Italy in Biotech’s Post

The results revealed that the metastatic microbiome was dominated by anerobic bacteria and influenced by the anatomical site. It could also be reshaped after immunotherapy treatment and could predict the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. Immunotherapy augmented the metastatic tumor microbiome and reduced bacterial diversity, which was even more pronounced in patients who were responsive to treatment. Fusobacterium was negatively associated with responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade in non-small cell lung cancer, the authors note. This gram-negative anerobic oral commensal can directly interact with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to suppress their activities and may also indirectly contribute to immunosuppression through the secretion of bacterial-derived metabolites or outer membrane vesicles. The team concludes: “We expect that our data will serve as an important community resource to enable future studies on the complex, potentially targetable roles of the intratumor microbiome in metastatic cancers.” #tumormicrobes #immunotherapy

#cancerresearch #oncology https://lnkd.in/gGP53vdn Abstract The term ‘#precancer’ typically refers to an early stage of #neoplastic #development that is distinguishable from normal tissue owing to molecular and phenotypic alterations, resulting in abnormal cells that are at least partially self-sustaining and function outside of normal cellular cues that constrain cell proliferation and survival. Although such cells are often histologically distinct from both the corresponding normal and invasive cancer cells of the same tissue origin, defining precancer remains a challenge for both the research and clinical communities. Once sufficient molecular and phenotypic changes have occurred in the precancer, the tissue is identified as a ‘cancer’ by a histopathologist. While even diagnosing cancer can at times be challenging, the determination of invasive cancer is generally less ambiguous and suggests a high likelihood of and potential for metastatic disease. The ‘hallmarks of cancer’ set out the fundamental organizing principles of malignant transformation but exactly how many of these hallmarks and in what configuration they define precancer has not been clearly and consistently determined. In this Expert Recommendation, we provide a starting point for a conceptual framework for defining precancer, which is based on molecular, pathological, clinical and epidemiological criteria, with the goal of advancing our understanding of the initial changes that occur and opportunities to intervene at the earliest possible time point.

Let’s dive into the exciting world of patient-derived tumor spheroids (PDTS) and see how they're revolutionizing cancer research, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Imagine having mini versions of real human tumors in the lab, that’s what PDTS are all about! These 3D models give researchers a closer look at how cancer cells behave and respond to treatments. They’re like a secret weapon for developing personalized therapies that target cancer where it hurts. In immunotherapy, PDTS helps scientists figure out how to boost the immune system to fight cancer more effectively. And when it comes to chemotherapy, these spheroids let researchers test different drugs to find the best match for each patient. PDTS maintains the complexity and diversity of a patient’s original tumor, preserving important interactions and structures. This allows researchers to study how cancer cells grow and react in conditions that mimic the human body. By using PDTS, scientists can customize treatments on an individual level, offering valuable insights for personalized medicine and improving predictions of treatment success. Not only do PDTS provide a window into cancer behavior, but they also offer a platform for testing new drugs and therapies before they move into clinical trials on patients. This leads to faster and more efficient development of personalized treatments. Pre-Cure's technology is based on patient-derived tumor spheroids that we believe will revolutionize personalized medicine. We’re excited to be at the forefront of this transformation and look forward to sharing more updates as we progress. Curious to know more about our innovations? Feel free to reach out! 🎉🔬 Photo Credit: Steinberg E, Orehov N, Tischenko K, Schwob O, Zamir G, Hubert A, Manevitch Z, Benny O. Rapid Clearing for High Resolution 3D Imaging of Ex Vivo Pancreatic Cancer Spheroids. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Oct 18;21(20):7703. doi: 10.3390/ijms21207703. PMID: 33081011; PMCID: PMC7589457. #3DHumanCellModels #Spheroids #CancerResearch #3DCellCulture #PersonalizedMedicine #CancerTherapies

Traditional cancer screenings often detect diseases too late. New multi-cancer early detection tests (MCEDs) are changing this by using innovative biomarkers to identify cancers early through minimally invasive methods like blood samples. There is a substantial demand for multi-cancer early detection tests given the potential to significantly improve survival rates and treatment outcome. PanTum Detect stands out as an MCED test, detecting tumours with 95.21% sensitivity and 99.53% specificity across 50+ cancer types. Now available in multiple countries, it enhances early screening programs by combining blood tests with advanced imaging. RMDM's collaboration with the Doctors Center Polyclinic in Dubai extends PanTum Detect to the MENA region, offering comprehensive early cancer detection and peace of mind. Read more about the future of MCEDs and PanTum Detect: https://lnkd.in/evhfyKZE Ali Ghaidan Johannes Coy Letizia Gulino Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Middle East Journal of Cancer Ministry of Health and Prevention - UAE Khodr ISSA, PhD #CancerDetection #EarlyScreening #HealthcareInnovation #PanTumDetect #MCED

