A study found that cancer drug ads are often difficult to read, prioritizing effectiveness over safety. The ads typically featured large text highlighting benefits, with side effects and risks presented in smaller font.
The St. Jude program in Brazil reduced abandonment rates from 16% to 0.6% and increased event-free survival from 32% to 63%, providing continuous care and psychosocial support to families. The program's success is a model for reducing disparities in cure rates between high- and low-income countries.
Researchers found that a new 'disease control rate' measure was associated with survival, suggesting it could enhance efficacy assessment and improve clinical trials for advanced NSCLC. The study pooled data from 984 patients with advanced NSCLC who participated in three randomized trials of platinum-based chemotherapy regimens.
Researchers at UC Davis Cancer Center report a significant extension of survival in advanced lung cancer patients treated with bortezomib plus standard care. The median overall survival was 11 months, with one-year survival at 46%, offering promising results for this patient population.
The ASCO and ESMO have released a consensus statement outlining 10 essential components of quality cancer care, aiming to address inequalities in healthcare systems worldwide. The document highlights the importance of informed consent, multidisciplinary care teams, and access to innovative treatments for patients diagnosed with cancer.
Fenretinide has been shown to reduce the risk of second breast cancers in young women, particularly those under 40. The study found a 38% reduction in second breast cancers in pre-menopausal women and halved the risk for women under 40.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a nanoparticle that provides significant protection against radiation-induced damage, including hair loss and organ damage. The fullerene-based agent showed promise in reducing organ damage by half to two-thirds, even when given before or after radiation exposure.
Plexxikon's V600E B-Raf inhibitor demonstrated robust efficacy in xenograft models using a once-daily low oral dose, showing tumor shrinkage and prolonged delay of tumor growth. The company intends to file an IND application and initiate Phase 1 clinical trials for the oncogenic B-Raf inhibitor.
A lack of specialist training for nurses is failing adolescent cancer patients, according to a nurse manager at the Manchester Teenage Cancer Trust Unit. The unique needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer require expertise in disease management, symptom control, and psychosocial issues.
Researchers found that donepezil significantly improved symptoms of short-term memory loss and mood changes in brain tumor patients who underwent radiation therapy. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, suggests that donepezil may be effective in reducing symptoms associated with brain tumors and their treatments.
A new clinical trial at Northwestern Memorial Hospital aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy with Avastin in reducing tumor size and increasing survival rates. The two-year study will enroll 40 participants with localized pancreatic cancer.
A study led by Dr. Richard Goldberg found that the chemotherapy regimen FOLFOX4 is effective in treating colorectal cancer regardless of age, including older patients over 70. The analysis of nearly 4,000 patients showed consistent benefits and side effects across all age groups.
A New England Journal of Medicine study found that women who received intraperitoneal chemotherapy had a median survival time 16 months longer than those receiving IV chemotherapy alone. The importance of referral to physicians with expertise in surgical management of ovarian cancer is highlighted.
Mohamad Halawi, a UH graduate, has been awarded multiple scholarships and a prestigious NIH fellowship to pursue his passion in cancer genomics research. With these honors, he aims to become a physician-scientist practicing in oncology.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation has established an endowed chair in oncology at Indiana University, providing $1.5 million for research and program development. Dr. Einhorn, a renowned expert on urologic cancer, will lead the initiative to improve patient therapies and quality of life.
A study of 208 women with early or advanced breast cancer found that nearly half forgot their tablets and over a tenth deliberately skipped doses. The research highlights the need for doctors to address patients' concerns about hot flushes and injections, which can affect treatment adherence.
A survey of UK hospital consultants found a significant increase in poor mental health and burnout, attributed to increased job stress and workload. The prevalence of psychiatric illness rose from 27% in 1994 to 32% in 2002, with clinical oncologists facing the greatest increases.
A study found that two-thirds of Phase I abstracts accepted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology were published in peer-reviewed medical journals within seven and a half years. The median time to publication was 3.4 years, which is concerning as it may delay further investigation with encouraging agents.
A large study found that young children with medulloblastoma are at risk of impaired reading skills after radiation therapy, even if they receive lower doses. The greatest decline in IQ and reading skills occurred in patients younger than 7 years old.
