Scientists Found a Way to Supercharge Cancer-Fighting Cells
Bioengineered CAR T cells can be rejuvenated by engineering high levels of a specific protein, resembling stem cells, enhancing cancer-fighting abilities. [ more ]
First UK patients receive experimental messenger RNA cancer therapy
A new trial at Hammersmith hospital in west London is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of mRNA therapy in treating melanoma, lung cancer, and other solid tumors.
mRNA therapy works by presenting tumor markers to the patient's immune system, helping it recognize and fight cancer cells. [ more ]
This biotech is re-engineering cells to fight one of the cruelest cancers
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare and deadly cancer that primarily affects older individuals.
The only curative option for AML patients is a stem cell transplant, but it is a drastic and challenging procedure with a high risk of relapse. [ more ]
FDA approval of cancer treatment provides new weapon against tumors
CAR-T therapy is successful in some blood cancers but not yet approved for solid tumors. Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) use immune cells from a patient's tumor for treatment. [ more ]
Newly discovered stem cell offers clues to a cancer mystery
Scientists have discovered a new type of stem cell in the spine that may explain why more cancer cells spread to the spine than other bones in the body.
The discovery of these vertebral skeletal stem cells could have implications for cancer treatment, spine fusion surgery, and osteoporosis.
The cells make a protein that is a signal to tumor cells, raising new treatment possibilities. [ more ]
Warning over plan to move children's cancer services in south London
Specialist cancer treatment for children aged 15 and under may be moved from the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton to St George's Hospital or the Evelina Children's Hospital.
The proposal is due to new national guidelines that require specialist cancer treatment to be provided on the same site as a Level 3 children's intensive care unit, which the Royal Marsden currently does not have. [ more ]
F.D.A. Issues Warning of Cancer Risk Linked to CAR-T Therapies
The FDA is requiring companies to add a boxed warning to CAR-T therapies, stating that the treatments themselves may cause cancers.
The benefits of CAR-T therapy still outweigh the risks, but there have been reports of about 20 cases of secondary cancers potentially caused by the treatment. [ more ]
Insurance Companies Flout State Laws Made to Safeguard Cancer Treatment Access
Health insurers are refusing to cover expensive treatments, despite state laws requiring them to do so.
CAR-T therapy, a cutting-edge treatment for cancer, is being denied to patients by insurance companies.
State legislators have passed laws to ensure access to critical medical care, but insurers are still finding ways to avoid paying for expensive treatments. [ more ]