Patients with biliary tract cancer and small intestine adenocarcinoma have responded well to a combination of dabrafenib and trametinib, surviving longer without disease progression. The median overall survival time was 11.3 months, with some patients surviving up to two years.
Researchers found two genomic tests, MammaPrint and BluePrint, can predict patient response to new treatments. These tests identified subgroups of patients with high-risk tumours more likely to respond to specific therapies.
Researchers have found a drug combination that made tumors disappear in mice with neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. The CBL0137/panobinostat combination was more effective than single drug treatments and showed promise for reducing side effects and increasing survival rates.
The combination therapy of NIR178 and spartalizumab has shown activity in non-small cell lung cancer patients, with two complete responses and 14 patients experiencing stable disease. The treatment was well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild to moderate.
A phase I trial of a new drug combination using nivolumab and pixatimod has reported clinical benefit in four out of five patients with microsatellite stable colorectal cancer. The combination is thought to overcome intrinsic resistance to PD-1 inhibitors in MSS CRC, suggesting potential benefits for this patient population.
ZW25, an antibody targeting the HER2 receptor, has shown encouraging anti-tumour activity in patients with advanced cancers driven by HER2. The median time patients survived without disease progression was 6.21 months, and 13 experienced tumour shrinkage.
A new drug, IPdR, has been shown to be safe and effective in boosting radiotherapy for patients with various gastrointestinal cancers. The drug, a prodrug that converts into the active IUdR, can be taken orally and creates high levels of IUdR in the bloodstream, making cancer cells more susceptible to radiation.
Researchers presented a phase 2 trial showing capivasertib's potential in treating various types of cancer with the AKT mutation. The treatment resulted in tumor shrinkage in 23% of patients and prolonged time without tumor growth for 52%.
Women with small, low-grade tumors and a genetic profile at low risk of metastasis have only a 1.4% chance of locoregional recurrence within five years. Breast conservation surgery is as effective as mastectomy in reducing the risk of recurrence.
Researchers found that targeted drug treatment before surgery can safely treat women with aggressive tumours using breast-conserving surgery, sparing patients from extensive surgery. This approach resulted in fewer long-term side-effects and improved quality of life for a significant proportion of patients.
New results from IMPORT LOW trial show women treated with partial or reduced breast radiotherapy report fewer side-effects, including less change in breast appearance. The study found that over half of patients did not experience moderate or marked side-effects at any point.
Breast cancer experts are urging men to participate in clinical trials to discover better treatment options. The research highlights the benefits of targeted treatments, such as reducing radical surgery and improving cosmetic results for men with breast cancer.
The average size of breast tumors decreased dramatically following the introduction of screening in the 1980s and 1990s. However, a recent study found that this trend has reversed since 2001, with a slight increase in tumor size. Women with smaller tumors at diagnosis tend to have better survival rates.
Two new studies show that women with 'triple negative' or HER2 positive breast cancers who respond well to chemotherapy before surgery have a very low risk of having cancer cells in their lymph nodes. Chemotherapy can safely reduce or avoid lymph node surgery for these patients, potentially reducing long-term side effects.
A new model predicts the extra risk of death for breast cancer patients and survivors, taking into account improved survival rates over time. The model could lead to lower life insurance premiums and increased transparency for patients.
Researchers found that polygenic risk scores, which were originally developed to predict first breast cancer risk, can also quantify the risk of a second breast cancer in BRCA carriers. This technology has been shown to be effective in predicting the risk of a second breast cancer in women with high-risk BRCA gene mutations.
A study found that patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who are post-menopausal or estrogen receptor positive have a low risk of recurrence. Treatment with breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy leads to very low rates of recurrence. The research also identifies clues for tailoring treatments to individual patients.
Women with BRCA1 mutations who undergo double mastectomy have lower breast cancer-specific survival, compared to those under surveillance. For BRCA2 mutation carriers, there is no difference in the chances of dying from breast cancer between mastectomy and surveillance.
Research found that patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer, particularly within the first year. The study's findings suggest a link between rapid deterioration in diabetes and early detection of pancreatic cancer.
A large study found that breast conserving therapy (BCT) is superior to mastectomy in early-stage breast cancer patients with no metastases. BCT, combined with radiation therapy, offers a survival advantage for patients aged over 50 years and those with comorbidity.
A breath test measuring five chemicals has shown promising results for detecting oesophagus and stomach cancers in a large patient trial. The test achieved an overall accuracy of 85%, outperforming the current method of endoscopy.
New cancer drugs have shown clinical benefit, but disparities in national health technology assessment outcomes hinder patient access. In the UK, prices for some common drugs increased by over 1000% between 2011 and 2016.
A new immunotherapy, pembrolizumab, has shown significant activity against mucosal melanoma tumors and prolonged survival in patients with bladder cancer. The treatment demonstrated a response rate of 16% and improved overall survival rates compared to chemotherapy.
Researchers predict that melanoma death rates will decrease by 2050 due to the aging of populations, but the number of deaths may increase. Effective treatments could lead to a further decline in mortality rates.
Researchers found that women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are at a slightly lower risk of dying from any cause compared to the general population. After 10 years, DCIS patients had a 2.5% risk of dying from breast cancer and a 10% lower overall mortality rate.
A new study found that twice-daily radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy reduces head and neck cancer deaths by 20% and slows disease progression. The treatment, known as hyperfractionated radiotherapy, has shown promise in treating advanced stage patients who face lower survival rates.
