Analysis by surgical trainees examines recommendations for mastectomy across the UK
Most UK mastectomies are advised for large tumours; standard hormone therapy and chemotherapy could reduce number of women needing surgery.
Chemotherapy
Articles tagged with Chemotherapy
Scientists find possible treatment for muscle contractures in childhood paralysis
A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center suggests that the drug bortezomib may help re-balance disrupted muscle growth and prevent muscle contractures in children with brachial plexus injury or cerebral palsy. The treatment shows promise in preventing loss of elbow and shoulder motion and disrupting skeletal growth.
Advanced cancer drug shrinks and intercalates DNA
Researchers discovered that Pixantrone interacts with cancer DNA by prising apart the double helix structure and compacting its backbone. This mechanism could lead to the development of more effective cancer drugs with reduced harm to healthy cells.
Gabapentinoids appear increasingly to be prescribed, off-label, for cancer pain
Gabapentinoid prescriptions for adults with cancer grew from 3.3% to 8.3% between 2005 and 2015, with total prescriptions increasing from 1.2 million to 3.5 million. Further study is needed to understand the effectiveness and risks of gabapentinoids in treating cancer pain.
Electrospun fibers weave new medical innovations
Electrospun fibers are being explored as a novel method for creating effective contraceptives and treating brain tumors. A University of Cincinnati study discovered that coaxial electrospinning can combine different materials to improve drug delivery and effectiveness.
Regenstrief and IUPUI researchers use EHRs to identify cancer symptom clusters
A novel methodology was developed to extract data on symptoms from EHRs and investigate associations between symptom clusters and disease. The study identified distinct symptom clusters for breast cancer and colorectal cancer patients, providing critical information for patient care teams and researchers.
A compound effective to chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells identified
A compound has been identified as effective in killing chemotherapy-resistant glioblastoma-initiating cells (GICs), a major challenge in treating this devastating cancer. The research also showed that the compound is non-toxic to normal cells, raising hopes for developing drugs with low toxicity.
Patient-derived organoids help predict how patients respond to chemotherapy
Researchers created a test using tumor organoids to predict how patients with advanced colorectal cancer respond to chemotherapy treatment. The test correctly classified 80% of patients treated with irinotecan, suggesting it could help identify those who won't benefit from toxic chemotherapies.
Hormone therapy has a bigger impact than chemotherapy on women's quality of life in bc
A new analysis published in Annals of Oncology suggests that hormone therapy has a greater impact on women's quality of life compared to chemotherapy, especially in postmenopausal patients. This finding challenges current international guidelines recommending prolonged hormone therapy for 5-10 years.
NIH grant aims to reduce neuromuscular effects of chemotherapy in breast cancer survivors
A University of South Florida researcher is studying whether a home-based exercise program can decrease the severity of nerve and muscle symptoms from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer survivors. The study aims to provide an evidence-based intervention for patients suffering from persistent neuropathy.
TAILORx: New data on cohort with recurrence score 26-100 shows 93% cancer-free rate at 5 years
The TAILORx trial has shown that women with high Recurrence Scores (26-100) have a 93% chance of being cancer-free after five years, with those receiving chemotherapy having a significantly better outcome. The findings support the use of adjuvant chemotherapy to improve treatment outcomes in early breast cancer patients.
Mesothelioma trial suggests immunotherapy as an alternative to chemotherapy
A recent study presented at the ESMO Congress 2019 found that nearly four times more patients responded to immunotherapy with pembrolizumab than standard chemotherapy in a trial for advanced mesothelioma. However, these responses did not delay progression or improve survival rates.
PARP inhibitor plus chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for advanced ovarian cancer patients
A Phase III trial validates the benefit of veliparib for patients with newly diagnosed, metastatic high-grade serous ovarian cancer. The combination therapy achieved a PFS of 23.5 months, compared to 17.3 months for the control arm.
New treatment improves survival in women newly diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer
A new treatment using niraparib after conventional chemotherapy improves progression-free survival and reduces risk of relapse or death in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. The study, led by Dr. Antonio González Martín, found a significant reduction in risk of relapse, especially in patients with homologous recombination deficiency.
