A Phase II study of the new-generation lung cancer drug PF-299 has shown impressive results in preventing disease progression when administered as a first-line treatment in patients with advanced disease. The study found that 85% of patients with EGFR mutations remained progression-free for at least nine months.
A recent study found that cancer patients taking targeted therapies have significantly decreased levels of sexual function and satisfaction. The researchers surveyed 51 patients and found that men's erectile function scores were just 53% of the maximum, while women's desire and arousal scores were also affected.
A Phase-II trial investigating pazopanib for relapsed/refractory urothelial cancer has generated promising results, with four patients experiencing tumor shrinkage and twelve seeing their metastases die due to 'necrotic evolution'. Researchers are eager to translate this activity into a survival advantage.
The Phase III trial confirms that abiraterone acetate extends life by four months for patients with advanced prostate cancer, improving median overall survival to 14.8 months. This breakthrough treatment challenges the standard care for men with advanced disease.
A Phase III study showed that everolimus improves progression-free survival by 5.1 months in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors. The drug has antitumor efficacy in addition to currently available agents, offering new treatment options for rare cancers.
A study of 25 cancer survivors found that fertility concerns were inadequately addressed by doctors, with many feeling guilty about their sexual function. Fertility was crucial to these patients' sense of identity and body image, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to address these issues.
Researchers found that targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) provides substantial clinical benefit for women with hard-to-treat triple-negative breast cancer. Adding cetuximab to chemotherapy doubled response rate and time to progression compared to chemotherapy alone.
A study by Dr. Hatem Azim found that breastfeeding is safe for women after breast cancer treatment, contrary to common advice. Successful long-term breastfeeding was associated with type of breast surgery and post-delivery lactation counseling.
A new melanoma treatment has shown a robust activity in shrinking brain metastases in patients with advanced disease. The drug, GSK2118436, targets the BRAF protein mutation common in human melanomas and has been found to control and reduce brain tumor size in nearly all patients.
Researchers reported that adding cetuximab to a three-drug chemotherapy regimen for first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer did not improve response rates, progression-free survival, or overall survival. The NORDIC VII study included 566 patients and found no statistically significant differences between the treatment groups.
A new study found that both high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant and conventional treatment with lenalidomide achieved positive responses in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The study showed improved quality of response compared to induction alone.
A study of Italian women with breast cancer found that most cases were diagnosed in people over 50 and had not spread to lymph nodes. The disease was hormone-receptor positive and HER2-negative, indicating a classical endocrine-responsive type. Treatment choices were influenced by tumor stage rather than biological factors.
A new meta-analysis shows that continuing chemotherapy after bringing cancer under control can increase survival time and reduce disease progression in metastatic breast cancer patients. The analysis found a 34% reduction in disease progression and a 9% reduction in death rates for patients who received longer chemotherapy durations.
The final phase-II results show that iniparib plus chemotherapy significantly improves overall survival from 7.7 to 12.3 months, offering a promising new treatment option for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patients. Over half of patients experience clinical benefit, and there is little increase in adverse events.
A study presented at the ESMO Congress found that a patient's overall survival time is linked to the time to treatment failure for each line of chemotherapy. Analyzing data from 980 women with metastatic breast cancer, researchers identified this key factor as the most significant determinant of overall survival.
UK scientists have reported direct evidence that taking up smoking results in epigenetic changes associated with cancer. A study funded by Cancer Research UK found women who started smoking had a higher risk of acquiring p16 methylation, a type of epigenetic change linked to tumor suppressor genes.
Researchers report a new surgical technique, balloon kyphoplasty, offers quick pain relief and improves quality of life for patients with vertebral compression fractures. The procedure, which involves inflation and injection of bone cement, shows sustained improvements in disability and mobility.
Erlotinib has been shown to improve progression-free survival in patients with advanced lung cancer carrying EGFR activating mutations. The OPTIMAL trial found that erlotinib nearly tripled progression-free survival compared to a standard chemotherapy combination. Safety analyses also showed lower rates of adverse events with erlotinib.
A new drug targeting the MET receptor added benefit to erlotinib in patients with advanced lung cancer who express MET, improving overall survival and progression-free survival
A Phase II clinical trial of MLN8237, a selective Aurora A kinase inhibitor, demonstrates single-agent activity with durable disease control in some patients with ovarian cancer resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. The study found encouraging responses in several patients, suggesting potential for future combination therapies.
The European Society for Medical Oncology launches OncologyPRO, a unique scientific portal providing instant access to high-quality scientific knowledge. The platform offers a range of services tailored to the specific needs of cancer specialists, improving their efficiency and patient outcomes.
A new type of cancer treatment has shown encouraging activity as a first-line therapy in HER2-positive metastatic disease. The study demonstrated that T-DM1 has good anti-tumor activity and much lower toxicity compared to the older standard.
Research published in Annals of Oncology suggests that intrauterine devices releasing progestin hormone levonorgestrel combined with GnRH injections can halt and reverse cancer growth in women aged 40 or younger. The treatment has shown promise in treating specific types of endometrial cancer, preserving fertility for young women.
Hilary Calvert, Alberto Costa, and Bengt Glimelius received the 2010 ESMO Award for their significant work in breast cancer development, multidisciplinary care, and gastrointestinal cancer treatment. The awards recognize their contributions to advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has published updated clinical practice guidelines for cancer care, providing vital information on diagnosis, treatment plans, and follow-up. The new guidelines cover various tumor types and include expanded sections on cardiotoxicity and fertility considerations.
