News and Events

Normally, tumor cells evade T cells by expressing a checkpoint protein known as PD-L1 (left). Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) binds to PD-L1 and blocks it from binding to another checkpoint protein, PD-1 (right). This helps T cells regain their ability to kill tumor cells.

NCI clinical trial leads to atezolizumab approval for advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma

NCI and CCR researchers have played an instrumental role in identifying the first treatment approved for advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma. The immunotherapy drug atezolizumab (Tecentriq) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adults and children two years of age and older with alveolar soft part sarcoma that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery. The CCR Pediatric Oncology Branch provided treatment and care for all trial patients under 18 years old, making this the first approval for atezolizumab in children.

Tumor cell community in a hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer.

Researchers uncover stable molecular networks inside liver tumors

The ever-changing nature of tumor microenvironments makes treating cancerous tumors difficult. CCR researchers, led by Xin Wei Wang, Ph.D., Deputy Chief of the Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, have performed single-cell RNA sequencing analyses on samples from 44 liver cancer patients. They have uncovered stable molecular networks that cells within liver tumors use to speak with nearby immune cells, which could open a path for therapeutic exploration for liver cancer.

Image credit: Marielle E. Yohe, M.D., Ph.D.

Drug Combination Shows Promise for Rhabdomyosarcoma, but Can It Get to Clinical Trials?

A study led by Marielle E. Yohe, M.D., Ph.D., Lasker Clinical Research Scholar in the Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, and Javed Khan, M.D., Deputy Chief and Senior Investigator in the Genetics Branch, has identified a potential new treatment for children with rhabdomyosarcoma. The researchers are exploring options and hope to test their drug combination in human clinical trials.

Neurons exposed to Ara-C chemotherapy trigger a DNA damage response at enhancers, marked by foci of gamma-H2AX (red) colocalizing with 53BP1 (green).

When chemotherapy interrupts genetic programs critical for neuronal development and activity, cells accrue DNA damage and die

To become neurons, brain cells must damage and immediately repair their own DNA. Some chemotherapies may harm neurons by interfering with this process.

Tumor cells are identified by islands of blue nuclei surrounded by the support cells.

Researchers exploit novel vulnerability to deprive solid tumors of nutrients

Rapidly dividing cancer cells in solid tumors can outgrow their supply of nutrients. New research suggests that tumor support cells produce collagen-derived glutamine as a source of energy for nutrient-deprived tumors. This work reveals a novel approach for designing anti-cancer drugs that can starve solid tumors.

Peter Richman, Estefania E. Marchan and their daughter Rafaela

Removing risk of stomach cancer for her daughter

Stomach cancer remains deadly in the United States despite its rarity. After discovering she was at high risk for the disease, Estefania E. Marchan decided to undergo a total gastrectomy. For a subsequent pregnancy, she ensured her daughter would never face the same risks.

Canva image of female doctor with male patient

Clinical trial researching combination drug therapy for multiple myeloma

A clinical trial led by Elizabeth M. Hill, M.D., Assistant Research Physician in the Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, is researching hematopoietic stem cell transplants and therapy for acute myeloid leukemia.

New insights into why smoking causes fatty liver disease

A new study using nicotine-metabolizing bacteria sheds light on the cellular processes triggered by tobacco use and helps explain why smoking can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Tobacco cessation is the best way to reduce the harmful effects of smoking. These findings could help researchers develop additional approaches to address smoking-related liver damage.

Cole Silver at the NIH Clinical Center for a check-up with Dr. Charalampos Floudas.

Immunotherapy options for head and neck cancers abound at CCR

In the spring of 2017, Cole Silver was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Over the last few years, he has participated in four clinical trials led by Charalampos Floudas, M.D., D.M.Sc., M.S., Assistant Research Physician, and Julius Strauss, M.D., Associate Research Physician, in the Center for Immuno-Oncology. The variety of trials at NIH gives him hope that he may find a treatment that works for him.

Five years later, an immunotherapy trial for prostate cancer sustains hope

In 2018, we interviewed Tom, a retired surgeon battling prostate cancer who, in 2016, enrolled on an immunotherapy clinical trial led by James Gulley, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Director of the Center for Immuno-Oncology. Now, five years since he first started on the trial, his PSA levels have remained undetectable and his scans continue to come back clean.

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