Mutations in the ARID1a gene, which are common in many cancer types, disrupt DNA damage repair in cancer cells, allowing the cancer to progress. But this mutated gene may also strengthen specific cancer drugs’ ability to treat certain tumors, according to a team of MD Anderson researchers.

Their study, published in Cancer Discovery, discovered that certain mutations in ARID1a sensitize some tumors to PARP inhibitor drugs, such...

The first national review of breast-conserving therapy (BCT) shows that over the last 13 years, rates of this treatment for early-stage breast cancer have increased at a steady pace. However, the review also highlights demographic factors that impact whether or not a patient will have access to BCT. MD Anderson researchers found that disparities related to age, treatment facility type and geographic region, are declining. But they also...