Articles tagged with Cancer Treatments
A study of nearly 600,000 men aged 70 and older reveals that 56 percent had a routine PSA screening, despite lack of recommendation. Health status had little impact on whether a test was performed, with even those in poor health receiving the test.
A study published in CANCER reveals that adolescent and young adult cancer patients value social connections with peers as a high priority, contrary to physician beliefs. Researchers found that meeting other young people who share a common experience helps address concerns such as coping with uncertainty and body changes.
A large-scale study involving over 7,500 men with prostate cancer has concluded that a rise in PSA levels after treatment, known as PSA bounce, does not impact overall survival. The study found no statistical difference in survival rates between patients who experienced a bounce and those who did not.
Patients treated with IMRT had significantly fewer moderate and serious side effects, including urethral stricture and catheterization, compared to those who received I-125 seed brachytherapy. The study found excellent PSA outcomes after treatment in both groups.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified changes in brain chemistry associated with post-cancer radiation-induced dementia. They found that whole-brain radiation causes changes in glutamate receptors, which may lead to cognitive deficits.
Dr. Stephen S. Hecht is recognized for over three decades of research on tobacco carcinogenesis, identifying nicotine's role in lung cancer formation. His work has led to the development of biomarkers for exposure to tobacco smoke and informed public policies on smoking restriction.
A new study found that women with disabilities are less likely to undergo breast-conserving surgery after a breast cancer diagnosis. In contrast, older adults with three or more chronic diseases may not benefit from colorectal cancer screening due to shortened life expectancy.
The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center's Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant has been renewed for an additional five years. The grant will fund translational research projects aimed at identifying biomarkers to predict response to therapy and developing non-invasive imaging options for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have found that three popular laboratory breast cancer cell lines share a similar genetic profile with human breast tumors. This discovery provides evidence for the accuracy of laboratory cell line models and their potential to inform treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered a critical regulatory link between hypoxia and heat shock responses, with HIF-1 at the center. The gene's activity was found to be crucial in both normal and pathological changes, making it a promising target for health promotion and cancer treatments.
The St. Jude technique enables blood stem cells from parents or unmatched adult siblings, reducing the need for harsh treatments and boosting the chance of cure. The modified transplantation method accelerates immune system recovery and reduces the risk of infections.
Researchers at UW-Madison discover 2-deoxy-glucose blocks epileptic seizures in lab rats, a potential cure for up to half of all epileptic patients. The compound works by clogging cellular enzymes, allowing the body to use alternative energy sources.
A new study found that many primary care trusts in the UK are refusing to fund adequate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, despite NICE approval. The study revealed a postcode lottery, where funding and access to effective treatments like anti-TNF therapy vary widely across the country.
A molecule called TBK-1 helps keep cancer cells alive, and blocking it may be a promising approach to treating cancer. Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that TBK-1 is essential for cancer cell survival, even though its normal function is in the immune response.
New data reinforce the safety profile of ENBREL, confirming its efficacy for up to 2.5 years with no significant increase in adverse events. The study also shows that patients who experience interruption in treatment can regain similar positive efficacy results after re-initiating therapy.
A recent European survey of post-menopausal women with early breast cancer found that information needs are not being met, leading to low levels of patient involvement in treatment decisions. The survey revealed significant knowledge divides among patients, particularly older women and those with lower education levels.
Women under 45 who have both ovaries removed are at higher risk of death from hormone-related cancers and neurological diseases. The risk increases with age, suggesting that oestrogen may be protective at younger ages but less important after menopause.
A Georgetown University researcher warns of a growing epidemic of hookah smoking, citing equivalent toxic effects to cigarette smoking and a disproportionate impact on young women. Studies show that waterpipe tobacco smoke can penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract than cigarette smoke, increasing cancer risk.
The Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center will focus on two complementary programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, one in Cancer Biology and Genetics, the other in Human Oncology and Pathogenesis. The center aims to translate revolutionary advances in understanding cancer into dramatic progress in controlling it.
A study found that less than one-third of gastric cancer patients had adequate lymph node assessments, leading to compromised survival. Median survival in regions with the highest ALNA rate was 33 months, while in regions with the lowest rate it was only 17 months.
