 |
|
'Treatment disconnect' in kidney cancer: Rising mortality despite more small tumors, more surgery
September 20, 2006The rising incidence of kidney cancer may be due to an increase in the number of small, treatable kidney tumors, according to a study in the September 20 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The incidence of a type of kidney cancer called renal cell carcinoma has been increasing over the past two decades. Despite the increased rates of surgery that have accompanied this trend, death rates have not decreased.
Brent K. Hollenbeck, M.D., of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and colleagues identified 34,503 cases of kidney cancer using data from nine Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries collected between 1983 and 2002.
They observed that cancer incidence rose from 7.1 cases per 100,000 to 10.8 cases per 100,000. Tumors 4 cm or smaller, called small renal masses, accounted for the majority of this increase. Surgeries rose at the same rate, but mortality rates also increased. The authors suggest that surgery may not be an appropriate treatment for those tumors, which are often slow-growing and discovered in patients without symptoms related to kidney problems.
"These data do not encourage an abrupt departure from the current treatment paradigm for kidney cancer; rather, they prompt reflection on our clinical practice and suggest the need for investigation to address the observed 'treatment disconnect' that we are treating more and more small renal masses but are not impacting mortality," they write.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
They observed that cancer incidence rose from 7.1 cases per 100,000 to 10.8 cases per 100,000. Tumors 4 cm or smaller, called small renal masses, accounted for the majority of this increase. Surgeries rose at the same rate, but mortality rates also increased. The authors suggest that surgery may not be an appropriate treatment for those tumors, which are often slow-growing and discovered in patients without symptoms related to kidney problems.
"These data do not encourage an abrupt departure from the current treatment paradigm for kidney cancer; rather, they prompt reflection on our clinical practice and suggest the need for investigation to address the observed 'treatment disconnect' that we are treating more and more small renal masses but are not impacting mortality," they write.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Kidney Cancer News and Current Kidney Cancer Events RSSAmerican Cancer Society study finds high use of complementary methods among cancer survivors
A new study from researchers at the American Cancer Society finds many cancer patients use complementary and alternative methods, most often prayer, relaxation, supplements, meditation, and massage.
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia leads research into robotic surgery for kidney cancer
Clinical research at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center is helping bring the advantages of robotic surgery, including reduced pain and quicker recovery, to kidney cancer patients.
New study finds advanced liver cancer patients live longer by taking anti-cancer drug sorafenib
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York have found that sorafenib (Nexavar) helps patients with advanced liver cancer live about 44 percent longer compared with patients who did not receive the anti-cancer drug.
Drug fends off kidney cancer progression
New data from an international, multicenter Phase III clinical trial has found that the experimental targeted therapy everolimus (RAD001) significantly delays cancer progression in patients with metastatic kidney cancer whose disease had worsened on other treatments.
Majority of kidney cancers diagnosed at earliest stage
Patients in the United States today are now much more likely to be diagnosed with smaller tumors, in the earliest, most treatable stage of kidney cancer than a decade ago, leading to a slightly higher survival rate, according to the results of a national study led by a UC San Diego Medical Center researcher.
Overweight and obesity cause 6,000 cancers a year in UK women
The study shows that overweight and obese women in the UK are at a higher risk of developing and dying from cancer. In fact, the researchers estimate that 5% of all cancers (about 6,000 annually) are attributable to being overweight or obese.
Study shows blood markers can help choose best dose for antiangiogenic drugs
Scientists at Sunnybrook have new information that may help to improve the use of anti-cancer drugs designed to block the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, a process called angiogenesis that is critical to tumor growth.
Single-incision belly-button surgery to remove kidney performed first at UT Southwestern
Surgeons specializing in laparoscopic procedures at UT Southwestern Medical Center have successfully removed a patient's kidney by performing a unique nephrectomy entirely through the belly button.
First biomarker discovered that predicts prostate cancer outcome
Mayo Clinic researchers have identified the first immune molecule that appears to play a role in prostate cancer development and in predicting cancer recurrence and progression after surgery.
FSU chemists using light-activated molecules to kill cancer cells
A key challenge facing doctors as they treat patients suffering from cancer or other diseases resulting from genetic mutations is that the drugs at their disposal often don't discriminate between healthy cells and dangerous ones -- think of the brute-force approach of chemotherapy, for instance.
More Kidney Cancer News Articles
 | 100 Questions & Answers About Kidney Cancer (100 Questions & Answers about . . .) by Steven C. Campbell There are 37,000 cases of kidney (renal cell) cancer in the US and 13,000 related deaths annually. 100 Questions and Answers About Kidney Cancer explains all aspects of the disease resulting in full awareness of what to expect when battling kidney... |
 | Blueprints Notes & Cases—Pathophysiology: Renal, Hematology and Oncology (Blueprints Notes & Cases Series) by Aaron B. Caughey, Christie del Castillo, Nancy Palmer If you are wondering how the pathophysiology principles you are studying will apply to real life patients, Blueprints Notes & Cases--Pathophysiology: Renal, Hematology and Oncology has just what you need--basic science concepts tied to clinical cases. This book offers high-yield, concise basic science content presented in a logical template. Each topic features a case presentation followed by... |
 | Nothing to Fear: The Key to Cancer Survival by Larry Burkett Since he was first diagnosed with cancer in 1995, trusted advisor and best-selling author Larry Burkett has learned, in his words, "more than I ever wanted to know" about cancer and the keys to living through the healing process. With candor, compassion, and a practical biblical foundation, Larry shares his story, complete with many suggestions for living the life God has planned -- a life filled... |
 | Kidney Cancer (Cancer Treatment and Research) Kidney cancer is a heterogenous disease. This book covers: -new surgical approaches which are becoming the standard, i.e., nephon sparing, laporascopic, minimally invasive techniques; -new staging and prognostic capabilities; -evolving therapeutic options include, cell based vaccine, gene and antibody therapy; -molecular genetics allow for a better understanding of the various types of kidney... |
 | Damaged But Not Broken; A Personal Testimony of How to Deal with the Impact of Cancer by Larry Burkett, Michael E. Taylor |
| Tumors of the Kidney, Bladder and Related Urinary Structures 2004 (AFIP Atlas of Tumor Pathology 4th Series) by William M. Murphy, David J. Grignon, Elizabeth J. Perlman Standard reference text for individuals interested in tumors of the kidney, bladder, and urinary collecting systems. The book documents current state of the art with emphasis on the pathologic features of the diseases as they appear through the light... | |
 | The Healing Works of Jesus by William H Higgins Bill is a graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, OK. His book is now being used in the RBTC Library and available for all incoming students. This is an Inspiring and concise Reference of the Healings Jesus Perfomed in the Four Gospels. In this one-of-a-kind guide you will find: Which of the 28 individual cases of healing were common to each of the gospel writers? Which were... |
| Where the Buffaloes Roam: Building a Team for Life's Challenges by Bob Stone, Jenny Stone Humphries | |
 | Hannah's Gift: Lessons from a Life Fully Lived by Maria Housden Hannah's Gift addresses a mother's deepest fear: the death of a child. Amazingly, Maria Housden's skillful writing and mature understanding of grief make this a spiritually inspiring story about life. Housden is eager for us to learn all the lessons Hannah offered while she was dying of cancer, such as wearing red shoes that click and sparkle when you walk and never letting a doctor touch you... |
 | Living Well on Dialysis, A Cookbook for Patients and Their Families by Inc. National Kidney Foundation Supported by an Educational grant from Amgen... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |