A key mechanism that fuels uncontrolled cell growth is uncovered in yeast
Scientists have long wondered how cancer cells use a protein complex, called TOR, to survive and proliferate in nutrient-poor conditions. Now, CCR researchers have discovered how a protein that is targeted by TOR drives this process, which holds important implications for understanding cancer and some genetic disorders. Read more...
Registration and abstract submission now open for RNA Biology Symposium
Feb 10, 2021
The symposium offers the opportunity to learn more about the current status of RNA biology in development and disease, share research with leading figures in the field and discuss the use and implications of these advances for clinical applications. Sessions Include: RNA Processing; RNA Structure and Mechanism; Non-Classical RNAs; and RNA Therapy. Learn more...
Potential therapeutic target for lung squamous cell carcinoma identified
Feb 9, 2021
CCR researchers have identified the protein TNIK as a therapeutic target for lung squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type of lung cancer. Using human lung cancer cells transplanted into preclinical models, researchers found that the cells responded to a pharmacological treatment that inhibited TNIK and also resulted in cell death in the transplanted tumor cells. Read more...
Clinical trial studies immunotherapy combination for recurrent thymoma and thymic carcinoma
Feb 9, 2021
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare cancers that originate from the cells of the thymus, a small organ that sits in the chest between the lungs and above the heart. Arun Rajan, M.D., Senior Clinician in the Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, is leading a clinical trial of a therapy for thymoma and thymic carcinoma that has returned after chemotherapy and cannot be treated with surgery. Read more...
Fecal microbiota transplants help patients with advanced melanoma respond to immunotherapy
Feb 4, 2021
A collaborative study between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at the University of Pittsburgh suggests that fecal microbiota transplants can help patients with advanced melanoma respond to immunotherapy. “Our study is one of the first to demonstrate in patients that altering the composition of the gut microbiome can improve the response to immunotherapy,” says study co-leader Giorgio Trinchieri, M.D., Chief of CCR’s Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology. Read more...
New way to address chemoresistance linked to the protein SLFN11
Jan 29, 2021
CCR researchers have discovered two complementary roles for the protein Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) in determining patient response to chemotherapy. These findings have implications for how to overcome this resistance and provide new treatment options for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and many other cancers. Read more...
Genetics, not just smoking, influence small cell lung cancer risk
Jan 27, 2021
People with mutations in DNA repair genes may be more likely than others to develop small cell lung cancer. Identifying these mutations in patients could help guide treatment decisions. Read more...
New findings show how damaged cells survive the cell cycle
Jan 13, 2021
As cells divide and replicate, important safety checkpoints are in place to ensure that most faulty cells with damaged DNA do not survive the cell cycle. In a new twist, CCR researchers discovered how some damaged cells use molecular inertia to drive past these safety checkpoints and continue through the cell cycle. Read more...
New insights into what fuels an aggressive form of kidney disease
Jan 5, 2021
Researchers have uncovered a key mechanism behind an aggressive form of kidney cancer, whereby cells lacking an important enzyme are unable to replicate and maintain healthy mitochondrial DNA. This results in more genetic abnormalities in the cells, fueling the growth and spread of cancer. Read more...
Clinical trial studies therapy for relapsed/refractory T-cell malignancies
Jan 5, 2021
Milos Miljkovic, M.D., M.Sc., Assistant Research Physician in the Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, is leading a study of a 4-drug combination treatment strategy using romidepsin, oral 5-azacitidine, dexamethasone and lenalidomide for T-cell malignancies (TCMs). Researchers are seeking to determine the safety, side effects, and best dose of this 4-drug combination for people with relapsed/refractory TCM. Read more...
Study evaluates, treats, and follows patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Dec 31, 2020
More than half of all gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) start in the stomach, but they can start anywhere in the GI tract. Andrew M. Blakely, M.D., Assistant Research Physician in the Surgical Oncology Program, is leading a study of GIST that could benefit current and future patients. Read more...