A groundbreaking study published in MedComm-Oncology reveals the critical role of adenosine phosphate signaling in shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME) and enhancing antitumor immunity. Led by researchers from Central South University, the study identifies distinct signaling subtypes in melanoma and develops a novel predictive model, APsig, which correlates with improved survival and responsiveness to immunotherapy. Through single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses, the team uncovers how this signaling pathway activates myeloid cells to drive antigen presentation, offering new targets for combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

T cells exhibit remarkable plasticity in the tumor microenvironment (TME), dynamically adapting their phenotypes and functions to influence cancer progression and treatment responses. A new review published in MedComm-Oncology systematically dissects the mechanisms underlying T-cell plasticity, including spatial distribution, metabolic reprogramming, and interactions with TME components. The study highlights how targeting T-cell plasticity could revolutionize cancer therapy by enhancing immunotherapy efficacy and overcoming treatment resistance.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers are leading four studies with compelling and potentially practice changing results in colorectal cancer and breast cancer.

Investigators will also present clinical trial results that support future research into new strategies for the treatment of rare and aggressive forms of cancer and new approaches to de-escalate treatment and improve quality of life.

A team of three Japanese researchers has conducted a survey of stakeholders to examine how patient voices impact decisions related to genetic testing for hereditary cancers. These stakeholders included patients, healthcare professionals, and ethicists attending a workshop in Hiroshima in early 2025.