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New study pinpoints barriers to timely head and neck cancer treatment in rural areas

A new study led by Dartmouth Cancer Center identifies key barriers to timely head and neck cancer treatment in rural areas, including transportation and caregiver challenges. The research highlights the importance of dedicated staff, strong community ties, and peer support in navigating the complexity of cancer care.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·TypeSurvey·DateApr 16, 2026

NCCN 2026 Annual Conference prepares cancer care providers worldwide for healing the whole patient

The NCCN 2026 Annual Conference emphasized the need for holistic care for adolescents and young adults with cancer, highlighting unique challenges and the importance of supportive services. The conference also addressed global cancer care realities and future strategies, emphasizing the need for collaboration and investment to address ...

Targeted therapy improves long-term outcomes for patients with rare mutations driving lung cancer

A phase 1/2 clinical study found that pralsetinib improved durable responses with manageable safety profiles in patients with advanced or metastatic RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer. The overall response rate was 78% and median duration of response was longer in patients with the CCDC6-RET fusion gene.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 1, 2026

New study finds common blood pressure drug boosts cancer treatment

A new study found that the common blood pressure medication telmisartan can significantly enhance the cancer-killing activity of olaparib, potentially expanding its use to many more patients. Telmisartan made tumors more vulnerable to PARP inhibitors, even when they lacked specific DNA repair defects.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

Elinzanetant reduces severity and frequency of hot flushes and night sweats, regardless of type of hormone treatment breast cancer patients receive

A new analysis shows elinzanetant effectively relieves moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with endocrine therapy, regardless of the type of hormone treatment. The drug reduces VMS frequency and severity by blocking a protein that triggers these symptoms.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2026

Radiotherapy rather than surgery may help reduce risk of lymphoedema in patients with breast cancer: results from pilot study

A pilot study found that axillary radiotherapy may be as effective as surgery in killing cancer cells while reducing the risk of painful swelling. The trial compared radiotherapy to axillary lymph node dissection and found similar cancer outcomes, but lower rates of lymphoedema after radiotherapy.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2026

Breast reconstruction using polyurethane-coated implants reduces scarring and the need for further surgery

A new study shows that polyurethane-coated breast implants are associated with lower rates of capsular contracture and the need for corrective surgery after radiotherapy. Women who received these implants had a significantly lower risk of developing scarring and needing further surgery compared to those who received standard implants.

Breast cancer recurrence remains low, even after ten years, with radiotherapy tailored to patient’s individual risk

A recent study found that breast cancer recurrence remains low even after ten years when patients receive tailored radiotherapy. The research involved 848 patients who underwent chemotherapy and surgery, and showed that radiotherapy can be reduced or eliminated in low-risk patients, leading to a significant decrease in side effects.

The cost of survival: Women more likely to survive cancer but suffer more severe side effects

A recent study found that women have a 21% lower risk of death compared to men, but a 12% higher risk of severe side effects from cancer treatment. The research, conducted in partnership with international collaborators, analyzed data from over 20,000 cancer patients and identified sex-based differences in survival and treatment toxicity.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 15, 2026

Senolytic therapy of PDAC

Researchers explored using CDK4/6 inhibitors to treat PDAC by targeting RB1, which is often inactivated by oncogenic KRAS. This approach showed promise in inducing cellular senescence, but further combination therapy is needed for therapeutic benefit.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateMar 13, 2026

NRG Oncology/Alliance trial finds immunotherapy did not improve survival when added to chemoradiotherapy for small cell lung cancer

The NRG-LU005 trial found that immunotherapy atezolizumab did not improve survival for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer when added to chemoradiation. Twice-daily radiation therapy, however, was associated with improved survival in this population.

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 12, 2026

“Smart photonic healthcare devices” how light is transforming the future of healthcare

Recent advances in photonic nanomaterials and healthcare devices have led to the development of wearable and implantable medical devices. These devices utilize light for precise manipulation of cells and tissues, offering new possibilities for early disease detection, light-based therapies, and personalized precision medicine.

Romiplostim prevents serious side effect of chemotherapy in phase 3 trial

A phase 3 clinical trial by Mass General Brigham reveals romiplostim's ability to prevent chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, allowing full-dose chemotherapy delivery. The medication boosts bone marrow's resistance to chemotherapy, reducing the risk of life-threatening bleeding and improving cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Deep-sea natural compound targets cancer cells through a dual mechanism

Researchers discovered yaku'amide B induces CD9 degradation, a cancer stem cell-related protein, in addition to inhibiting ATP synthase, leading to cellular energy depletion and cancer cell suppression. This natural compound has potential as a new therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Chemotherapy candidate can marshall attention from the body’s natural defenses

Researchers discover a potential chemotherapy agent that causes cancer cells to release signals similar to those released by infected cells, triggering an immune response. This finding could lead to a new approach in cancer treatment, using lower doses of chemotherapy drugs to recruit the immune system as an ally.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

Overcoming ovarian cancer’s resistance to immunotherapy

A new study demonstrates that blocking a signaling protein called FAK helps mobilize an anti-tumor immune response, allowing tumor-fighting cells to approach tumors and shift the behavior of other immune cells to work against them. This approach achieved the best effects on immune cell recruitment, tumor size reduction, and survival ti...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Preventing breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors using genomic findings

A new study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reveals that analyzing a patient's genomic profile can predict breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors. The researchers found that inheriting a BRCA2 mutation and other genetic alterations increase the likelihood of resistance. This discovery provides a new strategy for pred...

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2026

The key to attacking “undruggable” proteins: IRB Barcelona reveals a breakthrough drug mechanism

A study published in Science Advances reveals a mechanism to bind to intrinsically disordered proteins, providing a new approach for therapeutic design. The research, led by Dr. Xavier Salvatella, shows that these proteins adopt more organized conformations when clustering, allowing for selective binding by a drug.

Fertility preservation in people with cancer

The article summarizes updated recommendations on fertility preservation in people with cancer, considering potential health risks to offspring and treatment side effects. Clinicians should inform patients about available options before treatment initiation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2026

Hormone therapy may not benefit most men receiving radiotherapy after prostate surgery, UCLA study finds

A new UCLA study suggests that adding hormone therapy to post-operative radiotherapy may provide little survival benefit for most men with prostate cancer, especially those with low PSA levels. However, men with higher PSA levels before radiation may see modest improvements in survival and metastasis-free survival.

Aspirin not a quick fix for preventing bowel cancer

Daily aspirin use offers no quick or reliable way to prevent bowel cancer in the general population, increasing risk of serious bleeding. However, it may have potential long-term benefits for people at high genetic risk of colorectal cancer.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 25, 2026