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University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center


Shorter course of radiation improves quality of life for breast cancer patients

Women with early-stage breast cancer who receive a shorter course of whole breast radiation therapy experience less toxicity and improved quality of life compared to those who undergo a longer course of treatment. The study suggests that hypofractionated treatment should be considered as a starting point for discussion between patients...

MD Anderson study finds one-third of colorectal cancers diagnosed before 35 are hereditary

Researchers found that 35% of patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (diagnosed before age 35) have a genetic disease, highlighting the need for genetic counseling to identify high-risk family members. Gene panel testing is recommended to uncover underlying mutations, allowing for preventive measures and earlier screening.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 20, 2015

Tiny particles in blood useful for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a potential non-invasive diagnostic tool for early pancreatic cancer detection. Glypican-1-enriched circulating exosomes were found to be present in small amounts of serum from patients with pancreatic cancer, showing high specificity and sensitivity. Early detection of pancreati...

Current blood cancer drug prices not justified, MD Anderson study finds

Current blood cancer drug prices are too high to be considered cost-effective in the US, according to a recent MD Anderson Cancer Center study. The researchers found that 63% of 20 studies evaluated had costs per additional life-year higher than $50,000, indicating that current prices cannot be justified based on improved quality of life.

Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy achieves better overall survival than surgery for early lung cancer

A phase III randomized clinical trial suggests that Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) is equally effective to surgery in treating operable stage I non-small cell lung cancer patients, with better survival rates and lower toxicity. SABR appears to be a suitable alternative for elderly and comorbidity-prone patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMay 13, 2015

Study identifies 8 signs associated with impending death in cancer patients

A study by MD Anderson researchers identified eight physical and cognitive signs associated with imminent death in cancer patients. These signs include nonreactive pupils, decreased response to verbal and visual stimuli, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which could help clinicians communicate with patients and families, as well as ...