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Dexamethasone-based therapy shows improvement in survival for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A new treatment protocol using dexamethasone instead of prednisone and less intensive chemotherapy showed similar event-free survival in non-high risk patients but better results in high-risk patients, reducing the risk of side effects. Overall, the treatment strategy improved survival rates for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateSep 9, 2009

Considering combination versus sequential chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer

New commentary published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute discusses treatment options for metastatic breast cancer. The European School of Oncology Metastatic Breast Cancer Task Force recommends sequential chemotherapy with a single agent for patients without rapid progression or life-threatening metastasis.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 5, 2009

EphA2-targeted therapy delivers chemo directly to ovarian cancer cells

Researchers developed a novel therapeutic delivery system that targets EphA2 protein in ovarian cancer cells, delivering chemotherapy with high specificity and reducing tumor growth by up to 98%. The therapy shows promising results in preclinical models and is expected to enter phase I clinical trials soon.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 29, 2009

Chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, with or without surgery, are options for patients with stage IIIA (N2) non-small-cell lung cancer

A new trial shows that chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, either with or without surgery, are viable options for patients with stage IIIA (N2) non-small-cell lung cancer. The treatment improved overall survival and progression-free survival rates compared to standard concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy alone.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 26, 2009

Chances of surviving rare pregnancy-related tumor depends on how long before presentation the related pregnancy occurred

Survival rates for placental-site trophoblastic tumours (PSTTs) vary depending on how long ago the related pregnancy occurred. The study found that patients with stage I disease had a 10-year probability of overall survival of 90%, while those with recurrent disease or disease resistant to treatment had poor survival.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 22, 2009

St. Gallen consensus 2009: A radically different approach to treating early breast cancer

The report emphasizes the importance of identifying specific types of breast cancer and tailoring treatment to individual patients. It recommends adjuvant endocrine therapy for most patients with oestrogen receptor-positive tumours, anti-HER2 therapy for HER2-positive disease, and chemotherapy for triple-negative disease.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateJun 17, 2009

Potential for noninvasive brain tumor treatment

Researchers design a minimally invasive system combining ultrasound and chemotherapy to target brain tumors without surgery or radiation. The approach aims to provide real-time imaging and localized temperature increases to melt liposome shells and release chemotherapy directly to the tumor.

BUSM researchers find no adjustment method fully resolves confounding by indication

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that conventional methods to adjust for confounding, such as restriction and multivariable regression, leave residual confounding because of unmeasured factors. Propensity scores and instrumental variable methods have limitations in resolving confounding by indication.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Epidemiology·DateMay 26, 2009

M. D. Anderson study first to evaluate prevalence, impact of off label chemotherapy in breast cancer

A study by M. D. Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that over one-third of metastatic breast cancer patients receive chemotherapy off-label, with 34.9% of women treated with an unapproved drug at some point during their care. The most common off-label chemotherapies noted were vinorelbine and gemcitabine, both shown to be efficac...

Using PET/CT imaging, UCLA researchers can tell after a single treatment if chemotherapy is working

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a non-invasive method to determine whether chemotherapy is working after a single treatment cycle, allowing oncologists to discontinue ineffective treatments sooner. This breakthrough enables faster decision-making and potentially improves patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 14, 2009

Omega-3 kills cancer cells

DHA reduces tumour size and enhances chemotherapy's effects while limiting its harmful side effects, according to a new study. The researchers call for greater deployment of omega-3s in the fight against cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCell Division·DateApr 1, 2009

Herbal medicines for treatment of gastrointestinal disease

Researchers reviewed data on Japanese herbal medicines and found them to be effective in reducing symptoms of functional dyspepsia, constipation, and postoperative ileus. The use of standardized formulations of herbal medicines requires further examination for their health benefits.

SourceWiley·JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility·DateMar 24, 2009

3-drug chemotherapy combination increases organ preservation in patients with larynx cancer

A randomized controlled trial found that a 3-drug chemotherapy combination of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) increased organ preservation rates in patients with locally advanced larynx cancer. Compared to the single-agent TPF, the addition of docetaxel improved larynx function and overall response rates.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 24, 2009

Blocking protein may help ease painful nerve condition

Researchers found that blocking dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) gene may help prevent degeneration of ailing nerve cell branches, a potential trigger for painful neuropathy. The study could lead to the development of a drug to spare cancer patients considerable pain during chemotherapy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 15, 2009