Researchers presented studies on predicting pregnancy-associated breast cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder in breast cancer patients, and novel drug candidates such as flavaglines. The conference also explored the use of circulating tumor cells and gene differences to predict survival outcomes in breast cancer patients.
Research finds that estrogen receptor status in HER2+ breast cancer is correlated with response to anti-HER therapies. Patients with ER+/HER2+ cancers may benefit more from PI3K/AKT inhibitors, while ER-/HER2+ patients may see worse outcomes with hormonal therapy alone.
Researchers developed a simple genetic test using three genes to classify breast cancer into sub-types, highlighting the importance of molecular classification in treatment outcomes. The study's findings suggest that these models are robust and can aid clinicians in making therapeutic decisions.
Researchers have developed a powerful new technique for analyzing genome data from single tumor cells. The breakthrough allows scientists to study the biology of tumor development and identify dangerous cells in small samples. By profiling individual cells, researchers can understand genetic changes that occur as cancer progresses.
A powerful new technique for analyzing tumor cells has been developed, allowing scientists to study the biology of how tumors develop. An international team discovered molecular evidence that may explain why some women with HER2 over-expressing breast cancer do not respond to anti-HER therapies.
A new study found that the number of circulating tumor cells in a patient's blood directly correlates with their survival time in metastatic breast cancer. The research suggests that monitoring these cells could improve personalized therapy for patients.
Transplant patients have a significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer after organ transplantation, with the highest rates seen in heart and liver recipients. Researchers found that 0.85% of transplants developed lung cancer over 22 years, with higher incidence rates in smokers.
A new blood test has been found to identify patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer who are more likely to respond to erlotinib treatment. The test, which analyzes specific 'fingerprints' of a protein called EGFR, showed a significant response rate in patients with good proteomic profiles compared to those with poor profiles.
Researchers have developed a system that uses real-time X-ray images to visualize tumors and minimize radiation damage to surrounding tissues. The tool allows for precise targeting of radiotherapy, increasing the dose of radiation administered to lung and liver cancers.
A new 4-dimensional software program helps doctors adjust for breathing movements when treating lung cancer with radiotherapy. This allows for more accurate targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Researchers used FDG PET scans to identify 'cold spots' in tumors, finding that most were composed of dead cells. By reducing radiation doses to these areas, patients may experience less damage while achieving the same therapeutic effect.
The European Society for Medical Oncology has approved a personalized treatment for lung cancer, based on tumor characteristics. This approach promises to improve patient outcomes and reduce toxicity compared to traditional treatments.
A Phase I trial combining pemetrexed with radiation and chemotherapy for stage III non-small-cell lung cancer demonstrates tolerability and efficacy. The regimen allows high cytotoxic doses during radiotherapy, increasing the chance of killing cancerous cells.
A new meta-analysis reports that hyperfractionated and accelerated radiotherapy regimens improve overall survival in non-small-cell lung cancer patients by 3% after 5 years. Modified fractionation of radiotherapy also shows benefits for small-cell lung cancer patients, although the difference is not statistically significant.
Researchers found that lung cancer patients whose tumors over-express the cell surface molecule CXCR4 have significantly worse clinical outcomes and shorter overall survival times. This suggests that CXCR4 could be a promising new target for personalized cancer therapy.
Analyzing Spanish gene expression data may help identify patients who will benefit most from treatment with angiogenesis-inhibitor drugs. Researchers found a correlation between high levels of VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 in tumor samples and poor prognosis, suggesting these genes could be used to tailor therapy to individual patients.
Researchers at the ESMO Conference on Sarcoma and GIST discuss exciting new science on rare tumors found in muscle, blood vessels, deep skin tissues, nerves, and joints. Novel treatments are emerging for a large number of sarcoma types, targeting initial molecular alterations driving these tumors.
A European study finds inadequate access to opioid-based pain relief for cancer patients, with some countries restricting essential medicines. The authors conclude that restrictive regulations hinder medical care and recommend revising laws to improve accessibility.
European cancer mortality has declined steadily, but large variations exist among countries and sex. The decline is largely driven by a decrease in tobacco-related cancers, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer.
The report emphasizes the importance of identifying specific types of breast cancer and tailoring treatment to individual patients. It recommends adjuvant endocrine therapy for most patients with oestrogen receptor-positive tumours, anti-HER2 therapy for HER2-positive disease, and chemotherapy for triple-negative disease.
A US citizen with head and neck cancer treated with capecitabine experienced a mild case of hand-foot syndrome, leading to fingerprint loss. His doctor advises patients on capecitabine to carry a letter explaining their condition for travel to the USA.
Researchers have identified a genetic signature that can predict which breast cancer patients will respond well to treatment with epirubicin, a widely used form of chemotherapy. This signature may help ensure fewer women are exposed to severe side effects by identifying those most likely to benefit from treatment.
The IMPAKT Breast Cancer Conference is a groundbreaking collaboration between the European Society for Medical Oncology and Susan G. Komen for the Cure to accelerate breast cancer research. The conference aims to bring together world leaders in translational research to discuss cutting-edge treatments.
Researchers found women tend to be younger when developing lung cancer, despite smoking less than men, increasing the risk of tobacco carcinogens. Women's awareness of other cancers like breast cancer may also contribute to their vulnerability, with median survival after surgery being longer for women.
Researchers discuss personalized treatment options for early-stage lung cancer, using targeted therapies and cancer vaccines. A gene signature is being used to predict which patients will benefit from an immune-boosting vaccine designed to target MAGE-A3 protein.