MD Anderson and UroGen today announced a strategic three-year collaboration agreement to advance combination immunotherapy, delivered directly into the bladder, for the treatment of high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. The collaboration will work through MD Anderson’s immunotherapy platform to design pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Tag: Immunotherapy
Study explains why patients with cancer spread to the liver have worse outcomes
A new study finds that tumors in the liver siphon off critical immune cells, rendering immunotherapy ineffective. But coupling immunotherapy with radiotherapy to the liver in mice restored the immune cell function and led to better outcomes.
Combined approach could boost breast cancer immunotherapy, study suggests
Activating an immune signaling pathway best known for fighting viral and bacterial infections can boost the ability of genetically engineered T cells to eradicate breast cancer in mice, according to a new study by researchers at the University of North Carolina. The study, to be published December 31 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), suggests that CAR T cells, which are already used to treat certain blood cancers in humans, may also be successful against solid tumors if combined with other immunotherapeutic approaches.
New Treatment Approach for a Common Glioma Subtype Shows Promise in Animal Models
A combination approach to treating a common subtype of glioma — which includes metabolic reprogramming and immunotherapy — led to complete tumor regression in 60% of study mice.
Errant DNA Boosts Immunotherapy Effectiveness
DALLAS – Dec. 17, 2020 – DNA that ends up where it doesn’t belong in cancer cells can unleash an immune response that makes tumors more susceptible to immunotherapy, the results of two UT Southwestern studies indicate. The findings, published online today in Cancer Cell, suggest that delivering radiation – which triggers DNA release from cells – before immunotherapy could be an effective way to fight cancers that are challenging to treat.
New combination therapy could help fight difficult-to-treat cancers with common mutations
UCLA scientists describe a new combination therapy that suppresses the MAPK pathway by holding cancer-driving proteins in a death grip. This combination of two small molecules has the potential to treat not only BRAF mutated melanoma but also additional aggressive subtypes of cancers, including melanoma, lung, pancreatic and colon cancers that harbor common mutations in cancer genes called RAS or NF1.
Obesity impairs immune cell function, accelerates tumor growth in mice
New study in mice finds that a high-fat diet allows cancer cells to outcompete immune cells for fuel, impairing immune function and accelerating tumor growth. Findings suggest new strategies to target cancer metabolism, improve immunotherapies.
CAR T cell therapy effective as first-line treatment for high-risk large B-cell lymphoma
A study led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that axi-cel, an autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, is a safe and effective first-line therapy for patients with high-risk large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), a group with an urgent need for new and effective treatments.
Off-the-Shelf Immune Drug Shows Promise in Aggressive Multiple Myeloma
A subcutaneous injection of the immune-boosting drug teclistamab was found to be safe and elicit responses in a majority of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
MD Anderson and Obsidian Therapeutics announce strategic collaboration to accelerate advancement of novel engineered tumor infiltrating lymphocyte therapy (cytoTIL™) for solid tumors
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Obsidian Therapeutics, Inc. today announced a multi-year strategic collaboration designed to expedite the research and development of novel engineered tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for the treatment of solid tumors. The agreement pairs Obsidian and its novel cytoDRiVE™ technology platform with MD Anderson’s extensive experience and state-of-the-art capabilities in TIL cell therapy, led by the Biologics Development platform, within the Therapeutics Discovery division.
Artificial Intelligence Program Can Pick Best Candidates for Skin Cancer Treatment
Experts trained a computer to tell which skin cancer patients may benefit from drugs that keep tumors from shutting down the immune system’s attack on them, a new study finds.
Study identifies patients with lung cancer most likely to respond to immunotherapy
Researchers at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found patients with a particular type of human leukocyte antigen (HLA), a protein scaffold involved in presenting pieces of proteins described as peptides to the immune system, were particularly likely to benefit from immunotherapy.
Cancer Research Institute CEO and Director of Scientific Affairs Dr. Jill O’Donnell-Tormey Receives Inaugural Tara Withington Public Service Award from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer
Award honors individuals and organizations that foster and enhance the field of cancer immunotherapy through increasing public understanding, awareness, research efforts, and/or funding
MD Anderson researchers present immunotherapy advances at Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Annual Meeting
Promising clinical results with combination treatments for patients with melanoma and lung cancer highlight immunotherapy advances being presented by researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 35th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs (SITC 2020) .
New lung cancer treatments lead to vastly improved survival rates
UCLA Health has helped drive monumental advances in the treatment of lung cancer – increasing survival rates in the nation’s leading cause of cancer deaths.
Immunotherapy Side Effect Could Be A Positive Sign For Kidney Cancer Patients
DALLAS – Nov. 2, 2020 – An autoimmune side effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) drugs could signal improved control of kidney cancer, according to a new study by researchers in UT Southwestern’s Kidney Cancer Program (KCP).
