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Does palliative chemotherapy palliate?

Research suggests that palliative chemotherapy can lead to more invasive medical procedures and a higher risk of death in intensive care units among advanced cancer patients. The findings highlight the need for clearer discussion of the harms and benefits of palliative chemotherapy at the end of life.

Promising cervical cancer study

A multi-site research project led by Dr. Bradley J. Monk found that women with advanced cervical cancer live an average of 17 months longer when combined with bevacizumab and chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone. The study reveals a significant improvement in treatment outcomes for patients with metastatic cervical cancer.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2014

Targeted treatment for ovarian cancer discovered

Researchers have developed a biologic drug that prevents the production of HE4 protein, allowing ovarian cancer cells to grow aggressively and resist chemotherapy. The novel biologic has shown promising results in cell and animal models, increasing the potential for improved treatment and survival rates for women with ovarian cancer.

SourceCare New England·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 19, 2014

Cancer drugs hitch a ride on 'smart' gold nanoshells

Researchers have developed 'smart' gold nanoshells that target cancer cells specifically, delivering anticancer drugs and converting near-infrared light into heat. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer treatments by overcoming the limitation of traditional chemotherapy techniques.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiomedical Materials·DateFeb 13, 2014

Grape seed promise in fight against bowel cancer

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that grape seed extract improves chemotherapy's potency and reduces intestinal damage in laboratory studies. Grape seed extracts showed no side effects on healthy intestine, decreased inflammation by up to 55%, and increased growth-inhibitory effects on colon cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2014

A pill 'melts away' common form of leukemia

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College have found that a twice-daily pill, idelalisib, can turn deadly blood cancer into a highly treatable disease. The study suggests that patients with CLL may avoid debilitating chemotherapy, leading to significant side effects and death.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 22, 2014

Changing chemo not beneficial for metastatic B.C. patients with elevated circulating tumor cells

A phase III clinical trial found that switching to a different chemotherapy did not improve overall survival or time to progression for women with metastatic breast cancer and elevated circulating tumor cells. Patients with low CTCs before starting chemotherapy had a median overall survival of 35 months, while those with elevated CTCs ...

Speeding up gene discovery

A new CRISPR approach enables researchers to study the entire genome at once, identifying genes essential for cell survival and potential cancer-causing genes. The technology could lead to more efficient and reliable alternatives to RNA interference, enabling targeted cancer treatments.

UAlberta researchers uncover why combination drug treatment ineffective in cancer clinical trials

Medical researchers at the University of Alberta found that one chemotherapy drug prevents another from working, making combination therapy ineffective. This discovery will guide oncologists on how to combine or avoid certain drugs, ultimately leading to better treatment options for patients.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 5, 2013

Putting Lupus in permanent remission

Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully tested a nontoxic therapy that suppresses Lupus in blood samples of people with the autoimmune disease. The study found that the peptides can block and reduce autoantibody production to almost baseline levels, showing potential as a vaccine-like therapy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalClinical Immunology·DateNov 11, 2013

Long term results of EORTC trial for patients with resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer

The EORTC trial found that perioperative chemotherapy with FOLFOX4 increases progression-free survival compared to surgery alone, but no significant difference in overall survival was observed. The study concludes that perioperative chemotherapy should remain the reference treatment for patients with resectable liver metastases from co...

Sequential GO and chemotherapy no benefit for older AML patients according to EORTC/GIMEMA trial

The EORTC/GIMEMA 06012 trial found sequential combination of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) and standard chemotherapy has no benefit for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia. GO is too toxic for patients over 70 years old, whereas younger patients may potentially benefit from such treatment.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 22, 2013

Bug vs. bug: Benign C. difficile strains keep fatal strains at bay

Researchers found that two benign strains of C. difficile can prevent infection by more dangerous strains. The harmless strains occupy the same niches as the infective strains, preventing colonization and ultimately infection. This study provides promising results for developing new protective measures against C. difficile infection.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateOct 2, 2013