Researchers found that a short course of hormonal therapy before and with radiation therapy slowed cancer growth by up to eight years, particularly the development of bone metastases. This delayed cancer progression increased survival rates among older men with potentially aggressive prostate cancer.
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that Ashkenazi Jewish women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have a significantly longer survival rate compared to those without these mutations. After up to nine years of follow-up, carriers were 28% less likely to die from ovarian cancer.
A study found a 150% increase in women choosing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy when cancer is confined to one breast. Despite this, researchers caution that the procedure may not improve overall survival and raise concerns about unnecessary invasive treatment.
Two studies found that exercise and yoga can improve quality of life in women with early-stage breast cancer by increasing physical fitness and self-esteem. Yoga was particularly beneficial for women not receiving chemotherapy, promoting better social well-being and overall quality of life.
Researchers suggest taking oral targeted cancer therapies like lapatinib with food to increase absorption and reduce dosage, resulting in significant cost savings. This approach could cut the needed dose of lapatinib by at least 60% and lower its monthly cost from $2,900 to $1,740.
The partnership aims to create programs and provide grants that support tangible improvements in access to and delivery of cancer care, particularly for disparities and clinical trials. The initiative also focuses on solutions to the projected shortfalls of the oncology workforce and addresses the unique needs of cancer survivors.
A new study examines partners of cancer survivors who underwent blood and marrow transplant, finding equal levels of mental health impairment, but with differing treatment outcomes and social support
A new study reveals that recent declines in breast cancer mortality rates have been most significant among women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors and women younger than 70. These groups experienced a 38% decline in mortality from breast cancer, compared to a 19% decline for ER-negative tumors.
A new study reveals racial disparities in male breast cancer survival rates, with African-American men facing a higher risk of death. The research analyzed data from over 510 men diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer and found five-year survival rates of 66% among African-American men versus 90% among white men.
Studies found that trastuzumab treatment can cause impaired heart function in 28% of women with advanced breast cancer, which may be reversible. Additionally, radiation therapy to the left side of the chest increases the risk of heart disease and coronary artery disease.
A study of over 9,000 Danish residents found that a specific variation in the CHEK2 gene triples a woman's risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. Women with this mutation are three times as likely to develop breast cancer as those without it.
Research reveals that women genetically predisposed to breast cancer may be more susceptible to low-dose ionizing radiation, such as chest X-rays. Women with BRCA1/2 mutations who reported ever having a chest X-ray were found to be 54% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who had never undergone the procedure.
Researchers found that hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) therapy extended survival and improved quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. HAI therapy resulted in a median survival of 24 months, better response rates, and longer time to disease progression compared to systemic chemotherapy.
Researchers found that chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cisplatin extended disease-free survival by 50% and overall survival by 13% compared to radiation therapy. Serious side effects were more common in the chemotherapy group, but a new regimen may be less toxic.
Researchers found that many cancer survivors make significant modifications in diet and physical activity after a diagnosis. Despite this, many continue to struggle with healthy behaviors, particularly males, less educated individuals, and those over 65.
A new study reveals that referrals to palliative care come too late to improve quality of life for cancer patients. Researchers surveyed 318 family members and found that only 48% thought referral timing was appropriate, while most believed care was given too late.
Researchers found that high weight prior to diagnosis was associated with poorer survival, particularly in women who had never smoked. Weight gain after diagnosis also increased the risk of recurrence and death, especially among normal-weight women.
A study found that African Americans are half as likely to receive surgery for esophageal cancer, experiencing poorer survival rates and undertreatment. The disparity is attributed to factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and pre-existing health conditions, highlighting the need for equal access to quality cancer care.
A study found that women at high risk of breast cancer have difficulty deciding whether to take tamoxifen, with factors such as personal history, physician advice, and perception of risk playing a significant role. Anxiety and psychological distress also influence decision satisfaction.
Researchers found that imatinib partially regressed lesions and stabilized disease in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. However, high toxicity was observed due to medication interactions, highlighting the need for optimized dosing schedules.
Research reveals elderly patients are significantly under-represented in cancer clinical trials, with only 36% of trial participants aged 65 and older compared to 60% of the U.S. cancer population. This underrepresentation may be due to concerns about treatment effectiveness and side effects.
Researchers found that PBSC transplants were associated with higher rates of mortality and chronic graft-versus-host disease compared to bone marrow transplants. This suggests a potential need for re-evaluation of transplant approaches in pediatric patients.
