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Daily peanut exposure can desensitise allergic adults, study suggests
a year ago
- Adults with severe peanut allergies can be desensitized through daily exposure to increasing doses of peanut flour.
- Two-thirds of trial participants could safely consume the equivalent of five peanuts after months of treatment.
- The study suggests that allergy treatment may be effective in adults, not just children.
- Participants maintained their desensitization by consuming a daily peanut dose post-trial but were still advised to carry an EpiPen.
- The treatment significantly improved quality of life for participants, reducing fear of accidental exposure.
- A larger multi-center trial is needed before wider adoption of this treatment.
'Inverse vaccines': promise of a 'holy grail' treatment for autoimmune diseases
a year ago
- Autoimmune diseases affect around 10% of the global population, with conditions like multiple sclerosis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes.
- Current treatments suppress the entire immune system, leaving patients vulnerable to other illnesses.
- Inverse vaccines target only the rogue part of the immune system, offering a more precise treatment approach.
- A 2021 study showed inverse vaccines effectively protected celiac patients from gluten-induced intestinal damage.
- Inverse vaccines use synthetic nanoparticles to retrain the immune system to ignore specific disease-related proteins.
- Research in mice has shown promise for treating multiple sclerosis and allergies using inverse vaccines.
- Inverse vaccines may provide long-lasting effects, similar to traditional vaccines, reducing the need for daily treatments.
- Potential applications extend beyond autoimmunity to allergies, such as peanut allergies and alpha-gal syndrome.
- Several biotech startups and pharmaceutical companies are investing in inverse vaccine development.
- First inverse vaccines could be available in 3-10 years, with ongoing phase two trials.
NHS rolls out 5-minute 'super-jab' for 15 cancers
a year ago
- NHS introduces a 5-minute 'super-jab' for treating 15 types of cancer, the first in Europe to do so.
- The new injectable form of immunotherapy, nivolumab, reduces treatment time from up to an hour via IV drip to just 5 minutes.
- Approximately 1,200 patients in England per month could benefit from this treatment, saving over a year's worth of treatment time annually.
- The jab is preferred by patients in clinical trials for its convenience and shorter administration time.
- Around 40% of patients currently receiving IV nivolumab may be eligible for the new jab.
- The rollout is expected to save NHS staff about 1,000 hours of treatment time each month.
- The treatment comes at no extra cost to the NHS due to a negotiated agreement with the manufacturer.
- This innovation is part of NHS England's strategy to improve patient experience and free up clinical capacity.
Breakthrough cancer drug doubles survival in trial
a year ago
- Breakthrough immunotherapy drug doubles survival time for advanced head and neck cancer patients.
- Clinical trial shows patients given pembrolizumab before and after surgery had an average cancer-free period increase from 2.5 to 5 years.
- Laura Marston, a patient, shares her success story after being given a dire prognosis six years ago.
- The drug helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, reducing the risk of recurrence by 10% after three years.
- Head and neck cancers are difficult to treat, with over half of advanced cases resulting in death within five years.
- The treatment approach, involving pre- and post-surgery immunotherapy, is described as a significant advancement in 20 years.
- Researchers advocate for NHS availability of pembrolizumab following the trial's positive outcomes.
- The international Keynote trial involved 350 patients across 192 hospitals in 24 countries, funded by MSD.
Administering immunotherapy in the morning seems to matter. Why?
a year ago
- Immunotherapy administered in the morning shows significant improvements in cancer control and patient survival.
- Randomized clinical trials and retrospective studies support the benefits of morning immunotherapy, termed 'immunochronotherapy'.
- Circadian rhythms influence immune system activity, with higher lymphocyte concentrations in the morning.
- Morning administration may enhance T-cell activation and dendritic cell function, improving immunotherapy efficacy.
- Despite long half-lives of immunotherapy drugs, initial dosing time appears crucial for long-term outcomes.
- Mechanisms behind timing effects remain unclear, but may involve multiple small biological advantages in the morning.
- Historical parallels exist with disproven chronotherapy claims in hypertension treatment, warranting caution.
- Ongoing and future clinical trials aim to validate and explore chronoimmunotherapy further.
'Universal' Cancer Vaccine Destroys Resistant Tumors in Mice
8 months ago
- Scientists are developing a universal cancer vaccine that could attack a wider range of cancers.
- The vaccine uses mRNA to stimulate a strong immune response, making cancerous tissues more sensitive to attack.
- The vaccine works by enhancing a reaction from dormant cells not typically associated with a cancer response.
- A second component of the treatment uses immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to boost the immune system's effectiveness.
- Combining the vaccine with ICIs showed strong tumor-fighting responses in mice, even against treatment-resistant tumors.
- Clinical trials are planned to test the vaccine's effectiveness and safety in humans.
- The vaccine could potentially be commercialized as a universal cancer vaccine.
- Researchers are also exploring ways to identify patients who would benefit most from this vaccine.
- The approach shows promise but requires further testing to ensure safety and efficacy.
Immunotherapy drug eliminates aggressive cancers in clinical trial
8 months ago
- CD40 agonist antibodies showed promise in animal models but had limited impact and severe side effects in human trials.
- Rockefeller University engineered an enhanced CD40 antibody (2141-V11) to improve efficacy and reduce side effects.
- Phase 1 trial results showed tumor shrinkage in 6 out of 12 patients, with 2 achieving complete remission.
- The drug induced systemic immune responses, shrinking non-injected tumors, a rare outcome in cancer treatments.
