Articles tagged with Head and Neck Cancer
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center presented abstracts highlighting contrasting effects of a protein on head and neck, breast, and lung cancers. The study found increased levels of IL-9 in patients with head and neck cancer correlated with decreased survival, while elevated IL-9 was associated with smaller tumo...
Researchers from the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting new findings on combination therapies for liver and pancreatic cancers, including a new organoid model for personalized head and neck cancer treatment. Additionally, they are discussing the potential of liquid biopsies for cancer detection and monitoring.
A natural citrus oil, when combined with a lipid formulation, may effectively relieve dry mouth in cancer patients. The new formula has demonstrated improved solubility and bioavailability compared to pure limonene.
A comprehensive review of studies reveals that over 15% of caregivers of adult cancer patients suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Caregivers with pre-existing mental health conditions and high caregiver burden are at greater risk. The study highlights the urgent need for proactive screening and support to prevent long-t...
Researchers at University of North Carolina Health Care found that combination immunotherapy before surgery increased survival rates in people with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. The treatment regimen doubled or tripled the response rate versus single immunotherapy, leading to a survival benefit for up to a third of patients.
Researchers used CRISPR to cut a single gene from cancer cells of head and neck tumors, resulting in the elimination of 50% of the tumors after 84 days. This groundbreaking study demonstrates that some genes are essential for cancer cell survival, making them excellent targets for CRISPR therapy.
A study of nearly 2,500 postmenopausal women found that taking more daily steps and engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with a significantly reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Even walking fewer than 5,000 steps per day showed a risk reduction.
A Phase 2 clinical trial found that a neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy regimen achieved a 53% deep response rate, exceeding historical data with chemotherapy alone. The treatment approach led to impressive survival outcomes and fewer toxic side effects in patients with advanced HPV-negative head and neck cancer.
Researchers at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center have successfully repurposed fenofibrate, a cholesterol drug, to treat HPV+ cancers. The study found that fenofibrate restores the function of key tumor suppressor gene p53 and reactivates immune cells, offering a potential targeted therapy for these cancers.
Researchers analyzed pre-treatment CT scans of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to identify radiomic biomarkers that can predict the aggressiveness of the disease and its response to treatment. These biomarkers may lead to more targeted therapies and improved survival outcomes for patients.
A recent Lancet article revealed that durvalumab combined with radiation therapy offers no benefits for patients with head and neck cancer who cannot receive cisplatin. However, a new clinical trial is underway to test the use of a heavy metal to enhance radiation therapy, providing potential new options for these patients.
Researchers have discovered double negative memory B cells, a novel subset of immune cells that are more dysfunctional when in close contact with tumors. These cells may be a useful diagnostic marker and a potential target for developing new immunotherapies.
A new analysis of 14 studies found that coffee and tea drinkers have a lower risk of developing head and neck cancers, including mouth and throat cancers. Decaf coffee was also associated with reduced risks of oral cavity and hypopharyngeal cancer.
A pooled analysis of over a dozen studies found that drinking caffeinated coffee daily was associated with a 17% lower risk of head and neck cancer overall. Drinking decaffeinated coffee and tea also showed protective effects, with tea linked to a 29% lower risk of hypopharyngeal cancer.
The AIRCARE Project will introduce AI-powered systems for real-time diagnosis and precision CO2 laser surgery, improving outcomes for UADT cancer patients. The project aims to reduce positive margins, enhance surgical precision and ease of use, transforming quality of life.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a new technique for head and neck reconstruction that achieves 100% success rate in high-risk patients. The pedicled latissimus dorsi flap technique provides a reliable, fast, and minimally invasive option for complex tissue defects.
New research from the University of Pittsburgh found that opioids can suppress the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer. However, peripherally restricted OPRM1 antagonists (PAMORAs) may block opioid-induced immunosuppression and improve response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Combining PVA with a boron-containing compound improved the effects of radiation therapy for cancer, making it more selective of tumor cells and prolonging drug retention. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment options for challenging cancers.
MD Anderson researchers have made significant advancements in treating chronic pain, myelodysplastic syndrome, and rare cancers. A novel treatment for chronic pain has been developed with reduced side effects, while targeted therapies like canakinumab show promise for personalized approaches.
A clinical trial found that cetuximab was more effective than durvalumab in treating advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head or neck, with a higher probability of being alive and free of disease at two years. Cetuximab's efficacy was similar whether or not the cancer was associated with HPV.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports correlates higher levels of pollutant particulate matter with increased occurrences of head and neck aerodigestive cancer. The research found a significant association between exposure to PM2.5 and the incidence of head and neck cancer, shedding light on the environmental factor contributi...