A phase I trial of LY3039478 showed the drug's ability to inhibit Notch signalling pathway in patients with various advanced cancers. The treatment resulted in tumour shrinkage and disease stabilisation, particularly in rare cancers like adenoid cystic carcinoma.
A new anti-cancer drug, GDC-0575, has shown remarkable effectiveness when combined with gemcitabine in treating advanced soft tissue sarcomas. The combination significantly reduced tumour growth rate and led to long-lasting periods without disease progression in two patients.
A phase I clinical trial has shown that the experimental drug TAS-114 can increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy while reducing side effects. The drug, combined with S-1, resulted in tumor shrinkage and stable disease progression in patients with various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast c...
Researchers report good results in patients with metastatic prostate cancer using bipolar androgen therapy (BAT), which alternately floods and starves the body of testosterone. The treatment has been safe and effective, with PSA levels falling, tumors shrinking, and some men showing a complete remission.
Ground-breaking studies demonstrate early benefit of targeted treatments in advanced cancers, with dramatic responses seen in patients who have failed standard therapies. Liquid biopsies enable real-time monitoring of patient progress and treatment efficacy.
In a phase I clinical trial, combination therapy of CB-839 and everolimus resulted in tumor control in 93% of patients with clear cell and papillary renal cell cancer. The median time without cancer growth was 8.5 months, suggesting potential as a treatment option for advanced kidney cancer.
The Society of Surgical Oncology and European Society of Surgical Oncology propose a global curriculum to address training variations and inadequacies. The curriculum aims to create a robust workforce of well-trained surgical oncologists to meet the growing need resulting from the rising global cancer burden.
A new study found that a 21-gene test can identify patients with early breast cancer who can be spared chemotherapy and still survive five years after diagnosis. The trial showed a 94% disease-free survival rate among low-risk patients treated with hormone therapy alone.
New research analyzed data from over 68,000 women with breast cancer registered in England between 2006-2013. The study found that average age at diagnosis was lower in both South Asian and Black women than in White women. Ethnic minority women may still face larger tumours and more aggressive features despite younger age.
A clinical trial found that approximately a quarter of women with HER2 positive breast cancer who received combination treatment experienced significant tumor shrinkage or disappearance within 11 days. This discovery offers the possibility of tailoring treatment for each woman, potentially reducing the need for chemotherapy.
A new study has revealed significant biological differences between male and female breast cancers, shedding light on why male patients often receive delayed diagnoses. Researchers hope this knowledge will enable better treatment choices for Male BC patients, including the use of chemotherapy and targeted agents.
Researchers found that dose-dense adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival after ten years by nearly a third compared to standard interval regimens. Dose-dense chemotherapy was not associated with an increased risk of treatment-induced amenorrhea, and it seemed effective irrespective of hormone receptor status.
A new trial found that full-dose radiotherapy to the whole breast is not necessary for women with low-risk early breast cancer. The study showed very low rates of local recurrence and minimal side effects across all treatment groups, suggesting that partial breast radiotherapy may be sufficient for many patients.
Adding tomosynthesis or ultrasound scans to standard mammograms detects more breast cancers in women with dense breasts. These imaging technologies picked up an extra 24 cancers, improving detection rates.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation associated with a high risk of breast cancer in the Chinese ethnic population. The RECQL mutation was found to be present in 0.54% of Southern Chinese women, suggesting it may be an important factor in genetic screening for women with a family history of breast cancer.
A study of 5,644 women found that diabetes treatment decreases mammographic density, while insulin use increases it. The researchers also urge women with and without diabetes to adopt simple lifestyle changes to reduce breast cancer risk.
A large-scale study found no link between physical activity and breast density, contradicting previous findings. Women with high breast density are still at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, but lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet can lower their risk.
A study of 129 children born after prenatal exposure to cancer treatment found normal mental and heart function, contradicting fears that chemotherapy would harm fetal development. However, premature birth was more frequent among these children than in the general population, suggesting avoiding prematurity is key.
A phase I trial of rovalpituzumab tesirine has shown promising results in treating small cell lung cancer, with 34% of patients experiencing a partial response and 31% experiencing disease stabilisation. The drug targets DLL3, a protein highly expressed in SCLCs.
Researchers found that overcrowded conditions protect against developing a particular type of Hodgkin lymphoma, while female patients in the 20-24 age group have a higher incidence rate. The study also suggests that oestrogens may be responsible for this increased risk.
A large study found that aspirin use after a cancer diagnosis significantly increases overall survival rates for patients with gastrointestinal tumours. The researchers analysed data from nearly 14,000 patients and discovered a strong association between aspirin use and improved survival.
The CheckMate 057 trial shows that nivolumab improves overall and 12-month survival rates compared to docetaxel in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer patients. Nivolumab also demonstrated better patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life and slower disease deterioration.
Researchers found that adding hormonal treatment during chemotherapy reduced the risk of premature ovarian failure by 45% and increased pregnancy rates among young breast cancer patients. The use of LHRHa could be a potential standard strategy to preserve ovarian function and fertility in hormone receptor positive breast cancers.
A combination of dabrafenib and trametinib significantly prolongs median overall survival time for advanced melanoma patients to over two years, with 51% remaining alive after two years. The treatment also improves disease-free progression and quality of life compared to vemurafenib alone.