Roswell Park Sees Suggestion of Benefit in First Clinical Trial to Combine Beta-Blocker and Checkpoint Inhibitor
The same biochemical triggers that spur a “fight or flight” response when we encounter threats may help tumor cells to thrive. A team of researchers from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is looking at ways to disrupt that dynamic so that cancer treatments can be more effective. Their latest work, published today in Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, suggests that a drug widely prescribed to control blood pressure may improve patients’ response to cancer immunotherapy.
Four MSK Researchers Receive 2020 Outstanding Investigator Award from the National Cancer Institute
Four MSK researchers out of 15 winners nationwide were named recipients of the prestigious award. They will each receive a grant of up to $600,000 per year for seven years to support their research in cancer.
Accelerating Access to Breakthrough Cancer Therapies Leads Morristown Medical Center to Expand Infusion Center
Atlantic Health System has announced the opening of Morristown Medical Center’s new state-of-the-art, patient-centered Infusion Center located in the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center. The first of three phases of expansion of New Jersey’s pre-eminent cancer center, the new unit was funded in large part by donations made by community members in support of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center’s Growing Forward Campaign.
Scientists Engineer New Cancer Immunotherapy to Train Immune System in Cancer Fight
A groundbreaking new type of cancer immunotherapy developed at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai trains the innate immune system to help it eliminate tumor cells through the use of nanobiologics, tiny materials bioengineered from natural molecules that are paired with a therapeutic component, according to a study published in Cell in October.
New approach to fighting cancer could reduce costs and side effects
CAR-T biotherapeutics company Carina Biotech and researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a novel approach based on microfluidic technology to “purify” the immune cells of patients in the fight against cancer.
UCLA physician-scientist elected to National Academy of Medicine
Dr. Antoni Ribas, a world-renowned physician–scientist and professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, has been named to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Awards and Appointments
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) announces its most recent awards and appointments for the institution’s physicians, scientists, nurses, and staff.
Fred Hutch completes move-in of Lake Union Steam Plant
After more than two years of reconstruction efforts, scientists from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have moved into their new labs at the newly renovated Lake Union Steam Plant.
Immunotherapy Combo Halts Rare, Stage 4 Sarcoma in Teen
The patient, whose tumor responded within two weeks after receiving the combination, resumed normal activity and was in a complete remission at the time of the report.
Virus-mimicking drug helps immune system target cunning cancer cells
UCLA researchers have found that a drug that activates the body’s natural defenses by behaving like a virus may also make certain stealthy melanoma tumors visible to the immune system, allowing them to be better targeted by immunotherapy.
Dual checkpoint blockade promising as pre-surgical approach for certain patients with localized bladder cancer
Phase I trial finds neoadjuvant combination checkpoint inhibitors (anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-1) was well tolerated and showed early signs of activity in certain patients with bladder cancer. These patients cannot be treated with chemotherapy and have no standard treatment options available.
Initiative Led by Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Cancer Research Institute Discovers Keys That Could Unlock Better Personalized Treatments to Destroy Cancer
Scientists from an initiative launched by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) and the Cancer Research Institute called the Tumor Neoantigen Selection Alliance (TESLA) have discovered parameters to better predict which neoantigens can stimulate a cancer-killing effect.
Tip Sheet: Cancer health disparities, app to stop smoking, diversity in COVID-19 vaccine trials — and more
SEATTLE – Oct. 1, 2020 – Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutch research findings and other news with links for additional background and media contacts.And if you’re looking for sources for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please see our breast cancer page for a list of projects, experts and the latest breast cancer news.
Yale Trial Validates Immunotherapy Treatment for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
The immunotherapy drug atezolizumab improves survival over standard chemotherapy for many patients with newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer, according to a new study led by Yale Cancer Center researchers.
Hackensack Meridian CDI Scientists Find One-Two Punch Working against Stubborn Pancreatic Cancer in Preclinical Models
Changing gene expression, then deploying immune checkpoint inhibitors, shows promise in battling one of the most treatment-resistant types of cancer in preclinical models
The Tisch Cancer Institute Earns Second Consecutive Designation from National Cancer Institute
The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai (TCI) has been awarded $13 million as part of the renewal of its National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Designation, a prestigious distinction that is based on scientific excellence, robust clinical research, and beneficial community impact. The National Cancer Institute rated TCI’s application as “outstanding.”
Immunotherapy Combination Improves Outcomes in Advanced Kidney Cancer
An immunotherapy agent combined with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug significantly improved progression-free survival and reduced the risk of death compared to a single agent treatment in advanced kidney cancer patients, according to first results of a phase 3 clinical trial. The pivotal study could lead to a new treatment option for patients with metastatic kidney cancer.
