Research News
Researchers develop new nanoparticle to boost immune system Vanderbilt researchers have developed a new nanoparticle that can more effectively get drugs inside of cells to boost the immune system and fight diseases like cancer. Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 |
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Vanderbilt nanodrug may be a paradigm shift for cancer A multidisciplinary research team at Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center has discovered a new way to kill a tumor by disrupting its acidic microenvironment without harming normal tissue. Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 |
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Tumor antigens key to improving cancer immunotherapy study Vanderbilt researchers are working to better design immune therapies that attack tumors without also attacking healthy normal tissue in patients. Friday, November 17th, 2023 |
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Vanderbilts Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell to be appointed director of the National Cancer Institute Kimryn Rathmell MD PhD MMHC the Hugh Jackson Professor of Medicine and chair of the Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center will be appointed Director of the National Cancer Institute. Friday, November 17th, 2023 |
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Crowe Osheroff honored by AAMC Vanderbilts James E. Crowe Jr MD and Neil Osheroff PhD are among 12 individuals honored by the Association of American Medical Colleges during its 2023 Awards Recognition Event. Monday, October 30th, 2023 |
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Vanderbilt-led team receives 2023 Endeavor Award from The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research A multidisciplinary team of investigators has received a 2023 Endeavor Award from The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research to support four closely linked projects exploring the fundamental mechanisms that drive the obesity-cancer connection Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 |
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Marjan Rafat wins Biomedical Engineering Society Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering Young Innovator Award Chemical and biomedical engineer and cancer researcher Marjan Rafat has received the Young Innovator Award from the Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering division of the Biomedical Engineering Society. The CMBE Young Innovator Award is a distinguished honor for young faculty in the biomolecular engineering field. Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 |
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CTTC Announces the Awardees of the 2023 Master Innovator Recognition Program Vanderbilts Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization named Richard Caprioli C. David Weaver Susan Eagle and Franz Baudenbacher 2023 Master Innovators. The yearly recognition program acknowledges Vanderbilts top innovators and entrepreneurs for their contributions to the creation development and commercialization of intellectual property. Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 |
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Novel research could provide better analysis of EVPs roles in diseases cancer Vanderbilt engineering professor Justus Ndukaife is leading innovative research that more effectively traps nanosized extracellular vesicles and particles to analyze their roles in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Monday, August 14th, 2023 |
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Nancy Cox receives American Society of Human Genetics Leadership Award Nancy Cox PhD director of the Vanderbilt Genetics Institute is the recipient of the 2023 ASHG Leadership Award from the American Society of Human Genetics. Wednesday, July 26th, 2023 |
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Nanotechnology repaves the path for cancer-fighting T cells Vanderbilt researchers are bolstering the fight against cancer with technology that enhances the effectiveness of T cells that attack tumors. Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 |
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Better adenoma detection Fluorescent nanoparticles clearly identified colonic adenomas precursors to colorectal cancer in mice and the formulation should translate to clinical use in humans. Thursday, May 4th, 2023 |
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Research identifies new target that may prevent blood cancer An international coalition of biomedical researchers co-led by Vanderbilts Alexander Bick MD PhD has determined a new way to measure the growth rate of precancerous clones of blood stem cells that one day could help doctors lower their patients risk of blood cancer. Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 |
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HDL-cholesterol and breast cancer risk Genetic analyses suggest that high circulating HDL-cholesterol levels may increase breast cancer risk — a surprising finding since increased HDL-cholesterol is thought to be healthy. Friday, January 24th, 2020 |
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VUMC study sheds light on gastric cancer development VUMC researchers have created the world’s first laboratory model of precancerous changes in the lining of the stomach, a scientific tour de force that is helping to unlock the mysteries of gastric cancer development. Friday, January 17th, 2020 |
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Study finds breast cancer recurrence score has different implications for men A study published last year offered good news for women with early-stage ER-positive breast cancer who scored at intermediate risk for recurrence. However, a new study finds this conclusion may not directly apply to male patients with the same type of breast cancer Monday, December 23rd, 2019 |
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Cell fate signaling A newly identified protein interaction that affects cell cycle regulation may be an attractive target for cancer therapy. Sunday, December 22nd, 2019 |
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Understanding cell division Vanderbilt researchers have uncovered another piece in the puzzle of how cells divide — a process that goes awry in cancer cells. Tuesday, November 19th, 2019 |
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NCI ‘Moonshot’ grant to boost hereditary cancer identification VUMC is leading an initiative to establish a streamlined process for collection of family health histories that could set the stage for a standardized system to make the information easily accessible. Friday, November 15th, 2019 |
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VICC takes leading role in international cancer database project VICC is one of three institutions launching the first phase of a collaboration to advance precision oncology through the creation of a clinico-genomic dataset with an international reach. Thursday, November 7th, 2019 |
