Fewer cases of children’s cancer picked up during COVID pandemic
A study found that COVID-19 reduced childhood cancer diagnoses by 17%, but increased intensive care admissions before diagnosis.
National Cancer Research Institute
Simple, cheap urine test can detect urothelial cancers in Lynch Syndrome patients
Researchers have developed a simple, postal urine test that can detect signs of urothelial cancer in Lynch Syndrome (LS) patients, who are at high risk of developing tumors. The test uses cell-free DNA shed into the urine to identify DNA from tumor cells with characteristic microsatellite instability.
Blood tests predict which prostate cancer patients are resistant to chemotherapy drug
Researchers developed a blood test that can detect prostate cancer patients who are resistant to chemotherapy drug docetaxel, enabling early detection and personalized treatment. The test analyzes circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, revealing patterns that predict disease progression and survival.
Data available for training AI to spot skin cancer are insufficient and lacking in pictures of darker skin
The review found that datasets lack images and information about patients with darker skin, which may lead to inaccurate diagnoses. The research highlights the need for better representation of diverse skin tones in training AI models.
SourceNational Cancer Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 9, 2021
Does ethnicity play a role in survival from brain tumours?
A study found that patients from ethnic minority groups had lower mortality rates compared to white British people. Patients from Indian, Pakistani, and other ethnic backgrounds were 16-30% less likely to die within one year of diagnosis.
New symptoms identified that could help doctors diagnose pancreatic cancer
Researchers have identified two new symptoms – thirst and dark urine – associated with pancreatic cancer, which could help doctors diagnose the disease earlier. The study found 23 symptoms linked to pancreatic cancer, with patients often experiencing non-specific symptoms up to a year before diagnosis.
SourceNational Cancer Research Institute·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2021
Children in the UK and Ireland still diagnosed later with larger kidney cancers than in rest of Europe
Children in UK and Ireland diagnosed with larger kidney cancers, leading to late diagnosis and potential poorer outcomes. A call for frontline healthcare workers to be trained in paediatric medicine has been made to improve early detection.
Pilot study reveals the benefits of ‘whole genome sequencing’ for children with cancer
A pilot study reveals that whole genome sequencing can refine diagnoses and provide new treatment options for children with cancer. The study found genetic variants that could change prognosis or suggest hereditary causes of the cancers, as well as treatments that may be effective but were not previously considered.
Guidelines for the inclusion of pathology in clinical trial protocols: SPIRIT-Path
The SPIRIT-Path extension provides evidence-based guidance to standardize pathology content in clinical trial protocols, ensuring methodological rigor and adequate skills and resources. Pathology is integral to trial planning and delivery, and the new guidelines formalize pathology input into clinical trials.
NCRI to offer new opportunities for early career researchers
NCRI has created an Early Career Researcher Forum to build collaborative networks, enhance skills, and support career development among early career researchers in cancer. The forum aims to accelerate cancer research by providing opportunities for peer support, mutual learning, and collaboration.
Beyond the horizon: Innovative cancer drug discovery
The event aims to address current and future challenges in cancer drug development through panel discussions with eminent speakers. Delegates will learn about key areas for innovation and collaboration to improve cancer treatment.
Study reveals impact of COVID-19 on oncology staff and their work
A survey of 1038 healthcare professionals reveals that 69% believe patients' access to standard care treatment has been compromised during the pandemic. The study also found that 42% felt at risk of poor wellbeing and 34% showed signs of burnout, but most staff reported being able to work well despite challenges.
Study of COVID-19 levels in oncology staff suggests need for more extensive testing
A study of UK oncology staff found that many had COVID-19 antibodies without symptoms and lost positivity after four weeks. Researchers propose routine testing for signs of current or previous infection to protect staff and cancer patients.
Artificial intelligence can help to improve prognosis and treatment for glioblastoma
Researchers used AI to analyze MRI brain scans of patients with glioblastoma, identifying a significant predictor of overall and progression-free survival: the amount of muscle in the temporalis muscle. Patients with higher muscle mass had improved survival rates, highlighting a potential tool for personalized treatment planning.
In conversation with...Patricia Ganz
Dr Patricia Ganz shares her expertise on assessing quality of life in cancer patients, with a focus on breast cancer survivorship. She highlights the importance of centering patients' needs in both US and UK healthcare systems.
AI blood test can spot signs of brain tumor to speed up diagnosis
Researchers developed an AI-powered blood test that can spot chemical clues indicative of brain tumors, allowing for quicker diagnoses and improved survival rates. The test, combining infrared spectroscopy with AI analysis, accurately identified 82% of brain tumors in a study of 400 patients.
