IUPUI scientists report first 3-D view of anti-cancer agent
Researchers at IUPUI have created the first 3-D image of how bleomycin targets and binds to DNA. This breakthrough study may lead to improved chemotherapy drugs for various cancers.
Chemotherapy
Research on chemotherapy and its side effects. Covers nerve-injury prevention, gold-nanorod therapy, less-intensive regimens, and combination treatments.
Enrollment completed in 2 pivotal phase III studies of the investigational cancer drug vandetanib
AstraZeneca's investigational cancer drug vandetanib has completed patient enrollment in two pivotal Phase III studies for the second-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The ZODIAC and ZEAL studies aim to assess the efficacy of vandetanib in combination with chemotherapy treatments.
Radioimmunotheraphy after chemotheraphy safe and effective for follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma
A study of 61 patients with follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma found that radioimmunotherapy with yttrium-90 ibritumombab tiuxetan was well-tolerated and effective, achieving complete response in 55 patients. The treatment also showed improved progression-free survival and overall survival rates.
Postoperative chemotherapy does not improve survival in gastric cancer patients
A randomized clinical trial found that postoperative chemotherapy does not improve survival in patients with localized gastric cancer. Despite promising results in advanced gastric cancer, the combination of cisplatin, epirubicin, and other chemotherapies did not show significant benefits.
SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 11, 2008
Cardiac effects associated with breast cancer treatment appear lower with dose-dense chemotherapy
A new study has demonstrated a lower risk of cardiac toxicity with dose-dense chemotherapy in early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer patients. The regimen, which administers standard doses of chemotherapy agents more frequently, pairs safely with trastuzumab and resulted in only 1.4% cardiac events after 28 months of follow-up.
Chemotherapy with chemoradiation for pancreatic cancer has small survival benefit
A study found that adding gemcitabine to chemoradiation improved survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients who had surgery, but the benefit was not statistically significant. The treatment reduced local relapse and systemic metastasis in patients.
Gene expression differences between Europeans and Africans affect response to drugs, infections
Differences in gene expression levels between people of European and African ancestry can impact how they respond to certain drugs. The study found significant differences in several unrelated processes, including genes involved in producing antibodies to microbial invaders.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 28, 2008
What are simple ways to judge the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil in colonic neoplasm?
Research finds that TS genotype is associated with protein expression levels, which can predict patient response to 5-FU-based chemotherapy. Patients with triple-repeated genotypes have higher intratumoral TS protein expression and better clinical outcomes.
Missing chromosome predicts brain tumor patients' response to treatment
A study found that people with gliomatosis cerebri missing chromosome 1p and 19q respond better to temozolomide and live longer. The genetic signature was associated with a higher response rate and longer survival, making temozolomide a preferred treatment option.
Anti-cancer drug damages brain vessels
A new study reveals that Avastin's side effects may be caused by the blockage of VEGF, which normally protects brain cells from fluid leakage. In mice, this blockage led to brain swelling and cell death.
Study reveals why certain ovarian cancers develop resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy
A team of researchers has identified a new mechanism that explains why some recurrent ovarian tumors become resistant to treatment with cisplatin and carboplatin. They found that secondary mutations on the BRCA2 gene restore DNA repair function, making cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy.
Explaining chemotherapy-associated nausea
Researchers identify nerve that transmits signals of chemotherapy-associated illness from small intestine to brain, offering new approach to reduce debilitating side effects. Anorexia and cachexia often accompany chemotherapy symptoms, compromising patient's nutritional status.
Intervention program boosts health, reduces symptoms in breast cancer patients
A study of 227 breast cancer patients found that those who participated in a psychological intervention program had better health and functioning scores, with a 7% increase compared to non-participants. The program included training on relaxation, coping with stress, and strategies for improving health behaviors, resulting in fewer sym...
Drug helps brain tumor patients live longer
Research reveals high-dose methotrexate significantly increases average survival rate to 4.5 years, outperforming radiation therapy with a one-year average survival rate.
Synthesis of natural molecule could lead to better anti-cancer drugs
Researchers at Northwestern University successfully synthesized a new natural compound that exhibits promising anti-cancer properties, outperforming existing treatments. By identifying the correct molecular structure, the team is now poised to develop more effective and selective cancer therapies.
