A recent study found that youth are unaware of the sources of nicotine in e-cigarettes and are misled by industry language, increasing appeal. The study's findings suggest that describing synthetic nicotine as 'tobacco-free' can increase intentions to purchase e-cigarettes among youth.
Researchers found mailing HPV self-collection tests and offering assistance improved cervical cancer screening nearly two-fold among low-income women. Screening uptake increased to 72% among women who received mailed HPV kits, compared to 37% for those with scheduling assistance alone.
The study found that methylation of the HLA-A gene and focal deletions resulted in reduced immune cell activity against cancer cells, leading to fewer immune cells being available to attack cancer cells. The researchers also discovered differences in immune cell response between various sites of metastasis.
A new study found that measuring activation of immune-system B cells may be better than measuring either T-cell activation or total number of immune cells in and around a tumor. The findings suggest that six signatures of immune cell gene activation from B cells were associated with higher elimination rates and better survival outcomes.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of over 200 patients with metastatic urothelial carcinomas identified potential treatment options for nearly 70% of patients. The study found that integrating clinical and molecular features could predict response to immunotherapies, offering hope for personalized treatment approaches.
A randomized study with over 1,500 US teens found that Real Cost ads lowered openness to vaping and cigarette smoking. Researchers discovered similar effectiveness for 'health harms' versus 'addiction' themed ads.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a way to overcome barriers limiting cancer immunotherapies. They discovered that activating the STING protein can increase regulatory B cells, which suppress anti-cancer immunity.
Researchers found that using the Bazett formula to assess heartbeat rhythms can lead to inaccurate chemotherapy modifications, potentially affecting patient care. Standardizing formulas with electrocardiograms can reduce this risk and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that a specific sequence of drugs can reduce overall costs and improve the value of care for patients with metastatic breast cancer, while minimizing side effects. The study's results suggest that treatment sequencing approaches that minimize costs early may improve the value of care.
A multi-institutional study found that diagnostic mammography outcomes vary across racial and ethnic groups, with higher accuracy in non-Hispanic white women and lower accuracy in Hispanic women. The study suggests that imaging facility and concurrent use of breast ultrasound or MRI may contribute to some disparities.
A multi-state study found that patients with advanced cancer who reported symptoms weekly using an electronic survey had better physical function and symptom control compared to those evaluated less frequently. The study showed a 35% better ability to function physically, a 16.1% better control of symptoms, and a 41% better overall hea...
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dostarlimab was effective in treating a subtype of rectal cancer, showing remarkable responses and resolving difficult symptoms. The treatment offers a more effective and less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy and radiation.
Researchers found that vaping prevention ads with clear health harms and neutral imagery are more effective, while flavor-related content increases appeal. The study suggests avoiding memes, hashtags, and other 'teen-centric' communication styles.
The AURORA study found that metastatic breast cancer tumors have distinct genetic and immune feature profiles compared to primary tumors. These differences may lead to more effective treatments by considering individual patient biopsies and biomarkers.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a new therapeutic approach using a small-molecule inhibitor of the chromatin-modulatory enzyme EZH2 to target aggressive cancer cells. The treatment also targets cMyc, a prominent cancer-causing factor, and shows profound tumor killing effects.
A multi-faceted intervention resulted in timelier lung cancer surgery for Black patients, with median times of 23 days compared to 43 days for historical groups. The ACCURE trial improved treatment rates and reduced treatment delays, demonstrating the effectiveness of addressing racial inequities in care.
Researchers have developed a novel combination of two drugs delivered in nanoparticles that extend the survival of mice with medulloblastoma. The treatment targets the mTOR pathway and reduces off-target toxicity, making it a potential less toxic alternative to current treatments.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a novel way to classify breast cancers into 12 distinct biological groups using both genetic and pathologic data. This classification method has the potential to aid future research efforts and enable faster translation of molecular findings into clinical use.
Scientists used single-cell sequencing to analyze over 150,000 cells from 11 tumor samples, discovering novel mechanisms of tumor development and identifying potential targets for therapy. The findings may lead to personalized medicine and improved treatment options for gynecologic cancers.
A nationwide study found that patients who reported their symptoms weekly using a digital tool received more timely treatment, leading to improved physical function, symptom control, and quality of life. The PRO-TECT trial showed statistically significant improvements over the current standard of care.
Researchers developed a gel made of fibrin that improved the effectiveness of CAR-T cell immunotherapy for glioblastoma by enhancing T cell distribution and preventing tumor recurrence. In mouse studies, the gel showed promising results, with 64% of treated mice being tumor-free after 94 days.
A phase II trial found that high-dose cytarabine followed by pembrolizumab improved cancer remission rates in AML patients, with a complete remission rate of 38%. The treatment also showed promise for patients who had not benefited from standard therapy.
A new study reports that chemotherapy plus immunotherapy before surgical removal reduces tumor invasiveness in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In the phase II clinical trial, nearly 25% of bladder cancers were found to be invasive, and surgery often had limited success due to microscopic cancer cell spread.
Researchers found that combining entinostat with immunotherapy boosted cancer remission in mice by increasing neoantigen-specific T cells. The combination therapy showed promise in the lab and is being tested in an ongoing clinical trial for people with advanced bladder cancer.
Researchers found that patients with advanced bladder cancers and FGFR3 mutations respond to immunotherapy just like those without the mutation. The study's findings suggest that FGFR3-mutated tumors can benefit from immunotherapy treatment, providing a new option for patients who previously had limited treatment options.
