(Boston)—Throughout a person’s lifetime, the cells lining the respiratory tract are exposed to inhaled pollutants, including cigarette smoke. These exposures can cause molecular changes that disrupt normal cell behavior, leading to abnormal growth and function. Over time, these airway abnormalities—called bronchial premalignant lesions—can progress to a type of non-small cell lung cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma.

In a new study from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, researchers have identified a microRNA (miRNA)—a small non-coding RNA that can suppress gene expression—that is overexpressed in lesions that progress in severity. This miRNA reduces the expression of genes involved in immune recognition, potentially enabling abnormal cells to evade detection by the immune system.

(WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2026) — The American Society of Hematology (ASH) released guidelines on frontline management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs), as well as the management of relapsed or refractory disease in this population. Both guidelines, grounded in evidence-based practice, were developed by pediatric and adult experts in collaboration with patient representatives to improve outcomes for this vulnerable patient population. They were published in the Society’s peer-reviewed journal Blood Advances.  

Mayo Clinic announced today additional capabilities within Mayo Clinic Platform_Orchestrate that make it more efficient for researchers to access standardized, real-world cancer data from Mayo Clinic and participating Mayo Clinic Platform_Connect partners. This gives researchers the ability to generate insights that can accelerate cancer research and improve patient care.

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a new mouse model that more accurately reflects how uveal melanoma acts in humans. This could improve research, resulting in better patient outcomes. The new model, published in Cancer Research, addresses shortfalls in current versions.

Distant travel may not always be necessary for rural patients to receive high-quality surgical care for cancer, according to a new analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS).

A new study by Silent Spring Institute identified dozens of hazardous chemicals in hair extensions, including products made from human hair, providing the strongest evidence yet of the potential health risks associated with this largely unregulated category of beauty products that disproportionately affect Black women.