Researchers developed a new imaging technique using fluorescence-guided surgery to enhance visibility of tumors and nerves during head and neck cancer surgery. The technique uses two near-infrared fluorophores, one for tumors and another for facial nerves, allowing for clear differentiation between cancerous tissues and nerves.
TYRA-300 shows promise in treating metastatic bladder cancer patients with FGFR3 gene mutations, achieving a 50% overall response rate and 100% disease control rate. The treatment also displays improved tolerability with lower side effects compared to existing pan-FGFR inhibitors.
Researchers have developed a 'mini-protein' that targets cancer cells expressing Nectin-4, allowing for direct delivery of radiation to tumours. The treatment shows promise in targeting multiple types of cancers and has the potential to be safe for repeated administrations.
Researchers have found that tumors with a short-lived response to hormone therapy had a mutation in the p53 gene, which can be targeted by CDK2 inhibitors. A new study also provides updated dosing guidelines for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to minimize complications in patients with spinal metastasis.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine found that cancer clinical trials in head and neck cancer are becoming less racially and ethnically diverse over time. The situation has worsened in the last 10 years, with only 7-12% of participants being Black or Hispanic compared to 58% in some local trials.
A randomized trial halted after patients in the control arm reached a record high two-year progression-free survival rate of 98%. Deintensified treatments involving lower radiation dose and immunotherapy did not perform as well as standard chemoradiation.
A new study found that over a dozen bacterial species in the oral microbiome are linked to a 30-50% increased chance of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The research analyzed data from 159,840 Americans and identified key bacteria that may contribute to the disease.
Researchers from National Cancer Centre Singapore have successfully used exosomes to target squamous cell cancer tumours resistant to EGFR-TKIs. The study found that exosomes carrying a specific protein can increase sensitivity to TKIs in both lab and mouse models, providing new therapeutic solutions for patients with poor prognosis.
Researchers have found that natural killer cells instinctively recognize and attack the XPO1 protein, which drives cancer growth. By targeting this protein, scientists may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy cancer cells. The study suggests that this approach could lead to personalized cancer treatment with less side effects.
A new study suggests a mouthwash-based test can help physicians predict disease recurrence in head and neck cancer patients by detecting biomarkers in saliva. Elevated levels of CD44 and total protein were associated with increased recurrence risk, highlighting the potential for early detection and reducing morbidity and mortality.
A Rice University-led team is developing an affordable system to improve tumor removal accuracy for breast and head and neck cancer. The AccessPath system enables rapid, automatic tumor margin classification, revolutionizing real-time surgical guidance.
This systematic review examines current methodologies and updates in early diagnosis practices for HNSCC, highlighting the need for effective screening methods. Effective early diagnostic practices will significantly impact patient outcomes, reducing the burden of HNSCC and enhancing quality of life.
A large multicenter study found that adults with cannabis dependence are 3.5 to 5 times more likely to develop head and neck cancer than non-users. The researchers suggest that the primary reason for this increased risk is the damaging effect of cannabis smoke, which may be worse than tobacco smoke.
A cohort study found an association between cannabis-related disorder and the development of head and neck cancer. The study highlights the need for further research on the mechanism of this association and dose response to support evidence of cannabis use as a risk factor.
A phase II clinical trial found that combining sEphB4-HSA with pembrolizumab improved outcomes in HPV-negative, EphrinB2-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. The combination showed a favorable toxicity profile and activity, particularly among those with HNSCC.
The study establishes criteria for identifying extranodal extension on imaging, allowing radiologists to make accurate calls and provide patients with less invasive treatments. This shift towards practice change has the potential to reduce side effects and improve outcomes for patients with HPV-associated head and neck cancers.
Researchers at George Mason University are conducting a study to map protein pathways in head and neck cancers. They will analyze pre-specified proteins and phosphoproteins involved in inflammation, DNA damage, and cell survival pathways using comprehensive reverse-phase protein microarray analysis.
A new liquid biopsy method analyzes gene fragments in the bloodstream to detect and track cancer, enabling oncologists to tailor treatment approaches to individual patients. This non-invasive test can help monitor treatment success, detect cancer recurrence, and improve patient quality of life.
