Articles tagged with Head and Neck Cancer
Postoperative wound infections in the head and neck region are common complications, with risk factors including age, smoking, and comorbidities. Aseptic operating conditions and peri/postoperative antibiotics can help minimize infection rates.
A new cancer immunotherapy that targets two immune-evading tumor tactics has shown promising results in an early clinical trial. The drug, tebotelimab, blocks both PD-1 and LAG-3 proteins, leading to a double-digit response rate in patients with advanced solid tumors or blood cancers.
A new study found that a shorter radiation treatment course is just as effective as a longer schedule for patients with non-HPV-related locally advanced disease. Delivering fewer, but higher doses of radiation was associated with similar tumor control and late-term side effects.
Cancer researchers at University of Cincinnati Cancer Center are exploring a new method called lattice therapy, which delivers higher doses to tumors and lower doses to surrounding tissues. The approach has shown promise in reducing treatment time and improving patient outcomes for head and neck, lung, and brain tumors.
Research reveals strong associations between oral health and survival among people diagnosed with head and neck cancer, with better oral health linked to increased survival. Frequent dental visits were found to be associated with earlier cancer diagnosis and less deadly disease stages.
Researchers found that a combination of AXL and EGFR inhibitors can suppress tumor growth and prevent relapse in patients with certain cancers. The study clarifies the novel regulatory mechanism by which AXL stimulates YAP via the EGFR-LATS1/2 axis.
Researchers found that patients with HPV-positive cancers develop recurrent disease significantly later than those that were HPV-negative, and also are more likely to spread to the lungs. A new, highly sensitive blood test has been developed to detect cancer earlier, using a framework for combining routine blood testing and imaging.
A recent study published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery found that patients with undiagnosed head and neck cancer who received antibiotics prior to diagnosis experienced longer diagnostic times, highlighting the need for improved dissemination of clinical practice guidelines.
A multidisciplinary team at Hollings Cancer Center has launched a trial to reduce delays in starting radiation therapy after surgery, which can worsen outcomes. The ENDURE approach addresses organizational, team, and patient-level barriers to care, with promising preliminary results.
A large long-term study found that good cardiorespiratory fitness in young men is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing nine specific cancers, including a 40% reduced risk of liver cancer. Higher fitness was also linked to lower risks of rectal, pancreatic, and bowel cancers.
Researchers have developed an oncolytic virus that can 'warm up' cold tumors and improve immunotherapy outcomes. The virus was engineered to carry a gene encoding a TGF-β inhibitor, which greatly increased survival rates in mice with aggressive melanoma and other cancers.
Researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed an AI model to diagnose sarcopenia, a predictor of poor outcomes in head and neck cancer. The tool provides fast, automated, and accurate assessments that can trigger interventions to improve patient care.
Researchers highlight the need for effective treatment strategies for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck, which is a highly malignant tumor with variable localizations. Proton therapy shows decisive advantages in long-term survival rates for ACC.
A new study identifies two distinct subtypes of human papillomavirus-positive head and neck cancers with different treatment outcomes. Tumors with high NF-kB activity are more responsive to radiation therapy, leading to improved patient survival.
A recent study from Leipzig University found no significant link between oropharyngeal cancer and high-risk sexual behavior. The research, which analyzed data from over 300 patients with head and neck cancer, suggests that HPV infection is a key risk factor for the disease.
Researchers have found that PD-L1 triggers signaling that intrinsically alters cancer cell phenotype, impacting immune milieu. The study's findings suggest a new approach to treating patients with limited response to immunotherapy.
Researchers found that cigarette smoke and HPV interact to heighten the risk of head and neck cancer by increasing oxidative stress and DNA damage. The study's results pave the way for novel strategies in prevention and treatment.
Researchers have developed a new technique to generically treat several kinds of cancer, showing tumors grew almost three times less and survival rates reached 100% after just one injection. The method targets cancer cells with alpha radiation, sparing healthy tissue.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found activation of mTORC1 by b-catenin/CBP to drive partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition in head and neck cancer. This process, also known as p-EMT, is an early predictor of nodal metastasis and may be targeted therapeutically.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients face substantial burden of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors, leading to increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Modifiable CV risk factor control is crucial in reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and death among these patients.
