A new study found that overweight and obese women are at higher risk of breast cancer recurrence, regardless of chemotherapy dosage. The study, which analyzed data from 1909 patients, suggests that lifestyle factors can influence cancer prognosis.
A randomised controlled trial found ultrasound-guided surgery excises all cancerous tissue with minimal healthy tissue removal, reducing re-excisions and radiotherapy. The technique enables precise tumour localisation and assessment of surgical margins.
A new genomic test has been shown to help doctors identify breast cancer patients who do not need adjuvant chemotherapy, reducing side effects and improving quality of life. The study found that patients classified as low risk by the test had a higher distant disease-free survival rate compared to those classified as high risk.
Researchers found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and physical exercise can significantly reduce menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness, in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. The interventions also improved sexuality and physical functioning, with positive effects still apparent after six months.
Researchers found a strong correlation between genetic variation and chemotherapy side effects, enabling personalized treatment approaches. This study aims to tailor chemotherapy regimens to individual patients' genetic profiles.
A 15-year follow-up of over 1000 DCIS patients found that radiotherapy reduced local recurrence risk by 50%, while improving survival for invasive recurrence cases. The study suggests a continuous protective effect of RT on DCIS recurrence in the long term.
Detecting circulating tumour cells in blood can provide information about breast cancer survival and help target treatment. Patients with high CTC counts have a higher risk of recurrence and death, while CTC detection may also become a target for future therapy.
Research presented at the European Breast Cancer Conference found that women with denser breasts have a nearly double risk of local recurrence. The study, which involved 1,774 post-menopausal women, highlights the importance of considering breast density in treatment decisions and follow-up routines.
A recent study suggests that MRI screening could be a cost-effective option for women with a familial risk of breast cancer, despite being expensive. The research found that adding MRI to standard mammography screening reduces deaths by 24% at a lower cost per year of life gained.
A 20-year breast cancer screening program in the Netherlands showed a significant drop in deaths from the disease, with a 31% reduction in deaths among women aged 55-79. The program also found limited harm from false positives and over-diagnosis, with only 2.8% of all breast cancers diagnosed being over-diagnosed.
A Dutch study reveals that breast cancer screening and improved treatments together save a significant number of lives. The study found that adjuvant therapy reduced deaths by 13.9%, while two-yearly screening added another 15.7%. Combining both approaches resulted in a total reduction of 31.1% in breast cancer mortality.
New research shows that becoming pregnant after a diagnosis of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer does not increase the risk of recurrence. In fact, patients who become pregnant appear to survive longer than those who do not. The study also found no difference in disease-free survival between women with ER+ or ER- disease.
The report highlights the urgent need for simplified and integrated patient treatment pathways, new models of care with lower cost bases, and a whole new approach to expensive interventions. Radical action is required to make cancer care fair and affordable for all citizens.
A recent study found that mutations in the SF3B1 gene are associated with a milder form of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and better overall survival rates. The researchers also discovered a close relationship between the mutated gene and the presence of ring sideroblasts, abnormal precursors to red blood cells, which can cause anaemia.
A large study found that high blood pressure is associated with a higher risk of developing cancer and dying from the disease, particularly in men. The study analyzed data on blood pressure and cancer incidence and death in over 289,000 participants.
A study found that children born after mothers received chemotherapy during pregnancy had normal cognitive and cardiac development, but those born preterm were more likely to experience developmental delays. Researchers recommend continuing cancer treatment during pregnancy unless preterm delivery can be prevented.
Researchers suggest that smaller, faster trials with relaxed evidence criteria could lead to improved cancer patient survival and quicker access to new treatments. This approach would allow for the testing of more treatments and potentially reduce the time it takes to bring new therapies to patients.
Research reveals breast cancer tumors alter hormonal status and marker stability during relapse, impacting treatment decisions. Regular biopsies may be crucial in ensuring correct treatment and detecting other cancers or benign lesions.
A phase III clinical trial has shown that combining everolimus and exemestane significantly improves progression-free survival for women with advanced breast cancer resistant to hormonal therapy. The combination treatment resulted in an improved survival of nearly seven months compared to women treated with only exemestane.
A 12-year update of the Breast International Group 1-98 trial shows that letrozole reduces the risk of breast cancer relapse by 18% and death by 21% compared to tamoxifen after surgery. The study provides long-term reassurance on the efficacy of aromatase inhibitors in preventing breast cancer recurrence.
A phase III clinical trial shows that abiraterone acetate significantly improves fatigue in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The treatment also delays the progression of fatigue and has a potential survival benefit.
A new trial shows that a single dose of the drug ibandronate is as effective in controlling pain from prostate cancer bone metastases as a single dose of radiotherapy. The study found no long-term difference in pain relief between the two treatments.
A significant benefit of zoledronic acid was found for post-menopausal women with stage II/III breast cancer, with an overall survival rate of 85%. The drug may alter the balance of substances in the bone marrow micro-environment, potentially preventing cancer cells from spreading.
A major UK trial found that giving radiotherapy between or during chemotherapy cycles significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer recurring in the breast or chest wall. The treatment, known as synchronous chemoradiation, has minimal adverse side-effects and no detrimental effect on quality of life.
A Phase II study showed that trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) significantly delayed breast cancer progression, improving patients' lives with fewer side effects. The treatment improved time to disease worsening by 41% compared to standard docetaxel chemotherapy plus trastuzumab.
