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UrduDespite 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.
Tag: Immunotherapy
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.
Cancer Research Institute and The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research Launch Collaboration to Evaluate Liquid Biopsy for More Accurate and Rapid Assessment of Lung Cancer Patient Response to Immunotherapy
The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) and The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research have launched a clinical trial that aims to demonstrate the utility of a novel, ultra-sensitive biomarker-directed blood test, or liquid biopsy, in assessing cancer patient responses to immunotherapy.
Excellent Research Results for CAR-T Cell Therapy Against Hodgkin Lymphoma
CAR-T cell therapy, which attacks cancer cells using a person’s reprogrammed immune cells, has been used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma with remarkable success for the first time, according to the results of an early phase clinical trial.
2 immunotherapies merged into single, more effective treatment
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have combined two immunotherapy strategies into a single therapy and found, in studies in human cells and in mice, that the two together are more effective than either alone in treating certain blood cancers, such as leukemia.
Fine-tuning adoptive cell therapy for advanced cancers
In a new study looking at adoptive cell transfer products bearing a transgenic T-cell receptor (TCR), researchers at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a discordant phenomenon in which a subset of patients displayed profoundly decreased expression of the transgenic TCR over time, despite the transgenic TCR being present at the DNA level.
Researchers ID new target in drive to improve immunotherapy for cancer
Researchers at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and UCLA School of Dentistry have identified a potential new combination therapy to treat advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the most common type of head and neck cancer.
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.
Boosting Immune Memory Could Reduce Cancer Recurrence
New study on how immune memory can be targeted and improve immunotherapy and prevent cancer recurrence.
A helping hand for cancer immunotherapy
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of PRMT5 inhibitors to sensitize unresponsive melanoma to immune checkpoint therapy. PRMT5 inhibitors are currently in clinical trials in oncology, and this research provides a strong rationale for evaluating the drugs in tumors that are not responsive to immune checkpoint therapy. The study was published in Science Translational Medicine.
Expanded Efforts, Focused Approach
Physicians and scientists at The University of Kansas Cancer Center are committed to improving lung cancer outcomes in Kansas.
NCCN: What People with Cancer and their Caregivers Need to Know about CAR T-Cell Therapy
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has published a new NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Immunotherapy Side Effects focused on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. This is book two in a series that includes another book on irAEs focused on immune checkpoint inhibitors.
How to Recognize Side-Effects from Immunotherapy? New NCCN Guidelines for Patients can Help
New NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Immunotherapy Side Effects – Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors from National Comprehensive Cancer Network and NCCN Foundation shares information for patients and caregivers on how to recognize and manage adverse events from immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Immune Cells Infiltrating Tumors May Play Bigger Cancer Role Than Previously Thought
UC San Diego researchers uncovered in mice how IRE1α, a molecule involved in cells’ response to stress, determines whether macrophages promote inflammation in the tumor microenvironment. Inflammation is known to promote tumor growth, making IRE1α an attractive target for drug development.
COVID-19 Clinical Trial of Immune Therapy Open at Mount Sinai, Made Possible by Philanthropic Donation
Mount Sinai Health System is beginning the first clinical trial in the New York metropolitan region of an immune-boosting therapy in COVID-19 patients.
UCLA receives nearly $14 million from NIH to investigate gene therapy to combat HIV
UCLA researchers and colleagues have received a $13.65 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate and further develop an immunotherapy known as CAR T, which uses genetically modified stem cells to target and destroy HIV.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Awards & Appointments
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) announces its most recent awards and appointments for the institution’s physicians, scientists, nurses, and staff.
Breaking Research News from Annual Meeting of American Society of Clinical Oncology
Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center thoracic cancer and cancer genomics experts reported promising new findings and studies in mesothelioma, lung cancer and melanoma at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the world’s leading professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals caring for cancer patients.
Cancer Researchers Have a Head Start in Fight Against COVID-19
Researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center have been actively engaged in the effort to develop treatments or other control strategies that can help communities worldwide to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scientists Identify Targets for COVID-19 Vaccine Using Cancer Immunotherapy Tools
Cancer researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have harnessed tools used for the development of cancer immunotherapies and adapted them to identify regions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to target with a vaccine, employing the same approach used to elicit an immune response against cancer cells to stimulate an immune response against the virus. Using this strategy, the researchers believe a resulting vaccine would provide protection across the human population and drive a long-term immune response.
Memorial Sloan Kettering – Hackensack Meridian Health Partnership Announces Funding for Inaugural Immunology Research Collaboration Projects
The Memorial Sloan Kettering – Hackensack Meridian Health Partnership has formed an Immunology Research Collaboration, through which researchers can apply for funding to support innovative investigations to explore the power of the immune system and ways it may be harnessed to fight cancer. Three researchers’ projects were selected in 2020 for funding support.