- 2141-V11 binds tightly to CD40 receptors and engages an Fc receptor, making it 10 times more effective.
- Direct tumor injection minimized toxicity compared to intravenous administration.
- Tumors developed tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), linked to better immunotherapy responses.
- Ongoing trials explore 2141-V11's effects on bladder, prostate, and glioblastoma cancers.
- High T cell clonality in patients correlated with complete remission, suggesting immune system prerequisites for drug efficacy.
- Future research aims to identify predictors of response and convert non-responders into responders.
Experimental "super vaccine" stopped cancer cold in the lab
7 months ago
- UMass Amherst researchers developed a nanoparticle-based cancer vaccine preventing melanoma, pancreatic, and triple-negative breast cancers in mice with up to 88% tumor-free survival.
- The vaccine triggers multi-pathway immune responses, producing strong T-cell activation and long-term immune memory, stopping tumor growth and metastasis.
- Using a lipid nanoparticle 'super adjuvant,' the vaccine combines cancer-specific antigens to overcome immunotherapy challenges.
- In tests, 80% of vaccinated mice remained tumor-free for 250 days, while unvaccinated mice developed tumors and died within 35 days.
- The vaccine also prevented lung metastases, with none of the vaccinated mice developing lung tumors.
- A second version using tumor lysate showed 88%, 75%, and 69% rejection rates for pancreatic, breast, and melanoma cancers, respectively.
- The nanoparticle design allows stable encapsulation of two distinct immune adjuvants, activating immunity synergistically.
- Researchers plan to extend this technology to therapeutic vaccines and have founded a startup, NanoVax Therapeutics, for translational efforts.
- The study was published in Cell Reports Medicine on October 9, 2025.
Smart jab can shrink head and neck cancer tumours within six weeks, trial finds
6 months ago
- Amivantamab, a triple-action smart jab, shows promise in shrinking tumors in head and neck cancer patients within six weeks.
- Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer globally, with limited treatment options if immunotherapy and chemotherapy fail.
- The drug targets EGFR and MET pathways while boosting the immune system, offering a new approach to treatment.
- Administered as a simple injection, amivantamab is faster and more convenient than traditional therapies, potentially usable in outpatient clinics or at home.
- Early trial results show 76% of patients experienced tumor shrinkage or halted growth, with an average progression-free survival of 6.8 months.
- Side effects were mostly mild to moderate, and the treatment was well-tolerated by patients.
- Patient testimonials, like Carl Walsh's, highlight significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
Covid-19 mRNA vaccines could unlock the next revolution in cancer treatment
6 months ago
- COVID-19 mRNA vaccines may help the immune system fight cancer, according to a new study.
- Patients who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines alongside immunotherapy had significantly higher survival rates.
- The vaccines act like an alarm, triggering the immune system to recognize and kill tumor cells.
- This approach could help treat 'cold' tumors that typically evade immune detection.
- A nationwide clinical trial is planned to test this treatment strategy in lung cancer patients.
mRNA Covid-19 vaccines could 'turbo-charge' cancer treatments
6 months ago
- mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines may enhance immunotherapy outcomes for cancer patients.
- Patients receiving mRNA vaccines within 100 days of immunotherapy had higher survival rates.
- Study involved over 1,000 advanced lung or skin cancer patients.
- Three-year survival rate for lung cancer patients was 55.7% vs. 30.8% in unvaccinated.
- mRNA vaccines may stimulate a general immune response, aiding cancer treatment.
- Potential for mRNA technology to revolutionize oncologic care and create universal cancer vaccines.
- Researchers planning late-stage clinical trials to validate findings.
- Caution advised as results may be coincidental; healthier patients might skew outcomes.
Frog gut bacterium eliminates cancer tumors in mice with a single dose
5 months ago
- A bacterium from Japanese tree frog intestines shows strong tumor-killing abilities when administered intravenously.
- Researchers isolated 45 bacterial strains from amphibians and reptiles, narrowing down to nine with anti-tumor effects.
- Ewingella americana from tree frogs demonstrated the strongest tumor-targeting and cytotoxic activity.
- The bacterium works through a dual-action mechanism: direct tumor cell killing and immune system activation.
- In mice with colorectal cancer, a single dose of E. americana completely eliminated tumors and provided long-lasting immunity.
- E. americana thrives in low-oxygen tumor environments, multiplying rapidly without harming healthy tissues.
- The treatment triggered an immune response, flooding tumors with neutrophils, T cells, and B cells.
- The bacterium is tumor-specific, sensitive to antibiotics, and showed no long-term toxicity in mice.
- Researchers plan to test E. americana in breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma, alongside existing therapies.
- The findings suggest microbiome-derived bacteria could lead to new, transformative cancer treatments.
Gut Bacteria from Amphibians and Reptiles Achieve Complete Tumor Elimination
5 months ago
- Natural bacteria from amphibian and reptile intestines completely eliminate tumors with a single administration.
- Ewingella americana, isolated from Japanese tree frogs, shows potent anticancer activity.
- The bacteria combine direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells with immune system activation.
- Achieves 100% complete response in mouse colorectal cancer models, outperforming current therapies.
- Selectively accumulates in tumors without colonizing normal organs, ensuring safety.
- Future research will explore applications in other cancer types and combination therapies.
The Exhilirating Movement from Treatment to Cures for Autoimmune Diseases
4 months ago
- Autoimmune diseases affect about 10% of the global population, with risks doubling post-Covid.
