Researchers found that CA-125 change over time can detect invasive, high-grade ovarian cancers at curable stages in post-menopausal women. The study identified a promising first step towards screening, but acknowledges the need for further research and a large-scale randomized trial to confirm the findings.
A nationwide study confirms the benefit of estrogen-lowering drugs before surgery for breast cancer patients. The treatment increased the likelihood that women could undergo breast-conservation surgery instead of mastectomy. After 16-week aromatase inhibitor therapy, 82% of women had successful breast-conservation surgery.
A new study from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital finds that individualized therapy and supportive care significantly improve the survival rate of young acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients to 71 percent three years after diagnosis. This is 20 percent better than previously reported US rates.
A powerful new technique for analyzing tumor cells has been developed, allowing scientists to study the biology of how tumors develop. An international team discovered molecular evidence that may explain why some women with HER2 over-expressing breast cancer do not respond to anti-HER therapies.
Researchers have developed a system that uses real-time X-ray images to visualize tumors and minimize radiation damage to surrounding tissues. The tool allows for precise targeting of radiotherapy, increasing the dose of radiation administered to lung and liver cancers.
The EAU Congress ended its 25th anniversary meeting in Barcelona with awards for outstanding research in urology. Despite volcanic eruptions disrupting travel plans, the congress proceeded and recognized excellence in cancer and non-cancer research.
The Southwest Oncology Group's operating grants have been renewed for six years, with a total expected to exceed $120 million over the period. The renewal supports comparative effectiveness research and will primarily fund member institutions nationwide.
Dr. Von Hoff, TGen's Physician-in-Chief, has been recognized with the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award and Lecture at ASCO's Annual Meeting. He is a renowned physician-scientist who has contributed to developing numerous anticancer agents.
A study by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals that US cancer centers have varying levels of palliative care programs and services, with NCI-designated centers having more comprehensive programs. Despite the differences, there is strong support for integrating palliative care into oncology care.
A nurse researcher has settled a common cancer concern by discovering that routine advice on skin care was rooted in myth instead of scientific evidence. Her findings, published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, found no evidence to support a four-hour restriction on lotions before radiation therapy.
Michael C. Soulen, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, received the prestigious Dr. Charles T. Dotter Lecture honor for his seminal contributions to interventional oncology. Soulen has also made significant research in interventional radiology, publishing nearly 100 peer-reviewed articles.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded travel grants to 17 radiation oncology professionals to attend Advocacy Day. The grants aim to support the financial constraints faced by residents and nurses in advocating for their patients' interests.
Researchers found that adding tests to cystoscopy increases costs and false positives, while cystoscopy alone is the most effective in detecting tumors. The study suggests that clinicians can make judicious use of urinary markers to reduce costs and anxiety for bladder cancer patients.
Researchers found that lung cancer patients with optimistic attitudes had a six-month survival advantage over those with pessimistic attitudes. This study builds on existing research to investigate the effect of patient attitudes on outcomes in oncology populations.
A European study finds inadequate access to opioid-based pain relief for cancer patients, with some countries restricting essential medicines. The authors conclude that restrictive regulations hinder medical care and recommend revising laws to improve accessibility.
Research published in Journal of Thoracic Oncology investigates the effectiveness of surgery as a standalone treatment for stage I small cell lung cancer. The study found three- and five-year survival rates of 58.1% and 50.3%, respectively, for patients who underwent lobectomies without radiotherapy.
A new study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that pazopanib slowed the progression of advanced renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer, in patients by 54%. The drug targets multiple pathways within cancer cells, inhibiting blood vessel development. Common side effects include diarrhea, hypertension, and weight loss.
Over a two and half year period, the FDA approved 53 new oncology and hematology drugs, including 39 receiving regular approval and nine accelerated approval. Most approvals were based on single-arm, non-randomized controlled trials.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology's IHE-RO program has been awarded a grant to develop interoperability standards and build test tools software. The goal is to create universal health records for cancer patients and improve communication between radiation oncology equipment.
A study published in the Journal of Oncology found that acupuncture is as effective as drug therapy in reducing hot flashes and improving energy and clarity of thought in breast cancer patients. Acupuncture also showed benefits for sex drive and overall sense of well-being, with minimal side effects.