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High fiber, yogurt diet associated with lower lung cancer risk A diet high in fiber and yogurt is associated with a reduced risk for lung cancer, according to a study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers. Monday, October 28th, 2019 |
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Another way to detect lymphedema Early detection of lymphedema, which occurs in 20% of patients following breast cancer treatment, may improve therapeutic options for patients. Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 |
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Completing DNA synthesis James Dewar and colleagues have identified a role for the enzyme topoisomerase II in reducing replication errors during the final stage of DNA synthesis. Monday, October 21st, 2019 |
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Study finds men have higher mortality rate after breast cancer diagnosis A new study shows men with breast cancer are more likely to die than their female counterparts, across all stages of disease. Thursday, October 17th, 2019 |
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A step toward gastric cancer New research findings provide insight into the detrimental events that develop in response to H. pylori infection. Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 |
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Study identifies targeted therapy’s cardiac risks After a recent study showed that chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients who received ibrutinib as a frontline treatment had a 7% death rate, a new study offers a clearer picture on the reasons for the deaths. Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 |
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Potential prostate cancer biomarkers An analysis of more than 140,000 people of European ancestry has identified blood protein biomarkers associated with prostate cancer risk. Thursday, September 19th, 2019 |
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The plus and minus of microtubules Understanding the dynamic regulation of cytoskeletal microtubules may suggest new ways to treat disorders ranging from Alzheimer's disease to cancer. Friday, September 6th, 2019 |
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Study backs genetic testing for all metastatic breast cancer patients Testing for all metastatic breast cancer patients may be an optimal strategy for identifying additional patients with increased risk as well as response to targeted therapies. Friday, September 6th, 2019 |
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Grant strengthens breast cancer research efforts Breast cancer researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center have secured a fourth round of continuous Specialized Program of Research Excellence funding. Saturday, August 31st, 2019 |
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Colorectal cancer researchers receive SPORE funding Colorectal cancer researchers from Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) have been awarded a Specialized Program of Research Excellence grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Saturday, August 31st, 2019 |
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New prostate cancer treatment concept Combining immunotherapy and radiation therapy may be a powerful treatment approach for castration-resistant prostate cancer. Friday, August 30th, 2019 |
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A “rheostat” for cancer signals Jason MacGurn and colleagues have characterized a “rheostat” that sets WNT pathway signaling in breast cancer cells. Friday, August 30th, 2019 |
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Pancreatic cancer clue Inflammation synergizes with a cell’s intrinsic genetic program to promote the development of pancreatic cancer. Friday, August 30th, 2019 |
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Protein’s role in inflammation-related cancer studied Investigators are exploring the molecular mechanisms behind the association of chronic inflammation and colon cancer. Friday, August 30th, 2019 |
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Potential second-line melanoma treatment identified A study led by Anna Vilgelm, MD, PhD, and Ann Richmond, PhD, has identified a possible second-line treatment for melanoma patients. Friday, August 30th, 2019 |
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Grant bolsters research on myelodysplastic syndromes Michael Savona, MD, professor of Medicine and Cancer Biology, and director of Hematology Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, has received a competitive grant award from the Edward P. Evans Foundation. Friday, August 9th, 2019 |
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New window on fibrosis A previously unrecognized role for a cell surface receptor may open new therapeutic options for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. Friday, August 9th, 2019 |
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Cellular soldiers designed to kill cancer cells that get loose during surgery, stop metastasis Cellular soldiers created using the body’s own defenses can track down and kill escaping cancer cells during surgeries, preventing metastasis and saving lives, a Vanderbilt University biomedical engineer has discovered, particularly in cases of triple negative breast cancer. Friday, July 26th, 2019 |
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Team’s study reveals details of new DNA repair pathway Investigators have discovered how a DNA repair pathway protein shields sites of damage to avoid mutations and maintain genome integrity. Friday, July 26th, 2019 |
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Encephalitis identified as rare toxicity of immunotherapy treatment Researchers are chronicling rare but serious toxicities that may occur with immune checkpoint inhibitors, the most widely prescribed class of immunotherapies. Monday, July 22nd, 2019 |
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A critical factor for wound healing Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center scientists have discovered a role for a tumor suppressor protein in skin wound healing. Friday, July 19th, 2019 |
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Center for Immunobiology grows, bolsters program The Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology has relaunched its mission with a greater focus on human immunology, an endeavor supported by additional researchers, more funding support and designation as a Center of Excellence. Friday, July 19th, 2019 |
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Clinical study tests drug that may prevent cancer metastasis A clinical study of a drug that may block cancer metastasis is currently enrolling patients at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Thursday, July 11th, 2019 |