Researchers developed a biobank of head and neck cancer organoids to validate biomarkers and predict treatment responses. The study found that organoid responses matched patient outcomes, suggesting potential for personalized therapies.
Researchers have identified ATAD3A as a molecular determinant that favors the development of head and neck cancer. The protein is involved in various cellular processes, including energy metabolism and apoptosis. Targeting ATAD3A could offer a novel approach to developing effective anti-cancer therapeutics.
Researchers developed a gene signature called CisSig to predict cancer patients' response to cisplatin. The approach aims to overcome the obstacle of interpreting gene signatures in the human body and has been validated in muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients.
Researchers found that young adults with previously had cancer have a 70% increased risk for HPV-related cancers. This includes oropharyngeal cancers and cervical HPV-related cancers, particularly among Hispanic survivors.
A new PET/CT scanner prototype has shown promising results in preclinical testing, offering higher resolution and accurate tumor assessment. The scanner aims to enhance treatment planning for head and neck cancers, which have a low five-year survival rate and high recurrence rate.
A new drug combination has doubled the expected time until cancer progression in heavily resistant head and neck cancer patients. The treatment, which includes a monoclonal antibody drug called ficlatuzumab, has shown an unusually high response rate of 38% in HPV-negative patients.
A new radiotracer successfully detected 100% of primary tumors across multiple cancer types, outperforming the current standard. It also showed promise in detecting lymph node and distant metastases, offering a promising alternative for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found a strong association between high levels of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression and an elevated immune response in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This link suggests a potential new target for cancer immunotherapies, which may lead to improved outcomes for patients.
Researchers have developed a microfluidic squeezing technology that stimulates anti-tumor activity in a subtype of HPV16-positive head and neck, cervical, and anal cancers. The treatment uses peripheral blood mononuclear cells trained to recognize and attack cancer cells without genetic modifications.
Researchers identify the minimum contribution of TACC3 for FGFR3-TACC3 fusion protein activation, revealing a novel target for treating FGFR translocation-driven cancers. The study shows that clinically identified FGFR3-TACC3 fusion proteins differ in biological activity depending on specific breakpoints.
A study of 37,000 pediatric head and neck cancer patients found significant decreases in care receipt and survival time with increasing social determinants of health vulnerability. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address social vulnerabilities in pediatric cancer care.
Researchers have developed a hand-held device that can rapidly and accurately identify lesions in the mouth that will develop into cancer. The Liverpool Diagnostic Infrared (LDIR) Wand employs infrared lasers to predict future cancer risk based on machine learning analysis.
A major international trial found that patients with 'discordant' HPV test results, where the two types of tests show different results, have significantly worse outcomes than those who tested negative in both tests. The study also found that smoking status is a significant factor, with smokers at higher risk of worse outcomes.
Researchers investigated the effects of everolimus on the STAT3/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in TP53 mutant cell lines and xenograft models. Everolimus treatment significantly inhibited cell growth and reduced tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
A Geisinger study found that genomic screening can help detect medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in patients with RET gene variants. The research evaluated 75 patients who had the genetic results, and 12 were found to have cancer after undergoing surgery. Genomic screening provides opportunities for early detection and treatment of MTC.
A new brief tele-cognitive behavioral therapy, BRIGHT, shows promise in reducing body-image distress among head and neck cancer survivors. The trial found that levels of body-image distress fell significantly for those who received the therapy compared to standard survivorship education.
Research on Fanconi anemia reveals its link to aggressive head-and-neck tumors due to gene-copy chaos, increasing the need for new treatments. The study also highlights a connection between smoking and drinking and elevated cancer risk.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus have identified a less invasive way to treat HPV-unrelated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas by combining radiation with immunotherapy. The approach resulted in remarkable success rates, including 75% of patients experiencing major pathological responses or complete responses.
The ESMO Asia Congress 2022 will focus on the latest scientific and clinical advances in oncology, with a special emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. Media representatives can register for coverage through the official media registration form.
Researchers found that genetic copy-number alterations drive HPV-negative head and neck cancers, providing new insights for immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study identified key determinants of resistance and suggests a novel diagnostic biomarker test, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that patients with more genetic material on chromosome 9 in their cancer cells survive longer after receiving immunotherapy. The discovery suggests a genetically defined axis that determines which HNSC patients will respond well or poorly to checkpoint inhibitors.