Blood test can help GPs spot ovarian cancer in women with suspicious symptoms
A new study found that a blood test for CA125 levels can detect ovarian cancer in women with suspicious symptoms, with 10% of those with high levels diagnosed with the disease. The test also revealed higher risks of other cancers, such as pancreatic and lung cancer, among older women
Cervical pre-cancer can be detected in self-collected urine or vaginal samples
Researchers developed a non-invasive test to detect cervical pre-cancer by analyzing urine and vaginal samples collected by women themselves. The test, called S5, measures DNA methylation and has been shown to accurately identify high-risk women with an HPV positive test.
Researchers identify certain gut bacteria that may be involved in causing bowel cancer
Researchers have identified a link between certain gut bacteria and an increased risk of bowel cancer. The study found that individuals with a specific type of bacteria from the Bacteroidales group had a slightly higher risk of developing the disease, with risks ranging from 2-15%.
Pattern of hospital visits offers clue to spotting people at risk of myeloma
A study found that patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a pre-cancerous condition, made twice as many hospital visits than others of the same age. Researchers believe this could help diagnose myeloma at an earlier stage and improve treatment outcomes.
Simple blood test for early detection of breast cancer
Researchers have developed a simple blood test that detects breast cancer up to five years before clinical signs appear, identifying tumor-associated antigens and autoantibodies. The test shows promising accuracy in detecting breast cancer with reasonable accuracy, especially when using panels of multiple antigens.
High levels of two hormones in the blood raise prostate cancer risk
A large study of over 200,000 men found that high levels of 'free' testosterone and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. The research suggests that these hormones could be modified to reduce prostate cancer risk, taking us a step closer to strategies for prevention.
Deaths from liver cancer have tripled in past 20 years in England
The incidence of liver cancer has tripled in the UK over the past 20 years, with the majority of cases diagnosed in men. The most deprived fifth of the population accounts for 25% of HCC cases, many of which have cirrhosis and are not treatable by surgery due to advanced scarring.
Doctors and nurses reluctant to recommend e-cigarettes to cancer patients
A survey of 506 UK health professionals found that 29% would not recommend e-cigarettes to cancer patients who smoke, highlighting the need for clearer guidance and training. The study suggests that e-cigarettes are a substantially less harmful alternative to smoking tobacco for cancer patients.
Gap in research means millions living with long-term consequences of cancer
A research gap means millions of people are living with the lasting side-effects of cancer treatment, affecting their quality of life. The National Cancer Research Institute has identified ten key areas for research to tackle these issues, developed by patients, carers, and experts.
Gut stem cells offer clues for preventing tumours in inherited bowel cancer
A study in mice suggests that targeting pre-cancerous stem cells could prevent bowel cancer in people with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a condition that increases the risk of developing the disease. Researchers found that treating these stem cells with existing cancer drugs, such as cisplatin, can halt tumour development.
Women who are 'larks' have a lower risk of developing breast cancer
A study of genetic variants found that morning preference reduces the risk of breast cancer by 40-48% compared to evening types. Increased sleep duration and insomnia were associated with a 20% increased risk of breast cancer.
Patients with low risk thyroid cancer can receive lower doses of radiation treatment
The HiLo trial found no significant difference in recurrence rates between patients given a low radiation dose compared to the standard higher dose. This means patients with low-risk thyroid cancer can benefit from fewer side effects, long-term complications, and more convenient treatment options.
Men with prostate cancer willing to accept lower survival odds to avoid side effects
A study found that men with prostate cancer value quality of life and will trade off survival odds for fewer side effects, including urinary incontinence and impotence. The research suggests that patients may prefer less invasive treatments like focal therapy or active surveillance to reduce harm.
Melanoma death rates are rising in men but static or falling in women
Melanoma death rates are increasing globally in men, while stabilizing or decreasing in some countries for women. The study analyzed data from 33 countries and found that melanoma is a significant health issue, with men being more likely to die from the disease.
Fluorescent marker can help guide surgeons to remove dangerous brain tumor cells more accurately
Researchers used a compound to highlight fast-growing cancer cells, allowing surgeons to distinguish between high-grade and low-grade glioma cells. This technique improves the accuracy of diagnosing high-grade glioma during surgery, potentially increasing patient survival.
Tumour bank will save lives
The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) has launched the National Cancer Tissue Resource to address the fragmented approach to collecting and using tumour samples for research. Key areas of study requiring large-scale sample collection include predicting outcomes, identifying inherited markers, genetic susceptibility to cancer.