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 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.
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.
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.
A study found that childhood cancer survivors who received combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy have a higher risk of dental developmental anomalies. The first signs of dental disturbances can appear within one or two years after treatment. Researchers identified specific treatments and age factors associated with increased DDA risk.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a potential treatment combination for advanced head and neck cancer, which shows promise in pre-clinical models. The therapy involves blocking a specific signaling pathway and sensitizing tumors to immunotherapy, resulting in the disappearance of tumors.
Researchers found that hydroxychloroquine inhibits pathways that drive resistance to cisplatin in head and neck cancers, restoring tumor-killing effects. The study paves the way for a clinical trial combining hydroxychloroquine and cisplatin to treat chemotherapy-resistant patients.
A University of Cincinnati clinical trial showed promising results for patients with intermediate risk head and neck cancer when an immunotherapy drug, pembrolizumab, was added to standard treatment regimens. The study found improved one-year disease-free survival rates compared to historical controls.
A new AI model combines multiple machine learning methods to accurately detect thyroid cancer and predict treatment outcomes from routine ultrasound images. The multimodal platform achieved high accuracy rates in detecting malignancies and predicting pathological stage and genomic mutations.
A new phase II trial found that mid-treatment PET scans can help determine if patients with p16-positive oropharynx cancer can receive a lower dose of radiation therapy without compromising cancer control. The study reported fewer short-term side effects in patients who received de-escalated therapy.
A blood test detecting circulating tumor DNA can accurately predict recurrence of HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer following treatment. The biomarker test may detect recurrent disease earlier than imaging or other standard methods, allowing physicians to personalize treatment more quickly for patients whose cancer returns.
A new poll shows that most teens and young adults know it's possible to catch or spread a sexually transmitted infection by having unprotected oral sex, but over half underestimate the level of that risk. Young people also call for more education about the risks of oral sex and normalization of protection through popular culture.
Researchers used AI tools to analyze tissue samples from 439 patients with head and neck cancers, identifying those who could benefit from reduced radiation therapy. The study aims to improve treatment decisions for patients, reducing side effects and improving quality of life.
A new post-surgery approach for treating HPV-related throat cancer uses low-dose radiation and spares the majority of patients from chemotherapy. The trial found high survival rates and quality of life in patients at medium risk for recurrence.
A blood test for HPV-associated head and neck cancer was found to be more accurate, faster, and cheaper than conventional methods. The test detected DNA fragments of HPV in the blood and was combined with routine imaging and physical exam findings for a fully non-invasive diagnostic approach.
Researchers have discovered a new therapeutic approach that prevents the growth of metastatic tumors in mice by forcing cancer cells into a dormant state. The drug C26 activates NR2F1, a protein that can induce cancer cell dormancy and prevent recurrence and metastasis.
A recent study published in Behavioral Sleep Medicine found that people who wake up, smoke, and return to sleep are more likely driven by stress than nicotine addiction. To help these smokers quit, researchers recommend addressing their psychological distress and developing treatments that go beyond nicotine dependence.
Researchers have identified genetic mutations in genes CBP and p300 that drive radiation resistance in head and neck tumors. Inhibiting these proteins with certain drugs makes tumor cells more susceptible to radiotherapy.
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 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.
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.
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 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.