Research on chemotherapy and its side effects. Covers nerve-injury prevention, gold-nanorod therapy, less-intensive regimens, and combination treatments.
A recent study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that marrow transplantation using an unrelated donor can be as successful as transplants with related donors for treatment of children with acute leukemia, particularly those under age 10. The study showed a 70% leukemia-free survival rate for patients in their first remiss...
A study by physicians at 10 hospitals in the US and Canada found that continuous doxorubicin infusion for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia does not prevent heart damage, contrary to previous assumptions. The treatment resulted in increased hospitalizations and higher medical costs.
Researchers warn that patients with testicular cancer are living long enough to suffer from life-threatening side effects, including cardiovascular disease. Studies found that nearly a third had abnormal heart function, while over 80% had raised cholesterol levels.
A study by Prof. Kerem and Asaf Hellman found that chemotherapy drugs can cause chromosomes to break at specific regions, known as fragile sites, potentially leading to cancer growth. The research creates a better understanding of how cancer drugs work, paving the way for more effective treatments.
A new combination of MabThera and standard chemotherapy has shown a significant increase in overall survival rate and complete remission rates in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This treatment offers hope for improved outcomes in this increasingly common form of blood cancer.
Researchers found that the MabThera plus CHOP combination significantly improves overall survival for patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with a 70% survival rate after 26 months. The treatment is also effective in treating indolent NHL, with up to 55% of patients remaining in remission at four years.
A new global survey found that 91% of physicians prescribe MabThera for NHL, with 62% citing proven efficacy in combination with chemotherapy. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma affects 1.5 million people worldwide, with Roche's MabThera showing improved survival rates when combined with conventional chemotherapy.
Researchers have identified a compound in myrrh that kills cancer cells in the laboratory, showing promise for breast and prostate cancer prevention and treatment. The compound, which inactivates a specific protein overproduced by cancer cells, is estimated to be 100 times less potent than conventional chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that a certain chemotherapy drug combination can increase the risk of lung inflammation in breast cancer patients. The study suggests doctors use extra caution when administering radiation therapy with paclitaxel, as it may lead to radiation pneumonitis in up to 14.6% of patients.
Researchers at USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a test that analyzes tumor tissue to predict response to oxaliplatin and 5-FU chemotherapy. Patients with low ERCC1 and TS expression survived longer than those with high levels, indicating the potential for more effective treatment customization.
A new treatment regimen combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy significantly improved failure-free survival rates for patients with early-stage Hodgkin's disease. The study also found that staging laparotomy could be avoided, leading to better patient outcomes.
Researchers at Ohio State University are studying a new treatment that blocks the production of Bcl-2, a protein overexpressed in many cancers, and found nearly half of 20 patients responding favorably. The treatment showed safety and induced disease remission in some patients.
Researchers found that small doses of suramin enhanced chemotherapy effectiveness in treating advanced stage IIIB/IV lung cancer. The tumors halved in seven patients and didn't progress in eight, showing a potential treatment option for patients with metastatic lung cancer.
A University of Houston scientist has developed a DNA biochip that can screen for thousands of genetic mutations and diseases with one simple lab test. The device uses micromirrors to project light patterns onto the chip, triggering chemical reactions that build up individual DNA strands.
The TALENT trial assesses Tarceva's value in NSCLC treatment, showing promising anti-tumor activity. Additionally, a Phase Ib study evaluates Tarceva's feasibility in combination with chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer.
The HERA (HERceptin Adjuvant) Study aims to determine if earlier use of Herceptin increases disease-free survival for women with early breast cancer. The trial will recruit over 3000 patients across 600 trial sites globally.
Researchers have identified Candidatus Endobugula sertula bacteria in Bugula neritina as the likely source of the anti-cancer compound Bryostatin 1. The study provides a new experimental system to unlock the potential of bryostatin drugs.
A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that age alone should not determine whether an older patient is offered chemotherapy after surgery for treatment of stage II and III colon cancer. The study showed a significant reduction in death risk and improved survival rates among patients over 70 with the disease.
Researchers propose a novel strategy for anti-angiogenic treatment by normalizing tumor blood vessels, improving drug delivery and reducing side effects. Clinical trials are planned to test the efficacy of this approach.
