Research on chemotherapy and its side effects. Covers nerve-injury prevention, gold-nanorod therapy, less-intensive regimens, and combination treatments.
A new study suggests that Rituximab treatment can lead to significant improvement in CFS symptoms, potentially revealing a new direction for CFS research. The anti-CD20 antibody depletes B-lymphocytes, which are thought to be crucial in the disease's progression.
Researchers developed a simplified lab technique for measuring polymer characteristics using magnets, validating decades-old Nobel-Prize-winning theory. The new method uses magnetic tweezers to measure the structure and other critical parameters of long polymer molecules like polyethylene glycol.
A study comparing parental and healthcare professional preferences reveals a significant disparity in decision-making regarding palliative care for children with cancer. Parents favor aggressive chemotherapy, while healthcare professionals prefer supportive care.
A study found that women with BRCA2 genetic mutations experienced significantly better overall survival rates (61") compared to those without the mutation (25"). Additionally, BRCA2-mutated patients demonstrated longer progression-free survival durations and higher primary chemotherapy sensitivity rates
A new drug combination of fludarabine and alemtuzumab significantly increases progression-free survival and prolongs the lives of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The treatment spares patients from toxicities and offers a more convenient dosing schedule.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego, have made a groundbreaking discovery blocking the progression of lung fibrosis in mice. By targeting a specific phosphorylation pathway, they found that it may contribute to the development of lung injury and fibrosis.
A UNC-led study shows that patients with high-risk non-melanoma skin carcinomas of the head and neck may benefit from concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, achieving better outcomes compared to radiation alone. The study provides preliminary data on the feasibility of combining chemotherapy with radiotherapy.
G-Zero Therapeutics, a UNC spin-off, has received a $3 million Small Business Innovation Research Grant to commercialize technology protecting patients from cellular damage caused by radiation or cancer chemotherapy. The grant will fund the development of treatments for bone marrow toxicity resulting from radiation and chemotherapy.
Researchers discovered that frequent low-dose administration of chemotherapy medicine topotecan can slow prostate cancer growth without causing side effects. This 'metronomic dosing' alters the cellular activity of the drug, offering a promising new approach to treating slowly growing tumors.
Researchers tested a combination of oral drug sorafenib and microbead chemotherapy directly into tumors in advanced liver cancer patients. The treatment showed promise with no increased side effects compared to existing therapies.
Researchers found a way to shut down pumps on breast cancer cells' surface that reject chemotherapy drugs, allowing the drugs to penetrate and kill the cells. Activating heat-shock protein Hsp27 forces the pump-action protein P-gp to decrease, making the cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin.
A newly identified DNA repair defect may leave some young leukemia patients less likely to benefit from chemotherapy, increasing the risk of relapse. The study found low levels of a key protein and missing regulatory genes in leukemia cells, suggesting a potential new marker for high-risk patients.
A study found that children born after mothers received chemotherapy during pregnancy had normal cognitive and cardiac development, but those born preterm were more likely to experience developmental delays. Researchers recommend continuing cancer treatment during pregnancy unless preterm delivery can be prevented.
A major UK trial found that giving radiotherapy between or during chemotherapy cycles significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer recurring in the breast or chest wall. The treatment, known as synchronous chemoradiation, has minimal adverse side-effects and no detrimental effect on quality of life.
A Phase II study showed that trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) significantly delayed breast cancer progression, improving patients' lives with fewer side effects. The treatment improved time to disease worsening by 41% compared to standard docetaxel chemotherapy plus trastuzumab.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a protein switch that instructs cancer cells to produce their own anti-cancer medication. The goal is to deploy a new type of weapon that causes cancer cells to self-destruct while sparing healthy tissue.
A new type of nanoparticle has been developed to deliver chemotherapy drugs more effectively, with a high drug loading capacity and controlled release. The nanoparticle demonstrated significant growth inhibition of pancreatic tumors, showing up to three times higher therapeutic efficacy than traditional chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers found that soy peptide lunasin binds to receptors in highly metastatic colon cancer cells, preventing them from attaching to the liver. Combining lunasin with chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin resulted in a sixfold reduction in new tumor sites.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are studying whether an over-the-counter medication, Glutamine, can ease chemotherapy side effects for people with blood and bone marrow cancers. The study aims to determine if Glutamine will interfere with chemotherapy or yield no benefits for patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
A University of Chicago Medical Center expert argues that taking oral anti-cancer medications with food could reduce overdose risks and save patients money. The medication ZYTIGA is a prime example, where taking it with food can increase its effectiveness by up to tenfold.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified a molecular pathway that may play a key role in the evolution of chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer. The 'BCL2 antagonist of cell death' (BAD) pathway shows promise as a biomarker to identify patients with high-risk ovarian cancer and potentially reverse chemo-resistance.
