Articles tagged with Cancer Medication
Researchers discovered that metformin increases the efficiency of T-cells, which boosts infection- and cancer-fighting treatments. This discovery could lead to novel strategies for vaccine and anti-cancer therapies, potentially enhancing immunological memory.
A study by National Jewish Health researchers found that obesity is not associated with more severe asthma, but may reduce response to corticosteroid medications. Obese patients may require alternative treatment options.
A study has identified a breast cancer gene called AGTR1 that is overexpressed in up to 20% of breast cancers and can be blocked by the blood pressure drug losartan. The researchers found that treatment with losartan shrunk tumors by 30% in mice, suggesting a potential new treatment option for women with AGTR1-positive breast tumors.
Researchers identified a way to boost cisplatin's effectiveness by targeting DNA repair proteins in cancer cells. Attenuating the function of RAD50 protein complex sensitizes human tumor cells to cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
A study published in Nature Genetics found that men with two copies of the KITLG gene have a 4.5-fold higher risk of testicular cancer, while those with two copies of the SPRY4 gene have a 1.48-fold higher risk. The discovery sheds light on genetic factors contributing to the disease and may help identify critical environmental factors.
A study of 409 metastatic colorectal cancer patients found that 10% were worried about paying for supportive medications, while fewer than 15% adopted money-saving strategies. Despite this, only 12% discussed drug costs with their physicians.
The shift towards oral chemotherapy agents poses risks of non-adherence, which can lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced efficacy. Studies show that non-adherence is often linked to financial constraints, education issues, and side effects, highlighting the need for innovative strategies to improve patient compliance.
AT-101, a cottonseed-derived compound, has shown promise in treating glioblastoma multiforme by halting the growth of tumor cells. The treatment, which must be properly dosed and monitored, has been effective in slowing cancer progression in many patients, offering new hope for those with this aggressive form of brain cancer.
Researchers found that the level of physical activity and cancer treatment do not affect a person's cardiovascular fitness. A new test, three-minute step test, can help determine a patient's current fitness level.
A new radiofrequency ablation procedure has shown promise in eliminating signs of Barrett's esophagus and reducing the risk of cancer progression. In a multicenter trial, patients treated with the procedure experienced significant reductions in dysplasia and abnormal cells.
Research from Northwestern University found Abraxane effectively prevents metastatic breast cancer progression and has fewer side effects compared to Taxotere. The study prolonged progression-free survival by almost seven months.
A US citizen with head and neck cancer treated with capecitabine experienced a mild case of hand-foot syndrome, leading to fingerprint loss. His doctor advises patients on capecitabine to carry a letter explaining their condition for travel to the USA.
A meta-analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials found that web- and computer-based smoking cessation programs increased abstinence rates by 1.5 times compared to control groups. After six to 10 months, intervention groups had an 11.7% quit rate, while control groups had a 7% rate.
A meta-analysis of 12,294 patients found bevacizumab significantly increases the risk of gastrointestinal perforation, especially in those with advanced colorectal and renal cell cancers. The study also showed a dose-dependent relationship between bevacizumab dose and GI perforation risk.
Researchers at Buck Institute find HIF-1 protein plays key role in pathway extending lifespan by dietary restriction. Under-expressing HIF-1 leads to increased lifespan even with nutrient-rich diet.
Two Agios founders have authored a Science review on cancer metabolism, summarizing the current state of the field and suggesting new targets for therapy. The review highlights key advancements in understanding how cancer cells adapt to use more nutrients than normal cells.
Researchers discover 'happyhour' gene linked to alcohol sensitivity in flies and mice, suggesting cancer drugs like erlotinib could help treat alcoholism. Flies with mutant happyhour gene become resistant to alcohol's sedative effects, while rats treated with erlotinib consume less alcohol.
A study from Northwestern University finds a strong link between the cancer drug rituximab and progressive multifocal leukoencephalitis (PML), a swiftly moving and often fatal viral brain infection. The study reports 57 cases of PML in patients with anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, or lymphoma who took rituximab.
A Phase II/III study found that ginger supplements, taken three days prior to and after chemotherapy, reduced nausea levels in cancer patients by 40%. The study included 644 participants who received at least three chemotherapy treatments and showed significant anti-vomiting effects.
A study by M. D. Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that over one-third of metastatic breast cancer patients receive chemotherapy off-label, with 34.9% of women treated with an unapproved drug at some point during their care. The most common off-label chemotherapies noted were vinorelbine and gemcitabine, both shown to be efficac...