- Traditional treatments like Humira (adalimumab) suppress the immune system but come with high costs and side effects.
- CAR T-cell therapy, initially used for cancer, has shown success in curing autoimmune diseases like lupus and systemic sclerosis.
- In 2025, advancements led to in vivo CAR T-cell therapy, making treatments more accessible and less toxic.
- Inverse vaccines, or tolerogenic vaccines, are being developed to teach the immune system not to attack the body.
- Cancer immunotherapy research is driving innovations in autoimmune disease treatments due to their mirror biology.
- Thymus rejuvenation is emerging as a potential long-term strategy for preventing or curing autoimmune diseases.
- The field is moving towards universal, one-shot cures, though challenges like high costs and side effects remain.
mRNA cancer vaccine shows protection at 5-year follow-up, Moderna and Merck say
3 months ago
- Customized mRNA vaccines reduced the risk of skin cancer recurrence and death by nearly 50% over five years compared to standard treatment alone.
- The experimental vaccine, mRNA-4157 (V940), was developed by Moderna and Merck and tested in a Phase 2 trial involving 157 high-risk melanoma patients.
- All patients received standard immunotherapy (Keytruda), while some also received personalized mRNA vaccines tailored to their cancer's genetic markers.
- The mRNA vaccines train T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells by producing up to 34 unique markers from the patient's tumor.
- Phase 3 trials are underway, and more detailed Phase 2 results will be presented at an upcoming medical conference.
Cancer Immunotherapy Works Better Before 3pm, Study Finds
3 months ago
- Early time-of-day (ToD) immunochemotherapy significantly improves progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients.
- Median PFS was 11.3 months in the early ToD group vs. 5.7 months in the late ToD group (HR 0.40, P < 0.001).
- Median OS was 28.0 months in the early ToD group vs. 16.8 months in the late ToD group (HR 0.42, P < 0.001).
- Early ToD treatment enhanced CD8+ T cell activity and increased the ratio of activated to exhausted CD8+ T cells.
- No significant differences in treatment-related adverse events or immune-related adverse events were observed between groups.
- The study supports the importance of circadian timing in immunochemotherapy efficacy for NSCLC.
STING activation induces cytotoxic and immune responses in meningiomas via inflammatory cell death pathways - PubMed
3 months ago
- STING activation via agonist 8803 induces cytotoxic and immune responses in meningiomas.
- Meningioma tumor cells show hypomethylation and increased chromatin accessibility at the STING locus, leading to robust STING expression.
- Treatment with 8803 triggers inflammatory cell death, including gasdermin D pore formation, and releases necrotic tumor debris.
- 8803 activates macrophages and upregulates matrix metalloproteinases, aiding in extracellular collagen degradation.
- Preclinical studies show 8803 improves survival by remodeling the tumor microenvironment and enhancing immune infiltration.
- The study suggests 8803 as a potential systemic therapy for meningiomas, which currently lack effective treatments beyond surgery and radiation.
Reproducible safety and efficacy of durvalumab with or without tremelimumab for hepatocellular carcinoma in clinical practice: Results of the DT-real study - PubMed
3 months ago
- Durvalumab plus tremelimumab (STRIDE) is a first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- The DT-real study evaluated STRIDE and durvalumab monotherapy in 233 patients across 35 centers, comparing outcomes between those meeting (HIMALAYA-IN) and not meeting (HIMALAYA-OUT) trial criteria.
- Median overall survival (OS) was 20.4 months overall, with HIMALAYA-IN patients achieving significantly longer OS (23.0 months) than HIMALAYA-OUT patients (12.2 months).
- Macrovascular invasion and hepatic decompensation were independent negative prognostic factors, with hepatic decompensation occurring in 10.5% of patients within 12 months.
- Objective response rates were 23.7% for HIMALAYA-IN and 17.8% for HIMALAYA-OUT patients, with disease control linked to improved 24-month OS (58.2% vs. 44.8%).
- Grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 16.3% of patients, showing an acceptable safety profile.
- The study validates STRIDE's efficacy and safety in real-world practice, with hepatic decompensation and disease control as key survival determinants.
Chloride channel accessory 4 suppresses stem cell-like properties of colorectal cancer and enhances anti-PD-1 immunotherapy - PubMed
3 months ago
- Reduced CLCA4 levels are linked to cancer development and its role in cancer stem cells (CSCs) was explored.
- Decreased CLCA4 expression was found in CD133+CD44+ colorectal CSCs and chemoresistant CRC cells.
- Increased CLCA4 expression inhibited stemness genes, reduced tumorsphere formation, and suppressed self-renewal, migration, and invasion of colorectal CSCs.
- CLCA4 interacted with vimentin, leading to FAK pathway inactivation and suppression of CSC expansion.
- Decreased CLCA4 expression correlated with colorectal CSC markers and vimentin in clinical specimens.
- Increased CLCA4 expression promoted cytotoxic CD8+ T cell infiltration and enhanced anti-PD-1 therapy efficacy.
- CLCA4 may impede colorectal CSC self-renewal by suppressing the FAK signaling pathway, offering new intervention perspectives for CRC.
DART/SWOG/NCI phase II anti-CTLA-4/PD-1 trial: clear cell carcinomas of ovary, endometrium, cervix - PubMed
3 months ago
- DART/SWOG/NCI phase II trial evaluates ipilimumab-nivolumab immunotherapy in gynecologic clear cell carcinomas (CCCs).
- The trial included 32 patients with ovarian, endometrial, and cervical CCCs, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 9.38%.
- Two complete responses (CRs) were observed in ovarian CCC patients, ongoing for over 3 years.
- ORR increased to 12.5% when including a partial response (PR) by iRECIST criteria in a cervical CCC patient.
- Clinical benefit rate (CBR) was 21.88%, with durable responses in some patients.
- Median overall survival (OS) was 21.7 months for all evaluable patients.
- Safety profile was consistent with known effects of ipilimumab and nivolumab, with no treatment-related deaths.
- Correlative studies are ongoing to identify patients likely to respond to this combination therapy.