A landmark study confirms that chemotherapy with tamoxifen improves survival rates for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. A second study identifies a subset of patients who may not benefit from chemotherapy despite being at higher risk, suggesting a potential need to reassess treatment guidelines.
A new review emphasizes the need for cardio-oncology to address cardiovascular side effects of cancer treatments. The authors suggest identifying high-risk patients with biomarkers and imaging techniques to reduce morbidity and mortality.
A University of Rochester study found that three quarters of cancer patients with chemotherapy suffer from insomnia or sleep disorders, affecting their ability to fully recover. Younger patients and those with lung and breast cancers were particularly affected.
A new study published in Recherches Sociographiques found that Quebec nurses are still underutilized and lack decision-making power. Physicians continue to hold significant influence over nursing roles, despite advances in training and education for specialized nurse practitioners and oncology nurse navigators.
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital found that a patient's socioeconomic status has no effect on their outcome following curative radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from 788 patients and found that all patients, regardless of race or income, had similar survival rates and biochemical control rates.
A study found that cancer patients value honesty from their oncologists about treatment outcomes, with prostate cancer patients showing a stronger preference for candor. The study also reveals that patients prefer casual clothing and informal communication styles, such as being called by their first names.
A study presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) found that hypofractionated radiation treatment is more effective in stopping cancer from growing in high-risk prostate cancer patients compared to standard radiation therapy. The new treatment also had no increased risk of negative side effects, making it a valua...
A Phase II study conducted by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has shown encouraging results in treating limited stage small cell lung cancer with a combination of accelerated high-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapy, achieving a high level of control of the disease while minimizing damage to the esophagus.
A randomized study found that preventative brain radiation for nonsmall cell lung cancer patients decreased the risk of brain metastases by over 50%, but increased short and long-term memory loss. The study also showed no significant difference in overall survival between treated and untreated patients.
The study found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) stopped the growth of lung cancer at its original site for nearly 98% of patients with early non-small cell lung cancer. Researchers also discovered that less than 20% of frail patients experienced a serious decline in health status after treatment.
Researchers found that nearly 98% of patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who are unable to undergo surgery experienced no growth of the disease after three years. Additionally, over half of these patients lived for three years after diagnosis, while fewer than 20% experienced a serious decline in health status.
Researchers are developing a new imaging technique to detect tissue damage in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Preliminary results show that the technique can identify changes in skin tissue days before severe reactions occur, potentially allowing for preventative treatment and improved patient outcomes.
A phase III study found that short-term hormone therapy added to radiation treatment significantly increases survival in medium-risk prostate cancer patients by 51% compared to those receiving radiation alone. In contrast, low-risk patients showed no significant benefit from this combination.
A new study found that preventative brain radiation therapy for lung cancer patients reduces the risk of developing brain metastases by 10%, but negatively affects short-term and long-term memory. Despite this, the treatment has no significant impact on survival or quality of life.
A national clinical trial shows that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is effective in treating early-stage lung cancer in patients with unrelated medical comorbidities. The primary lung cancer did not recur 98 percent of the time, and more than half of patients were alive three years after diagnosis.
A new Johns Hopkins Engineering in Oncology Center will study physical underpinnings of cancer growth and spread, aiming to develop innovative therapies and diagnostic tools. Researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the complex forces involved in metastasis.
The center aims to understand the explosive evolution of cancer under stress using an interdisciplinary team and physics-based approach. Researchers will create microhabitats to manipulate variables and observe cell responses, informing the development of sophisticated computer models to simulate tumor growth.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with Gilda's Club Chicago to promote cancer survivorship. The two organizations will participate in the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's 51st Annual Meeting, highlighting programs that help patients and families cope with cancer.
A $4 million NCI grant will fund comparative effectiveness research on cancer at the Southwest Oncology Group. The Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research in Cancer Genomics will evaluate emerging genomics technologies to identify promising treatments.
Halos of Hope, a non-profit organization established in 2007, will partner with ASTRO to provide comfort and dignity to chemo patients. The partnership aims to educate members about the organization's mission and programs focused on supporting cancer survivors.
