Articles tagged with Cancer Medication
A Cornell University biochemist has developed a strategy to make tumor cells more sensitive to retinoic acid, reducing required doses and enhancing its anticancer activity. By introducing CRABP-II, a naturally occurring protein, researchers can boost RA's ability to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation.
Cornell researchers have found that a longer infusion time of boronophenylalanine is needed to effectively target cancer cells in brain tumors. The new finding has the potential to improve the success of boron neutron capture therapy, which has shown moderate success in treating tumors but struggles with aggressive cell clusters.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that morphine activates the MAPK signaling pathway in human endothelial cells, promoting angiogenesis and tumor growth. The findings could lead to new treatments for managing cancer pain while minimizing tumor growth.
Researchers found that neighborhoods with older homes in urban areas have sidewalks, denser street networks, and mix of business and residential uses, which encourages walking. Men and non-Hispanic whites were more likely than women and other racial groups to walk at least a mile 20 times a month.
The World Health Organization predicts 15 million new cancer cases annually by 2039, with 70% occurring in developing countries. Anti-cancer factions are pooling knowledge and resources to establish a system to better equip healthcare organizations for the growing challenge.
A new study suggests that medications like tamoxifen and raloxifene could potentially lower the risk of breast cancer in women at high risk. These drugs have shown to decrease the likelihood of breast cancer by up to 50% in some cases, but they also carry side effects such as blood clots and hot flashes.
A new study found that anastrozole improved disease-free survival and was better tolerated than tamoxifen. Anastrozole may be a viable alternative to tamoxifen for adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
A new study found that anastrozole improved disease-free survival and was better tolerated than tamoxifen, a current standard treatment. The ATAC trial also showed no additional benefit from combining both drugs.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine announced its Image of the Year, showcasing an innovative PET scan for detecting lung cancer in a patient with dermatomyositis. The image also highlights a groundbreaking study on dopamine transporters in mouse brains using ultra-high resolution SPECT.
A study by Dartmouth/VA researchers found that major US news media favored routine use of screening mammography and urged caution about tamoxifen, with greater emphasis on the negative aspects of the latter. The coverage of these issues highlights the need for balanced media reporting to focus on science rather than emotions or politics.
A study of female radiologic technologists found that prolonged exposure to low dose radiation is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer mortality. Women who started working as radiologic technologists before 1940 were nearly three times more likely to die from breast cancer than those who began working in 1960 or later.
A study using PET/CT scans found that 58.8% of patients had at least one positive focus of FDG uptake in the thoracic aortic wall, which may indicate 'vulnerable' plaque. This could lead to future cardiovascular events if left untreated.
H. William Strauss is a pioneer in cardiovascular nuclear medicine and has published extensively on the subject. He recently received the de Hevesy Pioneer Award for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of nuclear medicine.
A new two-part therapy combining acyclovir with gradual reductions in immunosuppressive drugs has shown significant success in treating post-transplant lymphoma, with all patients achieving complete response and 82% maintaining it. The treatment stimulates the immune system to destroy EBV-infected cancer cells.
Researchers have developed a new drug, CEP-701, that targets the genetic error causing a type of leukemia. The drug has shown promising results in clinical trials, interfering with the signal of the altered gene and leading to leukemia cell death.
A new clinical trial has shown that a short-term use of a new drug can safely arrest the progression of Type 1 diabetes by targeting disease-causing T-cells. Patients who took the drug continued to produce their own insulin and needed less supplemental hormone, leading to improved metabolic control and reduced complications.
Researchers discovered a set of 511 genes that distinguish four groups of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including those with symptoms and cancer. The findings suggest a potential link between BPH and prostate cancer, as well as a genetic 'field effect' in individuals with prostate cancer.
BP7787 shows impressive safety profile and high tumor response rate, indicating potential as a preventive measure for chemotherapy side effects. The Phase 1 clinical trial demonstrated no severe nerve damage and partial tumor remission in nearly all patients treated with BNP7787
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University developed an animal model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells. The model enables scientists to investigate biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease and test potential new drugs.