Immunotherapy Drug Development Pipeline Continues Significant Growth in 2020 Despite Global Pandemic Impact
Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe, there has been a resurgence of interest in immuno-oncology (I-O) preclinical and clinical development, bringing hope to cancer patients and physicians who treat them.
Cancer Research Institute Goes Virtual for Its Immunotherapy Patient Summit Series, Connecting Patients and Caregivers with Leading Experts in Cancer Immunotherapy
Free virtual event October 2-3 connecting cancer patients and caregivers with leading immunotherapy experts and patient advocates treated with immunotherapy
Wesley Family donates $10 million to University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center
Announcement of a new gift of $10 million to establish the Wesley Center for Immunotherapy at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland.
Combination immunotherapy benefits subset of patients with advanced prostate cancer
Results from a Phase II trial led by researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center suggest that a combination of ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) plus nivolumab (anti-PD-1) can generate durable responses in a subset of patients with advanced prostate cancer.
UCLA study shows how interferon-gamma guides response to cancer immunotherapy
UCLA researchers shed light on how interferon-gamma (IFN-y) guides the treatment response in people with advanced melanoma who are treated with one of the leading immunotherapies — immune checkpoint blockade.
Deep Look at Immune Cells in Patients’ Tumors Reveals Insights on Timing for Treatment Combinations
It’s clear that radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, an approach used to treat cancer since the early 20th century, can be an effective companion to newer, immune-stimulating approaches known as immunotherapy. Research from a team from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center explains how radiation helps boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors — and provides new evidence that the timing of these therapies can make a big difference in how effectively they work together.
New Research in JNCCN Sheds Light on Multi-Organ Adverse Events from Immunotherapy
New international research in the September 2020 issue of JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network finds immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs) can impact more than one organ in a single patient. Multi-organ irAEs are more likely to happen sequentially rather than simultaneously.
New connections reveal how cancer evades the immune system
If cancer is a series of puzzles, a new study pieces together how several of those puzzles connect to form a bigger picture. A connection between three separate puzzles suggests targeting the amino acid methionine transporter in tumor cells could make immunotherapy effective against more cancers.
Researchers identify RNA molecule that helps lung cancer cells evade immune system
Researchers in Spain have identified a non-coding RNA molecule that helps lung cancer cells proliferate and avoid being killed by the body’s immune cells. The study, which will be published August 27 in the Journal of Cell Biology (JCB), suggests that targeting this RNA molecule could boost the effectiveness of immunotherapies that are currently only successful in ~20% of lung cancer patients.
Researchers identify mechanism underlying cancer cells’ immune evasion
Researchers in China have discovered how brain cancer cells increase production of a key protein that allows them to evade the body’s immune system. The study, which will be published August 27 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), suggests that targeting this cellular pathway could help treat the deadly brain cancer glioblastoma, as well as other cancers that are resistant to current forms of immunotherapy.
Why Young and Female Patients Don’t Respond as Well to Cancer Immunotherapy
UC San Diego researchers discovered that tumor cells in younger and female patients accumulate cancer-causing mutations that are more poorly presented to the immune system, better enabling tumors to escape detection and clearance.
Immunotherapy extends survival in mouse model of hard-to-treat breast cancer (video)
Today, scientists report a new immunotherapy that extends the survival of mice that have triple negative breast tumors, a difficult-to-treat form of cancer. The researchers will present their results at the American Chemical Society Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting & Expo.
Immunotherapy-resistant cancers eliminated in mouse study
In a mouse study, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that an antibody that targets the protein TREM2 empowers tumor-destroying immune cells and improves the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy.
CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE AWARDS $30.2 MILLION IN GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS TO SUPPORT BASIC AND CLINICAL RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY
The Cancer Research Institute (CRI), a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all cancers, awarded more than $30.2 million in research grants and fellowships in the 2020 fiscal year ending June 30, 2020.
HDAC6 Can Control Tumor Growth and Halt Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Genetic modifier HDAC6 was found to control tumor growth and halt metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer in vivo, according to a new study published in the journal Cancer Research by investigators at the GW Cancer Center.
Inhibiting Enzyme Helps Cancer Immunotherapy Work Better
UC San Diego researchers discovered that people with an inactive RNA-editing enzyme respond better to cancer immunotherapy, and inhibitors of the enzyme help mice with difficult-to-treat cancers live longer.
A blood test could predict who benefits from immunotherapy
A test which detects changing levels of tumour fragments in the blood may be an easy, non-invasive and quick way to predict who will benefit from immunotherapy, a treatment option for advanced cancers.