Common local anesthetic may be effective against head and neck cancers

A new study has uncovered how the commonly used local anesthetic drug, lidocaine, activates bitter taste receptors to exert an anti-cancer effect in head and neck cancers. Given its low cost and ready availability, the drug could easily be incorporated… Continue reading Common local anesthetic may be effective against head and neck cancers

Immunotherapy drug proves promising for deadly small cell lung cancer

Researchers have published the results of a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of an immunotherapy drug in treating a particularly aggressive form of lung cancer. Tarlatamab produced promising results, demonstrating antitumor activity and improving… Continue reading Immunotherapy drug proves promising for deadly small cell lung cancer

Ultra-processed foods linked to higher risk of some cancers

A large study has found a link between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and the risk of developing head, neck, and esophageal cancers. However, they found that obesity, often caused by eating too much of these foods, was not a large contribu… Continue reading Ultra-processed foods linked to higher risk of some cancers

Cheap drugs may be within reach thanks to copper chemistry discovery

Copper is not new to medicine, having been used in infection-fighting nanoparticles and implants, among many other innovations. However, it hasn’t quite been used in the way some chemists from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have achiev… Continue reading Cheap drugs may be within reach thanks to copper chemistry discovery

New tech screens & identifies drugs capable of stopping melanoma spread

Researchers have developed an automated platform that they’ve used to screen thousands of drugs and identify those that can be used to interrupt the spread of melanoma, one of which they successfully trialed on mice. The approach could help identify pr… Continue reading New tech screens & identifies drugs capable of stopping melanoma spread

Multifunctional gel developed to treat solid cancer tumors & metastases

Researchers have developed a liquid gel that solidifies when injected into a solid tumor, is visible on a CT scan, and can slow-release cancer-fighting treatments. Using the gel in combination with immunotherapy improved survival in mice and affected d… Continue reading Multifunctional gel developed to treat solid cancer tumors & metastases

Overweight men show heightened risk of 17 different cancers

While we often try our best to not live in the past, our biology often has other ideas. Adding to a growing body of evidence that links weight to cancer, researchers have found significantly higher risks for 17 different cancers among men who carried a… Continue reading Overweight men show heightened risk of 17 different cancers

Gastric cancer biomarker nearly 90% accurate, even in early stages

Researchers have identified a blood protein that can be used as a marker of gastric and other cancers and is more accurate than existing diagnostic biomarkers, even in the early stages of the disease. The simple test may lead to the earlier diagnosis o… Continue reading Gastric cancer biomarker nearly 90% accurate, even in early stages

“Off-the-shelf” cancer immunotherapy inches closer with new mouse study

Immunotherapy is a promising cancer treatment, but it can take too long to administer. In a new study, scientists at UCLA have taken steps towards an “off-the-shelf” therapy that could be mass produced and quickly rolled out to patients with a variety … Continue reading “Off-the-shelf” cancer immunotherapy inches closer with new mouse study

Genetic ringleader responsible for prostate cancer spread identified

Researchers have identified the gene responsible for setting off a cellular chain reaction that causes prostate cancer to metastasize to the bone, making it almost impossible to treat. The discovery could have significant implications for treating pros… Continue reading Genetic ringleader responsible for prostate cancer spread identified