Recruitment to breast cancer chemotherapy trials for women at high risk of the disease remains a concern in the UK. A recent study found that only 10% of eligible women opted for these trials, highlighting the need for increased recruitment efforts.
A systematic review of randomised trials found that women treated with combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy had an increased survival rate of 12% and reduced local and distant disease recurrence by around 40%. However, toxic side-effects were more common.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have solved the first high-resolution structure of a membrane transporter, which can help design new drugs against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and certain cancer cells. The breakthrough could lead to increased efficacy of chemotherapy agents.
Research studies found that low MBL concentrations are associated with prolonged fever and infection in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. MBL infusions may represent a new therapeutic approach to reduce illness and death for these patients.
Jean M.J. Frechet, a renowned Berkeley chemist, has been honored with the 2001 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award for his groundbreaking research on dendrimers, complex organic compounds with various applications, including drug delivery to tumors and light-harvesting antennae.
A recent trial found that WHO short-course chemotherapy was as effective as traditional Russian treatments in curing patients with tuberculosis. However, the results highlight the challenges of implementing changes in a healthcare system with entrenched cultural and structural barriers.
A clinical trial found that marimastat produced comparable one-year survival rates to chemotherapy drug gemcitabine in patients with localized pancreatic cancer. Fewer toxic side effects were reported in patients taking marimastat compared to gemcitabine.
A statistical analysis of 47 randomized trials involving 18,000 women found that chemotherapy improves survival time adjusted for quality of life for both younger and older women. Younger women treated with chemotherapy gained an average of 10.3 months of relapse-free survival within 10 years.
Researchers found that 71% of women experienced ovarian function loss and rapid bone loss after six months of chemotherapy, leading to significant bone loss by the end of one year. The study suggests that earlier intervention with calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and counseling may help prevent bone loss in these patients.
A new study published in Psycho-Oncology found that people with advanced cancer are more willing to consider toxic chemotherapy regimens, even if they offer only minimal benefits. Cancer patients generally accepted both milder and riskier treatments, unlike healthy individuals and healthcare professionals.
Researchers found that patients with the lowest activity of a key folate-metabolizing enzyme suffered the highest degree of toxicity and treatment complications. Patients with the MTHFR variant had less than half the rate of folate-enzyme activity, resulting in increased oral mucositis symptoms and slower platelet recovery.
A heat-sensitive liposome has been shown to triple the amount of an anti-cancer drug delivered to tumors in mice compared to other liposome-based methods. The liposome releases its cargo rapidly and effectively, increasing the functional concentration of the drug in the tumor.
A Phase III study found significant improvements in overall survival, disease-free status, and complete remission rates for patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with MabThera and CHOP chemotherapy. Survival at 1-year was 83% for the rituximab combination therapy group compared to 68% for those receiving CHOP alone.
A study at the American Society of Hematology Meeting found that patients with acute myeloid leukemia who achieve remission with Mylotarg have prolonged disease-free survival following stem cell transplantation. Researchers also observed fewer complications from bone marrow transplants compared to traditional treatment.
A new study in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found a low overall drug error rate in a pediatric teaching hospital in the UK, with one mistake for every 662 admissions. However, a significant proportion of parents were not informed about medication errors, with 48% of cases going unreported.
MARstem demonstrates potential as a multilineage hematopoietic therapy to treat or prevent pancytopenia following chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. The study's results show excellent safety and preliminary efficacy, suggesting MARstem may improve debilitating side effects of cancer treatment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Oncology Center discovered a genetic alteration in tumor samples that predicts patient response to chemotherapy. The methyl-guanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene was found to be altered in 19 patients, resulting in better responses to chemotherapy and increased long-term survival.
A clinical trial of Mylotarg found disease remission in 34% of patients under 60 and 26% of those over 60, with a median overall survival of 5.9 months. No significant differences were seen in adverse events between age groups.
The Puget Sound Oncology Consortium is partnering with the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project to evaluate Herceptin therapy in women with early stage breast cancer. The trial, Protocol B-31, aims to assess the safety and efficacy of combining Herceptin with chemotherapy in treating node-positive breast cancer patients.
