Breast Cancer News -- ScienceDaily
Shocking brain cancer breakthrough: Electric fields supercharge immune assault
A breakthrough study from Keck Medicine of USC may have found a powerful new triple therapy for glioblastoma, one of the deadliest brain cancers. By combining Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), which deliver electric waves into tumors, with immunotherapy and chemotherapy, researchers saw a major boost in survival.
Genetics and therapy type determine second cancer risk after childhood treatment
Scientists have found that genetics and type of cancer treatment contribute most to a survivor's risk of a second cancer.
New genetic test can diagnose brain tumors in as little as two hours
Scientists and medics have developed an ultra-rapid method of genetically diagnosing brain tumors that will cut the time it takes to classify them from 6-8 weeks, to as little as two hours.The team utilized the new approach during 50 brain tumor surgeries to deliver rapid, intraoperative diagnoses. This approach has achieved a 100% success rate, providing diagnostic results in under two hours from surgery and detailed tumor classifications within minutes of sequencing.
New approach to treating aggressive breast cancers shows significant improvement in survival
A new treatment approach significantly improves survival rates for patients with aggressive, inherited breast cancers, according to researchers. In a trial where cancers were treated with chemotherapy followed by a targeted cancer drug before surgery, 100% of patients survived the critical three-year period post-surgery.
Estrogen-related receptors could be key to treating metabolic and muscular disorders
Researchers confirm and explore the role of estrogen-related receptors in regulating energy production in muscle cells during exercise. The findings indicate that developing a drug to boost estrogen-related receptors could be a powerful way to restore energy supplies in people with metabolic disorders, such as muscular dystrophy.
Removing ovaries and fallopian tubes linked to lower risk of early death among breast cancer patients with BRCA cancer genes
Women diagnosed with breast cancer who carry particular BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic variants are offered surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes as this dramatically reduces their risk of ovarian cancer. Now, researchers have shown that this procedure -- known as bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) -- is associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of early death among these women, without any serious side-effects.
AI-human task-sharing could cut mammography screening costs by up to 30%
The most effective way to harness the power of artificial intelligence when screening for breast cancer may be through collaboration with human radiologists -- not by wholesale replacing them, says new research.
AI could help improve early detection of interval breast cancers
A new study suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) could help detect interval breast cancers before they become more advanced and harder to treat.
Drug combination reduces breast cancer risk and improves metabolic health in rats
Researchers investigated the combined effects of bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens in rat models as an alternative to tamoxifen.
Blocking a surprising master regulator of immunity eradicates liver tumors in mice
'Cold' tumors are resistant to common immunotherapies. Researchers have uncovered a master regulator that can be manipulated to prevent tumor growth in mice.
Age-related genetic changes in the blood associated with poor cancer prognosis
Researchers have discovered that expansion of mutant blood cells, a phenomenon linked to aging, can be found in cancerous tumors, and this is associated with worse outcomes for patients.
Can hormone therapy improve heart health in menopausal women?
Oral hormone therapy may benefit heart health in menopausal women. A new analysis of data from the Women's Health Initiative found that estrogen-based oral hormone therapy had a long-term beneficial effect on biomarkers of cardiovascular health, including cholesterol.
Study shows how new antibody therapy works against ovarian cancer
Research has shed light on how a new type of antibody treatment reactivates patients' immune cells to fight ovarian cancer.
Researchers develop new way to match young cancer patients with the right drugs
A team has developed a new way to quickly find personalized treatments for young cancer patients, by growing their tumors in chicken eggs and analyzing their proteins. The team has combined these two techniques to identify and test a drug for a young patient's tumor in time to be used for their treatment. Their success in finding a new drug for the patient shows how the study of proteins, known as proteomics, can be a valuable complement to the established study of genes (genomics) in real-time cancer therapies.
