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Active clinician support and assistance are critical to successfully quitting smoking

A new study finds that providing direct assistance, such as counseling and nicotine replacement therapy, significantly improves the likelihood of patients quitting smoking. The research team analyzed data from over 1,600 participants who underwent lung cancer screening, finding that active clinician support increased quit rates by 40%.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 15, 2015

Scientists find way to disrupt brain tumor stem cells

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine identified a key player in maintaining brain tumor stem cells' ability to survive and replenish themselves. Disrupting this process using protein CDC20 has been shown to reduce tumor growth by up to 95 percent in mice, offering new hope for treating glioblastoma.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 11, 2015

Probing ways to convince young women not to use indoor tanning

A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that messages with images depicting the harsh realities of melanoma are more powerful than text-only warnings in persuading young women to reconsider indoor tanning. Loss-framed messages emphasizing the risks of indoor tanning were more effective in decreasing intenti...

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 11, 2015

Genetic biomarker may predict cancer patients' response to immunotherapy drug

Researchers identified a genetic biomarker that can predict which cancer patients will respond to immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab. Patients with mismatch repair gene defects showed improved responses to the treatment, offering hope for previously failed patients. Larger studies are needed to assess the potential for clinical use.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 29, 2015

Chinese herbal mixture significantly reduces fatigue in cancer patients

A traditional Chinese medicine herbal mixture called Ren Shen Yangrong Tang (RSYRT) significantly reduced fatigue in cancer patients with moderate to severe symptoms. In a Phase I/II trial, RSYRT was found to be safe and effective in improving Qi deficiency, a key factor contributing to fatigue.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMay 20, 2015

Nanotherapy effective in mice with multiple myeloma

Researchers have designed a nanoparticle-based therapy that effectively treats mice with multiple myeloma, a cancer of immune cells in the bone marrow. The nanoparticles carry a Myc inhibitor, which blocks a protein active in many types of cancer, and increase survival by 23 days compared to control groups.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateMay 20, 2015

Not all women with dense breasts need more imaging; ACP advises 'smarter' cancer screening

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that women with extremely dense breasts do not necessarily need additional imaging after a normal mammogram. However, those with high-risk dense breasts should discuss supplemental screening strategies with their doctors. The American College of Physicians advises 'smarter' canc...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 18, 2015

Advanced viral gene therapy eradicates prostate cancer in preclinical experiments

Researchers developed a unique approach using microscopic gas bubbles to deliver directly to cancer cells a viral gene therapy in combination with an experimental drug. The treatment strategy used a novel 'cancer terminator virus' and demonstrated enhanced prostate cancer cell death while sparing healthy cells in preclinical experiments.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMay 11, 2015