Rural residents with head and neck cancer experience higher mortality rates due to factors like alcohol use, tobacco consumption, and lower HPV vaccination rates. This disparity widens the rural-urban mortality gap.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has released new guidelines for radiation therapy in HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), recommending optimal dosing regimens to reduce acute and late effects. Concurrent chemotherapy with cisplatin is recommended for more advanced tumors or multiple lymph nodes.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has published an updated clinical guideline for treating patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The guideline emphasizes the importance of tailored radiation strategies to maximize patient survival while minimizing side effects. It provides recommendations fo...
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group will present late-breaking findings on prostate cancer, breast cancer, and pancreas cancer at ASCO 2024. These studies include optimal chemotherapy for Black women with breast cancer and results from the first randomized national trial in older adults with pancreas cancer.
Researchers have developed a urine-based test that detects pieces of DNA fragments released by head and neck tumors, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood-based biomarker tests. The test has been shown to detect cancer recurrences far earlier than would typically happen based on clinical imaging.
Researchers have developed a new treatment that uses tailored doses of anti-cancer drugs released directly into the surgical cavity to treat liver cancer. The approach has shown promise in reducing recurrence rates and minimizing chemotherapy side effects, with potential applications for other types of cancer.
A personalized vaccine, TG4050, has been shown to induce tumor-specific immune responses and delay disease relapse in patients with surgically resected HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell cancer. The vaccine uses a nonpathogenic form of poxvirus to deliver unique neoantigens that activate and expand antitumor T cells.
Low HPV vaccine uptake among US adults aged 27-45 is a concern, particularly for men and Hispanic individuals. Experts stress the need to address disparities in vaccination rates to prevent cancer cases.
The NCI-MATCH precision medicine trial discovered that trastuzumab-pertuzumab, approved for HER2-positive breast cancer, can shrink tumors in patients with other types of cancer and high levels of the HER2 gene. The study found a 12% confirmed overall response rate, with partial responses in various cancers.
Seven high-impact studies will be showcased, exploring novel therapies and improving treatment outcomes for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. These findings highlight advancements in immunotherapy, risk-directed adjuvant therapy, and FDG-PET-based selective de-escalation of radiotherapy.
A study published in Cancer Research Communications reveals a potential genetic marker associated with better survival outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer. The researchers found that the presence of a specific genetic variant and higher expression of the GAN gene product gigaxonin may contribute to improved survival rates.
Scientists from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that patients with 'cold' tumors produce cancer-fighting T cells, suggesting a potential cure from within. The researchers developed an approach called 'Identify, Predict, Validate' to detect these T cells in over 130 patients.
Head and neck cancer patients exposed to secondhand smoke during chemotherapy have reduced treatment effectiveness. Secondhand smoke alters protein expression, restricting chemotherapy's ability to kill cancer cells. This raises concerns about cancer prognosis and the importance of smoking cessation.
A recent study by Pusan National University scientists discovered the crucial role of PKM gene and EPHA2 pathway in HNSCC development. The research highlights the importance of HPV infection status in shaping the tumor microenvironment, enabling precision medicine for targeted treatment.
Research finds socioeconomically advantaged parents are less likely to vaccinate their teens against HPV due to safety concerns. Parents from disadvantaged groups cite lack of knowledge as a reason for hesitancy.
A new study analyzes an AI-based algorithm for autocontouring prior to radiotherapy in head and neck cancer, demonstrating significant time savings and clinically usable results. The AI algorithm achieved a mean score of 3.56 +/- .40, indicating that it performed well with minor edits required in most cases.
Researchers identified senescence-related tumor microenvironment genes associated with poor prognosis, genetic alterations, and reduced responsiveness to immunotherapy in HNSC. The study highlights the importance of precision medicine approaches for personalized treatment.
A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals that cancer cells can prevent the immune system from attacking them by inhibiting key checkpoints. Researchers found that monotherapy agents targeting these checkpoints may not be effective without an inflammatory trigger, explaining why some immunotherapies work while others fail.
Researchers found that high levels of FSP1 are associated with relapse after cisplatin treatment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Targeting FSP1 can attenuate tumor stemness and downregulate invasion and metastatic rates, suggesting a potential new approach for treating drug-tolerant persister cancer cells.
A new diagnostic kit allows dentists to screen for oral squamous cell carcinoma with a simple brush biopsy, detecting genetic signals of the disease with over 90% accuracy. The non-invasive test is less complicated than surgical biopsies and can be performed in under a minute without numbing required.
The study found a decline in localized head and neck cancer incidence during the first year of the pandemic. However, advanced-stage diagnoses may rise in subsequent years, indicating a potential shift in the disease's progression.