A new study suggests that not enough women with breast cancer are being offered the chance to undergo treatments that may conserve their breasts. Despite high response rates to neoadjuvant therapy, only around 40% of patients receive breast-conserving surgery. The studies call for a clear consensus on the role of breast conserving surg...
A phase III trial shows that crizotinib is more effective than standard chemotherapy in response rates and progression-free survival, with improved quality of life. The study compared 347 patients with previously treated ALK-positive lung cancer and found significant benefits for those on the crizotinib arm.
Studies presented at ESMO 2012 Congress reveal that a large proportion of people overestimate the cancer risk attributable to genetics and underestimate the risks associated with obesity, alcohol, and sunlight exposure. Increasing awareness of primary cancer prevention is crucial to reduce incidence rates.
Several new first-in-human studies for drugs targeting a range of cancers have shown promising results, including the development of MEK-, MET- and HSP90 inhibitors as well as immunotherapeutic strategies. Studies have demonstrated significant activity in ALK-positive lung cancer resistant to crizotinib and other targeted therapies.
Phase I and II trials of combining drugs to treat melanoma, including dabrafenib and trametinib, demonstrate a clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival, response rate, and duration of response. These studies suggest the potential for new drug combinations to delay resistance to BRAF inhibitors.
Phase III data show gefitinib improves quality-of-life measures and extends progression-free survival in esophageal cancer. The COG study included 450 patients who had progressed after first line chemotherapy and received either placebo or the EGFR-inhibitor gefitinib.
A landmark survey reveals that many countries fail to provide essential opioid medications for cancer pain relief, leaving hundreds of millions of patients suffering. The study's findings highlight the need to reformulate national plans and repeal excessive restrictions on cancer care.
A post-hoc analysis of the phase III MISSION trial suggests that patients with EGFR-mutant tumors may benefit from sorafenib, which showed improved progression-free survival and disease control rates. In contrast, median overall survival was similar between treatment groups.
The first-ever estimate of cancer's economic burden in Europe reveals that cancers cost the European Union €124 billion each year, with lung cancer responsible for the highest overall burden. Caring for cancer patients also takes a toll on caregivers, who experience impairments in physical and mental health.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has awarded 16 new centers with integrated oncology and palliative care accreditation. A new study from Italy highlights the underuse of adjuvant analgesics in cancer pain management, emphasizing close patient follow-up.
The European Society for Medical Oncology has released the ESMO 2012 Congress press conference schedule, featuring live streaming and remote participation. Media representatives can access updated information on the official ESMO website.
A new study analyzing 82 movies with cancer storylines found that characters' chances of survival were often misrepresented. Researchers suggest that Hollywood films should tackle the realities of cancer diagnosis and treatment to raise awareness among patients and healthcare professionals.
Recent breast cancer research at ESMO 2012 emphasizes the importance of avoiding weight gain after treatment to reduce recurrence risk. Additionally, studies focus on the correlation between body mass index and prognosis, as well as lung cancer in never-smoking women, highlighting hormonal factors and high incidence of EGFR mutation.
Professors Ian Tannock and Jean Yves Blay will receive the 2012 ESMO Awards for their contributions to medical oncology. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) is recognized with the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award.
The study found that children with cancer were more likely to survive if they participated in clinical trials, particularly for rare tumours like hepatoblastoma. Between 1978 and 2005, the percentage of children enrolled in trials increased, leading to significant improvements in survival rates across various cancers.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the biological differences between individual breast cancers, highlighting the importance of biomarkers in identifying new targets for therapy. Studies also explored the mechanisms behind endocrine resistance and proposed a new approach to predicting response to treatment.
Researchers have found that measuring progesterone receptor expression can improve hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer management. The study identifies a subpopulation of patients with high survival rates when treated with endocrine therapy alone, and could lead to a more personalized medicine approach in breast cancer.
A new analysis by French researchers identified patients with low phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) levels and low expression of the protein LKB1 as likely to benefit from everolimus treatment in breast cancer, contradicting initial hypotheses.
Researchers identified a group of patients with high immune response gene expression who are more likely to have their tumors completely eradicated by pre-operative chemotherapy. Patients with HER2-positive and ER-negative/HER2-negative subtypes showed better treatment outcomes.
Research reveals breast cancer in young women is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, with a significantly higher risk of relapse independent of other factors. Genomic analysis identified age-related biological processes and potential targets for treatment, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinase molecular pathway and RANKL.
A new analysis of the TORCH trial found that erlotinib is most effective in patients with EGFR mutations, while those with wild-type tumors should receive standard chemotherapy first. The study confirms the importance of biomarker testing to guide treatment decisions.
A 50-gene predictor has been found to accurately identify patients with low risk of relapse after surgery. The gene signature is related to the activity of B lymphocytes and suggests an enhanced immune response against the tumor.
Researchers present new methods for early lung cancer detection, including digital chest tomography and a blood test for BARD1 antibodies. These techniques have shown promising results in detecting lung cancer with high sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers have identified potential biomarkers for personalized medicine in lung cancer, such as a test that predicts patient response to certain treatments. The findings suggest that these innovative approaches could lead to more effective treatment strategies for patients with lung cancer.
Researchers have identified a microRNA, miR-625-3p, that can accurately diagnose malignant pleural mesothelioma with an accuracy of 82.4%. Additionally, high-dose radiotherapy has shown promising response rates for patients with disease confined to one side of the chest.