Dr. John G. Bartlett has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to antimicrobial chemotherapy and infectious diseases research. He is a pioneer in understanding emerging problems and innovations in the field.
Researchers have successfully delivered chemotherapy to cancer cells inside tiny microparticles, reducing ovarian cancer tumours by 65 times more than traditional methods. The 'Trojan Horse' approach uses a special protein called CD95 to hijack cancer cells and deliver the chemotherapy cargo.
Researchers at University Medical Center Utrecht discovered that fish oil supplements containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can induce resistance to a broad spectrum of chemotherapies. The study found that the body's own protective substances, which are also present in fish oil, can block the effect of chemotherapy.
Research from the University of Gothenburg found that chemotherapy can cause significant language difficulties in cancer patients, including trouble with sentence completion and word order. The study used a unique questionnaire to assess everyday life difficulties, resulting in an 80% response rate and a long follow-up period.
Researchers at Penn State University have invented a method using magnetic fields to purify hybrid nanoparticles, which are composed of two or more kinds of materials. This technique will help improve drug-delivery systems, drug-targeting technologies, medical-imaging technologies, and electronic information-storage devices.
Tiny oxygen generators implanted in tumors boost killing power of radiation and chemotherapy, treating hypoxic solid tumors. The technology has shown promising results in shrinking tumors faster than those without devices.
A new study published in Neurology found that brain tumor patients who take valproic acid on top of standard treatment may live longer than those taking other epilepsy medications. The study showed an average three-month increase in survival for patients receiving valproic acid, but also noted increased risk of bleeding and infection.
A new study found that MRI-assessed tumor responses to neoadjuvant therapy can predict survival among patients with advanced rectal cancer. The findings suggest that using MRI prior to surgery may help change the course of patient care, enabling physicians to choose a more effective chemotherapy drug or avoid surgery in some cases.
A recent UCSF study analyzes the long-term effects of chemotherapy on women's reproductive health, finding that younger women are more likely to experience early menopause and infertility. The research provides new insights for patients and clinicians, enabling more strategic and personalized counseling about fertility preservation.
A U-M study found that nearly 17% of oncology nurses in outpatient settings were unintentionally exposed to chemotherapy drugs on their skin or eyes. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing nurse safety measures and adhering to national guidelines for preventing these incidents.
A new study published in The Lancet found that platinum-based doublet chemotherapy is associated with improved survival rates for elderly patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. The treatment showed better results compared to monotherapy in patients over 70 years old, suggesting a potential shift in the current treatment strategy for...
The OPTIMAL trial found erlotinib significantly prolonged median progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy (13.1 months vs 4.6 months). Serious treatment-related side effects were also more common in patients receiving chemotherapy.
Researchers found that temporarily suppressing ovarian function with triptorelin reduced the occurrence of early menopause induced by chemotherapy among premenopausal women with breast cancer. The treatment resulted in a 17% lower rate of early menopause compared to chemotherapy alone.
Researchers discovered a new class of anti-cancer agent, BH3 mimetics, that target Bcl-2 proteins in cancer cells. Combining these agents with chemotherapy shows improved tumour response and survival rates for aggressive breast cancers.
Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine discovered that low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has a potent antitumor effect on human ovarian cancer. Combining LDN with chemotherapy resulted in an additive inhibitory action on tumorigenesis, reducing DNA synthesis and cell replication.
Clinical trials show half-matched bone marrow or cord blood transplants have comparable survival rates and lower relapse rates compared to fully matched donors. This advancement in transplant technology may increase access to life-saving treatments for leukemia and lymphoma patients worldwide.
The number of elderly cancer patients taking multiple medications is increasing, posing a significant risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions. Research suggests that polypharmacy is becoming more frequent in older adults due to the increasing number of drugs used to prevent or treat medical problems.
Research found that high EGFR expression is a predictor of improved survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with cetuximab and chemotherapy. Patients with high tumor EGFR expression averaged 12 months of overall survival, compared to 9.6 months for those without high expression.