Scientists use nanomaterials to localize and control drug delivery
Researchers create a localized and controlled drug delivery system that is invisible to the immune system, providing a potential solution for cancer and other diseases. The system uses nanoscale polymer films to slowly release anti-inflammatory drugs, reducing side effects and enhancing treatment efficacy.
Combined radiation seed, chemotherapy wafer implants show promise in treating cancerous brain tumors
A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that simultaneous implantation of radioactive seeds and chemotherapy wafers following surgery improved patient survival rates for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. The median survival was 69 weeks, with nearly a quarter of patients surviving two years.
Discovery major step forward in treating leukemia
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered a genetic pathway that makes cancerous leukaemia cells resistant to treatment. Inhibiting this pathway, called hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), reverts the cells to respond to death-inducing agents.
Docetaxel given after doxorubicin reduces recurrence
A randomized clinical trial found that adding docetaxel to anthracycline-based chemotherapy improved disease-free survival in breast cancer patients. The study showed a 4% increase in five-year disease-free survival rates, with patients receiving sequential docetaxel after doxorubicin having the best outcomes.
SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 8, 2008
Chemotherapy has safely improved long-term survival in women with hormone-resistant breast cancer
Research from the Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group (EBCTCG) found that chemotherapy safely reduced recurrence, breast cancer mortality, and death from any cause in women with hormone-resistant breast cancer. The study showed a 10-year risk reduction of 25% in younger women and 39% in women aged 50-69 years.
Bevacizumab found to improve survival for patients with advanced breast cancer
A large clinical trial found that bevacizumab significantly prolongs progression-free survival for women with recurrent breast cancer when combined with chemotherapy. The study showed a doubling of delay in worsening of the disease and improved remission rates compared to chemotherapy alone.
Anthracyclines improve survival in HER2-positive breast cancer patients
The study found that anthracycline-based chemotherapy improves disease-free and overall survival rates more than non-anthracycline-based regimens for women with HER2-positive tumors. However, the treatment showed no significant benefit for patients with HER2-negative breast cancer.
SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 25, 2007
First look at an enzyme target for antibacterial and cancer drugs
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have produced the first 3D structural images of a DNA-bound Type II topoisomerase, a prime target for antibacterial and anticancer drugs. The study reveals that topo II employs a 'two-gate' mechanism to carry out its tasks, controlling the passage of DNA segments through the enzyme.
A search for protection against chemotherapy cardiotoxicity
Researchers found that erythropoietin administration can prevent acute cardiotoxic effects induced by chemotherapy agents doxorubicin and trastuzumab. The study suggests that rhEPO may be used to reduce acute cardiotoxic effects during chemotherapy, potentially preventing long-term development of cardiomyopathy.
SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateDec 20, 2007
Adjuvant chemotherapy could benefit patients with localized colorectal cancer (quasar trial)
The QUASAR trial found that chemotherapy with fluorouracil and folinic acid reduces the risk of recurrence by 22% and death by 18% in patients with stage II colorectal cancer. The absolute improvements are small, but still significant.
High-dose chemo and stem cell transplant shows little or no survival benefit for breast cancer
A definitive study of 15 randomized trials found that high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation had no overall survival benefit for women with node-positive breast cancer. However, there was a slight benefit in relapse-free survival.
Gentler chemotherapy before stem cell transplant causes long-term remission of follicular lymphoma
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center report that a milder chemotherapy regimen before stem cell transplant resulted in complete remission for 45 of 47 patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma. Long-term follow-up showed improved overall survival and progression-free survival rates.
Complete response with oblimersen combination improves survival of CLL patients
A Phase III clinical trial shows that patients with relapsed CLL who achieve complete response with oblimersen combination therapy live significantly longer than those treated with chemotherapy alone. The median survival time for oblimersen-treated patients is estimated to exceed 49 months, whereas it was 35 months for those on F/C alone.
'Mini-transplant' patients' outcomes similar using related and unrelated donor cells
Researchers found that nonmyeloablative stem-cell transplant patients have similar outcomes regardless of whether they receive related or unrelated donor cells, with no significant differences in mortality rates. The study suggests that the combination of immunosuppressive drugs and mini-transplant biology may be responsible for the co...
SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalBiology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation·DateDec 3, 2007
Looking through the eyes of a mouse, scientists monitor circulating cells in its bloodstream
Scientists have developed a retinal flow cytometer that allows for continuous monitoring of circulating cells in a mouse's bloodstream. This technology holds promise for treating multiple myeloma by enabling the testing of chemotherapy agents and treatment strategies.
New method of drug delivery more effective at reaching brain tumors
Bioengineers at Yale have created a new method of drug delivery that effectively targets and treats brain tumors by adding a water-soluble polymer to the anti-cancer drug. This approach has the potential to increase treatment distances, potentially preventing recurrence and improving treatment outcomes.
Subcutaneous administration of an antiemetic for treating vomiting caused by chemotherapy
A new method of administering antiemetic granisetron, subcutaneously, achieves similar blood concentrations as intravenous administration, making it a potential alternative for non-hospitalized patients. The study supports the use of subcutaneous granisetron for treating chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
Gene signatures can help doctors choose the best treatment for breast cancer patients
Researchers found that gene signatures can predict which chemotherapy regimens are most effective for breast cancer patients. The study showed a significant improvement in response rates when using gene signatures to select treatments, suggesting a potential breakthrough in personalized medicine.
Jefferson researchers show chemotherapy and radiation together extend lung cancer patients' lives
Researchers found that simultaneous treatment resulted in a five-year survival rate of 15.1 percent, compared to 10.6 percent with sequential therapy. The study's findings suggest that concurrent chemotherapy and radiation is the new standard of care for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Could 'hairy roots' become biofactories?
Rice scientists have successfully grown hairy roots for 4-and-a-half years, a breakthrough that could lead to mass production of medicines like vincristine and vinblastine. The transgenic roots contain genes from both the host plant and bacteria, offering a stable alternative to traditional cell cultures.
Quantitative PET imaging finds early determination of effectiveness of cancer treatment
Researchers found that quantitative index adds accurate information about patients' responses to first-line chemotherapy, improving tumor response prediction. This method can also identify disease transformation and shorten treatment for favorable responders.
SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 23, 2007
Drug combination might offer hope for patients deadly brain tumors
A new study found that a combination of bevacizumab (Avastin) and chemotherapy may increase survival time for patients with glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly type of brain tumor. The treatment showed promising results in improving outcomes for patients who have already been diagnosed with the disease.
Intra-arterial combination chemotherapy induces long-term survival for hepatocellular carcinoma
Researchers examined the effectiveness of intra-arterial combination chemotherapy in treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). The treatment led to a median survival time of 457.2 days and a one-year survival rate of 70%.
Nanoengineers mine tiny diamonds for drug delivery
Researchers have developed nanodiamond clusters that efficiently carry and release chemotherapy drugs, sparing healthy cells from toxicity. The material's stability, safety, and high surface area make it a promising alternative to current drug delivery agents.
HER-2 status predicts success of chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment, study finds
A recent study found that women with HER-2 positive breast cancer who receive Taxol alongside chemotherapy experience improved survival rates. In contrast, estrogen-receptor-positive and HER-2-negative patients do not benefit from the added treatment, offering a targeted approach to personalized medicine.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 10, 2007
Cancer conflict with chemotherapy treatment
Research suggests that young women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer who undergo adjuvant chemotherapy do not experience higher survival rates than those with ER-negative tumors. The study, published in Breast Cancer Research, found a 5% difference in survival rates between the two groups.
Medicare modernization act did not change chemotherapy as feared
A new study found that cancer patients receiving chemotherapy did not notice restrictions in their treatment access following the enactment of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act. Despite significant reductions in government reimbursement to oncologists, patients perceived no barriers to their care.
Thalidomide improves survival of elderly with multiple myeloma when added to chemotherapy regimen
A study of 447 patients with multiple myeloma found that thalidomide improved overall survival and response rates compared to standard chemotherapy. The MPT regimen was associated with significantly better outcomes, making it a potential new treatment option for elderly patients.
Chemotherapy with gemcitabine delays progression of operable pancreatic cancer
A new study found that gemcitabine chemotherapy after surgery doubles disease-free survival from 4.9 to 11.4 months in patients with operable pancreatic cancer, improving outcomes by 41 percent
Experimental drug boosts survival in recurrent ovarian cancer
Pertuzumab prolongs survival time for women with Stage 3 ovarian cancer, a Phase II clinical trial found. The experimental drug added weeks to the standard survival period and was well-tolerated by the body.
