February 2024 - Cancer Currents Blog
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ctDNA May Guide Who Needs Chemo After Colorectal Cancer SurgeryResults from a new study suggest that the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood samples can predict which patients with colorectal cancer should and shouldn’t get chemotherapy after surgery to remove their tumors.
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Pump Up the Volume: “Priming Agents” May Improve Cancer Liquid BiopsiesUsing two different techniques, researchers showed they could temporarily boost ctDNA levels in the blood of mice with tumors. With more ctDNA in collected blood draws, a liquid biopsy could better detect cancer, the research team found.
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Repotrectinib Expands Treatment Options for Lung Cancers with ROS1 FusionsThe results of the clinical trial that led to FDA’s 2023 approval of repotrectinib (Augtyro) for lung cancers with ROS1 fusions have been published. The drug shrank tumors in 80% of people receiving the drug as an initial treatment.
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How a Simple Tool Is Saving Lives of Children with Cancer in Latin AmericaA system for catching treatment-related complications in children with cancer has proven to be highly effective in many Latin American hospitals. An NCI-funded study aims to help make these early warning systems sustainable.
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Manipulating an Immune Cell May Make Radiation Therapy More Effective, Study SuggestsIn a new study in mice, researchers showed they could enhance radiation therapy by boosting levels of the BAMBI protein in MDSC immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. After radiation, T cells flooded into the tumor and killed tumors elsewhere in the body.
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India’s First Homegrown CAR T-Cell Therapy Has Roots in NCI CollaborationTraining provided by NCI scientists helped researchers in India design an effective CAR-T cell therapy, NexCAR19, that can be manufactured in India, made available at a reasonable cost, and meet the needs of patients in India’s health care system.