Recent studies have uncovered new cancer therapeutic targets and strategies, including self-assembling antibody-drug conjugates, a dual-action metabolic drug, and a BRAF protein structure. Research also advanced on dendritic cell vaccines, the origins of a rare childhood leukemia, and cancer cachexia treatment.
New research links gut microbiome composition to cancer immunotherapy outcomes. A 674-patient study showed gut bacteria predict melanoma recurrence with up to 94% accuracy, while other studies identified specific microbes influencing treatment response and resistance in melanoma and liver cancer.
Meta-analysis of 24 trials found chemoimmunotherapy improved survival in PD-L1-high advanced NSCLC. PPIs and antibiotics were linked to worse durvalumab outcomes, and a chronotherapy trial was retracted.
An armored GPC3-directed CAR T-cell therapy showed manageable safety and antitumor activity in refractory HCC, with 44.4% objective responses and 14.2-month median overall survival in a first-in-human trial.
Candel initiated the Phase 3 AURORA trial of aglatimagene in NSCLC and plans a Q4 2026 BLA in localized prostate cancer, with a potential 2027 launch. The company also appointed a Chief Commercial Officer.
Four biomarkers—MMR, HER2, PD-L1, and Claudin 18.2—are now validated for advanced esophageal cancer, guiding immunotherapy and targeted treatment decisions. Checkpoint inhibitors show clear benefit in MSI-H and PD-L1-positive subgroups, with long-term survival observed. NCCN guidelines recommend broad testing to personalize therapy.
New research shows obesity-associated immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy depends on the diet–gut microbiome axis rather than metabolic dysfunction. Human-to-mouse fecal microbiota transplants from high-BMI donors enhanced ICI efficacy, while a review outlines obesity-related inflammation's role in lung cancer immunotherapy outcomes and biomarkers.
Hematologic cancer survivors face elevated CVD risk and fourfold higher heart failure risk. Cardiac screening is low among cardiotoxic treatment recipients. A trial found simple risk assessment may suffice.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are associated with a significantly lower risk of non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration, while sociodemographic disparities strongly influence diabetic retinopathy screening adherence, according to two separate ophthalmology studies.
Three trials show ultra-low-dose checkpoint inhibitors retain efficacy with reduced toxicity and dramatically lower costs. DELII and Patil et al. trials tested low-dose nivolumab in solid tumors and HNSCC; NIVIPIT tested intratumoral low-dose ipilimumab in melanoma.