A study by Ann H. Partridge et al highlights the need for better patient-physician communication about fertility in young breast cancer patients. Fifty-seven percent of patients reported being very concerned about becoming infertile, with 29% influencing their treatment decisions.
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.
Researchers found that a blood test, CA125, was 2.6 times more accurate than CT scans in predicting patient survival. The study suggests that tumor-marker guided response criteria like CA125 may be superior to imaging-based response criteria in predicting treatment outcomes.
The guideline states that routine adjuvant chemotherapy is not recommended for medically fit, average-risk patients with Stage II colon cancer. Patients who receive adjuvant chemotherapy have a small but significant benefit in survival rates, around 4-5% more chance of survival five years after surgery.
Researchers found that adherence to St-Gallen guidelines improved overall survival at 7 years, especially for those at moderate risk of recurrence. Women whose treatment conformed to guideline recommendations experienced better survival and lower recurrence rates compared to those with non-guideline therapy.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has released a new technology assessment recommending against the use of chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assays. The assessment found limitations in the literature, including small sample sizes and low yield of assays, cast doubt on their effectiveness in determining treatment.
Researchers found that genetic variations in XPD and XRCC1 genes are associated with decreased median survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Patients with more variations in these genes had shorter survival times, with those having no variations surviving the longest.
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 study found that bilateral mastectomy significantly lowers breast cancer risk in high-risk women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Short-term hormone replacement therapy is safe after oophorectomy, increasing life expectancy by 3.34 to 4.65 years.
Two studies found obesity increases risk of aggressive prostate cancer and cancer recurrence in African-American men. Obesity is associated with higher Gleason scores and elevated PSA levels, suggesting a link between excess body fat and tumor growth.
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.
A US study found that liver transplantation significantly improves five-year survival rates for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), from 25.3% in the late 1980s to 61.1% in the early 2000s. The study suggests that careful patient selection based on improved criteria may be a key factor in these improvements.
A new study found that adding aprepitant to standard treatment for nausea and vomiting can effectively prevent these symptoms following chemotherapy. The medication reduced nausea and vomiting both on the day of chemotherapy administration and in the days that followed.
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.
Two new studies found that elderly lung cancer patients benefit equally from aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment, contradicting common assumptions. Fit elderly patients should be fully briefed on treatment options, including potential risks and benefits. The studies suggest presenting the full range of treatment options to ...
A recent study of over 1,350 men found no correlation between a low-fat, high-fiber diet and reduced PSA levels over a four-year period. The study suggests that a healthy dietary pattern may still have an inhibitory effect on prostate cancer incidence despite the lack of impact on PSA levels.
A major NCI study reveals that long-term survivors of Hodgkin's disease are twice as likely to develop a solid tumor compared to the general population. The study found that certain treatments for Hodgkin's disease increase the risk of second cancers, but effective therapies have a significant survival benefit.
This study found that paclitaxel- and carboplatin-based regimens can prolong survival of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, with two-year survival rates similar to those achieved at one year with best supportive care. However, three-drug regimens were slightly more toxic and did not provide additional benefits.
A study by UCSF found that cancer patients often prefer to experience pain over the side effects of opioid analgesics. Effective pain management requires repeated assessment and adjustments in dosage, according to experts.
A new treatment regimen combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy significantly improved failure-free survival rates for patients with early-stage Hodgkin's disease. The study also found that staging laparotomy could be avoided, leading to better patient outcomes.
Researchers found that brief cycles of high-dose chemotherapy produced long-term disease-free survival in more than half of adults treated for Burkitt's small non-cleaved lymphoma and leukemia. The regimen achieved an 80% complete response rate, with 52% of patients remaining in continuous remission after five years.
A clinical trial found that marimastat produced comparable one-year survival rates to chemotherapy drug gemcitabine in patients with localized pancreatic cancer. Fewer toxic side effects were reported in patients taking marimastat compared to gemcitabine.
Researchers found that women who exercised on their own had better aerobic results than those in supervised groups. Exercise improved physical functioning by 5.7 points, with significant weight loss among tamoxifen users.
A study found that PET scans are more accurate than traditional diagnostic techniques in determining how far lung cancer has spread. PET scans revealed cancer in 27 patients that had spread farther than thought, sparing them from futile attempts at aggressive therapy.
Researchers have shown that smoking more than triples the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. The study found that current smokers were three times more likely to develop the cancer compared to former smokers.