Study makes progress in zoning in on biomarkers for better colon cancer treatment
A large study of European patients has identified promising biomarkers to distinguish between patients with a high likelihood and low likelihood of relapse, paving the way for more targeted treatment approaches.
New type of drug shows promise in attacking melanoma in an innovative way
The experimental drug STA-4783 has been shown to delay cancer progression and prolong patient lives by inducing oxidative stress in cancer cells. In a randomized trial, patients treated with the combination of STA-4783 and chemotherapy lived up to 12 months after diagnosis, compared to 7.8 months for those receiving only chemotherapy.
Studies suggest key correlation between lung cancer subtype and treatment outcomes
A study suggests that patients with non-squamous histology achieve statistically significant higher survival when treated with ALIMTA in the second-line setting compared to those with squamous histology. The analysis also identified other predictive factors for potential benefit from treatment, including adenocarcinoma histology and go...
Molecular profiling can accurately predict survival in colon cancer patients
A new method of molecular profiling has accurately predicted which stage II colon cancer patients are most likely to have their disease recur after surgery. The analysis identified two groups with distinct clinical outcomes, allowing for more accurate selection of patients who would benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
Breast cancer susceptibility gene predicts outcome and response to treatment in lung cancer
Researchers found that high BRCA1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer patients is associated with poor survival and increased risk of death. Patients with high BRCA1 levels may benefit from taxane-based chemotherapy, while those with low levels may not respond to cisplatin-based treatments.
PET scans can accurately detect a breast tumor's response to chemotherapy
Research shows PET scans with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) can predict a breast tumor's response to chemotherapy and a patient's likelihood of survival. Women with high initial FDG uptake and significant reduction after treatment are more likely to achieve complete response.
Cancer cells in blood can identify risk of recurrence in breast cancer
Scientists have developed a method to detect circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in blood before and after chemotherapy treatment, potentially identifying patients at risk of cancer recurrence. The study found that CTCs persisted in the blood of patients who were more likely to experience recurrence.
Weekly dose of osteoporosis drug prevents bone loss after breast cancer treatment
A two-year study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that women who took a weekly dose of risedronate lost significantly less bone than those who did not take the drug. Risedronate improved bone density and prevented excess bone loss in breast cancer survivors, even among those on aromatase inhibitors.
Taxol bristle ball: a wrench in the works for cancer
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to load dozens of molecules of the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel onto tiny gold spheres, creating a uniform delivery system that targets cancer cells more effectively. The new approach aims to reduce side effects and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy may be culprit for fatigue in breast cancer survivors
A new study finds breast cancer survivors who received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy reported the most severe and prolonged fatigue. The study, published in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, found women who received both treatments experienced more days with reported fatigue at each assessment.
Exercise and yoga improves quality of life in women with early-stage breast cancer
Two studies found that exercise and yoga can improve quality of life in women with early-stage breast cancer by increasing physical fitness and self-esteem. Yoga was particularly beneficial for women not receiving chemotherapy, promoting better social well-being and overall quality of life.
UC health news: molecular pathway may predict chemotherapy effectiveness
A common molecular pathway called retinoblastoma (RB) tumor suppressor could help predict which lung cancer patients will benefit from chemotherapy drugs. Researchers found that turning off the RB pathway resulted in an altered response to chemotherapy agents and more cancer cell death.
Liang awarded NIH grant for development of 'smart' peptide anti-cancer drugs
Liang’s research aims to develop ‘smart’ peptide drugs that can selectively kill cancer cells without damaging normal tissues. These peptide drugs have shown high activity against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cancers in studies on cultured tumor cells and animal models.
'Western' diet linked to increased risk of colon cancer recurrence
Researchers found that a Western diet was associated with a three-and-a-half times higher risk of colon cancer recurrence in patients who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy. In contrast, a prudent-pattern diet did not significantly influence cancer recurrence or mortality.
Chemotherapy with bevacizumab increases risk of blood clots in arteries
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that chemotherapy with bevacizumab increases the risk of blood clots in arteries, with a higher incidence among patients over 65 years old. The risk of arterial thromboembolic events was significantly higher in patients treated with the combination therapy compared...
SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 7, 2007