Articles tagged with Chemotherapy
A Phase III clinical trial at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital shows that erythropoietin (EPO) increases hemoglobin levels in anemic children with cancer, reducing the need for red blood cell transfusions and improving their quality of life.
Researchers identified a new gene, txr1, that promotes taxane resistance by suppressing thrombospondin 1. Depletion of txr1 or treatment with TSP-1 restores taxane sensitivity, offering a new avenue to modulate chemotherapeutic drug response.
Researchers found that cystic fibrosis patients develop unique diabetes due to differences in insulin-producing cell function, rather than pancreas destruction. This discovery may help improve understanding of other forms of diabetes and work towards a cure.
Researchers identified PAR-domain basic leucine zipper transcription factors as key players in modulating detoxifying genes and handling chemicals. The study suggests that circadian clocks play a crucial role in modulating drug toxicity, potentially leading to improved treatment regimens.
Researchers found that missing portions of chromosomes can predict which patients will likely do better with therapy. Patients with tumors having deletions in chromosome locations 1p and 19q tended to live nearly two and a half times longer than those without such deletions.
Scientists at Rice University and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a method to load multiple anticancer drugs into a single antibody, increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The use of buckyballs, soccer ball-shaped molecules of pure carbon, allows for the creation of targeted therapeutics with unique properties.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that tracking computer-based error reports can improve patient safety. The researchers analyzed 1,010 medication errors and found that nearly one-third of all errors occurred with anti-infective medications.
Researchers found that a single dose of Taxol had induced significant testicular weight loss compared to the control group. However, an injection of AS101 a day before Taxol prevented this damage. The study suggests that immune reaction to treatment causes additional testicular damage.
Researchers reviewed data from 156 patients with inflammatory breast cancer and found that a standard combination of therapies did not significantly increase survival rates. The study highlights the need for further research to identify subsets of patients who may benefit from alternative treatment approaches.
Researchers at UT Southwestern identified a defect in the Ly108 gene as a cause of immune cells attacking healthy tissues, leading to systemic lupus erythematosus. The study's findings could lead to better diagnostic tests and therapies for human lupus.
Researchers developed a gene expression signature to distinguish Burkitt lymphoma from diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), leading to improved treatment outcomes. The test's accuracy was validated in a study of 71 untreated patients, with marked superiority in overall survival rates.
A study found that HtrA1 protein contributes to chemotherapy resistance in ovarian and gastric cancers by inducing cell death, while ghrelin hormone promotes the storage of energy as fat by altering gene expression in adipose cells. The findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for obesity treatment.
Researchers found that patients with higher HtrA1 levels responded better to chemotherapy, while lower levels were associated with resistance. The study suggests HtrA1 mediates cancer cell killing and loss of HtrA1 contributes to chemotherapy resistance.
The St. Jude program in Brazil reduced abandonment rates from 16% to 0.6% and increased event-free survival from 32% to 63%, providing continuous care and psychosocial support to families. The program's success is a model for reducing disparities in cure rates between high- and low-income countries.
A new approach to improving cancer chemotherapy involves giving anticancer drugs basic properties, allowing them to accumulate in both normal and malignant cells. This approach may lead to more effective treatment with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that when treatment was restarted after a chemotherapy holiday, roughly three-quarters of study subjects responded again or experienced stabilized PSA levels. The median duration of the first chemotherapy holiday was 16 weeks, providing a clinically meaningful break for most patients.
A new study by Dr. Ramalingam found that adding the drug vorinostat to standard chemotherapy improved outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, with partial responses in 11 patients and disease stabilization in 7 more. The recommended dose of 400mg daily for two weeks was well-tolerated.
A phase-2 clinical trial found that Pfizer's oral drug, sunitinib malate, showed activity similar to other approved agents for non-small cell lung cancer, resulting in six confirmed partial responses and disease stabilization in 27 patients. The study also explored the effectiveness and safety of a continuous dosing strategy.
A new three-drug regimen combining Taxotere with standard chemotherapy reduces mortality by nearly 30 percent in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The study, conducted at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, showed improved survival rates with this treatment approach.
The study found that black patients had a significantly lower response rate to chemotherapy treatments compared to white patients. However, they also showed less severe toxicity and longer survival rates. Genetic differences in metabolism of chemotherapy drugs may play a role in these racial differences.