Omega-6 fatty acid promotes the growth of an aggressive type of breast cancer, study finds
Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in seed oils such as soybean and safflower oil, and animal products including pork and eggs, specifically enhances the growth of the hard-to-treat 'triple negative' breast cancer subtype, according to a preclinical study. The discovery could lead to new dietary and pharmaceutical strategies against breast and other cancers.
AI-powered mammograms: A new window into heart health
Mammograms, with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) models, may reveal much more than cancer, according to a new study. The findings highlight how these important cancer screening tools can also be used to assess the amount of calcium buildup in the arteries within breast tissue -- an indicator of cardiovascular health.
New antibody reduces tumor growth in treatment-resistant breast and ovarian cancers
A new type of antibody which stimulates the immune system to target cancer cells slows tumour growth, according to new research.
Scientists upends scientific understanding of how anticancer drugs kill cancer
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes play a crucial role in repairing damaged DNA. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 substantially increase the likelihood of breast and ovarian cancer, respectively. This new research illustrates how small breaks in one strand of DNA can expand into a large single-stranded DNA gap that kills drug-resistant breast BRCA mutant cancer cells. The novel vulnerability in mutant BRCA1 and BRCA2 may be a potential target for new therapeutics.
Research challenges our understanding of cancer predisposition
New findings question assumptions of cancer formation in individuals with the cancer-predisposition syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and offer hope for a personalized approach to early cancer recognition including for those with similar conditions.
An enzyme to disarm tumors
When a tumour develops, it creates a structure around itself called the tumour stroma, within which blood and lymphatic vessels ensure nutritional and respiratory biological exchanges. Lymphangiogenesis, i.e. the development of lymphatic vessels, is generally associated with a poor prognosis, as it favours the spread of metastases to other organs. By studying the cells that make up the wall of lymphatic vessels, a team has made an unexpected discovery: an enzyme they express appears to play a key role in supporting immune cells, particularly when they are activated by anti-tumor treatments. These results could pave the way for improving the effectiveness of immunotherapies.
Breast cancers broadly defined by their genome architecture
Breast cancers at all stages are defined by the structure of their genomes, researchers find. Targeting these processes early is likely to offer unexpected therapeutic avenues.
Fear of breast cancer recurrence: Impact and coping with being in a dark place
A new study of breast cancer survivors has found this psychosocial challenge impacts almost every important domain of their lives -- the emotional, behavioral, cognitive, relational and professional. A larger number of domains was affected, and they were affected more frequently in those with greater fear of recurrence. The majority of study participants indicated that they sought senses of purpose, belonging, control and connection with others.
Pickleball program boosts health and wellness for cancer survivors
A new community-based pickleball program called Project Rally is helping cancer survivors improve their physical and social well-being, according to a recent pilot study. The program has shown strong results in terms of participation, enjoyment, and physical improvements.
Research discovery halts childhood brain tumor before it forms
A research team has identified a critical event driving tumor growth in a type of medulloblastoma -- and a way to block it.
Dissolving clusters of cancer cells to prevent metastases
Successful test in breast cancer patients: the active agent digoxin, a cardiac medication, dissolves clusters of circulating breast cancer cells in the blood, thus reducing the risk of metastases formation.
Targeting potassium channel shows promise for treating brain tumors
Researchers find blocking the KCNB2 gene can slow tumor growth, paving the way for next-gen treatments for childhood brain cancer.
Predicting how childhood kidney cancers develop
New research looked at how cancers arise in children who are predisposed to developing the childhood kidney cancer, Wilms tumor, which could help anticipate the development of tumors before they fully form.
New study paves way for immunotherapies tailored for childhood cancers
Researchers have determined how children's immune systems react to different kinds of cancer depending on their age. The study reveals significant differences between the immune response of children and adults, and has the potential to lead to new tailored treatments for children with cancer.
Lung cancer test predicts survival in early stages better than current methods
Researchers have shown that a test called ORACLE can predict lung cancer survival at the point of diagnosis better than currently used clinical risk factors. This could help doctors make more informed treatment decisions for people with stage 1 lung cancer, potentially reducing the risk of the cancer returning or spreading.