A clinical trial in Malawi showed a five-drug combination chemotherapy provided curative benefit for people diagnosed with lymphoma, compared to current standard-of-care-therapy. The treatment was also found to be cost-effective, preventing more than seven disability-adjusted life years at a lower cost per DALY prevented.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered a new mechanism that activates specific genes, leading to cancer development. They found that a mutation in two unrelated genes can promote a process called liquid-liquid phase separation, which enables the formation of compartments with varying physical properties.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a gene, OTUD7A, linked to Ewing sarcoma, a bone cancer affecting mainly children. A compound, 7Ai, has shown promise in blocking OTUD7A protein activity and reducing tumor formation in mice.
The review highlights focused, high-dose radiation's potential to destroy small tumors with minimal impact on surrounding normal tissue. Researchers aim to tailor radiotherapy to optimize benefits and minimize risks through advanced techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy and radiosurgery.
Experts recommend shared decision-making between patients and doctors before low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening to ensure informed consent. The process can promote patient engagement, tobacco cessation, and screening adherence, leading to greater health equity.
A comprehensive review of lung cancer screening trials reveals both benefits and harms, leading to updated USPSTF recommendations. Screening can lower lung cancer deaths in high-risk individuals, but also leads to false positives and unnecessary procedures.
The new USPSTF recommendation doubles the number of eligible adults for lung cancer screening from 6.4 million to 14.5 million. However, experts argue that this expansion may not address racial inequities and highlights the need for individualized risk assessment and genetic risk models.
Researchers used an experimental safety switch to curb treatment side effects in a patient with refractory acute B-cell leukemia, achieving a significant reduction in toxicities. The study demonstrates potential for expanded use of CAR-T immunotherapy paired with the safety switch.
A new study found that daily emails about tobacco chemicals and health risks increased smokers' desire to quit by almost 10%. The messages, combined with graphic images, were sufficient to stimulate quit intentions. Researchers believe this innovative strategy can inform the FDA's educational campaigns.
A new study suggests that adding a small molecule to CAR-T cell therapy can boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy against breast cancer and other solid tumors. Researchers found that the addition of cGAMP activated an immune response, leading to enhanced T cell proliferation and tumor growth reduction.
Researchers found that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and surface protein markers PD-1 and PD-L1 can help guide immunotherapy treatment for cutaneous angiosarcomas. The study suggests that combining immunotherapies with conventional chemotherapy may be effective in treating this rare skin cancer.
Researchers have identified a new and evolutionarily conserved pathway responsible for silencing genes in mammalian cells. BAHCC1 protein is involved in the Polycomb pathway, which generates a chemical tag to silence genes, and its high expression is linked to leukemia, challenging current understanding of gene silencing.
A national multi-institutional study found that cancer patients and their medical teams benefited from sharing symptoms in real time using web- or telephone-based reporting systems. The system improved patient satisfaction, quality of life, physical function, reduced emergency room visits, and lengthened survival.
A new study has identified two types of bacteria that can provide protection against radiation exposure by increasing production of propionate and tryptophan. These metabolites were found in leukemia patients undergoing radiotherapy, suggesting a potential alternative to expensive and potentially harmful treatments.
Research shows that intensive smoking cessation counseling for newly diagnosed cancer patients improves quality of life, reduces complications and increases survival. The study found that providing six months of inexpensive tobacco cessation support at diagnosis can result in significant cost savings and improved health outcomes.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a therapy using immune system T cells and an immune-boosting drug packaged in a gel to preserve vision in mice implanted with retinoblastoma. The therapy successfully delayed tumor development and prevented recurrence, showing promise for future clinical trials.
Scientists at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified CDR1as, a circular RNA, as a key player in driving metastasis in lung squamous cell cancer. By targeting this molecule, researchers believe it may be possible to develop new treatments with fewer side effects.
A recent study published in the journal Cancer found that Black women with breast cancer experience delays in starting treatment and have extended durations of treatment compared to white women. The study, led by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers, also identified socioeconomic status as a significant factor influen...
A recent survey of nearly 800 cigar smokers found that more than twice as many reported increasing their tobacco use since the pandemic's onset. The study suggests that stress, anxiety, and reduced access to cessation resources may contribute to this trend.
A clinical trial led by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found CAR-T cell therapy to be highly active and safe in patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. The treatment resulted in a complete disappearance of tumor in the majority of patients and had an overall survival rate of 94% one year after treatment.
The rapid adoption of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about care quality and safety. Experts warn that integrating essential components of traditional doctor visits into virtual care poses challenges, including physical exams, lab work, and imaging. However, telehealth also holds promise for improvi...
Researchers found six substances with a strong link to bladder cancer in the urine of e-cigarette users, including carcinogens from combustion products and other tobacco products. The study's findings suggest that vaping may expose users to carcinogens similar to those found in cigarette smoke.
A recent study has found that the five-year survival rate for adolescents and young adults with certain types of cancer has improved substantially over the past three decades. Leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma have seen significant declines in mortality rates, with improvements ranging from 20-30 percentage points between 1975 and 2005.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a way to regulate co-stimulatory molecules in genetically engineered immune cells, allowing for the fine-tuning of CAR-T activity. This could lead to improved therapeutic strategies against blood cancers and potentially solid tumors.
A recent study found that standard radiation treatment costs for prostate cancer vary greatly between hospitals, with some centers not listing prices at all. The lack of common terminology and unbundled cost reporting hinders the value of price transparency in helping patients estimate and compare care costs.