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Potential probe for early ovarian cancer Larry Marnett and colleagues have developed what may become the first agent for targeted PET imaging of cancer tissues, such as ovarian cancer, that express high levels of the COX-1 enzyme. Saturday, June 29th, 2019 |
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Health disparity for blacks exists within lung screening guidelines The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines that determine which smokers qualify for CT scans exclude significant numbers of African Americans who develop lung cancer, a health disparity that merits modifications to lung cancer screening criteria, according to a study from Vanderbilt researchers. Saturday, June 29th, 2019 |
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Study details regulation of a multi-drug transporter Vanderbilt University researchers have discovered how a protein pump distinguishes between chemicals that it will expel from a cell and inhibitors that block its action - findings that could guide the development of more efficient inhibitors to prevent cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy. Thursday, May 30th, 2019 |
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Researchers putting the brakes on lethal childhood cancer A recent study suggests that blocking the MYC protein could be “unexpectedly effective” in treating malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is one of the most aggressive and lethal childhood cancers. Friday, May 3rd, 2019 |
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Cancer Center’s annual scientific retreat set for May 1 The 20th Annual Scientific Retreat will be held Wednesday, May 1, 8:30 a.m. Thursday, April 25th, 2019 |
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Like racecars and geese, cancer cells draft their way to new tumor sites Finding gives boost to fighting cancer through cell metabolism Friday, April 5th, 2019 |
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Cancer’s SOS Uncontrolled activation of RAS causes approximately a third of all tumors and helps cancerous cells evade anti-cancer drugs. Vanderbilt researchers have identified small molecules that target this pathway and further defined how these small molecule compounds work. Thursday, April 4th, 2019 |
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Cancer Center Ambassadors surpass $1 million in grants Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Ambassadors surpassed the $1 million mark with the awarding of the group’s latest research grants. Friday, March 15th, 2019 |
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The yin and yang of cell signaling Changes in enzymes involved in lysophospholipid signaling can activate a pathway implicated in development of cancer, a recent study suggests. Thursday, February 14th, 2019 |
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Signals from the “conveyor belt” Carlos F. Lopez, PhD, and colleagues propose a new “conveyor belt” mechanism for how cellular signaling is amplified, or strengthened, as signals are handed off from one enzyme to the next. Saturday, January 19th, 2019 |
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RNA processing and antiviral immunity A recent study in Nature Communications defines the in vivo substrates of RIG-I like receptors (RLRs) during an oncogenic virus infection and reveals a relationship between cellular RNA processing and an innate antiviral immune response. Friday, December 14th, 2018 |
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Breast cancer-killing RIG A recent study in the journal Cancer Research demonstrates that a RIG-I agonist has potent immunogenic and therapeutic effects in breast cancer. Friday, December 14th, 2018 |
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Combination therapy improves small-cell lung cancer survival Patients who received atezolizumab in addition to standard chemotherapy lived two months longer than those treated with chemotherapy alone, according to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Friday, October 26th, 2018 |
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Mary Kay Foundation grant to bolster immunotherapy research Charles Caskey, Ph.D., has received a cancer research grant from The Mary Kay Foundation to study how focused ultrasound therapy could be an ideal helper for immunotherapy. Monday, October 22nd, 2018 |
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Predators’ gift bolsters fight against pediatric cancer Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne, Predators executives and executives from Tri Star Energy (Twice Daily) made their annual presentation recently of proceeds from the team’s 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Monday, October 22nd, 2018 |
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SMAD4 clue to colon cancer A recent study has linked inflammation-driven carcinogenesis in the colon to loss of an important signaling protein called SMAD4. Friday, July 6th, 2018 |
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VUMC researchers find a way to ‘starve’ cancer Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to starve a tumor and stop its growth with a newly discovered small compound that blocks uptake of the vital nutrient glutamine. Thursday, January 18th, 2018 |
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A spicy finding Extracts of the plant turmeric — the spice that gives Indian curries a yellow color — have been used as an anti-inflammatory treatment in traditional Asian medicine for centuries. Claus Schneider, PhD, and colleagues have discovered that curcumin (the active chemical compound in turmeric) is a “pro-drug” that is converted into reactive metabolites with anti-inflammatory activities. Thursday, January 18th, 2018 |
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Liquid biopsies help reveal lung cancer mutations Cancer investigators led by researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center have co-developed a liquid biopsy blood-based assay used to identify specific gene mutations associated with the development or relapse of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 |
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Researchers find novel mechanism of resistance to anti-cancer drugs The targeted anti-cancer therapies cetuximab and panitumumab are mainstays of treatment for advanced colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, many patients have tumors with genetic mutations that make them resistant to these anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies, or the cancers develop resistance during treatment. Friday, October 20th, 2017 |
