A clinical trial at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a biweekly dose of dactinomycin had a higher complete response rate than a weekly dose of methotrexate for treating low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. This regimen also required fewer treatment cycles and had lower toxicity.
A new study suggests that damage to surrounding tissue during chemoradiation for high-grade glioma may play a role in determining long-term outcome and overall survival. Patients who experienced fewer side effects lived 4 months longer compared to those who did not.
Researchers will test a novel antibody against TGFβ to enhance radiation therapy's effectiveness in metastatic breast cancer patients. The goal is to induce an immune response against tumor sites outside the radiation field.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that soy isoflavones can sensitize cancer cells to radiation, increasing killing efficiency while protecting normal lung tissue from damage. Researchers used a soy mixture consisting of genistein, daidzein and glycitein to demonstrate this effect.
Researchers from McGill University found that cancer coverage has increased in Canadian newspapers over the past 20 years, with a greater emphasis on positivity and hope. However, the study also identified a gap in coverage of palliative care and psychological aspects of cancer.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a novel way to treat pancreatic cancer by activating the immune system to destroy the cancer's scaffolding. The strategy was tested in a small cohort of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, resulting in substantial tumor shrinkage and reduced metabolic activity.
The article discusses the need for targeted care in adolescents and young adults with cancer, who require collaboration between pediatric and medical oncologists. Research has shown that AYA cancer patients often deal with ongoing developmental and psychosocial issues, making it essential to address these challenges.
A new study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that adding targeted therapy bevacizumab to treatment for advanced ovarian cancer patients is not cost-effective. The researchers analyzed a clinical trial and found that the additional survival benefit was offset by high costs.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology has revealed that pemetrexed, an established chemotherapy drug, can produce significant responses in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment was found to be effective in over half of these patients, offering n...
A new phase III trial has shown that erlotinib has comparable efficacy to chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients whose disease has progressed after first-line treatment. The study found no difference in overall survival or progression-free survival time between the two groups.
A French study found that men who start losing hair at age 20 are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer compared to healthy men. The study also suggested that balding may be a potential risk factor for prostate cancer.
Despite significant improvements in childhood cancer survival rates, research funding is inadequate and collaboration among countries is limited. The report calls for increased EU funding to support a Europe-wide clinical trials network and the creation of a European Childhood Cancer Epidemiological Registry.
A culture of safety is crucial for reducing the chances of medical errors in radiation therapy, according to an article in Practical Radiation Oncology. By implementing principles such as automation, standardization, and checklists, teams can minimize risks and improve patient safety.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology's new journal, Practical Radiation Oncology (PRO), has published its inaugural issue. PRO will provide a forum for radiation oncologists to share information on current practices and advancements in the field. The journal aims to improve the quality of radiation oncology practice through disc...
Thea Friedman, oncology basic research director at the John Theurer Cancer Center, has received a $2 million NIH grant to advance blood and marrow transplant research. Her team aims to develop personalized transplantation techniques using T cell receptor analysis to separate donor cells responsible for graft-versus-host disease from th...
Researchers at the Jewish General Hospital's Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research in Montreal found that robotic surgery dramatically improves outcomes in patients with uterine, endometrial, and cervical cancer. The procedure also reduces post-operative complications and hospital stays, resulting in cost savings.
Researchers found that adding ipilimumab to paclitaxel/carboplatin improved progression-free survival rates for stage IIIb/IV non-small cell lung cancer patients. The study suggests that ipilimumab may be a valuable addition to standard treatments, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
Researchers identified six gene markers in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer that can predict tumor relapse and survival rates. The six-gene classifier stratifies patients into low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups with significantly different relapse rates.
Researchers found significant exposure to erionite in North Dakota roads, comparable to affected Turkish villages. The mineral poses health risks through inhalation, prompting cautionary measures and potential preventive programs.
A study found that combining epigenetic therapy and molecular targeted therapy can improve outcomes for patients with elevated E-cadherin levels in advanced lung cancer. The treatment achieved significantly improved overall survival rates compared to erlotinib alone.
Researchers compared treatment outcomes of elderly patients with early-stage lung cancer treated with either surgery or stereotactic radiation therapy. The study found that both treatments had similar long-term survival rates, but surgery had a higher risk of mortality in the first 30 days.
