A new study by the National Cancer Institute found that health care utilization, rather than biology, plays a more important role in colorectal cancer disparities among African Americans. The study revealed that blacks were less likely to receive follow-up colonoscopies after screening, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Breast cancer patients with high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) are more likely to die sooner or have their cancer return. Elevated CRP is also linked to increased risk of heart disease.
Researchers are launching a multi-institutional effort to develop a test to detect early-stage lung cancer in lifetime nonsmokers. The project aims to create a better understanding of the biology of lung cancer and identify potential biomarkers.
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified mutations in the IKZF1 gene that predict a high likelihood of relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The findings suggest that this genetic marker could be used to tailor treatment intensity and improve patient outcomes.
The report reveals declines in cancer incidence and death rates across the US, with some states experiencing significant variations in lung cancer trends. These findings underscore the need to strengthen tobacco control programs and accelerate efforts to prevent or reduce the occurrence of kidney and liver cancers.
Researchers have found that adult stem cell changes underlie Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a rare genetic disease causing premature aging. The study reveals progerin's effect on adult mesenchymal stem cells, leading to accelerated maturation into bone and loss of fatty tissues.
A new study, ALTTO, is testing two targeted medications to treat aggressive breast cancer in 8,000 participants across 50 countries. The trial will compare four different regimens of targeted therapy and provide insights into individualized patient care.
Researchers found that tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure among pregnant women pose significant threats to maternal and child health. In some countries, rates of tobacco-related exposures are already high enough to warrant substantial concern.
The report found that cancer death rates declined by an average of 2.1 percent per year from 2002 to 2004, nearly twice the annual decrease of 1.1 percent per year from 1993 to 2002. Cancer incidence rates among American Indians and Alaska Natives varied two-fold across six geographic regions.
Researchers discovered two human antibodies that can neutralize different strains of the SARS virus, which caused outbreaks in humans in 2002-2003. The antibodies were tested in lab assays and mouse models, showing potent neutralization of the virus.
The National Cancer Institute has launched a three-year pilot program to enhance cancer care in community hospitals across the US. The program aims to improve patient outcomes by facilitating collaboration between private-practice oncologists and NCI research, as well as exploring ways to share medical information electronically.
People infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at an increased risk of developing certain lymphomas, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. The risk was found to be 20-30% higher for HCV-infected patients compared to uninfected patients.
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute found that children and young adults with sarcoma are at increased risk of developing thromboembolic events (blood clots) in their veins. The study found that patients whose cancer had spread beyond the original site were more likely to develop a blood clot.
A sharp decline in breast cancer cases in 2003 may be linked to a decrease in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use, with prescriptions dropping by 60% between 2001 and 2004. HRT use was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly among postmenopausal women.
Researchers found that approximately 97% of patients who received imatinib after surgery did not experience cancer recurrence, compared to 83% of those who received placebo. Gleevec was well-tolerated by most patients and showed significant benefits in decreasing cancer recurrence.
The National Cancer Institute has established a collaborative network of five Clinical Proteomic Technology Assessment for Cancer teams to evaluate and compare different proteomic platforms. The network aims to improve diagnostics, therapies, and prevention by standardizing technologies and methodologies.
The National Cancer Institute has issued a clinical announcement recommending a combination of chemotherapy regimens for women with advanced ovarian cancer. The treatment involves delivering chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal, or IP) in addition to traditional IV chemotherapy. This approach appears to be m...
The annual report shows cancer death rates decreasing for 12 of the top 15 cancers in men and nine in women, with lung cancer remaining a leading cause. Overall incidence rates have been stable since 1992, but breast cancer incidence has increased due to rising rates for six other cancers.
The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial found that digital mammography improves breast cancer detection in high-risk populations. The study's results corroborate NCI's commitment to exploring advanced technologies to detect cancer earlier and improve outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new gene identification method using the Sleeping Beauty transposon technology, which inserts itself into or between genes and can activate or inactivate their function. This method allows for more efficient and accurate identification of cancer-causing genes compared to traditional methods.
A new molecular test uses a panel of genes to predict the risk of breast cancer recurrence and identify patients who will benefit from chemotherapy. The test shows that women with low risk of recurrence do not derive much benefit from chemotherapy, while those with high risk have a large benefit.
Researchers analyzed 191 untreated follicular lymphoma patients and developed a model that divides patients into four groups with disparate average survival rates. The model uses gene expression patterns from non-malignant immune cells to predict patient risk, suggesting new therapeutic approaches.
A study found that women without recent mammograms were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. The research highlights the importance of regular screenings, particularly for underserved populations.
Researchers analyzed data from over 400,000 breast cancer patients to calculate probabilities of death from breast cancer vs. all other causes combined. They found that patients with ER-negative tumors and larger tumors were more likely to die from their cancer than those with ER-positive tumors and smaller tumors.
