Research on chemotherapy and its side effects. Covers nerve-injury prevention, gold-nanorod therapy, less-intensive regimens, and combination treatments.
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 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.
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.
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.
A seven-year study of over 400 patients found that delivering chemotherapy directly into the abdomen via a catheter increases survival and relapse-free survival rates compared to intravenous chemotherapy alone. However, side effects are significantly worse for the abdominal group.
A New England Journal of Medicine study found that women who received intraperitoneal chemotherapy had a median survival time 16 months longer than those receiving IV chemotherapy alone. The importance of referral to physicians with expertise in surgical management of ovarian cancer is highlighted.
A new study found that hearing loss from chemotherapy is common in children treated with platinum agents, with 61% of patients experiencing some form of hearing loss. The study highlights the need for improved reporting and awareness of ototoxicity to prevent long-term development issues.
A Phase 3 study found that Aranesp treatment achieved and maintained target hemoglobin levels, reducing red blood cell transfusions by 24%. The extended dosing schedule may allow physicians to treat anemia on the same schedule as chemotherapy.
A pilot study found that pairing low-dose chemotherapy with the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab delayed breast cancer progression by an average of 5.5 months compared to low-dose chemotherapy alone. The combination therapy showed better results, with 29% partial responses and 41% stable disease.
A new study by BCIRG shows that Herceptin paired with chemotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival in early breast cancer patients, while eliminating cardiac toxicity. The treatment also reduces the risk of relapse by 51% and is an alternative to standard therapy for patients at risk of heart damage.
A randomized clinical trial of dose-dense chemotherapy in early-stage breast cancer found the regimen to be safe, with a 13% reduced risk of death. However, the dose-dense treatment increased acute toxic effects such as anemia and bone pain, but these were mild and easy to manage.
The use of chemotherapy after surgery for stage III colon cancer has increased, leading to improved 5-year survival rates. Adjuvant chemotherapy benefits younger and elderly patients equally, while black patients with high-grade cancers see less significant improvements.
Chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival rates for patients with advanced colon cancer, regardless of age or sex. The study found that women and the elderly received the same benefit as younger adults, but were less likely to receive chemotherapy treatment.
Researchers found that chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cisplatin extended disease-free survival by 50% and overall survival by 13% compared to radiation therapy. Serious side effects were more common in the chemotherapy group, but a new regimen may be less toxic.
A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that high-dose chemotherapy improves both event-free and overall survival for women with advanced breast cancer. This finding contradicts previous studies, highlighting the need for further investigation into this treatment strategy.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discover fullerene nanoparticle reduces organ damage from ionizing radiation by one-half to two-thirds, outperforming current protection methods. The agent also provides specific protection for organs like the kidney and nervous system.
ECCO 13 study investigates post-treatment parenthood success rates in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients, with radiotherapy and chemotherapy linked to higher pregnancy success. The research highlights the importance of preserving fertility in young cancer survivors.
Researchers developed a genetic profile of ovarian cancer that predicts survival and identifies key genes involved in chemotherapy response. The study used microarray analysis to identify a gene expression profile known as the Chemotherapy Response Profile, which confirms the importance of genes such as BAX.
A new study found that a vitamin D pill combination extended the lives of men with advanced prostate cancer by about eight months compared to those receiving chemotherapy and placebo. The pill, DN-101, also protected against major side effects of chemotherapy.
A combination treatment of Xeloda and oxaliplatin (XELOX) has been shown to reduce hospital visits by over 60% in patients with early colon cancer. This results in more time for patients to spend with family and return to work, improving their quality of life.
New therapy Iressa shows no significant survival improvement for NSCLC patients, but offers better outcomes for Asian and non-smoking patients. The study results provide insight into the effectiveness of EGFR inhibitors in specific patient groups.
Researchers found that 3% of medication orders contained errors, with 60% of pediatric errors and 82% of adult errors having potential to harm patients. Hospitals implemented changes to their automated drug order-entry systems to reduce future errors.
Researchers analyzed medication orders from outpatient clinics and found a three percent overall error rate and two percent serious error rate. Most errors were due to omitted dosages or incorrect orders, but serious harm was avoided by existing checks in most cases.
The HERA study found that Herceptin reduces the risk of cancer coming back by 52% and death by 33% in early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. The results provide new hope for women with this aggressive form of breast cancer, offering improved survival rates.
The Herceptin trial showed a significant reduction in disease recurrence in women with aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer. The treatment improved disease-free survival and overall outcomes, with no serious cardiac side effects reported.
Researchers discovered that endothelial cells lack the transport protein used by tumours to eject foreign molecules, making them vulnerable to anti-cancer drug GSAO. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment strategies against various tumour types.
A clinical trial has found that a new treatment regimen combining radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy significantly increases the probability of survival for patients with recurrent squamous-cell head and neck cancer. The study showed improved one-year and two-year survival rates compared to standard chemotherapy treatment, ...
Combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy before surgery improves local tumor control and reduces cancer return rates. The study, published by the American Society for Radiation Oncology, suggests this treatment should be recommended for most rectal cancer patients.
A Columbia University study reveals that black women with early-stage breast cancer are two times more likely to die within five years after diagnosis compared to white women. The study found that only 68% of black patients completed all prescribed chemotherapy cycles, compared to 76% of white patients.
A pilot study at Michigan State University found reflexology to be the most effective complementary therapy for women receiving chemotherapy for late-stage breast cancer. Reflexology applied firm pressure to certain parts of the foot helped reduce depression, anxiety, and improved spirituality and emotional quality of life.