A new study explores how people make medical decisions, revealing that stepping into others' shoes can lead to better choices. By considering multiple perspectives, including those of doctors, parents, and medical directors, participants made treatment decisions that were more informed than their own self-interest would suggest.
A new clinical trial called TAILORx aims to determine whether chemotherapy is necessary for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study will use OncotypeDXTM, a genetic test that estimates a patient's risk of recurrence and predicts treatment outcomes.
Developed by Johns Hopkins Medicine, online calculators and computerized drug ordering systems significantly reduce medication errors in children. Studies show that these systems can prevent up to 17-18 errors per 100 chemotherapy orders, particularly in pediatric oncology centers.
A study found that 17% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer experienced a significant change in tumor size after just 31 days of chemotherapy. Tumors either grew or shrunk by 20-48% during this period, prompting changes to treatment plans.
Researchers found that inhibiting myosin light chain kinase with ML-7 induces cell suicide in breast and prostate cancer cells. Combination with etoposide treatment reduces tumor growth by 88.5% and 79.1%, offering new target for cancer therapies.
A new study analyzed data from 3,193 stage III colon cancer patients and found that 78.2% completed adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. Incomplete treatment was linked to physical frailty, treatment complications, and lack of social support.
Researchers recommend pre-screening to avoid worst liver damage caused by chemotherapy drugs. The study found that irinotecan was associated with steatohepatitis and oxaliplatin with sinusoidal dilation, which can lead to liver disease and failure.
A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of colon cancer patients who stopped chemotherapy died sooner than those who completed treatment, with survivors receiving longer-term benefits. The research highlights the importance of adherence to chemotherapy regimens for colon cancer patients.
A preliminary study found that combining chemotherapy with the arthritis drug etanercept increased tolerance to higher doses and reduced patient fatigue. The treatment blocks tumor necrosis factor, a substance promoting tumor growth instead of hindering it.
Researchers create computer algorithms to verify connection between material delivery and fluid pressure, potentially increasing chemotherapy success rate. The method may be used before chemotherapy begins to determine if high fluid pressure could render treatment ineffective.
Patients who never smoked showed improved response to chemotherapy and longer survival rates compared to former and current smokers. The finding may be attributed to non-smokers having less genetic damage and better preserved lung function.
Researchers developed a chemotherapy gel that slowly releases doxorubicin to kill remaining cancer cells, eradicating tumors in mice. The treatment also reduces breast deformity by filling dimples and indentations after surgery.
Researchers found significant improvements in disease-free survival and overall survival rates for patients with ER-negative breast cancer treated with modern chemotherapy regimens. These findings underscore the need for tailored treatments based on tumor subtypes.
Researchers found that chemotherapy improvements reduced recurrence risk by 21-55% in ER-negative tumors, while 9-26% in ER-positive tumors. This suggests that newer chemotherapies offer substantial benefits for patients with ER-negative disease.
Research reveals chemotherapy works better for ER-negative tumors, with significant survival benefits, while tamoxifen is effective but less impactful for ER-positive tumors. Modern chemotherapy regimens show promise for treating ER-negative patients.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a nanoparticle that provides significant protection against radiation-induced damage, including hair loss and organ damage. The fullerene-based agent showed promise in reducing organ damage by half to two-thirds, even when given before or after radiation exposure.
Scientists have engineered tiny silica particles to carry pharmaceuticals into cells using biocompatible materials and controlled release mechanisms. The mesoporous nanospheres can selectively target cancer cells by releasing drugs in response to specific chemicals, reducing side effects and increasing treatment efficacy.
The new test measures minimal residual disease and helps identify patients who can be cured with milder treatment. It has been implemented in Brazil to treat children with lower MRD levels, reducing the risk of fatal infections.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new anticancer drug that targets DNA using cisplatin-like units. The supramolecular complexes combine light-absorbing PDT agents with the drug, allowing it to bind to cancer DNA and remain inert until activated by a light signal.
Researchers have developed custom nanoparticles that show promise in providing a more targeted and effective delivery of anticancer drugs. The particles can be made to mimic the shapes of objects found in nature, such as red blood cells or virus particles, and have the potential to reduce side effects associated with chemotherapy.
