A software program can accurately predict tumor-specific markers on leukemia cells in patients who have received stem cell transplants. The researchers plan to use their findings to develop immune-based therapies that target these antigens.
Researchers have found that combining pembrolizumab with high-dose chemotherapy can lead to complete remissions in a significant percentage of relapsed acute myeloid leukemia patients. The study suggests that identifying biomarkers for patients responding to pembrolizumab may improve treatment outcomes.
A recent study by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that black women with hormone-receptor positive, HER2-negative breast cancer had a higher risk of recurrence compared to white women. The biological features of patients' tumors partially explained this difference, but not completely.
Barbara Savoldo, MD, PhD, received a three-year grant to support research into an investigational CAR T-cell treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a built-in safety switch. The goal is to adapt an 'off switch' to reduce potentially lethal side effects of immunotherapy treatments.
A study by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center led to the development of a new approach for identifying therapeutic options for cancer patients based on their tumor's genetics. Cognitive computing was used to analyze large volumes of data and identify potentially relevant clinical trials or treatment options.
Researchers found over 3,000 online e-cigarette vendors in 2014, offering cheap prices and health claims that may attract youth. The study highlights the need for effective age verification, payment restrictions, and regulation to prevent minors from accessing e-cigarettes.
State cancer drug parity laws have had a mixed impact on treatment costs, with modest improvements for many patients and increased monthly out-of-pocket costs for others. The laws aim to ensure that oral cancer treatments are not more costly than infusions, but they may not fully address affordability concerns.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a complex signaling system that triggers Th17 immune cell development, which plays a role in autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and cancer. This finding could lead to new treatments for related diseases.
A recent study by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that more than half of men with prostate cancer prefer preserving sexual function, but this preference was not strongly linked to the choice of treatment strategy. Active surveillance is widely recognized as the best option for preserving sexual function, ye...
Researchers discovered that the timing of DNA damage within cell cycle phases affects a cell's fate, with certain stages vulnerable to DNA damage. The study suggests that synchronizing cancer cells in susceptible phases before treatment could be an effective strategy.
A study found that Medicaid patients experienced surgical treatment delays more frequently than those with private insurance for melanoma surgeries. Non-white patients and those without dermatologist referrals also faced longer wait times.
A blood test for human papillomavirus (HPV) may help forecast treatment response in throat cancer patients, according to preliminary findings. Patients with low or undetectable HPV16 levels in the blood had higher risk of persistent or recurrent disease.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a way to protect T-cells that are normally blocked from attacking melanoma cells, allowing them to go on to attack cancer. By combining this strategy with an existing immunotherapy treatment, they found that it can shrink melanoma tumors and prolong survival in p...
A study by UNC researchers found that the cost of a generic oral chemotherapy treatment was $2,328 last year, which is 36% lower than the projected branded drug price in 2016. However, the savings are modest compared to other generic drugs, and brand-name drug prices have increased over time.
Researchers found that claudin-low triple negative breast cancers have high levels of regulatory T-cells, which suppress the immune system's defenses. They developed a strategy to deplete these cells, combining it with checkpoint inhibitors to slow tumor growth and improve outcomes.
A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology identified key features linked to amelanotic melanoma, including the absence of moles on the back, multiple freckles, and sun-sensitive traits. These characteristics may trigger doctors and patients to pay attention to pink spots that could be indicative of this type of skin cancer.
Researchers found that black women are more likely to have aggressive breast cancer subtypes, such as basal-like and HER2-enriched tumors. The study suggests that genomic testing could help explain the disparity in survival rates between black and white women with breast cancer.
The UNC Lay Patient Navigation Program aims to address financial, emotional, and social support needs of cancer patients in North Carolina. The program will be implemented in 10 hospitals across the state, providing lay navigators with training and tools to offer critical support.
Scientists harness immune system's detection of cancer proteins to improve treatment, showing 20% complete response in preclinical melanoma models. The 'sticky' nanoparticles work synergistically with immunotherapy drugs to increase immune cell response.
A study found that black men are more concerned about the impact of treatment on their daily lives, recovery time, and cost, while white men prioritize quality of life and cancer cure. These differences in perceptions may contribute to racial disparities in prostate cancer treatment.
A recent study found that cancer patients who reported their symptoms using a web-based survey lived five months longer than those who did not. The study, led by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researcher Ethan Basch, showed a significant median overall survival benefit of 20 percent.
A recent study by the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that physicians paid by pharmaceutical companies had higher odds of prescribing their drugs for two types of cancer. The researchers analyzed prescription patterns for Medicare patients with metastatic kidney cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia, and found a consiste...
Researchers found that a strategy combining personalized support and decision-making tools increased screening rates among patients at community health centers. 68% of participants were screened for colorectal cancer within 6 months, compared to 27% without the intervention.
A new study suggests that adding images depicting the longer-term impacts of indoor tanning can be an effective health risk communication strategy. Messages with images showed greater negative emotional reactions and were perceived as more effective in discouraging tanning than text-only messages.
