Cancer discovery
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TMPRSS2 is both the most frequently altered gene in primary prostate cancer and a critical factor enabling cellular infection by coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The modulation of its expression by sex steroids could contribute to the male predominance of severe infections, and given that TMPRSS2 has no known indispensable functions, and inhibitors are available, it is an appealing target for prevention or treatment of respiratory viral infections.
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Cytokine release and macrophage activation contribute to immunopathology after SARS-CoV-2 infection. We discuss approaches to decrease the morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19 by repurposing existing drugs previously developed for cancer therapy.
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BCMA-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cells increasingly look like a potent option for multiple myeloma. Across several candidates spotlighted during the 2019 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, high response rates were seen in patients whose disease was refractory to multiple standard therapies.
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In a phase I/II trial, lorlatinib was safe and effective in ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer.
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Treatment with enfortumab vedotin generated robust responses in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. In a phase II trial of 125 patients who had previously received platinum-based chemotherapy and a PD-1 or PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor, the overall response rate was 44%. Although nearly all patients experienced a treatment-related adverse event, most side effects were mild to moderate.