A new study published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics found that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective treatment for early stage lung neuroendocrine tumors. The three-, six- and nine-year local control rates with SBRT were 97%, 91% and 91%, respectively.
Researchers found a molecular staple called NIHCOLE that helps liver cancer cells repair broken DNA, making them resistant to radiotherapy. Understanding this mechanism may lead to the development of new strategies to combat liver cancers with poor prognosis.
A team of researchers from Korea and USA identified the importance of lipid homeostasis in overcoming brain cancer radioresistance. They found that regulating diacylglycerol kinase B and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 could potentially sensitize brain cancer cells to radiotherapy, offering a new treatment strategy.
Researchers are launching a clinical trial testing azeliragon, a RAGE inhibitor, with chemoradiotherapy to re-sensitize brain tumours that resist radiotherapy. The trial aims to predict radioresistance in brain metastasis using liquid biopsy.
A new study found that MRI-guided radiotherapy is more effective than CT-guided therapy in reducing side effects and improving quality of life for patients with localized prostate cancer. The trial involved 154 patients, who experienced fewer toxicities and better outcomes when treated with MRI guidance.
The EMBRACE-I study demonstrated the superiority of personalized brachytherapy in treating locally advanced cervical cancer. A targeted approach using magnetic resonance imaging-defined tumor volume resulted in a high tumor control rate and low risk of recurrence.
Researchers discovered that radiation damage to paternal DNA is passed on to offspring through a highly error-prone repair mechanism. This leads to structural changes in the paternal chromosomes and causes developmental defects. Histone proteins play a crucial role in shielding damaged chromosomes from accurate repair.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discovered that common cancer treatments cause long-term damage to heart tissue by activating a key inflammatory signaling pathway. Inhibiting this pathway may reduce the risk of cancer survivors developing heart disease later in life.
A team at Massachusetts General Hospital found that skin produces β-endorphin in response to radiation therapy, contributing to fatigue. Blocking this hormone with opiate antagonist drugs might benefit patients.
A team led by Abhinav Jha is developing a novel low-count quantitative single photon emission computed tomography (LC-QSPECT) method to measure the concentration of radiopharmaceutical material in tumors and vital organs. This technique aims to provide accurate measurements of absorbed dose from radiation therapy, helping plan treatmen...
A recent study has unveiled how nucleotide excision repair (NER) is controlled at the molecular level, shedding light on its role in cancer treatment. The research revealed that TFIIH uses XPG to stimulate motor activity and locate damaged DNA, licensing XPG nuclease activity to excise it.
The updated guideline provides recommendations on the use of radiation therapy and systemic therapy after surgery to treat patients with endometrial cancer. It considers the role of surgical staging and molecular profiling techniques in determining whether a patient should receive post-operative therapy.
Researchers at University of Chicago Medical Center have identified biomarker predicting response to combined RT and ICB treatment in mNSCLC. High tumor aneuploidy associated with improved survival when RT is added to ICB, while low aneuploidy shows no survival benefit.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have identified a new method for scheduling radiation therapy that could be up to 22% more effective at killing cancer cells. The algorithm takes into account the differing radiation resistances of stem cells and non-stem cells, allowing doctors to predict how a tumour will respond to treatment.
A recent study found that MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy, also known as SMART, has shown promising safety and patient outcomes data for treating locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The study, led by Henry Ford Health, reported no incidence of acute grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal toxicity, with preli...
A study by Edith Cowan University found that home-based exercise programs can accelerate recovery from cancer-related fatigue and improve health-related quality of life during radiotherapy. The research included 89 women who completed a 12-week program, with no adverse effects reported.
A 30-year follow-up study of patients with early breast cancer found that radiotherapy does not improve overall survival rates after 10 years but reduces the risk of recurrence in the same breast. The study's findings challenge traditional concepts of long-term anti-cancer benefits of radiotherapy.
Opaganib, an oral small molecule pill, shows potential as a nuclear radiation injury therapeutic for homeland security medical countermeasures and antitumor radiotherapy. The compound protects normal tissue from radiation damage and improves antitumor activity and response to chemoradiation.
Patients with non-metastatic soft tissue sarcoma can safely receive hypofractionated treatment over three weeks instead of five, achieving similar tumor control and no increased risk of wound complications. The study found comparable rates of major wound complications between the two treatment courses.
Advanced nanoparticles carrying a bacterially derived compound target the STING pathway, disrupting blood vessels and stimulating an immune response. This approach suppresses tumor growth and metastasis in several types of cancers.
