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American Society of Clinical Oncology


Certain form of baldness at age 45 linked to higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer

A large cohort analysis found a significant link between male pattern baldness and aggressive prostate cancer. Men with specific hair loss patterns at age 45 were at a 40% increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. The study supports earlier research suggesting a biological link between baldness and prostate cancer.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 15, 2014

Large prospective study finds long-term obesity is associated with poorer pancreatic cancer survival

A large prospective study found that patients with a body mass index in the obese range live on average two to three months less after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis compared to healthy-weight patients. Obesity is associated with poorer pancreatic cancer survival rates, even after adjusting for age and disease stage.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 21, 2013

Retrospective study suggests that patients with lung cancer who carry specific HER2 mutations may benefit from certain anti-HER2 treatments

A retrospective study suggests that patients with lung cancer carrying specific HER2 mutations may experience tumor shrinkage and delayed disease progression when treated with anti-HER2 drugs. The study found 1.7% of NSCLC patients in Europe had these rare mutations, which can lead to continuous activation of the HER2 protein.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 22, 2013

Adding cetuximab to chemotherapy enables select patients with advanced colorectal cancer and liver metastasis to undergo surgery, extending survival by several months

A Phase III clinical trial found that adding cetuximab to chemotherapy enables previously inoperable patients to undergo surgery, tripling the rates of successful surgery for liver metastasis. The combination also extends median overall survival by 10 months compared to chemotherapy alone.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 8, 2013

Research from the 2013 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium highlights new insights on high-risk prostate cancer prevalence and treatment, compares benefit of surveillance and surgery for management of small kidney tumors

Research from the 2013 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium highlights new insights on high-risk prostate cancer prevalence and treatment. Studies show that African-American men and older men of any race are more likely to have aggressive prostate cancer, while surveillance for small kidney tumors is a safe alternative to surgery for elderl...

American Society of Clinical Oncology issues annual report on state of clinical cancer science

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has released its annual report on the top cancer advances of 2012, showcasing significant developments in precision medicine and targeted treatments. The report highlights seven new FDA approvals for anticancer agents, including therapies for breast and prostate cancers.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 3, 2012

Study demonstrates that earlier end of life care discussions are linked to less aggressive care in final days of life

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that earlier end-of-life care discussions are associated with less aggressive care and increased use of hospice care for patients with advanced cancer. Initiating these discussions before the last month of life allows patients to make informed decisions about their care.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 13, 2012

Study reports steady increases in long-term survival among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, reflecting impact of treatment advances

The study reported a significant increase in five-year and 10-year survival rates for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, rising to 90.4% and 83.9%, respectively. Advances in treatment, including new drugs and supportive care, contributed to the improved outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 12, 2012

First study on long-term cognitive effects of breast cancer chemotherapy finds subtle impairment among women who received CMF regimen

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that women who underwent chemotherapy with the CMF regimen between 1976 and 1995 scored slightly lower on cognitive tests compared to those without a history of cancer. The differences were subtle but statistically significant, affecting word learning, memory, and information ...

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 27, 2012

First prospective analysis links breast and pancreatic cancer risk with lynch syndrome

A prospective study links Lynch syndrome with significantly increased risks of breast and pancreatic cancers, while relatives without genetic mutations have no increased risk. The study provides clearer estimates of cancer risks associated with Lynch syndrome and may inform screening and early detection strategies.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 13, 2012

Research from the 2012 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium highlights new treatments, compares existing therapies for prostate cancer

Research from the 2012 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium highlights promising new therapies for prostate cancer, including vigorous exercise and targeted drugs that improve survival rates. The studies also compare existing treatments, such as radiation therapy and hormone therapy, to determine their effectiveness.

Surgical technique helps adult male survivors of childhood cancer regain fertility

A new study shows that a surgical technique called microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) can effectively locate and extract viable sperm in over one-third of adult male childhood cancer survivors who were previously considered sterile. This technique enabled many men to father children with the help of in vitro fertilization.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 14, 2011

Novel immune system-based gene therapy induces strong responses in metastatic melanoma, sarcoma

A novel form of personalized therapy using genetically engineered anti-tumor immune cells shows promising results in treating metastatic melanoma and synovial cell sarcoma. The technique, called adoptive immunotherapy, resulted in response rates of 45% and 67% in malignant melanoma and synovial cell sarcoma patients, respectively.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 31, 2011

Study shows younger women with endometrial cancer can safely keep ovaries, avoid early menopause

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that leaving the ovaries intact during surgery for early-stage endometrial cancer has no survival benefit compared to removing them. This approach could spare women from surgery-induced early menopause, hot flashes, and increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 28, 2009

News from the Journal of Clinical Oncology

A long-term study found that high insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) levels reduced overall death risk by over 50%, while high C-peptide levels doubled the risk of death. Lifestyle factors like obesity and physical inactivity are associated with high insulin levels, which can fuel colon cancer growth.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 8, 2008

Study finds that significant proportion of men told wife's cancer was incurable late or not at all

A Swedish study found that more than 40% of widowers were never informed about their wives' incurable cancer or received the news in the last week of her life. The study suggests room for improvement in healthcare provider communication with husbands, particularly those who did not receive information before the wife's death.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 8, 2008