Two immunotherapy drug combination offers chemotherapy-free option for advanced NSCLC
The CheckMate-227 trial found that the combination of nivolumab and low-dose ipilimumab improves overall survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer compared to chemotherapy. The treatment was well-tolerated, with a low rate of discontinuation and treatment-related toxicities.
Nanotechnology improves chemotherapy delivery
A new nanotechnology-based process uses magnetic particle imaging to monitor chemotherapy concentrations in real-time, allowing doctors to adjust doses precisely. This innovation has the potential to minimize side effects and improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
Discovery of how colorectal cancer drug works will help more patients
Researchers discovered the mechanism behind cetuximab's effectiveness in patients with a specific KRAS gene mutation, which enables doctors to prescribe the drug to this patient group. This finding has direct clinical implications and could benefit up to 10,000 colorectal cancer patients per year.
Cellular senescence is associated with age-related blood clots
Researchers at the Buck Institute identified 44 specific senescence-associated proteins involved in blood clotting, marking the first time cellular senescence has been associated with age-related blood clots. Senescent cells accumulate over time, spewing out inflammatory proteins that lead to chronic inflammation.
Cancer researchers at Wake Forest Baptist receive $25 million from National Cancer Institute
Researchers will focus on extending clinical research in cardiovascular and neurocognitive complications of cancer treatments to improve patient well-being. The team aims to protect the heart from damage caused by chemotherapy drugs and define who may be at risk.
Compound extends survival in mice with certain pediatric brain tumors
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a compound that extends survival in mice models of pediatric brain tumors, particularly those expressing the MYC oncogene. The compound inhibits glutamine metabolism, making chemotherapy more effective.
Pathway found for treatment-resistant lung cancer
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have found a link between high levels of TIMP-1 and IL-6, two molecules that contribute to chemotherapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. The study's findings suggest that elevated levels of these molecules may be an indicator of poor prognosis and a potential target for improving treat...
Study finds new way to make chemotherapy more effective against pancreatic cancer
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered that inhibiting GSK-3 enzyme sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine, a commonly used chemotherapy. This new approach may overcome resistance to chemotherapy and improve treatment outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Cancer cells turn to cannibalism to survive chemotherapy, study suggests
Researchers discovered that some cancer cells survive chemotherapy by consuming neighboring tumor cells, providing energy to stay alive. This process helps senescent cancer cells initiate tumor relapse after treatment completion.
Novel anti-cancer nanomedicine for efficient chemotherapy
Researchers developed an exosome-based nanomedicine that increases tumor accumulation and penetration after intravenous administration. The biocompatible nanomedicines combine natural biomaterials with synthetic nanoparticles, demonstrating potential for improved anticancer drug efficacy.
Off-label medication orders on the rise for children, Rutgers study finds
A Rutgers study found that US physicians are ordering off-label medications for children at increasing rates, particularly for unapproved conditions. The study analyzed data from 2006 to 2015 and found that about 19% of office visits involved the use of off-label systemic drugs.
Breaking the 'stalemate' in the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children
A phase 2 clinical trial found that combining temsirolimus with chemotherapy improved patient outcomes for patients with relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma. The treatment resulted in a 54.6% event-free survival rate, compared to 69.1% for those receiving temsirolimus.
Scientists discover new breakthrough in cancer hair loss treatment
Scientists have found a way to protect hair follicles from chemotherapy, potentially preventing hair loss. Researchers used CDK4/6 inhibitors to halt cell division and reduce damage caused by taxanes, common anti-cancer drugs that can induce permanent hair loss.
KEYNOTE-024 three-year survival update
The KEYNOTE-024 trial found that pembrolizumab significantly improved progression-free and overall survival in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Patients treated with pembrolizumab had a median overall survival of 26.3 months compared to 14.2 months for those on chemotherapy.
IMpower131
The Impower131 Trial found that atezolizumab + chemotherapy improved overall survival by 3.9 months compared to chemotherapy alone, particularly among patients with high PD-L1 expression. Treatment-related side effects were common but manageable in both arms.
Patients taking nivolumab experience five-fold increase in overall survival compared to chemotherapy
Patients taking nivolumab experience a significant five-fold increase in overall survival, with five-year rates of 13.4% compared to docetaxel's 2.6%. Long-term benefits and improved progression-free survival have been observed with nivolumab treatment.