Three noteworthy studies were presented, including a study on KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer patients and another on dacomitinib's favorable clinical benefits. Additionally, researchers validated the role of tumor lymphocytic infiltration as a favorable prognostic factor for resectable non-small cell lung cancer.
Breast cancer death rates are declining across the EU, with a predicted drop of 9% for women and 13% among young women. Pancreatic cancer deaths are rising, but overall cancer mortality rates are falling due to advancements in treatment and prevention.
A large study found that 53% of male breast cancer patients experience tamoxifen-related side effects, leading to early discontinuation. The study suggests that these patients may be at increased risk of cancer recurrence.
A new clinical test called SNaPshot allows doctors to identify patients' individual genotypes and target tumours with the most appropriate therapy. The test has been shown to significantly improve response rates in non-small-cell lung cancer patients.
Three European medical oncologists, Johann de Bono, Rafael Rosell, and Hans Jörg Senn, have been recognized by ESMO for their groundbreaking work in prostate cancer management, lung cancer treatment, and breast cancer care. The awards celebrate their commitment to improving cancer research and clinical practice.
A study found that trastuzumab increases the risk of heart problems in elderly women with a history of heart disease or diabetes. The researchers recommend referring these patients to a cardiologist and monitoring for cardiac function.
A new study suggests that lipofilling is a safe procedure for women with breast cancer, with no significant difference in local recurrence rates between the treatment group and controls. However, longer follow-up and more research are needed to confirm these findings.
Two widely used multi-gene tests produce broadly similar results for high- and low-risk breast cancer patients, but differ for those at intermediate risk. The study's findings suggest that these tests can provide additional independent prognostic information to help clinicians make informed treatment decisions.
Researchers found that celecoxib induced an anti-tumor response at the molecular level, affecting genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix biology. The study suggests that celecoxib may be efficient as a cancer treatment for people with primary invasive breast cancer.
Researchers have identified two major sub-types of breast cancer based on DNA methylation profiles, which could help refine cancer classification and predict treatment response. The study also revealed new information about sub-types of breast cancer and the potential for epigenetic therapy.
Researchers have identified sFRP1 as a molecular marker that correlates with chemotherapy sensitivity in triple-negative breast cancers. The study found that sFRP1 expression levels in individual tumors predict response to chemotherapy, and knocking down the gene in cell culture decreased sensitivity to certain chemotherapies.
Researchers used Foerster resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging to measure protein interactions on breast cancer cells, revealing a 'signature' representing functional molecular biology. This signature may help predict patient outcome in terms of likelihood of recurrence and response to treatment like lapatinib.
French researchers have reported the strongest proof yet that circulating tumor cells found in patient blood are linked to poor outcomes. The study suggests using a threshold of 1 CTC for defining high-risk patients, supporting its use in non-metastatic breast cancer patients.
A new phase III trial has shown that erlotinib has comparable efficacy to chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients whose disease has progressed after first-line treatment. The study found no difference in overall survival or progression-free survival time between the two groups.
Researchers successfully localized single pulmonary nodules in all 19 patients using radio-guided surgery, detecting primary and secondary lung cancers. The technique took an average of 6 minutes to detect the nodule, with no complications during or after surgery.
A new test identifying aggressive lung cancer sub-type in never-smokers may help doctors select the most appropriate therapies. The study found that tumors expressing a protein product called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are more common in this group, increasing disease progression risk.
A new predictive model identifies patients at high risk of dysphagia after head and neck cancer treatment, allowing for early intervention and improved quality of life. The study found that large tumours, swallowing problems, and tumour location are key risk factors for developing dysphagia.
Researchers discovered that zoledronic acid can prevent lung cancer metastases from recruiting new blood vessels. The drug showed a statistically significant reduction in VEGF and b-FGF levels, suggesting potential anti-angiogenic effects.
Researchers identified AEG-1 as a strong predictor of progression-free survival in patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer treated with erlotinib. Patients with low AEG-1 expression had longer progression-free survival compared to those with high expression.
A new gene expression test distinguishes between metastasizing and non-metastasizing head and neck cancers with high accuracy. The test was validated in a large multi-center cohort, predicting the absence of metastasis in 89% of cases.
A new study found that the active ingredient in cannabis can help cancer patients regain their appetites and sense of taste. The study showed that THC-treated patients reported an increased appreciation of food, better quality of sleep, and relaxation compared to those receiving placebo.
A French study found that men who start losing hair at age 20 are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer compared to healthy men. The study also suggested that balding may be a potential risk factor for prostate cancer.
Researchers predict nearly 1.3 million cancer deaths in Europe in 2011, with a 7% drop in men's death rates and a 6% decrease in women's mortality. The number of lung cancer deaths is increasing steadily, particularly among Polish and UK women, while breast cancer mortality falls.
Cancer treatment decisions will be based on biology as medical oncologists need skills and knowledge to implement personalized medicine. Governments, companies, and clinicians must adapt drug development with targeted patient selection, shorter trials, and cost-effectiveness improvements.
A Phase IIb/III trial shows afatinib benefits patients with lung adenocarcinoma whose cancer progressed after chemotherapy and erlotinib or gefitinib. Patients receiving afatinib experienced delayed disease progression and greater tumor shrinkage, but no significant difference in overall survival.