A recent study found that patients treated with the combination of chemoradiation therapy and immunotherapy in a phase 3 clinical trial did not experience significant safety concerns. The treatment regimen showed no significant increase in toxicity compared to standard trimodality therapy alone.
The EXTEND trial found that combining metastasis-directed radiation therapy with intermittent hormone therapy improved progression-free survival in men with oligometastatic prostate cancer. The treatment also prolonged the time men could safely maintain normal testosterone levels, preserving their quality of life.
A new study finds that combining radiation with hormone therapy can improve outcomes for patients with oligometastatic prostate cancer. The trial showed that patients who received both treatments experienced longer progression-free survival and better testosterone levels after treatment.
A large clinical trial data analysis found that rates of locoregional recurrence are low regardless of regional node irradiation use. The study suggests a randomized clinical trial is required to answer the question of whether favorable-risk patients can safely skip RNI.
A Phase III trial found that hypo-fractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) with concurrent boost is not inferior to conventional WBI with a sequential boost following lumpectomy in patients with high-risk, early-stage breast cancer. The study showed comparable effectiveness and toxicity outcomes between the two treatment options.
A randomized phase III trial found that hypofractionated whole-breast radiation with concurrent boost is comparable to six weeks of treatment for patients with higher-risk disease, reducing tumor recurrence by 20-30%. The three-week course was non-inferior to the longer treatment in terms of tumor recurrence and cosmetic outcomes.
Adding stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to sorafenib significantly improves overall survival, progression-free survival, and time to tumor progression in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. SBRT was shown to be effective without increasing toxicity.
A randomized phase III trial shows that adding radiation therapy to systemic therapy can delay tumor progression and lengthen survival without compromising quality of life. The combination of SBRT and sorafenib appears more effective than the drug on its own.
Researchers developed an AI model that uses daily step counts to predict the likelihood of unplanned hospitalization during cancer therapy, offering personalized care and potential prevention of treatment interruptions. The model was tested on data from wearable consumer devices and showed strong predictive performance.
A phase III clinical trial confirms the safety and efficacy of a moderately shortened course of radiation therapy for men with high-risk prostate cancer. The study found no significant differences in survival rates, side effects, or recurrence between 5-week and 8-week radiation therapy.
In a first-in-human trial, FLASH radiation treatment was found safe and effective for pain relief in patients with bone metastases. The study showed significant pain relief in 7 out of 10 patients, with minimal side effects.
A randomized, phase III clinical trial found that patients who receive technical explanations from medical physicists before treatment have lower anxiety levels and higher satisfaction rates. Medical physicist consults can significantly improve patient outcomes by reducing stress and anxiety related to radiation therapy.
A phase II trial suggests that radiation can reduce painful complications and hospitalizations, and possibly extend overall survival in patients with advanced cancers. The study found that treating asymptomatic lesions with radiation reduced skeletal-related events and extended overall survival compared to those who received no radiation.
A new study found that sexual side effects of cancer treatment are discussed less frequently with female patients, who are asked about their sexual health 1 in 10 times, compared to 9 in 10 men. The disparity is also observed in clinical trials nationwide.
A new analysis by UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that men with prostate cancer benefit from adding androgen deprivation therapy to radiation treatment. The study showed improved metastasis-free survival for patients receiving short-term ADT before or after radiation, especially in those receiving prostate-only RT.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel treatment that combines internal radiation and chemotherapy to eliminate tumors in 80% of mice with pancreatic cancer. The approach uses a gel-like depot implanted with radioactive iodine-131, which deposits beta radiation directly into the tumor without affecting surrounding tissue.
A new Northwestern Medicine study identifies common and rare gene mutations that impact radiation resistance and sensitivity. This information will allow clinicians to better calibrate radiation doses based on genetic mutations, improving treatment efficacy while reducing toxicity.
Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Semel Institute identified the gene P300 as a potential therapeutic target for treatment-resistant brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme. By blocking P300, tumor cells can be prevented from recovering and growing under the hostile conditions created by radiation therapy.
Invasive breast cancer rates declined in childhood cancer survivors under age 40, largely due to reduced chest radiation therapy. Concurrent changes in other therapies may have tempered this trend, according to a study of 11,550 female survivors diagnosed between 1970 and 1999
UCF researchers have designed a cerium oxide nanoparticle to protect bones against radiation damage from cancer therapy. The treatment also improves bone regeneration and kills cancer cells, reducing the risk of bone fractures and tissue damage.
