- Researchers from Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich have discovered that cancer development and, specifically, metastasizing can be connected to the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm is a natural process that regulates the sleep–wake cycle and repeats approximately every 24 hours. These findings may help in better timing of chemotherapy treatments for their higher efficacy. The study was published in Trends in Cell Biology.
- In a preclinical study, Standford University researchers found a way to alter cancer cells so that they can induce the body’s immune system “to fight the very cancer the cells came from”. The study was published in Cancer Discovery.
- Researchers from the University of Toronto and Insilico Medicine used an AI drug discovery platform called Pharma.AI. to develop a potential therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This is just the first step, as any potential drug would need to be tested in clinical trials before it can be used in humans. The study was published in Chemical Science.
- An experimental drug, Revumenib, showed very promising results in leukemia early (phase 1) clinical trial. Complete remission was achieved in 18 Leukemia patients. The study reporting on this trial was published in Nature. A related study was published in the same issue.
- Researchers from Australia who studied the mechanisms of tumor resistance to chemotherapy discovered that tumor cells can alternate responding or not responding to chemotherapy through natural randomness. This randomness occurs in the process of cancer cells dying from chemotherapy treatment. Still, there is “a small window where treatment could be most effective.” The researchers also identified specific drugs that can help dealing with this mechanism of resistance. The study was published in Science Advances.
- New research exploring the genomic doubling phenomenon occurring in the process of carcinogenesis was conducted by researchers from Switzerland. The study that provides a new insight into cancer development processes was published in Nature.
Tag Archives: chemotherapy
From Outer Space to Patient Homes: The Cutting Edge of Exercise Research
Jessica Scott, PhD. Photo by Ethan Kavet.
Today recently spoke to MSK’s Dr. Jessica Scott about her research on whether vigorous exercise can alleviate chemotherapy side effects. Prior to working at MSK, Dr. Scott studied the impact of exercise on NASA astronauts. She has found similarities in the way space flight and chemotherapy impact the heart, brain, and musculoskeletal system.
Dr. Scott’s study participants used to visit MSK to take part in her research. To allow her work to continue during the pandemic, she and her team sent participants treadmills, blood pressure cuffs, heart monitors, and iPads to enable remote, monitored workouts—similar to how astronauts in space are monitored back on earth. Study results should be out next year.