A recent study has identified four risk factors that can predict survival outcomes for men with metastatic prostate cancer, enabling doctors to choose more effective treatments. The researchers used data from over 1,000 patients and found that pain levels, anemia, cancer spread, and bone progression were key indicators of prognosis.
A new analysis of 1,534 cancer studies found that 29% had apparent conflicts of interest, with biases often favoring industry funding. Studies with industry ties were more likely to focus on treatment and report survival advantages.
A new study published in American Journal of Hematology finds that iron chelation therapy is not a reliable predictor of patient survival. Instead, degree of anemia and need for red blood cell transfusion at diagnosis are stronger predictors.
A Phase III trial found that adding casopitant mesylate to a conventional two-drug regimen significantly reduced chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting events. The study showed that 86% of patients achieved complete response with the new regimen compared to 66% with the placebo.
A recent study by Prof. Zvi Livneh reveals the two-step mechanism of stopgap DNA repair, a major source of mutations in cells. Understanding this process can lead to enhanced treatment options for individuals with deficient natural DNA repair, as well as improved chemotherapy effectiveness against cancer.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published a comprehensive guide to PET scanning in cancer therapy, providing international guidelines and criteria for response assessment. The new supplement aims to improve tumor response assessment and treatment monitoring with FDG PET imaging.
A new study found that drugs to combat anemia in cancer patients may actually increase the risk of death and serious blood clots. The use of these agents should not be routine therapy unless proven safe and clinically beneficial.
A meta-analysis of 53 cancer trials found that erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) increased mortality in all patients with cancer by 17%. The treatment's benefits must be weighed against the increased risks of death and thromboembolic events.
Scientists have discovered two biomarkers that may indicate the presence of smoking-related lung injury and cardiovascular side effects of COX-2 inhibitors. Elevated levels of PGE-M and LTE4 in urine could lead to earlier detection and treatment, reducing the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart problems.
A study by Japanese researchers found that a molecule called M-CSF can be used to block the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, suppressing growth even after treatment is stopped. This approach differs from existing VEGF-based treatments, which have been shown to have limited long-term effects.
Researchers found that imiquimod cream, used with surgery, can treat lentigo maligna melanoma, a type of skin cancer. This approach may reduce the area needing surgery, manage the cancer, and minimize its recurrence. The study suggests that imiquimod could be an effective treatment option for some patients.
New research reveals that DNA repair enzyme TDG plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of cancer drug 5-Fluorouracil. By incorporating itself into DNA, 5FU creates an overload on the repair system, leading to cell death. This finding provides a new understanding of how 5FU kills cancer cells.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a new drug combination that significantly hinders neuroblastoma tumor growth in pre-clinical tests. The combination of vandetanib and 13-cis-retinoic acid reduced tumors by 86 percent, offering new hope for children with this childhood cancer.
A new cancer drug, 3-BrOP, has been found to reduce neuroblastoma growth by 75 percent in pre-clinical studies. The drug works by blocking the main energy source, glucose, thereby starving cancer cells and disrupting their ability to grow.
Researchers found that combining grapefruit juice with the cancer drug rapamycin can increase its effectiveness in treating various types of cancer. Twenty-five patients showed stable disease or partial response to the treatment, with some experiencing reduced side effects due to increased bioavailability.
A phase II study led by Ohio State University researchers has found a targeted agent to be effective in treating advanced biliary cancer. The study showed that the agent, AZD6244, achieved an average progression-free survival of 5.4 months and stable disease in many patients.
A pre-clinical study found that adding dasatinib to standard chemotherapy increases the effectiveness of treatment in ovarian cancers with high SRC expression. This synergistic effect was absent in low SRC expressing cancers, suggesting targeted therapies like dasatinib may improve response rates.
Researchers have confirmed six gene variants linked to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common adult leukemia in the US. The study found that patients with CLL are more likely to have these genetic changes, increasing their risk of developing the disease.
Researchers have made significant advancements in cancer treatment, with studies on combined PI3K and MEK inhibition showing anti-tumor activity. Another study found that combining a histone deacetylase inhibitor with an mTOR inhibitor may provide a new therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have formulated a treatment combination that destroys up to 65% of pancreatic tumor cells in laboratory tests. The combination of rapamycin and panobinostat acts synergistically, offering new opportunities for patients with pancreatic cancer.
The online tool provides a roadmap for managing health after treatment, addressing late effects of cancer therapies and promoting informed discussions with healthcare teams. Researchers surveyed 3,343 individuals who created OncoLife plans, reporting high user satisfaction and encouragement to share their plans with providers.