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Investigators match novel cancer mutations with potential therapies Research led by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) investigators may have solved a mystery about why a targeted therapy stops working in a small group of breast cancer patients. They identified a novel gene mutation that develops in the tumors, and then found a different cancer drug that appears to treat the newly identified mutation. The […] Monday, August 7th, 2017 |
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HDAC3 role in B-cell development Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that modulate gene expression and have important roles in development and disease. HDAC inhibitors are active against lymphoma, and understanding the roles of specific HDACs is important for further therapeutic development. Scott Hiebert, Ph. Monday, August 7th, 2017 |
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Drivers of breast cancer metastasis Overexpression of HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is found in about 25 percent of breast cancers and is associated with poor outcomes. HER2-amplified breast cancers use signaling through a complex of proteins called mTORC2 to drive tumor formation, tumor cell survival and resistance to HER2-targeted therapies. Rebecca Cook, Ph. Thursday, July 27th, 2017 |
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Coffey lands major NCI award to support colorectal cancer research Vanderbilt’s Robert Coffey Jr., M.D. Friday, June 9th, 2017 |
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Horn to lead lung cancer combination therapy trial Leora Horn, M.D., M. Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 |
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Study takes 3-D perspective on colorectal cancer Despite dramatic recent advances in treatment, colorectal cancer killed more than 49,000 Americans last year, according to the National Cancer Institute, making it the second most lethal malignancy after cancers of the lung and bronchus. Determined to reduce the death toll, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center recently put on their 3-D “glasses” and took […] Friday, March 24th, 2017 |
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Breast cancer program lands new research grants Several investigators in Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center’s (VICC) Breast Cancer Program have received grant awards to support translational research that may improve disease outcomes for patients. The grants totaling more than $3 million will fund mechanistic science and clinical trials designed to test novel therapy combinations and determine why some forms of breast cancer become resistant […] Friday, March 24th, 2017 |
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Investigators seek new way to define cell identity Jonathan Irish, Ph.D., and colleagues have developed a new way to describe and identify cells. Monday, March 6th, 2017 |
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Metastatic pancreatic cancer ‘reprograms’ for malignancy Metastatic pancreatic cancer — cancer that has spread from the pancreas to other tissues and is responsible for most patient deaths — changes its metabolism and is “reprogrammed” for optimal malignancy, according to new findings reported Jan. 16 in Nature Genetics. It may be possible to reverse the malignant reprogramming to treat metastatic pancreatic cancer, […] Thursday, January 19th, 2017 |
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Midgut neuroendocrine tumor prognosis Patients with small intestine neuroendocrine tumors often have mesenteric tumor deposits (MTDs) in the abdomen – discrete tumor nodules that are not connected to the primary tumor. The clinical significance of these tumor deposits has not been thoroughly investigated, and they are not included in the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for […] Thursday, January 12th, 2017 |
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V Foundation grants bolster cancer initiatives Two Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) investigators have earned grant awards from The V Foundation for Cancer Research, continuing the foundation’s support for innovative cancer research initiatives at VICC. Raymond Blind, Ph.D. Thursday, November 17th, 2016 |
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Study details rare heart risk of certain cancer therapies Combination therapy using two approved immunotherapy drugs for cancer treatment may cause rare and sometimes fatal cardiac side effects linked to an unexpected immune response. In a study led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) investigators and published in the Nov. 3 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers describe two cases of […] Monday, November 7th, 2016 |
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Precision medicine already changing cancer treatment strategies The ability to test patients’ cancers for individual differences, mainly at the genetic level, and to make treatment decisions based on those differences is the hallmark of precision medicine, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is among the leaders of this new approach to diagnosis and treatment. “Nationwide we’re seeing great promise with this approach […] Thursday, May 26th, 2016 |
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VICC investigators in spotlight at AACR conference A top Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) investigator recently met with Vice President Joe Biden regarding the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative, a major national program to identify, fund and accelerate the most promising research leading to cancer cures. Carlos L. Arteaga, M. Thursday, May 19th, 2016 |
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Study explores how some breast cancers resist treatment A targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive form of breast cancer, has shown potential promise in a recently published study. TNBC is the only type of breast cancer for which there are no currently approved targeted therapies. The new study led by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) investigators has identified gene alterations […] Thursday, April 21st, 2016 |
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VICC treats first patient in Tennessee with novel cellular immunotherapy For the first time, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) investigators have used a cancer patient’s own re-engineered immune cells to treat a form of blood cancer by stimulating the immune system. The new CAR-T investigational therapy (known as KTE-C19) is being studied in a clinical trial for patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). The trial, called […] Monday, February 29th, 2016 |
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Study seeks to ease ‘chemobrain’ for cancer patients Many women who receive chemotherapy for breast cancer report problems with their thinking, memory and attention after treatment. And as the survival rates for breast cancer increase, so do these issues associated with chemotherapy. Paul Newhouse, M. Monday, August 24th, 2015 |