Tag: Cancer

Gene-targeted cancer drugs, slow release overcome resistance

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a method to address failures in a promising anti-cancer drug, bringing together tools from genome engineering, protein engineering and biomaterials science to improve the efficacy, accuracy and longevity of certain cancer therapies. Using a combination of CRISPR-based targeting, a protein “depot” that allows for sustained release of the

IUDs lower women’s risk of developing ovarian cancer by 30%

IUDs can lower a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer by more than 30%, study finds Women who used intrauterine devices (IUDs) for birth control could lower their risk of ovarian cancer by between 15% and 32% The risk was mitigated whether women used hormonal or non-hormonal IUDs  Researchers believe it’s because IUDs combat estrogen, the hormone

Durvalumab combined with chemotherapy improves overall survival in patients with lung cancer: First-line treatment reduces mortality risk by 27%

Adding immunotherapy in the form of durvalumab to chemotherapy improves overall survival in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, according to research presented today at the IASLC 2019 World Conference on Lung Cancer hosted by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). The research was presented by Dr. Luis Paz-Ares, from

Phase 1 study shows novel KRAS inhibitor well tolerated by patients with adenocarcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer

A clinical trial testing the toxicity of a KRAS inhibitor demonstrated early promising antitumor activity and few adverse side effects in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer harboring KRAS G12C mutation, according to research presented today at the IASLC 2019 World Conference on Lung Cancer, hosted by the International Association for the Study of

Scientists identify potential cause of statin-related muscle pain: Moderate exercise an antidote to known statin side effect

An international team of BHF-funded researchers may have discovered why some people experience muscle pain after taking statins. The research, published in JACC: Basic to Translational Science, could help doctors prevent a known side effect of statins and ensure people are able to reap the benefits of the life-saving drugs. According to the research, statins

Genetically manipulating protein level in colon cancer cells can improve chemotherapy

Colorectal cancer outcomes may improve by genetically altering an immune-regulatory protein in cancer cells, making the cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy. That’s according to new Mayo Clinic research. The findings, published this month in Oncogene, indicate that increasing the expression of the PD-L1 protein in colorectal cancer cells can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. “These

Childhood cancer survivors at elevated risk of heart disease

Survivors of childhood cancer have a higher risk of developing a range of heart disease due to cancer therapy, according to new research published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation. Most studies of this survivor group have focused on heart failure related to anthracyclines, a class of chemotherapy medications used to treat many types

Electromagnetic fields may hinder spread of breast cancer cells: Early findings in lab show reduced ability of cells to migrate

Electromagnetic fields might help prevent some breast cancers from spreading to other parts of the body, new research has found. The study showed that low intensity electromagnetic fields hindered the mobility of specific breast cancer cells by preventing the formation of long, thin extensions at the edge of a migrating cancer cell. The research was

Research advances to better target debilitating effects of cachexia syndrome: Cachexia research advances better target debilitating effects of cancer-related wasting syndrome

A study published in Cell Reports Aug. 6 describes the generation of a new mouse model developed at Hollings Cancer Center that could lead to a better understanding of the cachexia syndrome. This wasting condition, characterized by excessive weight loss, has one of the highest incidence in pancreatic cancer patients. Denis Guttridge, Ph.D., Hollings Cancer

Slowing metabolic rate can prevent detrimental effects of genetic mutations: Finding appears to be universal across hundreds of tested mutations

Just by slowing their metabolism, mutant fruit flies can go from zero to hero. In a new Northwestern University study, researchers slowed mutant fruit flies’ metabolic rates by 50%, and the expected detrimental effects of many mutations never manifested. After experimentally testing fruit flies’ many different genetic mutations, the researchers found the same result each