A new report by the European Society for Medical Oncology reveals that female lung cancer death rates in Europe are still rising, despite a 16% increase between 1990-2001. However, trends in some countries and among younger women show a decline, suggesting future hope for reducing this epidemic.
A study of 60 male and 4,181 female breast cancer patients found that men were almost six times more likely to receive radiotherapy than women with similar disease stages. The researchers concluded that men should be treated using the same guidelines as women for radiotherapy treatment.
A daily bioadhesive buccal tablet containing 50mg of miconazole has been shown to be as effective as a four-times-daily mouth gel in treating oropharyngeal candidiasis among head and neck cancer patients. This simpler treatment schedule may improve quality of life and increase patient compliance.
Researchers found a risk of cardiac toxicity ranging from 2.2 to 3.3 percent among patients receiving chemotherapy and trastuzumab. The study documented less than 1 percent of patients experiencing heart muscle damage alone during chemotherapy.
A landmark Phase III trial found that concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by surgery significantly improves lung cancer patient survival. Five-year survival rates were 36% for patients with partial lung removal and 27% for those who underwent concurrent treatment.
Researchers have developed a new treatment called RADPLAT, which combines radiation and cisplatin delivered directly to the tumor via tiny catheters. This approach has shown encouraging results in patients with advanced stage IV-T4 disease, with high rates of local and regional tumor control and overall survival.
Researchers identified chromosome 11q deletion as a significant predictor of high-risk neuroblastoma, with 66% overall survival rate. The deletion removes tumor suppressor gene protective effect, allowing tumor growth.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that adding bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy extended median survival by 2.3 months, improving overall tumor response rates and progression-free survival. This new treatment regimen is recommended as the standard for advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Researchers found that combining chemotherapy with Herceptin before surgery in early-stage breast cancer patients resulted in a 42% higher tumor reduction and 66.7% pathological complete remission rate compared to chemotherapy alone. The combination also showed less risk of heart damage, leading the clinical trial to be halted early.
Tufts-NEMC researchers have discovered a key enzyme responsible for cancer cell growth and invasion, which can be blocked by new compounds called pepducins. The finding provides a novel therapeutic approach for treating invasive cancers.
A third of European cancer patients use CAM, with women, younger patients, and those with poor prognosis using it more often. The most commonly used CAM therapies were herbs, homeopathy, and spiritual therapies.
A study presented at the SABCS showed a 30 percent reduction in breast cancer recurrence when postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer were switched from tamoxifen to AROMASIN after 2-3 years. This finding supports ASCO recommendations for adjuvant therapy with aromatase inhibitors.
A new study by Loyola Medicine found that tamoxifen or other hormonal therapy alone may not be sufficient to treat hormone-dependent breast cancer. Chemotherapy proved more effective in stopping cancer recurrence, especially when combined with tamoxifen.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that white matter lesions caused by treatment can mimic cancer, leading to unnecessary treatment. The study also linked WMLs to a decline in neurocognitive function in children with brain tumors.
Researchers at Mount Sinai present groundbreaking studies on prostate and breast cancer treatments, identifying genetic predictors for adverse side effects and developing tailored radiotherapy regimens. The studies aim to improve clinical trials and patient outcomes for these devastating diseases.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that smokers have a higher risk of death, disease recurrence, and poorer survival rates compared to non-smokers with head and neck cancer. Researchers highlighted the importance of tobacco cessation and moderation of alcohol use to improve quality of life and survival.
A recent study found that group therapy did not improve survival rates in early-stage breast cancer patients. The researchers, led by David W. Kissane, evaluated the impact of cognitive-existential group therapy (CEGT) on survival and found no significant difference between those receiving CEGT and those not receiving it.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that 3D radiation therapy can effectively treat brain cancer in children without impairing cognitive development. The research suggests that radiation therapy can be a viable treatment option for young children, offering hope to families affected by this type of cancer.
The UC Davis Cancer Center has a vigorous clinical trials program, with about 16% of new cancer patients participating in trials. This rate is significantly higher than the national average of less than 3%.
Researchers have discovered a new clinical treatment, SU11248, that overcomes resistance to Gleevec in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The drug has shown striking clinical benefits, stabilizing the disease in 65% of patients and inducing partial responses in 13%.