Researchers have discovered a significant correlation between ABC transporter gene expression and decreased sensitivity to certain cancer drugs. This study provides valuable insights into the role of these proteins in multidrug resistance, potentially leading to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Physicians often recommend more frequent surveillance colonoscopies than recommended guidelines, citing clinical evidence and personal factors as influential. This may lead to unnecessary procedures, affecting quality of care and resource utilization.
Researchers found that Smad3 protein was present in B-cell and non-lymphocyte samples but almost absent in T-cell samples. In mice, deletion of the Smad3 gene impairs TGF-B's ability to stop T-cell proliferation. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms behind Smad3's absence in childhood T-cell leukemia.
Researchers found a high correlation between EGFR mutations and sensitivity to gefitinib therapy in lung cancer patients, particularly in women and non-smokers. The study also revealed significant differences in response rates between Japanese and American patients, suggesting genetic variation plays a crucial role in drug effectiveness.
A clinical trial has found that letrozole significantly improves the long-term outlook for breast cancer survivors, reducing the risk of recurrence by 43%. The study showed that women taking letrozole had a lower risk of disease recurrence and deaths from breast cancer compared to those on the placebo.
Finasteride has been shown to prevent prostate cancer in both low-risk and high-risk men. However, those on finasteride were more likely to develop high-grade cancers.
Researchers found that AIDS-related lymphomas responding well to chemotherapy have high levels of proteins indicating rapid growth and multidrug resistance. The study also showed that suspending antiretroviral therapy during lymphoma treatment is safe and allows for high overall survival.
Researchers have developed a new mouse model that mimics progeria, a rare condition characterized by accelerated aging. The mouse model shares symptoms with human patients, including growth retardation, skin thinning, and premature death, providing valuable tools for studying the aging process.
According to a study by the National Cancer Institute, approximately 10 million women in the US aged 35-79 are eligible for tamoxifen due to high breast cancer risk. After analyzing age-related benefits and risks, researchers found that younger women (40-59) have a higher likelihood of benefiting from the drug.
Researchers identified a specific gene required for liver cancer metastasis, which may serve as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. The study found that the activity of genes in tumors with metastatic potential differed from those without, enabling early detection and potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers discover protein from blue-green algae that inhibits both HIV and Ebola virus infections, potentially leading to new treatments. The protein works by binding to the outside of the viruses and blocking them from entering cells.
A new study links ß-defensin 2 to the adaptive immune response, which combats pathogens that evade innate defense mechanisms. Researchers hope to incorporate ß-defensin 2 into cancer vaccines to promote tumor-destroying cell growth and improve patient response.
Researchers have developed a test that analyzes protein patterns in blood serum samples to predict prostate cancer diagnosis. The technique proved effective in identifying 95% of cases and 78% of benign diseases, showing promise as a new tool for reducing unnecessary biopsies.
The Avon Foundation has awarded $2.5 million in initial grants through its Progress for Patients program, supporting translational research on breast cancer at eight institutions. The grants focus on minority and underserved women, with a goal of closing the gap between discovery and delivery in breast cancer research.
A new experimental technique called adoptive transfer has shown significant promise in treating metastatic melanoma by replacing immune cells with those specifically designed to destroy tumors. The treatment resulted in at least 50% tumor shrinkage in six patients, with no growth or appearance of new tumors.
A study of 44,241 women found that postmenopausal estrogen-only therapy increases the risk of ovarian cancer by 60%, with a greater risk for those using therapy for 10 or more years. The relative risk was highest for women who used estrogen for 20 or more years.
Researchers analyzed gene expression profiles from thousands of lymphoma biopsy samples to identify predictive genes that can predict patient response to treatment and survival rates. The study found that a formula created from 17 key genes could accurately classify patients into four groups with varying five-year survival rates.
In a phase II trial, bevacizumab slowed tumor growth by two and a half times, with a highly statistically significant effect. The drug targets the angiogenic process, neutralizing VEGF protein to inhibit blood vessel growth and prevent tumor progression.
Researchers have found that a new FOLFOX4 regimen significantly improves outcomes for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, leading to longer survival times and reduced side effects. The regimen has been shown to extend median patient survival by four months and reduce tumor progression time.
The new Bethesda System aims to improve cervical cancer detection by providing more uniform, evidence-based care. Key changes include a new term for atypical cells at higher risk of precancer and clearer identification of benign cellular changes.
A new technique called laser capture microdissection enables researchers to extract and analyze small clusters of cells from tissue samples in as little as eight seconds. This allows for immediate analysis of gene and enzyme activity, revolutionizing the understanding of cancer's molecular basis.