A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) improved the regression rates of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) in HIV-positive women. However, a significant proportion of high-risk lesions persisted even among those who received HAART.
A randomized trial of 605 patients with four or more positive lymph nodes found no difference in 5-year relapse-free survival and overall survival between conventional and high-dose chemotherapy. High-dose chemotherapy was shown to confer extra cost and toxicity without added anticancer benefit.
A study analyzing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database found that it is reasonably reliable for collecting cancer incidence and mortality data. Researchers compared histologic tumor types from patients reported to the SEER database with those obtained through an independent review, finding no difference in di...
Researchers found that higher milk consumption and total calcium intake were associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The risk decreased with increasing milk consumption, particularly cancers of the distal colon and rectum.
A new study found that most phase I studies of targeted, non-cytotoxic anticancer agents used traditional toxicity endpoints to determine the recommended dose, while non-traditional endpoints were rarely incorporated. Researchers also identified a potential mechanism for acrylamide's mutagenicity and discovered genetic polymorphisms as...
A study found that HPV DNA is present in tumors of HNSCC patients, suggesting a role for the virus in early cancer development. The findings support the idea that HNSCCs can be subdivided into two genetically distinct categories, one driven by environmental factors and the other by HPV infection.
A new study by Cancer Research UK found that common mutations in genes regulating estrogen metabolism are not associated with breast cancer risk. However, a separate study suggests that inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) activity may be a target for future gastric cancer treatments.
Researchers found tamoxifen stimulates tumor growth in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells due to estrogen agonist activity. Combining tamoxifen with growth factor pathway inhibitors like gefitinib may help overcome resistance, according to a new study.
A recent study found that calcium supplementation can slightly decrease the risk of all types of colorectal polyps, with a greater effect on advanced lesions. Additionally, a diet high in fiber and low in fat may enhance this preventive effect.
Researchers explore alternative biomarkers for prostate cancer using immune responses to AMACR, while a new RNA interference strategy shows potential in silencing PLK1 genes. The latest AJCC breast cancer staging system revision also influences false-negative rates.
A study of 138,307 men found exclusive pipe smoking increased risk for six cancers and three diseases, with highest risk in larynx, lung, and oropharynx. Pipe smoking was associated with smaller but similar risks to cigar smoking, while larger than cigarette smoking.
Researchers analyzed data from over 60,000 women and 25,000 men to determine if there is a difference in lung cancer risk between sexes. The study found no evidence of a higher risk in women, although some subtypes may be more prevalent.
A study found that users of reduced exposure tobacco products experienced decreased levels of nitrosamines in their urine after switching, with medicinal nicotine groups showing greater reductions. However, the actual reduction in carcinogen exposure for OMNI cigarette users was less than advertised.
A randomized clinical trial found that regional and systemic adjuvant chemotherapy regimens had similar survival rates for colon cancer patients, with the combination regimen offering no added benefit. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also showed lower adverse reaction rates for regional therapy.
Researchers discovered feasible chemotherapy combinations that include trastuzumab for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer, with higher overall response rates and lower cardiac dysfunction. Two phase II clinical trials showed promising results, paving the way for future randomized phase III trials.
A randomized trial found that direct mailing of fecal occult blood tests increased colorectal cancer screening rates by 16.9% among those who received kits and 23.2% among those with reminders, compared to 1.5% for the control group.
Researchers found higher plasma selenium levels are associated with a decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer, while DNAzymes targeting c-Jun may inhibit tumor growth. Glucocorticoid prescriptions are linked to an increased risk of skin cancers and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Researchers found a novel genetic insertion associated with increased MCL-1 gene expression, leading to reduced response to chemotherapy and poorer outcomes. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) progression.
A randomized, controlled trial among 2163 adult smokers at eight primary care clinics found that clinicians following the AHRQ Guideline offered more assistance to those who wished to quit. This led to improved rates of smoking cessation, with test site patients reporting abstinence from smoking at higher rates than control site patients.
A study by Ferreri et al. found Chlamydia psittaci DNA in 80% of ocular adnexal lymphoma samples, suggesting a potential role in the disease's development. No association was found with C. trachomatis or C. pneumoniae.
A survey of oncologists and nurses found that while most agree to offer trial results to patients, only 62% actually do so due to concerns over potential negative effects, patient interpretation, and resource consumption. Additionally, a new study demonstrates tamoxifen's association with reduced breast density, particularly in younger...
A study of Dutch women exposed to famine during World War II found a significant association between short-term famine and increased breast cancer risk. Women who experienced severe hunger and weight loss had a 48% higher risk of breast cancer compared to those with no exposure.
Two new studies found no association between aspirin use and mortality from pancreatic cancer, while elevated insulin production was linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Hyperinsulinemia, a condition associated with type 2 diabetes, also appears to be linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
A study found that immediate mammogram reading can decrease stress and anxiety in women, especially those receiving false-positive results. Women who received rapid evaluation of their mammograms reported less anxiety than those who had to wait several days for results.
The study found that 97.5% of patients with DCIS underwent surgery, but there is a wide variation in treatment approaches, including the use of mastectomy, radiation therapy, and axillary dissection. The incidence of DCIS increased by 73% between 1992 and 1999, highlighting the need for standardized treatment recommendations.
A new study found that infection with a high-risk type of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral epithelial cells may be an independent risk factor for head and neck cancer. High-risk HPV types detected in oral exfoliated cells were predictive of high-risk HPV types in tumor tissue.
