A study found that cancer patients with depression have lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), making them less responsive to chemotherapy. Low BDNF levels are associated with reduced treatment tolerance and poorer outcomes.
A routine blood test can predict how long cancer patients in palliative care will survive, researchers report. The Six Adaptable Prognostic models use three laboratory measurements to estimate death within 1-6 months, allowing physicians to re-evaluate prognosis at any time point.
Research finds that pembrolizumab is a cost-effective first-line treatment for advanced melanoma, offering improved survival and progression-free rates compared to ipilimumab and cytotoxic chemotherapy. The study suggests that healthcare authorities should consider including pembrolizumab as a reimbursable item in the public setting.
A Malaysian study found that four in five cancer survivors suffer from anxiety and depression a year after diagnosis. The study also highlighted the importance of addressing quality of life for cancer patients beyond clinical outcomes.
A study found that cancer patients spend a significant portion of their household income on treatment, transport, and childcare. The economic burden is often referred to as the 'financial toxicity' of cancer.
A subgroup analysis of the MONALEESA-2 trial found that ribociclib improves progression-free survival in Asian patients with HR-positive advanced breast cancer. The treatment was well-tolerated and demonstrated efficacy regardless of geographic region or self-reported race.