Researchers found that low-intensity electrical stimulation increased the uptake of doxorubicin in cancer cells, causing them to die even at low concentrations. This novel strategy could bypass multidrug resistance and enhance the efficacy of existing chemotherapeutic treatments.
A research group identified 679 genes differently expressed in responders to chemotherapy compared to non-responders. RT-PCR analysis validated the findings, confirming the differential expression of 22 genes. The study suggests integrating molecular networks could improve diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.
Researchers found decitabine improves disease-free periods, quality of life in MDS patients. New drug offers little survival benefit but improves quality of life and has some quality of life benefits compared to supportive care.
Researchers discovered that a protein called MEF regulates the quiescence of blood stem cells, enabling them to recover more efficiently after treatment with chemotherapy or radiation. This could lead to improved recovery and reduced myelotoxicity in cancer patients.
Researchers found that MEF protein enables hematopoietic stem cells to remain in a quiescent state, allowing for rapid repopulation of depleted blood cells after treatment with chemotherapy or radiation. This could lead to improved recovery and enhanced resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs.
A 'shuttling' protein, ATF2, previously confined to the nucleus of healthy cells, has been found to shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm in cancer cells. This shuttling is controlled by the presence of another protein, c-Jun, and may play a key role in cancer's resistance to treatment.
Duke University scientists increased chemotherapy drug molecular weight to improve tumor penetration and concentration while reducing healthy tissue toxicity. The optimal molecular weight range was found to be between 40,000 and 70,000.
Researchers propose using chemotherapy to treat avian flu, citing success in treating a related immune disorder called haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. The treatment involves etoposide and corticosteroids, and has shown promise in reducing mortality rates in similar cases.
Researchers found combined therapy improved survival rates for patients with AIDS-related lymphoma, comparable to non-HIV patients with lymphoma treated with CHOP. For standard-risk ARL patients, 79% achieved complete remission and 50% survived after 47 months.
Researchers found that hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) therapy extended survival and improved quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. HAI therapy resulted in a median survival of 24 months, better response rates, and longer time to disease progression compared to systemic chemotherapy.
Researchers found that a nitric oxide-releasing aspirin derivative, NCX-4016, reacts with thiols in ovarian cancer cells to stop proliferation and increase susceptibility to chemotherapy. This treatment may offer new hope for patients with resistant ovarian cancer.
Parallel administration of chemotherapy and darbepoetin alfa every 3 weeks is safe and effective in treating anemia. Gene expression profiling may provide more accurate information for certain high-risk breast cancers than laboratory examination alone.
A new MRI drug, mangafodipir, has been found to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy by increasing antitumoral activity while protecting normal cells from damage. The study suggests that mangafodipir may enhance the therapeutic index of anticancer agents and supports investigation into its use in cancer patients.
A study led by Dr. Richard Goldberg found that the chemotherapy regimen FOLFOX4 is effective in treating colorectal cancer regardless of age, including older patients over 70. The analysis of nearly 4,000 patients showed consistent benefits and side effects across all age groups.
A randomized controlled study found that pretreating patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing chemotherapy with lamivudine significantly reduces the risk of Hepatitis B reactivation and severe hepatitis. The study identified a lower viral load threshold as a better predictor of relapse.
Researchers found that early identification of patients who would benefit from non-surgical treatment improved survival rates. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showed a significantly better cure rate when matching the right treatment to the patient's tumor biology.
Researchers are investigating delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to breast ducts to treat early breast cancer. Studies in rats and mice show promising results, with tumors shrinking or disappearing after treatment. The procedure aims to minimize disfigurement and spare normal tissues.
A longitudinal study found that breast cancer survivors experience persistent fatigue in a minority of cases, highlighting their resilience. Factors associated with fatigue include depressive symptoms, pain control problems, and treatment with radiation and chemotherapy.
The National Cancer Institute has issued a clinical announcement recommending a combination of chemotherapy regimens for women with advanced ovarian cancer. The treatment involves delivering chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal, or IP) in addition to traditional IV chemotherapy. This approach appears to be m...
A new study confirms the survival benefit of intra-abdominal chemotherapy, also known as intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy, for most women with advanced ovarian cancer. The treatment has shown an overall survival period of approximately one year after optimal debulking surgery.