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#immunotherapy

Daily peanut exposure can desensitise allergic adults, study suggests

'Inverse vaccines': promise of a 'holy grail' treatment for autoimmune diseases

NHS rolls out 5-minute 'super-jab' for 15 cancers

Breakthrough cancer drug doubles survival in trial

Administering immunotherapy in the morning seems to matter. Why?

'Universal' Cancer Vaccine Destroys Resistant Tumors in Mice

Immunotherapy drug eliminates aggressive cancers in clinical trial

Experimental "super vaccine" stopped cancer cold in the lab

Smart jab can shrink head and neck cancer tumours within six weeks, trial finds

Covid-19 mRNA vaccines could unlock the next revolution in cancer treatment

mRNA Covid-19 vaccines could 'turbo-charge' cancer treatments

Frog gut bacterium eliminates cancer tumors in mice with a single dose

Gut Bacteria from Amphibians and Reptiles Achieve Complete Tumor Elimination

The Exhilirating Movement from Treatment to Cures for Autoimmune Diseases

mRNA cancer vaccine shows protection at 5-year follow-up, Moderna and Merck say

Cancer Immunotherapy Works Better Before 3pm, Study Finds

STING activation induces cytotoxic and immune responses in meningiomas via inflammatory cell death pathways - PubMed

Reproducible safety and efficacy of durvalumab with or without tremelimumab for hepatocellular carcinoma in clinical practice: Results of the DT-real study - PubMed

Chloride channel accessory 4 suppresses stem cell-like properties of colorectal cancer and enhances anti-PD-1 immunotherapy - PubMed

DART/SWOG/NCI phase II anti-CTLA-4/PD-1 trial: clear cell carcinomas of ovary, endometrium, cervix - PubMed