We report herein the design, preparation and evaluation of a N(OMe)-linked STn antigen-based glycoconjugate vaccine, that was engineered to overcome the poor immunogenicity of the native O-glyosidic bond. In murine models, the vaccine elicited robust, long-lasting IgG antibody titers with high cross-reactivity to native STn, and potent T-cell mediated immunity characterized by IFN-γ secretion and lymphocyte proliferation. The immunization resulted in significant antitumor efficacy, including prolonged survival, reduced tumor burden, and inhibition of lung metastasis.

Recently, a research team led by Prof. Yinglan Zhao and Prof. Xiao Du from West China Hospital, Sichuan University published a groundbreaking original article in MedComm-Oncology, titled "Colorectal Cancer Cells Promote de novo Glycine Synthesis for Collagen Production in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts by Secreting TGF-β1", the study uncovers a novel metabolic crosstalk mechanism between colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). It identifies phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH)—the rate-limiting enzyme in de novo glycine synthesis—as a potential therapeutic target to disrupt CAF-driven collagen deposition and inhibit CRC progression.

Cell migration is important for growth and immune protection in the human body. While the interaction between cells and their environment generates the force necessary for cell movement, the underlying molecular machinery remains unclear. Now, researchers from Japan have identified molecular interactions that exert weak forces needed for cell migration. Their study revealed that the abnormal activity of shootin1b protein promotes cell migration in brain cancer cells, offering hope as a novel therapeutic target.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Researchers from the University of Oklahoma Health Campus have published an article in the New England Journal of Medicine describing a novel care coordination and communication program and its potential for helping Indigenous people access the lifesaving cancer care that they need.

A new study from MUSC Hollings Cancer Center reveals that women who have survived cervical cancer face a significantly higher long-term risk of developing anal cancer. Using data from more than 85,000 cervical cancer patients tracked over two decades, researchers found that survivors had nearly twice the risk of anal cancer compared to the general population. The risk was especially high among women ages 65 to 74 who were more than 15 years past their cervical cancer diagnosis, surpassing the threshold for recommending routine screening. 

Currently, anal cancer screening is only recommended for certain high-risk groups, and women with a history of cervical cancer are not included. This study highlights the need to update screening guidelines and expand access to specialized screening tools. The researchers hope the findings raise awareness among patients and providers, ensuring that women who have already faced one cancer are better protected from developing another.

A team of immunologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has turned what we know about T-cells, one of the most important parts of the body’s immune system, on its head, opening the door to next-generation cancer vaccines.

City of Hope^® Research Spotlight offers a glimpse into groundbreaking scientific and clinical discoveries advancing lifesaving cures for patients with cancer, diabetes and other chronic, life-threatening diseases. Each spotlight features research-related news, such as recognitions, collaborations and the latest research defining the future of medical treatment.

Primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, of which hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 90% of all liver cancer cases. Given that the development of HCC is a multifactorial and multistage process, its increasing incidence underscores the need to understand its molecular mechanisms and identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.