Dr. George W. Sledge Jr is a pioneer in developing novel therapies for breast cancer. His work has improved the lives of countless cancer patients through anti-angiogenic therapy and molecular studies.
A Spanish Oncology study has established a new standard treatment for early-stage breast cancer, reducing the risk of recurrence by 32% in women with high-risk but node-negative disease. The treatment, which combines docetaxel with cyclophosphamide, was found to improve disease-free survival and overall quality of life.
Phase III trial data suggests Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) therapy increases median survival time and improves quality of life scores compared to standard chemotherapy. Younger patients and those with better functional status show an impressive survival advantage.
A new study found that patients with head and neck cancer who have never smoked have significantly better survival rates and fewer treatment complications than smokers. The researchers suspect that human papillomavirus may play a role in this difference.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that African American patients are more likely to have a recurrence of uterine cancer after undergoing a total hysterectomy or radiation therapy. The study, which analyzed 750 patients, also identified higher tumor grade and cancer stage as risk factors for recurrence.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to be an effective treatment option for inoperable pancreatic cancer patients, slowing disease progression by almost six months. SBRT provides a highly targeted cancer radiation therapy with minimal side effects.
Physicist Lei Ren received the Basic Science Abstract Award for his research on reducing radiation therapy imaging dose by optimizing cone beam computed tomography (CT) usage. The new technique aims to lower imaging doses by eightfold, improving treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients affected by breathing motion during treatment.
The Program in Women's Oncology at Women & Infants Hospital will receive a $5,000 donation from Pink Heals Rhode Island to support the Patient Advocate Program. The program helps eliminate obstacles and stresses for women battling breast cancer by arranging transportation, financial assistance, and other services.
The study found that combining hormone therapy and radiation significantly decreased the risk of death among high-risk prostate cancer patients. The addition of radiation did not increase long-term side effects.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed new stem-cell and gene-therapy techniques to treat Fanconi anemia, a fatal genetic blood disease. The three-year grant aims to create induced pluripotent stem cells from patient skin or tissue and transform them into genetically repaired hematopoietic stem cells.
Elizabeth A. Brunton, a registered nurse at Scripps Clinic, has been recognized with the 2010 ASTRO Nurse Excellence Award for her exceptional patient care and dedication to education. She developed patient education materials and created an orientation program to help patients understand radiation therapy.
A new study from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center estimates a tenfold shortage of radiation oncologists over the next decade, driven by growing demand for radiation therapy. The researchers propose stop-gap measures to address the gap, including team-care models and increased residency training programs.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) partners with Mama's Kitchen to promote cancer survivorship and raise awareness on nutritional support for cancer patients. The partnership aims to provide essential nutrients to those affected by cancer, highlighting the importance of community care and volunteerism.
Researchers found that targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) provides substantial clinical benefit for women with hard-to-treat triple-negative breast cancer. Adding cetuximab to chemotherapy doubled response rate and time to progression compared to chemotherapy alone.
A study by Dr. Hatem Azim found that breastfeeding is safe for women after breast cancer treatment, contrary to common advice. Successful long-term breastfeeding was associated with type of breast surgery and post-delivery lactation counseling.
In a phase II study, patients with locally advanced and metastatic NSCLC experienced significant increases in survival time when treated with TTF therapy in combination with chemotherapy. The therapy has also been shown to have clinical efficacy in human trials for other solid tumors, including recurrent glioblastoma.
The final phase-II results show that iniparib plus chemotherapy significantly improves overall survival from 7.7 to 12.3 months, offering a promising new treatment option for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patients. Over half of patients experience clinical benefit, and there is little increase in adverse events.
A study of Italian women with breast cancer found that most cases were diagnosed in people over 50 and had not spread to lymph nodes. The disease was hormone-receptor positive and HER2-negative, indicating a classical endocrine-responsive type. Treatment choices were influenced by tumor stage rather than biological factors.
The European Society for Medical Oncology launches OncologyPRO, a unique scientific portal providing instant access to high-quality scientific knowledge. The platform offers a range of services tailored to the specific needs of cancer specialists, improving their efficiency and patient outcomes.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has partnered with the Emilio Nares Foundation to promote cancer survivorship. The foundation offers life-enhancing services, emotional, and spiritual support to children and their families battling cancer.
