Cancer Currents: An NCI Cancer Research Blog

Images of human fibroblast cells in their resting state and same cells after exposure to DNA-damaging chemotherapy.

DINO RNA Molecule Triggers Anticancer Response in Damaged Cells

By NCI Staff
October 24, 2016

Studies in cells and mice found that, in cells with damaged DNA, a noncoding RNA called DINO stabilizes the p53 protein and guides the cells into cell death, preventing tumor development.

An orange cell with yellow highlights on a black background. The cell is round and has an intricate, lumpy exterior, There are random, long, thin strings coming off the cell surface, mostly on the right hand side. On these strings, small spikes and bumps extrude.

Modified Immunotherapy Approach Shows Promise for Leukemia

By NCI Staff
October 21, 2016

Researchers have developed an immunotherapy approach that uses immune cells whose natural cancer killing abilities have been enhanced in the lab. In a small clinical trial, the treatment led to remissions in about half of patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

Diagram of healthy cells, cancer cells and novel finding,

Metabolomics Study Reveals another Energy Source for Cancer Cells

By NCI Staff
October 20, 2016

Researchers have found that cancer cells can use the compound lactate to fuel biochemical reactions and to generate other compounds they need for growth and survival.

Educating Patients about Genetic Test Results: An Interview with Carol Weil about the COMET Study

By Carol Weil, J.D.
October 14, 2016

The recently launched COMET study will examine whether educating patients with cancer about genetic testing will increase their knowledge and reduce their stress levels after receiving genomic testing results.

Illustration of a cross-section of human skin showing three layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The image includes hair shafts, oil glands, hair follicles, sweat glands, veins, arteries, nerves, and lymph vessels within the dermis and subcutaneous layer. An inset highlights the epidermis with Merkel cells, along with veins, arteries, and nerves in the dermis.

Avelumab Induces Sustained Tumor Responses in Some Patients with Rare Skin Cancer

By NCI Staff
October 6, 2016

In a phase II clinical trial, some patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma whose cancer has progressed despite treatment with chemotherapy had durable tumor responses to the immunotherapy drug avelumab.

Nurse in pink scrubs reading to an elderly male patient in bed as part of palliative care, focusing on comfort and quality of life during cancer treatment.

Study Confirms Benefits of Early Palliative Care for Advanced Cancer

By NCI Staff
October 5, 2016

A randomized clinical trial has found that patients who received palliative care along with standard treatment for advanced cancer reported having a better quality of life and mood than patients who did not receive early palliative care.

Child with a bald head, is smiling while playfully holding onto the woman’s shoulders. The woman looks content as she interacts with the child.

TARGET Initiative Fueling Progress against Childhood Leukemia

By NCI Staff
September 30, 2016

Research from TARGET, an NCI-funded program supporting genomic analyses of childhood cancers, has led to the launch of several clinical trials of targeted therapies to treat children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Studies Highlight Potential of Targeting HIF-2 in Kidney Cancer

By NCI Staff
September 29, 2016

Two new studies suggest that a new class of drugs can effectively target a molecular driver of the most common type of kidney cancer.

Elderly woman comforting a man by placing her hand on his shoulder as they sit together on a couch, with the man appearing distressed or contemplative.

Many Cancer Caregivers Report Feeling Unprepared for Caregiving Challenges

By NCI Staff
September 27, 2016

Many family members who care for loved ones with cancer do not feel adequately prepared for the caregiving tasks they assume and need help to make informed decisions about end-of-life care, according to a new study.

Magnified image showing cells during mitosis. Green filaments represent the cytoskeleton and spindle fibers, while clustered dark purple lines illustrate chromosomes lined up during cell division.

Chromosomal Instability Score May Predict Response to Cancer Treatment

By NCI Staff
September 23, 2016

A new study suggests that a chromosomal instability score may help guide treatment choices for patients with cancer.