Research Advances

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains highly resistant to treatment because of a dense and suppressive tumor environment that blocks both drugs and immune cells. Researchers describe this tumor microenvironment as “cold,” meaning it does not naturally support strong immune activity. A major component of this barrier is the tumor stroma, which is made up of several […]

A study in Nature reports a new mechanism behind liver metastasis in colorectal cancer. Researchers found that Enolase 2 (ENO2) acts beyond metabolism, helping tumors evade immune detection. ENO2 binds to macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), protecting it from degradation and enabling its release. This signals immune cells to become immunosuppressive, creating a tumor-friendly environment

New research suggests that the type of fat people eat may matter more than the amount when it comes to cancer risk. The study focuses on Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, one of the most aggressive cancers. In experiments using mice with the same calorie intake, different fats had very different effects. Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat

Researchers have found that disrupting a metabolic process called lipoylation can make cancer cells more vulnerable to certain treatments. The study shows that the enzyme LIPT1 links cell metabolism to DNA stability. When LIPT1 is blocked, a substance called 2-hydroxyglutarate builds up, causing DNA to become overly compacted. This slows DNA copying and leads to

Researchers say new technology could help uncover how environmental chemicals may be linked to rising cases of early-onset colorectal cancer, but they caution that current findings are still uncertain. A study published in Nature Medicine found a possible association between the herbicide picloram and colorectal cancer in younger adults. The research used molecular fingerprinting, an

A new study has identified FLT1 (VEGFR1) as a key driver of tumor growth in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Researchers found that cancer cells release VEGFA, which activates FLT1 in nearby blood vessel cells, creating signals that promote tumor growth and weaken immune responses. This interaction triggers cellular senescence, where cells stop dividing but

A study found a metabolic “off-switch” involved in early pancreatic cancer development. The research centers on mutations in the KRAS gene. Scientists discovered that reduced activity of two enzymes, G6PD and ME1, lowers production of NADPH, a key molecule that protects cells. This causes a buildup of reactive oxygen species, leading to cell damage and

A new study has identified the protein SLC5A11 as the key reason the diabetes drug metformin can also work as a cancer treatment. Researchers used a genome-wide CRISPR screen and found that metformin must bind to SLC5A11 to trigger its anti-cancer effects. Without this protein, the drug loses its ability to work against tumors. The

A new study reveals why pancreatic cancer is so resistant to treatment and points to a promising way to overcome it. Researchers found that a specific group of immune cells, called tumor-associated macrophages, help tumors build an “immunosuppressive fortress” that protects them from chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The study identified a key pathway involving a lipid

A study suggests that vitamin D may improve chemotherapy outcomes in women with breast cancer. Researchers gave 80 women over age 45 either 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily or a placebo during treatment. After six months, 43% of women taking vitamin D had no detectable cancer, compared to 24% in the placebo group. Most