A new study led by University of Cincinnati researcher Trisha Wise-Draper found that immunotherapy treatments may worsen COVID-19 disease in patients with baseline immunosuppression. However, patients who received COVID-19 vaccinations had less severe COVID-19 outcomes.
A recent study published in Oncotarget reveals that Nectin-4 is widely expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), with significant correlations to clinico-pathological parameters. Non-smokers and p16-positive HNSCC showed higher expression of Nectin-4, leading to better survival rates for positive tumors.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that circulating tumor HPV DNA levels are linked to lymph node presence, making the test less effective for screening. This limits the use of ctHPV DNA testing for early diagnosis and treatment of oropharynx cancer.
A study published in European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging identified specific genetic markers associated with high risk of head and neck cancer. The research used DNA sequencing, artificial intelligence, and positron emission tomography to analyze cellular characteristics of tumors. These markers can facilitate mo...
Researchers have developed a deep learning algorithm that can accurately assess the stage of head and neck cancer using standard CT scans, outperforming expert radiologists. The algorithm demonstrated superior accuracy in measuring the extent of cancer spread, especially for patients with high-risk disease.
Researchers at Duke University developed nanorattles that amplify signals from separate biomarkers, allowing for accurate detection of head and neck cancers without biopsies. The technology uses machine learning algorithms to tease apart multiple biomarker signals, making it possible to target multiple diseases simultaneously.
In an international clinical trial, 63.3% of patients with stage II-IV cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma saw their tumors nearly or completely disappear when treated with immunotherapy before surgery. The anti-PD1 therapy cemiplimab was well-tolerated and met its primary endpoint with a pathologic complete response rate of 50.6%.
Researchers conducted a study on administering immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab before surgery for oral cavity cancer and found no increased rates of complications during and after surgery. The findings are encouraging for patients who have not previously received treatment for their oral cavity cancer, suggesting that complication rat...
The American Broncho-Esophagological Association has established new standards for swallowing fluoroscopy, providing a comprehensive guide for clinicians to improve patient care. The guidelines cover areas such as patient selection, fluoroscopic study choice, radiation safety, and training requirements.
Researchers used CT and MRI perfusion techniques to analyze 19 patients with successful free flap reconstruction and five with wound failure. The study found that both methods showed significant differences between the two patient groups. Early postoperative scans could help surgeons intervene earlier, potentially reducing hospital stays.
Researchers developed a novel nanoparticle to deliver ARL67156, an enzyme inhibitor that prevents ATP degradation into adenosine, selectively targeting solid tumors. The treatment substantially suppressed tumor growth and resulted in prolonged survival in mouse models.
A new study from Tel Aviv University developed a unique treatment for AIDS that may be developed into a vaccine or a one time treatment. The treatment involves engineering type B white blood cells to secrete anti-HIV antibodies in response to the virus.
A study by Cedars-Sinai researchers confirms that counting metastatic lymph nodes is a dominant predictor of cancer death, improving staging and treatment for solid tumors. The simple process can be applied in virtually all medical settings without increased cost or complexity.
A systematic review of 155 head and neck cancer clinical trials from 2010 to 2020 revealed that only 57% of studies reported race or ethnicity. Black and Asian or Pacific Islander patients were disproportionately underrepresented in these trials, highlighting a significant issue in the field.
Researchers found that neoadjuvant immunotherapy with pembrolizumab significantly shrunk tumors in patients with desmoplastic melanoma, potentially allowing for less extensive surgery and radiation. The study showed a high response rate to treatment, with over half of patients achieving a pathologic complete response.
Research suggests that NF-κB over-activation is associated with improved outcomes in patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancer. An RNA-based classifier trained on tumors with specific mutations may improve prognostic classification, aiding in treatment personalization.
A significant proportion of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who smoke daily at diagnosis continue to smoke two years post-treatment. Most quitters stop smoking within the first six months after treatment.
Researchers found that genetic mutations in the MAPK pathway, key to normal cell growth, can also make head and neck cancer vulnerable. Individualized genomic analysis can identify specific mutations and target drugs, offering a promising approach to precision medicine.
Deleting or inhibiting a protein called lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) may curb the growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma tumors. The study found that disrupting LSD1 promotes anti-tumor immunity, which can help fight cancer. The discovery could lead to new and potentially more effective therapies for oral cancer patients.