A study of 166 breast cancer patients found nearly 70% had low vitamin D levels, increasing fracture risk. High-dose supplements improved levels and boosted bone mass, helping mitigate disease symptoms.
A new analysis from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center reveals that radiation costs can range from $1,700 for conventional techniques to over $16,000 for Cyberknife treatment. Fewer treatments have also been shown to be equally effective in relieving bone pain associated with cancer.
The UCLA School of Dentistry is building a state-of-the-art cancer research facility to consolidate and expand its oral cancer research. The Yip Center for Oral/Head & Neck Oncology Research will include cutting-edge laboratories for genomics, proteomics, and salivary diagnostics research.
A new treatment protocol using dexamethasone instead of prednisone and less intensive chemotherapy showed similar event-free survival in non-high risk patients but better results in high-risk patients, reducing the risk of side effects. Overall, the treatment strategy improved survival rates for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Research published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that narrow-band imaging bronchoscopy increases lung cancer detection specificity and can serve as an alternative method. The study confirms its efficiency by comparing it with white light and auto-fluorescence imaging.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has named its 12th class of ASTRO Fellows, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology through research, patient care, education, or leadership. The fellows will be recognized at the 51st Annual Meeting in November.
A new study uses mathematical models to analyze the change in concentrations of biological entities and found that quantitative PTEN protein expression is a key determinant of who will be resistant or sensitive to Herceptin. The absence of PTEN was more predictive than standard multivariate analysis.
Researchers found no evidence of improved survival with thalidomide treatment for small cell lung cancer. However, patients treated with thalidomide had a higher risk of thrombotic events.
A new chemotherapy regimen, ABVE-PC, has been identified as a successful treatment for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma, reducing long-term risks and improving survival rates. The treatment delivers dose-dense drug delivery while minimizing cumulative doses, resulting in lower toxicity and improved outcomes.
A recent study highlights the immense economic burden of life-extending cancer treatments in the US, estimated to be over $400 billion annually. The authors argue that interventions with survival advantages of two months or less should be prioritized to address this issue.
Two new studies have identified genetic events that increase a child's susceptibility to high-risk neuroblastoma. Common variants in the BARD1 gene and a specific copy number variation at chromosome 1q21.1 are found to be associated with the development of this childhood cancer.
A national RTOG study found that prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) significantly decreased the incidence of brain metastases during the first year post-treatment. Patients who received PCI were two and one-half times less likely to develop brain metastasis than those who did not.
Researchers have developed a new therapy that uses elements of the immune system to improve cure rates for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. The treatment showed a 20% increase in preventing relapse and a greater cure rate compared to standard therapy.
A US citizen with head and neck cancer treated with capecitabine experienced a mild case of hand-foot syndrome, leading to fingerprint loss. His doctor advises patients on capecitabine to carry a letter explaining their condition for travel to the USA.
A Phase II/III study found that ginger supplements, taken three days prior to and after chemotherapy, reduced nausea levels in cancer patients by 40%. The study included 644 participants who received at least three chemotherapy treatments and showed significant anti-vomiting effects.
The IMPAKT Breast Cancer Conference is a groundbreaking collaboration between the European Society for Medical Oncology and Susan G. Komen for the Cure to accelerate breast cancer research. The conference aims to bring together world leaders in translational research to discuss cutting-edge treatments.
Researchers found that exercise programs significantly reduced lung cancer symptoms in patients who completed the study, with no deterioration in functional capacity or muscle strength. The study suggests that community-based or shorter exercise programs may be more feasible for lung cancer patients to complete.
Researchers discuss personalized treatment options for early-stage lung cancer, using targeted therapies and cancer vaccines. A gene signature is being used to predict which patients will benefit from an immune-boosting vaccine designed to target MAGE-A3 protein.
Veterinary oncologists at MU's Scott Endowed Program in Veterinary Oncology participated in COTC's first trial, investigating a novel method to deliver the TNF-α gene to tumor blood vessels. The study showed a dramatic decrease in tumor size and provided insight into safe dosage for both human and canine patients.
A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that higher doses of radiation combined with chemotherapy improve survival in patients with stage III lung cancer. Concurrent chemotherapy increases treatment effectiveness and overall survival rates.