Researchers found a significant association between H. pylori infection and reduced risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, but a two-fold increased risk of squamous-cell carcinoma. Gastric atrophy was not linked to disease risk, suggesting an alternative pathway from H. pylori to cancer.
Researchers found that retinoblastoma survivors are at higher risk of epithelial cancers such as esophagus, stomach, colon, lung, breast, cervix, or prostate, despite low radiation therapy. High folate intake is associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer, especially among women who consume alcohol.
Women experience a range of physical symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness, following breast cancer treatment. Mood and emotional functioning are similar among all women at the end of primary treatment.
A meta-analysis of 15 studies found that HPV testing accurately identified high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2) or worse in 84.4% of women, while ruling out CIN2 or worse in 72.9%. HPV testing showed a sensitivity of 94.8% when using the Hybrid Capture II assay.
Two studies in the February 18 issue of JNCI investigated aspirin use and its association with two types of cancer. Regular aspirin use was found to lower Hodgkin's lymphoma risk, while patients with Barrett's esophagus may benefit from cost-effective aspirin therapy for esophageal cancer chemoprevention.
New guidelines have been revised to improve the detection of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) by prioritizing MSI testing in patients under 50 and those with family history, reducing risk for cancers associated with specific mutations.
A study found that a computer-aided detection system did not change mammography recall rates or breast cancer detection rates, suggesting it may not be beneficial in academic practices. The results were similar even when focusing on the seven highest-volume radiologists at the center.
Researchers discuss the need for additional research and standardization in partial-breast irradiation and accelerated partial-breast irradiation. A new study also finds that preoperative chemoradiation may benefit some patients with rectal cancer, while a diet high in glycemic load is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
A recent study found that reducing cigarette consumption by 25%, 50%, and 75% did not proportionally decrease the levels of carcinogens in smokers' urine. Despite a reduction in cigarettes smoked per day, NNK metabolites remained relatively stable. The authors suggest that people may compensate for reduced smoking by inhaling longer an...
A pooled analysis of 15 clinical trials reveals that radiotherapy significantly reduces breast cancer recurrence and mortality rates after breast-conserving surgery. Women who received radiotherapy had a lower risk of relapse and mortality compared to those who underwent surgery alone.
A meta-analysis of genetic counseling for breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer found improved knowledge of cancer genetics, but no impact on perceived risk. A gene mutation affecting folate metabolism alters the sensitivity of colon and breast cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs.
A meta-analysis of six studies found autologous bone marrow transplantation to be more effective in disease-free survival but similar overall survival compared to chemotherapy. Imatinib also shows promise as a treatment for advanced neuroblastoma, while tamoxifen use is linked to increased risk of rare uterine cancers.
Researchers found no association between BRCA1/2 mutations and colorectal cancer risk in two studies. No increased risk was observed among Ashkenazi Jewish mutation carriers or those with a family history of breast cancer.
A study of 116,544 women found that active smoking was associated with a 30% higher risk of invasive breast cancer, especially among young smokers and those who smoked heavily. However, no link was found between passive smoking and breast cancer risk in nonsmokers.
A study of over 88,000 women found no significant difference in pancreatic cancer risk between aspirin users and non-users. However, extended regular aspirin use was associated with a 58% increased risk, while higher doses were linked to an 86% increased risk.
A new study suggests that premenopausal women with ER-negative breast cancer may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy alone or followed by goserelin, while those with ER-positive tumors show no significant difference in outcomes. The findings support the idea of ovarian suppression as a treatment alternative for some premenopausal women.
Researchers found that oral drug ZD1839 suppressed the growth of ER-negative breast cancer cells and delayed the formation of tumors in transgenic mice. The treatment also reduced proliferation of normal breast cells by 20.3% and tumor cells by 42%. However, long-term safety data are needed for further research.
Researchers identified frequent BRAF mutations in intermittent sun-exposed skin melanomas, but rare mutations in chronically sun-damaged or unseen skin. Additionally, bladder cancer cell lines showed defective checkpoint function, suggesting barriers to carcinogenesis. These findings may inform therapeutic strategies for these diseases.
Researchers found that calcium supplements reduced the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence only among individuals with baseline vitamin D levels above the median. Serum vitamin D levels were also associated with reduced adenoma recurrence among individuals taking calcium supplements.
A nationally representative sample of 7,889 men aged 75+ reported undergoing PSA screening tests, with 32.5% of elderly men screened in the past year. This highlights concerns about physicians suggesting unnecessary screenings to patients.
Researchers found that paroxetine reduces levels of endoxifen, an active metabolite of tamoxifen, in breast cancer patients. This decrease was more pronounced in women with a normal CYP2D6 genotype, suggesting potential implications for tamoxifen treatment outcomes.
A study of the American Stop Smoking Intervention Study (ASSIST) found that states participating in the program experienced a greater reduction in adult smoking prevalence and lower per capita cigarette consumption compared to non-participating states. If all 50 states had implemented ASSIST, an estimated 278,700 fewer smokers nationwi...
Black patients with locally advanced prostate cancer may have had less access to specialized radiation therapy, which is preferred over surgery. Postmenopausal women who consume moderate amounts of alcohol may be at an increased risk for cancer due to increased blood serum levels of the fat hormone leptin.
A study of 1,036 women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosed at age 40 or older found that those with high-nuclear-grade lesions had a higher risk of invasive cancer recurrence. Women treated by lumpectomy alone who experienced initial palpation-detected lesions also faced a greater risk of recurrence.