Eighth Annual Cancer Immunotherapy Month™ in June Celebrates Progress in Treatment and Advances in Research
June is Cancer Immunotherapy Month, a 30-day awareness campaign started by the Cancer Research Institute eight years ago to educate, inform, and inspire the global community of patients, caregivers, scientists, donors, and other cancer-concerned individuals and organizations.
Study Shows Promise for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Who Require New Treatment Options
A new type of immunotherapy treatment for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is being tested by Missak Haigentz, Jr., MD, medical director of hematology and oncology for Atlantic Health System. Early results appear promising in this phase 1/2 clinical trial of ADXS-503 being developed by Advaxis, Inc., a new type of cancer therapy which targets “hotspot” mutations that commonly occur in specific cancer types, both by itself and in combination with immunotherapy Keytruda® (pembrolizumab), which is commonly used to treat this type of lung cancer. Dr. Haigentz and colleagues published early results of this study in conjunction with ASCO 2020, the world’s premier scientific meeting for clinical research in oncology.
Study reveals factors influencing outcomes in advanced kidney cancer treated with immunotherapy
By analyzing tumors from patients treated with immunotherapy for advanced kidney cancer in three clinical trials, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists have identified several features of the tumors that influence their response to immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs.
Adoptive T-cell therapy ADP-A2M4 targeting MAGE-A4 shows early activity in patients with advanced solid tumors
The adoptive T-cell therapy ADP-A2M4, which is engineered to express a T-cell receptor (TCR) directed against the MAGE-A4 cancer antigen, achieved responses in patients with multiple solid tumor types, including synovial sarcoma, head and neck cancer and lung cancer, according to results from a Phase I clinical trial led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
MSK: Cancer Isn’t Sheltering in Place
As the height of the COVID-19 outbreak in New York City and the Tri-State area begins to subside, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center oncologists are urging patients to schedule cancer screenings and treatments now – as the long-term toll of missed diagnoses and delayed treatments could be devastating for patients and their loved ones across the region and the country.
New drug combinations help overcome resistance to immunotherapy
A new study from researchers at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center helps explain how disruptions in genes can lead to the resistance to one of the leading immunotherapies, PD-1 blockade, and how new drug combinations could help overcome resistance to the anti-PD-1 therapy in a mechanistically-based way.
Treatment shows promise in treating deadly brain cancer
In this study, researchers investigated if specific targeting of CD133+ glioblastoma with cutting-edge immunotherapy drugs could eradicate the most aggressive subpopulation of cells in the tumour. They also looked at the safety of CD133-targeting therapies on normal, non-cancerous human stem cells including hematopoietic stem cells which create blood cells and progenitor cells which can form one or more kinds of cells.
New Cancer Immunotherapy Targeting Myeloid Cells Slows Tumor Growth
Checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy, that target myeloid immune cells and slow tumor growth were discovered by a team from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and other institutions. Reporting in Nature Cancer, the researchers showed for the first time in human cells and a mouse model that inhibiting the c-Rel molecule in myeloid cells — as opposed to lymphoid cells that today’s immunotherapies target — blocked the production of immune suppressor cells and significantly shrank tumors.
Rapid Growth in Global Development of Cancer Cellular Immunotherapies Highlighted by Latest Report from Cancer Research Institute and GlobalData
A new report, published in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, reveals that the cellular immunotherapy landscape continues to expand, with 472 more cellular therapies in development now than one year ago
Cancer Research Institute and IQVIA Uncover the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Oncology Clinical Trials
New study reveals impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer clinical trials, published in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery
$10 million gift accelerates research to improve cancer therapies, extend benefits to more patients
The David and Etta Jonas Center for Cellular Therapy is being established at the University of Chicago Medicine to accelerate research in hard-to-treat cancers.
Combination of Chemo and Immunotherapy Is Shown to Work Against Metastatic Bladder Cancer
A clinical trial led by Mount Sinai researchers has showed for the first time that combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy can slow down metastatic bladder cancer. The trial also showed that immunotherapy alone may be an option for a subset of patients with metastatic bladder cancer if their tumor expresses a high level of a protein called PD-L1 according to the study, published in The Lancet in May.
Moffitt Cancer Center Study Suggests More Could Benefit from CAR T-Cell Therapy
Moffitt Cancer Center organized a consortium of 16 cancer treatment facilities across the U.S. that offer Yescarta as a standard-of-care therapy for patients with relapsed/refractory large B cell lymphoma. They wanted to determine if the safety and effectiveness seen in the ZUMA-1 clinical trial were similar for patients treated with the now commercially available CAR T therapy. Their findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
New treatment extends lives of people with most common type of liver cancer
For the first time in over a decade, scientists have identified a first-line treatment that significantly improves survival for people with hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.