As the US HIV population ages, cancer incidence rates for AIDS-defining cancers are expected to decline due to effective treatment with modern antiretroviral therapies. However, frequencies of other cancers such as lung and prostate cancer are projected to increase.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a potential novel strategy for improving immunotherapy treatments against cancer. By binding two compounds to a nanoparticle, they were able to improve stimulation of T-cells and increase survival rates in preclinical models.
Researchers found that cancer cells grew faster in fatty, obese tissue, suggesting the microenvironment surrounding cancer cells plays a crucial role in disease progression. Weight loss reversed changes to this microenvironment, correcting tumor growth, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for obesity-related cancers.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that over 78% of US adults supported larger health warnings on cigarette packs, even among smokers. The researchers suggest that these findings support the implementation of larger pack warnings as required by the 2009 Tobacco Control Act.
A study by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women diagnosed with cancer during their childbearing years are at a higher risk of delivering preterm and having babies with low birth weight. The study identified potential risks for mothers who are cancer survivors, including a greater risk of cesarean section deliveries.
A new study has identified distinct patterns of side effects in prostate cancer treatment choices, providing insights for patients to make informed decisions. The research found that surgery was linked to higher sexual dysfunction and urinary leakage than other options.
Researchers found that adding back beneficial bacteria can help end a cycle of unchecked inflammation, suggesting a new treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. The study suggests targeting the inflammation downstream of NLRP12 with anti-inflammatory drugs or feeding specific beneficial bacteria to potentially lead to treatments.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have launched clinical trials testing genetically engineered immune cells to fight cancer. The early-stage trials aim to improve treatment options for patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
A tool developed at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center can help doctors identify patients at high risk for toxic side effects from chemotherapy. Researchers found that low measures of muscle quality and quantity are linked to serious side effects, including hospitalizations.
A University of North Carolina researcher argues that integrating patient-reported symptoms into clinical practice can improve patient outcomes. Despite demonstrated benefits, cost and technology barriers prevent the widespread adoption of electronic symptom reporting.
A study by researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center identified biomarkers that predict how patients with HER2-positive breast cancer will respond to targeted treatment trastuzumab and chemotherapy. The biomarkers are based on gene signatures, genetic mutations, and immune responses.
Rates of breast cancer brain metastasis have not substantially declined despite improved targeted treatments for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Researchers found that the risk of death from brain metastasis is more than twice that of patients with metastasis to other areas of the body.
A study found that women aged 65 years or older with metastatic breast cancer are more likely to have cancer-linked genetic alterations and receive targeted therapy than younger patients. Researchers emphasized the need to better understand and characterize genetic abnormalities in this age group to improve treatment options.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a model that can predict which triple negative breast cancer patients will respond to chemotherapy. The model was moderately successful, accurately predicting response in 68% of cases with pathologic complete response.
Research found that non-menthol flavors in most tobacco products play a vital role in how users perceive and use tobacco products. Banning these flavors could reduce tobacco product use, especially among adolescents. The study also highlights the detrimental public health impact of adolescent use of flavored tobacco products.
Scientists at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that certain short, repetitive DNA sequences contribute to the development of Ewing sarcoma by enhancing susceptibility to an oncoprotein. These sequences interact with histones in a way similar to stem cells, allowing the oncoprotein to change gene expression.
Researchers identify ATR gene as crucial for brain tumor growth and development, developing nanoparticle-formulated drug to block tumor growth. The investigational treatment shows promise in reducing cerebellar growth by causing cell death in neural progenitors.
A recent study found that nearly a third of Medicare patients with chronic myeloid leukemia did not start treatment within six months due to high out-of-pocket costs. However, patients who had access to subsidies to cover drug costs started treatment 50 days sooner on average.
Researchers found that a particular strain of HPV resulted in better overall survival for patients with oropharyngeal cancer. Patients infected with other strains had similar survival rates as those without HPV.
Researchers found that stem cell transplant can accelerate cellular aging in patients with blood cancer, increasing the molecular age by up to three times pre-transplant levels. The study's findings may help physicians predict patient risk and benefit associated with the treatment.
A study found that nearly nine out of ten physicians and researchers who developed leading cancer care guidelines in the US reported financial ties to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The majority of payments were within limits set by the NCCN, but eight guideline authors exceeded them.
A group of researchers calls for an overhaul of the US process for reviewing coverage of 'off-label' cancer drug use. They found inconsistencies in the five reference guides used to determine reimbursement and weak quality evidence supporting some off-label uses.
A national survey found that 21% of parents support HPV vaccination requirements without opt-outs, increasing to 57% when opt-outs are included. Despite the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer, many parents lack knowledge and are hesitant to vaccinate their children.
A study found that women with Medicaid or Medicare had lower odds of receiving breast reconstruction compared to those with private insurance. Distance to the nearest plastic surgeon also predicted lower rates of reconstruction. The researchers highlight additional barriers to access beyond socioeconomic class, age, and race.
Researchers from UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center argue that existing treatments are more effective than e-cigarettes in helping people quit smoking. They also highlight concerns about professional ethics and the need for stronger regulatory oversight.
A study found that adults with acute leukemia had a significantly higher risk of death if they lived in certain North Carolina regions with limited healthcare resources. Researchers analyzed data from 2003 to 2009 and found that patients in these areas were more likely to die, even after controlling for other factors.