Articles tagged with Head and Neck Cancer
Researchers from MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Winship Cancer Institute discovered that pre-surgical anti-PD-1 immunotherapy is safe and effective for OCSCC patients. The studies identified potential molecular biomarkers in blood and tumors to predict treatment response.
Researchers have identified a unique genetic variant in the KRAS gene that affects treatment outcomes for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer patients. Adding monoclonal antibody cetuximab may reverse poor treatment responses and improve cancer control.
This observational study found that precancer characteristics and postcancer health services are associated with an increased risk of suicidal self-directed violence among US veteran survivors of head/neck cancer. The study highlights the need for comprehensive care and support for these individuals.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery will present research on ear health, head and neck cancer, sleep-disordered breathing, and more at its annual meeting. Twelve 'Best of Orals' and 14 late-breaking scientific oral presentations will be showcased.
Researchers will explore ways to regenerate damaged salivary glands and understand vocal fold scarring, aiming to develop new treatment options for head and neck cancer patients. The project includes creating a vocal-fold-on-a-chip model with embedded sensor technology to monitor tissue development in real-time.
Researchers found that salivary HR-HPV DNA can detect HPV-driven head and neck cancers (HNC) in most patients at the time of diagnosis. The study showed a clear survival advantage for salivary HR-HPV-positive patients, with high-risk strains detected in most cases.
A new study found that immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective against HPV-positive head and neck cancers, with a potential therapeutic vaccination approach also being explored. Researchers discovered tumor-specific CD8 T cells in tumors from patients, which could provide a proliferative burst in response to PD-1 blockade.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that cancer survivors' tongues are significantly less sensitive to bitter, salty, or sweet tastes due to damage caused by radiation therapy. The team discovered that taste dysfunction persists for years after treatment ends, affecting the quality of life for these individuals.
The CU Cancer Center has received a $2 million annual grant for five years to focus on head and neck cancers. The grant will support research projects, including immunotherapy mechanisms and dual inhibition of key pathways combined with radiation therapy.
Researchers aim to develop a personalized approach to adaptive radiation therapy (ART) using computerized tomography (CT) technology. The goal is to balance the needs of patients, clinicians, and insurers by adapting treatment strategies in real-time.
Researchers discovered that head and neck cancer cells subvert adjacent normal tissue to promote aggressive invasion and metastasis. The study found that two proteins secreted by cancer cells suppress a key gene, DMBT1, in nearby healthy tissue.
Researchers developed an AI system to guide oncologists in treating head and neck cancer patients, considering treatment efficacy and potential future decisions. The system analyzes real patient data to provide personalized recommendations and maximize survival outcomes while minimizing chemotherapy and radiation side effects.
A multi-institutional team of researchers has identified genetic abnormalities that drive pre-cancer cells into becoming invasive head and neck cancer. The study found that patients with specific genetic imbalances are less likely to respond to immunotherapy.
Researchers found that regulatory T cells are silencing T cells in cold tumors, leading to reduced immune response. Using medication to deactivate Tregs and radiation treatment can help boost immune response.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that deactivating a specific gene in cancer cells can significantly slow tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The findings hold promise for developing more effective treatments for highly invasive head and neck squamous cell cancers.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new combination therapy that combines radiation therapy with an approved drug to make it more effective in treating head and neck cancer. The study found that the drug alone reduced cancer cell growth by up to 90% and increased the efficacy of radiation treatment by 40%.
Researchers will collaborate on new approaches to treating head and neck cancers associated with Fanconi anemia and human papillomavirus (HPV). The funding will support research into genetic defects that cause these cancers, which have higher rates in Black people, particularly men.
Smokeless tobacco products pose significant health risks due to high nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals. Researchers call for stricter regulations to reduce illicit trading and ensure proper health warnings.
A recent international observational study found a low risk of COVID-19 infection among patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery. The study analyzed data from 1,137 patients in 26 countries and found a death rate within 30 days after surgery of 1.2%, comparable to the expected rate without a pandemic.
University of Cincinnati researchers discovered that certain immune cells respond to immunotherapy by increasing activity in potassium ion channels, allowing them to more effectively target and kill cancer cells. However, patients who do not respond to treatment lack this increased channel activity.