A new study demonstrates that Xeloda reduces the risk of colon cancer recurrence (relapse-free survival) by 14% compared to i.v. 5-FU/LV after surgery. The global trial, X-ACT, met its primary endpoint and offers new hope for patients with early stage colon cancer.
A new breast cancer treatment, gemcitabine with paclitaxel, has been shown to extend overall survival in women with advanced breast cancer. The study found that median overall survival was 18.5 months for the combination therapy, compared to 15.8 months for paclitaxel alone.
Women's lungs are more damaged by cigarette smoke, leading to a different treatment response and outcomes. Research funding is needed to understand the causes of this disparity in lung cancer incidence among women.
A decade-long study found improved five-year, event-free survival rates of 63% in Recife, Brazil, compared to the US and Europe. The increase was attributed to adapted St. Jude treatments and supportive care, including housing and travel subsidies for families.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has launched a new charitable foundation with the goal of making the best treatment available to every cancer patient. The ESMO Foundation will provide much-needed funds for education, research, and patient care.
The article highlights the complexities of managing cancer pain in patients with a history of addiction, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary care teams. The Pain Management Center at Fox Chase Cancer Center offers innovative strategies, including patient contracts and collaboration between nurses and physicians.
The article discusses Fox Chase Cancer Center's implementation of certified nursing assistant (CNA) positions to support experienced nurses. The CNA program has led to a significant decrease in turnover rates, with a reduction of over 20% since its introduction in 2001.
Dr. Bruner, a renowned radiation oncology nurse, has been recognized by the Oncology Nursing Society for her groundbreaking work in cancer research and patient care. Her research focuses on enhancing participation of minorities in clinical studies and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers will analyze tumor samples, protein releases and patient responses to chemotherapy agents to develop individualized treatments. The goal is to minimize side effects while improving response based on patient chemistry and tumor type.
A recent study has found a dramatic increase in lung cancer incidence in women, with many cases occurring in non-smokers who stopped smoking years ago. The study also reveals that women's response to targeted therapies is more favorable than men, raising questions about the differences between male and female lung cancer.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that extended lymph node dissection does not increase long-term survival among gastric cancer patients, potentially increasing morbidity and hospital mortality. The procedure may only be beneficial if safe and effective alternatives can be developed.
A study found that breast cancer patients with BRCA 1/2 mutations are twice as likely to opt for a double mastectomy after receiving genetic counseling and testing. Genetic counseling and testing have been shown to significantly impact treatment decisions among high-risk patients.
The Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) will provide free online access to its archived research, including articles published from January 1999 to the present. This move aims to improve cancer care worldwide by increasing access to essential information.
A Phase II trial of Herceptin combined with chemotherapy found no significant difference in survival times between the treatment and control arms. However, a small subgroup of patients with extremely high levels of HER2 over-expression showed improved response rates and longer disease progression-free periods.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that low-dose interferon therapy did not extend overall or recurrence-free survival in high-risk melanoma patients. The trial involved 674 patients and found that both groups experienced similar rates of disease recurrence and mortality.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that combining radiation with VEGF Trap, a protein engineered to block angiogenesis activity, can delay tumor growth by up to 40 days. The study suggests that radiation may enhance the effectiveness of VEGF Trap in treating glioblastoma, a common and aggressive brain tumor.
Researchers developed a new method to detect melanoma in lymph nodes using molecular analysis, revealing 25% of cancer-free patients had undetectable metastases. The study found patients with multiple markers were more likely to develop recurrence and die from the disease.
Researchers found a significant decline in neuroblastoma diagnoses after the mandatory folic acid food fortification program was introduced. The study suggests that maternal folic acid intake may play a role in preventing this aggressive and deadly form of childhood cancer.
A study by cancer nurse Kerry Guile found that even oncologists and cancer nurses with high knowledge of sun protection were not acting on it. The sample size was 340 people, including medical students and non-oncology nurses, who scored highly on sun protective behavior.
Research suggests that cutting off blood vessels to starve tumors of oxygen may not always be effective, as it can also make them harder to treat. Instead, feeding the tumor with oxygen may be a more viable option to kill cancer cells.
Two studies suggest that regular use of ibuprofen and aspirin inhibits breast cancer formation, while a low-dose tamoxifen regimen may effectively treat breast cancer with fewer side effects. Another study found that a combination of low-dose COX-2 inhibitors and fish oil may reduce colon cancer risk.