Researchers found that inhibiting GABA A receptors protects intestinal stem cells from chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced damage, reducing DNA damage and increasing survival. Flumazenil, an FDA-approved anti-sedative, shows promise in protecting the intestine from these toxic effects.
Researchers have discovered a cellular and molecular mechanism essential for intestinal epithelial regeneration. Progenitor cells modulate the production of mitogenic factors, controlling intestinal stem cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. This finding breaks new ground in research into counteracting radiotherapy side effects.
A phase 2 study found that combining nivolumab and ipilimumab showed a high response rate with durable results for patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. The addition of stereotactic body radiation therapy did not improve efficacy in this dual checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
A study found that resiliency and family support play a crucial role in helping Hispanic breast cancer survivors manage lymphedema. Adaptations such as modifying work tasks and seeking support from family members enable survivors to maintain their quality of life.
A new study shows that PSMA PET/CT imaging can change treatment plans for nearly 50% of patients with prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy. The imaging technique detected disease in 46.9% of patients, leading to major changes in treatment plans, including recommendations for additional treatments.
The center aims to develop and test advanced telehealth methods for cancer care, focusing on promoting health equity and addressing digital divides. Three principal investigators will lead the center, aiming to improve patient outcomes, communication, and healthcare use through telehealth strategies.
A new study suggests that betamethasone could improve outcomes for prostate cancer radiation therapy by protecting normal cells from injury and making cancer cells more susceptible to treatment. The research found that betamethasone increases hydrogen peroxide levels, activating a protective protein in non-cancerous cells.
Researchers investigated the effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, PD-L1, and mucin expression in rectal cancer patients. The study found that nCRT exposure was associated with higher mucin expression and a non-significant difference in PD-L1 expression, suggesting an immunosuppressive phenotype.
Researchers discovered a new biomarker for radiation resistance in lung cancer, the PTEN mutation, and developed experimental inhibitors that can block DNA repair enzymes. This may lead to more targeted treatment approaches and improved patient outcomes.
This analysis evaluated changes in short-course radiation therapy use and spending on low-grade lymphoma patients from 2015 to 2019. The study found a significant increase in the use of this therapy among Medicare beneficiaries, suggesting potential cost savings and improved patient outcomes.
Updated long-term results from Phase III trials demonstrate significant benefits from combining procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine chemotherapy with radiation therapy for patients with anaplastic oligodendrogliomas. Patients with chromosome 1p19q codeleted tumors experienced improved overall survival and progression-free survival.
This volume of Oncotarget features groundbreaking research on various cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, and neuroblastoma, as well as novel drug targets for bladder cancer. The studies also delve into the role of BRCA in breast and colorectal cancers.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that Native Americans have to travel up to 103 miles farther than non-Hispanic whites to reach the nearest radiation therapy facility. This significant burden can lead to delayed or foregone treatment, resulting in poorer cancer outcomes.
A recent study by McMaster University researcher Timothy Whelan and his team has identified a specific group of patients with early stage breast cancer who can effectively treat their disease with just surgery and endocrine therapy. The study found that the recurrence of cancer in these patients was just 2.3% without radiotherapy.
Researchers have identified new biomarkers to detect non-small cell lung cancer in its early stages through a blood test, offering improved survival chances. The approach can also identify potential drug resistance, allowing clinicians to choose alternative treatment options.
A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that targeted radiation therapy, which spares healthy brain tissue, is equitable to whole brain radiation therapy for patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. This approach may improve their care experience with fewer negative cognitive consequences.
A combination of hormone therapy and pelvic lymph node radiation treatment significantly improved survival rates among patients with postoperative prostate cancer, extending their lives by nearly five years. This study published in The Lancet found that nearly 90% of clinical trial patients remained free from progression for five years.
A population-scale study found COVID-19 vaccination is effective in most cancer patients but offers lower protection and wanes quickly. Vaccine effectiveness was lower (65.5%) in cancer patients compared to the general population (69.8%), with higher hospitalization and death risks despite vaccination.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered two new DNA repair genes, SETD1A and BOD1L, which can make cancer cells more sensitive to radiotherapy. These findings may lead to improved treatment efficiency and patient outcomes by allowing clinicians to identify targeted treatments for specific patients.
The new ASTRO guideline provides guidance on radiation therapy for brain metastases, including evidence-based recommendations for multidisciplinary planning and delivery of advanced techniques to manage intact and resected brain tumors. The guideline aims to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with brain metastases.