Researchers resolve uncertainty in BRCA2 testing, improving cancer risk assessment and patient care
Findings from a multi-institutional, international study have significantly advanced the understanding of genetic alterations in the BRCA2 gene, a key player in hereditary cancer risk.
Preclinical study finds surges in estrogen promote binge drinking in females
The hormone estrogen regulates binge drinking in females, causing them to 'pregame' -- consume large quantities of alcohol in the first 30 minutes after it's offered, according to a preclinical study. The study establishes -- for what is thought to be the first time -- that circulating estrogen increases binge alcohol consumption in females and contributes to known sex differences in this behavior.
Breakthrough study set to change how osteosarcomas are diagnosed and treated
Researchers have been able to identify at least three distinct subtypes of a rare type of bone cancer for the first time, which could transform clinical trials and patient care.
Scientists develop scans that light-up aggressive cancer tumors for better treatment
Researchers have used a chemical compound to light up treatment-resistant cancers on imaging scans, in a breakthrough that could help medical professionals better target and treat cancer.
Being digitally hyperconnected causes 'techno-strain' for employees
A new study has shown that employees are experiencing mental and physical techno-strain due to being 'hyperconnected' to digital technology making it difficult for people to switch off from work.
Imaging technique allows rapid assessment of ovarian cancer subtypes and their response to treatment
An MRI-based imaging technique predicts the response of ovarian cancer tumors to treatment, and rapidly reveals how well treatment is working, in patient-derived cell models.
Analyzing multiple mammograms improves breast cancer risk prediction
A new method of analyzing mammograms identified individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer more accurately than the standard, questionnaire-based method did. The new method, powered by artificial intelligence, could help diagnose cancer earlier and guide recommendations for earlier screening, additional imaging or risk-reducing medications.
Long-term benefit from anti-hormonal treatment is influenced by menopausal status
Today, women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer receive anti-hormonal therapy. Researchers now show that postmenopausal women with low-risk tumors have a long-term benefit for at least 20 years, while the benefit was more short-term for younger women with similar tumor characteristics who had not yet gone through the menopause.
Cancers grow uniformly throughout their mass, study finds
Cancer cells on the surface are thought to have natural advantages compared to cells deep within, which is why scientists have hypothesized tumors grow more in their periphery than in the core. A recent study found the opposite is true: tumors grow throughout their mass. The findings challenge the idea that a tumor is a 'two-speed' entity.
Scientists find why tamoxifen works better for some people
Tamoxifen is a common and important treatment to prevent breast cancer from recurring. A new study shows that variation in a patient's gut microbiome can impact how effective the treatment is.
From food crops to cancer clinics: Lessons in extermination resistance
Researchers explore how established agricultural pest management strategies could be adapted to address cancer therapy. The pioneering method opens new possibilities for controlling drug resistance and improving patient survival.
Mathematical modelling leads to a better understanding of prostate cancer
Researchers have developed a three-dimensional mathematical model of prostate cancer. The model depicts various processes, including tumour growth, genetic evolution and tumour cell competition.
Cracking the code of DNA circles in cancer: Potential therapy
Tiny circles called ecDNA are critical in cancer development and drug resistance. An international team publishes landmark studies detailing new findings and potential therapies.
Complexity of tumors revealed in 3D
A new analysis has revealed detailed 3D maps of the internal structures of multiple tumor types. These cancer atlases reveal how different tumor cells -- and the cells of a tumor's surrounding environment -- are organized, in 3D, and how that organization changes when a tumor spreads to other organs. The detailed findings offer scientists valuable blueprints of tumors that could lead to new approaches to therapy and spark a new era in the field of cancer biology, according to the researchers.
Unlocking the secrets of cancer metastasis: study provides new insights, potential therapeutic opportunities
Metastasis remains the primary challenge to reducing cancer deaths worldwide. A study is providing insights that researchers say point to therapeutic opportunities.