Researchers found that implantable pain pumps improved cancer patients' quality of life by increasing survival rates, reducing pain and side effects. Patients treated with the pump had significantly less fatigue, constipation, and nausea compared to those on medical management.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered that the 'Reaper' protein triggers programmed cell death by instructing a fly cell's principal guard protein, DIAP1, to self-destruct. This finding may lead to novel strategies for targeting immortal cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
In a Phase I trial, patients receiving recombinant Angiostatin with radiation showed significant tumor regression and minimal toxicity. The findings support the safety of Angiostatin when combined with radiation therapy, paving the way for future trials of combination therapy.
Researchers isolated bacteria from Mammoth Cave that produce a substance inhibiting angiogenesis, a process crucial for cancer cell growth. The discovery offers new potential tools in the fight against cancer.
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.
A study found that 40% of patients experienced improved lung cancer symptoms after taking the experimental pill ZD 1839, leading to a longer survival and better quality of life. The pill, which targets the epidermal growth factor receptor, was found to be well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
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.
Decitabine has been shown to be effective in treating patients who don't respond to traditional treatment, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. The study found that decitabine works by increasing fetal hemoglobin production, which can help alleviate the severity of sickle cell symptoms.
A gene called Sir2, long studied in yeast and worms, has a counterpart in fruit flies that plays a dynamic role in genetic regulation of early development. The study found that Sir2 appears to play a dual role, acting as both a silencer and repressor gene.
A University of Florida chemistry professor has created a nanomotor from a single DNA strand, which is more practical and easier to control than previous designs. The device can be used in biosensors to detect specific DNA sequences related to disease and may also play a role in clinical treatment by targeting cancer cells with precision.
Researchers suggest that drugs blocking the ICAM1 gene could reduce lung scarring caused by radiation therapy, potentially improving patients' breathing and exercise abilities. In a study, mice lacking this gene showed improved pulmonary function tests and reduced fibrosis, indicating inflammation's role in lung scarring.
A randomized study of 143 patients found that Zevalin, a new radioimmunotherapy drug, significantly improved tumor shrinkage and complete remission rates compared to standard chemotherapy. The study results demonstrate the effectiveness of Zevalin in treating B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Researchers Dr. Stella Pelengaris and Dr. Mike Khan found that a single protein, c-Myc, causes faulty cell growth leading to cancer. Their study reveals a simplified model of cancer development, offering new optimism in developing effective treatments.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a 'cancer snitch' - a genetically engineered virus that can track the progress of a viral treatment within a tumor. This non-invasive approach provides valuable feedback from within the body, allowing scientists to monitor biological activity and evaluate therapeutic effectiveness.
Imatinib mesylate, a drug used to treat leukemia, has shown remarkable success in reducing eosinophil levels in people with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), a difficult-to-treat inflammatory disease. Four of five patients studied experienced complete elimination of symptoms.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a key signaling pathway involved in the development of precancerous polyps. The study found that blocking this pathway can prevent polyp formation and potentially colon cancer. By understanding how this pathway works, scientists hope to develop targeted treatments.
Researchers found celecoxib induces cell death without blocking COX-2 enzyme. Alternate mechanism involves decreased phosphorylation of Akt and ERK2 proteins. Newer generations of COX-2 inhibitors may be safer and more effective for colon cancer treatment.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that heart transplant patients who resume smoking after a short abstinence period or with depression/anxiety within two months are more likely to relapse. The study also identified a strong predictor: caregivers who smoke.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that controls a 'failsafe' device in endothelial cells, which marks them for apoptosis and blocks abnormal new blood vessel growth. This discovery may lead to the design of new anti-angiogenic drugs or improved existing treatments.
Researchers found that a combination of targeted therapies can effectively inhibit tumor growth in prostate cancer. Using different drugs after resistance occurred inhibited tumor growth, suggesting multiple treatments may be needed to manage the disease. This approach is similar to how advanced breast cancer is treated today.
ChemGenex researchers used chemical genomics to identify molecular targets for Quinamed(TM) and predict anti-angiogenic properties for Ceflatonin(TM). These methods allowed the company to streamline drug discovery and validation, as well as identify potential side effects.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that low doses of paclitaxel and docetaxel inhibit the growth of endothelial cells, leading to smaller tumors. The study suggests that oral versions of these drugs could be effective in treating cancer with chronic, low dose concentrations.