A recent study conducted at Indiana University Medical Center found that high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem-cell transplantation can achieve a durable remission in approximately 50% of patients with recurrent testicular cancer. The overall cure rate for these patients is now estimated to be around 85 percent.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a new mechanism of drug resistance in cancer cells, where growth factors protect tumors from anticancer drugs. They found that inhibiting these growth factors may improve chemotherapy effectiveness and reduce dosage needed.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins presented Phase I study results for Taxoprexin DHA-paclitaxel, a novel taxane that tolerates high doses with minimal side effects. The drug delivers more therapeutic agent to tumor cells and less to healthy tissues, improving safety and effectiveness.
A Phase II trial found a 40% response rate with low-dose anti-VEGF combination therapy, compared to 24% for high-dose and 17% for chemotherapy alone. Median survival increased by 2 months with the low-dose treatment.
Researchers have reported promising results from a Phase I-II trial of an ovarian cancer vaccine made from patient's own cancer cells. Eight of 10 patients showed immunological response, with one experiencing complete tumor disappearance and CA125 levels normalization.
Researchers found that concurrent chemotherapy and daily chest radiation can help lung cancer patients live longer, with an average survival of 17 months. In contrast, sequential treatment resulted in an average survival of 14.6 months.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers shows a simple breath test can distinguish between patients who metabolize chemotherapy drugs normally and those who require lower doses for safety. The technique, which measures exhaled carbon dioxide, has promising advantages in reducing toxicity in patients.
Elias J. Corey has developed a new method for synthesizing ecteinascidin and phthalascidin, two drugs estimated to be at least 100 times more powerful than Taxol in inhibiting tumor cell growth. The findings have shown promising results in soft-tissue sarcoma treatment and could lead to faster availability of these life-saving drugs.
Researchers found that combretastatin A-4 prodrug significantly enhances the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy agents in laboratory animals. Combining the drug with chemotherapy resulted in a 10 to 500 times increase in tumor cell death, compared to using chemotherapy alone.
A $11-million grant will support a research team in understanding how genetic variation affects the response to anti-cancer drugs. The team aims to develop personalized dosing strategies to increase treatment efficacy while reducing side effects.
Dennis P. Curran develops new ways to make molecules used as anti-cancer drugs using free radicals, which were once considered too reactive for laboratory use. His work has led to the creation of more stable derivatives that could potentially allow lower doses of chemotherapy.
Researchers present study showing implanted chemotherapy pump significantly increases survival rates for patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer. The pump distributes chemotherapy directly to the liver, resulting in reduced recurrence and improved outcomes.
OHSU researchers successfully delivered chemotherapy across the blood-brain barrier for patients with primary central nervous system lymphomas. The study showed that 93% of treated patients achieved a complete response and participating centers outperformed OHSU in blood-brain barrier disruptions.
Researchers found that low E-cadherin levels are the strongest prognostic factor for a poor long-term outcome in node-negative breast cancer patients. High or intermediate levels add little assurance of good prognosis, but abnormally low levels indicate a substantially increased risk of metastasis.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that 42% of patients survived five years or more after receiving enhanced chemotherapy through blood-brain barrier disruption. The treatment also showed no cognitive loss or impairment in 36 patients, contrary to previous studies.
A new treatment approach combining traditional chemotherapy with medication delivered through an implanted pump has been found to significantly increase two-year survival rates and decrease tumor recurrence in patients with advanced colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medic...
A randomized clinical trial showed that combining bone marrow transplant and high-dose chemoradiotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival in children with neuroblastoma. The addition of vitamin A-derivative treatment further increases survival rates by nearly three-fold.
Children with leukemia who received central nervous system chemotherapy are at risk of learning difficulties later in life, according to a new study. The treatment may cause cognitive decline and academic struggles, particularly in reading, spelling, and arithmetic.
A clinical trial at UNC is testing the effectiveness of LY353381, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), for treating ovarian and endometrial cancers. The drug has minimal side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Researchers found that patients who previously received hormone therapy with tamoxifen, had no prior chemotherapy, and had limited metastases were more likely to live longer after high-dose chemotherapy with transplant. This study suggests that closely monitoring high-risk patients can improve treatment outcomes.
A new study found that a psychological intervention program boosted antibody levels and reduced stress hormone cortisol in women with breast cancer, leading to improved quality of life and higher chemotherapy doses.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found a new combination therapy, called chemoradiation, that increases survival rates by 50% for cervical cancer patients. The treatment combines radiation with platinum-based chemotherapy agents, leading to more effective cancer cell killing and lower side effects.