Research found that tea polyphenols suppress the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play a key role in metabolizing drugs. This suppression leads to reduced liver damage caused by paracetamol overdose. The study provides new insights into the metabolism of tea polyphenols and their potential as hepatoprotective agents.
Veterinary oncologists at MU's Scott Endowed Program in Veterinary Oncology participated in COTC's first trial, investigating a novel method to deliver the TNF-α gene to tumor blood vessels. The study showed a dramatic decrease in tumor size and provided insight into safe dosage for both human and canine patients.
Researchers found that adding chloroquine to imatinib improves its therapeutic effect by inhibiting autophagy, which helps leukemia cells evade death. The combination eliminates most CML stem cells and increases imatinib-induced cell death.
A team of researchers has identified a class of drugs that may enhance the therapeutic effects of imatinib mesylate in treating chronic myeloid leukemia. They also developed a zebrafish model for screening potential therapies for Alzheimer's disease and identified a molecular mechanism underlying aggressive prostate cancer.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a machine that can analyze tiny blood samples for cancer-associated proteins, detecting subtle changes in protein modifications. The technique may provide a faster and less invasive way to track solid tumors and monitor treatment response.
A new therapy for metastatic prostate cancer has shown considerable promise in early clinical trials involving patients whose disease has become resistant to current drugs. Researchers have developed a novel compound, MDV3100, which blocks the androgen receptor in CRPC cells, lowering PSA levels and reducing tumor growth.
Researchers have developed two new drugs, RD162 and MDV3100, that prevent male hormones from stimulating growth of prostate cancer cells. These compounds appear to work well even in prostate cells with heightened sensitivity to hormones, which makes them effective against drug-resistant prostate cancer.
AVEO scientists have developed a novel human-in-mouse (HIM) cancer model system, which allows for the creation of invasive human tumors that mimic human tumor behaviors and response. The models provide a more realistic genetic context for evaluating new anti-tumor therapies.
Researchers at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance found Avastin to be effective in delaying brain tumor progression and improving quality of life for patients with recurrent Grade 3 brain tumors. The treatment improved survival time while reducing the impact of steroids on patients, who experienced a marked improvement in their condition.
Compassion fatigue is a syndrome experienced by healthcare providers caring for individuals facing dire consequences, leading to symptoms such as chronic tiredness, irritability, and lack of joy. The study highlights the need for better training and supportive work environments to prevent compassion fatigue.
A study published in Photochemistry and Photobiology explores the potential of light-sensitive drug delivery systems for targeted therapy. The research reveals that near-infrared light can trigger medication release without causing significant heating or damaging surrounding tissues.
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have discovered a biochemical mechanism that explains how protein tyrosine kinases, such as Src and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor families, sense and respond to oxidative stress signals. This understanding may help in designing targeted therapies for specific cancers.
Researchers found omacetaxine killed 90% of leukemic stem cells in vitro and prolonged survival in test animals with resistant CML. The findings may open the door to developing a curative treatment strategy for some patients with CML.
A new anti-cancer agent, BPH-715, has been developed that is highly effective at inhibiting multiple enzymes in the cancer pathway. The compound has shown promising results in cell culture and animal studies, demonstrating its potential as a treatment for various cancers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that demethylation, the removal of chemical bonds from cancer-promoting genes, can trigger more than half of all cancers. Demethylating drugs used to treat some cancers may actually cause new cancers as a side effect, warns Dr. Joseph Califano.
Researchers have developed a promising new drug treatment, NO-Cbl, which has shown significant anti-tumor efficacy with limited toxicity in dogs with cancer. The treatment uses 'biological Trojan horse technology' to target cancer cells, and could potentially be used in combination regimes to enhance its effectiveness.
A new study analyzing UK cancer survival data reveals a modest improvement in survival rates since the introduction of the NHS cancer plan in 2000. However, significant regional variations in survival remain, with affluent southern regions showing better outcomes.
A new UCLA study analyzes data from the Surveillance and Epidemiology End Result (SEER) cancer registry and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), finding that African Americans are more likely to get cancer in the first place, contributing to a life expectancy disparity of 1.47 years for men and 0.91 years for women.
Researchers have developed nanoscale probes that can pinpoint tumors and deliver drugs directly to cancer cells using antibodies and magnetic particles. These probes offer a promising approach for more precise cancer treatment, expanding the possibilities of MRI-based tracking and optical luminescence.