The European Oncology Nursing Society has launched a breakthrough cancer pain initiative to improve patient outcomes in palliative care. The survey aims to identify knowledge gaps and provide insights into best practices for managing breakthrough cancer pain among oncology nurses across Europe.
The MU College of Veterinary Medicine is conducting a study to examine the efficacy of Attaxol in dogs with naturally occurring cancer. The study aims to determine the optimal dose and treatment duration for this cancer drug, which was developed specifically for canine use.
Research published in Annals of Oncology suggests that intrauterine devices releasing progestin hormone levonorgestrel combined with GnRH injections can halt and reverse cancer growth in women aged 40 or younger. The treatment has shown promise in treating specific types of endometrial cancer, preserving fertility for young women.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) honored outstanding researchers in radiation oncology, recognizing excellence in clinical and basic science research. The awards include Resident Clinical/Basic Science Research Awards, Resident Poster Viewing Awards, and Annual Meeting Scientific Abstract Awards.
Hilary Calvert, Alberto Costa, and Bengt Glimelius received the 2010 ESMO Award for their significant work in breast cancer development, multidisciplinary care, and gastrointestinal cancer treatment. The awards recognize their contributions to advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes.
The Southwest Oncology Group has selected five young investigators to attend a three-day workshop in Seattle, where they will receive intensive training on designing and conducting cancer clinical trials. The YITC program provides mentorship and career support to promising researchers.
The University of Louisville has received a $1.5 million NIH grant to develop an interdisciplinary oncology palliative care education program. The program will integrate the services of physicians, nurses, chaplains, and social workers to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients.
N. Reed Dunnick is being recognized for his dedication to bridging the gap between diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology. As an accomplished leader in the field of radiology, Dr. Dunnick has been involved with numerous professional societies throughout his career.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected five physicians as recipients of two grants, the Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award and the Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award. The awards support junior physician faculty and residents/fellows in radiation oncology research.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has published updated clinical practice guidelines for cancer care, providing vital information on diagnosis, treatment plans, and follow-up. The new guidelines cover various tumor types and include expanded sections on cardiotoxicity and fertility considerations.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of prostate cancer has identified key alterations in the androgen receptor pathway and defined subsets of low- and high-risk disease. The study provides valuable resources for cancer research and may lead to the creation of a genetic-based test to determine which tumors require aggressive treatment.
The study enrolled 237 patients with recurrent GBM and found that NovoTTF was as effective as the best available chemotherapies without the toxicity. Patients treated with NovoTTF lived longer and experienced fewer infections compared to chemotherapy.
A decade-long Phase III clinical trial found that selenium has no benefit in reducing the risk of developing lung cancer, either a recurrence or second primary malignancy. The study involved 1,522 Stage I non-small cell lung cancer patients and showed that selenium had minimal side effects but failed to demonstrate any protective effect.
The John Theurer Cancer Center is presenting 16 research abstracts on various areas of oncology during the ASCO Annual Meeting. These studies include Phase I and II trials for multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma treatments.
Researchers from University Hospitals Case Medical Center will present new clinical research findings on biomarker-driven treatment in stage II colon cancer and the utility of the Vulnerable Elders Survey for predicting sixth-month functional decline among older patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Additionally, a study found t...
Researchers tested methylphenidate, a psychostimulant medication, to treat cancer-related fatigue. While the study found no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups, there was a trend of improved satisfaction with treatment among patients receiving methylphenidate, particularly those with stage III/IV cancer.
Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., Co-Chief of the Division of Urologic Oncology, presents research on laparoscopic adrenalectomy and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for recurrent prostate cancer. The John Theurer Cancer Center showcases its expertise in urologic oncology through these innovative treatments.
A study published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting showed that lenalidomide significantly improved response rates and complete remission in patients with transformed lymphoma. Patients treated with lenalidomide had a remarkable response rate, with some experiencing complete remission for over a year.
Researchers from the NYU Cancer Institute will present studies on improved ways to diagnose melanoma in lymphatic vessels and investigate genetic differences between melanoma subtypes. Laura Hogan, a pediatric hematology and oncology fellow, is also honored for her outstanding work in pediatric oncology research.