A clinical trial combining a personalized cancer vaccine with Pembrolizumab has reported a 50% response rate for patients with head and neck cancer, significantly higher than previous trials without the vaccine. The preliminary data, presented by Dr. Julie Bauman, is promising and suggests the treatment is safe and tolerable.
The ESMO Asia Virtual Congress 2020 examined the efficacy of new therapies for prevalent cancer types in the Asia-Pacific region. The scientific program featured key research areas, including neo-adjuvant immuno-oncology and molecular stratification.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a non-invasive breath test that accurately differentiates between head and neck cancer patients and those with benign diseases. The test uses volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath to detect the presence of cancer, showing high sensitivity and specificity rates.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center identified multiple obstacles that prevent head and neck cancer patients from receiving timely radiation treatment, leading to worse survival outcomes. The study presents a novel framework for understanding these barriers and aims to improve patient care through an intervention strategy.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center found that disparities in cancer outcomes for Black patients are largely caused by unequal access to healthcare. The study examined Medicare data for individuals with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, controlling for factors such as stage of diagnosis and treatment receiv...
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a blood serum microRNA biomarker signature for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, which may help detect other head and neck cancers. The signature has potential for surveillance, earlier diagnosis, and treatment of head and neck cancer.
This observational study examines characteristics and response to treatment of persistent radiation-induced hair loss in patients with primary central nervous system tumors or head and neck cancer. The study aims to improve treatment outcomes for this common side effect.
A new study from UC San Diego researchers reveals that an investigational drug candidate called tipifarnib shows promise in treating head and neck cancer tumors with mutations in the HRAS gene. The findings support the idea that HRAS represents a druggable oncogene in HNSCC, providing a precision therapeutic option.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a potential new combination therapy to treat advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by targeting BMI1 proteins. The study found that using an anti-PD1 immunotherapy drug in combination with PTC209 successfully stopped cancer growth, prevented reoccurrences, and eliminated cancer stem cells.
Researchers developed prediction tools to identify patients at risk of delayed post-operative radiotherapy, which can improve survival rates. The nomograms consider individualized risk factors and stage 4 cancer as key variables associated with delays.
The study found that Medicaid expansions in states that adopted the Affordable Care Act were linked to a greater percentage of patients with localized head and neck cancer diagnosed at an early stage. Timely treatment led to improved survival rates for these patients. The researchers hope their findings will inform policy makers.
A targeted therapy drug, everolimus, has been shown to extend progression-free survival for advanced head and neck cancer patients. Patients with TP53 mutations experienced a significant survival benefit, indicating potential as a treatment option for high-risk patients.
A new clinical trial suggests that immunotherapy given before surgery for oral cavity cancers can elicit an immune response that shrinks tumors. Most patients (52%) experienced a clinical reduction of their primary tumor after immunotherapy, and four patients had more than 90% pathologic response.
A new phase II trial found a combination of radiation therapy and pembrolizumab to be effective in treating locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly for patients ineligible for cisplatin chemotherapy. The treatment showed encouraging survival outcomes and acceptable toxicity.
Researchers found that oral cancers can reprogram nerves to grow into tumors, changing their function and fuelling growth. The team discovered that adrenergic nerves, involved in stress response, are susceptible to drugs used to treat high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats.
Researchers identified high levels of circularized E7 RNA as a positive prognostic marker in anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). The study suggests that circ E7 may play a role in HPV-driven cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
A machine-learning model has been developed to predict significant weight loss and need for feeding tube placement in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The model showed high accuracy in predicting these two endpoints, allowing clinicians to take preventive measures.
Researchers developed a new classification method using artificial intelligence to identify primary cancerous tissue in head and neck cancers. The method achieved an accuracy of over 99% in distinguishing between primary lung squamous cell carcinomas and head and neck metastases, offering potential benefits for patients.
Researchers are developing optical imaging technologies to monitor treatment response during head and neck cancer therapy, allowing for changes to the treatment plan to more effectively treat patients. The goal is to identify how well the treatment is working during the process, enabling doctors and patients to make informed decisions.
A new study published in Immunity journal reveals six distinct groups of lymphatic vessels in human lymph nodes, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind cancer spread. The research identifies key trafficking and adhesion molecules used by neutrophils to prevent pathogens from spreading.