The incidence of kidney cancer has risen over the past two decades, with small renal masses accounting for most cases. Despite increased surgeries, mortality rates have not decreased, suggesting that current treatments may not be effective for these slow-growing tumors.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that while more small kidney tumors are being detected and treated, the death rate from kidney cancer is not decreasing. The researchers suggest re-examining treatment strategies for patients with small renal masses, as surgery may not be the best option for everyone.
Researchers found that third-generation aromatase inhibitors increased the survival time for patients with advanced breast cancer. The meta-analysis suggests that these inhibitors should be used as an initial therapy for these patients.
Researchers at Stanford University have found that Gleevec can block the development of disease in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, providing hope for a new treatment. Imatinib inhibits the function of immune cells contributing to RA and also suppresses joint cell proliferation.
Researchers found that patients with tumors producing high levels of VEGF and its receptor benefit most from targeted treatments. The study identified a correlation between tumor mutational analysis, VEGF expression, and treatment response.
Two genes, REG1A and EXTL3, are prognostic markers for colorectal cancer recurrence. REG1A expression levels correlate with disease-free survival, while EXTL3 is a predictor of patient outcome.
A recent study by researchers at UCLA and the University of Oslo suggests that breast discomfort during hormone therapy may be an early warning sign for breast cancer. The findings indicate that women experiencing breast pain or tenderness while on hormone replacement therapy should consult their healthcare provider promptly.
Scientists have found a way to get purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) into the cells of mice lacking the enzyme, which could lead to a treatment for individuals with PNP deficiency. The PTD-PNP fusion protein corrected most immune defects in Pnp-deficient mice.
A new study shows MRI is better than MDCT for determining breast cancer's intraductal component, allowing surgeons to achieve a cancer-free surgical margin. MRI correctly identified 33 of 44 cases with an intraductal component, outperforming MDCT in sensitivity and underestimation accuracy.
Researchers found that TRAIL can enhance hepatocyte cell death initiated by signaling through Fas, potentially leading to liver damage. The study has important clinical implications as liver cells expressing Fas are present during inflammation.
Researchers have combined two therapies to enhance the immune system's response against brain tumors. The treatment, called dendritic cell-interleukin-23, promotes the function of dendritic cells and memory T-cells, providing initial and long-term immunity.
Researchers identify small synthetic molecule PAC-1 that directly activates procaspase-3 and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. This discovery offers a promising approach for personalized anti-cancer therapy by bypassing the broken signaling pathway in cancer cells.
Researchers found that men with lower PSA levels after seven months of hormone therapy had a longer survival rate. Patients with undetectable or low PSA levels lived up to 75 months, while those with higher PSA levels survived for 13 months.
A survey of adult cancer survivors found that over 12% reported suicidal thoughts or previous attempts many years after treatment. Factors associated with more suicidal symptoms included younger age, radiation treatments, and physical health issues.
Researchers found that infusing patients with low-dose ethanol, morphine or ketoconazole before and after surgery significantly reduced the incidence of pneumonia from 39% to 5.7%. The treatment also shortened ICU stay by 9 days in alcoholic patients undergoing aerodigestive tract surgery.
A new study reveals that racial disparities in cancer outcomes may be attributed to problems in doctor-patient communication. African-American patients tend to receive less information and are less actively involved in their medical decisions, leading to potential negative impacts on care.
A study by Stefania Galletti and her team has identified a plant-based source of the anti-cancer compound glucobrassicin, which has shown effectiveness against breast cancer. The researchers found that wounding leaves can increase levels of glucobrassicin, highlighting its potential as a natural defense mechanism.
A $14.6 million NIH grant will fund an international, multidisciplinary effort to leverage recent genetic discoveries into possible treatments for AMD. The investigation aims to explore the role of complement factor H and factor B genes in the immune system and develop diagnostic tools and treatments.
A study published by the University of Kentucky found that smokers with chronic pain tend to smoke at higher rates than those without pain. However, over half of these smokers are considering quitting. The research suggests that addressing smoking cessation as part of pain management could lead to improved health outcomes.
A single gene, BRIT1, plays a pivotal role in launching two DNA damage detection and repair pathways, suggesting its function as a previously unidentified tumor suppressor gene. The gene is under-expressed in human ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer cell lines, and its disruption leads to genomic instability.
