immunotherapy.
Cleveland Clinic’s Timothy Chan, M.D., Ph.D., Elected To National Academy of Medicine
Timothy Chan, M.D., Ph.D., chair of Cleveland Clinic’s Global Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology and Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.
Advanced Bladder Cancer Patients Could Keep Their Bladder Under New Treatment Regime, Clinical Trial Shows
Mount Sinai investigators have developed a new approach for treating invasive bladder cancer without the need for surgical removal of the bladder, according to a study published in Nature Medicine in September.
MD Anderson Research Highlights for September 21, 2023
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Research Highlights showcases the latest breakthroughs in cancer care, research and prevention. These advances are made possible through seamless collaboration between MD Anderson’s world-leading clinicians and scientists, bringing discoveries from the lab to the clinic and back.
The Cancer Research Institute and the Lustgarten Foundation Announce INSPIRE Partnership to Jointly Support Pancreatic Cancer Immunotherapy Research
The Cancer Research Institute and the Lustgarten Foundation Announce INSPIRE Partnership to Jointly Support Pancreatic Cancer Immunotherapy Research
AI more accurately identifies patients with advanced lung cancer that respond to immunotherapy and helps doctors select treatments
Treatment planning for lung cancer can often be complex due to variations in assessing immune biomarkers. In a new study, Yale Cancer Center researchers at Yale School of Medicine used artificial intelligence (AI) tools and digital pathology to improve the accuracy of this process.
New immunotherapy treatment brings hope to patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Although immunotherapies have shown promise in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), many patients still do not respond well, and those who do may eventually develop resistance.
Breakthrough Targeted Therapy Approach for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Helps Patients With a Genetic Mutation Live Longer
The immunotherapy drug, durvalumab, has been the standard of care for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) to improve survival, when prescribed after chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Study could help explain why certain brain tumors don’t respond well to immunotherapy
A study led by researchers at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center sheds new light on why tumors that have spread to the brain from other parts of the body respond to immunotherapy while glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer that originates in the brain, does not.
Adding immune modulator to targeted therapy does not improve survival in difficult-to-treat thyroid cancer
New study results indicate that combining two separately promising therapies for radioiodine-resistant thyroid cancer does not bring any added benefit.
Mayo Clinic researchers publish key findings about cell proteins to determine effectiveness of immunotherapy for colon cancer
Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers have identified key findings that can assist clinicians in predicting whether a patient with advanced colorectal cancer will benefit from immunotherapy.
MD Anderson Research Highlights for August 16, 2023
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Research Highlights showcases the latest breakthroughs in cancer care, research and prevention.
Cleveland Clinic Researchers Confirm Early Intervention Curbs Peanut Allergies in Babies
Cleveland Clinic researchers have found that starting peanut oral immunotherapy under medical supervision during infancy can improve a child’s immune response to the food over time. The findings were recently published in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
MD Anderson Research Highlights for July 19, 2023
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Research Highlights showcases the latest breakthroughs in cancer care, research and prevention. These advances are made possible through seamless collaboration between MD Anderson’s world-leading clinicians and scientists, bringing discoveries from the lab to the clinic and back.
Fern Lazar of FINN Partners Joins Board of Trustees at the Cancer Research Institute
Fern Lazar, Managing Partner and Global Health Practice Leader at FINN Partners, was elected to the Cancer Research Institute’s Board of Trustees.
Changing the way we deliver immune-based cancer drugs could reduce costs by 14%
A new analysis finds that up to millions of dollars could be saved annually on cancer immunotherapy treatments across the Veterans Health Administration by reconsidering how those drugs are delivered.
UCLA researchers uncover potential biomarkers of positive response to immunotherapy
Scientists at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified potential new biomarkers that could indicate how someone diagnosed with metastatic melanoma will respond to immunotherapy treatment.
Combination therapy effective against canine melanoma
A combination of radiotherapy followed by immunotherapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of oral malignant melanomas in dogs.
MD Anderson Research Highlights for June 7, 2023
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Research Highlights showcases the latest breakthroughs in cancer care, research and prevention.
Real-World Data Suggests Stopping Immunotherapy after Two Years is Reasonable in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer
A new study from Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center suggests that it’s reasonable for patients with advanced lung cancer to stop immunotherapy treatment at two years, as long as their cancer hasn’t progressed.
Cancer Research Institute Hosts 11th Annual Cancer Immunotherapy Month™ Showcasing Lifesaving Breakthroughs in Immuno-Oncology
Global celebration of 11 years of discovery and lifesaving innovation in immuno-oncology
New Bladder Cancer Classification Predicts Treatment Response
Investigators from Cedars-Sinai Cancer, working in collaboration with colleagues in Colorado and the Netherlands, have identified a specific type of bladder cancer most likely to resist first-line treatment.
Skin Patch Shows Promise for Toddlers with Peanut Allergy
A global phase 3 clinical trial that included Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago found that a year-long immunotherapy through a skin patch safely desensitized toddlers with peanut allergy, lowering the risk of a severe allergic reaction from accidental exposure. Results of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for children 1-3 years of age, funded by DBV Technologies, were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Study using novel approach for glioblastoma treatment shows promising results, extending survival
A new international study published in and presented as a late-breaking abstract at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) annual conference, shows great promise for patients with glioblastoma. Drs. Farshad Nassiri and Gelareh Zadeh, neurosurgeons and scientists at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, published the results of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial investigating the safety and effectiveness of a novel therapy which combines the injection of an oncolytic virus – a virus that targets and kills cancer cells – directly into the tumour, with intravenous immunotherapy.
Reviving exhausted T cells to tackle immunotherapy-resistant cancers
One of the biggest goals of immunotherapy is to reverse T cell exhaustion to boost the immune system’s ability to destroy cancerous cells. Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys studying melanoma have found a new way to make this happen.
Digestive Disease Week 2023: Cedars-Sinai Experts Share Latest Research, Care Innovations
Digestive Disease Week (DDW) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers, and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal surgery. DDW2023 will take place May 6-9 in Chicago and showcase 3,100 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, clinical practice and technology.
New CAR T-Cell Strategy Highly Effective Against Small Cell Lung Cancer in Preclinical Study
A new approach to chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapy has shown great promise against small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in a preclinical study. The findings cover new ground in our understanding of how CAR T can be employed against solid-tumor cancers, and provide support for further studies in cancer patients.