Researchers found no statistical difference between sulindac and placebo groups in preventing polyp development or colon cancer, contradicting previous evidence. Sulindac may be ineffective at preventing polyps in newly diagnosed FAP patients, suggesting a need for alternative treatments.
A population study found that hypospadias was more than 20 times as common in boys whose mothers were exposed to DES during pregnancy. Research on exposure to DES may be relevant to current concerns about weaker oestrogens in oral contraceptives and other substances.
The Rush University Medical Center has opened a new tissue and cell lab to develop clinical-grade human cellular components for treating certain cancers. The facility will utilize immunotherapy, using the patient's own cells to target cancerous cells.
Researchers have made promising strides in combating breast cancer using novel enzyme inhibitors that target key enzymes involved in cell growth and division. These drugs, such as R115777, work by interrupting cellular signals that promote tumor growth, leading to partial responses and disease stabilization in advanced cancer patients.
Recent improvements in hormonal therapy and understanding of molecular mechanisms indicate that hormone therapy is more effective than chemotherapy in treating early breast cancer. The use of GnRH antagonists and aromatase inhibitors holds promise for treating younger women and post-menopausal patients, respectively.
Researchers at The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth have identified a genetic switch that turns on a program to destroy leukemic cells and potentially other tumor cells. This target gene, called UBE1L, mimics the action of retinoic acid, which causes remissions in acute promyelocytic leukemia.
A study by physicians at 10 hospitals in the US and Canada found that continuous doxorubicin infusion for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia does not prevent heart damage, contrary to previous assumptions. The treatment resulted in increased hospitalizations and higher medical costs.
A study by cancer experts found that the response rate of tumours to a new drug decreases over time due to 'wish bias', an unconscious tendency for doctors to expect better results. The research team recommends double-blinded trials to avoid this bias and ensure objectivity in medical research.
Late-stage prostate cancer unresponsive to hormone therapy due to hypermethylation of estrogen receptor genes. A new study suggests that demethylating agents could restore effectiveness of hormone therapy by reversing methylation.
A study by Prof. Kerem and Asaf Hellman found that chemotherapy drugs can cause chromosomes to break at specific regions, known as fragile sites, potentially leading to cancer growth. The research creates a better understanding of how cancer drugs work, paving the way for more effective treatments.
A UK study found that intensive 3-day training courses improve cancer doctors' communication skills, leading to better patient care and increased empathy. The training included structured feedback, role-play, and discussion, resulting in improved use of focused questions, open-ended questions, and expressions of empathy.
A five-year project aims to create a tool that allows researchers to compare DNA, proteins, and biological factors between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues. This database will be built on unidentifiable data from 1.6 million pathology reports and six million tissue blocks from various Indianapolis hospitals.
Researchers found that Egfr signaling is essential for intestinal tumor formation in mice, with 90% fewer polyps developing in one group. The study suggests a potential treatment approach using Egfr inhibitors for advanced colorectal cancers.
A study published by the Mayo Clinic found that megestrol acetate was more effective than dronabinol in improving appetite and weight loss in patients with advanced cancer. The study, which evaluated 469 patients, showed that 75% of those taking megestrol acetate reported appetite improvement, compared to 49% of those taking dronabinol.
Researchers have identified a crucial structural piece in the Abl protein that acts as an internal switch to control its transmission of signals. This discovery provides potential targets for designing new drugs specifically for cancers caused by BCR-Abl, which is linked to leukemia.
A new combination of MabThera and standard chemotherapy has shown a significant increase in overall survival rate and complete remission rates in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This treatment offers hope for improved outcomes in this increasingly common form of blood cancer.
Combining trastuzumab and ZD1839 has been shown to be more effective in inhibiting breast cancer cell growth than using either treatment alone. The findings suggest a potential new approach for treating multiple types of cancers, including those with HER2 and EGFR gene mutations.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that combining Herceptin with Iressa reduces tumor cell death and tumor size in HER2-overexpressing breast cancers. The clinical trial will enroll 150 patients and aims to shrink tumors with minimal side effects.
A strong patient-physician relationship is crucial to obtaining needed health services, the study found. Primary care systems that prioritize accessibility, coordination, and comprehensive care can lead to stronger relationships between patients and physicians, ultimately improving health outcomes.