A Hopkins study shows that combining curcumin and quercetin greatly reduces the size and number of colorectal polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. The average number of polyps dropped 60.4 percent, and the average size dropped by 50.9 percent.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have engineered a modified measles virus that specifically targets and kills cancer cells by recognizing unique protein secretions. This breakthrough enhances the safety and effectiveness of oncolytic virotherapy, reducing the risk of unintended infections while improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that patients with chronic widespread pain have significantly lower levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 compared to healthy controls. These findings may contribute to the development of new diagnostic tools and treatment approaches for chronic widespread pain.
A review of 70 studies found insufficient evidence to support complementary and alternative therapies for menopause-related symptoms. The studies showed mixed results, with some individual treatments suggesting benefits but overall quality and quantity of data was not sufficient to recommend any treatment.
A Chinese man's use of Longdan Xieganwan led to the development of bladder tumors and eventual kidney failure. The herb contains aristolochic acid, which has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer. Doctors highlight the dangers of unregulated herbal therapy and emphasize the need for regulation.
A meta-analysis of 59 trials found little evidence that diet affects cancer survival or prognosis, while a study on garlic and vitamin supplements showed no benefit in reducing precancerous gastric lesions to cancer. Long-term use of vitamins and garlic supplements had no effect on gastric cancer incidence.
A recent US study found that women with obesity have a significantly higher risk of death compared to those with normal weight. The study, which analyzed data from 90,185 women over seven years, showed that the risk of death increases substantially with increasing weight categories.
A study by USC researchers identified a protein called EphB4 that protects tumor cells from the immune system. Turning off this protein could make cancer cells more vulnerable to attack, and future therapies may aim to block its function.
A study by Thomas Denberg and colleagues found that fear, misconceptions, and anecdotal information significantly influence men's treatment decisions. Despite receiving health information, patients often struggle with recalling risks and benefits, leading to poor treatment choices.
A study across 5 Norwegian departments found that anti-TNF treatments worked better in patients with PsA and AS compared to RA. The combination of anti-TNF and MTX was shown to improve adherence and outcomes in these groups, while monotherapy was more effective for RA patients.
A study by Vahakn B. Shahinian and colleagues found that urologist input significantly influences the use of hormone therapy for prostate cancer patients, with up to 21% of variance attributed to their decisions. This suggests that urologists can be targeted for interventions to modify treatment recommendations.
The new technology allows for standardized, electronic reports after surgeries, improving data analysis and patient outcomes. It has been adopted by the Alberta Cancer Board and other health regions, tracking surgical effectiveness and resource allocation.
CS-Keys, a new company formed by Indiana University faculty, is developing an early diagnostic tool for breast cancer using a biomarker that distinguishes healthy cells from cancerous cells. The technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes, making it easier to detect cancer in its earliest stages.
A new 'roulette wheel' tool can help patients visualize the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening, allowing them to make more informed decisions. The tool presents probabilities in a clear and accessible way, helping patients weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
Researchers report improved survival rates with RP101, a novel compound being investigated as a potential therapeutic for advanced pancreatic cancer. In two studies, patients showed significant improvements in median survival and time to progression, offering hope for patients affected by the disease.
The study found that the average time to disease progression was approximately eight months for patients taking dexamethasone alone, while those on the Thal/Dex regimen had an average progression time exceeding 17 months. Researchers also reported more frequent side effects with the combination therapy.
The 2nd IOF Women Leaders Roundtable emphasizes the need for global awareness and action on osteoporosis. The participants urge individuals to engage in bone-friendly lifestyles and healthcare professionals to improve their knowledge about osteoporosis, while governments are encouraged to recognize it as a health priority.
The ASCO and ESMO have released a consensus statement outlining 10 essential components of quality cancer care, aiming to address inequalities in healthcare systems worldwide. The document highlights the importance of informed consent, multidisciplinary care teams, and access to innovative treatments for patients diagnosed with cancer.
A study in Queensland, Australia found that Indigenous patients had lower survival rates and fewer cases of early-stage cancer compared to non-Indigenous patients. The researchers highlight the need for holistic and culturally respectful approaches to address these disparities.
A recent study found that patients with genital HSV-2 infection who knew they had the virus and informed their partners were about half as likely to transmit the virus. The study suggests testing and disclosure as effective tools to prevent HSV-2 transmission, along with suppressive antiviral therapy and condom use.