The EURTAC Phase III study found that erlotinib nearly doubled progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy, with a better tolerability profile for Western patients with NSCLC and EGFR activating mutations. The response rate to erlotinib was 54.5%, significantly higher than the 10.5% response rate to chemotherapy.
A recent study published in International Journal of Cancer found that boosting the production of a specific microRNA, miR-34a, increases sensitivity of bladder cancer cells to chemotherapy. The study suggests that miR-34a may be used as a predictor of response to chemotherapy and a target for new drugs.
A new study has identified predictors that can help guide treatment decisions for head and neck cancer patients who require a second round of treatment. Certain characteristics, such as cancer-free period and radiation dose, can determine which patients are most likely to benefit from this potentially toxic treatment.
Researchers have discovered new gene mutations in CLL patients, linking NOTCH1 pathway to poorer prognosis and shorter survival. The findings suggest the potential for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in human CLL.
A study of over 1,000 patients with colon cancer found that 13% received unproven chemotherapy regimens, resulting in unnecessary side effects and costs totaling millions. The researchers emphasize the importance of evidence-based treatment for cancer patients to avoid harming them with ineffective therapies.
Researchers found that Tai Chi improves cognitive functioning and psychological health in women who have undergone chemotherapy. The study suggests that Tai Chi could be a valuable addition to cancer treatment for mitigating cognitive decline.
Rectal cancer patients may benefit from additional chemotherapy before surgery for better outcomes. City of Hope researchers also investigated the effectiveness of palliative care in late-stage lung cancer patients, finding significant gaps in current care.
A hormone test measuring anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels can predict a woman's ovarian function after chemotherapy for breast cancer. Women with low AMH levels before treatment are more likely to experience infertility due to chemotherapy-induced damage.
Researchers find that melanoma cells can develop an invasive phenotype when exposed to anti-melanoma drugs, leading to relapse. Blocking CCL2 or its upstream effectors may represent a novel therapeutic approach.
A study published in JAMA found that delays in starting adjuvant chemotherapy after colorectal cancer surgery are associated with poorer survival outcomes. The research suggests that clinicians should prioritize timely access to chemotherapy to improve patient outcomes.
The COIN trial found that standard chemotherapy with cetuximab does not improve progression-free survival or overall survival in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. However, taking treatment breaks without compromising survival improves quality of life for most patients.
Scientists at Penn State College of Medicine have created a new approach to treating brain tumors by targeting the ferritin protein with siRNA. By reducing ferritin levels in cancer cells, the sensitivity to chemotherapy can be increased, allowing for lower doses and potentially fewer side effects.
Scientists identify novel MRSA strain with highly divergent genes not detected by traditional methods, suggesting transmission from animals to humans. The study highlights the emergence of new MRSA strains from animal reservoirs in Ireland and Europe.
Researchers found that itraconazole can delay the progression of prostate cancer and reduce PSA levels, with 48.4% of patients experiencing stable or declining PSA after high-dose treatment. The antifungal also disrupted a key cancer-initiating biological pathway called Hedgehog.
Researchers found Asian non-small cell lung cancer patients survived longer than Caucasians regardless of the number of chemotherapy drugs given, with improved survival rates after targeted therapies were introduced in the early 2000s.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have found a less toxic combination of erlotinib and bevacizumab to be effective in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment regimen resulted in improved progression-free survival and overall survival rates, with fewer patients experiencing severe side effects.
Researchers at Georgia Health Sciences University have identified PKC-delta as a critical regulator of cisplatin-mediated kidney toxicity. Inhibiting this protein not only protected the kidneys but also enhanced the antitumor effects of cisplatin in mouse tumor models.
A recent study by Michigan State University found that many patients struggle to take oral chemotherapy properly, leading to complications and premature death. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to monitor and facilitate adherence through identifying barriers and implementing strategies to overcome them.
A phase II study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that an antibody-guided chemotherapy drug eradicated or greatly reduced ALL cells in 61% of patients with resistant or recurrent disease. This makes it a potential most active single-agent therapy for ALL.
Researchers have successfully used gene-modified stem cells to protect bone marrow cells from chemotherapy's toxic effects in patients with brain tumors. The treatment involved infusing gene-modified blood stem cells into patients, which persisted for over a year without showing any harmful effects.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have found that dietary inorganic nitrate can stabilize mitochondria and protect against free-radical damage in the heart. The study suggests that nitrate supplementation may reduce the risk of heart damage in patients undergoing chemotherapy with doxorubicin.