💊 The approval of lifileucel in February 2024 for the treatment of advanced melanoma in adults marks a milestone: It is the first adoptive cell transfer (ACT) immunotherapy for a solid cancer. For this treatment, tissue samples are obtained from the growing tumor, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are extracted and expanded in the lab using the T-cell growth factor interleukin-2 (IL-2). The reinfusion of these TILs into the patient empowers them to directly attack the tumor cells, simultaneously proliferating for a durable tumor control. 💉 The research teams at the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam and the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, USA, have further enhanced our understanding of this treatment. Joost H. van den Berg and colleagues from the Netherlands investigated the degree to which neoantigens contribute to tumor regression under TIL therapy. Through the use of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) multimers loaded with synthetic neoantigen peptides, the researchers were able to reveal a striking variation in the breadth and strength of neoantigen-specific T-cell reactivity within TIL infusion products. It ranged from as low as 0.17% to an impressive 29% of the CD8+ T cells contained within the product. Using peptides from peptides&elephants, Gal Cafri and team from the USA were able to detect neoantigen-reactive T cells in the memory compartment of epithelial cancer patients. In a parallel effort, Noam Levin and colleagues from the same institute succeeded in the expansion of the neoantigen-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ TIL clone repertoire, allowing for the isolation of novel neoantigen-specific T-cell receptors. This advancement could potentially extend TIL therapy to less immunogenic forms of cancer, such as metastatic solid epithelial cancer—a type responsible for approximately 90% of all cancer-related deaths. For detailed information, explore our new blog post: https://lnkd.in/extaVPDQ #CancerResearch #Immunotherapy #TILtherapy #peptidesynthesis #PeptideBlog

🚨 Breakthrough in Colorectal Cancer Research! 🚨 A recent study has unveiled that Camphorataimide B (CamB) effectively blocks the metastatic capabilities of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells without compromising their viability. This discovery opens new avenues for therapeutic strategies in managing CRC progression. 🔍 Key Findings: - CamB selectively inhibits metastasis while preserving CRC cell survival. - Significant reduction in BMP4 protein and mRNA levels, crucial for tumor spread. - Disruption of essential signaling pathways, including Smad and FAK/Src/Akt. - Promotes degradation of Snail, further suppressing metastatic activity. In vivo experiments show CamB's potential to significantly reduce metastasis in xenograft mouse models, highlighting its promise as a treatment option to prevent cancer dissemination. As we continue to explore the efficacy of CamB through further research and clinical trials, this could lead to improved outcomes for patients battling metastatic colorectal cancer. 👉 Click the link to read more about this exciting development! #CamphorataimideB #CancerResearch #ColorectalCancer #HealthcareInnovation #Metastasis #Publications #MarketAccess #MarketAccessToday

Ovarian cancer is the 5th most common cancer in women & notorious for the difficulties it presents for both detection & treatment. Now, The Wistar Institute Zhang lab has tested, in preclinical models, a new approach for this stubborn cancer that builds on research from 100 years ago. Their Journal of Experimental Medicine paper describes a simultaneous treatment of ovarian cancer with beta-glucan and interferon gamma significantly reduces tumor burden by recruiting the cytokine interleukin 27 (IL27). “It is our lab’s first paper and one of the first times researchers have been able to indirectly target ovarian cancer cells in peritoneal fluid by inducing an immune reaction,” said lead author Dr. Nan Zhang. “We look forward to taking this research further — particularly our findings on the role of IL27 — in hopes that we can continue to identify other strategies to improve this new anti-ovarian-cancer approach.” Read our story on their paper, "Myeloid activation clears ascites and reveals IL27-dependent regression of metastatic ovarian cancer": https://bit.ly/3Z3xLnJ #ovariancancer #cancer #research

The Potential of Opsonin-Secreting γδ T Cells as Cancer immunotherapy - Because of their safety in the allogeneic setting, γδ T cells have garnered increasing interest for their potential as cancer therapeutics and they have entered the clinic in both unmodified and gene-modified formats. - Although progress has been made in “armoring” CAR-T with secreted cytokines, most T cell engineering strategies rely on membrane-bound constructs. This confines any enhanced activity to the engineered cells; unengineered cells in the product and bystander immune cells receive little, if any, benefit. - To overcome these challenges, the authors engineered γδ T cells to secrete opsonins that bound the tumor antigen GD2 and activated Fc receptors on immune cells. They also included an IL-15Rα–IL-15 fusion protein to further improve γδ T cell function and persistence. - The opsonins produced by the γδ T cells activated the engineered cells and bystander immune cells (such as NK cells, macrophages, and neutrophils) in vitro and in vivo. - This resulted in efficacy against multiple tumor models in vivo, including orthotopic patient-derived osteosarcomas. - Together, these data support further development of opsonin-secreting γδ T cells as a cancer immunotherapy. https://lnkd.in/ea4jYcUH #cancer #celltherapy #cancerreseach #osterosarcoma #immunotherapy

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence and mortality of young-onset colorectal cancer have increased by 1.5% and 1.2% per year, respectively. If this trend continues, a Journal of the National Cancer Institute report estimates the incidence of colon cancer would double and rectal cancer would quadruple in this age group by 2030. New Cleveland Clinic research, funded by the Sondra and Stephen Hardis Family, has mapped changes in tumor-related bacteria to uncover potential new strategies to combat the rise of young-onset colorectal cancer in people under the age of 50.  Learn more about how this philanthropic-funded retrospective study has the potential to uncover new drugs to treat young-onset colon cancers: https://lnkd.in/gx42_Nbs #clevelandclinic #coloncancer #GivingDoesGood #research

Colonoscopy screening intervals could be extended for people without a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC), research suggests, allowing them to avoid unnecessary invasive examinations. The decade-long interval between screenings could potentially be extended to 15 years for those whose first colonoscopy is negative for the cancer, without resulting in major adverse consequences. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, adds to an evolving body of evidence that supports extending the historical 10-year screening interval for individuals at average CRC risk. ‘This study provides evidence for recommending a longer colonoscopy screening interval than what is currently recommended in most guidelines for populations with no familial risk of CRC,” report Mahdi Fallah, PhD, from the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, and colleagues. CRC is the third most common cancer and second most common cause of cancer deaths in the world. #colonoscopy #longercolonoscopyscreening-interval