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AACR: MD Anderson researchers share cancer breakthroughs

MD Anderson News Release April 22, 2025

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CHICAGO ¨D Researchers from Â鶹ӳ»­ MD Anderson Cancer Center will present breakthrough studies in 12 minisymposia abstracts at the . Findings span various cancer types and cover topics such as innovations in immunology, experimental therapeutics, cancer prevention, targeted therapies, the tumor microenvironment, and advances in cancer modeling.

In addition to the studies below, forthcoming press releases will feature notable oral and plenary session abstracts on promising clinical trial results. More information on all MD Anderson AACR Annual Meeting content can be found at .

Targeted small molecule inhibitors may combat metastatic gastric cancer (Abstract )
Some gastric cancers can metastasize to the peritoneum ¨C the membrane lining the abdominal cavity ¨C resulting in poor prognosis and high mortality. MicroRNAs, particularly miR-10b, play a critical role in this metastatic process. Researchers investigated the therapeutic potential of a miR-10b inhibitor to stop cancer progression. These in vivo results demonstrate that targeting miR-10b may offer a promising therapeutic strategy to improve outcomes in patients with metastatic gastric cancer. Maria-Ancuta Jurj, Ph.D., will present the results April 27.

Study offers genetic insights into metaplastic breast cancer (Abstract )
Researchers examined the genomic landscape of metaplastic breast cancer, a rare and invasive breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. This analysis of 258 cases characterized genomic alterations and mutations that can lead to targeted therapies to improve outcomes for these patients. Blessie Nelson, M.B.B.S., will present the results April 28.

Genomic screens identify targets to optimize CAR NK cell therapy (Abstract )
Researchers used CRISPR genetic screens of natural killer (NK) cells to identify novel regulators of NK cell function. These can be targeted to optimize chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cell therapies by enhancing metabolic fitness, cytotoxicity and in vivo antitumor efficacy. Alexander Biederst?dt, M.D., will present the results April 28.

Blood-based prognostic marker may improve risk stratification in lung cancer (Abstract )
Some patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have better outcomes with certain combination therapies, so identifying these mutations is important to optimize treatment. Detecting EGFR mutations in blood samples at baseline was predictive of clinical outcomes, including shorter progression-free survival and overall survival, highlighting its potential to identify patients at higher risk of disease progression. Simon Heeke, Ph.D., will present the results April 28.

Genomic instability may drive pancreatic cancer aggressiveness (Abstract )
Over 90% of patients with pancreatic cancer have KRAS mutations, but many develop resistance to KRAS inhibitors. Researchers characterized the functional role of different KRAS mutations in lab models treated with KRAS inhibitors. They found that genomic instability ¨C specifically an imbalance in chromosome alleles ¨C may be driving resistance and tumor progression. Enrico Gurreri, Ph.D., will present the results April 28.

Researchers identify biomarker-driven strategy for prostate cancer (Abstract )
Many patients with prostate cancer experience disease progression despite surgical or medical castration. Researchers identified that the loss of a specific gene, CDH1, triggers increased cholesterol production and androgen synthesis in a subtype of prostate cancer that leads to castration resistance. The results suggest that a combination of androgen inhibitors and cholesterol-reducing agents could improve outcomes. Feiyu Chen, Ph.D., will present the results April 29.

Targeting CD24 may overcome treatment resistance in KRAS-mutant lung cancer (Abstract )
CD24 is a protein with a ¡°do not eat me¡± signal that is elevated in early-stage lung cancer cells, leading researchers to evaluate its expression in lab models of KRAS-mutant lung cancer. They found CD24 drives early-stage lung cancer progression and contributes to KRAS inhibitor resistance. Targeting CD24 in combination with KRAS inhibitors could be a promising therapeutic strategy. Zahraa Rahal, M.D., will present the results April 29.

Novel therapeutic target could improve CAR NK cell therapy (Abstract )
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cell therapy is a promising experimental cell therapy, but the mechanisms regulating CAR NK cell activity are not fully understood. Researchers identified the transcription factor CREM as a regulatory checkpoint of CAR NK cells. Inhibiting CREM could enhance CAR NK cell function and improve patient outcomes. Hind Rafei, M.D., will present the results April 29.

Scientists identify blood-based biomarker for Lynch syndrome (Abstract )
Lynch syndrome (LS) is a genetic predisposition to certain cancers caused by mutations in specific genes. These mutations produce neoantigens, which can trigger immune responses and lead to increased numbers of specialized T cells. Researchers identified the presence and functionality of these T cells in the blood of LS patients, suggesting a potential non-invasive blood test to track cancer risk and immune activity. These findings highlight their potential use as biomarkers for cancer monitoring and prevention in people with LS. Fahriye Duzagac, Ph.D., will present the results April 29.

Vaccine shows early promise in intercepting cancer in Lynch syndrome patients (Abstract )
Patients with Lynch syndrome (LS) have a genetic predisposition to develop cancers with microsatellite instability (MSI) and abnormal proteins (neoantigens) that can be recognized by the immune system This Phase I/II trial evaluated Nous-209, a neoantigen-directed vaccine, as an approach to intercept pre-cancers and cancers in LS patients. The treatment was safe, and all 37 evaluable patients exhibited a neoantigen-specific immune response, highlighting Nous-209¡¯s potential for intercepting cancer in LS patients. Jason Willis, M.D., Ph.D., will present the results April 29.

Study provides metabolic insights into ovarian cancer (Abstract )
Most patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer develop recurrent disease resistant to chemotherapy. Researchers found a previously unknown mechanism that allows cancer-associated fibroblasts to create their own glutamine. Treating lab models with a glutamine inhibitor or with a glutamine-deprived diet significantly lowered tumor burden, highlighting a need to further understand the role of glutamine in the metabolic reprogramming of the ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment. Sammy Ferri-Borgogno, Ph.D. will present the results April 29.

Researchers develop gene panel to predict responses in triple-negative breast cancer (Abstract )
Chemotherapy is the major treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but many patients do not have a complete response. Researchers characterized the tumor microenvironment to identify potential biomarkers. Their analysis provides further insights into the biology of TNBC tumors and led to the development of a 13-gene model to predict chemotherapy treatment response. Yun Yan will present the results April 29.