Computational tool developed to predict immunotherapy outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer
Using computational tools, researchers have developed a method to assess which patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer could benefit from immunotherapy.
Novel role of BRCA1 in tumor suppression
Research shows that the breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) not only pushes accurate DNA repair to guard against cancer but promotes subsequent activity in tumor suppression.
A new technique that makes competition between tumor cells visible can help personalize treatments for multiple myeloma
A new tool detects the evolutionary advantages of multiple myeloma cells over the different treatments available. The information it provides can help prevent the tumor from becoming resistant to drugs.
How estrogen's millisecond-fast action happens
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which estrogen can trigger fast neuronal responses.
Estrogens play a hidden role in cancers, inhibiting a key immune cell
Estrogens are known to drive tumor growth in breast cancer cells that carry its receptors, but a new study unexpectedly finds that estrogens play a role in fueling the growth of breast cancers without the receptors, as well as numerous other cancers.
Programming cells to target brain tumors
Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor, with an average survival after diagnosis of less than two years, and against which current treatments remain ineffective. In recent years, immunotherapies have given patients renewed hope, albeit with relatively modest success. A team has succeeded in identifying a specific marker on the surface of tumour cells, and in generating immune cells carrying an antibody to destroy them. Furthermore, these cells, called CAR-T cells, appear to be capable of targeting diseased cells in the tumor that do not carry this antigen, while sparing healthy cells.
Combination treatment improves response to immunotherapy for lung cancer
Researchers have tested a combination of treatments in mice with lung cancer and shown that these allow immunotherapies to target non-responsive tumors.
Low oxygen levels in tumors could enhance some of the body's immune responses against cancer
Researchers have found evidence that low oxygen levels in tumors could actually enhance some of the body's immune responses against cancer, in contrast with the general paradigm that hypoxia exclusively helps cancer progression. Their findings identified a macrophage subpopulation displaying more potent immune responses under low oxygen concentrations in tumors.
Ten-year study shows tomosynthesis improves breast cancer detection
According to a new 10-year study, screening for breast cancer with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) increases cancer detection rates and significantly reduces the rate of advanced cancers compared to conventional 2D digital mammography.
Five key factors predict the response of cancer patients to immunotherapy
Researchers have identified five independent factors that predict cancer patients' response to checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). The study validates these factors in more than 1,400 patients and diverse types of cancer. These findings provide a framework to interpret biomarkers of response to CPIs and suggest a future pathway to improve personalized cancer medicine.
Breakthrough research extends hope for gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metasis
New study and promising results from the first clinical trial in patients provide novel insights and new hope for one of the deadliest of cancers.
A new artificial intelligence tool for cancer
The new approach marks a major step forward in the design of AI tools to support clinical decisions in cancer diagnosis, therapy. The model uses features of a tumor's microenvironment to forecast how a patient might respond to therapy and to help inform individualized treatments. The model can expedite the identification of patients not likely to benefit from standard treatments used in some forms of cancer.
False-positive mammograms discourage some women from future screenings
A false-positive mammogram may deter women from future screenings, according to a new study. But staying on schedule remains key to early detection of cancer.
New study supports annual breast cancer screening for women over 40
Women diagnosed with breast cancer who had regular screening mammograms every year were less likely to have late-stage cancer and had higher overall survival than those who received screening every other year or less often, according to new research.
Precision drug olaparib may be effective without hormone therapy for some men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer
The anti-cancer drug olaparib may be effective in treating biochemically recurrent prostate cancer without accompanying hormone therapy for men who have mutations in genes such as BRCA2, according to results of a phase II clinical trial of 51 patients.
Precision therapy for metastatic prostate cancer improves survival
Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer should be treated primarily with second-generation hormone drugs, which offer better treatment response and longer life expectancy than chemotherapy. However, the effect depends on which mutations the patient's tumor carries, according to a new study.