Durvalumab combined with chemotherapy improves overall survival in patients with lung cancer
Durvalumab plus chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, with a median survival of 13 months compared to 10.3 months for the control group. The study found that 33.9% of patients receiving durvalumab were alive at 18 months.
Keynote 189: Tumor mutational burden not significantly associated with efficacy of pembrolizumab
Researchers studied the relationship between tumor mutational burden and response to immunotherapy with pembrolizumab. The study found that high or low TMB levels did not significantly impact overall survival, progression-free survival, or objective response rates for patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer.
New KEYNOTE 021 data shows no association with tumor mutational burden
Researchers found no significant correlation between tumor mutational burden and response rates, progression-free survival, or overall survival in patients treated with pembrolizumab plus carboplatin and pemetrexed. High objective response rates were observed in both TMB low and high subgroups.
More targeted, less toxic: The golden future of cancer treatment
Gold-based molecules have shown to be up to 24 times more effective at killing cancer cells than cisplatin and inhibit tumour growth by up to 46.9%. They also target an enzyme linked with cancer progression and have anti-inflammatory properties.
FAK protein linked to chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer
A new study links elevated levels of FAK to the survival of cancer stem cells and DNA repair in ovarian cancer tumors, making them resistant to platinum chemotherapy. Researchers found that FAK inhibition can improve treatment response in mice with chemo-resistant tumors.
Oncologists echo findings that suggest a reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence
Oncologists suggest using nab-paclitaxel instead of paclitaxel prior to surgery for high-risk breast cancer patients, potentially improving long-term outcomes and reducing disease recurrence. This approach may be particularly beneficial for women with hormone receptor positive, HER-2 negative breast cancer.
Childhood cancer survivors at elevated risk of heart disease
Researchers found a threefold increase in cardiac events and tenfold increased risk for heart failure among childhood cancer survivors compared to cancer-free peers. Modifiable risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic disorders contribute to the elevated heart disease risk.
Genetically manipulating protein level in colon cancer cells can improve chemotherapy
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that increasing PD-L1 expression in colorectal cancer cells can improve chemotherapy effectiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy to enhance treatment outcomes for patients with resistant colon cancer.
Drug accelerates blood system's recovery after chemotherapy, radiation
Researchers have developed a drug that speeds up blood stem cell regeneration after exposure to radiation, accelerating the recovery of cancer patients. The new compound, DJ009, lifts molecular 'brakes' on blood stem cells, enabling them to recover faster and reducing the risk of infections.
Risks of novel oral prostate cancer therapies and pre-existing conditions
A large population-based study found that novel oral androgen signaling inhibitor therapies increase the risk of death in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Patients with three or more heart conditions experienced a 50% increase in mortality, while enzalutamide was associated with lower hospitalization rates.
Chemotherapy drugs react differently to radiation while in water
A recent study found that certain molecules in chemotherapy drugs react differently to radiation when in water compared to gas. This affects the ionization process and can improve the way radiation is used for cancer treatment.
New drug providing hope for babies with aggressive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
A breakthrough new drug CBL0137 has proven effective in mice treated with chemotherapy and is being tested as a potential treatment for all types of cancer, including solid tumours. The drug works by reactivating the body's P53 pathway to kill off damaged cells.
Microrobots show promise for treating tumors
Microrobots, made of magnesium and gold, are designed to deliver medication to specific spots inside the body. They use photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) to navigate to tumors and release their payload.
Delay from breast cancer diagnosis to chemotherapy after an operation may shorten survival
A new study published in Annals of Surgical Oncology suggests that delaying chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery can lead to poorer overall survival. The research found that patients who received postoperative chemotherapy within four months of diagnosis had better survival rates than those whose treatment was delayed.
'Trojan horse' anticancer drug disguises itself as fat
A stealthy new drug-delivery system has been developed that disguises chemotherapeutics as fat, allowing it to penetrate and destroy tumors while minimizing side effects. The system uses a long-chain fatty acid with two binding sites to attach to drugs, which are then carried by human serum albumin throughout the body.
Study finds key metabolic changes in patients with chemotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that metabolites associated with energy powerhouse mitochondria changed differently in patients who developed heart dysfunction compared to those who did not. Citric acid and aconitic acid levels differentiated the two groups of patients.