Researchers have developed a new bone-targeting drug that can delay the onset of metastases in hormone-resistant prostate cancer patients. The study showed that denosumab prolonged bone metastasis-free survival significantly compared to placebo, improving patient quality of life.
A study comparing 6,597 patients across four European countries found substantial differences in treatment approaches for rectal cancer. The use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy varied greatly between countries, despite comparable stages of disease.
A new treatment, percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP), has been shown to significantly extend the time patients with liver-dominant metastatic melanoma can live without disease progression. On average, PHP patients survived for 8.1 months, compared to 1.6 months in the control group.
A Phase III trial of Radium-223 Chloride has shown improved survival rates among patients with bone metastases from advanced prostate cancer. The study found that patients taking radium-223 had a 30% lower rate of death compared to those receiving placebo.
Two new risk indicators for prostate cancer have been identified, showing an association between benign prostatic hyperplasia and an increased risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer. Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in healthy men also predict long-term risk of developing prostate cancer.
A study found that elderly breast cancer patients are more likely to die from age-related conditions rather than the disease itself, highlighting shortcomings in patient care. Researchers argue that these patients are being under-treated due to a false perception of their prognosis.
Despite significant improvements in childhood cancer survival rates, research funding is inadequate and collaboration among countries is limited. The report calls for increased EU funding to support a Europe-wide clinical trials network and the creation of a European Childhood Cancer Epidemiological Registry.
Researchers have found that cough suppressant syrup can be used as a probe to predict how well individual breast cancer patients metabolize tamoxifen, leading to more effective and targeted treatment. The study's results suggest that this method could improve patient outcomes by identifying those with altered metabolism.
Researchers have identified a new target for stopping tumors from developing their own blood supply, with a newly developed drug called ACE-041 showing promising results in advanced cancer patients. The drug targets the ALK-1 receptor and has been shown to halt tumor progression and improve patient outcomes.
In a Phase I trial, MK-4827 demonstrated anti-tumour responses in both sporadic and BRCA1/2 mutation-associated cancers. Patients with exhausted standard therapies showed significant shrinkage or stabilization of tumours for extended periods.
A new anti-cancer drug, inecalcitol, has shown encouraging responses in men with hormone-resistant prostate cancer. In a phase II(a) clinical trial, 83% of patients responded to the treatment with a drop in PSA levels of 30% or more within three months.
Scientists have developed a way to deliver an anti-cancer drug to brain tumours using a tiny capsule called a Trojan Horse Liposome. The nanocarrier successfully reduced tumour growth by 73% and prevented severe side effects compared to traditional treatments.
Researchers found that compounds disrupting EGFR signalling reduced TNBC cell growth by up to 91%. Inhibiting ADAMs may be a promising therapeutic option for TNBC and other cancers with EGFR activity.
A new study found significant changes in targeted genes in patients' tumors, suggesting existing therapies may benefit more cancer patients. The research identified potential targets for treatment with existing targeted therapies.
Using OncoMap, researchers can identify specific mutations in oncogenes that drive ovarian cancer growth and choose targeted drugs to halt tumor progression. The technique holds promise for personalized medicine in treating advanced ovarian cancer.
Although overall cancer mortality is decreasing in the EU, incidence has increased by almost 20% since 2002. Cancer prevention efforts are struggling to keep pace with economic crises, which threaten to worsen occupational exposure to carcinogens.
Only 5% of cancer research funds are spent on investigating metastases, yet it kills 90% of all cancer patients. The European CanCer Organisation highlights this discrepancy in funding and calls for increased emphasis on tackling metastases.
Researchers found that beta-blocker treatment reduced metastasis and improved survival in breast cancer patients, with a 71% reduced risk of death compared to other groups. The study suggests that beta-blockers may slow down tumour growth and target patients at high risk of secondary cancers.
A multi-centre study found that specific lymph node radiotherapy is well-tolerated in early breast cancer patients after mastectomy or breast conserving surgery. The treatment showed no increased toxicity to the heart at three years follow-up, and estimated overall survival rates of 79%.
The study found that PARP expression is present in all breast cancer subtypes and correlates with a total response to chemotherapy. Tumors with high PARP levels showed a significant improvement in overall survival.
The median survival time for metastatic breast cancer patients increased steadily over 25 years, with improved outcomes for those with grade III tumours. Targeted therapies, particularly trastuzumab, have contributed to these advancements, offering new hope for patients with aggressive forms of the disease.
Two new studies shed light on treatment options for women carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations, which predispose them to breast cancer. Prophylactic mastectomy was found to have little impact on disease-free or overall survival, while breast conserving therapy with chemotherapy reduced recurrence rates in the breast.
Researchers found that women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer tend to overestimate their risk of developing cancer in the other breast. After counseling and a 12-month delay, most patients reconsidered and opted against prophylactic surgery.
Women diagnosed with breast cancer after pregnancy are 48% more likely to die than others, but risk is similar if cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy. Further investigation is needed to understand the relationship between cumulative pregnancy effects and breast cancer prognosis.
New research suggests that pregnant women with breast cancer can be treated with chemotherapy without endangering the health of their unborn baby. The study found that babies exposed to chemotherapy during pregnancy were born slightly lighter but otherwise had similar outcomes as those not exposed to chemotherapy.