Although labs were locked down across the world in 2020, not all has been lost. Cancer research has continued – thanks to the generosity of people like you – even if it happened at a slower pace. Behind closed doors, in socially distanced labs, researchers continued to start new cures for cancer - and make new discoveries.
1. New evidence that some cells can help cancer hide from the immune system
Dr Cathy Tournier, based at the University of Manchester, recently discovered that tumours can attract and help grow a type of cell found in our body which helps the tumour hide from the immune system. Her team found that this was reliant on the cancer cells producing a special molecule that they say could be blocked with targeted drugs, allowing the immune system to recognise and kill off cancer cells.
2. Gene found to be a key player in helping breast cancer to spread around the body
Dr Sara Sigismund at the European Institute of Oncology in Italy has helped to discover that a gene called EPN3 plays a crucial role in helping breast cancer to grow and spread around the body to other organs. The researchers have worked out exactly how this gene works and suggest that EPN3 could be used as a new target for the design of new breast cancer drugs.
3. Cancer gene found to help lung cancers spread that could lead the way to new treatments
Professor Andrew Fry at the University of Leicester has found out exactly how a particular genetic mutation accelerates lung cancer spread in patients. His teams research has identified a new molecular mechanism in lung cancer that could now be used to help develop new ways to treat the disease.
4. Molecule on the surface of cancer cells could be blocked to prevent them spreading
Dr Elvira Olaso at the University of the Basque Country in Spain has discovered the important role played by a protein found coating the outside surface of cancer cells. Her research shows that by blocking this protein they can prevent cancer cells from going through some of the changes that are required to allow them to spread around the body, potentially starting the development of new treatments.
5. Scientists have uncovered a promising new treatment approach that could improve survival for the most common type of childhood brain tumour
The research, carried out by a large collaborative group of cancer researchers from around the world, has shown that combining immunotherapy with a drug called TNF (tumour necrosis factor) could eradicate tumours that were otherwise unaffected by immunotherapy.
6. New drug could become one of the first targeted treatments for triple-negative breast cancer
Dr Najoua Lalaoui, a scientist at the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Australia, has been studying a new drug called birinapant. A drug which her research is showing could become one of the first targeted treatments for triple-negative breast cancer.
7.Our scientists have been studying how chemotherapy works by looking at the DNA of microscopic worms
It might sound weird, but these worms are an incredibly useful tool for scientists to use in cancer research. Researchers have now been able to map out exactly how chemotherapy interacts with DNA, something that, one day, will hopefully lead to a kinder and more effective chemotherapy.
8. Clinical trials for new cancer vaccine could start within three years
Scientists are ready to start clinical trials for a new cancer vaccine thanks to a recent research breakthrough. The team, led by Associate Professor Kristen Radford in Queensland, Australia, hope that they will be able to begin clinical trials within the next three years.
9. Clinical trial hints at new treatment option for bladder cancer
Scientists in the Netherlands have made progress towards a new treatment option for patients with bladder cancer. Results from an early stage clinical trial, called NABUCCO, show that combining two types of immunotherapy prior to surgery in bladder cancer patients could be an effective way to stop the cancer coming back.
10. New discovery starts drug development for pancreatic cancer
Scientists have taken the first step towards a new and urgently needed targeted treatment for pancreatic cancer. The UK team of researchers, led by Dr Sharon Rossiter, discovered several new compounds that inhibit S100P, a protein that is known to play a detrimental role in tumour progression and metastasis in pancreatic, as well as several other cancers.
11. ‘Game-changing’ treatment for prostate cancer could be available to patients within 4 years
A cheap roundworm drug has been found to enhance the effects of chemotherapy in prostate cancer.
Scientists have tested close to 1000 existing medicines and discovered that a cheap drug commonly used to treat parasitic worm infection could be a game-changing treatment for prostate cancer.
12. New cancer drug that could help people with multiple myeloma
Dr Tuna Mutis and his team at the VU University Medical Center in the Netherlands have been studying this new drug – called FL118 - that has already shown promise in colon and head and neck cancers. Recent results from Dr Mutis’ lab show that the new drug could help overcome treatment resistance in advanced cases of multiple myeloma.
Incredible discoveries like this would not happen without research – and research cannot happen without the support of people like you. If you’re feeling inspired, why not help us make the breakthroughs of the future by donating and starting new cancer cures today?
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