Biomaterial-delivered chemotherapy leads to long-term survival in brain cancer
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered that delivering chemotherapy drugs via a biodegradable paste during brain cancer surgery can lead to long-term survival. The treatment, using a combination of etoposide and temozolomide, was found to be effective in rat models with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors.
Heart drug could increase survival rates for children with aggressive form of brain tumor
Researchers discovered that a repurposed heart drug can overcome chemotherapy resistance in over a third of ependymoma patients. The study found that the presence of ABCB1, a protein pumping out chemotherapy drugs, is associated with poorer outcomes and lower survival rates.
Cancer device created at Rutgers to see if targeted chemotherapy is working
Rutgers researchers created a portable device that combines artificial intelligence and biosensors to detect live cancer cells after treatment, providing rapid results for personalized interventions. The device achieves 95.9% accuracy in counting live cancer cells without staining, enabling further molecular analysis and instant detect...
Unlocking chemo-resistance in cancer
Researchers have discovered the precise mechanism behind 5-Fluorouracil resistance in cancer, revealing a previously unknown protein called BOK as the key to understanding this phenomenon. Without BOK, cancer cells become dormant and can survive chemotherapy treatment before mutating into more aggressive forms.
New study showing drug prolongs life for patients with ovarian cancer
A new study shows that niraparib can extend life for women with ovarian cancer who have undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy. The study found that 27% of patients responded well to the drug and averaged 9.2 months until disease progression, offering hope for a meaningful treatment option.
High doses of 60 plus-year-old chemo drug found to spur immune system attack on lymphoma
Researchers have shown that high doses of cyclophosphamide stimulate an immune system attack on lymphoma cells, resolving long-standing questions about the drug's mode of action. The discovery suggests a novel way to spark an immune system strike on certain cancers, particularly those with aggressive characteristics.
Researchers clock DNA's recovery time after chemotherapy
DNA damaged by cisplatin is mostly fixed within two circadian cycles in noncancerous tissue, with repair of transcribed genes dominating the first 48 hours. This knowledge could aid the design of successful chronochemotherapies to reduce toxicity and target cancer cells.
Ending needless chemotherapy for breast cancer
A new diagnostic test has the potential to determine if breast cancer patients require chemotherapy, giving them control over their treatment. The test uses gene profiling to identify low-risk patients who may not benefit from chemotherapy.
Two-in-one drug combining Herceptin with chemotherapy keeps women's breast cancers at bay
A new clinical trial has successfully treated women with HER2-positive breast cancer who have no other treatment options by combining Herceptin with chemotherapy. The two-in-one treatment extended life for patients with high and low levels of the HER2 protein, offering a promising solution to drug resistance.
Genetically modified virus combats prostate cancer
Researchers have developed a genetically modified virus that kills cancer cells and makes them sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, halting tumor progression in mice. The combination of p53 gene therapy and cabazitaxel resulted in full control of tumor growth, with an additive or synergistic effect.
Shot could remove side effects from late-stage head and neck cancer therapy
Researchers have created a new chemoradiotherapy formulation that could reduce side effects in advanced stage head and neck cancer patients. The formulation, which stays within tumors, is predicted to be effective while minimizing harm to healthy cells.
Reconfigurable multi-organ-on-a-chip system reliably evaluates chemotherapy toxicity
A new multi-organ-on-a-chip system accurately captures chemotherapies' toxic effects on liver and other organs. The technology enables flexible testing of different organ systems, potentially leading to more accurate drug development and personalized therapies.
IDIBELL researchers relate the amplification of a chromosomal region with resistance to to a chemotherapeutic drug in breast cancer
IDIBELL researchers have discovered a biomarker that predicts resistance to the chemotherapy drug docetaxel in triple-negative breast cancer. The study found that tumors with an amplified chromosome 12 region are more likely to develop resistance to docetaxel, but may be vulnerable to alternative treatment with carboplatin.
Testing therapies on mini-tumors of head and neck cancer
Mini-tumors of head and neck cancer can be grown in the lab for long-term study, allowing researchers to test novel and existing therapies. The tumors' response to radiotherapy and targeted therapies will help predict patient outcomes.