Researchers studying CD73, an enzyme suppressing the natural immune response, hope to block its production to help treat aggressive head and neck cancers. High levels of CD73 are associated with poor prognosis in these cancers.
Mini-tumors of head and neck cancer can be grown in the lab for long-term study, allowing researchers to test novel and existing therapies. The tumors' response to radiotherapy and targeted therapies will help predict patient outcomes.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that tobacco use creates a field of precancerous cells that fertilize nearby cancer cells, enabling them to grow and resist therapy. The research suggests that these precancerous cells provide fuel through EGFR ligands, allowing cancer cells to bypass PI3K inhibition.
A researcher at the University of Cincinnati is using a $1.4 million VA grant to study radiation resistance in head and neck cancer. The goal is to target molecular pathways to make radiation therapy more effective, reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes for patients.
Regular use of NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, significantly improves overall five-year survival rate from 25% to 78% for patients with head and neck cancer containing the mutated PIK3CA gene. This is the first study to show a strong clinical advantage of regular NSAID use in this specific case.
A Rutgers study found a 40% increase in head and neck cancer diagnoses among WTC first responders between 2009 and 2012. The research highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and treatment of those exposed during the initial response.
Researchers discovered a gene signature associated with treatment response and survival in patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancers. The biomarker distinguishes between two subgroups within HPV-positive patients, one with similar survival rates to HPV-negative cancers.
HIV-infected patients have a higher risk of developing cancer due to the presence of fewer T-cells in their bodies. Researchers found that exosomes play a key role in supporting cancer growth and spread in these patients, who are 500 times more likely to be diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma.
A new immunotherapy called pembrolizumab has shown significant benefits in extending the lives of people with advanced head and neck cancer, with a median survival time of 8.4 months compared to 6.9 months on standard treatment. The drug also caused fewer serious side effects than traditional treatments.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients who receive timely care have better survival rates compared to those with delayed care. MUSC researchers found that African American patients are disproportionately affected by delays in treatment, highlighting the need for coordinated action to address this issue.
Head and neck cancer survivors are at a higher risk of death by suicide, with the rate being two times that of other cancer survivors and four times that of the general population. The study found that approximately one-half of head and neck cancer survivors become functionally disabled after completing treatment.
A phase III study found that immunotherapy with pembrolizumab improves overall survival in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, particularly those expressing PD-L1. The treatment also showed longer response duration and median response duration compared to standard chemotherapy.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute and UC San Diego will develop new immunotherapeutic options and novel precision approaches to treat head and neck cancer using neoantigen-specific T cell responses. The $4.5 million Cancer Moonshot award aims to improve outcomes for patients with this devastatingly deadly disease.
Researchers found that 86% of patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma showed elevated T cell activity after receiving the DNA vaccine. The study also describes a patient who developed metastatic disease but achieved remission after anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
Researchers discovered 137 interactions between HPV proteins and human proteins, revealing common pathways with smoking-related cancers. The study highlights the importance of targeting specific proteins to develop effective treatments for HPV-positive head and neck cancers.
Research suggests that early childhood trauma may be a risk factor for anxiety and depression in adults diagnosed with head/neck cancer. The study found that patients who experienced emotional neglect were more likely to have advanced cancer stages, while physical child abuse was linked to increased anxiety levels.
Researchers identified clusters of circulating tumour cells in blood samples from patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, which had not spread to other organs. The presence or absence of these clusters was associated with the spread of cancer to other organs.
Researchers identified a pair of genes, EphB4 and ephrin-B2, that are silenced in healthy adult tissue but reactivated in tumors resistant to treatment. Adding an experimental inhibitor targeting these genes to existing therapies improved survival rates in mice models.
A new special issue of the Journal of Dental Research brings together leaders in the field to discuss the state-of-the-science in head and neck cancer, presenting new early diagnostic tools and mechanism-based therapies.
A federally funded trial found that using mobile and sensor technology reduced symptom severity in patients with head and neck cancer. The technology, called CYCORE, enabled remote monitoring of patient symptoms, allowing doctors to detect concerning symptoms early and respond more rapidly.